bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical and Thermal Investigations of Eutectic Metallomesogen Mixtures Based on Salicylaldiaminates Metal Complexes with a Large Nematic Stability Range
Authors: Hakemi Hassan-Ali , Roviello Valentina , Caruso Ugo
Published: January 2023

The mesomorphic behavior and the miscibility properties of binary mixtures of a new series of Schiff base metallomesogen (MOM) are evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis (CHNX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to certify the molecular structure of the compounds. The results revealed that the studied mixtures are completely miscible throughout the composition field and exhibit a nematic phase which covered the whole composition range. In the mixtures, the stability of the nematic phase varies continuously, and it is possible to highlight the presence of a eutectic composition with a wide mesogenic stability range.
Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia in COVID-19 ICU Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study during Pandemia in France
Authors: Moreno Jacques , Carvelli Julien , Lesaux Audrey , Boucekine Mohamed , Tonon David , Bichon Amandine , Gainnier Marc , Bourenne Jeremy
Published: January 2023

Describe the characteristics of ventilation-acquired pneumonia (VAP) and potential risk factors in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients admitted in three French public hospitals during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a monocentric retrospective study in seven Marseille intensive care units (ICUs) aiming to describe VAP characteristics and identify their risk factors. VAP patients were compared to a non-VAP control group. From March to November 2020, 161 patients admitted for viral-induced acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) were included. This cohort was categorized in two groups according to the development or not of a VAP during their stay in ICU. 82 patients (51%) developed ventilation-acquired pneumonia. Most of them were men (77%) and 55% had hypertension. In the VAP population, 31 out of 82 patients (38%) had received dexamethasone and 47% were administered antibiotic course prior to ICU admission. An amount of 88% of respiratory infections were late VAPs with a median delay of 10 days from the onset of IMV. Gram negative bacteria were responsible for 62% of VAPs with Pseudomonas spp. being the most documented bacteria. Less than a third of the ICU-acquired infections were due to multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria mainly displaying AmpC cephalosporin hyper production resistance phenotype. Multivariate analysis revealed that early Dexamethasone administration in ICU, male sex, older age and ROX score were risk factors for VAP whereas pre-ICU antimicrobial treatment and higher IGS 2 were protective factors. VAP is a frequent ICU-related complication affecting half of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and requiring IMV. It was responsible for increased morbidity due to a longer ICU and hospital stay. VAP risk factors included demographic factors such as age and sex. Dexamethasone was associated with a threefold greater risk of developing VAP during ICU stay. These results need to be comforted by large multi-centric studies before questioning the only available and effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in ICU patients.
Predictive Model for Preeclampsia Combining sFlt-1, PlGF, NT-proBNP, and Uric Acid as Biomarkers
Authors: Garrido-Giménez Carmen , Cruz-Lemini Mónica , Álvarez Francisco V. , Nan Madalina Nicoleta , Carretero Francisco , Fernández-Oliva Antonio , Mora Josefina , Sánchez-García Olga , García-Osuna Álvaro , Alijotas-Reig Jaume , Llurba Elisa ,   on behalf of the EuroPE Working Group
Published: January 2023

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and uric acid are elevated in pregnancies with preeclampsia (PE). Short-term prediction of PE using angiogenic factors has many false-positive results. Our objective was to validate a machine-learning model (MLM) to predict PE in patients with clinical suspicion, and evaluate if the model performed better than the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio alone. A multicentric cohort study of pregnancies with suspected PE between 24+0 and 36+6 weeks was used. The MLM included six predictors: gestational age, chronic hypertension, sFlt-1, PlGF, NT-proBNP, and uric acid. A total of 936 serum samples from 597 women were included. The PPV of the MLM for PE following 6 weeks was 83.1% (95% CI 78.5–88.2) compared to 72.8% (95% CI 67.4–78.4) for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. The specificity of the model was better; 94.9% vs. 91%, respectively. The AUC was significantly improved compared to the ratio alone [0.941 (95% CI 0.926–0.956) vs. 0.901 (95% CI 0.880–0.921), p < 0.05]. For prediction of preterm PE within 1 week, the AUC of the MLM was 0.954 (95% CI 0.937–0.968); significantly greater than the ratio alone [0.914 (95% CI 0.890–0.934), p < 0.01]. To conclude, an MLM combining the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, NT-proBNP, and uric acid performs better to predict preterm PE compared to the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio alone, potentially increasing clinical precision.
First Clinical Report of the Intraoperative Macro- and Micro-Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Using Talaporfin Sodium for a Patient with Disseminated Lumbar Medulloblastoma
Authors: Akimoto Jiro , Fukami Shinjiro , Nagai Kenta , Kohno Michihiro
Published: January 2023

Photodiagnosis (PD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the second-generation photosensitizer talaporfin sodium together with an exciting laser for primary intracranial malignant tumors is well recognized in Japan, and many medical institutions are introducing this new therapeutic option. In particular, intraoperative PDT using talaporfin sodium for infiltrating tumor cells in the cavity walls after the resection of malignant glioma is now covered by health insurance after receiving governmental approvement, and this method has been recommended in therapeutic guidelines for primary malignant brain tumors in Japan. On the other hand, experimental and clinical studies on the development of novel therapeutic strategies for malignant spinal cord tumors have not been reported to date, although their histological features are almost identical to those of intracranial malignant tumors. Therefore, the clinical outcomes of malignant spinal cord tumors have been less favorable than those of malignant brain tumors. In this report, we performed the PD and PDT using talaporfin sodium on a patient with a metastatic lumbar lesion that was detected on magnetic resonance image (MRI) 50 months after the resection of cerebellar medulloblastoma who presented with lumbago and sciatica. We were able to detect the target lesion in the conus medullaris using a surgical microscope, and detected the disseminated medulloblastoma cells floating in the cerebrospinal fluid using a compact fluorescence microscope. Furthermore, we performed PDT to the resected lumbar lesion with the adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, and the patient survived a meaningful life for more than 2 years after the lumbar surgery. This report describes the first case of a human patient in whom the efficacy of PD and PDT was demonstrated for a malignant spinal cord tumor.
Melatonin or Ramelteon for Delirium Prevention in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Aiello Giuseppe , Cuocina Micol , La Via Luigi , Messina Simone , Attaguile Giuseppe A. , Cantarella Giuseppina , Sanfilippo Filippo , Bernardini Renato
Published: January 2023

Melatonin modulates the circadian rhythm and has been studied as a preventive measure against the development of delirium in hospitalized patients. Such an effect may be more evident in patients admitted to the ICU, but findings from the literature are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed whether melatonin or ramelteon (melatonin agonist) reduce delirium incidence as compared to a placebo in ICU patients. Secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and mortality. Estimates are presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Nine RCTs were included, six of them reporting delirium incidence. Neither melatonin nor ramelteon reduced delirium incidence (RR 0.76 (0.54, 1.07), p = 0.12; I2 = 64%), although a sensitivity analysis conducted adding other four studies showed a reduction in the risk of delirium (RR = 0.67 (95%CI 0.48, 0.92), p = 0.01; I2 = 67). Among the secondary outcomes, we found a trend towards a reduction in the duration of MV (MD −2.80 (−6.06, 0.47), p = 0.09; I2 = 94%) but no differences in ICU-LOS (MD −0.26 (95%CI −0.89, 0.37), p = 0.42; I2 = 75%) and mortality (RR = 0.85 (95%CI 0.63, 1.15), p = 0.30; I2 = 0%). Melatonin and ramelteon do not seem to reduce delirium incidence in ICU patients but evidence is weak. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence Indicated a Significantly Increased Risk Selectively in Patients with Gastric Cancer among 17 Common Malignancies
Authors: Lin Xiaona , Luo Ming , Lin Qiuxiong , Zhang Juan , Li Teng , Pu Xiaoyong , Xie Keping , Hou Jun , Chen Ren
Published: January 2023

Background: The impact of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection on cancer development has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to explore the relationship between HEV seroprevalence and cancer risks and to identify high cancer risk subgroups in HEV-exposed populations. Methods: HEV seroprevalence status was determined in cancer and non-cancer subjects. Logistic regression and sensitivity analyses were used to assess the relationship between HEV antibody seropositivity and cancer risk for 17 cancer types. Additionally, interaction analyses were applied to interpret the association of HEV seroprevalence and other cancer risk factors. Results: Of the enrolled 4948 cancer and 4948 non-cancer subjects, cancer subjects had a higher anti-HEV seropositivity than non-cancer subjects (46.36% vs. 32.50%, p < 0.01). However, this divergency varied in degrees across different cancer types. Additionally, HEV seroprevalence was associated with cancer risk in young males (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.19–2.27, p < 0.01). Remarkably, a significant association between HEV seroprevalence and cancer risk was observed only in gastric cancer patients (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.07–3.09, p = 0.03). Conclusions: HEV seroprevalence was associated with cancer risk selectively in gastric cancer patients and young males, suggesting that cancer screening, particularly gastric cancer, should be regularly performed in young males with a history of HEV exposure.
Unstable Total Hip Arthroplasty: Should It Be Revised Using Dual Mobility Implants? A Retrospective Analysis from the R.I.P.O. Registry
Authors: Di Martino Alberto , Brunello Matteo , Bordini Barbara , Rossomando Valentino , Tassinari Leonardo , D’Agostino Claudio , Ruta Federico , Faldini Cesare
Published: January 2023

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most common surgical procedures in orthopedics; however, it is subjected to different kinds of failures, one of them being dislocation. Many different prosthetic designs have been developed to overcome this problem, such as dual mobility coupling. The main purpose of this article is to determine whether there are differences regarding the revision surgery of unstable THA comparing the risk of failure between dual mobility cup (DMC) implants, standard implants, and among different head sizes. A registry-based population study has been conducted by analyzing data collected by the Emilia Romagna Registry of Orthopedic Prosthetic Implants (RIPO), including a total of 253 implants failed for dislocation and instability that were operated on by cup revision surgery between 2000 and 2019. The selected population has been divided into two groups based on the insert type: standard and DMC. The age at revision surgery was significantly lower in the standard cup group with respect to DMC (p = 0.014 t-test), with an average age of 71.2 years (33–96 years range) for the standard cups and 74.8 years (48–92 years range) for the DMC group. The cumulative survival of DMC implants was 82.0% at 5-years, decreasing to 77.5% at a 10-year follow-up, which is not significantly different from standard cups (p = 0.676, Log-Rank test). DMC implants showed a significantly lower risk of re-revision for dislocation compared to standard cups (p = 0.049). Femoral heads ≥36 mm had a higher overall survival compared to smaller femoral heads (p = 0.030). This study demonstrated that DMC or femoral heads ≥36 mm are a valid choice to manage THA instability and to reduce the revision rate for dislocation at a mid-term follow-up; in those selected and targeted patients, these options should be taken into consideration because they are associated with better outcomes.
Simple Technique to Improve Essentially the Performance of One-Stage Op-Amps in Deep Submicrometer CMOS Technologies
Authors: Ramirez-Angulo Jaime , Diaz-Armendariz Alejandra , Molinar-Solis Jesus E. , Diaz-Sanchez Alejandro , Huerta-Chua Jesus
Published: January 2023

A comparative study of one-stage-amp performance improvement based on simulations in 22 nm, 45 nm, 90 nm, and 180 nm in deep submicrometer CMOS technologies is discussed. Generic SPICE models were used to simulate the circuits. It is shown that in all cases a simple modification using resistive local common mode feedback increases open-loop gain and gain-bandwidth product, peak output currents, and slew rate by close to an order of magnitude. It is shown that this modification is especially appropriate for its utilization in current CMOS technologies since large factor improvements were not available in previous technologies. The OTAs with resistive local common mode feedback require simple phase lead compensation with a very small additional silicon area and keep supply requirements and static power dissipation unchanged.
Aquaculture in an Offshore Ship: An On-Site Test of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Yu Youbin , Huang Wenyun , Yin Fei , Liu Huang , Cui Mingchao
Published: January 2023

Ship aquaculture platforms are expected to become a meaningful way to expand offshore farming. The growth performance and nutritional composition of the large yellow croaker reared in an offshore ship aquaculture system and nearshore traditional cage system was evaluated in this study. The results showed that the aquaculture ship could effectively avoid the harsh environment such as typhoons and red tides. The test large yellow croaker adapted to the ship culture system in a short time. No serious stress events occurred during the whole rearing process. During the culture experimental period, the fish fed normally, and disease was controlled. The aquaculture ship has good environment conditions during breeding with a water temperature of 21.5–28.5 °C, salinity 20.7–31.8‰, pH 7.6–8.4, dissolved oxygen 7.2–12.8 mg/L, ammonia nitrogen < 0.08 mg/L, and the number of bacteria and vibrio in water were 1.2 ∗ 103–1.6 ∗ 103 CFU/mL and 1.2 ∗ 102–1.8 ∗ 102 CFU/mL, respectively. The survival, weight gain rate, and monthly weight gain of the large yellow croaker in the ship were 99.02%, 41.48%, and 67.52 g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of cage culture. The crude protein content of the large yellow croaker raised in the ship was significantly higher than that in the cage group, and the crude fat content was significantly lower than that in the cage group. These results indicated that the growth performance and nutritional composition of the large yellow croaker reared in offshore ship were better than those of the fish in the cage. These findings enhanced our understanding of an offshore ship aquaculture model of large yellow croaker.
Numerical Simulation on Sand Production Based on Laboratory Gas Hydrate Production Experiment
Authors: Lu Jingsheng , Jin Guangrong , Li Dongliang , Liang Deqing , He Yong , Shi Lingli , Zhang Yiqun , Xiong Youming
Published: January 2023

Gas from natural gas hydrate (NGH) is priced competitively with gas prices. Most marine NGH is stored in low cementing strata, which easily cause sand production problems, restricting the commercial production and environmental safety of NGH’s development. This study applied a numerical simulation on sand production in hydrate-bearing sediments’ (HBS) exploitation. The numerical simulation on sand production was carried out for different productions of laboratory NGH exploitation. The results show radial strain appeared to be deformed away from the wellbore and show radial displacement close to the wellbore during mining. Due to the overburden stress condition, the boundary condition wall was a displace less rigid body. The radial displacement was greatly affected by depressurization, which showed the displacement to the wellbore and sanding. The radial strain was dominant by the shear shrinkage phenomenon in the mechanical model, while the reservoir’s radial displacement was away from the wellbore instead. The balance between the fluid driving force of production rates towards the wellbore and radial displacement drawing away from the wellbore is significant to sand production in HBS. The dominant forces of sanding were different mechanical and hydraulic combinations in three periods of GH production.
Features of Oil Spills Monitoring on the Water Surface by the Russian Federation in the Arctic Region
Authors: Khalturin Artem Alekseevich , Parfenchik Konstantin Dmitrievich , Shpenst Vadim Anatolievich
Published: January 2023

Given that the recent rapid growth of offshore production, especially in the Arctic region of the Russian Federation, is causing increased concern about oil spills on the water surface, this issue is especially relevant and important today. These pollutants have a devastating impact on the world’s marine biosphere. Therefore, effective and reliable methods and instruments must be used for operational spill detection in order to detect a remote oil spill. Several methods for oil spill monitoring and Russian developments in this area were described, including their features, advantages, and drawbacks. In cases when use in difficult Arctic conditions was anticipated, due to the harsh climate and ice-covered water surface, it was not always possible for spill detection instruments to be utilized. Despite this, such methods as radar, infrared, and ultraviolet were proven to be effective during this research. Ultimately, the combination of these methods returned the greatest volume of information to offshore platform staff about a detected oil spill. The information provided includes the spread area of the spill, the thickness of the leak, and the chemical composition of the oil.
Wake Instabilities of Tip-Loaded Propellers: Comparison between CLT and “New Generation” CLT Configurations
Authors: Gaggero Stefano , Ferrando Marco
Published: January 2023

Tip loading is a common strategy to increase the propulsive efficiency of propellers. Solutions such as contracted and tip-loaded (CLT) and “New generation” CLT propellers exploit the presence of an endplate (“true” or as the result of a dedicated modification of the rake distribution) to sustain the increased load at the tip of the blade, at the cost of more complex vortical structures. Their evolution, and the mutual interaction of secondary vortices originated by the endplate itself, however, has not been completely and deeply investigated. The current paper addresses this topic by improved delayed detached eddy simulations (IDDES) of the flow field around two propellers of this type at different loading conditions. The presence of secondary vortices from the endplate root (or from the bended blade at tip), partially observed in recent experiments, is evidenced by high-fidelity CFD calculations. The interaction mechanism with the primary vortices (those from the endplate tip), and the resulting strengthening of the vortical structures, also through the interaction with the blade trailing vortical wake that promote the leapfrogging phenomenon, is discussed as well, comparing the phenomena in the case of two optimally designed geometries (a CLT and a New Generation CLT propeller) exploiting the same pressure side tip-loading concept in a slightly different way. Results show a rather different instability mechanism depending on the endplate configuration and open the discussion on the effectiveness of splitting a single tip vortex into pairs of vortical structures that may induce similar (or even worse) side effects in terms of pressure minima in the wake and earlier wake destabilization.
Numerical Simulation of Oil Spill in the Arctic Ice-Covered Waters: Focusing on Different Ice Concentrations and Wave’s Impacts
Authors: Li Wei , Dong Zhenpeng , Zhao Wanying , Liang Xiao
Published: January 2023

The computational model was established to investigate the characteristics of oil spreading under arctic environments focusing on two aspects: ice concentrations and wave impacts. The ice field was constructed using the ice plates to compose three kinds of fixed arrays based on different ice concentrations of 90%, 60% and 0%. The wave was generated using the improved Jonswap spectrum method to control the focusing time, focusing location and focusing wave amplitude. The oil spreading’s movement was simulated and compared to the field experiment to verify the numerical model’s validity. The oil spill was trapped under the ice plates’ lower surface when the ice concentration was 60% or 90%, which had a spreading velocity slower than the non-ice water. The moving ice simulation was performed via the overset technique and coupled with the current, wind and wave. With ice drifting, the oil spreading was accelerated, leading to the presence of oil both on and under the ice surface. The ice was driven by the wave to affect the running details of the oil trajectory. These findings can be utilized for future oil spreading prediction when an oil spill accident occurs in the Arctic Ocean.
Morphology and Phylogeny of Lyophylloid Mushrooms in China with Description of Four New Species
Authors: Wei Shu-Wei , Lu Bo-Yu , Wang Yang , Dou Wen-Jun , Wang Qi , Li Yu
Published: January 2023

The lyophylloid agarics are a group of ecologically highly diversified macrofungi, some of which are very popular edible mushrooms. However, we know little about lyophylloid species diversity in China. In this study, we described four new species from China: Lyophyllum atrofuscum, L. subalpinarum, L. subdecastes, and Ossicaulis sichuanensis. We conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses of Lyophyllaceae based on the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU) and the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS). Phylogenetic analyses by the maximum likelihood method and Bayesian inference showed that the four new species are unique monophyletic species. A key to the species of Lyophyllum from China and a key to Ossicaulis worldwide were given.
The Riboflavin Metabolism in Four Saccharomyces cerevisiae Wine Strains: Assessment in Oenological Condition and Potential Implications with the Light-Struck Taste
Authors: Di Canito Alessandra , Altomare Alessio , Fracassetti Daniela , Messina Natalia , Tirelli Antonio , Foschino Roberto , Vigentini Ileana
Published: January 2023

Riboflavin (RF), or vitamin B2, is an essential compound for yeast growth and a precursor of the flavin coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), involved in redox and non-redox processes. RF is a photosensitive compound involved in the light-struck taste (LST), a fault causing the formation of off-flavors that can develop when the wine is exposed to light in the presence of methionine (Met), as well. As both RF and Met can be associated with detrimental changes in wines, a better comprehension of its yeast-mediated production is relevant to predict the maintenance of the desired character of the wine. This study aims at assessing the production of flavin derivatives (FDs) and Met by S. cerevisiae oenological starters under laboratory conditions. The results showed the presence of extra- and intracellular FDs, and Met is a strain-dependent characteristic being also affected by the initial content of RF in the medium. This finding was confirmed when the winemaking was carried out in a relevant environment. Our results evidenced the important impact of the yeast strain on the content of RF and its derivatives.
Combined Application of Tacrolimus with Cyproconazole, Hymexazol and Novel {2-(3-R-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)phenyl}amines as Antifungals: In Vitro Growth Inhibition and In Silico Molecular Docking Analysis to Fungal Chitin Deacetylase
Authors: Antypenko Lyudmyla , Meyer Fatuma , Sadyk Zhanar , Shabelnyk Konstyantyn , Kovalenko Sergiy , Steffens Karl Gustav , Garbe Leif-Alexander
Published: January 2023

Agents with antifungal activity play a vital role as therapeutics in health care, as do fungicides in agriculture. Effectiveness, toxicological profile, and eco-friendliness are among the properties used to select suitable substances. Furthermore, a steady supply of new agents with different modes of action is required to counter the well-known potential of human and phyto-pathogenic fungi to develop resistance against established antifungals. Here, we use an in vitro growth assay to investigate the activity of the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus in combination with the commercial fungicides cyproconazole and hymexazol, as well as with two earlier reported novel {2-(3-R-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)phenyl}amines, against the fungi Aspergillus niger, Colletotrichum higginsianum, Fusarium oxysporum and the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, which are notoriously harmful in agriculture. When tacrolimus was added in a concentration range from 0.25 to 25 mg/L to the tested antifungals (at a fixed concentration of 25 or 50 mg/L), the inhibitory activities were distinctly enhanced. Molecular docking calculations revealed triazole derivative 5, (2-(3-adamantan-1-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-4-chloroaniline), as a potent inhibitor of chitin deacetylases (CDA) of Aspergillus nidulans and A. niger (AnCDA and AngCDA, respectively), which was stronger than the previously reported polyoxorin D, J075-4187, and chitotriose. The results are discussed in the context of potential synergism and molecular mode of action.
Three-Dimensional Innovations in Personalized Surgery
Authors: Kraeima Joep , de Visscher Sebastiaan , Witjes Max
Published: January 2023

Due to the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) technology in surgery, it has become possible to preoperatively plan complex bone resections and reconstructions, (corrections and adjustments related to bones), from head to toe [...]
Molecular Mechanisms, Genotype–Phenotype Correlations and Patient-Specific Treatments in Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Pey Angel L.
Published: January 2023

Advances in DNA sequencing technologies are revealing a vast genetic heterogeneity in human population, which may predispose to metabolic alterations if the activity of metabolic enzymes is affected [...]
Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior towards Online Shopping in Saudi Arabia Amid COVID-19: Implications for E-Businesses Post Pandemic
Authors: Al Hamli Sarah S. , Sobaih Abu Elnasr E.
Published: January 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly reshaped consumer behaviors in Saudi Arabia, as in most other countries worldwide, and it has played a critical role in rising commercial online activities. The purpose of this study is to test the factors affecting online shopping amid COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. The five main factors identified from the literature review towards online shopping namely, product variety, convenience, payment method, trust, and psychological factors were analyzed and examined in the Saudi context. The research collected data online through a pre-tested instrument, which was directed to online Saudi consumers via different electronic tools, e.g., email and social media platforms. The results of a statistical analysis showed that only three factors have a direct significant impact on online shopping amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors were product variety, payment method, and psychological factors. Convenient and trust factors failed to have a significant impact on consumers’ decisions to shop online amid COVID-19. Both factors were less important for consumers, since shopping online amid COVID-19 has become most common among people. The result will assist e-commerce businesses to better meet consumer demands by adjusting their marketing strategies, especially in times of crisis.
The Impacts of Evening Events in Zoos: A Christmas Event at Knowsley Safari
Authors: Williams Ellen , Fulwell Tom , Walsh Naomi Davies , Harley Jessica J. , Johnson Bridget
Published: January 2023

It is important to examine the animal welfare implications of all aspects of zoo operations, including out-of-hours public events. Research to date has indicated variable responses across species and event types. The current research aimed to understand and quantify the impact of a Christmas lights event. Four species: Rothschild giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi; n = 2) in one exhibit and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris; n = 4), lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris; n = 3) and vicuña (Lama vicugna; n = 5) in a mixed species exhibit were observed. Data were collected from 16:00–20:00 between 28 October 2021 and 11 January 2022. The event ran from mid-November to the end of December 2021. Five-minute behavioural observations were undertaken once per hour using instantaneous scan sampling with a one-minute inter-scan interval. A further six days of 12 h observations were conducted to enable a more detailed investigation post-event. Data collected were compared on non-event and event days using Mann–Whitney U tests (event vs. non-event) and Kruskal–Wallis tests (pre-event, event, post-event periods). Kruskal–Wallis tests and one-way ANOVAs were undertaken to compare behaviours during three time periods (12:00–16:00, 16:00–20:00, 20:00–00:00) over 12 h. Mixed behavioural responses were seen across the study species. Capybara spent more time in their house from 16:00–20:00 on event nights compared to non-event nights (p < 0.001) and tapir only engaged in vigilant behaviour from 16:00–20:00 when the event was held, (p = 0.044). There were no differences in frequency of behaviour between pre-event, event, and post-event observation periods, with the exception of capybara, who spent more time OOS in the pre-event period than during (p < 0.001) or after the event (p < 0.001). The results of the project, undertaken as part of an evidence-based management programme, highlighted that the event did not have any overtly negative impacts on the individuals studied. Except for the giraffe, all individuals had free access to inside and outside environments, and it is believed this choice enabled animals to be active in managing their response to the event. It is recommended that future work observe animals over 24 h to understand whether events lead to behavioural changes the day after events or if animals reverted to normal activity once the event ended.
Sediment and Particulate 137Cs Budget Studies in Upa River Basin: History, Results, and Prospects
Authors: Ivanov Maksim M. , Ivanova Nadezhda , Golosov Valentin
Published: January 2023

The intensive pollution of vast areas after the Chernobyl accident, especially in the territories of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, has not only become a serious environmental issue, but also presents wide methodological opportunities for studying the functioning of natural systems. The proposed work is a generalization of the results of studies on the migration of 137Cs in the runoff of river sediments, which were carried out in the basin of the Upa River for over 30 years after the accident. This basin is one of the most radioactively contaminated and studied in Central Russia. Over the past three decades, under the conditions of the decreasing snowmelt runoff in the spring and reduced share of cultivated land over the post-Soviet period, the intensity of the 137Cs transfer has decreased. The 137Cs deposit losses associated with erosion activities do not exceed a few percent. Most of the mobilized sediments and sediment-associated radionuclides accumulate in dry valleys or artificial reservoirs. With a general reduction in the durations of floods, rivers have become the predominant channels for the transfer of sediment yield and particulate pollutants. The exploration of the vertical distribution of the 137Cs in the accumulative strata makes it possible to identify the changes in the sediment budgets of the rivers and their radioecological consequences.
A Critical Examination of Rural Out-Migration Studies in Ethiopia: Considering Impacts on Agriculture in the Sending Communities
Authors: Dessalegn Mengistu , Debevec Liza , Nicol Alan , Ludi Eva
Published: January 2023

Labor migration is a complex phenomenon, yet while much attention has been paid to understanding the drivers of migration, there is a huge knowledge and policy gap regarding the effects of migration on people and communities left behind. We sought to explore the impacts of rural outmigration on migrant-sending communities in Ethiopia. This remains an understudied topic when it comes to research on migration in Ethiopia. Our investigation is based on a critical review of the migration literature pertaining to Ethiopia and, more broadly. We pursued a holistic analysis of the multidimensional aspects of migration. There are indications that rural outmigration impacts involve issues related to remittances, household food security, agricultural labor use, farmland management, and rural infrastructure development. Our analysis revealed that there had been few systematic studies and limited analyses regarding the impacts of outmigration on agriculture and the livelihoods of rural people and households left behind. Instead, Ethiopia’s migration literature largely deals with migration’s causes, including environmental factors, climate variability, agricultural pressures, livelihood stresses, and changing aspirations.
Impact of Industrial Synergy on the Efficiency of Innovation Resource Allocation: Evidence from Chinese Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Ji Yi , Cai Hechang , Wang Zilong
Published: January 2023

Chinese metropolitan areas suffer from isolated industrial development, obstructed factor flows, and imperfect cooperation mechanisms. Promoting inter-city industrial complementarity and the rational allocation of regional innovation factors is necessary for sustainable regional development. First, this paper uses a network data envelopment analysis model based on resource sharing and two-stage additional input to measure the efficiency of innovation resource allocation in 31 metropolitan areas in China between 2010 and 2019. Second, the Tobit model is used to explore the impact of industrial synergy in metropolitan areas on the efficiency of innovation resource allocation at different stages and to analyze regional heterogeneity. The results indicate that the efficiency of innovation resource allocation in China’s metropolitan areas shows a slowly increasing trend. The efficiency of the innovation resource development stage is lower than that of the economic transformation stage. Disparity in the efficiency of innovation resource allocation among metropolitan areas is significant, with those on the southeast coast being the most efficient. Industrial synergy in metropolitan areas has a significantly positive impact on the efficiency of innovation resource allocation. The positive impact is greater in the economic transformation phase than in the innovation resource development phase and has significant regional heterogeneity.
Practicing Critical Zone Observation in Agricultural Landscapes: Communities, Technology, Environment and Archaeology
Authors: Opitz Rachel , De Smedt Philippe , Mayoral-Herrera Victorino , Campana Stefano , Vieri Marco , Baldwin Eamonn , Perna Carolina , Sarri Daniele , Verhegge Jeroen
Published: January 2023

The aims of agricultural land management change continuously, reflecting shifts in wider societal priorities. Currently, these include addressing the climate crisis, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting the livelihoods of rural communities while ensuring food security. Working toward these aims requires information on the character of agricultural land and how dynamic processes influence it. Remote and near-surface sensing data are important sources of information on the characteristics of soils, plants, water, topography, and related processes. Sensing data are collected, analysed, and used in decision-making by specialists in multiple domains connected to land management. While progress has been made to connect the use of sensing data across agricultural and environmental applications under the umbrella of integrated sustainable land management, archaeological and heritage uses of these data remain largely disconnected. This creates barriers to accounting for the impacts of past human activities on contemporary agricultural landscapes through the alteration of soils, topography, and plant communities. In parallel, it hinders the creation of knowledge about the archaeological features which form an essential part of the heritage of agricultural landscapes. The ipaast-czo project explores the potential of a coordinated approach across all these domains, which would reduce these barriers and provide benefits by better integrating information generated using sensing. To do so, both conceptual and practical barriers to developing shared practices and how these might be overcome were considered. In this study, a conceptual framework designed to create a shared understanding of how agricultural landscapes work and enable collaboration around their management was proposed. This framework treats present-day rural agricultural landscapes as Critical Zones: complex entities shaped by long-term human–environment interactions including contemporary farming. Practitioners in precision agriculture and archaeological remote and near-surface sensing, as well as users of these data, were engaged using workshops and interviews. The relationships between practitioners’ objectives, data requirements for their applications, and their perceptions of the benefits and disadvantages of changing working practices were interrogated. The conceptual framework and assessment of practical benefits and challenges emerging from this work provide a foundation for leveraging shared sensing data and methods for long-term integrated sustainable land management.
Phosphorylation and Dephosphorylation of Beta-Amyloid Peptide in Model Cell Cultures: The Role of Cellular Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Authors: Barykin Evgeny P. , Yanvarev Dmitry V. , Strelkova Maria A. , Valuev-Elliston Vladimir T. , Varshavskaya Kseniya B. , Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Makarov Alexander A.
Published: January 2023

Phosphorylation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) at the Ser8 residue affects its neurotoxicity, metal-dependent oligomerisation, amyloidogenicity, and other pathogenic properties. Phosphorylated Aβ (pS8-Aβ) was detected in vivo in AD model mice and in the brains of patients with AD. However, the pS8-Aβ production and the regulation of its levels have not been previously studied in detail. In this paper, immunochemical methods together with radioactive labelling were used to study the Aβ phosphorylation by intracellular and surface protein kinases of HEK293 cells and brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3). It was found that HEK293 robustly phosphorylated Aβ, likely with contribution from casein kinase 2 (CK2), whereas in bEnd.3, the activity of Aβ phosphorylation was relatively low. Further, the study showed that both HEK293 and bEnd.3 could dephosphorylate pS8-Aβ, mainly due to the activity of protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A. The Aβ dephosphorylation efficiency in bEnd.3 was three times higher than in HEK293, which correlated with the reduced abundance of pS8-Aβ in vascular amyloid deposits of patients with AD compared to senile plaques. These data suggest an important role of CK2, PP1, and PP2A as regulators of Aβ phosphorylation, and point to the involvement of the blood–brain barrier in the control of Aβ modification levels.
Role of Sodium Nitroprusside on Potential Mitigation of Salt Stress in Centaury (Centaurium erythraea Rafn) Shoots Grown In Vitro
Authors: Trifunović-Momčilov Milana , Stamenković Nikola , Đurić Marija , Milošević Snežana , Marković Marija , Giba Zlatko , Subotić Angelina
Published: January 2023

Soil salinity is one of the most common abiotic stressors that affects plant growth and development. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of nitric oxide (NO), on the physiological response of common centaury (Centaurium erythraea) shoots grown under stress conditions caused by sodium chloride (NaCl) in vitro. Centaury shoots were first grown on nutrient medium containing different SNP concentrations (50, 100 and 250 μM) during the pretreatment phase. After three weeks, the shoots were transferred to nutrient media supplemented with NaCl (150 mM) and/or SNP (50, 100 or 250 μM) for one week. The results showed that salinity decreased photosynthetic pigments, total phenolic content and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) concentration. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX), were also reduced under salt stress. However, MDA concentration was decreased, while H2O2 and proline content did not drastically change under the stress conditions caused by NaCl. Exogenous application of SNP altered the biochemical parameters of centaury shoots grown under salt stress. In this case, increased photosynthetic pigment content, total phenolics and proline content were noted, with reduced MDA, but not H2O2, concentration was observed. In addition, the exogenous application of SNP increased the degree of DPPH reduction as well as SOD, CAT and POX activities.
A Universal Antigen-Ranking Method to Design Personalized Vaccines Targeting Neoantigens against Melanoma
Authors: Malaina Iker , Martínez Luis , Montoya Juan Manuel , Alonso Santos , Boyano María Dolores , Asumendi Aintzane , Izu Rosa , Sanchez-Diez Ana , Cancho-Galan Goikoane , M. de la Fuente Ildefonso
Published: January 2023

Background: The main purpose of this article is to introduce a universal mathematics-aided vaccine design method against malignant melanoma based on neoantigens. The universal method can be adapted to the mutanome of each patient so that a specific candidate vaccine can be tailored for the corresponding patient. Methods: We extracted the 1134 most frequent mutations in melanoma, and we associated each of them to a vector with 10 components estimated with different bioinformatics tools, for which we found an aggregated value according to a set of weights, and then we ordered them in decreasing order of the scores. Results: We prepared a universal table of the most frequent mutations in melanoma ordered in decreasing order of viability to be used as candidate vaccines, so that the selection of a set of appropriate peptides for each particular patient can be easily and quickly implemented according to their specific mutanome and transcription profile. Conclusions: We have shown that the techniques that are commonly used for the design of personalized anti-tumor vaccines against malignant melanoma can be adapted for the design of universal rankings of neoantigens that originate personalized vaccines when the mutanome and transcription profile of specific patients is considered, with the consequent savings in time and money, shortening the design and production time.
Combining Oxidative Stress Markers and Expression of Surfactant Protein A in Lungs in the Diagnosis of Seawater Drowning
Authors: Legaz Isabel , Barrera-Pérez Estefanía , Sibón Agustín , Martínez-Díaz Francisco , Pérez-Cárceles María D.
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives. The diagnosis of seawater drowning (SWD) remains one of the most complex and contentious. It is one of the leading causes of unintentional death around the world. In most cases, the forensic pathologist must reach an accurate diagnosis from the autopsy findings and a series of complementary tests such as histopathological, biological, and chemical studies. Despite the lung being the most affected organ in death by submersion, there are few studies on this type of death’s impact on this organ. The aim was to investigate human lung cadavers of forensic cases due to different causes of death, the concentration of the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and γ-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl glycine (GSH), and the relationship with the expression of surfactant protein A (SP-A) to try to discriminate SWD from other types of causes of death. Materials and Methods. A total of 93 forensic autopsy cases were analyzed. Deaths were classified into three major groups based on the scene, cause of death, and autopsy findings (external foam, frothy fluid in airways, overlapping medial edges of the lungs): (a) drowning in seawater (n = 35), (b) other asphyxia (n = 33), such as hangings (n = 23), suffocations (n = 6), and strangulation (n = 4), and (c) other causes (n = 25), such as multiple suffocations. Oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSH) and the immunohistochemical expression of SP-A were determined in both lungs. Results. MDA levels were statistically higher in both lungs in cases of SWD than in other causes of death (p = 0.023). Similarly, significantly higher levels of GSH were observed in SWD compared to the rest of the deaths (p = 0.002), which was more significant in the right lung. Higher immunohistochemical expression of SP-A was obtained in the cases of SWD than in the other causes of death, with higher levels in both lungs. The correlation analysis between the levels of oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) in the lung tissue and the expression level of SP-A showed positive and significant results in SWD, both in the alveolar membrane and the alveolar space. Conclusions. Determining the levels of MDA and GSH in lung tissue and the expression level of SP-A can be of great importance in diagnosing SWD and the circumstances of death. A better understanding of the physiology of submersion is essential for its possible repercussions in adopting measures in the approach to patients who have survived a submersion process. It is also necessary for forensic pathology to correctly interpret the events that lead to submersion.
Prediction of Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Cycle Ergometry in Competitive Cyclists
Authors: Jurov Iva , Toplišek Janez , Cvijić Marta
Published: January 2023

Models for predicting maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in average adults might not be suitable for athletes, especially for competitive cyclists who can have significantly higher VO2max than normally active people. The aim of this study was to develop a clinically applicable equation for predicting VO2max during cycle ergometry in competitive cyclists and to compare its accuracy to the traditional American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) equation. Maximal cycle ergometry tests were performed in 496 male and 84 female competitive cyclists. Six predictors were initially used to model the prediction equation (power output, body weight, body height, fat mass, fat-free mass and age). Power output and body weight were the most important parameters in the model predicting VO2max. Three new equations were derived: for male (VO2max = 0.10 × PO − 0.60 × BW + 64.21), female cyclists (0.13 × PO − 0.83 × BW + 64.02) and the non-gender-specific formula (0.12 × PO − 0.65 × BW + 59.78). The ACSM underestimated VO2max in men by 7.32 mL/min/kg (11.54%), in women by 8.24 mL/min/kg (15.04%) and in all participants by 7.45 mL/min/kg (11.99%), compared to the new equation that underestimated VO2max in men by 0.12 mL/min/kg (0.19%) and in all participants by 0.65 mL/min/kg (1.04%). In female cyclists, the new equation had no relative bias. We recommend that medicine and sports practitioners adapt our proposed equations when working with competitive cyclists. Our findings demonstrate the need to evaluate prediction models for other athletes with a special focus on disciplines that demand high aerobic capacity.