bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing African Medicines Agency through Global Health Diplomacy for an Equitable Pan-African Universal Health Coverage: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chattu Vijay Kumar , Dave Vishal B. , Reddy K. Srikanth , Singh Bawa , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Heyi Demisu Zenbaba , Nattey Cornelius , Atlaw Daniel , Jackson Kioko , El-Khatib Ziad , Eltom Akram Ali
Published: November 2021

The African continent is home to 15% of the world’s population and suffers from a disease burden of more than 25% globally. In this COVID-19 era, the high burden and mortality are further worsened due to inequities, inequalities such as inadequate health systems, scarce financial and human resources, as well as unavailability of inexpensive medicines of good quality, safety, and efficacy. The Universal Health Coverage ensures that people have access to high-quality essential health services, secure, reliable, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines, as well as financial security. This paper aimed at addressing the critical need for a continental African Medicines Agency (AMA) in addressing the inequities and the role of global health diplomacy in building consensus to support the ratification of the Treaty of AMA. A literature review was done in Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Google Scholar search engine to identify the critical literature in the context of study objectives. All the articles published after 2015 till 2021 in the context of AMA were included. African Health Strategy 2016–2030 highlighted the importance of an African regulatory mechanism for medicines and medical products. Through global health diplomacy (GHD), the African Union and its partners can negotiate and cooperate in providing infrastructural, administrative, and regulatory support for establishing the AMA. The paper emphasizes the South–South cooperation and highlights the contributions of India and China in the supply of medicines and vaccines to Africa. A strong AMA created through GHD can be a vital instrument in utilizing Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities extension and an ideal partner for European and other regional regulatory authorities seeking to stem the tide of counterfeit, sub-standard, or fake products.
Virtual Prospecting in Paleontology Using a Drone-Based Orthomosaic Map: An Eye Movement Analysis
Authors: Beelders Tanya , Dollman Gavin
Published: November 2021

Paleontological fieldwork is often a time-consuming process and resource intensive. With unexplored and remote areas, the satellite images, geology, and topography of an area are analyzed to help survey for a site. A drone-based orthomosaic map is suggested as an additional tool for virtual paleontology fossil prospecting. The use of an orthomosaic map was compared to the use of a typical satellite map when looking for fossil sites to prospect. Factors were chosen for their impact when prospecting for a fossil site and availability of data. Eye movement data were captured for a convenience sample of paleontologists from a local university. Each band within the satellite map measures 7741 × 7821 with a ground resolution of 30 m/pix, and the ground resolution of the orthomosaic map is 2.86 cm/pix with a resolution of 52,634 × 32,383. Experts displayed a gaze behavior suggestive of high analysis levels as well as being able to identify and analyze features rapidly—this is illustrated through the presence of both longer and shorter fixations. However, experts appeared to look at both maps in more detail than novices. The orthomosaic map was very successful at both attracting and keeping the attention of the map reader on certain features. It was concluded that an orthomosaic-based drone map used in conjunction with a satellite map is a useful tool for high spatial density virtual prospecting for novices and experts.
Transcriptome Analysis of Pterygium and Pinguecula Reveals Evidence of Genomic Instability Associated with Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Suarez María Fernanda , Echenique José , López Juan Manuel , Medina Esteban , Irós Mariano , Serra Horacio M. , Fini M. Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Solar damage due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is implicated in the development of two proliferative lesions of the ocular surface: pterygium and pinguecula. Pterygium and pinguecula specimens were collected, along with adjacent healthy conjunctiva specimens. RNA was extracted and sequenced. Pairwise comparisons were made of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Computational methods were used for analysis. Transcripts from 18,630 genes were identified. Comparison of two subgroups of pterygium specimens uncovered evidence of genomic instability associated with inflammation and the immune response; these changes were also observed in pinguecula, but to a lesser extent. Among the top DEGs were four genes encoding tumor suppressors that were downregulated in pterygium: C10orf90, RARRES1, DMBT1 and SCGB3A1; C10orf90 and RARRES1 were also downregulated in pinguecula. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis overwhelmingly linked DEGs to cancer for both lesions; however, both lesions are clearly still benign, as evidenced by the expression of other genes indicating their well-differentiated and non-invasive character. Pathways for epithelial cell proliferation were identified that distinguish the two lesions, as well as genes encoding specific pathway components. Upregulated DEGs common to both lesions, including KRT9 and TRPV3, provide a further insight into pathophysiology. Our findings suggest that pterygium and pinguecula, while benign lesions, are both on the pathological pathway towards neoplastic transformation.
Targeted Inter-Homologs Recombination in Arabidopsis Euchromatin and Heterochromatin
Authors: Filler-Hayut Shdema , Kniazev Kiril , Melamed-Bessudo Cathy , Levy Avraham A.
Published: November 2021

Homologous recombination (HR) typically occurs during meiosis between homologs, at a few unplanned locations along the chromosomes. In this study, we tested whether targeted recombination between homologous chromosomes can be achieved via Clustered Regulatory Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat associated protein Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9)-induced DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our experimental system includes targets for DSB induction in euchromatic and heterochromatic genomic regions of hybrid F1 plants, in one or both parental chromosomes, using phenotypic and molecular markers to measure Non-Homologous End Joining and HR repair. We present a series of evidence showing that targeted DSBs can be repaired via HR using a homologous chromosome as the template in various chromatin contexts including in pericentric regions. Targeted crossover was rare, but gene conversion events were the most frequent outcome of HR and were found in both “hot and cold” regions. The length of the conversion tracts was variable, ranging from 5 to 7505 bp. In addition, a typical feature of these tracks was that they often were interrupted. Our findings pave the way for the use of targeted gene-conversion for precise breeding.
Antiviral Gene Expression in Young and Aged Murine Lung during H1N1 and H3N2
Authors: Harris Rebecca , Yang Jianjun , Pagan Kassandra , Cho Soo Jung , Stout-Delgado Heather
Published: November 2021

Influenza is a respiratory virus that alone or in combination with secondary bacterial pathogens can contribute to the development of acute pneumonia in persons >65 years of age. Host innate immune antiviral signaling early in response to influenza is essential to inhibit early viral replication and guide the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Using young adult (3 months) and aged adult mice infected with mouse adapted H1N1 or H3N2, the results of our study illustrate dysregulated and/or diminished activation of key signaling pathways in aged lung contribute to increased lung inflammation and morbidity. Specifically, within the first seven days of infection, there were significant changes in genes associated with TLR and RIG-I signaling detected in aged murine lung in response to H1N1 or H3N2. Taken together, the results of our study expand our current understanding of age-associated changes in antiviral signaling in the lung.
Study of the Role of the Tyrosine Kinase Receptor MerTK in the Development of Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in RCS Rats
Authors: Pelé Thomas , Giraud Sebastien , Joffrion Sandrine , Ameteau Virginie , Delwail Adriana , Goujon Jean-Michel , Macchi Laurent , Hauet Thierry , Dkhissi Fatima , Benzakour Omar
Published: November 2021

Renal ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) triggers a cascade of events including oxidative stress, apoptotic body and microparticle (MP) formation as well as an acute inflammatory process that may contribute to organ failure. Macrophages are recruited to phagocytose cell debris and MPs. The tyrosine kinase receptor MerTK is a major player in the phagocytosis process. Experimental models of renal I/R events are of major importance for identifying I/R key players and for elaborating novel therapeutical approaches. A major aim of our study was to investigate possible involvement of MerTK in renal I/R. We performed our study on both natural mutant rats for MerTK (referred to as RCS) and on wild type rats referred to as WT. I/R was established by of bilateral clamping of the renal pedicles for 30′ followed by three days of reperfusion. Plasma samples were analysed for creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), kidney injury molecule -1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and for MPs. Kidney tissue damage and CD68-positive cell requirement were analysed by histochemistry. monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and histone 3A (H3A) levels in kidney tissue lysates were analysed by western blotting. The phagocytic activity of blood-isolated monocytes collected from RCS or WT towards annexin-V positive bodies derived from cultured renal cell was assessed by fluorescence-activated single cell sorting (FACS) and confocal microscopy analyses. The renal I/R model for RCS rat described for the first time here paves the way for further investigations of MerTK-dependent events in renal tissue injury and repair mechanisms.
Extraction and Characterization of Gelatin from Skin By-Products of Seabream, Seabass and Rainbow Trout Reared in Aquaculture
Authors: Valcarcel Jesus , Hermida-Merino Carolina , Piñeiro Manuel M. , Hermida-Merino Daniel , Vázquez José Antonio
Published: November 2021

The expansion of fish filleting, driven by the increasing demand for convenience food, concomitantly generates a rising amount of skinning by-products. Current trends point to a growing share of aquaculture in fish production, so we have chosen three established aquaculture species to study the properties of gelatin extracted from their skin: rainbow trout, commonly filleted; and seabass and seabream, marketed whole until very recently. In the first case, trout skin yields only 1.6% gelatin accompanied by the lowest gel strength (96 g bloom), while yield for the other two species exceeds 6%, and gel strength reaches 181 and 229 g bloom for seabass and seabream, respectively. These results are in line with the proportion of total imino acids analyzed in the gelatin samples. Molecular weight profiling shows similarities among gelatins, but seabass and seabream gelatins appear more structured, with higher proportion of β-chains and high molecular weight aggregates, which may influence the rheological properties observed. These results present skin by-products of seabream, and to a minor extent seabass, as suitable raw materials to produce gelatin through valorization processes.
Insights into Regulation of C2 and C4 Photosynthesis in Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae Using RNA-Seq
Authors: Siadjeu Christian , Lauterbach Maximilian , Kadereit Gudrun
Published: November 2021

Amaranthaceae (incl. Chenopodiaceae) shows an immense diversity of C4 syndromes. More than 15 independent origins of C4 photosynthesis, and the largest number of C4 species in eudicots signify the importance of this angiosperm lineage in C4 evolution. Here, we conduct RNA-Seq followed by comparative transcriptome analysis of three species from Camphorosmeae representing related clades with different photosynthetic types: Threlkeldia diffusa (C3), Sedobassia sedoides (C2), and Bassia prostrata (C4). Results show that B. prostrata belongs to the NADP-ME type and core genes encoding for C4 cycle are significantly upregulated when compared with Sed. sedoides and T. diffusa. Sedobassia sedoides and B. prostrata share a number of upregulated C4-related genes; however, two C4 transporters (DIT and TPT) are found significantly upregulated only in Sed. sedoides. Combined analysis of transcription factors (TFs) of the closely related lineages (Camphorosmeae and Salsoleae) revealed that no C3-specific TFs are higher in C2 species compared with C4 species; instead, the C2 species show their own set of upregulated TFs. Taken together, our study indicates that the hypothesis of the C2 photosynthesis as a proxy towards C4 photosynthesis is questionable in Sed. sedoides and more in favour of an independent evolutionary stable state.
The Importance of 6-Aminohexanoic Acid as a Hydrophobic, Flexible Structural Element
Authors: Markowska Agnieszka , Markowski Adam Roman , Jarocka-Karpowicz Iwona
Published: November 2021

6-aminohexanoic acid is an ω-amino acid with a hydrophobic, flexible structure. Although the ω-amino acid in question is mainly used clinically as an antifibrinolytic drug, other applications are also interesting and important. This synthetic lysine derivative, without an α-amino group, plays a significant role in chemical synthesis of modified peptides and in the polyamide synthetic fibers (nylon) industry. It is also often used as a linker in various biologically active structures. This review concentrates on the role of 6-aminohexanoic acid in the structure of various molecules.
Automation of Basketball Match Data Management
Authors: Chomątek Łukasz , Sierakowska Kinga
Published: November 2021

Despite the fact that sport plays a substantial role in people’s lives, funding varies significantly from one discipline to another. For example, in Poland, women’s basketball in the lower divisions, is primarily developing thanks to enthusiasts. The aim of the work was to design and implement a system for analyzing match protocols containing data about the match. Particular attention was devoted to the course of the game, i.e., the order of scoring points. This type of data is not typically stored on the official websites of basketball associations but is significant from the point of view of coaches. The obtained data can be utilized to analyze the team’s game during the season, the quality of players, etc. In terms of obtaining data from match protocols, a dedicated algorithm for identifying the table was used, while a neural network was utilized to recognize the numbers (with 70% accuracy). The conducted research has shown the proposed system is well suited for data acquisition based on match protocols what implies the possibility of increasing the availability of data on the games. This will allow the development of this sport discipline. Obtained conclusions can be generalized to other disciplines, where the games are recorded in paper form.
Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Potential of Six Essential Oils from Morocco against Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) under Field and Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Ramdani Chaimae , El Fakhouri Karim , Sbaghi Mohamed , Bouharroud Rachid , Boulamtat Rachid , Aasfar Abderrahim , Mesfioui Abdelhalim , El Bouhssini Mustapha
Published: November 2021

The carmine cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) is the major insect pest of the prickly-pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) in Morocco. The present study investigated the insecticidal activities of six essential oils (EOs) against nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae applied singly or in combination with a detergent under laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare L. essential oils showed a high level of insecticidal activity at 5%, with 98% and 92% females’ mortality, respectively, 5 days after treatments. The M. pulegium and O. vulgaris oils at 5% applied in combination with black soap at (60 g/L) induced the highest toxic activity on adult females, 100% and 96% at 5 days after treatments, respectively. Under field conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils at 5% in combination with black soap (60 g/L) showed the highest adult female mortalities with 96.33 and 92.56%, respectively, 7 days after the first application. The double application of M. pulegium oil at 5% significantly increased the mortality of adult females up to 91%, 5 days after the second spray. GC-MS analysis revealed that the most abundant constituent of M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils was pulegone (84.69%) and durenol (76.53%), respectively. These findings showed that the use of M. pulegium and O. vulgare in combination with black soap or in double sprays could be incorporated in the management package for the control of the wild cochineal D. opuntiae, as a safe and natural alternative to chemical insecticides.
Postoperative Assessment of the Quality of Life in Patients with Colorectal Endometriosis
Authors: Mehedintu Claudia , Frincu Francesca , Brinduse Lacramioara Aurelia , Carp-Veliscu Andreea , Bratila Elvira , Hennetier Clotilde , Roman Horace
Published: November 2021

Morbidity and mortality alone are not comprehensive measures of evaluating the benefits of surgical interventions in endometriosis patients, thus, subjective patient-reported instruments are required. The 36-tem Short Form Survey (SF-36) is a Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instrument that has not been validated yet for women with endometriosis. The aims of this study are to evaluate the validity and reliability of the SF-36 in patients with colorectal endometriosis and to compare the HRQoL before and after surgery, using different Quality of Life (QoL) instruments: the Gastrointestinal QoL Index (GIQLI) and Knowles–Eccersley–Scott Symptom Questionnaire (KESS). We conducted a retrospective study using prospectively recorded data in the North-West Inter-Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis (CIRENDO) database. The assessment was performed on four hundred and eighty-eight patients before and 12 months after the surgery. Preoperative and postoperative item-internal consistency and Cronbach’s α proved evidence for good reliability showing that SF-36 is a useful instrument for endometriosis patients’ QoL. The domains of Role (limitation) physical, Bodily pain and Role (limitation) emotional showed the most remarkable improvements (difference before vs. one year after surgery) with p < 0.001. Our data show that SF-36 has validity and reliability and can be used in patients with endometriosis. Surgery improved the QoL and digestive function.
Variability in Oral Iron Prescription and the Effect on Spanish Mothers’ Health: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ruiz de Viñaspre-Hernández Regina , García-Erce José Antonio , Rodríguez-Velasco Francisco José , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Sufrate-Sorzano Teresa , Garrote-Cámara María Elena , Urra-Martínez Raquel , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Czapla Michał , Santolalla-Arnedo Iván
Published: November 2021

Background: No consensus exists regarding the hemoglobin (Hb) values that define postpartum anemia. Knowledge is currently lacking regarding prescription and consumption practices, which prevents evaluating the rational use of iron supplementation postpartum. Aim: In this study, our objective was to describe this practice and analyze its association with maternal health outcomes. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 1010 women aged between 18 and 50. The hemoglobin value on the first postpartum day; the prescription schedule at hospital discharge; iron consumption; and data on hemoglobin, serum ferritin, maternal fatigue, type of breastfeeding, and perceived health six weeks after delivery were collected. Findings: Oral iron was prescribed to 98.1% of mothers with anemia and 75.8% without anemia. At the same Hb value, the maximum amount of total iron prescribed was between 8 and 10 times greater than the minimum amount. Iron intake was significantly lower than prescribed (p < 0.01). At six weeks, anemic mothers who took iron presented a 3.6-, 3-, and 2.4-times lower probability of iron deficiency, anemia, and abandoning breastfeeding, respectively. Discussion: Postpartum iron intake shows a protective effect on iron deficiency and anemia at six weeks, but not on fatigue or self-perceived health level. Conclusion: We conclude that there is wide variability in the prescription regimen. Oral iron supplementation can benefit mothers with anemia and harm those without. Subsequent studies should further explore the Hb figure that better discriminates the need for postpartum iron.
Intraoperative Hyperglycemia May Be Associated with an Increased Risk of Myocardial Injury after Non-Cardiac Surgery in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kim Sojin , Park Jungchan , Kim Hara , Yang Kwangmo , Choi Jin-ho , Kim Kyunga , Sung Jidong , Ahn Joonghyun , Lee Seung-Hwa
Published: November 2021

Background: Hyperglycemia in surgical candidates is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. We aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative blood glucose level on the incidence of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) in diabetic patients. Methods: Diabetic patients with available intraoperative blood glucose measurement during non-cardiac surgery were enrolled in this study. Based on the highest intraoperative blood glucose level, patients were stratified into two groups: the blood sugar glucose (BST) < 180 group (intraoperative peak glucose < 180 mg/dL) and BST ≥ 180 group (intraoperative peak glucose ≥ 180 mg/dL). The primary outcome was the incidence of MINS, and secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 30-day mortalities. Results: Of the 11,302 diabetic patients, 8337 were in the BST < 180 group (73.8%) and 2965 in the BST ≥ 180 group (26.2%). After adjustment with inverse probability weighting, MINS was significantly higher in the BST ≥ 180 group (24.0% vs. 17.2%; odds ratio (OR), 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–1.40; p < 0.001). In addition, in-hospital and 30-day mortalities were also higher in the BST ≥ 180 group compared to the BST < 180 group (4.2% vs. 2.3%, hazard ratio (HR), 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07–1.81; p = 0.001, and 3.1% vs. 1.8%; HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.31–2.36; p < 0.001, respectively). Receiver-operating characteristic plots showed that the threshold of glucose level associated with MINS was 149 mg/dL. Conclusion: Intraoperative hyperglycemia was associated with an increased MINS incidence and postoperative mortality in diabetic patients. Close monitoring of intraoperative blood glucose level may be helpful in detection and management of MINS.
Induction of Labor with Vaginal Dinoprostone (PGE2) in Patients with a Previous Cesarean Section: Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: López-Jiménez Nuria , García-Sánchez Fiamma , Pailos Rafael Hernández , Rodrigo-Álvaro Valentin , Pascual-Pedreño Ana , Moreno-Cid María , Hernández-Martínez Antonio , Molina-Alarcón Milagros
Published: November 2021

Background: Vaginal dinoprostone (PGE2) is currently used as the prostaglandin of choice in many obstetric units. However, few studies have evaluated its safety, especially in women who previously had a cesarean section. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PGE2 in pregnant women who are undergoing induction of labor (IOL), and who have had a previous cesarean section. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in La Mancha Centro Hospital in Alcázar de San Juan, Spain, from 1 February 2019 to 30 August 2020. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes, following IOL with PGE2, in 47 pregnant women who wanted a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), and 377 pregnant women without a history of cesarean section, were analyzed. The outcomes were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate analyses using binary and multiple linear regression. Results: A total of 424 women were included in this study. The percentage of cesarean sections in the TOLAC group was 44.7% (21), compared with 31.6% (119) in the group without a history of cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio: 1.4; 95% CI: 0.68–2.86). In the multivariate analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed between both groups for obstetric and neonatal outcomes (p > 0.05). However, two uterine ruptures (4.3%) occurred in the group of patients with a history of cesarean section who underwent IOL with PGE2. Conclusions: The induction of labor with vaginal dinoprostone (PGE2), in patients with a previous history of cesarean section, was not associated with worse obstetric or neonatal outcomes compared with the group of patients without a history of cesarean section in our study sample. However, further research is needed regarding this IOL method, and it should be used with caution in this population group.
Wrinkle Formation and Initial Defect Sensitivity of Steered Tow in Automated Fiber Placement
Authors: Kheradpisheh Meisam , Hojjati Mehdi
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to study the wrinkle formation of a prepreg with initial defect during steering in automated fiber placement (AFP). Wrinkle formation has a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of the final product, limiting the AFP applications. A theoretical model for wrinkle formation has been developed in which a Pasternak foundation and a Koiter imperfection model are adapted to model viscoelastic characteristics of the prepreg tack and initial defect of the prepreg, respectively. The initial defect is defined as a slight deviation of the tow’s mid-plane from a horizontal shape. The initial defect is generated in the tow by moving the tow through the guidance system, pressure of the roller, and resin tackiness. Galerkin method, along with the finite difference method (FDM), are employed to solve the wrinkle problem equation. The proposed method is able to satisfy the different boundary conditions for the wrinkle problem completely. The numerical results show that increasing the initial defect leads to a decrease in critical load and an increase in critical steering radius. To validate the theoretical model, experimental results are presented and compared with model-predicted results. It is shown that the model is well able to capture the trends and values of wrinkle formation wavelengths obtained from the experiment.
An Overview on Bonded Marine Hoses for Sustainable Fluid Transfer and (Un)Loading Operations via Floating Offshore Structures (FOS)
Authors: Amaechi Chiemela Victor , Chesterton Cole , Butler Harrison Obed , Wang Facheng , Ye Jianqiao
Published: November 2021

Due to the demand for oil production in varying water depth regions, the advantage of flexible buoyant conduits has led to an increase in bonded marine hoses for fluid transfer and (un)loading operations. The fluid transfer system for bonded marine hoses is dependent on floating offshore structures (FOS). This paper presents an overview of different systems for sustainable fluid transfer and (un)loading operations via FOS, such as Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems. SPMs are component aspects of the techno-economic design and FOS operation. This review aims to present sustainable fluid transfer technologies while addressing the subject of bonded marine hoses based on application, configuration, test models, hose selection criteria, hose-mooring configurations and operational views. This paper also includes an overview of the hose dynamics, with the loading and unloading (or discharging) techniques for sustainable fluid transfer via marine bonded hoses, based on operational challenges encountered. To dynamically present the hose performance in this review, an overview of the test methods’ guidance as specified in available industry standards was conducted. The pros and cons of marine hose application were also presented. Finally, this study presents different marine hose types and novel design configurations applied in implementing hose-mooring systems. Some concluding remarks with recommended solutions on the technology were presented in this review.
Morphological Variety in Distoseptispora and Introduction of Six Novel Species
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Ling-Ling , Jones E. B. Gareth , Li Wen-Li , Hyde Kevin D. , Liu Zuo-Yi
Published: November 2021

Distoseptispora is one of the sporidesmium-like taxa with great variation in asexual morphology and delineation of species. Phylogenetic analyses of four gene regions LSU, ITS, TEF1α, and RPB2 revealed the placement of several sporidesmium-like species in Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporaceae, Distoseptisporales, Sordariomycetes), collected on submerged decaying twigs from streams in China and Thailand. Based on morphological examination and molecular DNA data, six new species, Distoseptispora amniculi, D. atroviridis, D. effusa, D. fusiformis, D. hyalina, and D. verrucosa, are proposed. Among them, D. hyalina is the first sexual morph confirmed in the genus. A new geographical record is reported for D. lignicola in China. Conidial length proved to be of less taxonomic significance for some Distoseptispora species, whereas the type of conidial septa is informative at species level.
Inter- and Intraobserver Repeatability of Myocardial Flow Reserve Values Determined with SPECT Study Using a Discovery NM530c Camera and Corridor 4DM Software
Authors: Cichocki Paweł , Błaszczyk Michał , Cygulska Kamila , Filipczak Krzysztof , Adamczewski Zbigniew , Kuśmierek Jacek , Lipiec Piotr , Kasprzak Jarosław Damian , Płachcińska Anna
Published: November 2021

Background: Myocardial blood flow (MBF) and flow reserve (MFR) examination, especially useful in the diagnosis of multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), can be assessed with a cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) SPECT gamma camera, as an alternative to the expensive and less available PET. However, study processing is not free from subjective factors. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate intra- and interobserver repeatability of MBF and MFR values obtained by the same operator and two independent operators. Methods: This study included 57 adult patients. MBF and MFR were assessed using a Discovery NM530c camera in a two-day, rest/dipyridamople protocol, using 99mTc-MIBI. Data were processed using Corridor4DM software, twice by one operator and once by another operator. Results: The repeatability of the assessed values was quite good in the whole myocardium, LAD and LCX vascular territories, but was poor in the RCA territory. Conclusions: The poor repeatability of MBF and MFR in RCA vascular territory can be explained by poor automatic orientation of the heart axis during post-processing and a so-called “cardiac creep” phenomenon. Better automatic heart orientation and introduction of automatic motion correction is likely to drastically improve this repeatability. In the present state of the software, PET is better for patients requiring assessment of MFR in the RCA territory.
Developing an Algorithm for Discriminating Oral Cancerous and Normal Tissues Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Sharma Mukta , Jeng Ming-Jer , Young Chi-Kuang , Huang Shiang-Fu , Chang Liann-Be
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical potential of Raman spectroscopy (RS) in detecting oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in tumor and healthy tissues in surgical resection specimens during surgery. Raman experiments were performed on cryopreserved specimens from patients with OSCC. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed based on the fingerprint region (700–1800 cm−1) of the Raman spectra. One hundred thirty-one ex-vivo Raman experiments were performed on 131 surgical resection specimens obtained from 67 patients. The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square (PLS) methods with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were applied on an independent validation dataset. Both models were able to differentiate between the tissue types, but PLS–LDA showed 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. In this study, Raman measurements of fresh resection tissue specimens demonstrated that OSCC had significantly higher nucleic acid, protein, and several amino acid contents than adjacent healthy tissues. The specific spectral information obtained in this study can be used to develop an in vivo Raman spectroscopic method for the tumor-free resection boundary during surgery.
MEDTEC Students against Coronavirus: Investigating the Role of Hemostatic Genes in the Predisposition to COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Cappadona Claudio , Paraboschi Elvezia Maria , Ziliotto Nicole , Bottaro Sandro , Rimoldi Valeria , Gerussi Alessio , Azimonti Andrea , Brenna Daniele , Brunati Andrea , Cameroni Charlotte , Campanaro Giovanni , Carloni Francesca , Cavadini Giacomo , Ciravegna Martina , Composto Antonio , Converso Giuseppe , Corbella Pierluigi , D’Eugenio Davide , Dal Rì Giovanna , Di Giorgio Sofia Maria , Grondelli Maria Chiara , Guerrera Lorenza , Laffoucriere Georges , Lando Beatrice , Lopedote Leandro , Maizza Benedetta , Marconi Elettra , Mariola Carlotta , Matronola Guia Margherita , Menga Luca Maria , Montorsi Giulia , Papatolo Antonio , Patti Riccardo , Profeta Lorenzo , Rebasti Vera , Smidili Alice , Tarchi Sofia Maria , Tartaglia Francesco Carlo , Tettamanzi Gaia , Tinelli Elena , Stuani Riccardo , Bolchini Cristiana , Pattini Linda , Invernizzi Pietro , Degenhardt Frauke , Franke Andre , Duga Stefano , Asselta Rosanna
Published: November 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Besides virus intrinsic characteristics, the host genetic makeup is predicted to account for the extreme clinical heterogeneity of the disease, which is characterized, among other manifestations, by a derangement of hemostasis associated with thromboembolic events. To date, large-scale studies confirmed that genetic predisposition plays a role in COVID-19 severity, pinpointing several susceptibility genes, often characterized by immunologic functions. With these premises, we performed an association study of common variants in 32 hemostatic genes with COVID-19 severity. We investigated 49,845 single-nucleotide polymorphism in a cohort of 332 Italian severe COVID-19 patients and 1668 controls from the general population. The study was conducted engaging a class of students attending the second year of the MEDTEC school (a six-year program, held in collaboration between Humanitas University and the Politecnico of Milan, allowing students to gain an MD in Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering). Thanks to their willingness to participate in the fight against the pandemic, we evidenced several suggestive hits (p < 0.001), involving the PROC, MTHFR, MTR, ADAMTS13, and THBS2 genes (top signal in PROC: chr2:127192625:G:A, OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.50–3.34, p = 8.77 × 10−5). The top signals in PROC, MTHFR, MTR, ADAMTS13 were instrumental for the construction of a polygenic risk score, whose distribution was significantly different between cases and controls (p = 1.62 × 10−8 for difference in median levels). Finally, a meta-analysis performed using data from the Regeneron database confirmed the contribution of the MTHFR variant chr1:11753033:G:A to the predisposition to severe COVID-19 (pooled OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.09–1.33, p = 4.34 × 10−14 in the weighted analysis).
Virtual Reality-Based Therapy Reduces the Disabling Impact of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Women: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Cortés-Pérez Irene , Zagalaz-Anula Noelia , Ibancos-Losada María del Rocío , Nieto-Escámez Francisco Antonio , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Osuna-Pérez María Catalina
Published: November 2021

Background: Virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) is a novel therapeutic approach to be used in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The aim of our study is to assess the effect of VRBT to reduce the impact of FMS in outcomes such as pain, dynamic balance, aerobic capacity, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression. Methods: Systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted from a bibliographic search in PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science and CINAHL until April 2021 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare VRBT versus others to assess the mentioned outcomes in women with FMS. Effect size was calculated with standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Eleven RCTs involving 535 women with FMS were included. Using the PEDro scale, the mean methodological quality of the included studies was moderate (6.63 ± 0.51). Our findings showed an effect of VRBT on the impact of FMS (SMD −0.62, 95% CI −0.93 to −0.31); pain (SMD −0.45, 95% CI −0.69 to −0.21); dynamic balance (SMD −0.76, 95% CI −1.12 to −0.39); aerobic capacity (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.63); fatigue (SMD −0.58, 95% CI −1.02 to −0.14); QoL (SMD 0.55, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.81); anxiety (SMD −0.47, 95% CI −0.91 to −0.03) and depression (SMD −0.46, 95% CI −0.76 to −0.16). Conclusions: VRBT is an effective therapy that reduces the impact of FMS, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression and increases dynamic balance, aerobic capacity and quality of life in women with FMS. In addition, VRBT in combination with CTBTE showed a large effect in reducing the impact of FMS and fatigue and increasing QoL in these women.
Choosing a Price and Cost Combination—The Role of Correlation
Authors: Bar-Ilan Avner , Maoz Yishay
Published: November 2021

Often, firms can choose from different combinations of price and cost processes. For example, they can choose between different production locations or technologies, between different products to produce, or between different locations for selling them. To study the choice of the optimal combination, we return to themodel that was developed by Dixit and Pindyck, where both output price and production cost are stochastic processes, and add a novel focus on how the correlation between these processes affects the firm’s decision. We find that, ceteris paribus, the firm prefers the combination with the lowest correlation between the processes, as it seeks a greater profitability variance which maximizes its value.
Contingent Effect of Board Gender Diversity on Performance in Emerging Markets: Evidence from the Egyptian Revolution
Authors: Ararat Melsa , El-Helaly Moataz , Lowe Alan , Shehata Nermeen
Published: November 2021

The 2011 Egyptian revolution was associated with significant political and social upheaval, followed by societal changes and attempts by policymakers to reduce the marginalisation of women and promote their inclusion in the economy. Drawing on this background, the authors compare the effect of board gender diversity before and after the revolution. Results indicate that gender diversity in corporate boards is coupled with improvements in firm performance in the immediate post revolution phase. This evidence provides insights into the contextual factors related to diversity and performance relationship and supporting arguments for regulatory changes to further encourage women’s representation on boards.
Impact of AI-Based Tools and Urban Big Data Analytics on the Design and Planning of Cities
Authors: Kamrowska-Załuska Dorota
Published: November 2021

Wide access to large volumes of urban big data and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools allow performing new analyses that were previously impossible due to the lack of data or their high aggregation. This paper aims to assess the possibilities of the use of urban big data analytics based on AI-related tools to support the design and planning of cities. To this end, the author introduces a conceptual framework to assess the influence of the emergence of these tools on the design and planning of the cities in the context of urban change. In this paper, the implications of the application of artificial-intelligence-based tools and geo-localised big data, both in solving specific research problems in the field of urban planning and design as well as on planning practice, are discussed. The paper is concluded with both cognitive conclusions and recommendations for planning practice. It is directed towards urban planners interested in the emerging urban big data analytics based on AI-related tools and towards urban theorists working on new methods of describing urban change.
Diurnal and Seasonal Variations of Particulate Matter Concentrations in the Urban Forests of Saetgang Ecological Park in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Sou Hong-Duck , Kim Pyung-Rae , Hwang Byungmook , Oh Jeong-Hak
Published: November 2021

Urban forests provide various ecosystem services. Although the function of reducing particulate matter (PM) in the city is known, research into the reduction of PM according to the type and structure of various forests is still needed. It is essential to study the characteristics of PM concentration in urban riparian forests, which are frequently used for outdoor walks in the COVID-19 era. In this study, the diurnal and seasonal changes in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were analyzed in urban forests with different structures in the riparian forests located in central Seoul. The PM concentration was found to be high regardless of the time of the day in forests with a developed canopy layer. Similar results were found before and after leaf emergence compared with the seasonal PM concentration. The results of this study highlight the need for planned and periodic management of the canopy layer and underground vegetation to prevent the PM trapping effect to ensure the safe use of riparian forests in cities.
Pitch Range and Voice Quality in Dimasa Focus Intonation
Authors: Mahanta Shakuntala , Gope Amalesh , Raychoudhury Priti
Published: November 2021

This paper presents an analysis of Dimasa focus intonation. The acoustic analysis shows that narrow focus sentences undergo a jump in the pitch range irrespective of the underlying tonal value of the morpheme it attaches to. In addition to f0 expansion, the prosodic property of focus in Dimasa was found to have different (tense) phonation in morphologically marked narrow focus sentences when compared to the broad focus context. Thus, the tense phonation property of sentences bearing morphological focus is not only an acoustic property of a higher pitch range but may also be an acoustic cue of discourse-level intonation.
Stochastic Effects in Retrotransposon Dynamics Revealed by Modeling under Competition for Cellular Resources
Authors: Pavlov Sergey , Gursky Vitaly V. , Samsonova Maria , Kanapin Alexander , Samsonova Anastasia
Published: November 2021

Transposons are genomic elements that can relocate within a host genome using a ‘cut’- or ‘copy-and-paste’ mechanism. They make up a significant part of many genomes, serve as a driving force for genome evolution, and are linked with Mendelian diseases and cancers. Interactions between two specific retrotransposon types, autonomous (e.g., LINE1/L1) and nonautonomous (e.g., Alu), may lead to fluctuations in the number of these transposons in the genome over multiple cell generations. We developed and examined a simple model of retrotransposon dynamics under conditions where transposon replication machinery competed for cellular resources: namely, free ribosomes and available energy (i.e., ATP molecules). Such competition is likely to occur in stress conditions that a malfunctioning cell may experience as a result of a malignant transformation. The modeling revealed that the number of actively replicating LINE1 and Alu elements in a cell decreases with the increasing competition for resources; however, stochastic effects interfere with this simple trend. We stochastically simulated the transposon dynamics in a cell population and showed that the population splits into pools with drastically different transposon behaviors. The early extinction of active Alu elements resulted in a larger number of LINE1 copies occurring in the first pool, as there was no competition between the two types of transposons in this pool. In the other pool, the competition process remained and the number of L1 copies was kept small. As the level of available resources reached a critical value, both types of dynamics demonstrated an increase in noise levels, and both the period and the amplitude of predator–prey oscillations rose in one of the cell pools. We hypothesized that the presented dynamical effects associated with the impact of the competition for cellular resources inflicted on the dynamics of retrotransposable elements could be used as a characteristic feature to assess a cell state, or to control the transposon activity.
Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Additive Friction Stir-Deposition of Aluminum Alloy 5083 Effect of Lubrication on Material Anisotropy
Authors: Phillips Brandon J. , Williamson C. Jacob , Kinser Ryan P. , Jordon J. Brian , Doherty Kevin J. , Allison Paul G.
Published: November 2021

Additive Friction Stir-Deposition (AFS-D) is a transformative, metallic additive manufacturing (AM) process capable of producing near-net shape components with a wide variety of material systems. The solid-state nature of the process permits many of these materials to be successfully deposited without the deleterious phase and thermally activated defects commonly observed in other metallic AM technologies. This work is the first to investigate the as-deposited microstructure and mechanical performance of a free-standing AA5083 deposition. An initial process parameterization was conducted to down-select optimal parameters for a large deposition to examine build direction properties. Microscopy revealed that constitutive particles were dispersed evenly throughout the matrix when compared to the rolled feedstock. Electron backscatter diffraction revealed a significant grain refinement from the inherent dynamic recrystallization from the AFS-D process. Tensile experiments determined a drop in yield strength, but an improvement in tensile strength in the longitudinal direction. However, a substantial reduction in tensile strength was observed in the build direction of the structure. Subsequent fractographic analysis revealed that the recommended lubrication applied to the feedstock rods, necessary for successful depositions via AFS-D, was ineffectively dispersed into the structure. As a result, lubrication contamination became entrapped at layer boundaries, preventing adequate bonding between layers.