bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Air Pollution-Related Behaviour Measured by Google Trends Search Volume Index in Response to Reported Air Quality in Poland
Authors: Nazar Wojciech , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

Decreased air quality is connected to an increase in daily mortality rates. Thus, people’s behavioural response to sometimes elevated air pollution levels is vital. We aimed to analyse spatial and seasonal changes in air pollution-related information-seeking behaviour in response to nationwide reported air quality in Poland. Google Trends Search Volume Index data was used to investigate Poles’ interest in air pollution-related keywords. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations measured across Poland between 2016 and 2019 as well as locations of monitoring stations were collected from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection databases. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients were used to measure the strength of spatial and seasonal relationships between reported air pollution levels and the popularity of search queries. The highest PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were observed in southern voivodeships and during the winter season. Similar trends were observed for Poles’ interest in air pollution-related keywords. Greater interest in air quality data in Poland strongly correlates with both higher regional and higher seasonal air pollution levels. It appears that Poles are socially aware of this issue and that their intensification of the information-seeking behaviour seems to indicate a relevant ad hoc response to variable threat severity levels.
Drug Interactions for Patients with Respiratory Diseases Receiving COVID-19 Emerged Treatments
Authors: Spanakis Marios , Patelarou Athina , Patelarou Evridiki , Tzanakis Nikolaos
Published: November 2021

Pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is still pressing the healthcare systems worldwide. Thus far, the lack of available COVID-19-targeted treatments has led scientists to look through drug repositioning practices and exploitation of available scientific evidence for potential efficient drugs that may block biological pathways of SARS-CoV-2. Till today, several molecules have emerged as promising pharmacological agents, and more than a few medication protocols are applied during hospitalization. On the other hand, given the criticality of the disease, it is important for healthcare providers, especially those in COVID-19 clinics (i.e., nursing personnel and treating physicians), to recognize potential drug interactions that may lead to adverse drug reactions that may negatively impact the therapeutic outcome. In this review, focusing on patients with respiratory diseases (i.e., asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that are treated also for COVID-19, we discuss possible drug interactions, their underlying pharmacological mechanisms, and possible clinical signs that healthcare providers in COVID-19 clinics may need to acknowledge as adverse drug reactions due to drug-drug interactions.
High Rate of Depression among Saudi Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Alaqeel Aqeel , Almijmaj Muna , Almushaigeh Abdulaziz , Aldakheel Yasser , Almesned Raghad , Al Ahmadi Husam
Published: November 2021

Saudi Arabia ranks among the top ten in type 1 diabetes (T1D) prevalence. The psychological burden, including depression, among T1D children, affects short-term and long-term outcomes. In Saudi Arabia, studies on depression among T1D children are limited. We determined the prevalence of depression among T1D children and adolescents in the Saudi Arabia-Qassim region and investigated risk factors for depressive symptoms. This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among T1D children and adolescents in the outpatient clinic of Maternity and Children Hospital, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, between October 2020 and April 2021. Using a validated questionnaire translated into Arabic, we interviewed patients during clinic appointment. Questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical data, and Clinical Depression Inventory scale were used to measure depression. There were 148 T1D respondents (children: 58.1%; adolescents: 41.9%). More than half were females (53.4%), with most Saudis (94.6%). Depression prevalence among children and adolescents was 27%. Mild, moderate, and severe depression occurred in 80%, 12.5%, and 7.5% of depressed patients, respectively. Factors significant for depression were female sex (p = 0.014), uncontrolled HbA1c level (p = 0.037), and longer diabetes duration (p = 0.013). Depression among children and adolescents was more prevalent in this study than in previous reports. Early detection of depression will improve diabetes control and quality of life.
Impact of Family Separation on Subjective Time Pressure and Mental Health in Refugees from the Middle East and Africa Resettled in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Belau Matthias Hans , Becher Heiko , Kraemer Alexander
Published: November 2021

Little is known about social determinants among refugees resettled in Germany. This study aims to examine the impact of family separation on refugees’ subjective time pressure and mental health. Data come from the FlueGe Health Study (n = 208), a cross-sectional study administered by Bielefeld University. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate the effect of family separation on (i) being time-stressed and (ii) having a high risk for adverse mental health, considering sociodemographic and postmigration factors. As a result, more than 30% of participants with a spouse or partner and about 18% with a child or children reported separation. Multiple logistic regression showed that family separation was not associated with being time-stressed, but separation from at least one child was associated with adverse mental health (OR = 3.53, 95% CI = [1.23, 10.11]). In conclusion, family separation primarily contributes to adverse mental health among refugees from the Middle East and Africa resettled in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Therefore, policies and practices that facilitate family reunification can contribute significantly to the promotion of refugees’ mental health and well-being.
Exploring App-Based Taxi Movement Patterns from Large-Scale Geolocation Data
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Xu Chang
Published: November 2021

This study is designed to leverage ubiquitous mobile computing techniques on exploring app-based taxi movement patterns in large cities. To study patterns at different scales, we comprehensively explore both occupied and unoccupied vehicle movement characteristics through not only individual trips but also their aggregations. Moran’s I and its variations are applied to explore spatial autocorrelations among different rides. PageRank centrality is applied for a functional network representing traffic flows to discover places of interest. Gyration radius measures the scope of passenger mobility and driver passenger searching. Moreover, cumulative distribution and data visualization techniques are adopted for trip level characteristics and features analysis. The results indicate that the app-based taxi services are serving more neighborhoods other than downtown areas by taking large proportion of relatively shorter trips and contributing to net increase in total taxi ridership although net decrease in downtown areas. The spatial autocorrelations are significant not only within each service but also among services. With the smartphone-based applications, app-based taxi services are able to search passengers in a larger area and move more efficiently during both occupied and unoccupied periods. Mining from huge empty trip trajectory by app-based taxis, we also identify the existence of stationary/stops state and circulations.
Side Lighting Enhances Morphophysiology by Inducing More Branching and Flowering in Chrysanthemum Grown in Controlled Environment
Authors: Yang Jingli , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: November 2021

Light is one of the most important factors that influence plant growth and development. This study was conducted to examine how lighting direction affects plant morphophysiology by investigating plant growth parameters, leaf anatomy, epidermal cell elongation, stomatal properties, chloroplast arrangement, and physiological changes. In closed-type plant factory units, the rooted cuttings of two chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cultivars, ‘Gaya Glory’ and ‘Pearl Egg’, were subjected to a 10 h photoperiod with a 300 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) from three directions relative to the plant including the top, side, and bottom. Compared to the top or bottom lighting, the side lighting greatly enhanced the plant growth, improved the leaf internal structure and chloroplast arrangement, induced small stomata with a higher density, and promoted stomatal opening, which is associated with an increased stomatal conductance and photosynthetic efficiency. It is worth noting that the side lighting significantly enhanced the induction of branching and flowering for both cultivars., The plants grown with side lighting consistently exhibited the greatest physiological performance. We conclude that the lighting direction had a profound effect on the morphophysiological characteristics of chrysanthemum, and that side lighting dramatically promoted their growth and development, especially in their branching and flowering.
Cinobufagin Exerts Anticancer Activity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells through Downregulation of ANO1
Authors: Jo Sungwoo , Yang Eunhee , Lee Yechan , Jeon Dongkyu , Namkung Wan
Published: November 2021

Anoctamin1 (ANO1), a calcium-activated chloride channel, is frequently overexpressed in several cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSCC is a highly aggressive cancer and the most common oral malignancy. ANO1 has been proposed as a potential candidate for targeted anticancer therapy. In this study, we performed a cell-based screening to identify novel regulators leading to the downregulation of ANO1, and discovered cinobufagin, which downregulated ANO1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 cells. ANO1 protein levels were significantly reduced by cinobufagin in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of ~26 nM. Unlike previous ANO1 inhibitors, short-term (≤10 min) exposure to cinobufagin did not alter ANO1 chloride channel activity and ANO1-dependent intestinal smooth muscle contraction, whereas long-term (24 h) exposure to cinobufagin significantly reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 and mRNA expression of ANO1 in CAL-27 cells. Notably, cinobufagin inhibited cell proliferation of CAL-27 cells expressing high levels of ANO1 more potently than that of ANO1 knockout CAL-27 cells. In addition, cinobufagin significantly reduced cell migration and induced caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage in CAL-27 cells. These results suggest that downregulation of ANO1 by cinobufagin is a potential mechanism for the anticancer effect of cinobufagin in OSCC.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling in Porcine Liver, Jejunum and Serum upon Dietary DON Exposure Reveals Candidate Toxicity Biomarkers
Authors: Segura-Wang Maia , Grenier Bertrand , Ilic Suzana , Ruczizka Ursula , Dippel Maximiliane , Bünger Moritz , Hackl Matthias , Nagl Veronika
Published: November 2021

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a frequent mycotoxin worldwide, impairs human and animal health. The response of microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, to DON has been scarcely investigated, but holds remarkable potential for biomarker applications. Hence, we aimed to investigate DON-induced changes in the microRNA expression in porcine liver, jejunum and serum by combining targeted and untargeted analyses. Piglets received uncontaminated feed or feed containing 900 µg/kg and 2500 µg/kg DON for four weeks, followed by a wash-out period. In tissue, only slight changes in microRNA expression were detected, with ssc-miR-10b being downregulated in liver of DON-exposed piglets. In serum, several microRNAs were differentially expressed upon DON exposure, four of which were validated by qPCR (ssc-miR-16, ssc-miR-128, ssc-miR-451, ssc-miR-205). The serum microRNA response to DON increased over time and declined after removal of contaminated diets. Receiver operating curve analyses for individual microRNAs were significant, and a combination of the four microRNAs increased the predictive capacity for DON exposure. Predicted microRNA target genes showed enrichment of several pathways including PIK3-AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and adherens junctions. This study gives, for the first time, a comprehensive view of the porcine microRNA response to DON, providing a basis for future research on microRNAs as biomarkers for mycotoxins.
SUCNR1 Is Expressed in Human Placenta and Mediates Angiogenesis: Significance in Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Atallah Reham , Gindlhuber Juergen , Platzer Wolfgang , Bärnthaler Thomas , Tatzl Eva , Toller Wolfgang , Strutz Jasmin , Rittchen Sonja , Luschnig Petra , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Wadsack Christian , Heinemann Akos
Published: November 2021

Placental hypervascularization has been reported in pregnancy-related pathologies such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Nevertheless, the underlying causes behind this abnormality are not well understood. In this study, we addressed the expression of SUCNR1 (cognate succinate receptor) in human placental endothelial cells and hypothesized that the succinate–SUCNR1 axis might play a role in the placental hypervascularization reported in GDM. We measured significantly higher succinate levels in placental tissue lysates from women with GDM relative to matched controls. In parallel, SUCNR1 protein expression was upregulated in GDM tissue lysates as well as in isolated diabetic fetoplacental arterial endothelial cells (FpECAds). A positive correlation of SUCNR1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels in tissue lysates indicated a potential link between the succinate–SUCNR1 axis and placental angiogenesis. In our in vitro experiments, succinate prompted hallmarks of angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) such as proliferation, migration and spheroid sprouting. These results were further validated in fetoplacental arterial endothelial cells (FpECAs), where succinate induced endothelial tube formation. VEGF gene expression was increased in response to succinate in both HUVECs and FpECAs. Yet, knockdown of SUCNR1 in HUVECs led to suppression of VEGF gene expression and abrogated the migratory ability and wound healing in response to succinate. In conclusion, our data underline SUCNR1 as a promising metabolic target in human placenta and as a potential driver of enhanced placental angiogenesis in GDM.
Host Plant Species Mediates Impact of Neonicotinoid Exposure to Monarch Butterflies
Authors: Prouty Cody , Barriga Paola , Davis Andrew K. , Krischik Vera , Altizer Sonia
Published: November 2021

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides in North America. Numerous studies document the negative effects of neonicotinoids on bees, and it remains crucial to demonstrate if neonicotinoids affect other non-target insects, such as butterflies. Here we examine how two neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and clothianidin) affect the development, survival, and flight of monarch butterflies, and how these chemicals interact with the monarch’s milkweed host plant. We first fed caterpillars field-relevant low doses (0.075 and 0.225 ng/g) of neonicotinoids applied to milkweed leaves (Asclepias incarnata), and found no significant reductions in larval development rate, pre-adult survival, or adult flight performance. We next fed larvae higher neonicotinoid doses (4–70 ng/g) and reared them on milkweed species known to produce low, moderate, or high levels of secondary toxins (cardenolides). Monarchs exposed to the highest dose of clothianidin (51–70 ng/g) experienced pupal deformity, low survival to eclosion, smaller body size, and weaker adult grip strength. This effect was most evident for monarchs reared on the lowest cardenolide milkweed (A. incarnata), whereas monarchs reared on the high-cardenolide A. curassavica showed no significant reductions in any variable measured. Our results indicate that monarchs are tolerant to low doses of neonicotinoid, and that negative impacts of neonicotinoids depend on host plant type. Plant toxins may confer protective effects or leaf physical properties may affect chemical retention. Although neonicotinoid residues are ubiquitous on milkweeds in agricultural and ornamental settings, commonly encountered doses below 50 ng/g are unlikely to cause substantial declines in monarch survival or migratory performance.
The Influence of Southwestern Virginia Environmental Conditions on the Potential Ability of Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma americanum, and Amblyomma maculatum to Overwinter in the Region
Authors: Whitlow Amanda Marie , Schürch Roger , Mullins Donald , Eastwood Gillian
Published: November 2021

Ticks are susceptible to environmental conditions and, to ensure survival during winter conditions, they adopt a wide variety of physiological and behavioral adaptations including utilization of a suitable niche with insulation (e.g., leaf coverage). To investigate the potential overwintering survival of three tick populations emerging within Appalachian Virginia (Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma americanum, and Amblyomma maculatum), both a laboratory experiment assessing super-cooling points and a two-factor (elevation and insulation coverage) field experiment assessing overwintering survivability were conducted across a natural southwestern Virginian winter (2020–2021). Dermacentor variabilis adults were included in this study as an example of a well-established species in this region known to overwinter in these conditions. Our study indicated that A. americanum and H. longicornis wintering tolerance is based on life stage rather than external factors such as insulation (e.g., leaf litter) and elevation. Amblyomma maculatum was more likely to survive without insulation. The ability to withstand the extreme temperatures of new regions is a key factor determining the survivability of novel tick species and is useful in assessing the invasion potential of arthropod vectors.
Making the Shift from Research to Commercial Orchards: A Case Study in Aphid–Peach Tree Interactions as Affected by Nitrogen and Water Supplies
Authors: Jordan Marie-Odile , Hucbourg Bruno , Drevet Aurore
Published: November 2021

Peach orchards are intensively sprayed crops, and alternative methods must be found to replace pesticides. We intend here to evaluate if limiting water and nitrogen (N) supply could be effective in controlling aphid infestation in commercial orchards. N and water supply were therefore either unrestricted or restricted by 30% only for water, or for both water and N, in 2018 and 2019 on trees of two contrasting varieties. Natural infestations (green peach aphid, mealy plum aphid, leaf curl aphid) were monitored regularly at tree and shoot level. Infested and control shoots were compared for their development during the infestation period, their apex concentrations of total N, amino acids, non-structural carbohydrates, and polyphenols at infestation peak. At tree level, limiting both water and N supplies decreased the proportion of infested shoots by 30%, and the number of trees hosting the most harmful specie by 20 to 50%. Limiting only N supplies had almost no effect on infestation severity. At shoot level, the apex N concentration of infested shoots was stable (around 3.2% dry weight) and was found to be independent of treatment, variety, and year. The remaining biochemical variables were not affected by infestation status but by variety and year. Shoot development was only slightly affected by treatment. Aphids colonized the most vigorous shoots, being those with longer apical ramifications in 2018 and higher growth rates in 2019, in comparison with the controls. The differences were, respectively, 40 and 55%. It was concluded that a double restriction in water and N could limit, but not control, aphid infestations in commercial orchards.
Conservative Management of Rectovaginal Deep Endometriosis: Shaving Should Be Considered as the Primary Surgical Approach in a High Majority of Cases
Authors: Donnez Olivier
Published: November 2021

Deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum remains a challenging situation to manage, and it is even more important when ureters and pelvic nerves are also infiltrated. Removal of deep rectovaginal endometriosis is mandatory in case of symptoms strongly impairing quality of life, alteration of digestive, urinary, sexual and reproductive functions, or in case of growing. Extensive preoperative imaging is required to choose the right technique between laparoscopic shaving, disc excision, or rectal resection. When performed by skilled surgeons and well-trained teams, a very high majority of cases of deep endometriosis nodule (>95%) is feasible by the shaving technique, and this is associated with lower complication rates regarding rectal resection. In most cases, removing a part of the rectum is questionable according to the risk of complications, and the rectum should be preserved as far as possible. Shaving and rectal resection are comparable in terms of recurrence rates. As shaving is manageable whatever the size of the lesions, surgeons should consider rectal shaving as first-line surgery to remove rectal deep endometriosis. Rectal stenosis of more than 80% of the lumen, multiple bowel deep endometriosis nodules, and stenotic sigmoid colon lesions should be considered as indication for rectal resection, but this represents a minority of cases.
Prevalence and Causes of Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries in a Contemporary Cohort of Patients with Suspected Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Dees Dominik , Rahimi Faridun , Amann Michael , Nührenberg Thomas G. , Löffelhardt Nikolaus , Schmitz Roland , Valina Christian M. , Neumann Franz-Josef , Hochholzer Willibald
Published: November 2021

Background: A significant proportion of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI) has no coronary obstruction at coronary angiography and no other obvious non-coronary pathophysiology causing MI. These patients are classified as MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Data on incidence and predictors of MINOCA are still limited. Methods: This study enrolled patients presenting symptoms suggestive of MI and undergoing a comprehensive cardiac work-up including an early invasive strategy. Patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries and without other obvious reasons for MI were scheduled for further work-up including magnetic resonance or intraluminal imaging. MINOCA was diagnosed according to the current European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Results: From the 1532 patients enrolled, 730 had available coronary imaging and 546 were diagnosed with MI. No significant coronary obstructions were found in 117 patients with MI. After the exclusion of 6 patients with acute myocarditis or takotsubo-syndrome as well as 88 with type II MI, 23 patients were diagnosed with MINOCA (4% of all MIs). Among these 23 patients, the most common etiology of MINOCA was thromboembolic events followed by coronary spasm. Female sex, the absence of hypercholesterolemia, and a normal left-ventricular ejection fraction were independently predictive for MINOCA compared to patients with other causes of MI. Conclusion: More than 20% of patients presenting with acute MI showed no significant coronary obstruction. About 4% of these patients were diagnosed with MINOCA. Female sex, a lower cardiovascular risk profile, and normal left-ventricular function were predictive for MINOCA.
Consensus Defined Diastolic Dysfunction and Cardiac Postoperative Morbidity Score: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kyle Bonnie , Zawadka Mateusz , Shanahan Hilary , Cooper Jackie , Rogers Andrew , Hamarneh Ashraf , Sivaraman Vivek , Anwar Sibtain , Smith Andrew
Published: November 2021

Diastolic dysfunction is associated with major adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that multisystem endpoints of morbidity would be higher in patients with diastolic dysfunction. A total of 142 patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass were included in the study. Intraoperative assessments of diastolic function according to the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines using transesophageal echocardiography were performed. Cardiac Postoperative Morbidity Score (CPOMS) on days 3, 5, 8, and 15; length of stay in ICU and hospital; duration of intubation; incidence of new atrial fibrillation; 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were recorded. Diastolic function was determinable in 96.7% of the dataset pre and poststernotomy assessment (n = 240). Diastolic dysfunction was present in 70.9% (n = 88) of measurements before sternotomy and 75% (n = 93) after sternal closure. Diastolic dysfunction at either stage was associated with greater CPOMS on D5 (p = 0.009) and D8 (p = 0.009), with CPOMS scores 1.24 (p = 0.01) higher than in patients with normal function. Diastolic dysfunction was also associated with longer durations of intubation (p = 0.001), ICU length of stay (p = 0.019), and new postoperative atrial fibrillation (p = 0.016, OR (95% CI) = 4.50 (1.22–25.17)). We were able to apply the updated ASE/EACVI guidelines and grade diastolic dysfunction in the majority of patients. Any grade of diastolic dysfunction was associated with greater all-cause morbidity, compared with patients with normal diastolic function.
Clinicoprognostic and Histopathological Features of Guttate and Plaque Psoriasis Based on PD-1 Expression
Authors: Jung Chang-Jin , Yang Hee-Joo , Bang Seung-Hyun , Lee Woo-Jin , Won Chong-Hyun , Lee Mi-Woo , Song Youngsup , Chang Sung-Eun
Published: November 2021

Several studies have determined the correlation between programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP). However, limited studies have assessed the association between PD-1 expression and the clinicoprognostic and distinct clinicopathological characteristics of CPP and guttate psoriasis (GP). Twenty-nine patients with skin biopsy-confirmed CPP were recruited at the Asan Medical Center between January 2018 and June 2020, and 33 patients with biopsy-confirmed GP were enrolled between January 2002 and June 2020. The clinicoprognostic and histopathological characteristics were analyzed according to immunohistochemical PD-1 expression in the epidermal or dermal inflammatory infiltrates. The CPP and GP lesions were divided into PD-1-low and PD-1-high groups. The CPP epidermal PD-1-high group had typical histopathological changes and significantly higher psoriasis area and severity index scores (p = 0.014) and disease duration (p = 0.009) than the epidermal PD-1-low group. In patients with GP, compared with the dermal PD-1-high group, the dermal PD-1-low group exhibited significantly higher disease duration (p = 0.002) and relapse rate of plaque psoriasis (p = 0.005) and significantly lower relapse-free survival (p = 0.016). Upregulated epidermal PD-1 expression was correlated with the chronicity and severity of CPP, while downregulated dermal PD-1 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of GP.
Risk and Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation during Immunosuppression for Non-Oncological Diseases
Authors: Onorato Lorenzo , Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Camaioni Clarissa , Grimaldi Pierantonio , Codella Alessio Vinicio , Calò Federica , Coppola Nicola
Published: November 2021

Reactivation of overt or occult HBV infection (HBVr) is a well-known, potentially life-threatening event which can occur during the course of immunosuppressive treatments. Although it has been described mainly in subjects receiving therapy for oncological or hematological diseases, the increasing use of immunosuppressant agents in non-oncological patients observed in recent years has raised concerns about the risk of reactivation in several other settings. However, few data can be found in the literature on the occurrence of HBVr in these populations, and few clear recommendations on its management have been defined. The present paper was written to provide an overview of the risk of HBV reactivation in non-neoplastic patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs, particularly for rheumatological, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological diseases, and for COVID-19 patients receiving immunomodulating agents; and to discuss the potential strategies for prevention and treatment of HBVr in these settings.
Differences in Sleep Disorders between HIV-Infected Persons and Matched Controls with Sleep Problems: A Matched-Cohort Study Based on Laboratory and Survey Data
Authors: Chen Yen-Chin , Chen Chang-Chun , Strollo Patrick J. , Li Chung-Yi , Ko Wen-Chien , Lin Cheng-Yu , Ko Nai-Ying
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Sleep disturbances are prevalent problems among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. The recognition of comorbid sleep disorders in patients with HIV is currently hampered by limited knowledge of sleep-related symptoms, sleep architecture, and types of sleep disorders in this population. We aimed to compare the differences in sleep-related symptoms and polysomnography-based sleep disorders between HIV-infected persons and controls. Methods: The study evaluated 170 men with a Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores greater than 5, including 44 HIV-infected men and 126 male controls who were frequency-matched by sex, age (±3.0 years) and BMI (±3.0 kg/m2). For all participants, an overnight sleep study using a Somte V1 monitor was conducted. Differences in sleep-related symptoms and sleep disorders between HIV-infected patients and controls were examined using t-tests or chi-square tests. Results: HIV-infected persons with sleep disturbances more often had psychological disturbances (72.7% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001) and suspected rapid eye movement behavior disorder (25.0% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.01) than controls. Sleep-disordered breathing was less common in HIV-infected persons than in controls (56.8% vs. 87.3%, p < 0.001). The mean percentage of rapid eye movement sleep was higher among HIV-infected patients than among controls (20.6% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001). Nocturia was more common in HIV-infected persons than in controls (40.9% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Psychological disturbances and sleep-disordered breathing can be possible explanations of sleep disturbances in HIV-infected persons in whom sleep-disordered breathing is notable. Further studies are warranted to examine the underlying factors of rapid eye movement behavior disorder among HIV-infected persons with sleep disturbances.
Effectiveness of Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Results of Our Study
Authors: Lukanović David , Kunič Tina , Batkoska Marija , Matjašič Miha , Barbič Matija
Published: November 2021

Urinary incontinence (UI) is becoming an increasingly common health problem. UI treatment can be conservative or surgical. This paper focuses on the effectiveness of magnetic stimulation (MS) in the treatment of UI. We performed a systematic review in order to combine and compare results with results from our clinical study. A clinical prospective non-randomized study was carried out at the Ljubljana University Medical Center’s Gynecology Division. It included 82 randomly selected female patients, irrespective of their UI type. The success rate of using MS in treating UI was based on standardized ICIQ-UI SF questionnaires. Patients completed 10 therapy sessions on MS, and follow-up was performed 3 months after the last therapy session. UI improved after treatment with MS. The ICIQ-UI SF score improved in patients regardless of the type of UI. However, the greatest decrease in post-treatment assessment ICIQ-UI SF scores was seen in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Based on the findings described above, it can be concluded that MS is a successful non-invasive conservative method for treating UI. Future studies are necessary, all of which should include a large sample size, a control group, an optimal research protocol, pre-treatment analyses, standardization, and longer follow-ups.
Influence of Asphaltenes on the Low-Sulphur Residual Marine Fuels’ Stability
Authors: Smyshlyaeva Ksenia I. , Rudko Viacheslav A. , Povarov Vladimir G. , Shaidulina Alina A. , Efimov Ignaty , Gabdulkhakov Renat R. , Pyagay Igor N. , Speight James G.
Published: November 2021

The effects of asphaltenes from two heavy oil residues on the sedimentation stability of residual marine fuels were assessed and compared. As base components of residual marine fuels, the vacuum residue (VacRes) and visbreaking residue (VisRes) were taken. The heptane-insoluble fractions (HI-fractions), including asphaltenes, isolated from vacuum residue and visbreaking residue, were analyzed to determine the elemental composition (XRF) and cluster parameters (XRD). The results of the analysis of the parameters of the asphaltene cluster (HI-fraction) for vacuum residue and visbreaking residue showed that dγ – 6.1 and 5.9 Å, Lc – 26.72 and 20.78 Å, and La – 7.68 and 7.20 Å. The sedimentation stability of residual marine fuel was determined according to the ISO 10307-1-2009 (TSA) method and described using ternary phase diagrams. The ratio of stable compositions to the total number of possible compositions (with a step of 10 wt%) was 65/66 or 98.5% for residual marine fuel comprising a mixture VacRes/ULSD/LCGO (vacuum residue/ultra-low sulphur diesel/light catalytic gas oil). Meanwhile, the ratio of stable compositions to the total number of possible compositions was 38/66 or 57.6% for residual marine fuel comprising a mixture VisRes/ULSD/LCGO (visbreaking residue/ultra-low sulphur diesel/light catalytic gas oil).
Photodegradation of Flucetosulfuron, a Sulfonylurea-Based Herbicide in the Aqueous Media Is Influenced by Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Goon Arnab , Bhattacharyya Arijita , Ghosh Bappa , Rakshit Rajiv , Das Anupam , Choudury Suborna Roy , Kundu Chiranjit , Ganguly Pritam , Hossain Akbar
Published: November 2021

Photodegradation (photolysis) causes the breakdown of organic pesticides molecules by direct or indirect solar radiation energy. Flucetosulfuron herbicide often encounters water bodies. For this reason, it is important to know the behavior of the compound under these stressed conditions. In this context, photodegradation of flucetosulfuron, a sulfonylurea-based herbicide, has been assessed in aqueous media in the presence of photocatalyst TiO2 and photosensitizers (i.e., H2O2, humic acid, and KNO3) under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The influence of different water systems was also assessed during the photodegradation study. The photodegradation followed the first-order reaction kinetics in each case. The metabolites after photolysis were isolated in pure form by column chromatographic method and characterized using the different spectral data (i.e., XRD, IR, NMR, UV-VIS, and mass spectrometry). The structures of these metabolites were identified based on the spectral data and the plausible photodegradation pathways of flucetosulfuron were suggested. Based on the findings, photocatalyst TiO2 with the presence of ultraviolet irradiation was found effective for the photodegradation of toxic flucetosulfuron residues under aqueous conditions.
Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of the Salmeterol/Fluticasone Fixed-Dose Combination Delivered via the Elpenhaler® Device in Greek Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Comorbidities: The AEOLOS Study
Authors: Steiropoulos Paschalis , Tryfon Stavros , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Bartziokas Konstantinos , Kostikas Konstantinos
Published: November 2021

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not completely reversible. The fixed-dose combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SFC) has been approved as a treatment for COPD patients with a history of recurrent exacerbations and significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator therapy. In the present study, we evaluated the change in FEV1, mMRC dyspnea score and satisfaction in COPD patients with at least one comorbidity versus those without comorbidities treated with a fixed-dose SFC via the Elpenhaler® device for 12 months. Methods: A 12-month multicenter prospective, observational study (NCT02978703) was designed. Data were collected during the enrollment visit (V0) and six (V1) and twelve months (V2) after the initiation of treatment with Elpenhaler® SFC. The evaluation of the efficacy of the fixed-dose SFC was performed by assessing the change in lung function and dyspnea as expressed by FEV1 and the mMRC dyspnea scale score in COPD patients with and without comorbidities. Results: In total 1016 patients were enrolled, following usual daily clinical practice. A statistically significant improvement was observed in FEV1 in the total study population between visits V0, V1 and V2, with a change from the baseline at V1 0.15 ± 0.22 L and at V2 0.21 ± 0.25 L (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). This improvement was exhibited regardless of the COPD severity at the baseline, being more noticeable in GOLD 2020 groups B and C. Similarly, a significant improvement was observed in mMRC dyspnea scale values between successive visits (p < 0.0001). In patients without comorbidities, there was a significant improvement in FEV1 of 0.19 ± 0.24 L at V1 and 0.28 ± 0.27 L at V2 (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons), as well as in the mMRC dyspnea score (p < 0.0001). In patients with at least one comorbidity, a corresponding but smaller improvement in FEV1 was observed (0.11 ± 0.34 L at V1 and 0.20 ± 0.42 L at V2; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons and in the mMRC score (p < 0.0001). In the multiple linear regression analysis BMI, GOLD 2020 groups, mMRC and the presence of comorbidities at the baseline were significant factors for the change of FEV1 between V0 and V2. Conclusions: COPD patients treated for twelve months with SFC via the Elpenhaler® device showed significant improvement in lung function and dyspnea at 6 and 12 months, irrespective of the presence of comorbidities.
Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Eye Disease: A Step Closer to Precision Medicine
Authors: Kalra Gagan , Kar Sudeshna Sil , Sevgi Duriye Damla , Madabhushi Anant , Srivastava Sunil K. , Ehlers Justis P.
Published: November 2021

The management of retinal diseases relies heavily on digital imaging data, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA). Targeted feature extraction and the objective quantification of features provide important opportunities in biomarker discovery, disease burden assessment, and predicting treatment response. Additional important advantages include increased objectivity in interpretation, longitudinal tracking, and ability to incorporate computational models to create automated diagnostic and clinical decision support systems. Advances in computational technology, including deep learning and radiomics, open new doors for developing an imaging phenotype that may provide in-depth personalized disease characterization and enhance opportunities in precision medicine. In this review, we summarize current quantitative and radiomic imaging biomarkers described in the literature for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease using imaging modalities such as OCT, FA, and OCT angiography (OCTA). Various approaches used to identify and extract these biomarkers that utilize artificial intelligence and deep learning are also summarized in this review. These quantifiable biomarkers and automated approaches have unleashed new frontiers of personalized medicine where treatments are tailored, based on patient-specific longitudinally trackable biomarkers, and response monitoring can be achieved with a high degree of accuracy.
The Nexus among Competitively Valued Exchange Rates, Price Level, and Growth Performance in the Turkish Economy; New Insight from the Global Value Chains
Authors: Shuabiu Umar Aliyu , Usman Mohammed A. M. , Çavuşoğlu Behiye
Published: November 2021

Currently, global value chains (GVCs) are increasingly shaping the global economy, covering a growing share of international trade, GDP, and employment globally. Global trade is impacted by the emergence of GVCs in areas as diverse as commodities, electronics, and business service outsourcing, among other areas, since the countries involved in the GVCs hold some value(s) and benefit(s) from the exports of the finished product. In this study, the nexus among Competitively Valued Exchange Rates, Price level, and Growth Performance in the Turkish Economy; New insight from the GVCs is investigated using annual data from 1980 to 2020 within the framework of the ARDL bound test, Bayer and Hanck Cointegration (BHC) test, and ECM. The study results revealed that the relationship among real effective exchange rate, exports, and imports induced economic performance and external trade competitiveness particularly when directed at GVCs in both the short and long run. The study recommends that policies enhancing a 10% equilibrium convergence are required annually to competitively minimize the dependence on foreign value-added inputs by importing only world-class inputs for value addition and exports benefits in the competitive GVCs world. Furthermore, monetary policy, GVCs, and economic growth should be investigated.
Optimization of a Portfolio of Investment Projects: A Real Options Approach Using the Omega Measure
Authors: Castro Javier , Tito Edison , Brandão Luiz
Published: November 2021

Investment decisions usually involve the assessment of more than one financial asset or investment project (real asset). The most appropriate way to analyze the viability of a real asset is not to study it in isolation but as part of a portfolio with correlations between the input variables of the projects. This study proposes an optimization methodology for a portfolio of investment projects with real options based on maximizing the Omega performance measure. The classic portfolio optimization methodology uses the Sharpe ratio as the objective function, which is a function of the mean-variance of the returns of the portfolio distribution. The advantage of using Omega as an objective function is that it takes into account all moments of the portfolio’s distribution of returns or net present values (NPVs), not restricting the analysis to its mean and variance. We present an example to illustrate the proposed methodology, using the Monte Carlo simulation as the main tool due to its high flexibility in modeling uncertainties. The results show that the best risk-return ratio is obtained by optimizing the Omega measure.
Volatility Spillover Dynamics between Large-, Mid-, and Small-Cap Stocks in the Time-Frequency Domain: Implications for Portfolio Management
Authors: Jena Sangram Keshari , Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Dash Ashutosh , Aikins Abakah Emmanuel Joel
Published: November 2021

The connectedness dynamics between large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks is investigated using the forecasted error variance decomposition (FEVD) spillover framework of Diebold and Yilmaz in the time-frequency domain. Total volatility spillover (i.e., connectedness) is elevated between large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks during the study period. This high level of spillover exists in the short run only, and declines gradually in the medium to long run, thus providing opportunities for portfolio diversification (hedging) in multi-cap investing during the medium-to-long run (short run) only. Like total connectedness, a similar pattern of bilateral connectedness is observed between either of the two indices, thus providing a similar opportunity in the short and long runs. The mid-cap index emerges as the major contributor to total volatility in the system, followed by the small- and large-cap indices, during the analyzed period. The volatility spillover is time-varying in both the time and frequency domains.
Blockchain Technology Adoption in Supply Chain Finance
Authors: Rijanto Arief
Published: November 2021

Supply Chain Finance (SCF) faces the complex problem of implementing inventory, purchase order and accounts receivable financing automation in terms of transaction data trust and validation. This paper aims to explore how blockchain technology adoption solves the SCF problem using a multi-case method based on the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM). With purposive sampling, 30 cases were selected on the criteria of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in solving SCF problems. The results show that trust, validity and distributed ledger transaction data as perceived usefulness are the main drivers of blockchain adoption because it provides solutions to SCF automation problems such as Know Your Customer (KYC), accounting, and transaction settlement. Smart contracts offer easy and fast transactions such as in L/C export processing as perceived ease to use. Of the 30 blockchain projects, 21 offer the usefulness of automated accounts receivable financing, 15 offer easy-to-use purchase order financing and 8 offer easy-to-use inventory financing processes. This study provides the current state of blockchain technology adoption by exploring 30 real application cases in SCF globally. Blockchain advantages provide automation solutions in global supply SCF practices with smart contracts, transparency and security of distributed ledger data feature.
CRISPRi as a Tool to Repress Multiple Copies of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS)-Related Genes in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Santos Marina , Pacheco Catarina C. , Yao Lun , Hudson Elton P. , Tamagnini Paula
Published: November 2021

The use of the versatile cyanobacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) for biotechnological/biomedical applications implies an extensive knowledge of their biosynthetic pathways to improve/control polymer production yields and characteristics. The multiple copies of EPS-related genes, scattered throughout cyanobacterial genomes, adds another layer of complexity, making these studies challenging and time-consuming. Usually, this issue would be tackled by generating deletion mutants, a process that in cyanobacteria is also hindered by the polyploidy. Thus, the use of the CRISPRi multiplex system constitutes an efficient approach to addressing this redundancy. Here, three putative Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 kpsM homologues (slr0977, slr2107, and sll0574) were repressed using this methodology. The characterization of the 3-sgRNA mutant in terms of fitness/growth and total carbohydrates, released and capsular polysaccharides, and its comparison with previously generated single knockout mutants pointed towards Slr0977 being the key KpsM player in Synechocystis EPS production. This work validates CRISPRi as a powerful tool to unravel cyanobacterial complex EPS biosynthetic pathways expediting this type of studies.