bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific Relationships and Nest Mound Shape Are Affected by Habitat Features in Introduced Populations of the Red Wood Ant Formica paralugubris
Authors: Frizzi Filippo , Masoni Alberto , Santedicola Margherita , Servini Martina , Simoncini Nicola , Palmieri Jessica , Santini Giacomo
Published: February 2022

Ants belonging to the Formica rufa group build large nest mounds, which aid their survival during severe winters. We investigated whether different environmental features of the habitats affected the nest mound shape and the population structure. We assessed the shape of all the nest mounds and mapped inter-nest trails connecting mounds for three imported populations of Formica paralugubris in three forest habitats: fir-dominated, beech-dominated, and a mixture of fir and beech. Single-nest mounds were averagely smaller and flatter in the beech-dominated forest, probably because of lighter building materials. Nonetheless, by summing the volumes of all interconnected nests, the size was similar among all three sites. In fir- and beech-dominated forests, large nests were also central in the networks, suggesting a central place foraging model with these nests as reference. We finally performed aggression tests, and found that aggressiveness was significantly higher among nests belonging to the same population than between populations. The results highlight the plasticity of the species to adapt nest and colony structure to different environments. Additionally, it appears that none of these populations is unicolonial, as observed in various alpine sites, there and the observed patterns of aggression are coherent with the ‘nasty neighbor’ effect.
Structural Stability Analysis of Proteins Using End-to-End Distance: A 3D-RISM Approach
Authors: Maruyama Yutaka , Mitsutake Ayori
Published: February 2022

The stability of a protein is determined from its properties and surrounding solvent. In our previous study, the total energy as a sum of the conformational and solvation free energies was demonstrated to be an appropriate energy function for evaluating the stability of a protein in a protein folding system. We plotted the various energies against the root mean square deviation, required as a reference structure. Herein, we replotted the various energies against the end-to-end distance between the N- and C-termini, which is not a required reference and is experimentally measurable. The solvation free energies for all proteins tend to be low as the end-to-end distance increases, whereas the conformational energies tend to be low as the end-to-end distance decreases. The end-to-end distance is one of interesting measures to study the behavior of proteins.
Initial Experience to Follow Lung Fluid Levels during Hemodialysis: A Possibility of Remote Dielectric Sensing-Guided Hemodialysis
Authors: Fujioka Hayato , Imamura Teruhiko , Koike Tsutomu , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: February 2022

Remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) is a novel technology that noninvasively quantifies lung fluid levels. Trends in ReDS values following hemodialysis remain uninvestigated. In a 64-year-old man with clinically stable hemodynamics, 2.7 L of fluid was drained during hemodialysis whereas the ReDS value remained almost unchanged (from 32 to 30%). In a 60-year-old woman with unstable hemodynamics, only 1.8 L of fluid was drained during hemodialysis, whereas ReDS value decreased considerably from 37 to 27%. Given our initial experience measuring ReDS values during hemodialysis, the ratio of fluid removal by hemodialysis between systemic plasma and lung fluid might vary in each patient. ReDS value might be a promising marker to determine the degree of fluid removal in addition to the conventional multidisciplinary index, particularly for those with unstable hemodynamics. The implications of ReDS-guided hemodialysis remain a future concern.
Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions as New Biomarkers in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Damar İbrahim Halil , Eroz Recep
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an inflammatory disease in which neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes accumulate in the ischemic myocardium and have important functions. Nucleolar-organizing regions (NORs) are the site of the ribosomal genes composed of ribosomal DNA and proteins. We aimed to evaluate AgNOR proteins, which have never been studied in patients with STEMI in the literature. (2) Methods: A total of 140 participants (75 with STEMI and 65 volunteers without any diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome) were included in this study. Echocardiography was carried out, and mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA) were evaluated for all individuals. (3) Results: The mean AgNOR number and TAA/TNA ratio were significantly higher in the STEMI group than the control (p < 0.001). Statistically significant relations between both TAA/TNA ratio and mean AgNOR number and interventricular septal thickness, fasting blood sugar, creatinine, HDL, hemoglobin (g/dL), WBC (µL/mL), monocytes, neutrophils, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were detected (p < 0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant relation between LDL (mg/dL) and mean AgNOR number (p = 0.005) was detected. (4) Conclusion: Both AgNOR protein amounts increase depending on the hypoxia that occurs in STEMI. The AgNOR proteins may thus be promising markers in STEMI.
Access Site Bleeding Complications with NOACs versus VKAs in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Cardiac Implantable Device Intervention
Authors: Spinoni Enrico Guido , Ghiglieno Chiara , Costantino Simona , Battistini Eleonora , Dell’Era Gabriele , Porcellini Stefano , Santagostino Matteo , De Vecchi Federica , Renda Giulia , Patti Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

There are no data on procedure-related bleeding outcome with non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOACs) versus vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (VKAs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) intervention. Our aim was to evaluate whether NOACs have a safety benefit even in terms of fewer hemorrhagic complications at the site of CIED implant. Consecutive AF patients receiving NOACs or VKAs at the time of CIED procedure were included in this observational, retrospective, and monocentric investigation. Primary endpoint was the incidence of post-intervention pocket hematoma. A total of 311 patients were enrolled, 146 on NOACs, and 165 on VKAs. The incidence of pocket hematoma was 3.4% in the NOAC versus 13.3% in the VKA group (p = 0.002). Primary outcome-free survival at 30-days was 96.6% in patients on NOACs and 86.0% in those on VKAs (p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis, adjusted by propensity-score calculation of inverse-probability-weighting, showed a significantly lower occurrence of pocket hematoma in patients receiving NOACs versus VKAs (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13–0.96, p = 0.042). Such NOACs benefit was confirmed versus patients on VKAs without peri-procedural bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.11–0.99, p = 0.048). The incidence of pocket infection, surgical pocket evacuation, ischemic events, and major bleeding complications at 30 days (secondary endpoints) was similar in the two groups. In conclusion, our data suggest that, among patients with AF undergoing implantable cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker intervention, the use of NOACs versus VKAs may be associated with significant reduction of post-procedural pocket hematoma, regardless of bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin in the VKA group. These results are hypothesis generating and need to be confirmed in a specific randomized study.
Dynamic Trend of Myocardial Edema in Takotsubo Syndrome: A Serial Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Kato Ken , Daimon Michiko , Sano Masanori , Matsuno Koki , Sakai Yoshiaki , Ishibashi Iwao , Kadohira Tadayuki , Matsumoto Koji , Masuda Yoshitada , Uno Takashi , Ghadri Jelena-Rima , Templin Christian , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: February 2022

Background: The wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle (LV) in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) are known to be transient and completely recover within a few weeks. However, there is little information about the relationship between functional recovery and tissue characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the recovery process of TTS using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods: Consecutive patients with TTS were prospectively enrolled. We performed serial CMR in the acute phase (<72 h after admission), the subacute phase (7–10 days after admission) and the chronic phase (3 months later). To assess the degree of myocardial edema quantitatively, we evaluated the signal intensity of myocardium on T2-weighted images and calculated the signal intensity ratio compared with the skeletal muscle. Results: Fifteen patients with TTS were enrolled. CMR demonstrated reduced LV ejection fraction in the acute phase, and it recovered almost completely by the subacute phase. On the other hand, severe myocardial edema was still observed in the subacute phase, associated with increased LV mass. The highest signal intensity ratio in the subacute phase was correlated with the maximum voltage of negative T wave on electrocardiogram (r = 0.57, p = 0.03). Conclusions: In patients with TTS, myocardial edema associated with increased LV mass still remained in the subacute phase despite functional recovery of the LV. Electrocardiogram may be useful to assess the degree of myocardial edema in the subacute phase. Our study suggests that myocardial ischemia might have a central role in developing TTS.
Temporal Trends of Major Bleeding and Its Prediction by the Academic Research Consortium-High Bleeding Risk Criteria in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Byun Sungwook , Choo Eun Ho , Oh Gyu-Chul , Lim Sungmin , Choi Ik Jun , Lee Kwan Yong , Lee Su Nam , Hwang Byung-Hee , Kim Chan Joon , Park Mahn-Won , Park Chul Soo , Kim Hee-Yeol , Yoo Ki-Dong , Jeon Doo Soo , Youn Ho Joong , Chung Wook Sung , Kim Min Chul , Jeong Myung Ho , Yim Hyeon-Woo , Ahn Youngkeun , Chang Kiyuk
Published: February 2022

Limited data exist on the temporal trend of major bleeding and its prediction by the Academic Research Consortium-High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) criteria in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated 10-year trends of major bleeding and predictive ability of the ARC-HBR criteria in AMI patients. In a multicenter registry of 10,291 AMI patients undergoing PCI between 2004 and 2014 the incidence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3 and 5 bleeding was assessed, and, outcomes in ARC-defined HBR patients with AMI were compared with those in non-HBR. The primary outcome was BARC 3 and 5 bleeding at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. The annual incidence of BARC 3 and 5 bleeding in the AMI population has increased over the years (1.8% to 5.8%; p < 0.001). At 1 year, ARC-defined HBR (n = 3371, 32.8%) had significantly higher incidence of BARC 3 and 5 bleeding (9.8% vs. 2.9%; p < 0.001), all-cause mortality (22.8% vs. 4.3%; p < 0.001) and composite of ischemic events (22.6% vs. 5.8%; p < 0.001) compared to non-HBR. During the past decade, the incidence of major bleeding in the AMI population has increased. The ARC-HBR criteria provided reliable predictions for major bleeding, mortality, and ischemic events in AMI patients.
Chronic Pain in Spanish Wildland Firefighters
Authors: García-Heras Fabio , Gutiérrez-Arroyo Jorge , León-Guereño Patxi , Carballo-Leyenda Belén , Rodríguez-Marroyo Jose A.
Published: February 2022

The work performed by wildland firefighters (WFFs) is very demanding owing to the conditions in which they have to operate. It has been reported that these professionals walk long distances over unstable and steep terrain carrying heavy loads, handle tools manually and repeatedly and are subject to a high level of thermal stress. Under such conditions, the risk of developing chronic pain (CP) is high, although despite this, there are no available data pertaining to CP among WFFs, to the best of our knowledge. As such, the aim of this study is to describe CP in Spanish helitack crews, for which purpose 221 WFFs (203 men and 18 women) completed an online self-report questionnaire. Approximately 60% of WFFs reported suffering from CP, of which 45.5% had CP in more than one body region at the same time. Age and length of service were associated with the probability of suffering from CP. Likewise, the age and height of WFFs and weight of the protective equipment used increased the prevalence of CP. Lastly, gender and job position affected CP location, with women and forepersons reporting greater prevalence of CP in the lower limbs. To conclude, the results obtained suggest the major prevalence of CP among Spanish WFFs, with current data suggesting in turn the importance that age, stature, gender, length of service, weight of protective equipment and job position have on the prevalence and location of CP.
Mortality Predictive Value of the C2HEST Score in Elderly Subjects with COVID-19—A Subanalysis of the COLOS Study
Authors: Rola Piotr , Doroszko Adrian , Trocha Małgorzata , Giniewicz Katarzyna , Kujawa Krzysztof , Skarupski Marek , Gawryś Jakub , Matys Tomasz , Szahidewicz-Krupska Ewa , Gajecki Damian , Adamik Barbara , Kaliszewski Krzysztof , Kilis-Pstrusinska Katarzyna , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Matera-Witkiewicz Agnieszka , Pomorski Michał , Protasiewicz Marcin , Majchrzak Konrad , Sokołowski Janusz , Jankowska Ewa Anita , Madziarska Katarzyna
Published: February 2022

Senility has been identified among the strongest risk predictors for unfavorable COVID-19-outcome. However, even in the elderly population, the clinical course of infection in individual patients remains unpredictable. Hence, there is an urgent need for developing a simple tool predicting adverse COVID-19-outcomes. We assumed that the C2HEST-score could predict unfavorable clinical outcomes in the elderly subjects with COVID-19-subjects. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1047 medical records of patients at age > 65 years, hospitalized at the medical university center due to COVID-19. Subsequently, patients were divided into three categories depending on their C2HEST-score result. Results: We noticed significant differences in the in-hospital and 3-month and 6-month mortality-which was the highest in high-risk-C2HEST-stratum reaching 35.7%, 54.4%, and 65.9%, respectively. The medium-risk-stratum mortalities reached 24.1% 43.4%, and 57.6% and for low-risk-stratum 14.4%, 25.8%, and 39.2% respectively. In the C2HEST-score model, a change from the low to the medium category increased the probability of death intensity approximately two-times. Subsequently, transfer from the low-risk to the high-risk-stratum raised all-cause-death-intensity 2.7-times. Analysis of the secondary outcomes revealed that the C2HEST-score has predictive value for acute kidney injury, acute heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. Conclusions: C2HEST-score analysis on admission to the hospital may predict the mortality, acute kidney injury, and acute heart failure in elderly subjects with COVID-19.
Neurostimulation in People with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials—Part II: Brain Neurostimulation
Authors: Speyer Renée , Sutt Anna-Liisa , Bergström Liza , Hamdy Shaheen , Pommée Timothy , Balaguer Mathieu , Kaale Anett , Cordier Reinie
Published: February 2022

Objective. To assess the effects of brain neurostimulation (i.e., repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation [rTMS] and transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS]) in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Methods. Systematic literature searches were conducted in four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed) to retrieve randomised controlled trials (RCTs) only. Using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2), the methodological quality of included studies was evaluated, after which meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Results. In total, 24 studies reporting on brain neurostimulation were included: 11 studies on rTMS, 9 studies on tDCS, and 4 studies on combined neurostimulation interventions. Overall, within-group meta-analysis and between-group analysis for rTMS identified significant large and small effects in favour of stimulation, respectively. For tDCS, overall within-group analysis and between-group analysis identified significant large and moderate effects in favour of stimulation, respectively. Conclusion. Both rTMS and tDCS show promising effects in people with oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, comparisons between studies were challenging due to high heterogeneity in stimulation protocols and experimental parameters, potential moderators, and inconsistent methodological reporting. Generalisations of meta-analyses need to be interpreted with care. Future research should include large RCTs using standard protocols and reporting guidelines as achieved by international consensus.
Selective Forms of Therapy in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Kofla-Dłubacz Anna , Akutko Katarzyna , Krzesiek Elżbieta , Jamer Tatiana , Braksator Joanna , Grębska Paula , Pytrus Tomasz , Stawarski Andrzej
Published: February 2022

Selective interference with the functioning of the immune system consisting of the selective blockade of pro-inflammatory factors is a modern, promising, and developing strategy for the treatment of diseases resulting from dysregulation of the immune system, including inflammatory bowel disease. Inhibition of the TNF alpha pathway, group 12/23 cytokines, and lymphocyte migration is used in the treatment of severe or moderate ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Intracellular signal transduction by influencing the phosphorylation of SAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) proteins remains in clinical trials.
Proteomics-Based Serum Alterations of the Human Protein Expression after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Pilot Study for Prognostication of Survivors vs. Non-Survivors at Day 1 after Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
Authors: Hinkelbein Jochen , Kolaparambil Varghese Johnson Lydia , Kiselev Nikolai , Schmitz Jan , Hellmich Martin , Drinhaus Hendrik , Lichtenstein Theresa , Storm Christian , Adler Christoph
Published: February 2022

Background: Targeted temperature management (TTM) is considered standard therapy for patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). To date, valid protein markers do not exist to prognosticate survivors and non-survivors before the end of TTM. The aim of this study is to identify specific protein patterns/arrays, which are useful for prediction in the very early phase after ROSC. Material and Methods: A total of 20 adult patients with ROSC (19 male, 1 female; 69.9 ± 9.5 years) were included and dichotomized in two groups (survivors and non-survivors at day 30). Serum samples were drawn at day 1 after ROSC (during TTM). Three panels (organ failure, metabolic, neurology, inflammation; OLINK, Uppsala, Sweden) were utilised. A total of four proteins were found to be differentially regulated (>2- or <−0.5-fold decrease; t-test). Bioinformatic platforms were utilised to analyse pathways and identify signalling cascades and to screen for potential biomarkers. Results: A total of 276 proteins were analysed and revealed only 11 statistically significant protein alterations (Siglec-9, LAYN, SKR3, JAM-B, N2DL-2, TNF-B, BAMBI, NUCB2, STX8, PTK7, and PVLAB). Following the Bonferroni correction, no proteins were found to be regulated as statistically significant. Concerning the protein fold change for clinical significance, four proteins (IL-1 alpha, N-CDase, IL5, CRH) were found to be regulated in a clinically relevant context. Conclusions: Early analysis at 1 day after ROSC was not sufficiently possible during TTM to prognosticate survival or non-survival after OHCA. Future studies should evaluate protein expression later in the course after ROSC to identify promising protein candidates.
Why Was the Perception of Human Rights Respect and Care Satisfaction So High in Users of Italian Mental Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Carta Mauro , Sancassiani Federica , Ganassi Ruben , Melis Paola , D’Oca Silvia , Atzeni Michela , Velluzzi Fermanda , Ferreli Caterina , Atzori Laura , Aviles-Gonzales Cesar , Serrentino Maria , Angermeyer Matthias , Cossu Giulia
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to compare users’ and mental health workers’ (MHW) perception of respect of human rights and job/care satisfaction in mental health services in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of users and MHW of Sardinia, Italy, fulfilled the “Well-Being at work and respect for human rights questionnaire” (WWRR). The study included 240 MHW and 200 users. Users showed a higher level of satisfaction of care than MHW of work, and a higher perception of the satisfaction of users and human rights respected for health workers. Both user and MHW responses were about 85% of the maximum score, except for satisfaction with resources. Responses were higher for users, but users and MHW both showed high levels of satisfaction. In previous surveys, MHW of Sardinia showed higher scores in all items of WWRR, except for satisfaction with resources, compared with workers from other health sectors of the same region, and with MHW from other countries. The low score for satisfaction with resources (in users and staff) is consistent with a progressive impoverishment of resources for mental health care in Italy. The study, although confirming the validity of the Italian model, fully oriented towards community, sets off an alarm bell on the risks resulting from the decrease in resources.
Biliary Atresia in 2021: Epidemiology, Screening and Public Policy
Authors: Schreiber Richard A. , Harpavat Sanjiv , Hulscher Jan B. F. , Wildhaber Barbara E.
Published: February 2022

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare newborn liver disease with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if not recognized and treated early in life. It is the most common cause of liver-related death in children and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the pediatric population. Timely intervention with a Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) can significantly improve prognosis. Delayed disease recognition, late patient referral, and untimely surgery remains a worldwide problem. This article will focus on biliary atresia from a global public health perspective, including disease epidemiology, current national screening programs, and their impact on outcome, as well as new and novel BA screening initiatives. Policy challenges for the implementation of BA screening programs will also be discussed, highlighting examples from the North American, European, and Asian experience.
Security Perception of IoT Devices in Smart Homes
Authors: Nemec Zlatolas Lili , Feher Nataša , Hölbl Marko
Published: February 2022

IoT devices are used frequently in smart homes. To better understand how users perceive the security of IoT devices in their smart homes, a model was developed and tested with multiple linear regression. A total of 306 participants participated in the survey with measurement items, out of which 121 had already been using IoT devices in their smart homes. The results show that users’ awareness of data breaches, ransomware attacks, personal information access breaches, and device vulnerabilities have an effect on IoT security importance. On the other hand, users often do not check their security settings and feel safe while using IoT devices. This paper provides an overview of users’ perception of security while using IoT devices, and can help developers build better devices and help raise awareness of security among users.
Maltodextrin Moderated Microwave Osmotic Dehydration of Mango Cubes with Finish Air-Drying: Optimum Considerations
Authors: Shinde Bhakti , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: February 2022

The microwave osmotic dehydration of mango cubes under the continuous flow of maltodextrin moderated sucrose solution spray (MWODS) was evaluated based on the quality of the finish air-dried product. Experiments were designed according to a central composite rotatable design to evaluate the effect of maltodextrin moderated sucrose solution [sucrose + maltodextrin (10DE) at a proportion of 85:15] on the finish air-dried product. The process variables were temperature (30 to 70 °C), solute concentration (30 to 70%), contact time (10 to 50 min) and flow rate (0.8 to 3.8 L/min). The optimum processing conditions were determined based on several processes and product-related quality parameters such as moisture loss (ML), solids gain (SG), weight gain, ML/SG, color, texture, rehydration capacity (RHC), bulk density and drying time. The MWODS contact time was the largest significant contributor with respect to most of the parameters, followed by temperature. The optimum values found were an osmotic treatment temperature of 51.7 °C, a solute concentration of 58.5%, a contact time of 30.6 min and a solution flow rate of 1.8 L/min. Finally, these optimized processing conditions were used to compare three different solute mixtures [sucrose only, sucrose + dextrose and sucrose + maltodextrin (10DE) at a ratio of 85:15%] to understand the effect of various solutes on the quality of the finished dried product. Based on the color and textural parameters, along with the RHC, of the finished product, the sucrose + maltodextrin mixture was shown to result in the most desirable quality and the air-dried product without MWODS pretreatment (control) resulted in the least desirable. Overall, the results suggest that the sucrose + maltodextrin combination offered an advantage in terms of quality for the MWODS air-drying of mango cubes.
The Variance of the Polypropylene α Relaxation Temperature in iPP/a-PP-pPBMA/Mica Composites
Authors: García-Martínez Jesús-María , Collar Emilia P.
Published: February 2022

By considering that the α relaxation related to the glass to rubber transition (obtained by dynamic mechanical analysis) of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) can be identified with the thermal history of the material (and so, with the processing step), this work deals with the changes in this transition temperature (Tα) in polypropylene/mica composites caused by the mutual effect of the other components (mica and interfacial additive). Here, the additive used is a p-phenylen-bis-maleamic grafted atactic polypropylene (aPP-pPBMA) obtained from polymerization wastes (aPP) by the authors. This additive contains 5.0·10−4 g.mol−1 (15% w/w) grafted pPBMA. In essence, this article has two different objectives: (1) To observe and discuss the changes in Tα of the polymer matrix (iPP) caused by the combined effect of the other components (mica and aPP-pPBMA); and (2) predicting the values for Tα in terms of both aPP-pPBMA and mica content for whatever composition in the experimental space scanned. This task was undertaken by employing a Box–Wilson experimental design assuming the complex character of the interactions between the components of the iPP/aPP-pPBMA/mica system, which define the ultimate properties of the composite.
Citizen Science Helps in Tracking the Range Expansions of Non-Indigenous and Neo-Native Species in Greece and Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Langeneck Joachim , Minasidis Vasileios , Doumpas Nikolaos , Giovos Ioannis , Kaminas Alexandros , Kleitou Periklis , Tiralongo Francesco , Crocetta Fabio
Published: February 2022

Raising knowledge of the dispersal of non-indigenous species (NIS) in new geographic areas is a matter of major concern, as alien species may outcompete the native biota through competition, predation, and hybridization. In the Mediterranean Sea, where biological invasions constitute a serious threat, the combined use of citizen science and social networks amplified the results obtained via traditional research activities, often recording species that would otherwise presumably have passed unnoticed. We hereby report unpublished data for five NIS (the annelid Branchiomma luctuosum, the shrimp Saron marmoratus and the fishes Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Oxyurichthys petersii, and specimens of the group of Abudefduf saxatilis/vaigiensis/troschelii) and one neo-native species (Seriola fasciata) in Greece and Cyprus (eastern Mediterranean Sea), the majority of which were obtained via a focused citizen-science project and constitute new records at a country level. We also revise and update their known distribution in the invaded area, thus contributing to the study of large-scale and well-defined distributional patterns of alien species spreading in the Mediterranean Sea.
Surface Water Salinity Evaluation and Identification for Using Remote Sensing Data and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Borovskaya Raisa , Krivoguz Denis , Chernyi Sergei , Kozhurin Efim , Khorosheltseva Victoria , Zinchenko Elena
Published: February 2022

Knowledge of the spatio-temporal distribution of salinity provides valuable information for understanding different processes between biota and environment, especially in hypersaline lakes. Remote sensing techniques have been used for monitoring different components of the environment. Currently, one of the biggest challenges is the spatio-temporal monitoring of the salinity level in water bodies. Due to some limitations, such as the inability to be located there permanently, it is difficult to obtain these data directly. In this study, machine learning techniques were used to evaluate the salinity level in hypersaline East Sivash Bay. In total, 93 in situ data samples and 6 Sentinel-2 datasets were used, according to field measurements. Using linear regression, random forest and AdaBoost models, eight water salinity evaluation models were built (six with simple, one with random forest and one with AdaBoost). The accuracy of the best-fitted simple linear regression model was 0.8797; for random forest, it was equal, at 0.808, and for AdaBoost, it was −0.72. Furthermore, it was found that with an increase in salinity, the absorbing light shifts from the ultraviolet part of the spectrum to the infrared and short-wave infrared parts, which makes it possible to produce continuous monitoring of hypersaline water bodies using remote sensing data.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Diagnostics of Production Structures
Authors: Chernyi Sergei , Emelianov Vitalii , Zinchenko Elena , Zinchenko Anton , Tsvetkova Olga , Mishin Aleksandr
Published: February 2022

The paper presents that during the operation of torpedo ladle cars in metallurgical production, problems periodically arise with ensuring the safety of their use. The authors have highlighted the relevance and necessity of the solution to the problem of diagnosing the lining state of ladle cars to ensure their safe functioning. To solve the problem of diagnosing the lining state of ladle cars for the maritime industry, an algorithm for detecting burnout zones of a lining based on a neural network has been developed. The authors propose and describe a distributed multi-agent information control system for the operation of torpedo ladle cars. The results for detecting burnout zones of a lining by the standard system and newly developed system are presented. To automate assessing the lining state of the ladle car and support in making decisions regarding operation mode of the ladle cars, the software has been developed.
Modelling Salt Intrusion and Estuarine Plumes under Climate Change Scenarios in Two Transitional Ecosystems from the NW Atlantic Coast
Authors: Pereira Humberto , Sousa Magda C. , Vieira Luís R. , Morgado Fernando , Dias João M.
Published: February 2022

The Minho and Lima estuaries, separated by approximately 20 km, are two important transitional systems from the NW Atlantic Portuguese coast. Considering their contrasting characteristics, the present work aims to investigate climate change impacts in salt intrusion and estuarine plumes interaction, through an integrated hydrological characterization. The three-dimensional numerical model Delft3D was implemented to explore the hydrological response of these two systems taking into account their interaction. The model was applied to investigate two different climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5), where physical variables such as sea level and river outflow were varied following summer and winter conditions. The numerical results revealed typically estuarine hydrological patterns, although some different features were found for each estuary. The head and mouth of the estuaries may be the zones most affected by climate change. In the first zone, the salinity may increase in the future in response to freshwater reduction from the Minho and Lima rivers. Considering the cumulative impact of the sea level rise, the saline intrusion may increase in the future: in the Minho estuary it reaches 14 km for the Present scenario during the dry season, penetrating further under climate change conditions (15 km for the RCP 4.5 scenario, and 17 km for the RCP 8.5 scenario); in the Lima estuary, the salt propagates further inland, reaching 17 km for the Present scenario, 18 km for the RCP 4.5 scenario, and a maximum of 20 km for the RCP 8.5 scenario. In all scenarios, during winter conditions, the estuarine plumes are larger and wider, being predicted that in the future they will reduce their dimensions during the winter period, and remain unchanged during summertime. Concisely, this modelling study provided more expertise about the physical patterns of these two estuaries and their interaction, as well as to anticipate the climate change impacts in their dynamics.
Decision Support System for Technology Deployment Considering Emergent Behaviors in the Maritime Industry
Authors: Hiekata Kazuo , Zhao Zhinan
Published: February 2022

The maritime industry is trying to utilize new technology for enhancing its competitiveness to overcome today’s severe economic situation, and some interact effects, or potentially emergent effects, will emerge during the introduction of these technologies. In this study, various simulations that relate to marine logistics and shipping were performed. By contrast, a detailed method that can reproduce emergent effects is required to some extent. This study utilized a Monte Carlo simulation for uncertainties, such as market and failure uncertainties. To evaluate and explore the emergent effect correctly and accurately when multiple technologies are introduced, an evaluation methodology was developed, which can evaluate the interact effect from the perspective of profit improvement and CO2 reduction during the transportation period. As a case study, decision making for introducing 28 technology combinations to the maritime industry was conducted, and the utility of the proposed methodology was assessed.
A Novel Road Maintenance Prioritisation System Based on Computer Vision and Crowdsourced Reporting
Authors: Salcedo Edwin , Jaber Mona , Requena Carrión Jesús
Published: February 2022

The maintenance of critical infrastructure is a costly necessity that developing countries often struggle to deliver timely repairs. The transport system acts as the arteries of any economy in development, and the formation of potholes on roads can lead to injuries and the loss of lives. Recently, several countries have enabled pothole reporting platforms for their citizens, so that repair work data can be centralised and visible for everyone. Nevertheless, many of these platforms have been interrupted because of the rapid growth of requests made by users. Not only have these platforms failed to filter duplicate or fake reports, but they have also failed to classify their severity, albeit that this information would be key in prioritising repair work and improving the safety of roads. In this work, we aimed to develop a prioritisation system that combines deep learning models and traditional computer vision techniques to automate the analysis of road irregularities reported by citizens. The system consists of three main components. First, we propose a processing pipeline that segments road sections of repair requests with a UNet-based model that integrates a pretrained Resnet34 as the encoder. Second, we assessed the performance of two object detection architectures—EfficientDet and YOLOv5—in the task of road damage localisation and classification. Two public datasets, the Indian Driving Dataset (IDD) and the Road Damage Detection Dataset (RDD2020), were preprocessed and augmented to train and evaluate our segmentation and damage detection models. Third, we applied feature extraction and feature matching to find possible duplicated reports. The combination of these three approaches allowed us to cluster reports according to their location and severity using clustering techniques. The results showed that this approach is a promising direction for authorities to leverage limited road maintenance resources in an impactful and effective way.
Accuracy and Fluency Teaching and the Role of Extramural English: A Tale of Three Countries
Authors: Schurz Alexandra , Coumel Marion , Hüttner Julia
Published: February 2022

European learners of English are increasingly using this language recreationally, which is referred to as Extramural English (henceforth EE). The level of EE use in a given country might be reflected in English Language Teaching (ELT) practices. Yet, no research so far has examined cross-nationally what potential for language learning teachers perceive in their learners’ EE engagement and how this relates to ELT practices. To address this gap, the present study draws on interview data from lower secondary English teachers from Austria, France, and Sweden (n = 20). They were enquired about (1) their students’ EE engagement and its effects on learning, (2) their accuracy and fluency teaching methods, and (3) the perceived link between EE and ELT. Swedish teachers seemed to have a more positive and fine-grained conceptualization of the impact of EE on learning than Austrian and French participants, especially in terms of grammar acquisition. The implicit learning environment that Swedish students encounter extramurally might extend to the classroom, where the use of explicit grammar rules occurs less dominantly than in the Austrian and French samples. The countries converged in the type of fluency-based instruction they reported. Gaps in language areas not (fully) developed through EE seem to be more intentionally addressed in ELT in Sweden.
Reading in Language Introductory Program Classrooms in Sweden
Authors: Bomström Aho Erika
Published: February 2022

The ability to read is important for studies, work and social life, and therefore, reading needs to be central in all school subjects. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the factors that either facilitate or limit second-language students in a transitional program at an upper secondary school in Sweden in terms of their reading and reading comprehension skills. Observations of teacher-initiated reading practices and interviews with teachers about reading and texts, which were analyzed using Bernhardt’s compensatory model for second-language reading, show that all teachers highlight the importance of reading and the fact that reading in the subject they teach can help students to become competent readers of Swedish texts. Despite this, the amount of reading and processing of texts varies—in some classes, students do not read at all, and in other classes, they read a great deal. The only teacher who seems both to include the processing of texts and to choose texts that interest students is the teacher of Swedish as a Second Language (SSL).
Druggable Molecular Pathways in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Almasri Mohammad , Amer Marah , Ghanej Joseph , Mahmoud Abdurraouf Mokhtar , Gaidano Gianluca , Moia Riccardo
Published: February 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common type of leukemia in adults, is characterized by a high degree of clinical heterogeneity that is influenced by the disease’s molecular complexity. The genes most frequently affected in CLL cluster into specific biological pathways, including B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, apoptosis, NF-κB, and NOTCH1 signaling. BCR signaling and the apoptosis pathway have been exploited to design targeted medicines for CLL therapy. Consistently, molecules that selectively inhibit specific BCR components, namely Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) as well as inhibitors of BCL2, have revolutionized the therapeutic management of CLL patients. Several BTK inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors with different modes of action are currently used or are in development in advanced stage clinical trials. Moreover, the restoration of apoptosis by the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax offers meaningful clinical activity with a fixed-duration scheme. Inhibitors of the BCR and of BCL2 are able to overcome the chemorefractoriness associated with high-risk genetic features, including TP53 disruption. Other signaling cascades involved in CLL pathogenesis, in particular NOTCH signaling and NF-kB signaling, already provide biomarkers for a precision medicine approach to CLL and may represent potential druggable targets for the future. The aim of the present review is to discuss the druggable pathways of CLL and to provide the biological background of the high efficacy of targeted biological drugs in CLL.
Partial Purification and Characterization of Exo-Polygalacturonase Produced by Penicillium oxalicum AUMC 4153
Authors: Almowallad Shamsan A. , Alshammari Ghedeir M. , Alsayadi Muneer M. , Aljafer Naofel , Al-Sanea Ekram A. , Yahya Mohammed Abdo , Al-Harbi Laila Naif
Published: February 2022

Pectinase enzymes are important industrial enzymes having considerable applications in several industries, especially in food processing. Pectinases contribute 25% of global food enzyme sales. Therefore, the demand for a commercial enzyme with desirable characteristics and low production costs has become one of the great targets. Hence, this study aims to produce exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) using local fungal isolate Penicillium oxalicum AUMC 4153 by utilizing sugar beet manufacturing waste (sugar beet pulp) as a sole raw carbon source under shaken submerged fermentation, which is purified and characterized to optimize enzyme biochemical properties for industrial application. The purity of the obtained exo-PG was increased by about 28-fold, and the final enzyme yield was 57%. The partially purified enzyme was active at a broad range of temperatures (30–60 °C). The optimum temperature and pH for the purified exo-PG activity were 50 °C and pH 5. The enzyme was stable at a range of pH 3 to 6 and temperature 30–50 °C for 210 min. The values for Km and Vmax were 0.67 mg/mL, with polygalacturonic acid as substrate and 6.13 µmole galacturonic acid/min/mg protein, respectively. It can be concluded that purified exo-PG production by P. oxalicum grown on sugar beet waste is a promising effective method for useful applications.
Long COVID in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Fainardi Valentina , Meoli Aniello , Chiopris Giulia , Motta Matteo , Skenderaj Kaltra , Grandinetti Roberto , Bergomi Andrea , Antodaro Francesco , Zona Stefano , Esposito Susanna
Published: February 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. In children, the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection is often asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, and life-threatening complications are rare. Nevertheless, there are two long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children that raise concern: multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and long COVID. While the understanding and the experience regarding the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection have remarkably increased over time, scientific and clinical research is still exploring the long-term effects of COVID-19. In children, data on long COVID are scant. Reports are conflicting regarding its prevalence, duration and impact on daily life. This narrative review explored the latest literature regarding long COVID-19 in the pediatric population. We showed that long COVID in children might be a relevant clinical problem. In most cases, the prognosis is good, but some children may develop long-term symptoms with a significant impact on their daily life. The paucity of studies on long COVID, including a control group of children not infected by SARS-CoV-2, prevents us from drawing firm conclusions. Whether the neuropsychiatric symptoms widely observed in children and adolescents with long COVID are the consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection or are due to the tremendous stress resulting from the restrictions and the pandemics is still not clear. In both cases, psychological support can play a fundamental role in managing COVID pandemics in children. More knowledge is needed to share a standardized definition of the syndrome and improve its management and treatment.
Ethyl 5-Formyl-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, and DFT Calculation
Authors: Pokhodylo Nazariy T. , Slyvka Yuriy I. , Goreshnik Evgeny A. , Obushak Mykola D.
Published: February 2022

For the first time, 5-formyl-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate was synthesized via a two-step scheme. The molecular structure of the compound was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to study various intermolecular interactions. The crystalline structure is marked by the presence of three types of π-interactions (n→π*, lp···π, and π···π) between the -C(H)=O group and triazole rings. The compound is a versatile polyfunctional building block for construction of annulated 1,2,3-triazoles.
Alkali-Treated Alumina and Zirconia Powders Decorated with Hydroxyapatite for Prospective Biomedical Applications
Authors: Nakonieczny Damian S. , Martynková Gražyna Simha , Hundáková Marianna , Kratošová Gabriela , Holešová Sylva , Kupková Jana , Pazourková Lenka , Majewska Justyna
Published: February 2022

The alumina and zirconia surfaces were pretreated with chemical etching using alkaline mixtures of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide, and followed with application of the powder layer of Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDH). The influence of etching bath conditions time and concentration on surface development, chemical composition and morphology of medicinal ceramic powders were studied. The following analyses were performed: morphology (scanning electron microscopy), phase composition (X-ray diffraction analysis), changes in binding interactions and chemical composition (FT-Infrared and Energy dispersive spectroscopies). Both types of etchants did not expose the original phase composition changes or newly created phases for both types of ceramics. Subsequent decoration of the surface with hydroxyapatite revealed differences in the morphological appearance of the layer on both ceramic surfaces. The treated zirconia surface accepted CDH as a flowing layer on the surface, while the alumina was decorated with individual CDH aggregates. The goal of this study was to focus further on the ceramic fillers for polymer-ceramic composites used as a biomaterial in dental prosthetics.