bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Lockdowns on Caffeine Consumption: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Bakaloudi Dimitra , Evripidou Kleo , Jayawardena Ranil , Breda João , Dardavessis Theodoros , Poulia Kalliopi-Anna , Chourdakis Michail
Published: April 2022

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been characterized by the World Health Organization as a pandemic in March 2020 and the lockdown measures that were implemented in an effort to limit the transmission of the virus affected the daily life of many people in all over the world. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the changes during/after the lockdowns in caffeine consumption by coffee and energy drinks. A systematic literature search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) up to 31 December 2021 and out of 19,511 studies found and 12,885 screened, 16 studies were included according to eligibility criteria. Results regarding coffee consumption showed that a significant part of individuals decreased their consumption and in five studies an increase was reported, including women and seniors >60 years old. Energy drinks were also consumed less during the lockdown compared to the pre-lockdown time. Attention should be given for menopausal women where an increase in coffee consumption was found which could impair bone density, but further research is needed in order to make safe conclusions.
Food Traceability as an Element of Sustainable Consumption—Pandemic-Driven Changes in Consumer Attitudes
Authors: Walaszczyk Anna , Koszewska Małgorzata , Staniec Iwona
Published: April 2022

A conscious approach to the issue of food traceability on the part of consumers is essential for making rational food purchases, which in turn contributes to sustainable consumption and globally, is an element of sustainable development. The study aims to assess the changes in consumers’ buying behaviors in the context of food traceability before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the impact of sociodemographic factors on those changes. Therefore, an online survey was conducted on a sample of 1000 respondents who were Polish food consumers. The study covered aspects related to the traceability of food by consumers before and during the pandemic. The results allowed for positive verification of the H1: Polish consumers attitudes related to food buying process changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results didn’t allow for fully positive verification of the H2: Sociodemographic factors significantly influence Polish consumers attitudes to the food shopping during COVID-19 period compared to pre-pandemic period. The significant influence was supported in almost all (in 6 out of 8) analyzed aspects in case of age, education, and place of residence. However, in case of gender it was confirmed only in terms of two out of eight aspects: choosing product of national origin and using the online form of ordering purchases.
Estimation of Ecological and Human Health Risks Posed by Heavy Metals in Street Dust of Madrid City (Spain)
Authors: Delgado-Iniesta María José , Marín-Sanleandro Pura , Díaz-Pereira Elvira , Bautista Francisco , Romero-Muñoz Miriam , Sánchez-Navarro Antonio
Published: April 2022

In this work, sampling was carried out in the urban area of Madrid to analyze the content of total heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Cd) in the street dust. Contamination was evaluated using various indices, such as the Contamination Factor (CF), Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), the Human Health Index Hazard Index (HI), and Cancer Risk (CR). Pollution indices were related to traffic density and color. Traffic density was the factor that most influenced the values of the pollution indexes, but no significant differences were found with the color of street dust. The concentration of heavy metals in the urban dust of Madrid had the following sequence: Zn (895) > Cu (411) > Pb (290) > Cr (100) > Ni (42) > Cd (1.25 mg kg−1). The pollution levels were high or very high in Pb, Zn, and Cd regarding the environmental pollution indexes. Ingestion was the main route of exposure to heavy metals contained in street dust. The CR for adults and children is less than 1 × 10−6, which means that there is no risk for the population. However, the HI was 10 times higher in children than in adults.
Important Factors Influencing Willingness to Participate in Advance Care Planning among Outpatients: A Pilot Study in Central Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Wan-Ting , Chen Chun-Min , Chung Ming-Cheng , Tsai Pei-Yu , Liu Yen-Tzu , Tang Feng-Cheng , Lin Ying-Li
Published: April 2022

Advance care planning (ACP) and advance directives (ADs) ensure patient autonomy in end-of life care. The number of ADs made and followed in Taiwan is still lacking. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the willingness to participate in ACP among outpatients in Taiwan. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey based on convenient sampling methods. The questionnaire included questions about participants’ basic sociodemographic information, knowledge of ACP, and awareness of ACP. A total of 198 adults who were outpatients of a family medicine clinic in an affiliated hospital in Taiwan were recruited. The associations between each variable were evaluated using the χ2 test. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the logistic regression method to examine the influence of each variable on willingness to participate in ACP. Being happy and being a healthcare professional were positively correlated with ACP participation. A lack of ACP knowledge (OR = 0.30 in model A and OR = 0.42 in model C), valuing “Reducing families’ end-of-life decision-making burden” (OR = 2.53 in model B and OR = 2.65 in model C), and a “Belief in a good death” (OR = 4.02 in model B and OR = 4.10 in Model C) were the main factors affecting subjects’ willingness to participate in ACP. Knowing which factors influence willingness to participate in ACP helps in the promotion of ACP. Continuously educating both the general public and healthcare professionals strengthens knowledge about the right to autonomy, about its associated laws, and about the ACP process, and thus, programs should be created to provide this education. Additionally, taking into account the differences between cultures can be helpful.
The COVID-19 Vaccination and Vaccine Inequity Worldwide: An Empirical Study Based on Global Data
Authors: Ning Chuanlin , Wang Han , Wu Jing , Chen Qinwei , Pei Huacheng , Gao Hao
Published: April 2022

Vaccination is critical for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the progress of COVID-19 vaccination varies from different countries, and global vaccine inequity has been a worldwide public health issue. This study collected data from the Our World in Data COVID-19 vaccination data set between 13 December 2020 and 1 January 2022. The measurement reflecting the pandemic situation included New cases, New deaths, Hospital patients, ICU patients, and the Reproduction rate. Indicators for measuring the vaccination coverage included Total vaccinations per hundred and People vaccinated per hundred. The Human Development Index (HDI) measured the country’s development level. Findings indicated that countries with higher HDI have more adequate vaccine resources, and global vaccine inequity exists. The study also found that vaccination significantly mitigates the pandemic, and reaching 70% immunization coverage can further control the epidemic. In addition, the emergence of Omicron variants makes the COVID-19 epidemic situation even worse, suggesting the importance and necessity of addressing vaccine inequity. The globe will face a greater challenge in controlling the pandemic if lower-vaccinated countries do not increase their vaccination coverage. Addressing the issue of vaccine inequity needs the cooperation of HIC, LMIC, public health departments, and vaccine producers. Moreover, the media has to contribute to effective public health communication by raising public perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination, and vaccine inequity.
Systematic Review of the Health and Equity Impacts of Remediation and Redevelopment of Contaminated Sites
Authors: Sinnett Danielle , Bray Isabelle , Baranyi Gergő , Braubach Matthias , Netanyanhu Sinaia
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Globally there is a vast legacy of contaminated sites from past industrial, commercial and military activity, waste disposal, and mineral extraction. This review examined the extent to which the remediation of contaminated sites reduces health risks to new and existing populations. (2) Methods: Standard academic databases were searched for papers that reported on health-related outcomes in humans following remediation and redevelopment of contaminated sites. Title/abstract screening, followed by full-text screening identified sixteen papers that met the eligibility criteria. (3) Results: Most studies were set in the United States of America and reported changes in blood lead concentrations in children, following soil remediation and, in some cases, public health campaigns to reduce exposure. Two further studies examined the impacts of remediation on soil contaminated with chromium and sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). (4) Conclusions: Overall, the evidence suggests that remediation via removal, capping, and replacing soil, and planting vegetation is effective at reducing concentrations of lead and chromium in blood and urine in children. There is also evidence that sediment dredging can reduce PCB concentrations in umbilical cords in infants. Study designs are relatively weak and some recommendations are provided for those wishing to examine the health impacts of remediation.
Blocking the PCNA/NKp44 Checkpoint to Stimulate NK Cell Responses to Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Iraqi Muhammed , Edri Avishay , Greenshpan Yariv , Goldstein Oron , Ofir Noa , Bolel Priyanka , Abu Ahmad Muhammad , Zektser Miri , Campbell Kerry S. , Rouvio Ory , Gazit Roi , Porgador Angel
Published: April 2022

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a devastating malignancy that evades immune destruction using multiple mechanisms. The NKp44 receptor interacts with PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) and may inhibit NK cells’ functions. Here we studied in vitro the expression and function of PCNA on MM cells. First, we show that PCNA is present on the cell membrane of five out of six MM cell lines, using novel anti-PCNA mAb developed to recognize membrane-associated PCNA. Next, we stained primary bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells from MM patients and showed significant staining of membrane-associated PCNA in the fraction of CD38+CD138+ BM cells that contain the MM cells. Importantly, blocking of the membrane PCNA on MM cells enhanced the activity of NK cells, including IFN-γ-secretion and degranulation. Our results highlight the possible blocking of the NKp44-PCNA immune checkpoint by the mAb 14-25-9 antibody to enhance NK cell responses against MM, providing a novel treatment option.
Multi-Layer Contextual Passage Term Embedding for Ad-Hoc Retrieval
Authors: Cai Weihong , Hu Zijun , Luo Yalan , Liang Daoyuan , Feng Yifan , Chen Jiaxin
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, pre-trained language models such as Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformer (BERT) are becoming a basic building block in Information Retrieval tasks. Nevertheless, there are several limitations when applying BERT to the query-document matching task: (1) relevance assessments are applicable at the document-level, and the tokens of documents often exceed the maximum input length of BERT; (2) applying BERT to long documents leads to a great consumption of memory usage and run time, owing to the computational cost of the interactions between tokens. This paper explores a novel multi-layer contextual passage architecture that leverage text summarization extraction to generate passage-level evidence for the pre-selected document passage thus brought new possibilities for the long document relevance task. Experiments were conducted on two standard ad-hoc retrieval collections from the Text Retrieval Conference (TREC) 2004 Robust Track (Robust04) and ClueWeb09 with two different characteristics individually. Experimental results show that our approach can significantly outperform the strong baselines and even compared with the same BERT-based models, the precision of our methods as well as state-of-the-art neural ranking models.
Accurate Air-Quality Prediction Using Genetic-Optimized Gated-Recurrent-Unit Architecture
Authors: Ding Chen , Zheng Zhouyi , Zheng Sirui , Wang Xuke , Xie Xiaoyan , Wen Dushi , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yanning
Published: April 2022

Air pollution is becoming a serious concern with the development of society and urban expansion, and predicting air quality is the most pressing problem for human beings. Recently, more and more machine-learning-based methods are being used to solve the air-quality-prediction problem, and gated recurrent units (GRUs) are a representative method because of their advantage for processing time-series data. However, in the same air-quality-prediction task, different researchers have always designed different structures of the GRU due to their different experiences. Data-adaptively designing a GRU structure has thus become a problem. In this paper, we propose an adaptive GRU to address this problem, and the adaptive GRU structures are determined by the dataset, which mainly contributes with three steps. Firstly, an encoding method for the GRU structure is proposed for representing the network structure in a fixed-length binary string; secondly, we define the reciprocal of the sum of the loss of each individual as the fitness function for the iteration computation; thirdly, the genetic algorithm is used for computing the data-adaptive GRU network structure, which can enhance the air-quality-prediction result. The experiment results from three real datasets in Xi’an show that the proposed method achieves better effectiveness in RMSE and SAMPE than the existing LSTM-, SVM-, and RNN-based methods.
Using the DASH Questionnaire to Evaluate Donor Site Morbidity of the Serratus Anterior Free Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Janik Stefan , Pyka Julian , Faisal Muhammad , Grasl Stefan , Golusinski Pawel , Marijić Blažen , Seemann Rudolf , Erovic Boban M.
Published: April 2022

Objective: To evaluate donor site morbidity of the serratus anterior free flap (SAFF) in head and neck reconstruction. Methods: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire (0 no disability to 100 most severe disability) was applied to 20 patients (M: 16; F: 4) who underwent ablative surgery and reconstruction of the head and neck using a SAFF. Applications, as well as the donor site, recipient site and flap-related complications, were evaluated. Results: SAFF was mainly used for tongue (n = 11; 55.0%) and pharyngeal reconstruction after a laryngopharyngectomy (n = 4; 20.0%). The majority of patients presented with stage IV disease (n = 12; 60%) and had undergone previous radiotherapy (n = 14; 70%). Our free flap survival rate was 88.9% and the pectoralis major muscle flap (PMMF) was used in 5 patients as a salvage option to reconstruct pharyngeal defects. The mean/median DASH score was 21.6/19.9 (healthy norm 10.1), indicating only mild to moderate disability. However, free flap failure and the additional harvest of PMMF multiplies donor site morbidity since it was associated with a 3- and 2.6-times higher DASH score (46.0 vs. 15.5; p = 0.039 and 39.9 vs. 15.47; p = 0.081). Conclusions: The SAFF represents a versatile flap for head and neck reconstruction with low donor site morbidity.
Patients with Thyroid Disorder, a Contraindication for Dental Implants? A Systematic Review
Authors: Torrejon-Moya Aina , Izquierdo-Gómez Keila , Pérez-Sayáns Mario , Jané-Salas Enric , Marí Roig Antonio , López-López José
Published: April 2022

The thyroid gland is composed of the thyroid follicles, considered to be the functional units of the thyroid gland. The synthesis of the thyroid hormones occurs in these follicles. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the thyroid hormones and affect metabolic processes all through the body. This systematic evaluation was performed to answer the following PICO question: “Can patients with thyroid disorders undergo dental implant rehabilitation with the same survival rate as patients without thyroid disorders?”. A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements to gather available and current evidence of thyroid disorders and its relationship with dental implants. The electronic search, in the PubMed and Cochrane databases, yielded 22 articles. Out of the 22 articles, only 11 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Manual research of the reference list yielded no additional papers. According to the SORT criteria and answering our PICO question, level B can be established to conclude that patients with thyroid disorders can be rehabilitated with dental implants, with similar survival rates as patients without thyroid disorders. Papers with higher scientific evidence and bigger sample size should be carried out.
The Impact of an Elevated Uric Acid Level on the Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease in Pancreas Transplant Candidates with Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Buksińska-Lisik Małgorzata , Kwasiborski Przemysław , Ryczek Robert , Lisik Wojciech , Mamcarz Artur
Published: April 2022

Pancreas transplantation is considered a high-risk surgery with cardiovascular complications. Early detection of all potential cardiovascular risk factors can decrease the perioperative risk and improve the pancreas recipients’ outcome. The present study aims to evaluate the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients eligible for pancreas transplantation. We prospectively enrolled 63 consecutive patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who underwent cardiological evaluation before pancreas transplantation in our center. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory assays, and coronary angiography. The median concentration of UA in patients with CAD was significantly higher than in participants without CAD (6.43 (4.93–7.26) vs. 4.41 (3.64–5.49) mg/dL, p = 0.0002). We showed the positive correlation between UA concentration and systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure (PP) and triglycerides (r = 0.271, p = 0.032; r = 0.327, p = 0.009; r = 0.354, p = 0.004, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, the concentration of UA (OR 2.044; 95% CI: 1.261–3.311, p = 0.004) was independently associated with the prevalence of CAD in pancreas transplant candidates with T1D. We demonstrated that elevated UA levels were strongly associated with the high prevalence of CAD in pancreas transplant candidates with T1D. To stratify cardiovascular risk, the measurement of the UA concentration should be considered in all T1D patients qualified for pancreas transplantation.
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned and Opportunities
Authors: Campanati Anna , Diotallevi Federico , Martina Emanuela , Radi Giulia , Offidani Annamaria
Published: April 2022

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, clinicians have been overwhelmed by questions beyond the SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. In dermatology practice, clinicians have been facing difficulties concerning therapeutic management of chronic immune-mediated skin disease, above all psoriasis. Major challenges arisen were to understand the role of immunosuppression or immunomodulation on COVID-19 evolution, the benefit/risk ratio related to discontinuation or modification of ongoing treatment, and the appropriateness of initiating new treatments, the optimization of timing in vaccination administration to patients under immunomodulatory treatments, and finally how to find new strategy of patients’ management through remote assistance. In this comprehensive review, we present the current evidence about the course and management of psoriasis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The general message from dermatologists was that data did not suggest that having PSO or its treatment significantly increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or more severe COVID-19 course, the vaccination is highly recommended in all psoriatic patients, beyond ongoing treatment, and that the telehealth experience was a success overall.
Impella to Treat Acute Myocardial Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Møller Jacob Eifer , Kjaergaard Jesper , Terkelsen Christian Juhl , Hassager Christian
Published: April 2022

Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS), is characterized by critically low cardiac output and decreased myocardial contractility. In this situation, a treatment that unloads the myocardium and restores CO without increasing the myocardial oxygen demand is theoretically appealing. Axial flow pumps offer hemodynamic support without increasing myocardial oxygen consumption. Consequently, the use of axial flow pumps, especially the Impella devices, is increasing. It is likely that the SCAI C patient with predominantly left ventricular failure and without prolonged cardiac arrest is the best candidate for these devices. Registry data suggest that pre-PCI Impella may be advantageous to post-PCI placement. However, several gaps in knowledge exist regarding optimal patient selection, futility criteria, timing, weaning and escalation strategy, and until data from adequately sized randomized trials are available, immediate individual evaluation for mechanical circulatory support by a shock team is warranted when a patient is diagnosed with AMICS.
Long-Term Results after Placing Dental Implants in Patients with Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome: Results 2.5–20 Years after Implant Insertion
Authors: Nickles Katrin , Krebs Mischa , Schacher Beate , Petsos Hari , Eickholz Peter
Published: April 2022

Aim: A retrospective evaluation of patients with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) treated with dental implants to identify factors that may influence treatment outcomes. Methods: All PLS patients with dental implants currently registered at the Department of Periodontology, Goethe-University Frankfurt (20–38 years; mean: 29.6 years), were recruited. Five patients from three families (two pairs of siblings) with a total of 48 dental implants (inserted in different dental institutions) were included with a follow-up time of 2.5–20 years (mean: 10.4 years). Results: Implant failure occurred in three patients (at least 15 implants). Nearly all patients demonstrated peri-implantitis in more or less advanced stages; 60% of patients demonstrated bone loss ≥50% around the implants. Two patients did not follow any supportive therapy. Conclusions: Implants in PLS patients who did not follow any maintenance programme had a high risk of peri-implantitis and implant loss.
Impact of Whole Body Vibration and Zoledronic Acid on Femoral Structure after Ovariectomy: Morphological Evaluation
Authors: Kostyshyn Nazar M. , Świetlicka Izabela , Tomaszewska Ewa , Dobrowolski Piotr , Muszyński Siemowit
Published: April 2022

Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) treatment as an non-pharmacological method of treatment for early osteopenia in ovariectomized female rats. In total, 48 female Wistar rats were assigned to two groups: sham-operated control (SHAM, n = 12) and ovariectomized (n = 36). Four weeks after ovariectomy, the animals were divided into three experimental groups (n = 12 each): ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized subjected to whole body vibration with acceleration level of 0.3 g (OVX + WBV), or ovariectomized subjected to i.m. injection of Zoledronic acid at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg (OVX + ZOL). After the 8th and 16th week of treatment n = 6 rats from each group were euthanized and isolated femora were subjected to histological examination of trabecular bone and analysis of the expression of collagen 1 (Col1), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) involved in bone turnover. The obtained results indicated that widespread vibration therapy can provide negative outcomes such as deterioration of trabecular bone histomorphometry.
Colored Point Cloud Completion for a Head Using Adversarial Rendered Image Loss
Authors: Ishida Yuki , Manabe Yoshitsugu , Yata Noriko
Published: April 2022

Recent advances in depth measurement and its utilization have made point cloud processing more critical. Additionally, the human head is essential for communication, and its three-dimensional data are expected to be utilized in this regard. However, a single RGB-Depth (RGBD) camera is prone to occlusion and depth measurement failure for dark hair colors such as black hair. Recently, point cloud completion, where an entire point cloud is estimated and generated from a partial point cloud, has been studied, but only the shape is learned, rather than the completion of colored point clouds. Thus, this paper proposes a machine learning-based completion method for colored point clouds with XYZ location information and the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) LAB (L*a*b*) color information. The proposed method uses the color difference between point clouds based on the Chamfer Distance (CD) or Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) of point cloud shape evaluation as a color loss. In addition, an adversarial loss to L*a*b*-Depth images rendered from the output point cloud can improve the visual quality. The experiments examined networks trained using a colored point cloud dataset created by combining two 3D datasets: hairstyles and faces. Experimental results show that using the adversarial loss with the colored point cloud renderer in the proposed method improves the image domain’s evaluation.
Future Climate Change Conditions May Compromise Metabolic Performance in Juveniles of the Mud Crab Scylla serrata
Authors: Apine Elina , Mani Madhu K. , Rai Praveen , Karunasagar Indrani , Turner Lucy M.
Published: April 2022

Research characterising the effects of future climate change on the marine environment remains heavily focussed on that of temperate regions and organisms. Furthermore, little is known of these effects on the early life stages of many marine species. Tropical regions are already experiencing an increase in sea surface temperature and decrease in sea surface salinity, conditions favoured by pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio spp. The early life stages of crabs are known to be particularly vulnerable to both the direct physiological effects of climate change and exposure to harmful microorganisms, yet there are limited data on these effects on juveniles of many tropical crustacean species. This study assessed the metabolic responses of mud crab (Scylla serrata) juveniles to warming and/or freshening in the presence or absence of pathogenic bacteria in southwest India. Juvenile crabs were exposed to either ambient (28 °C/30 PSU) or one of three projected climate change regimes (28 °C/20 PSU (freshening), 32 °C/30 PSU (warming), 32 °C/20 PSU (warming + freshening)) for 10 days, in either the presence or absence of the pathogenic bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Results show that simulated climate change conditions, especially freshening, caused a significant increase in oxygen consumption rates (MO2), and that these were further increased when juveniles were exposed to V. parahaemolyticus. These results suggest that the effects of future climate change conditions could have significant implications for the conservation of wild stocks and commercial farming of this species in South Asia.
Hydrolysis of Methylumbeliferyl Substrate Proxies for Esterase Activities as Indicator for Microbial Oil Degradation in the Ocean: Evidence from Observations in the Aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Gulf of Mexico)
Authors: Ziervogel Kai , Kamalanathan Manoj , Quigg Antonietta
Published: April 2022

Biological oil weathering facilitated by specialized heterotrophic microbial communities plays a key role in the fate of petroleum hydrocarbon in the ocean. The most common methods of assessing oil biodegradation involve (i) measuring changes in the composition and concentration of oil over time and/or (ii) biological incubations with stable or radio-labelled substrates. Both methods provide robust and invaluable information on hydrocarbon biodegradation pathways; however, they also require extensive sample processing and are expensive in nature. More convenient ways to assess activities within microbial oil degradation networks involve measuring extracellular enzyme activity. This perspective article synthesizes previously published results from studies conducted in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DwH) oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM), to test the hypothesis that fluorescence assays of esterases, including lipase activity, are sensitive indicators for microbial oil degradation in the ocean. In agreement with the rates and patterns of enzyme activity in oil-contaminated seawater and sediments in the nGoM, we found close correlations between esterase activity measured by means of methylumbeliferyl (MUF) oleate and MUF butyrate hydrolysis, and the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in two separate laboratory incubations using surface (<1 m) and deep nGoM waters (>1200 m). Correlations between esterase activities and oil were driven by the presence of chemical dispersants, suggesting a connection to the degree of oil dissolution in the medium. Our results clearly show that esterase activities measured with fluorogenic substrate proxies are a good indicator for oil biodegradation in the ocean; however, there are certain factors as discussed in this study that need to be taken into consideration while utilizing this approach.
CFRP Strengthening and Rehabilitation of Inner Corroded Steel Pipelines under External Pressure
Authors: Yu Jianxing , Xu Weipeng , Yu Yang , Fu Fei , Wang Huakun , Xu Shengbo , Wu Shibo
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of pipelines repaired with carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) under external pressure. The repaired pipeline experienced defects in terms of thinning of its local inner wall. The three-dimensional finite element method was used to analyse the collapse pressure of repaired pipes with internal corrosion defects. The traction–separation law and interlaminar damage criterion were applied to simulate the collapse process of repaired pipes. The results show that the collapse pressure of the composite-repaired pipe increased and the CFRP significantly reduced the strain in the defect region. It was observed that the ovality of the corrosion defect region was reduced and that the repair effectiveness mainly depended on the length, thickness, and interlayer cohesion.
Acute Left Atrial Response to Different Eccentric Resistance Exercise Loads in Patients with Heart Failure with Middle Range Ejection Fraction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Caminiti Giuseppe , Perrone Marco Alfonso , Iellamo Ferdinando , D’Antoni Valentino , Catena Matteo , Franchini Alessio , Volterrani Maurizio
Published: April 2022

In this study, we aimed to assess acute changes occurring on atrial function following single bouts of eccentric resistance exercise (ECC-RE) performed at two different loads. Twenty-five patients with chronic heart failure with middle range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) participated in three experimental sessions in a randomized order and on separate days: two sessions of ECC RE at 20% (ECC-20) of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and 50% (ECC-50) 1-RM, and one session of control, without exercise. Each session lasted three minutes. Before and immediately after the sessions, patients underwent echocardiography and blood pressure and heart rate measurement. Peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and peak atrial contractile strain (PACS) significantly increased after both ECC-20 (+16.3%) and ECC-50 (+18.1%) compared to control (between sessions p = 0.022). Peak atrial contractile strain (PACS) significantly increased after ECC-50 (+28.4%) compared to ECC-20 (+17.0%) and control (between sessions p = 0.034). The ratio of transmitral and annular velocities (E/E’) increased significantly after ECC-20 (+10.4%) and ECC-50 (+19.0%) compared to control (between groups p = 0.003). EF, left ventricular longitudinal strain, and stroke volume did not change after ECC-RE sessions compared to control. Cardiac output increased significantly after ECC-20 and ECC-50 compared to control, (between groups p = 0.025). In conclusion, both ECC-RE sessions were well tolerated, and LA functional reserve was properly mobilized in response to ECC-RE in patients with HFmrEF. Cardiac output increased at the cost of an increased LV filling pressure, but no detrimental changes of LV function occurred.
Patient-Derived Organoids of Colorectal Cancer: A Useful Tool for Personalized Medicine
Authors: Kiwaki Takumi , Kataoka Hiroaki
Published: April 2022

Colorectal cancer is one of the most important malignancies worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. Several studies have been conducted using two-dimensional cultured cell lines; however, these cells do not represent a study model of patient tumors very well. In recent years, advancements in three-dimensional culture methods have facilitated the establishment of patient-derived organoids, which have become indispensable for molecular biology-related studies of colorectal cancer. Patient-derived organoids are useful in both basic science and clinical practice; they can help predict the sensitivity of patients with cancer to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and provide the right treatment to the right patient. Regarding precision medicine, combining gene panel testing and organoid-based screening can increase the effectiveness of medical care. In this study, we review the development of three-dimensional culture methods and present the most recent information on the clinical application of patient-derived organoids. Moreover, we discuss the problems and future prospects of organoid-based personalized medicine.
The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus and Admission Hyperglycemia on Clinical Outcomes after Recanalization Therapies for Acute Ischemic Stroke: STAY ALIVE National Prospective Registry
Authors: Kalmar Peter Janos , Tarkanyi Gabor , Karadi Zsofia Nozomi , Szapary Laszlo , Bosnyak Edit
Published: April 2022

It was previously reported that diabetes mellitus (DM) and admission hyperglycemia (aHG) were associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who were treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Our study aimed to assess the prognostic effect of DM and aHG (≥7.8 mmol/L) on clinical outcomes in patients treated with recanalization therapies (IVT and MT). Our multicentric study was based on data from the prospective STAY ALIVE stroke registry between November 2017 and January 2020. We compared the demographic data, clinical parameters and time metrics between recanalized DM and non-DM groups, and we analyzed the impact of DM and aHG on 90-day functional outcome, 90-day mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and successful recanalization. Statistical analyses were also performed in two subgroups: (1) patients treated with IVT alone and (2) patients treated with MT. Altogether, we included 695 patients from the three participating stroke centers in Hungary. Regarding the overall population, patients with diabetes were older (72 vs. 67 years, p < 0.001) and comorbidities were more frequent. There were significant differences in the 90-day good functional outcome (48.9% vs. 66.7%, p < 0.001), 90-day mortality (21.9% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001) and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhaging (sICH) (7.8% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001) between the groups. Diabetes and aHG were independently associated with a poor clinical outcome (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.31–3.11, p = 0.001; OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.39–3.14, p < 0.001) and mortality at 3 months (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.35–4.47, p = 0.003; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.37–4.28, p = 0.002) and sICH (OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.54–12.09, p = 0.005; OR 4.61, 95% CI 1.58–13.39, p = 0.005) in the overall population. However, the presence of DM and aHG was not correlated with successful reperfusion (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.09–1.67, p = 0.205; OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.09–1.97, p = 0.274) after MT. Our study revealed that diabetes and hyperglycemia on admission were correlated with poor clinical outcomes at 3 months in patients with acute stroke regardless of the recanalization method. In addition, the variables were also associated with sICH after recanalization therapies. However, successful recanalization was not associated with DM and aHG in patients who underwent MT.
Retinal Glutamate Neurotransmission: From Physiology to Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration
Authors: Boccuni Isabella , Fairless Richard
Published: April 2022

Glutamate neurotransmission and metabolism are finely modulated by the retinal network, where the efficient processing of visual information is shaped by the differential distribution and composition of glutamate receptors and transporters. However, disturbances in glutamate homeostasis can result in glutamate excitotoxicity, a major initiating factor of common neurodegenerative diseases. Within the retina, glutamate excitotoxicity can impair visual transmission by initiating degeneration of neuronal populations, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The vulnerability of RGCs is observed not just as a result of retinal diseases but has also been ascribed to other common neurodegenerative and peripheral diseases. In this review, we describe the vulnerability of RGCs to glutamate excitotoxicity and the contribution of different glutamate receptors and transporters to this. In particular, we focus on the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor as the major effector of glutamate-induced mechanisms of neurodegeneration, including impairment of calcium homeostasis, changes in gene expression and signalling, and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as the role of endoplasmic reticular stress. Due to recent developments in the search for modulators of NMDA receptor signalling, novel neuroprotective strategies may be on the horizon.
Analysis of the Static Performance of a Cableless Aerostatic Guideway
Authors: Zhou Yue , Hu Zhenjiang , Sun Tao , Zhao Xuesen , Zhang Junjie , Zong Wenjun
Published: April 2022

To develop an innovative aerostatic guideway without cable drag force that can be widely applied to ultra-precision machining and measurement technology, it is necessary to analyze the static performance of the aerostatic guideway. The structural properties of the cableless aerostatic guideway, i.e., the bearing capacity and internal pressure distribution, directly affect the accuracy of processing and measurement. In this work, the relevant flow equations of the cableless aerostatic guideway are established by considering the unbalanced micro-scale air film. Moreover, the finite difference method is used to solve the calculation of the global analysis of air film at different positions. In addition, this work compares and analyzes the pressure and fluid velocity vector distributions in balanced and unbalanced states and investigates the effect of varying the thicknesses of the air film on static characteristics such as bearing capacity and stiffness. By comparing the balanced and unbalanced states under the same conditions, the obtained results show that in the unbalanced situation, the bearing capacity is lower by 11.69 percent and the stiffness is slightly higher (by 16.67 percent). Furthermore, the related experiments verify the predicted dependence of the bearing capacity on the thickness of the air film, and further demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed structure of the cableless aerostatic guideway. This work provides a technical reference for the design of a cableless aerostatic guideway.
Design of Electromagnetic Control of the Needle Gripping Mechanism
Authors: Komárek Jiří , Klogner Vojtěch
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with the modification of the mechanical system of the needle bar. The purpose of this work is to reduce the vibration and noise of the sewing machine for creating a decorative stitch. A special floating needle is used to sew this stitch, in which two mechanical systems of needle bars handover through the sewn material, so that a perfect imitation of a hand stitch is created. The original system, which controls the release of the needle at the handover location by abruptly stopping the needle bar control element, could be replaced by a new system that uses magnetic force to release the needle. In addition to the usual design procedure, numerical simulations of the attractive force of the electromagnet are also used in the design of a suitable electromagnet. At the same time, an electrical circuit is also designed to allow the needle to be released and gripped quickly. The advantages of the new system lie not only in reducing vibrations and the associated increase in the operation speed of the machine, but also in making it easier for the machine to switch to possible automated or semi-automated production.
Arousing Early Strategic Thinking about SDGs with Real Mathematics Problems
Authors: Domínguez-González Rodrigo , Delgado-Martín Laura
Published: April 2022

In this article, we ask whether it is possible to reinforce problem design skills in secondary school mathematics teachers around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so that young students can try out a first numerical approach to sustainable development. If this is possible, we ask whether it would significantly improve their relationship with sustainability and their perception of the usefulness of mathematics. The present paper aims to proactively contribute to the field of civic education through the design of original math problems combining math secondary education curriculum with the predicament of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 interlinked SDGs. Conceived as a qualitative research tool for teacher training, generating adequate resources for their professional practice, five of these chosen workshop activities have been presented to a group of forty-seven students who were asked to complete a questionary afterwards about their attitude towards the proposal. The article’s main findings are that SDGs are a powerful source of inspiration for problem design grounded in real-world contexts and that students of this age are mostly ready to feel curiosity and motivation about the mathematical approach to sustainability and their capacity to analyze real data, regardless of the inevitable oversimplification of the problem.
Design of a Computable Approximate Reasoning Logic System for AI
Authors: Liu Kaidi , Li Yancang , Cui Rong
Published: April 2022

The fuzzy logic reasoning based on the “If... then...” rule is not the inaccurate reasoning of AI against ambiguity because fuzzy reasoning is antilogical. In order to solve this problem, a redundancy theory for discriminative weight filtering containing six theorems and one M(1,2,3) model was proposed and the approximate reasoning process was shown, the system logic of AI handling ambiguity as an extension of the classical logic system was proposed. The system is a generalized dynamic logic system characterized by machine learning, which is the practical-application logic system of AI, and can effectively deal with practical problems including conflict, noise, emergencies and various unknown uncertainties. It is characterized by combining approximate reasoning and computing for specific data conversion through machine learning. Its core is data and calculations and the condition is “sufficient” high-quality training data. The innovation is that we proposed a discriminative weight filtering redundancy theory and designed a computable approximate reasoning logic system that combines approximate reasoning and calculation through machine learning to convert specific data. It is a general logic system for AI to deal with uncertainty. The study has significance in theory and practice for AI and logical reasoning research.
Comparison of the Effect of Sugammadex and Pyridostigmine on Postoperative Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Kwon Young-Suk , Kim Jong-Ho , Hwang Sung-Mi , Choi Jae-Wang , Kang Sang-Soo
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives: As the use of sugammadex for reversing neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia increases, additional effects of sugammadex have been reported compared to cholinesterase inhibitors. Here, we compare the incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) between sugammadex and pyridostigmine/glycopyrrolate treatments for reversing neuromuscular blockade. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent surgery under general anesthesia, received sugammadex or pyridostigmine with glycopyrrolate to reverse neuromuscular blockade, and had a urinary catheter in the post-anesthesia care unit between March 2019 and February 2021. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1179 patients were included in the final analysis. The incidence and severity of CRBD were collected from post-anesthesia recovery records. Results: The incidence was 13.7% in the sugammadex group (n = 211) and 24.7% in the pyridostigmine group (n = 968). Following propensity score matching, 211 patients each were included in the pyridostigmine and sugammadex matched group (absolute standardized difference (ASD), 0.01–0.05). Compared to the pyridostigmine group, the odds ratio for CRBD occurring in the sugammadex group was 0.568 (95% confidential interval, 0.316–1.021, p = 0.059). Conclusions: Sugammadex has a similar effect on the occurrence of postoperative CRBD compared with pyridostigmine.
A Case-Control Study of the APELA Gene and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Shimada Naomi , Nakayama Tomohiro , Umemura Hiroshi , Kawana Kei , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Uchigasaki Seisaku
Published: April 2022

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) are believed to comprise a group of multifactorial genetic diseases. Recently, it was reported that APELA-knockout mice exhibited HDP-like symptoms, including proteinuria and elevated blood pressure due to defective placental angiogenesis. The aim of the present study is to determine the associations between HDPs and single-nucleotide variants or haplotypes in the human APELA gene through a case-control study. The subjects were 196 pregnant women with HDPs and a control group of 254 women without HDPs. Six single-nucleotide variants (rs2068792, rs13120303, rs4541465, rs13152225, rs78639146, and rs67448487) were selected from the APELA gene region. Although there were no significant differences for each single-nucleotide polymorphism in the case-control study, the frequency of the T-A haplotypes rs4541465–rs67448487 was significantly higher in the HDP group, especially in those with gestational hypertension, than in the control group. The results suggest that the APELA gene may be a disease-susceptibility gene for HDP.
Isolated Spleen Metastases of Endometrial Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Stojanovic Marko M. , Brzački Vesna , Zivadinovic Jelena D. , Ignjatovic Nebojsa S. , Gmijovic Marko D. , Djordjevic Miodrag N. , Golubovic Ilija , Nikolić Nada G. , Bojanic Novica Z. , Stojanovic Miroslav P.
Published: April 2022

Background: Isolated splenic metastases from endometrial cancer, which is a relatively common malignancy, are extremely rare findings; to date, only 14 cases have been reported in the literature. Case Summary: We report a patient with isolated splenic metastases of endometrial cancer 3 years after radical surgery of the primary tumor. The patient was successfully treated by splenectomy and six cycles of paclitaxel. Fifty months after splenectomy, she was alive and well, and with no evidence of disease. Conclusion: Isolated spleen metastasis of endometrial cancer is very rare. Radical surgery and adjuvant therapy may offer excellent long-term survival.