bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Correlates of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Glassman Deanna , Bateman Nicholas W. , Lee Sanghoon , Zhao Li , Yao Jun , Tan Yukun , Ivan Cristina , Rangel Kelly M. , Zhang Jianhua , Conrads Kelly A. , Hood Brian L. , Abulez Tamara , Futreal P. Andrew , Fleming Nicole D. , Afshar-Kharghan Vahid , Maxwell George L. , Conrads Thomas P. , Chen Ken , Sood Anil K.
Published: March 2022

Background: The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with ovarian cancer is higher than most solid tumors, ranging between 10–30%, and a diagnosis of VTE in this patient population is associated with worse oncologic outcomes. The tumor-specific molecular factors that may lead to the development of VTE are not well understood. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify molecular features present in ovarian tumors of patients with VTE compared to those without. Methods: We performed a multiplatform omics analysis incorporating RNA and DNA sequencing, quantitative proteomics, as well as immune cell profiling of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) samples from a cohort of 32 patients with or without VTE. Results: Pathway analyses revealed upregulation of both inflammatory and coagulation pathways in the VTE group. While DNA whole-exome sequencing failed to identify significant coding alterations between the groups, the results of an integrated proteomic and RNA sequencing analysis indicated that there is a relationship between VTE and the expression of platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB) and extracellular proteins in tumor cells, namely collagens, that are correlated with the formation of thrombosis. Conclusions: In this comprehensive analysis of HGSC tumor tissues from patients with and without VTE, we identified markers unique to the VTE group that could contribute to development of thrombosis. Our findings provide additional insights into the molecular alterations underlying the development of VTE in ovarian cancer patients and invite further investigation into potential predictive biomarkers of VTE in ovarian cancer.
Conversion of a Non-Cancer-Selective Promoter into a Cancer-Selective Promoter
Authors: Bhoopathi Praveen , Pradhan Anjan K. , Kumar Amit , Maji Santanu , Mannangatti Padmanabhan , Deng Xiaoyan , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Sarkar Devanand , Wang Xiang-Yang , Landry Joseph W. , Das Swadesh K. , Emdad Luni , Fisher Paul B.
Published: March 2022

Progression-elevated gene-3 (PEG-3) and rat growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene-34 (GADD34) display significant sequence homology with regulation predominantly transcriptional. The rat full-length (FL) and minimal (min) PEG-3 promoter display cancer-selective expression in rodent and human tumors, allowing for cancer-directed regulation of transgenes, viral replication and in vivo imaging of tumors and metastases in animals, whereas the FL- and min-GADD34-Prom lack cancer specificity. Min-PEG-Prom and min-GADD34-Prom have identical sequences except for two single-point mutation differences (at −260 bp and +159 bp). Engineering double mutations in the min-GADD34-Prom produce the GAPE-Prom. Changing one base pair (+159) or both point mutations in the min-GADD34-Prom, but not the FL-GADD34-Prom, results in cancer-selective transgene expression in diverse cancer cells (including prostate, breast, pancreatic and neuroblastoma) vs. normal counterparts. Additionally, we identified a GATA2 transcription factor binding site, promoting cancer specificity when both min-PEG-Prom mutations are present in the GAPE-Prom. Taken together, introducing specific point mutations in a rat min-GADD34-Prom converts this non-cancer-specific promoter into a cancer-selective promoter, and the addition of GATA2 with existing AP1 and PEA3 transcription factors enhances further cancer-selective activity of the GAPE-Prom. The GAPE-Prom provides a genetic tool to specifically regulate transgene expression in cancer cells.
Radiotherapy for HER 2 Positive Brain Metastases: Urgent Need for a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Ippolito Edy , Silipigni Sonia , Matteucci Paolo , Greco Carlo , Carrafiello Sofia , Palumbo Vincenzo , Tacconi Claudia , Talocco Claudia , Fiore Michele , D’Angelillo Rolando Maria , Ramella Sara
Published: March 2022

Brain metastases (BMs) are common among patients affected by HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (>30%). The management of BMs is usually multimodal, including surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy and palliative care. Standard brain radiotherapy (RT) includes the use of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for limited disease and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for extensive disease. The latter is an effective palliative treatment but has a reduced effect on brain local control and BM overall survival, as it is also associated with severe neurocognitive sequelae. Recent advances both in radiation therapy and systemic treatment may change the paradigm in this subset of patients who can experience long survival notwithstanding BMs. In fact, in recent studies, SRT for multiple BM sites (>4) has shown similar efficacy when compared to irradiation of a limited number of lesions (one to three) without increasing toxicity. These findings, in addition to the introduction of new drugs with recognized intracranial activity, may further limit the use of WBRT in favor of SRT, which should be employed for treatment of both multiple-site BMs and for oligo-progressive brain disease. This review summarizes the supporting literature and highlights the need for optimizing combinations of the available treatments in this setting, with a particular focus on radiation therapy.
Benchmarking Safety Indicators of Surgical Treatment of Brain Metastases Combined with Intraoperative Radiotherapy: Results of Prospective Observational Study with Comparative Matched-Pair Analysis
Authors: Hamed Motaz , Potthoff Anna-Laura , Layer Julian P. , Koch David , Borger Valeri , Heimann Muriel , Scafa Davide , Sarria Gustavo R. , Holz Jasmin A. , Schmeel Frederic Carsten , Radbruch Alexander , Güresir Erdem , Schäfer Niklas , Schuss Patrick , Garbe Stephan , Giordano Frank A. , Herrlinger Ulrich , Vatter Hartmut , Schmeel Leonard Christopher , Schneider Matthias
Published: March 2022

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) of the operative cavity for surgically treated brain metastasis (BM) has gained increasing prominence with respect to improved local tumor control. However, IORT immediately performed at the time of surgery might be associated with increased levels of perioperative adverse events (PAEs). In the present study, we performed safety metric profiling in patients who had undergone surgery for BM with and without IORT in order to comparatively analyze feasibility of IORT as an adjuvant radiation approach. Between November 2020 and October 2021, 35 patients were surgically treated for BM with IORT at our neuro-oncological center. Perioperative complication profiles were collected in a prospective observational cohort study by means of patient safety indicators (PSIs), hospital-acquired conditions (HACs), and specific cranial-surgery-related complications (CSCs) as high-standard quality metric tools and compared to those of an institutional cohort of 388 patients with BM resection without IORT in a balanced comparative matched-pair analysis. Overall, 4 out of 35 patients (11%) with IORT in the course BM resection suffered from PAEs, accounting for 3 PSIs (9%) and 1 HAC (3%). Balanced matched-pair analysis did not reveal significant differences in the perioperative complication profiles between the cohorts of patients with and without IORT (p = 0.44). Thirty-day mortality rates were 6% for patients with IORT versus 8% for patients without IORT (p = 0.73). The present study demonstrates that IORT constitutes a safe and clinically feasible adjuvant treatment modality in patients undergoing surgical resection of BM.
MitoQ Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion and Clonogenicity
Authors: Capeloa Tania , Krzystyniak Joanna , d’Hose Donatienne , Canas Rodriguez Amanda , Payen Valery L. , Zampieri Luca X. , Van de Velde Justine A. , Benyahia Zohra , Pranzini Erica , Vazeille Thibaut , Fransolet Maude , Bouzin Caroline , Brusa Davide , Michiels Carine , Gallez Bernard , Murphy Michael P. , Porporato Paolo E. , Sonveaux Pierre
Published: March 2022

To successfully generate distant metastases, metastatic progenitor cells must simultaneously possess mesenchymal characteristics, resist to anoïkis, migrate and invade directionally, resist to redox and shear stresses in the systemic circulation, and possess stem cell characteristics. These cells primarily originate from metabolically hostile areas of the primary tumor, where oxygen and nutrient deprivation, together with metabolic waste accumulation, exert a strong selection pressure promoting evasion. Here, we followed the hypothesis according to which metastasis as a whole implies the existence of metabolic sensors. Among others, mitochondria are singled out as a major source of superoxide that supports the metastatic phenotype. Molecularly, stressed cancer cells increase mitochondrial superoxide production, which activates the transforming growth factor-β pathway through src directly within mitochondria, ultimately activating focal adhesion kinase Pyk2. The existence of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants constitutes an opportunity to interfere with the metastatic process. Here, using aggressive triple-negative and HER2-positive human breast cancer cell lines as models, we report that MitoQ inhibits all the metastatic traits that we tested in vitro. Compared to other mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, MitoQ already successfully passed Phase I safety clinical trials, which provides an important incentive for future preclinical and clinical evaluations of this drug for the prevention of breast cancer metastasis.
Myogenic Precursor Cells Show Faster Activation and Enhanced Differentiation in a Male Mouse Model Selected for Advanced Endurance Exercise Performance
Authors: Petkov Stefan , Brenmoehl Julia , Langhammer Martina , Hoeflich Andreas , Röntgen Monika
Published: March 2022

Satellite cells (SATC), the most abundant skeletal muscle stem cells, play a main role in muscle plasticity, including the adaptive response following physical activity. Thus, we investigated how long-term phenotype selection of male mice for high running performance (Dummerstorf high Treadmill Performance; DUhTP) affects abundance, creatine kinase activity, myogenic marker expression (Pax7, MyoD), and functionality (growth kinetics, differentiation) of SATC and their progeny. SATC were isolated from sedentary male DUhTP and control (Dummerstorf Control; DUC) mice at days 12, 43, and 73 of life and after voluntary wheel running for three weeks (day 73). Marked line differences occur at days 43 and 73 (after activity). At both ages, analysis of SATC growth via xCELLigence system revealed faster activation accompanied by a higher proliferation rate and lower proportion of Pax7+ cells in DUhTP mice, indicating reduced reserve cell formation and faster transition into differentiation. Cultures from sedentary DUhTP mice contain an elevated proportion of actively proliferating Pax7+/MyoD+ cells and have a higher fusion index leading to the formation of more large and very large myotubes at day 43. This robust hypertrophic response occurs without any functional load in the donor mice. Thus, our selection model seems to recruit myogenic precursor cells/SATC with a lower activation threshold that respond more rapidly to external stimuli and are more primed for differentiation at the expense of more primitive cells.
Carbon Dots from Coffee Grounds: Synthesis, Characterization, and Detection of Noxious Nitroanilines
Authors: Costa Alexandra I. , Barata Patrícia D. , Moraes Bianca , Prata José V.
Published: March 2022

Coffee ground (CG) waste is generated in huge amounts all over the world, constituting a serious environmental issue owing to its low biodegradability. Therefore, processes that simultaneously aim for its valorization while reducing its environmental impact are in great demand. In the current approach, blue luminescent carbon dots (C-dots) were produced in good chemical yields from CGs following hydrothermal carbonization methods under an extended set of reaction parameters. The remarkable fluorescent properties of the synthesized C-dots (quantum yields up to 0.18) allied to their excellent water dispersibility and photostability prompted their use for the first time as sensing elements for detection of noxious nitroanilines (NAs) in aqueous media. Very high levels of NA detection were achieved (e.g., limit of detection of 68 ppb for p-nitroaniline), being the regioisomeric selectivity attributed to its higher hyperpolarizability and dipole moment. Through ground–state and time-resolved fluorescence assays, a static fluorescence quenching mechanism was established. 1H NMR titration data also strongly suggested the formation of ground–state complexes between C-dots and NAs.
Nd2Fe14B/FeCo Core–Shell Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Galvanic Substitution Based Electroless Plating
Authors: Haq Muhammad Aneeq , Lee Han-Saem , Lee Mi Hye , Jeong Da-Woon , Si A Eom Nu , Lee Bin , Song Yoseb , Kim Bum Sung
Published: March 2022

Core–shell structured magnetic nanoparticles combine hard and soft phases to improve energy efficiency. The mutual interaction of the two phases can lead to the exchange spring effect, leading to higher magnetic energy. In this regard, synthesis of Nd2Fe14B-based core–shell-structured powders have proven to be elusive, due to the relatively reactive nature of this phase. In this study, a process has been established for successfully coating the surface of Nd2Fe14B powders with a FeCo layer using the galvanic displacement method. Initially, a binary phase magnetic powder was synthesized containing Nd2Fe14B and Nd2Fe17 phase. Subsequently, the powders were coated using a Co precursor at 303 K. During coating, the metastable Nd2Fe17 phase was dissolved, and the Fe ions were released into the solution. Subsequently, the Fe ions deposited together with the Co ions on the surface of Nd2Fe14B powder to form a FeCo shell. The deposited layer thickness and composition was confirmed using TEM analysis.
Mathematical Modelling of Ree-Eyring Nanofluid Using Koo-Kleinstreuer and Cattaneo-Christov Models on Chemically Reactive AA7072-AA7075 Alloys over a Magnetic Dipole Stretching Surface
Authors: Shah Zahir , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Rooman Muhammad , Deebani Wejdan , Shutaywi Meshal
Published: March 2022

In the current study, since nanofluids have a high thermal resistance, and because non-Newtonian (Ree-Eyring) fluid movement on a stretching sheet by means of suspended nanoparticles AA7072-AA7075 is used, the proposed mathematical model takes into account the influence of magnetic dipoles and the Koo-Kleinstreuer model. The Cattaneo-Christov model is used to calculate heat transfer in a two-dimensional flow of Ree-Eyring nanofluid across a stretching sheet, and viscous dissipation is taken into account. The base liquid water with suspended nanoparticles AA7072-AA7075 is considered in this study. The PDEs are converted into ODEs by exhausting similarity transformations. The numerical solution of the altered equations is then performed utilising the HAM. To examine the performance of velocity, temperature profiles, concentration profiles, skin friction, the Nusselt number, and the Sherwood number, a graphical analysis is carried out for various parameters. The new model’s key conclusions are that the AA7075 alloy outperforms the AA7072 alloy in terms of thermal performance as the volume fraction and ferro-magnetic interaction constraint rise. Additionally, the rate of heat transmission and the skin friction coefficient improve as the volume fraction rises.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Coatings in 2021
Authors:   Coatings Editorial Office
Published: March 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Efficient Photo-Response of Azobenzene-based Compounds for Holographic Recording
Authors: Hsu Tzu-Chien , Wang Lu-Yu , Lee Fang-Yong , Su Wei-Hung
Published: March 2022

One of the challenges for azobenzene-based materials in fabricating rewritable surface relief gratings is the long response time in the procedure of holographic recording, making it inefficient in real-time applications. In this study, a small molecule azobenzene compound with a facile fabrication route is presented. By a total recording intensity of 200 mW/cm2, a surface relief grating with the modulation depth of 758 nm can be formed in 5 min. The ±1st order diffraction was observed immediately after the holographic recording, and the ±2nd order diffraction was produced in two seconds. Such a short response time makes it possible for use in real-time applications.
Observation of Discrete Floquet Time Crystals in Periodically Driven Acoustic Bubbles
Authors: Deymier Pierre , Runge Keith
Published: March 2022

We show experimentally and theoretically that the translation dynamics of acoustic bubbles in an acoustic standing wave field exhibit all the attributes of a discrete time crystal, the dynamics of which is described by Mathieu’s equation. Individual bubbles and synchronized bubbles in a self-organized chain undergo emergent slow persistent oscillations. The period of the emergent oscillations is longer than that of the driving acoustic wave by three orders of magnitude, therefore, breaking the discrete time translation symmetry of the driver.
Hot Topics on COVID-19 and Its Possible Association with Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Dietmann Anelia , Ripellino Paolo , Humm Andrea M. , Hundsberger Thomas , Schreiner Bettina , Théaudin Marie , Scheidegger Olivier
Published: March 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, reports of neurological manifestations are increasing. However, despite a high number of case reports and case series on COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré-Syndrome (GBS), a causal association is still highly debated, due to the lack of case-control studies. In this opinion paper, we focus on a few clinically relevant questions regarding the possible link between GBS and SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination based on our personal clinical experience and literature review.
Combined Diagnostic Accuracy of Diffusion and Perfusion MR Imaging to Differentiate Radiation-Induced Necrosis from Recurrence in Glioblastoma
Authors: Jajodia Ankush , Goel Varun , Goyal Jitin , Patnaik Nivedita , Khoda Jeevitesh , Pasricha Sunil , Gairola Munish
Published: March 2022

We aimed to use quantitative values derived from perfusion and diffusion-weighted MR imaging (PWI and DWI) to differentiate radiation-induced necrosis (RIN) from tumor recurrence in Glioblastoma (GBM) and investigate the best parameters for improved diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. Methods: A retrospective analysis of follow-up MRI with new enhancing observations was performed in histopathologically confirmed subjects of post-treated GBM, who underwent re-surgical exploration. Quantitative estimation of rCBV (relative cerebral blood volume) from PWI and three methods of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) estimation were performed, namely ADC R1 (whole cross-sectional area of tumor), ADC R2 (only solid enhancing lesion), and ADC R3 (central necrosis). ROC curve and logistic regression analysis was completed. A confusion matrix table created using Excel provided the best combination parameters to ameliorate false-positive and false-negative results. Results: Forty-four subjects with a mean age of 46 years (range, 19–70 years) underwent re-surgical exploration with RIN in 28 (67%) and recurrent tumor in 16 (33%) on histopathology. rCBV threshold of >3.4 had the best diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.93, 81% sensitivity and 89% specificity). A multiple logistic regression model showed significant contributions from rCBV (p < 0.001) and ADC R3 (p = 0.001). After analysis of confusion matrix ADC R3 > 2032 × 10−6 mm2 achieved 100% specificity with gain in sensitivity (94% vs. 56%). Conclusions: A combination of parameters had better diagnostic performance, and a stepwise combination of rCBV and ADC R3 obviated unnecessary biopsies in 10% (3/28), leading to improved clinical decision-making.
Plant Diversity Is More Important than Climate Factors in Driving Insect Richness Pattern along a Latitudinal Gradient
Authors: Peng Yanling , Gao Jie , Zhang Xing
Published: March 2022

The insect data of 93 national nature reserves in China was used to identify the underlying drivers’ potential for species richness along geographical gradients. We assessed the correlations between predictors (climate and soil) and response variables (insect richness). We found that the following: insect diversity decreased significantly at higher latitudes. The latitudinal variation in insect richness seems to be driven by climate and soil variations and also the diversity of other biota. Among all the tested predictors, plant diversity explained the most latitudinal patterns of insect richness (R2 = 0.498). Insect richness showed a positive correlation with the diversity of other biota and climate factors (mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation) and was negatively associated with soil pH. Overall, the interspecific relationship between organisms was the main driver of insect diversity’s latitudinal pattern. However, the effects of climate and soil factors cannot be ignored.
Fractional Order Modeling of Thermal Circuits for an Integrated Energy System Based on Natural Transformation
Authors: Li Ming , Ye Jin
Published: March 2022

With the development of the economy, energy systems have become the focus of academia and industry. The integrated energy system formed by electricity, gas, and heat networks can improve the utilization efficiency of energy. Heating networks in integrated energy systems play an important role. The consideration of the dynamic characteristics of the heating network can improve the flexibility of the system and reduce the operation cost of the system. In this paper, a thermal circuit model is derived for the heating network from an electrical-analog perspective. Based on the thermal circuit model, the fractional-order model of the thermal circuit is proposed. The Adomian polynomial decomposition method based on natural transformation is used to solve the model. The losses and transfer delays of the heating network are obtained. The computing time is about 0.5 s and the relative error is less than 0.02%. The results show that the thermal circuit analysis theory can describe the complex dynamic characteristics of heating network and that the calculation procedure is simple, fast, and accurate.
Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Clemente Ethel Gonzales , Kanungo Shibani , Schmitt Christine , Maajali Dana
Published: March 2022

Congenital or monogenic hyperinsulinism (HI) is a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by dysregulated insulin secretion and is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in children. Knowledge of normal glucose homeostasis allows for a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, facilitating timely diagnosis and management. The goal of management is to prevent cerebral insults secondary to hypoglycemia, which can result in poor neurologic outcomes and intellectual disability. Responsiveness to diazoxide, the first-line pharmacologic therapy for persistent hypoglycemia, is also the first step to distinguishing the different genotypic causes of monogenic hyperinsulinism. Early genetic testing becomes necessary when monogenic HI is strongly considered. Knowledge of specific gene mutations allows the determination of a clinical prognosis and definite therapeutic options, such as identifying those with focal forms of hyperinsulinism, who may attain a complete cure through surgical removal of specific affected parts of the pancreas. However, the lack of identifiable cause in a considerable number of patients identified with HI suggests there may be other genetic loci that are yet to be discovered. Furthermore, continued research is needed to explore new forms of therapy, particularly in severe, diazoxide-nonresponsive cases.
Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder as Centrally Based Disorders
Authors: Nappi Rossella E. , Cucinella Laura , Bosoni David , Righi Alessandra , Battista Federica , Molinaro Pietro , Stincardini Giulia , Piccinino Manuela , Rossini Roberta , Tiranini Lara
Published: March 2022

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) encompass a variety of symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and impair daily life activities and relationships. Depending on the type and severity of physical, emotional or behavioral symptoms, women of reproductive age followed for at least two prospective menstrual cycles may receive one of the two diagnoses. PMDD is the most severe form of PMS, predominantly characterized by emotional and behavioral symptoms not due to another psychiatric disorder. PMS and PMDD are common neuro-hormonal gynecological disorders with a multifaceted etiology. Gonadal steroid hormones and their metabolites influence a plethora of biological systems involved in the occurrence of specific symptoms, but there is no doubt that PMS/PMDD are centrally based disorders. A more sensitive neuroendocrine threshold to cyclical variations of estrogens and progesterone under physiological and hormonal therapies is present. Moreover, altered brain sensitivity to allopregnanolone, a metabolite of progesterone produced after ovulation potentiating GABA activity, along with an impairment of opioid and serotoninergic systems, may justify the occurrence of emotional and behavioral symptoms. Even neuro-inflammation expressed via the GABAergic system is under investigation as an etiological factor of PMS/PMDD. Pharmacological management aims to stabilize hormonal fluctuations and to restore the neuroendocrine balance. The rationale of suppressing ovulation supports prescription of combined hormonal contraception (CHC). Its effect on mood is highly variable and depends on biochemical characteristics of exogenous steroids and on type and severity of symptoms. Hormonal regimens reducing the estrogen-free interval or suppressing menstruation seem better choices. Psychoactive agents, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are effective in reducing the symptoms of PMS/PMDD and may be prescribed continuously or only during the luteal phase. Novel therapeutic approaches include inhibition of progesterone receptors in the brain, i.e., with ulipristal acetate, reduced conversion of progesterone with dutasteride, and modulation of the action of allopregnanolone on the brain GABAergic system with sepranolone.
Who Uses Forest Roads? Has the COVID-19 Pandemics Affected Their Recreational Usage? Case Study from Central Slovakia
Authors: Dudáková Zuzana , Ferenčík Michal , Allman Michal , Merganičová Katarína , Merganič Ján , Vlčková Mária
Published: March 2022

Forest roads are necessary to provide access to forests and are also used by users other than forest owners and the timber industry. Their usage for recreation and hiking has been increasing in the last years. From 1/2020 to 12/2020, we performed research on traffic loads and the use of forest roads at an area of the University Forest Enterprise of Technical University in Zvolen. For this purpose, we selected two localities, namely Včelien = A locality and Štagiar = B locality. We monitored transport intensity at selected localities with images obtained from two identical Trail Spromise S308 cameras. We examined the impact of lockdown periods during the COVID-19 pandemics on forest recreation in the year 2020 with the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA. Multiple comparisons of p values showed there were no differences in the recreational usage of forest roads between the lockdown periods and periods without restrictions. We found that recreation activities peaked in summer and spring. Recreation and transport at selected localities did not have a negative impact on animal occurrence, as the regression and correlation analysis revealed only a low negative relationship with r = 0.029. When considering the number of passages, roads were used for recreation and other non-forestry purposes at approximately 36%. From the perspective of the weight load, recreation accounted for about 10%.
Informal Employment in the Forest Sector: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cui Shannon , Lippe Rattiya Suddeephong , Schweinle Jörg
Published: March 2022

Informal employment has been observed for decades and inevitably accompanies the formal economy globally, and it does not disappear to date along with economic growth. Particularly in developing countries, informal employment has increased beyond expectation. This scoping literature review, therefore, aims to identify and analyze the magnitude, causes, characteristics and socioeconomic effects of informal employment in the forest sector on a global scale. The literature analysis reveals that informal employment is predominant in the forest sector. Poverty, lack of education and migration are the causes of informal employment both in general and in the forest sector. Informal employment in the forest sector has various decent work deficits. At the same time, informal employment in the forest sector has induced and enlarged socioeconomic effects of working poverty and occupational accidents and illnesses.
Prevalence and Economic Costs of Absenteeism in an Aging Population—A Quasi-Stochastic Projection for Germany
Authors: Vanella Patrizio , Wilke Christina Benita , Söhnlein Doris
Published: March 2022

Demographic change is leading to the aging of German society. As long as the baby boom cohorts are still of working age, the working population will also age—and decline as soon as this baby boom generation gradually reaches retirement age. At the same time, there has been a trend toward increasing absenteeism (times of inability to work) in companies since the zero years, with the number of days of absence increasing with age. We present a novel stochastic forecast approach that combines population forecasting with forecasts of labor force participation trends, considering epidemiological aspects. For this, we combine a stochastic Monte Carlo-based cohort-component forecast of the population with projections of labor force participation rates and morbidity rates. This article examines the purely demographic effect on the economic costs associated with such absenteeism due to the inability to work. Under expected future employment patterns and constant morbidity patterns, absenteeism is expected to be close to 5 percent by 2050 relative to 2020, associated with increasing economic costs of almost 3 percent. Our results illustrate how strongly the pronounced baby boom/baby bust phenomenon determines demographic development in Germany in the midterm.
KMT2A: Umbrella Gene for Multiple Diseases
Authors: Castiglioni Silvia , Di Fede Elisabetta , Bernardelli Clara , Lettieri Antonella , Parodi Chiara , Grazioli Paolo , Colombo Elisa , Ancona Silvia , Milani Donatella , Ottaviano Emerenziana , Borghi Elisa , Massa Valentina , Ghelma Filippo , Vignoli Aglaia , Lesma Elena , Gervasini Cristina
Published: March 2022

KMT2A (Lysine methyltransferase 2A) is a member of the epigenetic machinery, encoding a lysine methyltransferase responsible for the transcriptional activation through lysine 4 of histone 3 (H3K4) methylation. KMT2A has a crucial role in gene expression, thus it is associated to pathological conditions when found mutated. KMT2A germinal mutations are associated to Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome and also in patients with initial clinical diagnosis of several other chromatinopathies (i.e., Coffin–Siris syndromes, Kabuki syndrome, Cornelia De Lange syndrome, Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome), sharing an overlapping phenotype. On the other hand, KMT2A somatic mutations have been reported in several tumors, mainly blood malignancies. Due to its evolutionary conservation, the role of KMT2A in embryonic development, hematopoiesis and neurodevelopment has been explored in different animal models, and in recent decades, epigenetic treatments for disorders linked to KMT2A dysfunction have been extensively investigated. To note, pharmaceutical compounds acting on tumors characterized by KMT2A mutations have been formulated, and even nutritional interventions for chromatinopathies have become the object of study due to the role of microbiota in epigenetic regulation.
Optimizing the Phenylalanine Cut-Off Value in a Newborn Screening Program
Authors: Perko Dasa , Repic Lampret Barbka , Remec Ziga Iztok , Zerjav Tansek Mojca , Drole Torkar Ana , Krhin Blaz , Bicek Ajda , Oblak Adrijana , Battelino Tadej , Groselj Urh
Published: March 2022

Phenylketonuria (PKU) was the first disorder for which newborn screening (NBS) was introduced in the early 1960s. Slovenia started the NBS program for PKU in 1979, and the fluorimetric method was implemented in 1992, with a phenylalanine (Phe) cut-off set at 120 mol/L. This value has been in use for almost thirty years and has never been revised. We aimed to analyze the DBS samples and review the data from a large nationwide cohort of newborns to optimize the cut-off values for HFA screening to minimize the number of false positives while maintaining the highest level of sensitivity by detecting all those who needed to be treated. In the first prospective part of the study, we analyzed samples of all newborns in Slovenia in 2019 and 2020, and in the second retrospective part, we reviewed data from all known patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HFA) in Slovenia born from 2000 to 2018. We defined true screening-positive cases as those that required a low-Phe diet. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values of the modeling elevation of the Phe cut-off value from 120 µmol/L to 200 µmol/L were assessed. The number of recalls at the cut-off of 120 µmol/L was 108 out of 37,784 samples at NBS (2019–2020). Six newborns were defined as true positives and 102 samples as false positives. If the cut-off value was adjusted to 160 µmol/L, only 12 samples exceeded it and all six true positive newborns would be detected. Among the 360,000 samples collected at the NBS between 2000 and 2018, 72 HFA patients in need of a low-Phe diet were found. All the diagnosed cases would have been detected if the cut-off was set to 160 µmol/L. We demonstrated in a large group of newborns (400,000 in 20 years) that using the fluorimetric approach, a cut-off value of 160 µmol/L, rather than 120 mol/L, is safe and that there were no missing true positive patients who required treatment. By increasing the cut-off, this method becomes more precise, resulting in a significantly reduced rate of false positives and thus being less burdensome on both families and the healthcare system.
Pietas in Patriam: Milton’s Classical Patriotism
Authors: Stevens Paul
Published: March 2022

The subject of this essay is the relation between Milton’s classical patriotism and his English nationalism. It has two principal aims. First, it sets out to examine the degree to which the affective or emotional quality of Milton’s patriotism was shaped by the classics, especially Cicero and Virgil. For all the energy that has gone into studying Milton’s classical republicanism, there has been relatively little interest in that political movement’s central concern with patriotism: few, for instance, have shown much interest in David Norbrook’s acknowledgment that “English republicanism emerged in part as a vehicle for English nationalism.” And second, through this focus on the classical aspect of Milton’s patriotism, it argues that far from being neutralized or undercut, Milton’s nascent nationalism was actually enabled and intensified by his internationalism, an internationalism that is most graphically illustrated by his engagement with Italy and its role in recovering the classics.
Machine-Learning-Based Disease Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ahsan Md Manjurul , Luna Shahana Akter , Siddique Zahed
Published: March 2022

Globally, there is a substantial unmet need to diagnose various diseases effectively. The complexity of the different disease mechanisms and underlying symptoms of the patient population presents massive challenges in developing the early diagnosis tool and effective treatment. Machine learning (ML), an area of artificial intelligence (AI), enables researchers, physicians, and patients to solve some of these issues. Based on relevant research, this review explains how machine learning (ML) is being used to help in the early identification of numerous diseases. Initially, a bibliometric analysis of the publication is carried out using data from the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The bibliometric study of 1216 publications was undertaken to determine the most prolific authors, nations, organizations, and most cited articles. The review then summarizes the most recent trends and approaches in machine-learning-based disease diagnosis (MLBDD), considering the following factors: algorithm, disease types, data type, application, and evaluation metrics. Finally, in this paper, we highlight key results and provides insight into future trends and opportunities in the MLBDD area.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Primary Care Physicians towards COVID-19 in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Symvoulakis Emmanouil K. , Karageorgiou Ioannis , Linardakis Manolis , Papagiannis Dimitrios , Hatzoglou Chrissi , Symeonidis Aristotelis , Rachiotis Georgios
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care physicians and residents towards the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Greece during March 2021. The population frame for the study was a list of currently practicing primary care physicians and residents who were registered within one of the main associations of general/family medicine in Greece. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis was performed for practices at higher levels (vs. lower) in relation to knowledge, attitudes, and general characteristics of participants. Overall, 194 participants completed the survey (e-response rate: 38.4%). In total, 94% of participants were familiar with official recommendations regarding SARS-CoV-2, and 88.7% were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 or promptly intended to be. Physicians working in the private sector had a higher average practices score when compared to physicians working in the public sector (87.6 vs. 81.9, p < 0.05). Higher levels of attitudes predicted greater odds for higher levels of practices (odds ratio = 4.18, p < 0.05). Despite the relatively high COVID-19 vaccination rate of physicians, several participants were unvaccinated due to a then unscheduled first dose appointment. Attitudes were the only determinant for more proper practices towards the prevention of COVID-19.
Preliminary Results of a Bicycle Training Course on Adults’ Environmental Perceptions and Their Mode of Commuting
Authors: Gálvez-Fernández Patricia , Chillón Palma , Aranda-Balboa María Jesús , Herrador-Colmenero Manuel
Published: March 2022

This study was designed to analyze the effects of a bicycle training course on both adults’ environmental perceptions and their mode of commuting. Four bicycle training courses for adults were conducted in Granada, Spain in April 2015 and May 2016. The course program was focused on developing practical skills and attitudes on road. From the initial 65 adults who started the course, only 35 adults met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Participants completed twice (i.e., before and after the course) a questionnaire about their perceptions of the environment, usual mode of commuting to daily destinations, and sociodemographic characteristics. After finishing the initial questionnaire, the participants completed a bicycle training course based on the methodology “Bikeability” with a duration of 6 h. The results suggest that participants improved their safety perception in relation to the level of crime in the participants’ neighborhood after the bicycle training course. Cycling training courses should last longer in order to produce changes in the mode of commuting and in the environmental perceptions.
Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry—Narrative Review
Authors: Ossowska Agata , Kusiak Aida , Świetlik Dariusz
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more important in medicine and in dentistry. It can be helpful in many fields where the human may be assisted and helped by new technologies. Neural networks are a part of artificial intelligence, and are similar to the human brain in their work and can solve given problems and make fast decisions. This review shows that artificial intelligence and the use of neural networks has developed very rapidly in recent years, and it may be an ordinary tool in modern dentistry in the near future. The advantages of this process are better efficiency, accuracy, and time saving during the diagnosis and treatment planning. More research and improvements are needed in the use of neural networks in dentistry to put them into daily practice and to facilitate the work of the dentist.
How to Improve the Drafting of Health Profiles
Authors: Napolitani Margherita , Guarducci Giovanni , Abinova Gulnara , Messina Gabriele , Nante Nicola
Published: March 2022

Delineating patients’ health profiles is essential to allow for a proper comparison between medical care and its results in patients with comorbidities. The aim of this work was to evaluate the concordance of health profiles outlined by ward doctors and by epidemiologists and the effectiveness of training interventions in improving the concordance. Between 2018 and 2021, we analyzed the concordance between the health profiles outlined by ward doctors in a private hospital and those outlined by epidemiologists on the same patients’ medical records. The checks were repeated after training interventions. The agreement test (Cohen’s kappa) was used for comparisons through STATA. The initial concordance was poor for most categories. After our project, the concordance improved for all categories of CIRS. Subsequently, we noted a decline in concordance between ward doctors and epidemiologists for CIRS, so a new training intervention was needed to improve the CIRS profile again. Initially, we found a low concordance, which increased significantly after the training interventions, proving its effectiveness.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Support among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness during COVID-19
Authors: Adams Emma , Parker Jeff , Jablonski Tony , Kennedy Joanne , Tasker Fiona , Hunter Desmond , Denham Katy , Smiles Claire , Muir Cassey , O’Donnell Amy , Widnall Emily , Dotsikas Kate , Kaner Eileen , Ramsay Sheena
Published: March 2022

People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of mental ill-health and substance use and lower access to health services compared to the general population. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in service delivery across health and social care services, with many adopting virtual or telephone support for service users. This paper explores the experiences of access to community-based mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 10 women and 16 men (ages 25 to 71) who self-identified as experiencing homelessness in North East England between February and May 2021. With five individuals with lived experience, results were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Reactive changes to support provision often led to inadvertent exclusion. Barriers to access included: physical locations, repetition of recovery stories, individual readiness, and limited availability. Participants suggested creating services reflective of need and opportunities for choice and empowerment. Community mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness should ensure the support is personalised, responsive to need, inclusive, and trauma-informed. The findings of this research have important implications for mental health and substance use policy and practice for individuals who experience homelessness during a public health crisis.
Dimensions of Athlete-Coach Relationship and Sport Anxiety as Predictors of the Changes in Psychomotor and Motivational Welfare of Child Athletes after the Implementation of the Psychological Workshops for Coaches
Authors: Wilczyńska Dominika , Walczak-Kozłowska Tamara , Alarcón David , Zakrzewska Dominika , Jaenes Jose Carlos
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Coach workshops based on seven principles (inspiration, explanation, expectation, support, reward, appreciation, growth, and winning) enhance the sport experience of adult athletes. Here, we report effects of such workshops with coaches of child athletes and the predictors of those changes. (2) Methods: Study participants were 8 coaches of 57 children aged between 9 and 12 years old (girls practicing gymnastics and boys practicing football). Three coaches of 28 children attended three workshops over 12 weeks, while a control group of 5 coaches of 29 children attended no workshops. Measures of motivation, relationships, anxiety, and psychomotor performance were taken on children before and after the intervention. (3) Results: There were significant effects of the workshop on motivation and psychomotor performance. The analysis of the predictors the intervention used in this study might be effective for enhancing psychomotor performance and motivation while considering components of Athlete-Coach relationship and anxiety levels as moderators. (4) Conclusions: The beneficial effects of the workshop are encouraging but need to be investigated with higher numbers of coaches and children from various sport disciplines.
Correction: Naser et al. Knowledge and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 4699
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y. , Dahmash Eman Zmaily , Alsairafi Zahra Khalil , Alwafi Hassan , Alyami Hamad , Jalal Zahraa , Al Rajeh Ahmed M. , Paudyal Vibhu , Alhartani Yosra J. , Turkistani Fawaz Mohammad , Hassanin Fadi Fouad
Published: March 2022

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
Spatial Analysis of Shared Risk Factors between Pleural and Ovarian Cancer Mortality in Lombardy (Italy)
Authors: Stoppa Giorgia , Mensi Carolina , Fazzo Lucia , Minelli Giada , Manno Valerio , Consonni Dario , Biggeri Annibale , Catelan Dolores
Published: March 2022

Background: Asbestos exposure is a recognized risk factor for ovarian cancer and malignant mesothelioma. There are reports in the literature of geographical ecological associations between the occurrence of these two diseases. Our aim was to further explore this association by applying advanced Bayesian techniques to a large population (10 million people). Methods: We specified a series of Bayesian hierarchical shared models to the bivariate spatial distribution of ovarian and pleural cancer mortality by municipality in the Lombardy Region (Italy) in 2000–2018. Results: Pleural cancer showed a strongly clustered spatial distribution, while ovarian cancer showed a less structured spatial pattern. The most supported Bayesian models by predictive accuracy (widely applicable or Watanabe–Akaike information criterion, WAIC) provided evidence of a shared component between the two diseases. Among five municipalities with significant high standardized mortality ratios of ovarian cancer, three also had high pleural cancer rates. Wide uncertainty was present when addressing the risk of ovarian cancer associated with pleural cancer in areas at low background risk of ovarian cancer. Conclusions: We found evidence of a shared risk factor between ovarian and pleural cancer at the small geographical level. The impact of the shared risk factor can be relevant and can go unnoticed when the prevalence of other risk factors for ovarian cancer is low. Bayesian modelling provides useful information to tailor epidemiological surveillance.