bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Enhance the Efficacy of Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: An Jeongshin , Kwon Hyungju , Lim Woosung , Moon Byung-In
Published: April 2022

The microbiome involved in the human estrogen metabolism is known as the estrobolome. This study aimed to show that the estrobolome can be used in breast cancer treatment. We first analyzed the blood microbiome composition of healthy controls and patients with breast cancer. In particular, we investigated the bacteria producing β−glucuronidase and/or β−galactosidase, which are involved in estrogen metabolism in the human body. Staphylococcus species were more abundant in healthy controls than in breast cancer patients and therefore were selected for further analyses. The effect of Staphylococcus aureus on endocrine therapy was analyzed by a combination treatment with tamoxifen. Analysis of the microbiome of blood samples showed that species producing β−glucuronidase were more abundant in breast cancer patients than in healthy controls. Further experiments confirmed that the efficacy of tamoxifen increased when administered in conjugation with the extracellular vesicles (EVs) of S. aureus. Based on our results, we deduced that S. aureus EVs could potentially be used as adjuvants for breast cancer treatment in the future.
Psychometric Properties of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Factor Structure, Reliability, Correlates, and Discrimination
Authors: Jerković Ana , Mikac Una , Matijaca Meri , Košta Vana , Ćurković Katić Ana , Dolić Krešimir , Vujović Igor , Šoda Joško , Đogaš Zoran , Pavelin Sanda , Rogić Vidaković Maja
Published: April 2022

Sleep disturbances and poor sleep are a common complaint in the population with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. The most commonly reported scale is the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), measuring seven components of sleep quality. Yet, till today, the PSQI instrument has not been validated in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The objective of our study was to add precision in sleep quality assessment by investigating the psychometric properties of PSQI (factor structure, reliability, validity based on relations with other variables, cut-off scores) in pwMS. The cross-sectional study included data on a total of 87 patients with MS and 216 control subjects. Demographic information, education level, and MS-related variables were ascertained. Psychometric properties were examined by estimating the validity, including factor structure, metric invariance, and relations with other MS- and non-MS-related variables, reliability, and discrimination ability of the PSQI. The Croatian version of the PSQI had a two-factor structure which demonstrated loading and partial intercept invariance between pwMS and the control group. The global score and both subscales had high internal consistencies (McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients) in pwMS and showed expected relations with demographic and MS-related variables. PwMS differed significantly in the PSQI global score from the control groups, although receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis did not indicate a clear cut-off point. The PSQI is a reliable and valid scale and can be applied in clinical settings for assessing sleep quality in pwMS.
Rare Source of Embolism in a Young Patient: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Vachalcová Marianna , Jankajová Monika , Jakubová Marta , Sieradzka Karolina Angela , Porubän Tibor , Valočik Gabriel , Šafár Peter , Ondušová Daniela , Petruš Ján , Schusterová Ingrid
Published: April 2022

We present a case of a 31-year-old patient, smoker, with no previous medical history, presenting with acute limb ischemia and infarction of the spleen due to peripheral embolism. The source of embolism was thrombi formations in the left ventricular cavity, located in the area of the regional wall motions abnormalities. CT and coronary angiography confirmed the total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery with collateralization. The patient underwent acute bilateral embolectomy of the iliac, femoral, and popliteal arteries. Subsequently, cardiothoracic surgery was indicated with coronary bypass surgery and extirpation of left ventricular masses, later confirmed as thrombus by pathology characteristics. Hematological examinations proved homozygous thrombophilia, and the patient was indicated for lifelong anticoagulation therapy.
Rehabilitation Nurse’s Perspective on Transitional Care: An Online Focus Group
Authors: Pedrosa Rita , Ferreira Óscar , Baixinho Cristina Lavareda
Published: April 2022

The increasing incidence of chronic and dependence leads to the need for hospitalization and adaptation in the process of returning home, as well as transition between care levels to ensure continuity of care. The World Health Organization has been warning about this problem since 2016, and consider reorganizing the care model as one of the solutions. The present study aimed to analyse the nurses’ perspective on transitional care for dependent people with rehabilitation care needs after hospital discharge. Methods: A focus group was developed with the participation of Rehabilitation Nurses from the hospital and community context, and content analysis was defined a posteriori. Results: From the content analysis emerged four related categories: promotion of continuity of care, nurse of advanced practice as a care manager, capacitation of the person and caregiver, and promotion of the care coordination. Conclusions: The present study allowed the strategies identification that minimize fragmentation risk of care and promote the person participation in transitional care. Ensuring transitional care is imperative to increase the quality of care, the satisfaction of professionals, clients, and the development of a system of sustainable health.
Personalized Medicine in Epidemics
Authors: Middelburg Rutger A.
Published: April 2022

Before you lies the Special Issue “Personalized Medicine in Epidemics” [...]
Special Issue “Cancer Biomarker Research and Personalized Medicine”
Authors: Meehan James
Published: April 2022

While the term biomarker is thought to have first been used in the 1970s, the concept itself is considered to be much older [...]
Crystallization of Lanthanide—Ho3+ and Tm3+ Ions Doped Tellurite Glasses
Authors: Plewa Julian , Płońska Małgorzata , Osińska Katarzyna , Tomala Robert
Published: April 2022

In the presented work, the tellurite glasses TeO2-WO3-ZnO doped with Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions were prepared by the same glass forming method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques were used to study the effects of the forming technology on the thermal and structural properties of the fabricated glasses. After controlled crystallization of investigated glasses, the emission in the VIS- and NIR range was determined. The effect of silver doping on emission intensity was investigated. The value of the activation energy of the glass crystallization process was determined, while the Ea value for pure TeO2 glass was much lower than for tellurite glasses TeO2-WO3-ZnO.
Insight into the Exemplary Physical Properties of Zn-Based Fluoroperovskite Compounds XZnF3 (X = Al, Cs, Ga, In) Employing Accurate GGA Approach: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Habib Anwar , Husain Mudasser , Sajjad Muhammad , Rahman Nasir , Khan Rajwali , Sohail Mohammad , Ali Ismat Hassan , Iqbal Shahid , Khan Mohammed Ilyas , Ebraheem Sara A. M. , M. El-Sabrout Ahmed , Elansary Hosam O.
Published: April 2022

Using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method, dependent on density functional theory, the simple cubic ternary fluoroperovskites XZnF3 (X = Al, Cs, Ga, In) compound properties, including structural, elastic, electronic, and optical, are calculated. To include the effect of exchange and correlation potentials, the generalized gradient approximation is applied for the optimization operation. This is identified, when we are changing the metallic cation specified as “X” when shifting to Al from Cs, the value of the bulk modulus is found to increase, showing the rigidity of a material. Depending upon the value of the bulk modulus, we can say that the compound AlZnF3 is harder and cannot be compressed as easily as compared to the other three compounds, which are having a lower value of the bulk modulus from AlZnF3. It is also found that the understudy compounds are mechanically well balanced and anisotropic. The determined value of the Poisson ratio, Cauchy pressure, and Pugh ratio shows our compounds have a ductile nature. From the computation of the band structure, it is found that the compound CsZnF3 is having an indirect band of 3.434 eV from (M-Γ), while the compounds AlZnF3, GaZnF3, and InZnF3 are found to have indirect band gaps of 2.425 eV, 3.665 eV, and 2.875 eV from (M-X), respectively. The optical properties are investigated for radiation up to 40 eV. The main optical spectra peaks are described as per the measured electronic structure. The above findings provide comprehensive insight into understanding the physical properties of Zn-based fluoroperovskites.
Dual Electrorheological and Magnetorheological Behaviors of Poly(N-methyl aniline) Coated ZnFe2O4 Composite Particles
Authors: Kim Hyun Min , Jeong Ji Yoon , Kang Su Hyung , Jin Hyoung-Joon , Choi Hyoung Jin
Published: April 2022

Magnetic/conducting polymeric hybrid core-shell typed zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4)/poly(N-methyl aniline) (PMA) particles were fabricated and adopted as electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids, and their rheological properties were examined. Solvo-thermally synthesized ZnFe2O4 was coated with a conducting PMA through chemical oxidation polymerization. The size, shape, and chemical composition of the final core-shell shaped particles were scrutinized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The crystal faces of the particles before and after coating with PMA were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. The ZnFe2O4/PMA products were suspended in silicone oil to investigate the rheological response to electro- or magnetic stimuli using a rotating rheometer. The shear stresses were analyzed using the CCJ equation. The dynamic yield stress curve was suitable for the conductivity mechanism with a slope of 1.5. When magnetic fields of various intensities were applied, the flow curve was analyzed using the Hershel–Bulkley equation, and the yield stresses had a slope of 1.5. Optical microscopy further showed that the particles dispersed in insulating medium form chain structures under electric and magnetic fields. Via this core-shell fabrication process, not only spherical conducting particles were obtained but also their dual ER and MR responses were demonstrated for their wide potential applications.
Potential of Commercial Wood-Based Materials as PCB Substrate
Authors: Immonen Kirsi , Lyytikäinen Johanna , Keränen Janne , Eiroma Kim , Suhonen Mika , Vikman Minna , Leminen Ville , Välimäki Marja , Hakola Liisa
Published: April 2022

In our research on sustainable solutions for printed electronics, we are moving towards renewable materials in applications, which can be very challenging from the performance perspective, such as printed circuit boards (PCB). In this article, we examine the potential suitability of wood-based materials, such as cardboard and veneer, as substrate materials for biodegradable solutions instead of the commonly used glass-fiber reinforced epoxy. Our substrate materials were coated with fire retardant materials for improved fire resistance and screen printed with conductive silver ink. The print quality, electrical conductivity, fire performance and biodegradation were evaluated. It was concluded that if the PCB application allows manufacturing using screen printing instead of an etching process, there is the potential for these materials to act as substrates in, e.g., environmental analytics applications.
Various Types of q-Differential Equations of Higher Order for q-Euler and q-Genocchi Polynomials
Authors: Ryoo Cheon-Seoung , Kang Jung-Yoog
Published: April 2022

One finds several q-differential equations of a higher order for q-Euler polynomials and q-Genocchi polynomials. Additionally, we have a few q-differential equations of a higher order, which are mixed with q-Euler numbers and q-Genocchi polynomials. Moreover, we investigate some symmetric q-differential equations of a higher order by applying symmetric properties of q-Euler polynomials and q-Genocchi polynomials.
Electrografting a Hybrid Bilayer Membrane via Diazonium Chemistry for Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Amyloid-β Aggregation
Authors: Fini Hamid , Hassan Qusai , Noroozifar Meissam , Kerman Kagan
Published: April 2022

Herein, a novel hybrid bilayer membrane is introduced as a platform to study the aggregation of amyloid-β1–42 (Aβ1–42) peptide on surfaces. The first layer was covalently attached to a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via diazonium electrodeposition, which provided a highly stable template for the hybrid bilayer formation. To prepare the long-chain hybrid bilayer membrane (lcHBLM)-modified electrodes, GCE surfaces were modified with 4-dodecylbenzenediazonium (DDAN) followed by the modification with dihexadecyl phosphate (DHP) as the second layer. For the preparation of short-chain hybrid bilayer membrane (scHBLM)-modified electrodes, GCE surfaces were modified with 4-ethyldiazonium (EDAN) as the first layer and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (BEHP) was utilized as the second layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to characterize the bilayer formation. Both positively charged [Ru(NH3)6]3+ and negatively charged ([Fe(CN)6]3-/4-) redox probes were used for electrochemical characterization of the modified surfaces using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS results showed a decrease in charge transfer resistance (Rct) upon incubation of Aβ1–42 on the hybrid bilayer-modified surfaces. This framework provides a promising electrochemical platform for designing hybrid bilayers with various physicochemical properties to study the interaction of membrane-bound receptors and biomolecules on surfaces.
Synthesis and Characterization of Pyrazole-Enriched Cationic Nanoparticles as New Promising Antibacterial Agent by Mutual Cooperation
Authors: Alfei Silvana , Zuccari Guendalina , Caviglia Debora , Brullo Chiara
Published: April 2022

A pyrazole derivative (CB1) was previously evaluated in vivo for various pharmacological activities (with the exception of antimicrobial effects), using DMSO as the administrative medium, mainly due to its water insolubility. Considering the global necessity for new antimicrobial agents, CB1 attracted our attention as a candidate to meet this need, mainly because the secondary amine group in its structure would make it possible to obtain its hydrochloride salt (CB1H), thus effortlessly solving its water-solubility drawbacks. In preliminary microbiologic investigations on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, CB1H displayed weak antibacterial effects on MDR isolates of Gram-positive species, nonetheless better than those displayed by the commonly-used available antibiotics. Therefore, aiming at improving such activity and extending the antibacterial spectrum of CB1H to Gram-negative pathogens, in this first work CB1 was strategically formulated in nanoparticles using a cationic copolymer (P7) previously developed by us, possessing potent broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Using the nanoprecipitation method, CB1H-loaded polymer nanoparticles (CB1H-P7 NPs) were obtained, which were analyzed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm the successful loading. Additionally, CB1H-P7 NPs were fully characterized in terms of morphology, size, polydispersity indices, surface charge, DL%, and EE%, as well as release and potentiometric profiles.
Single- and Twin-Photons Emitted from Fiber-Coupled Quantum Dots in a Distributed Bragg Reflector Cavity
Authors: Shang Xiangjun , Li Shulun , Liu Hanqing , Su Xiangbin , Hao Huiming , Dai Deyan , Li Xiaoming , Li Yuanyuan , Gao Yuanfei , Dou Xiuming , Ni Haiqiao , Niu Zhichuan
Published: April 2022

In this work, we develop single-mode fiber devices of an InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) by bonding a fiber array with large smooth facet, small core, and small numerical aperture to QDs in a distributed Bragg reflector planar cavity with vertical light extraction that prove mode overlap and efficient output for plug-and-play stable use and extensive study. Modulated Si doping as electron reservoir builds electric field and level tunnel coupling to reduce fine-structure splitting (FSS) and populate dominant XX and higher excitons XX+ and XXX. Epoxy package thermal stress induces light hole (lh) with various behaviors related to the donor field: lh h1 confined with more anisotropy shows an additional XZ line (its space to the traditional X lines reflects the field intensity) and larger FSS; lh h2 delocalized to wetting layer shows a fast h2–h1 decay; lh h2 confined shows D3h symmetric higher excitons with slow h2–h1 decay and more confined h1 to raise h1–h1 Coulomb interaction.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Transplanted Porcine Neonatal Pancreatic Cell Clusters Labeled with Exendin-4-Conjugated Manganese Magnetism-Engineered Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Juang Jyuhn-Huarng , Wang Jiun-Jie , Shen Chia-Rui , Lin Sung-Han , Chen Chen-Yi , Kao Chen-Wei , Chen Chen-Ling , Wu Shu-Ting , Tsai Zei-Tsan , Wang Yun-Ming
Published: April 2022

Recently, we have shown that manganese magnetism-engineered iron oxide nanoparticles (MnMEIO NPs) conjugated with exendin-4 (Ex4) act as a contrast agent that directly trace implanted mouse islet β-cells by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here we further advanced this technology to track implanted porcine neonatal pancreatic cell clusters (NPCCs) containing ducts, endocrine, and exocrine cells. NPCCs from one-day-old neonatal pigs were isolated, cultured for three days, and then incubated overnight with MnMEIO-Ex4 NPs. Binding of NPCCs and MnMEIO-Ex4 NPs was confirmed with Prussian blue staining in vitro prior to the transplantation of 2000 MnMEIO-Ex4 NP-labeled NPCCs beneath the left renal capsule of six nondiabetic nude mice. The 7.0 T MRI on recipients revealed persistent hypointense areas at implantation sites for up to 54 days. The MR signal intensity of the graft on left kidney reduced 62–88% compared to the mirror areas on the contralateral kidney. Histological studies showed colocalization of insulin/iron and SOX9/iron staining in NPCC grafts, indicating that MnMEIO-Ex4 NPs were taken up by mature β-cells and pancreatic progenitors. We conclude that MnMEIO-Ex4 NPs are excellent contrast agents for detecting and long-term monitoring implanted NPCCs by MRI.
Use of the β-Glucan-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Levilactobacillus brevis and Pediococcus claussenii for Sourdough Fermentation—Chemical Characterization and Chemopreventive Potential of In Situ-Enriched Wheat and Rye Sourdoughs and Breads
Authors: Schlörmann Wiebke , Bockwoldt Julia A. , Hübner Sabine M. , Wittwer Elisa , Reiners Sarah , Lorkowski Stefan , Dawczynski Christine , Ehrmann Matthias A. , Glei Michael
Published: April 2022

The aim of the present study was to examine β-glucan production and the potential prebiotic and chemopreventive effects of wheat and rye sourdoughs and breads generated with wild-type and non-β-glucan-forming isogenic mutant strains of Levilactobacillus brevis and Pediococcus claussenii. Sourdough and bread samples were subjected to in vitro digestion and fermentation. Fermentation supernatants (FS) and pellets (FP) were analyzed (pH values, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), ammonia, bacterial taxa) and the effects of FS on LT97 colon adenoma cell growth, viability, caspase-2 and -3 activity, genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects and on gene and protein expression of p21, cyclin D2, catalase and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were examined. Concentrations of SCFA were increased and concentrations of ammonia were partly reduced in the FS. The relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was increased in all FPs. Treatment with FS reduced the growth and viability of LT97 cells and significantly increased caspase-2 and -3 activities without exhibiting genotoxic or antigenotoxic effects. The p21 mRNA and protein levels were increased while that of cyclin D2 was reduced. Catalase and SOD2 mRNA and protein expression were marginally induced. The presented results indicate a comparable chemopreventive potential of wheat and rye sourdoughs and breads without an additional effect of the formed β-glucan.
Basal Serum Diamine Oxidase Levels as a Biomarker of Histamine Intolerance: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cucca Valentina , Ramirez Giuseppe A. , Pignatti Patrizia , Asperti Chiara , Russo Marco , Della-Torre Emanuel , Breda Daniela , Burastero Samuele E. , Dagna Lorenzo , Yacoub Mona-Rita
Published: April 2022

Background: Histamine Intolerance (HIT) is a multifaceted pseudoallergic disorder possibly due to defective histamine metabolism. Diamine oxidase (DAO) contributes to histamine degradation and can be measured in the serum. The role of DAO measurement in the diagnostic work-up of HIT still remains unclear, and conflicting results have been reported in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the possible clinical usefulness and consistency of DAO value ranges as provided by the assay manufacturer and verify whether they could predict the response to treatment. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 192 outpatients with HIT symptoms and measured serum DAO values at baseline. Patients were prescribed either with low-histamine diet and/or enzymatic supplementation according to symptom severity and re-evaluated six to eight months later. Patients were stratified into three groups according to DAO levels: <3 U/mL, 3–10 U/mL, and >10 U/mL. HIT severity was assessed on a scale of 1 to 5 before and after treatment. Results: A total of 146 patients completed the study. Gastrointestinal and cutaneous symptoms, often associated with headache, were more frequent in subjects with DAO < 10 U/mL. Symptom severity and DAO ranges were correlated. Patients with intermediate DAO levels (3–10 U/mL) showed a more complex clinical phenotype but also a more significant improvement in symptom severity (score reduction 50%, interquartile range (IQR) = 33–60%) when compared to patients with low DAO (40%, IQR = 20–60%; p = 0.045) or high DAO (33%, IQR = 0–50%; p < 0.001). Complex clinical phenotypes were also more frequent in patients with intermediate DAO levels. Conclusions: HIT is characterized by typical symptoms and low levels of DAO activity. Symptom severity was associated with the degree of DAO deficiency. Patients with DAO values between 3 and 10 U/mL show the best response to treatment (low-histamine diet and/or DAO supplementation). DAO value could arguably be considered as a predictor of clinical response to treatment. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these data.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Organ Transplantation
Authors: Deo Dayanand , Marchioni Misty , Rao Prakash
Published: April 2022

Organ transplantation is essential and crucial for saving and enhancing the lives of individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure. Major challenges in the medical field include the shortage of organ donors, high rates of organ rejection, and long wait times. To address the current limitations and shortcomings, cellular therapy approaches have been developed using mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). MSC have been isolated from various sources, have the ability to differentiate to important cell lineages, have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, allow immunosuppressive drug minimization, and induce immune tolerance towards the transplanted organ. Additionally, rapid advances in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have emerged that focus on either generating new organs and organ sources or maximizing the availability of existing organs. This review gives an overview of the various properties of MSC that have enabled its use as a cellular therapy for organ preservation and transplant. We also highlight emerging fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine along with their multiple sub-disciplines, underlining recent advances, widespread clinical applications, and potential impact on the future of tissue and organ transplantation.
AKVANO®: A Novel Lipid Formulation System for Topical Drug Delivery—In Vitro Studies
Authors: Holmbäck Jan , Rinwa Vibhu , Halthur Tobias , Rinwa Puneet , Carlsson Anders , Herslöf Bengt
Published: April 2022

A novel formulation technology called AKVANO® has been developed with the aim to provide a tuneable and versatile drug delivery system for topical administration. The vehicle is based on a water-free lipid formulation where selected lipids, mainly phospholipids rich in phosphatidylcholine, are dissolved in a volatile solvent, such as ethanol. With the aim of describing the basic properties of the system, the following physicochemical methods were used: viscometry, dynamic light scattering, NMR diffusometry, and atomic force microscopy. AKVANO formulations are non-viscous, with virtually no or very minute aggregates formed, and when applied to the skin, e.g., by spraying, a thin film consisting of lipid bilayer structures is formed. Standardized in vitro microbiological and irritation tests show that AKVANO formulations meet criteria for antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities and, at the same time, are being investigated as a non-irritant to the skin and eye. The ethanol content in AKVANO facilitates incorporation of many active pharmaceutical ingredients (>80 successfully tested) and the phospholipids seem to act as a solubilizer in the formulation. In vitro skin permeation experiments using Strat-M® membranes have shown that AKVANO formulations can be designed to alter the penetration of active ingredients by changing the lipid composition.
Calypogeia (Calypogeiaceae, Marchantiophyta) in Pacific Asia: Updates from Molecular Revision with Particular Attention to the Genus in North Indochina
Authors: Bakalin Vadim A. , Maltseva Yulia D. , Müller Frank , Klimova Ksenia G. , Nguyen Van Sinh , Choi Seung Se , Troitsky Aleksey V.
Published: April 2022

Calypogeia is a genus in Pacific Asia that is difficult to classify taxonomically. These difficulties arise from (1) considering the presence of oil bodies as anatomical characters for taxonomic differentiation, (2) the wide occurrence of sibling, semicryptic and geographical vicariant taxa and (3) the inevitable need to organize new datasets for molecular genetic revision of the genus. The present study uses an integrative approach, including molecular genetic, morphological, chorological and ecological methods, to understand the taxonomy of the genus in Amphi-Pacific Asia. As a result, a set of new-to-science taxa was revealed, and the suite of morphological features necessary for reliable discrimination of the taxa was revised. These results are based on the study of a large set of ‘fresh’ collections suitable for molecular analysis and morphological comparison and include data on oil bodies. The most basal branch in Calypogeia s.l. is segregated into a new genus, Asperifolia. Descriptions of the new taxa and the key to Calypogeia in Vietnam are provided.
Study of the Behavior of Square Concrete-Filled CFRP Steel Tubular under a Bending-Torsion Load
Authors: Wang Qing-Li , Gao Hang-Cheng , Peng Kuan
Published: April 2022

To study the behavior of square concrete-filled CFRP (carbon fiber polymer) steel tubular under bending-torsional load, nine square section concrete-filled CFRP steel tubular specimens are designed. The T-θ curve and failure mode of square concrete-filled CFRP steel tubular are studied under a bending-torsional load. Based on the test results, a finite element modeling method is proposed by using the finite element software ABAQUS, and the simulation results are compared with the experimental results. The results show that the simulation is in good agreement with the experimental results. On the basis of verifying the reliability of the model, the whole stress process and parameter analysis of the component are studied, and the calculation expression of bearing capacity of square concrete-filled CFRP steel tubular under bending-torsion load is proposed. The predicted specimen-bearing capacity of the proposed calculation expression of the bearing capacity of square concrete-filled CFRP steel tubular under bending-torsion load is basically consistent with the test results.
Adsorption of an Anionic Surfactant (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) from an Aqueous Solution by Modified Cellulose with Quaternary Ammonium
Authors: Zou Ming , Zhang Haixin , Miyamoto Naoto , Kano Naoki , Okawa Hirokazu
Published: April 2022

In this study, a method of removing an anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) from an aqueous solution by cellulose modified with quaternary ammonium cation was discussed. Cellulose, as the adsorbent, was obtained from medical cotton balls, and the quaternary ammonium cation (synthesized from dodecyl dimethyl tertiary amine and epichlorohydrin) was grafted onto the sixth hydroxyl group of D-glucose in the cellulose by the Williamson reaction under alkaline conditions. The modified cellulose was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); and the zeta potential of the material was also measured after confirmation of the synthesis of quaternary ammonium salts by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). From these analyses, a peak of the quaternary ammonium group was observed at 1637 cm−1; and it was found that the surface of the material exhibited a positive charge in pH 2–7. The optimal conditions for SDS adsorption by modified cellulose were pH of 7, contact time of 3 h, and temperature of 60 °C in this study. Typical adsorption isotherms (Langmuir and Freundlich) were determined for the adsorption process, and the maximal adsorption capacity was estimated as 32.5 mg g−1. The results of adsorption kinetics were more consistent with the pseudo-second-order equation, indicating that the adsorption process was mainly controlled by chemical adsorption. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process of SDS on the modified cellulose was endothermic and spontaneous and that an increasing temperature was conducive to adsorption.
Simulation of Isoprene Emission with Satellite Microwave Emissivity Difference Vegetation Index as Water Stress Factor in Southeastern China during 2008
Authors: Zhang Yuxiang , Hu Jiheng , Gu Dasa , Bo Haixu , Fu Yuyun , Wang Yipu , Li Rui
Published: April 2022

Isoprene is one of the most important biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitted by vegetation. The biogenic isoprene emissions are widely estimated by the Model of Emission of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) considering different environmental stresses. The response of isoprene emission to the water stress is usually parameterized using soil moisture in previous studies. In this study, we designed a new parameterization scheme of water stress in MEGAN as a function of a novel, satellite, passive microwave-based vegetation index, Emissivity Difference Vegetation Index (EDVI), which indicates the vegetation inner water content. The isoprene emission rates in southeastern China were simulated with different water stress indicators including soil moisture, EDVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). Then the simulated isoprene emission rates were compared to associated satellite top-down estimations. The results showed that in southeastern China, the spatiotemporal correlations between those simulations and top-down retrieval are all high with different biases. The simulated isoprene emission rates with EDVI-based water stress factor are most consistent with top-down estimation with higher temporal correlation, lower bias and lower RMSE, while soil moisture alters the emission rates little, and optical vegetation indices (NDVI and EVI) slightly increase the correlation with top-down. The temporal correlation coefficients are increased after applied with EDVI water stress factor in most areas; especially in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and Yangtze River Delta (>0.12). Overall, higher consistency of simulation and top-down estimation is shown when EDVI is applied, which indicates the possibility of estimating the effect of vegetation water stress on biogenic isoprene emission using microwave observations.
Telemonitoring for the Follow-Up of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Treated with CPAP: Accuracy and Impact on Therapy
Authors: Dusart Cécile , Andre Stéphanie , Mettay Thomas , Bruyneel Marie
Published: April 2022

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) telemonitoring (TMg) has become widely implemented in routine clinical care. Objective measures of CPAP compliance, residual respiratory events, and leaks can be easily monitored, but limitations exist. This review aims to assess the role of TMg in CPAP-treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. We report recent data related to the accuracy of parameters measured by CPAP and try to determine the role of TMg in CPAP treatment follow-up, from the perspective of both healthcare professionals and patients. Measurement and accuracy of CPAP-recorded data, clinical management of these data, and impacts of TMg on therapy are reviewed in light of the current literature. Moreover, the crucial questions of who and how to monitor are discussed. TMg is a useful tool to support, fine-tune, adapt, and control both CPAP efficacy and compliance in newly-diagnosed OSA patients. However, clinicians should be aware of the limits of the accuracy of CPAP devices to measure residual respiratory events and leaks and issues such as privacy and cost-effectiveness are still a matter of concern. The best methods to focus our efforts on the patients who need TMg support should be properly defined in future long-term studies.
Fetal Electrocardiogram Extraction from the Mother’s Abdominal Signal Using the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Sarafan Sadaf , Le Tai , Lau Michael P. H. , Hameed Afshan , Ghirmai Tadesse , Cao Hung
Published: April 2022

Fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) assessment is essential throughout pregnancy to monitor the wellbeing and development of the fetus, and to possibly diagnose potential congenital heart defects. Due to the high noise incorporated in the abdominal ECG (aECG) signals, the extraction of fECG has been challenging. And it is even a lot more difficult for fECG extraction if only one channel of aECG is provided, i.e., in a compact patch device. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm based on the Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) for non-invasive fECG extraction from a single-channel aECG signal. To assess the performance of the proposed algorithm, we used our own clinical data, obtained from a pilot study with 10 subjects each of 20 min recording, and data from the PhysioNet 2013 Challenge bank with labeled QRS complex annotations. The proposed methodology shows the average positive predictive value (PPV) of 97.59%, sensitivity (SE) of 96.91%, and F1-score of 97.25% from the PhysioNet 2013 Challenge bank. Our results also indicate that the proposed algorithm is reliable and effective, and it outperforms the recently proposed extended Kalman filter (EKF) based algorithm.
Managing Tourism and Environment—Trail Erosion, Thresholds of Potential Concern and Limits of Acceptable Change
Authors: Dragovich Deirdre , Bajpai Sunil
Published: April 2022

Natural area tourism may contribute to deterioration in biophysical environments important for sustainable conservation of biodiversity and/or historically significant sites. Levels of protection within the IUCN guidelines provide general descriptors of desirable outcomes, and the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) management tool has often been implicitly applied. This article presents an initial attempt to assess the value of Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) relative to LAC as management frameworks for protected areas, using the example of trail width as an indicator of visitor impacts on vegetation, soil, water and, potentially, visitor safety. Visitor preferences relating to trail width were incorporated when applying the TPC and LAC principles. Sections of three walking trails in a high-visitation national park near Sydney, Australia, were measured at ~10.7 m intervals: the mean trail widths were 1.6 m, 1.8 m and 2.14 m. Of the 115 recreationists surveyed, 16% of those having the greatest tolerance towards management interventions (‘Non-purist’ wilderness category) viewed a trail ≥ 2 m wide as acceptable, but 96% of ‘Purists’ nominated a maximum of ≤1.5 m. The TPC was found to provide a broad strategy for identification, assessment and grading of multiple biophysical thresholds within an ecological framework. Combined with stakeholder information, the TPC allows for timely, proactive and calibrated management responses to maintaining biophysical and social sustainability.
Prediction of China’s Industrial Solid Waste Generation Based on the PCA-NARBP Model
Authors: Liu Hong-Mei , Sun Hong-Hao , Guo Rong , Wang Dong , Yu Hao , Do Rosario Alves Diana , Hong Wei-Min
Published: April 2022

Industrial solid waste (ISW) accounts for the most significant proportion of solid waste in China. Improper treatment of ISW will cause significant environmental pollution. As the basis of decision-making and the management of solid waste resource utilization, the accurate prediction of industrial solid waste generation (ISWG) is crucial. Therefore, combined with China’s national conditions, this paper selects 14 influential factors in four aspects: society, economy, environment and technology, and then proposes a new prediction model called the principal component analysis nonlinear autoregressive back propagation (PCA-NARBP) neural network model. Compared with the back propagation (BP) neural network model and nonlinear autoregressive back propagation (NARBP) neural network model, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of this model reaches 1.25%, which shows that it is more accurate, includes fewer errors and is more generalizable. An example is given to verify the effectiveness, feasibility and stability of the model. The forecast results show that the output of ISW in China will still show an upward trend in the next decade, and limit the total amount to about 4.6 billion tons. This can not only provide data support for decision-makers, but also put forward targeted suggestions on the current management situation in China.
Study on the Sustainability Potential of Thyme, Oregano, and Coriander Essential Oils Used as Vapours for Antifungal Protection of Wheat and Wheat Products
Authors: Bota Voichita , Sumalan Renata Maria , Obistioiu Diana , Negrea Monica , Cocan Ileana , Popescu Iuliana , Alexa Ersilia
Published: April 2022

This study aims to highlight the antifungal, antimicotoxigenic potential and phytotoxic effect of three essential oils (EOs) of Origanum vulgare (OEO), Thymus vulgaris (TEO), and Coriandrum sativum (CEO) on wheat storage, but also the impact of EOs treatment on the sensory properties of bakery products obtained from the wheat seeds. The chemical composition of EOs was determined using GC-MS analysis; the fungal load was evaluated using the direct plating technique, while mycotoxin analyses were conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A selective antifungal effect has been highlighted in terms of the action of EOs vapours. OEO and TEO are inhibited Alternaria, Fusarium and Drechslera, while Saccharomyces and Cladosporium have proven to be the most tolerant fungi. Drechslera is the most sensitive, the effect of all EOs being a fungicidal one. However, the fungicidal effect proved present in all EOs applied as vapours with values ranging between 0.2–0.4%. Regarding the phytotoxic effect of EOs vapours on the germination of the seeds, TEO and OEO had an inhibitory effect, especially at 0.4%. The effect is cumulative over time. The EOs inhibited deoxynivalenol (DON) occurrence; the maximum percentage of inhibition was obtained after 21 days of vapours exposure, being more effective in the case of 0.2%. EOs vapours treatment does not affect the quality of bread obtained from treated wheat seeds from a sensory point of view.
Evolutionary Perspectives on the Commons: A Model of Commonisation and Decommonisation
Authors: Nayak Prateep Kumar , Berkes Fikret
Published: April 2022

Commons (or common-pool resources) are inherently dynamic. Factors that appear to contribute to the evolution of a stable commons regime at one time and place may undergo change that results in the collapse of the commons at another. The factors involved can be very diverse. Economic, social, environmental and political conditions and various drivers may lead to commonisation, a process through which a resource is converted into a joint-use regime under commons institutions and collective action. Conversely, they may lead to decommonisation, a process through which a commons loses these essential characteristics. Evolution through commonisation may be manifested as adaptation or fine-tuning over time. They may instead result in the replacement of one kind of property rights regime by another, as in the enclosure movement in English history that resulted in the conversion of sheep grazing commons into privatized agricultural land. These processes of change can be viewed from an evolutionary perspective using the concepts of commonisation and decommonisation, and theorized as a two-way process over time, with implications for the sustainability of joint resources from local to global.
The Storm Doesn’t Touch me!—The Role of Perceived Employability of Students and Graduates in the Pandemic Era
Authors: Petruzziello Gerardo , Chiesa Rita , Mariani Marco Giovanni
Published: April 2022

Perceived Employability acquires growing relevance as a psychological protective resource now that new entrants in the labour market from higher education are experiencing a deterioration of their occupational prospects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brings worries and jeopardises psychological well-being. This study aims to extend research on perceived employability among Italian University students and graduates. Perceived employability is posited to predict flourishing directly and indirectly by reducing material, social, and health worries related to COVID-19. Moreover, this study contends that perceived employability buffers the positive impact of perceived adverse conditions of the labour market on worries, changing the effect on flourishing. In total, 471 university students and graduates completed an online survey. The analyses reveal that perceived employability positively influences flourishing directly and indirectly by reducing COVID-19-related worries. Nevertheless, the results do not support the moderating action of perceived employability. Despite some limitations (e.g., a cross-sectional design), this study significantly advances the exploration of perceived employability as a critical personal resource to deal with the transition to work under pandemic-related crises. This study draws on its results to advise higher education to increase perceived employability, such as through career guidance activities and work-based learning experiences.
The Sustainable Development Goals—Sensible Initiative or Just Nonsense? An Investigation of Norwegian Citizens’ Knowledge and Attitudes
Authors: Fløttum Kjersti , Dankel Dorothy Jane , Skiple Jon Kåre
Published: April 2022

We explore what associations Norwegian citizens have with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through an analysis of their knowledge of and attitudes towards these goals. To achieve this, we combine three methodological approaches: (1) structural topic modelling (STM) providing topic prevalence, (2) manual content analysis including exploration of attitudes, and (3) analysis of how individuals’ background characteristics relate to expressions of negative or positive sentiments towards SDGs. The data consist of 4046 answers to an open-ended question, formulated as follows: What comes to mind when you read or hear the expression ‘UN Sustainability Development Goals?’, fielded during the autumn of 2020, through a survey at the Norwegian Citizen Panel/DIGSSCORE. Major findings: The most prevalent topics associated with the SDGs are poverty, climate/environment, resources, future generations and consumption. The analysis indicates that the Norwegian awareness-raising campaigns have been relatively successful. However, the manual analysis shows that the SDG is an unknown concept for 12% of the respondents, and that 10% hold a negative view. Nine percent of the respondents hold a positive view of the goals. In addition, their attitudes differ clearly according to various background variables (gender, age, political preference). The findings are important for further efforts to spread knowledge of, and raise interest in, the SDGs, at different levels (government, regional and local contexts).
Revisiting the Missing Link: An Ecological Theory of Money for a Regenerative Economy
Authors: Alves Filipe Moreira , Santos Rui , Penha-Lopes Gil
Published: April 2022

Money is critical for a regenerative future. Transforming it is an unavoidable social, political, and economic endeavor that must be a global priority if we are to prevent future financial crises, reduce economic inequality and adhere to our climate agreements and sustainability goals. For this transition to occur, we urgently need new economic and monetary paradigms that address the root causes of our current unsustainability, offer a new monetary ontology and design, and, more importantly, steer our monetary regime towards the regeneration of our social, economic and ecological landscapes. We need an ecological understanding of money grounded in Ecological Economics and an Ecological Value Theory that lays down the foundations for the conscious democratization, decentralization, and diversification of money. In this work, we revisit and update the missing link between money and sustainability by proposing new ontological avenues and reviewing the design elements and degenerative processes built into the existing system. We also contribute to the development and emergence of an Ecological Monetary Economics by systematizing the ongoing monetary transition toward sustainability and by offering a set of principles drawn from the regenerative economics literature for the conscious design of monetary ecosystems that contribute positively to solving our societal challenges of the 21st century.
Flexible Goal Programming for Supporting Lake Karla’s (Greece) Sustainable Operation
Authors: Spiliotis Mike , Latinopoulos Dionissis , Vasiliades Lampros , Rafailidis Kyriakos , Koutsokera Eleni , Kagalou Ifigenia
Published: April 2022

Sustainable management is a prerequisite for a lake to provide a range of ecosystem services. The prioritization of needs is a difficult task, especially when the needs are in conflict and threaten water security. Lake Karla, situated in the Thessaly plain, Greece, was decimated in 1957–1962; due to environmental impacts, it was later refilled as a multipurpose reservoir with high ecological significance. The research objective is to achieve a compromise with respect to both the economic benefits derived from agricultural water use and environmental protection based on the minimum intersection. For this purpose, first, new managerial practices are introduced. Second, the ideas are quantified based on the hydrological budget, and these are used as input for flexible (fuzzy) programming. Under hypotheses about the acceptable range, the (flexible) fuzzy programming is identical with the MINMAX goal programming model, although the weights are not used directly in the first case. An understandable compromise (the maximum economic benefit from irrigation areas and the minimization of water retention time) is achieved, and the values of the membership functions can be used to verify the solution. The proposed solution leads to a quantitative proposition, incorporating new findings from modeling the recent real operation of the reservoir.