bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATP-Binding Cassette Protein ABCC10 Deficiency Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity but Not Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Otaibi Abeer Al , Mubarak Sindiyan Alshaikh , Qarni Ali Al , Hawwari Abbas , Bakillah Ahmed , Iqbal Jahangir
Published: November 2022

Excess plasma lipid levels are a risk factor for various cardiometabolic disorders. Studies have shown that improving dyslipidemia lowers the progression of these disorders. In this study, we investigated the role of ATP-binding cassette transporter C10 (ABCC10) in regulating lipid metabolism. Our data indicate that deletion of the Abcc10 gene in male mice results in lower plasma and intestinal triglycerides by around 38% and 36%, respectively. Furthermore, deletion of ABCC10 ameliorates diet-induced obesity in mice and leads to a better response during insulin and glucose tolerance tests. Unexpectedly, ABCC10 deficiency does not affect triglyceride levels or atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. In addition, our studies demonstrate low oleate uptake by enterocytes (~25–30%) and less absorption (~37%) of triglycerides in the small intestine of ABCC10 knockout mice. Deletion of the Abcc10 gene also alters several lipid metabolism genes in the intestine, suggesting that ABCC10 regulates dietary fat absorption, which may contribute to diet-induced obesity in mice.
Omics Markers of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Trauma
Authors: LaCroix Ian S. , Cohen Mitchell , Moore Ernest E. , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Nemkov Travis , Schaid Terry R. , Debot Margaret , Jones Kenneth , Silliman Christopher C. , Hansen Kirk C. , D’Alessandro Angelo
Published: November 2022

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a life-saving intervention for millions of trauma patients every year worldwide. While hemoglobin thresholds are clinically driving the need for RBC transfusion, limited information is available with respect to transfusion efficacy at the molecular level in clinically relevant cohorts. Here, we combined plasma metabolomic and proteomic measurements in longitudinal samples (n = 118; up to 13 time points; total samples: 690) from trauma patients enrolled in the control of major bleeding after trauma (COMBAT) study. Samples were collected in the emergency department and at continuous intervals up to 168 h (seven days) post-hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed to determine omics correlate to transfusions of one, two, three, five, or more packed RBC units. While confounded by the concomitant transfusion of other blood components and other iatrogenic interventions (e.g., surgery), here we report that transfusion of one or more packed RBCs—mostly occurring within the first 4 h from hospitalization in this cohort—results in the increase in circulating levels of additive solution components (e.g., mannitol, phosphate) and decreases in the levels of circulating markers of hypoxia, such as lactate, carboxylic acids (e.g., succinate), sphingosine 1-phosphate, polyamines (especially spermidine), and hypoxanthine metabolites with potential roles in thromboinflammatory modulation after trauma. These correlations were the strongest in patients with the highest new injury severity scores (NISS > 25) and lowest base excess (BE < −10), and the effect observed was proportional to the number of units transfused. We thus show that transfusion of packed RBCs transiently increases the circulating levels of plasticizers—likely leaching from the blood units during refrigerated storage in the blood bank. Changes in the levels of arginine metabolites (especially citrulline to ornithine ratios) are indicative of an effect of transfusion on nitric oxide metabolism, which could potentially contribute to endothelial regulation. RBC transfusion was associated with changes in the circulating levels of coagulation factors, fibrinogen chains, and RBC-proteins. Changes in lysophospholipids and acyl-carnitines were observed upon transfusion, suggestive of an effect on the circulating lipidome—though cell-extrinsic/intrinsic effects and/or the contribution of other blood components cannot be disentangled. By showing a significant decrease in circulating markers of hypoxia, this study provides the first multi-omics characterization of RBC transfusion efficacy in a clinically relevant cohort of trauma patients.
Dynamic Double Cross-Linked Self-Healing Polysaccharide Hydrogel Wound Dressing Based on Schiff Base and Thiol-Alkynone Reactions
Authors: Zhang Zhuojun , Bu Jiasen , Li Biyun , Xuan Hongyun , Jin Yan , Yuan Huihua
Published: November 2022

In this study, a hydrogel composite wound dressing with antibacterial and self-healing ability was prepared using cysteine-modified carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium oxidized alginate, and but-3-yn-2-one base on Schiff base and thiol-alkynone double cross-links. The structure and properties of the hydrogel were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared, and rheological test, followed by antibacterial and in vivo biocompatibility tests. The results showed that the hydrogel exhibited good self-healing, mechanical properties, good antibacterial effect, and in vivo biocompatibility, and can inhibit inflammation and promote skin tissue regeneration in mice. This novel self-healing hydrogel dressing has a broad application prospect in skin tissue engineering.
Experimental Assessment of a Novel Dual Opening Dewar for Use on a Liquid Air Energy Storage System Installed on Remote, Islanded, Renewable Microgrids
Authors: Fackrell Christofer , Pollman Anthony , Van Bossuyt Douglas L. , Gannon Anthony J.
Published: November 2022

Islanded, renewable energy microgrids for use at remote operating facilities reduce logistical burdens associated with fossil fuel based electrical power sources and provide greater operational flexibility; however, energy generation can be intrinsically intermittent on renewable microgrids. This intermittent electrical generation can be mitigated with electrical energy storage. Liquid air energy storage (LAES) is one promising technology proposed to meet this energy storage issue due to its high energy density and lack of geographical constraints. Small-scale microgrids may not have enough excess capacity to store pressurized liquid air (LA), and instead may rely on unpressurized LA storage and their associated unpressurized power recovery systems. Using commercial off-the-shelf components, this article conducts a performance-based tradespace study for several dual opening, unpressurized Dewar designs for use with Stirling- or Peltier-based power recovery cycles. The dual opening Dewar design is found to be ineffective for the short-term LA storage times necessary for small-scale microgrid use, primarily due to excessive conductive thermal losses; however, the design may be useful as a LA receiver and immediate use energy storage medium for a connected Stirling generator. A proposed alternative solution using a self-pressurized Dewar for LA storage and transport for microgrid applications is presented for future work.
P66Shc (Shc1) Zebrafish Mutant Line as a Platform for Testing Decreased Reactive Oxygen Species in Pathology
Authors: Haslem Landon , Hays Jennifer M. , Zhang Xin A. , Hays Franklin A.
Published: November 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) dysregulation exacerbates many pathologies but must remain within normal ranges to maintain cell function. Since ROS-mediated pathology and routine cell function are coupled, in vivo models evaluating low-ROS background effects on pathology are limited. Some models alter enzymatic antioxidant expression/activity, while others involve small molecule antioxidant administration. These models cause non-specific ROS neutralization, decreasing both beneficial and detrimental ROS. This is detrimental in cardiovascular pathology, despite the negative effects excessive ROS has on these pathologies. Thus, current trends in ROS-mediated pathology have shifted toward selective inhibition of ROS producers that are dysregulated during pathological insults, such as p66Shc. In this study, we evaluated a zebrafish heterozygote p66Shc hypomorphic mutant line as a low-ROS myocardial infarction (MI) pathology model that mimics mammalian MI. Our findings suggest this zebrafish line does not have an associated negative phenotype, but has decreased body mass and tissue ROS levels that confer protection against ROS-mediated pathology. Therefore, this line may provide a low-ROS background leading to new insights into disease.
A Meta-Analysis on the Impact of High BMI in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Seo Jiyoung , Li Weijia , Safiriyu Israel , Kharawala Amrin , Nagraj Sanjana , Tahir Arooj , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Koliastasis Leonidas , Rios Saul , Palaiodimos Leonidas , Kokkinidis Damianos G.
Published: November 2022

Background: A paradoxical association of obesity with lower risk of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes has been reported. We aimed to systematically review the literature and compare TAVR-related morbidity and mortality among individuals with overweight or obesity and their peers with normal body mass index (BMI). Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched for studies reporting TAVR outcomes in different BMI groups. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for studies reporting hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios/relative risks. Short- and mid-/long-term outcomes were examined. Results: 26 studies with a total of 74,163 patients were included in our study. Overweight was associated with lower risk of short-term mortality (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60–0.98) and mid-/long-term mortality (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70–0.89). Obesity was associated with lower risk for mid-/long-term mortality (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73–0.86), but no difference was observed in short-term mortality, although a trend was noted (HR: 0.87l 95% CI: 0.74–1.01). Individuals with obesity demonstrated an association with higher odds of major vascular complications (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05–1.68). Both overweight (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03–1.30) and obesity (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06–1.50) were associated with higher likelihood for receiving permanent pacemakers after TAVR. Conclusion: Individuals with overweight and obesity were associated with lower mortality risk compared to those with normal BMI but with higher likelihood of major vascular complications and permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR.
A New Definition of Thrombocytopenia Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Incidence, Outcome, and Predictors
Authors: Pollari Francesco , Horna Stine , Rottmann Magnus , Langhammer Christian , Bertsch Thomas , Fischlein Theodor
Published: November 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia following TAVI according to a corrected platelet count (CPC), to avoid the bias of hemodilution/concentration. Methods: We analyzed patients who underwent TAVI in our center between 2009 and 2018. The study population were divided into three groups: none (NT), mild (MT), and severe (ST) postoperative thrombocytopenia. Primary outcomes were bleedings, length of hospital stay, and mortality. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess risk factors for ST. Results: A total of 907 patients were included in the analysis. MT was observed in 28.1% and ST in 2.6% of all patients. The following clinical outcomes were recorded: incidence of life-threatening and major bleeding (NT = 14.2%, MT = 20.8%, ST = 58.3%), the median length of hospital stay (NT = 8, MT = 10, ST = 14 days), in-hospital mortality (NT = 3.9%, MT = 6.3%, ST = 16.7%), and the overall significance in comparison with NT (p < 0.05). The logistic regression showed ST was associated with preoperative CPC, transapical access, diabetes mellitus, and the critical preoperative state. Conclusions: Worse clinical outcomes are associated with both MT and ST after TAVI. In particular, ST is associated with higher in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Management of modifiable baseline and procedural variables may improve this outcome.
New Trends and Therapies for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Alnouri Fahad , Santos Raul D.
Published: November 2022

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is associated with an elevated risk of atherosclerosis. The finding of monogenic defects indicates higher atherosclerotic risk in comparison with hypercholesterolemia of other etiologies. However, in heterozygous FH, cardiovascular risk is heterogeneous and depends not only on high cholesterol levels but also on the presence of other biomarkers and genes. The development of atherosclerosis risk scores specific for heterozygous FH and the use of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis imaging help with identifying higher-risk individuals who may benefit from further cholesterol lowering with PCSK9 inhibitors. There is no question about the extreme high risk in homozygous FH, and intensive LDL-cholesterol-lowering therapy must be started as soon as possible. These patients have gained life free of events in comparison with the past, but a high atherosclerosis residual risk persists. Furthermore, there is also the issue of aortic and supra-aortic valve disease development. Newer therapies such as inhibitors of microsomal transfer protein and angiopoietin-like protein 3 have opened the possibility of LDL-cholesterol normalization in homozygous FH and may provide an alternative to lipoprotein apheresis for these patients. Gene-based therapies may provide more definite solutions for lowering high LDL cholesterol and consequent atherosclerosis risk for people with FH.
Intracoronary Imaging of Vulnerable Plaque—From Clinical Research to Everyday Practice
Authors: Legutko Jacek , Bryniarski Krzysztof L. , Kaluza Grzegorz L. , Roleder Tomasz , Pociask Elzbieta , Kedhi Elvin , Wojakowski Wojciech , Jang Ik-Kyung , Kleczynski Pawel
Published: November 2022

The introduction into clinical practice of intravascular imaging, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and their derivatives, allowed for the in vivo assessment of coronary atherosclerosis in humans, including insights into plaque evolution and progression process. Intravascular ultrasound, the most commonly used intravascular modality in many countries, due to its low resolution cannot assess many features of vulnerable plaque such as lipid plaque or thin-cap fibroatheroma. Thus, novel methods were introduced to facilitate this problem including virtual histology intravascular ultrasound and later on near-infrared spectroscopy and OCT. Howbeit, none of the currently used modalities can assess all known characteristics of plaque vulnerability; hence, the idea of combining different intravascular imaging methods has emerged including NIRS-IVUS or OCT-IVUS imaging. All of those described methods may allow us to identify the most vulnerable plaques, which are prone to cause acute coronary syndrome, and thus they may allow us to introduce proper treatment before plaque destabilization.
Retrospective Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Pediatric Patients with Adrenocortical Tumor from Unique Tertiary Center with Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Bachega Fernanda S. , Suartz Caio V. , Almeida Madson Q. , Brondani Vania B. , Charchar Helaine L. S. , Lacombe Amanda M. F. , Martins-Filho Sebastião N. , Soares Iberê C. , Zerbini Maria Claudia N. , Dénes Francisco T. , Mendonca Berenice , Lopes Roberto I. , Latronico Ana Claudia , Fragoso Maria Candida B. V.
Published: November 2022

Pediatric adrenocortical tumors (PACTs) represent rare causes of malignancies. However, the south/southeast regions of Brazil are known to have a high incidence of PACTs because of the founder effect associated with a germline pathogenic variant of tumor suppressor gene TP53. We aimed to retrospectively analyze the types of variables among hormone production, radiological imaging, tumor staging, histological and genetic features that were associated with the occurrence of malignancy in 95 patients (71% females) with PACTs from a unique center. The worst prognosis was associated with those aged > 3 years (p < 0.05), high serum levels of 11-desoxicortisol (p < 0.001), tumor weight ≥ 200 g (p < 0.001), tumor size ≥ 5 cm (p < 0.05), Weiss score ≥ 5 (p < 0.05), Wieneke index ≥ 3 (p < 0.001) and Ki67 ≥ 15% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with MacFarlane stage IV had an overall survival rate almost two times shorter than patients with other stages (p < 0.001). Additionally, the subtractions of BUB1B-PINK1 (<6.95) expression (p < 0.05) and IGF-IR overexpression (p = 0.0001) were associated with malignant behavior. These results helped identify patients who are likely to have an aggressive course; further multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm our results. In conclusion, PACTs with these patterns of prognostic factors could be treated using an adjuvant approach that may improve the overall survival in such patients.
Disease Activity and Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: New Evidences and Future Perspectives
Authors: Del Negro Ilaria , Pez Sara , Gigli Gian Luigi , Valente Mariarosaria
Published: November 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating, autoimmune-mediated, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), in which a combination of inflammation, demyelination and axonal degeneration takes place with extreme highly interpersonal variability [...]
Pregnancy and COVID-19
Authors: Ntounis Thomas , Prokopakis Ioannis , Koutras Antonios , Fasoulakis Zacharias , Pittokopitou Savia , Valsamaki Asimina , Chionis Athanasios , Kontogeorgi Evangelia , Lampraki Vasiliki , Peraki Andria , Samara Athina A. , Krouskou Sevasti-Effraimia , Nikolettos Konstantinos , Papamichalis Panagiotis , Psarris Alexandros , Pergialiotis Vasilios , Theodora Marianna , Antsaklis Panos , Daponte Alexandros , Daskalakis Georgios , Kontomanolis Emmanuel N.
Published: November 2022

Evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Modifications in the circulatory, pulmonary, hormonal, and immunological pathways induced by pregnancy render pregnant women as a high-risk group. A growing body of research shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is connected to a number of maternal complications, including pneumonia and intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization. Miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm labor, as well as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are also among the most often documented fetal implications, particularly among expecting women who have significant COVID-19 symptoms, often affecting the timing and route of delivery. Thus, prevention of infection and pharmacological treatment options should aim to minimize the aforementioned risks and ameliorate maternal, obstetric and fetal/neonatal outcomes.
Characterization of Hyperreflective Dots by Structural and Angiographic Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Torm Marie Elise Wistrup , Sander Birgit , Hornum Mads , Krohn Paul , Birn Henrik , Larsen Michael
Published: November 2022

Hyperreflective dots are a common but highly variable feature of optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of the retina. We studied the spatial characteristics and perfusion of hyperreflective dots using both structural and angiographic OCT B-scans of the macula in 16 eyes in 8 healthy subjects and 8 patients with diabetic retinopathy without macular edema. Hyperreflective dots were manually graded in a 1000 µm parafoveal area by number, diameter, location and perfusion status and traced through adjacent B-scans at 11 µm intervals to determine their length. Thereby, this study defined a procedure to identify granular and elongated hyperreflective elements and differentiate between presumably perfused and occluded capillaries. The latter were only found in the diabetic patients. This classification can potentially be automated to non-invasively identify capillary non-perfusion in vivo.
The Partial Removal of Rectus Abdominis Muscle Inserting into Ribs in Ipsilateral Pedicled TRAM Flap for Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Son Daegu , Kim Jaehoon
Published: November 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to introduce a new surgical technique for pedicled TRAM flap that removes a part of the rectus abdominis muscle inserting into ribs, and to analyze this technique in comparison with classical pedicled TRAM flap. Methods: A retrospective review of patient charts from May 2006 to February 2016 was performed. The patient group that underwent the removal of the part of the rectus abdominis that inserts into the thorax (partial muscle resection; PMR group) was compared with the group that did not undergo this muscle resection (Classical group). The complications and aesthetic effects of surgery between the two groups were analyzed. Results: There were 34 patients in the classical group and 28 in the PMR group. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between these two groups. The rates of fat necrosis were 32.1% in the PMR group and 36.1% in the classical group. The postoperative aesthetic outcome of the inframammary fold showed no significant differences in outcome between the classical and PMR groups. However, all items received higher scores in the PMR group. Conclusions: The authors’ new surgical method was associated with a positive cosmetic effect of improving inframammary fold aesthetics and could thus represent a new option for pTRAM breast reconstruction.
Patients with Schizophrenia Showed Worse Cognitive Performance than Bipolar and Major Depressive Disorder in a Sample with Comorbid Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Marquez-Arrico Julia E. , Gonzalez-Sanchez Alvaro , Navarro José Francisco , Penadés Rafael , Adan Ana
Published: November 2022

Comorbidity of substance use disorders (SUD) and severe mental illness (SMI) is highly frequent in patients, the most common diagnoses being schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Since comorbidity has its own clinical features, and neurocognitive functioning is not always similar to psychiatric symptoms the present study explores the cognitive performance of patients with dual disorders. A neuropsychological battery of tests was used to assess 120 under treatment male patients, 40 for each group considered (SZ + SUD, BD + SUD and MDD + SUD) who were mainly polyconsumers. Significant differences (with premorbid IQ as a covariate) were found among the groups, with SZ + SUD having a worse performance in attention, verbal learning, short term memory and recognition. The consideration of a global Z score for performance evidenced an impaired neurocognitive pattern for SZ + SUD compared with BD + SUD and MDD + SUD. According to norms, all patients showed difficulties in verbal learning, short-term memory and recognition. Our research indicated that the neurocognitive functioning of dual disorder patients was influenced by the comorbid SMI, with SZ + SUD presenting major difficulties. Future studies should thoroughly explore the role of such difficulties as indicators or endophenotypes for dual schizophrenia disorders, and their usefulness for prevention and treatment.
Comaneci-Assisted Coiling of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysm: A Single-Center Preliminary Experience
Authors: Vinacci Gabriele , Celentano Angelica , Agosti Edoardo , Terrana Alberto Vito , Vizzari Francesco Alberto , Nativo Luca , Baruzzi Fabio , Tabano Antonio , Locatelli Davide , Giorgianni Andrea
Published: November 2022

Background: Wide-necked aneurysms remain challenging for both coiling and microsurgical clipping. They often require additional techniques to prevent coil prolapse into the parent artery, such as balloon- and stent-assisted coiling. Comaneci is an expandable and removable stent that acts as a bridging device and does not interfere with the blood flow of the parent artery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional radiological and clinical chart of patients treated for saccular intracranial aneurysm via endovascular Comaneci-assisted coiling. The aim of the study was to report our preliminary experience in Comaneci-assisted coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. Results: We included 14 patients in the study. Of these, 11 had a ruptured intracranial aneurysm and were treated with Comaneci-assisted coiling. We registered five minor intraprocedural complications and two intraprocedural failures of the device. At one-year follow-up, a satisfying aneurysm occlusion was observed in 85% of the cases. Conclusions: Though long-term follow-up data and larger case series are needed, this preliminary study showed the feasibility of the Comaneci-assisted coiling method for both ruptured and unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms, with similar occlusion rates as balloon-assisted coiling. However, we registered high incidence of thromboembolic complications; these were probably related to the lack of heparin administration. The main advantageous application of this technique is likely in cases of ruptured intracranial aneurysms, as there is no need for post-procedural antiplatelet therapy.
POWERbreathe® Inspiratory Muscle Training in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Vicente-Campos Davinia , Sanchez-Jorge Sandra , Chicharro J. L. , Becerro-de Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Rodriguez-Sanz David , García Arianne R. , Rivoire Marie , Benet Astrid , Boubekeur Sofía , Calvo-Lobo César
Published: November 2022

Inspiratory muscle training may benefit respiratory function, cardiocirculatory parameters, quality of life and functionality in neuromuscular diseases. This pilot study aimed to demonstrate the POWERbreathe® inspiratory muscle training effects on maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), heart rate (HR) and HR variability, as well as the quality of life impairment and functionality in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A pilot single-blinded, non-randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out. A total of 20T ALS patients were enrolled and divided into experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The experimental group received POWERbreathe® inspiratory muscle training in conjunction with usual care, and the control group received only usual care for 8 weeks. PImax (measured by POWERbreathe® KH1), HR and HR variability (evaluated by Polar H7), quality of life impairment [measured by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire—40 items (ALSAQ-40)] and functionality [assessed by the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R)] were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. We detected statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) with an effect size ranging from medium to large (Cohen’s d = 0.72–1.37); relative to the control group, the experimental group had an increased PImax (mean difference = 10.80 cm H2O; 95% CI = 3.42–18.17) and ALSFRS-R score (mean difference = 5.30 points; 95% CI = −0.03–10.63) and reduced HR (mean difference = −8.80 beats-per-minute; 95% CI = −20.27–2.67) and R-R interval (mean difference = 78.30 ms; 95% CI = 2.89–153.70). POWERbreathe® inspiratory muscle training, in addition to usual care, may improve inspiratory strength and heart rate in patients with ALS. These results encourage larger and longer trials investigating potential clinically relevant benefits of inspiratory muscle training to these patients over the disease course.
The Future of Education as a Creative Ecosystem: A Sociocultural Framework for the Development of Creativity
Authors: Zamana Felipe
Published: November 2022

This article explores the social and educational impact post COVID-19 on education through the perspective of creativity. This is a reflective and forward-thinking piece of how creativity can transform the future of education. The article is structured into five parts. First, the opportunities and barriers that COVID-19 offers in preparing students for an uncertain future. Second, the recognition of the vital role of creativity in the future. Third, the article discusses the value of creativity in education. Fourth, the teachers’ role in stimulating creativity and how its practices can be encountered in 21st-century education is commented on. Fifth, the last section presents perspectives for the future of education in an uncertain and complex world, introduces the concept of creative ecosystems for education, and summarizes the key points related to the aspects to which education should devote its efforts in the coming years. The article questions if more creativity-focused education is possible in the future and promotes a deep reflection in this particular context for teachers and educational institutions about the topics that need more attention during this time of change.
An Investigation of the Relationship between Personality, Cognitive Ability, and Work Engagement in Intellectually Gifted Individuals
Authors: Macke Lindsey , de León Flor , Hermansson Tobias , Kajonius Petri
Published: November 2022

Do personality traits in highly intelligent individuals relate to their work engagement? Seemingly little is known about the relationship between personality and work engagement for gifted individuals. In what may be the first study to do so, a Swedish Mensa sample (n = 353) was explored with a two-part aim: to assess psychometric personality properties and to investigate the relationship between personality traits (Mini-IPIP6) and work engagement (UWES-9). The results of the Mensa members and the Mturk sample (1.4 SD lower in cognitive ability based on ICAR-16) were compared using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a regression. The findings indicated that the Mensa sample had higher openness (d = .50) and honesty-humility (d = .65) and that personality traits were similarly related to work engagement in both groups, with the exception that neither openness nor honesty-humility were related to work engagement in the Mensa sample. The characteristics of intellectually gifted individuals are further discussed.
DWSC-YOLO: A Lightweight Ship Detector of SAR Images Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Jiang Shexiang , Zhou Xinrui
Published: November 2022

In the field of ship detection, most research on lightweight models comes at the expense of accuracy. This study aims to address this challenge through a deep learning approach and proposes a model DWSC-YOLO, which is inspired by YOLOv5 and MobileNetV3. The model employs a lightweight framework as the backbone network, and the activation function and attention mechanism are researched. Furthermore, to improve the accuracy of the convolutional neural network and reduce loss, heterogeneous convolutions are added to the network. Three independent experiments were carried out using the proposed model. The experiment results show that the model can achieve excellent detection results with a small number of computational resources and costs. The mAP of the model is 99.5%, the same as YOLOv5, but the volume is 2.37 M, which is 79.8% less.
Analysis of Ballast Water Discharged in Port—A Case Study of the Port of Ploče (Croatia)
Authors: Hasanspahić Nermin , Pećarević Marijana , Hrdalo Niko , Čampara Leo
Published: November 2022

Ballast water is recognized as a major vector for the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) and a source of sea pollution that negatively affects the environment and human health. Therefore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) in 2004. The BWM Convention introduced two standards, Ballast Water Exchange Standard (Regulation D-1) and Ballast Water Performance Standard (Regulation D-2). Ships are required to install Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) equipment in order to comply with Regulation D-2. However, the deadline for the installation of BWT is prolonged until September 2024, and many ships are still complying only with Regulation D-1. In addition, there are specific sea areas where Regulation D-1 cannot be complied with, and hence, HAOP could be easily transferred between ports. Consequently, it is essential to develop a system to protect the marine environment, human health and economy in coastal areas from the introduction of HAOP. This paper analyses ballast water discharged in the Port of Ploče (Croatia) according to ship type, age and flag they are flying. It was found that general cargo ships and bulk carriers discharged most of the ballast (87% of the total quantity) in the Port of Ploče. Moreover, discharged ballast water was analysed according to the origin, and it was found that 70% of discharged ballast originates from the Adriatic Sea. Based on the analysis of the research results and literature review, the ballast water risk assessment (BWRA) method was adopted, however, with certain modifications. The adopted method is modified by an additional risk factor (the deballasting ship’s age), different risk scoring of the deballasting ship type and adding Paris MoU Grey and Black lists flag ships as high-risk ships. As a result, the BWRA method presented in the paper could be used as an early warning system and to facilitate the implementation of adequate measures to prevent pollution by discharged ballast water.
Assessment of the Roll Derivatives of Different Surface Ships Based on Numerical Pure Roll Simulation
Authors: Mai Thi Loan , Vo Anh Khoa , Yoon Hyeon Kyu , Park Dong Kyou
Published: November 2022

Among the 6 degrees of freedom (6-DoF), excessive roll motion is the most dangerous cause of ships capsizing. However, when analyzing the maneuverability of surface ships, the roll components have usually been ignored. It is widely known that the influence of roll moment becomes significant for surface ships with low GM (metacentric height) and high speed. This paper examines the pure roll test for several surface ships to assess the roll-related hydrodynamic derivatives of added mass and damping in maneuvering. The objective ships are the KRISO Container Ship (KCS), David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB), Office of Naval Research Tumblehome (ONRT), and Delft 372 catamaran, where the DTMB and ONRT ships are equipped with complementary bilge keels as damping devices and have a small GM, which the Delft 372 catamaran does not have. The flow during pure roll is analyzed by the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation method that allows the complex flow around ships to be captured, especially when the bilge keel and skeg are considered. The results indicate that the roll moment is greatest in the catamaran. Since the roll moments of the DTMB and ONRT are larger than that of the KCS, bilge keels and surface shape also contribute to increasing roll damping moment. In addition, a comparison of the damping derivatives due to roll rate with results obtained from another method indicates that CFD simulation is capable of accurately predicting the roll-related derivatives, which is difficult to perform by the experiment method.
Absence of Nitrergic Modulation of Starling Response in Haemoglobin-Less Antarctic Fish Chionodraco hamatus
Authors: Amelio Daniela , Garofalo Filippo , Brunelli Elvira , Santovito Gianfranco , Pellegrino Daniela
Published: November 2022

The Frank-Starling response is an intrinsic heart property that is particularly evident in the fish heart because piscine cardiomyocytes are extremely sensitive to stretch. Several mechanisms and compounds influence the Frank-Starling response, including the free radical nitric oxide produced by nitric oxide synthases in the vascular endothelium and cardiomyocytes of all vertebrates. Besides its role in scavenging nitric oxide, hemoglobin may act as a source and transporter. In this context, the hemoglobin-less Antarctic teleost Chionodraco hamatus (icefish) represents a unique opportunity to investigate the involvement of nitric oxide in the Frank-Starling response. Using an isolated perfused heart preparation, weverified a basal nitrergic tone that is not implicated in the Frank-Starling response. In addition, by comparing nitric oxide synthases expression and activation in C. hamatus and the red-blooded Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii, we found the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (the primary generator of nitric oxide during shear stress) to be less expressed and activated in the former.
Numerical Study of Effects of Winds and Tides on Monthly-Mean Circulation and Hydrography over the Southwestern Scotian Shelf
Authors: Pei Qiantong , Sheng Jinyu , Ohashi Kyoko
Published: November 2022

A nested-grid modelling system is used to quantify effects of winds and tides on the three-dimensional (3D) circulation and hydrography over the southwestern Scotian Shelf (swScS) and surrounding areas in 2018. The performance of the nested-grid modelling system is assessed by comparing model results with observations and reanalysis data. Analysis of model results demonstrates that both winds and tides enhance the vertical mixing and modify the 3D circulation over the swScS. In winter (summer), the wind-induced vertical mixing warms (significantly cools) the sea surface temperature (SST) over the Scotian Shelf (ScS). In addition to intense vertical mixing associated with winter convection, the wind-induced mixing raises the sea surface salinity (SSS) by entraining the relatively salty sub-surface waters with the surface waters. The effect of wind-induced vertical mixing is evident in the upper water columns of ~40 m (~15 m) in February (August) 2018 over the swScS, reflecting the typically stronger wind forcing in winter than in summer. The wind forcing also enhances the seaward spreading of river runoff. Strong tidal mixing and advection also play an important role in affecting the hydrography and density-driven currents over the Bay of Fundy (BoF), Georges Bank (GeB), and swScS. In summer, tides significantly reduce the SST, increase the SSS, and affect large density-driven currents over the BoF, GeB, and swScS. Winds and tides also modify the large-scale ocean circulation, eddies, meanders, and frontal structures in the deep waters off the swScS through the modulation of baroclinic hydrodynamics.
An Intelligent Adequate-Fitting Prediction Method of Coastal Tunnel Rock Deformation Based on the Effective Rank of Hidden Layer
Authors: Liao Jin , Xia Chang , Wu Yongtao , Liu Zhen , Zhou Cuiying
Published: November 2022

The intelligent prediction of surrounding rock deformation is of great significance for guiding the design and construction of tunnel projects in coastal areas. The deformation of tunnels in coastal areas is more complex than that of the ground, and the risk of encountering adverse geological conditions is greater. The traditional tunnel deformation prediction method contains the defects of a fixed model, a limited sample number, and it is easy to fall into underfitting and local overfitting. Therefore, the capacity of previous methods is limited by significant error, weak generalization, and poor intelligence. This paper proposes an adequate fitting prediction method for tunnel deformation based on the effective rank theory of the hidden layer nodes’ output matrix to analyze the surrounding rock and predict its deformation intelligently. Based on the traditional BPNN (back propagation neural network) algorithm, the number of hidden layer nodes is determined by the effective rank of the output matrix. Then, the approximation error and degree were adopted to reflect the approximation law of the BPNN to achieve the purpose of overfitting and underfitting control. An optimized BP neural network model for intelligently predicting tunnel deformation is constructed. Then, the optimized BPNN model is applied to a case study of a coastal tunnel in South China. Compared with the prediction method of LR (linear regression) and TS (time series), the results show that the prediction results of the optimized model are in good agreement with the measured values, with strong generalization ability and high intelligence. The proposed method is of guidance to other tunnels surrounding rock deformation prediction and engineering practice.
Water Surface Behaviour of Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris (Owen in Gray, 1866) and Influencing Factors in the Bay of Brunei, Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Azizul Nurlisa , Jaaman Saifullah Arifin , Ismail Farah Dayana Haji , Muda Azmi Marzuki , Zhang Xuelei , Muhamad Hairul Masrini , Momin Mohammad Vol , Abdullah Bohari
Published: November 2022

There is limited information on Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in the Bay of Brunei, Brunei Darussalam. This research was carried out from 2016 to 2018 to determine the water surface behaviour of Irrawaddy dolphins in the bay, the relationship between behaviour and abiotic factors and the number of individuals displaying the behaviour. Behavioural categories, i.e., feeding, socializing, and travelling in groups or individually, and water parameters were documented during boat-based line transect surveys. “Feeding” (n = 188) behaviour was the dominant activity exhibited by the dolphins. The chi-square test (χ2) shows that the frequency of feeding, socializing, and travelling to the water depth range is significantly high (p-value = 0.03). Forty-six percent (46%) of all behavioural categories occurred at depths 1.00–5.99 m. The number of individuals displaying “feeding” behaviour has a weak positive relationship with depth (p-value = 0.07), turbidity (p-value = 0.7), sea surface temperature (p-value = 0.9) and salinity (p-value = 0.9). This study may serve as a baseline for future research. It can help in planning conservation projects and management for Irrawaddy dolphins in the Bay of Brunei, Brunei Darussalam.
Nonparametric Functional Data Analysis for Forecasting Container Throughput: The Case of Shanghai Port
Authors: Zou Yuye , Su Bohan , Chen Yanhui
Published: November 2022

Transportation is one of the major carbon sources in China. Container throughput is one of the main influencing factors of ports’ carbon emission budget, and accurate prediction of container throughput is of great significance to the study of carbon emissions. Time series methods are key techniques and frequently used for container throughput. However, the existing time series methods treat container throughput data as discrete points and ignore the functional characteristics of the data. There has recently been interest in developing new statistical methods to predict time series by taking into account a continuous set of past values as predictors. In addition, to eliminate the linear constraint in the functional time series prediction approach, we propose a functional version of a nonparametric model that allows using a continuous path in the past to predict future values of the process, including functional nonparametric regression and functional conditional quantile and functional conditional mode models, to forecast the container throughput of Shanghai Port. For the purpose better forecasting, an experiment was conducted to compare our functional data analysis approaches with other forecasting methods. The results indicated that nonparametric functional forecasting methods exhibit more significant performance than other classical models, including the functional linear regression model, nonparametric regression model, and autoregressive integrated moving-average model. At the same time, we also compared the prediction accuracy of the three nonparametric functional methods.
Measuring Bed Exchange Properties of Cohesive Sediments Using Tripod Data
Authors: Zhou Zaiyang , Ge Jianzhong , van Maren Dirk Sebastiaan , Gu Jinghua , Ding Pingxing , Wang Zhengbing
Published: November 2022

The Krone–Partheniades (K-P) framework has been used for decades to quantify and analyze the sediment exchange at a water–bed interface. Measuring the erosion and deposition parameters that are part of this framework requires time-consuming field observations. Additionally, the erosion parameters are measured independently of deposition parameters, while in reality they are coupled. In numerical models applying the K-P framework these parameters are often assumed to be constant in time and mutually independent. In this study, we develop a relatively simple methodology to determine the erosion and deposition parameters, using conventional near-bed observations of bed level, sediment concentration and flow velocity. This methodology is subsequently applied to tripod observations collected in the Changjiang estuary, China, to compute continuous time-varying erosion and settling parameters. We propose a diagram to visualize the interdependency and accuracy of erosion and deposition parameters, which is the input for K-P framework models requiring this interdependency.
Endemic Mycoses: Novel Findings for the Clinician
Authors: Pasqualotto Alessandro C.
Published: November 2022

Endemic mycoses are difficult-to-diagnose conditions that may mimic several other diseases, particularly tuberculosis, community-acquired pneumonia, and cancer [...]
Higher Waist Hip Ratio Genetic Risk Score Is Associated with Reduced Weight Loss in Patients with Severe Obesity Completing a Meal Replacement Programme
Authors: Handley Dale , Rafey Mohammed , Almansoori Sumaya , Brazil John , McCarthy Aisling , Amin Hasnat , O’Donnell Martin , Blakemore Alexandra , Finucane Francis
Published: November 2022

Background: A better understanding of the influence of genetic factors on the response to lifestyle interventions in people with obesity may allow the development of more personalised, effective and efficient therapeutic strategies. We sought to determine the influence of six obesity-related genetic risk scores on the magnitude of weight lost by patients with severe obesity who completed a dietary intervention. Methods: In this single-centre prospective cohort study, participants with severe and complicated obesity who completed a 24-week, milk-based meal replacement programme were genotyped to detect the frequency of common risk alleles for obesity and type 2 diabetes-related traits. Genetic risk scores (GRS) for six of these traits were derived. Participants with a potentially deleterious monogenic gene variant were excluded from the analysis. Results: In 93 patients completing the programme who were not carrying a known obesity-related gene mutation, 35.5% had diabetes, 53.8% were female, mean age was 51.4 ± 11 years, mean body mass index was 51.5 ± 8.7 and mean total weight loss percent at 24 weeks was 16 ± 6.3%. The waist–hip ratio (WHR) GRS was inversely associated with percentage total weight loss at 24 weeks (adjusted β for one standard deviation increase in WHR GRS −11.6 [−23.0, −0.3], p = 0.045), and patients in the lowest tertile of WHR GRS lost more weight. Conclusions: Patients with severe and complicated obesity with a genetic predisposition to central fat accumulation had less weight loss in a 24-week milk-based meal replacement programme, but there was no evidence for influence from the five other obesity-related genetic risk scores on the response to dietary restriction.
Phosphogypsum Stack Reclamation Using Soil Amendments and Short-Rotational Woody Species
Authors: Robinson Martin J. C. , Dhar Amalesh , Naeth M. Anne , Nichol Connie K.
Published: November 2022

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a by-product of phosphorus fertilizer production that is stored in large piles (stacks). Typically, PG stack reclamation focuses on topsoil caps vegetated with grass which has limited economic return. Therefore, a study was conducted using the short-rotational tree species (Picea glauca, Populus balsamifera) to determine their potential in PG stack reclamation. Five soil amendments (compost, compost with mycorrhizal fungi, manure pellets, black earth, mycorrhizal fungi) with a control (no amendment on PG) were used in a field experiment to determine whether they would enhance the growth of the planted species. After two years, amendments had little effect on the height, diameter or biomass of either species. P. balsamifera on PG (control) was significantly healthier than in amended soils. The healthiest and most successful trees for both species were found in the control treatment. Organic amendments (compost, manure) had significantly higher nitrate and phosphorus than most of the other treatments. Black earth and mycorrhizal fungi did not affect any soil properties relative to the control. This study suggests short-rotational forestry plantations of Populus balsamifera appear to be meeting reclamation objectives for PG stacks, similar to traditional grass covers; however, the built soil profile could limit tree success in future.