bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobility on Demand for Everybody—Investigation of the Current Challenges in Establishing Ride-Pooling Services for Persons with Mobility Impairments in Germany
Authors: Dorynek Martin , Aumüller Analena , Ma Jessica , Rathsack Björn , Weidmann Julian , Bengler Klaus
Published: May 2022

The ongoing transformation of mobility, including new services such as on-demand mobility, raises the question of how services need to be designed so that everyone can use them. The number of persons with mobility impairments is increasing as a result of demographic change, and with the current amendment of the law, it will be mandatory in Germany to take these person’s needs into due consideration. After all, a transport provider’s success relies on sufficient demand in society (including persons with and without disabilities). Due to changing mobility routines, increased comfort, and other individual personal requirements, vehicles smaller than conventional buses are necessary for passenger transportation. The following investigation is a research study, which is based on an intensive literature review and expert interview study. The goal of this work is to evaluate the current status quo of the German public transport system with respect to inclusive on-demand services and their satisfaction with user requirements. Therefore, guideline-oriented interviews with experts from the mobility sector were consulted and analyzed. For this purpose, the procedure of the qualitative analysis was used. Furthermore, user analysis and methodological processes were conducted in order to strategically establish necessary measures. On the one hand, the current initial situation is addressed and initial experience with these new services is reported. The current focus is on the automation and electrification of these vehicles. In order to make them accessible to all potential customers, ergonomic requirements should be considered from the beginning. The previous experiences with other vehicle classes as well as the legal framework conditions are to serve as a benchmark. On the other hand, existing challenges will be discussed, and necessary steps will be worked out. A result of this situational analysis shows that the currently available vehicle concepts do not fulfill all requirements. It is important to consider the vehicle and the barrier-free mobility chain (booking and paying for the journey or vehicle, as well as boarding, traveling, and alighting). Overall, the design of barrier-free mobility systems requires a process of both political and social rethinking in order to succeed.
A Review on UAV-Based Remote Sensing Technologies for Construction and Civil Applications
Authors: Guan Shanyue , Zhu Zhen , Wang George
Published: May 2022

UAV-based technologies are evolving and improving at a rapid pace. The abundance of solutions and systems available today can make it difficult to identify the best option for construction and civil projects. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the benefits and limitations of UAV-based sensing systems in the context of construction management and civil engineering, with a focus on camera-based and laser-based systems. The risk factors associated with UAV operations at construction sites are also considered.
Analysis and Design of an S/PS−Compensated WPT System with Constant Current and Constant Voltage Charging
Authors: Yang Lin , Geng Zhi , Jiang Shuai , Wang Can
Published: May 2022

In recent years, more and more scholars have paid attention to the research of wireless power transfer (WPT) technology, and have achieved a lot of results. In practical charging application, ensuring that the WPT system can achieve constant current and constant voltage output with zero phase angle (ZPA) operation is very important to prolong battery life and improve power transfer efficiency. This paper proposes an series/parallel series(S/PS)-compensated WPT system that can charge the battery load in constant current and constant voltage modes at two different frequency points through frequency switching. The proposed S/PS structure contains only three compensation capacitors, few compensation elements, simple structure, low economic cost, in addition, the secondary-side does not contain compensation inductor, ensuring the compactness of the secondary-side. An experimental prototype with an input voltage of 40 V is established, and the experiment proves that the model can obtain output voltage of 48 V and current of 2 A. Maximum system transmission efficiency of up to 92.48% The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis results, which verifies the feasibility of the method.
The Behavior of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose and Glycemic Control in Taiwanese Population
Authors: Lu Ching , Tseng Chin-Hsiao , Liao Karen Chia-Wen , Yang Hong-Jyh , Chen Pei-Yu , Perng Ming-Der
Published: May 2022

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is common in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore how frequency/behavior of SMBG affect glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan. All participants completed a structured questionnaire about the frequency and behavior of SMBG, and hemoglobulin A1C (A1C) data were recorded from medical records. A total of 382 diabetes outpatients participated in the study. In the patients using insulin injections, A1C was better in patients with SMBG ≥ 28 times than in those with SMBG < 28 times per month (7.82 ± 1.86% vs. 8.33 ± 1.31%, p = 0.025). In the patients not using insulin, A1C was better in patients with SMBG > 14 times than those with SMBG ≤ 14 times per month (7.08 ± 0.23% vs. 7.55 ± 0.08%, p = 0.038). The patients who more frequently reviewed the causes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia had a better A1C level (p for linear trend <0.001). Our study suggested that SMBG ≥ 28 and >14 times could improve glycemic control for insulin-requiring and non-insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes patients, respectively. Further exploration of the cause of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia shown by SMBG could also improve blood glucose control.
Recovery of Rare Earth Elements Minerals from Iron-Oxide-Silicate-Rich Tailings: Research Review
Authors: Abaka-Wood George Blankson , Ehrig Kathy , Addai-Mensah Jonas , Skinner William
Published: May 2022

The rapid depletion of high-grade rare earth elements (REE) resources implies that future supplies may be augmented with low-grade ores, tailings, and other unconventional resources to meet cut-off grades and, subsequently, supply demands. This paper presents an amalgamation of studies conducted on selected complex low-grade iron-oxide-silicate-rich tailings, with the overall aim of developing efficacious methods and associated process mineralogy characterization for enhanced REE minerals recovery and upgrade. To this end, a summary of the overarching key results from froth flotation, magnetic separation, and gravity separation studies of the tailings and their implications are presented in this review. Reconciliation of all the findings reveals lucid links between feed ore properties, mainly mineralogy and particle size distribution, as the key influential factors that affect the beneficiation of real complex low-grade tailings, although distinct differences in physicochemical properties of the valuable and gangue minerals may exist. It is clearly established that the unliberated association between REE and gangue minerals within the ore can lead to either synergistic or antagonistic effects on the quality of concentrates produced. Furthermore, the limitations presented by the poorly liberated minerals are exacerbated by their “fine” nature. With appreciable recoveries obtained using such readily available conventional separation methods, the tailings provide additional REE value to the primary commodities; hence, such material could be considered a potential resource for REE beneficiation. The learnings from the respective beneficiation studies are significantly important as they provide the knowledge base and greater understanding of the mineralogical characteristics and beneficiation response of REE minerals in typical complex, low-grade tailings.
The Influence of Silica Fume on the Properties of Mortars Containing Date Palm Fibers
Authors: Bamaga S. O.
Published: May 2022

Natural fibers have recently been presented as a promising alternative for manufactured fibers. Date palm fibers showed interesting results when used as an inclusion in concrete and mortar. In this study, Sefri Date Palm Mesh Fibers (SDPMF) were used as an inclusion in mortars. Silica fume (SF) partially replaced the cement by 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by mass to improve the mechanical properties of SDPMF mortars. SDPMFs were collected from local farms. The fibers were then cleaned, dried, and cut to 50 mm, and added to mortars with 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight. Density, absorption, open porosity, workability, and compressive strength of mortars were investigated. A comparison with a previous study’s results for mortars containing Sefri Date Palm Leave Fibers (SDPLF) is presented. The results showed that the incorporation of SF as part of cement may lead to improving the properties of the mixtures containing SDPMF fibers.
Effect of Sugars on Gelation Kinetics of Gelatin Gels
Authors: Avallone Pietro Renato , Romano Martina , Sarrica Andrea , Delmonte Marco , Pasquino Rossana , Grizzuti Nino
Published: May 2022

We investigate the rheological behavior of aqueous solutions containing animal gelatin, sugars and polyols. The aim is to study how the gelation kinetics, transition temperatures and gel strengths of an aqueous gelatin solution can be affected by the progressive addition of co-solutes. Aqueous solutions with a fixed mass percentage of gelatin of 6.8 wt% were prepared at various concentrations of sugars and polyols. Through Dynamic Temperature Ramp tests, performed at various ramp rates, and Dynamic Time Sweep and Dynamic Frequency Sweep tests, carried out at different temperatures, it was possible both to evaluate the transition temperatures and to monitor the gelation kinetics of the samples. It was found that the contribution of co-solutes positively affects both the gelation process and the thermal stability of the aqueous gelatin solution by reducing the gelation time and improving the mechanical properties of the gel in terms of network elasticity.
A Review on Recent Sensing Methods for Determining Formaldehyde in Agri-Food Chain: A Comparison with the Conventional Analytical Approaches
Authors: Fappiano Luigi , Carriera Fabiana , Iannone Alessia , Notardonato Ivan , Avino Pasquale
Published: May 2022

Formaldehyde, the simplest molecule of the aldehyde group, is a gaseous compound at room temperature and pressure, is colorless, and has a strong, pungent odor. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and diethyl ether and is used in solution or polymerized form. Its maximum daily dosage established by the EPA is 0.2 μg g−1 of body weight whereas that established by the WHO is between 1.5 and 14 mg g−1: it is in category 1A of carcinogens by IARC. From an analytical point of view, formaldehyde is traditionally analyzed by HPLC with UV-Vis detection. Nowadays, the need to analyze this compound quickly and in situ is increasing. This work proposes a critical review of methods for analyzing formaldehyde in food using sensing methods. A search carried out on the Scopus database documented more than 50 papers published in the last 5 years. The increase in interest in the recognition of the presence of formaldehyde in food has occurred in recent years, above all due to an awareness of the damage it can cause to human health. This paper focuses on some new sensors by analyzing their performance and comparing them with various no-sensing methods but focusing on the determination of formaldehyde in food products. The sensors reported are of various types, but they all share a good LOD, good accuracy, and a reduced analysis time. Some of them are also biodegradable and others have a very low cost, many are portable and easy to use, therefore usable for the recognition of food adulterations on site.
CsCuAOs and CsAMADH1 Are Required for Putrescine-Derived γ-Aminobutyric Acid Accumulation in Tea
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Duan Yu , Cao Yu , Chen Yiwen , Zou Zhongwei , Li Fang , Shen Qiang , Yang Xiaowei , Ma Yuanchun , Fang Wanping , Zhu Xujun
Published: May 2022

Polyamines are a potential source of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plants under abiotic stress. However, studies on GABA enrichment in tea mostly focus on the GABA shunt, while the correlation between polyamine degradation and GABA formation in tea is largely unknown. In this study, tea plants responded to exogenous putrescine, resulting in a significant increase in GABA content, while the glutamate level did not change. At the same time, five copper-containing amine oxidase (CuAO) and eight aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase (AMADH) genes involved in the putrescine-derived GABA pathway were identified from the Tea Plant Information Archive. Expression analysis indicated that CsCuAO1, CsCuAO3 as well as CsAMADH1 were induced to play an important function in response to exogenous putrescine. Thus, the three genes were cloned and the catalytic efficiency of soluble recombinant proteins was determined. CsCuAOs and CsAMADH1 exhibited indispensable functions in the GABA production from putrescine in vitro. Subcellular localization assays indicated that CsAMADH1 was localized in plastid, while both CsCuAO1 and CsCuAO3 were localized in peroxisome. In addition, the synergistic effects of CsCuAOs and CsAMADH1 were investigated by a transient co-expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana. Our data suggest that these three genes regulate the accumulation of GABA in tea by participating in the polyamine degradation pathway and improve the content of GABA in tea to a certain extent. The results will greatly contribute to the production of GABA tea.
Gertrude Belle Elion, Chemist and Pharmacologist, Discoverer of Highly Relevant Active Substances
Authors: Núñez Valdés Juan , de Pablos Pons Fernando , Ramos Carrillo Antonio
Published: May 2022

Gertrude Belle Elion was a woman who had to overcome many difficulties to achieve her dream of studying to be able to cure illnesses, especially those of the heart. These difficulties were imposed both by the limited economic resources of herself and her family, which did not allow her to pay the academic fees of the university in which she wanted to enroll, as well as gender, since she also had to fight against inequalities of that type prevalent in the society of her time. However, and despite these obstacles, she managed to graduate in Chemistry, based on interest, effort and tenacity, and later began a research career full of successes, which led her to discover relevant active substances which allow her to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1988. This article presents the most relevant features of her personal and professional life and completes previous biographies about her life. Its main objective is to reintroduce her to society and put her as a reference to other people. The methodology followed has been the search for those data about her life and work that would allow completing the previous existing biographies about her.
Uterine Fibroids and Pregnancy: A Review of the Challenges from a Romanian Tertiary Level Institution
Authors: Tîrnovanu Mihaela Camelia , Lozneanu Ludmila , Tîrnovanu Ştefan Dragoş , Tîrnovanu Vlad Gabriel , Onofriescu Mircea , Ungureanu Carmen , Toma Bogdan Florin , Cojocaru Elena
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives. Uterine fibroids are relatively common in reproductive-age women and are directly linked to pregnancy. There are many debates about performing a myomectomy at the same time as a caesarian section (CS) in such cases due to the risk of a hemorrhage. Our study aims to investigate fibroid features and their evolution in pregnancy, complications of a myomectomy during CS and maternal and fetal obstetric outcomes of pregnancies with fibroids. Materials and methods. We realize a prospective study that includes 57 patients with fibroids in pregnancy diagnosed in January 2017–June 2019. We analyze the number, the location and the growth of fibroids during pregnancy and the maternal and fetal outcome. We appreciate the bleeding in patients with a myomectomy and without a myomectomy during CS, using hemoglobin values before and after birth. Results. Most of the patients present single fibroids that are 30–160 mm in size, located on the anterior uterine wall. Vaginal delivery is used in 7% of women, whereas 85.96% deliver by CS. In addition, 68% of fibroids are diagnosed in the first trimester. In most cases, the fibroid has maximum growth in the second trimester of pregnancy. The myomectomy rate for fibroids during CS is 24.48. Hemoglobin values showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups with and without myomectomy. The operating time is double for the group with a myomectomy associated with a CS. The results of the obstetric outcomes are abortion in 7% of all patients, whereas premature delivery and births at term are 9.43% and 90.57%, respectively. Conclusions. The decision of performing a myomectomy during pregnancy can be a challenge and must be performed for selected cases. This procedure may have several benefits, such as avoiding another operation to remove fibroids.
Perceptions of Dental Medicine Students on Equity within Healthcare Systems in Romania: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hostiuc Sorin , Isailă Oana-Maria , Curcă George-Cristian
Published: May 2022

The scope of this paper is to evaluate the opinion of future dentists on equity within healthcare systems from a social and medical perspective. Material and methods: We conducted an observational study based on a survey among year five students from the “Carol Davila” Faculty of Dental Medicine Bucharest using an online questionnaire composed of graded answers to 14 statements on the theme of equity within healthcare systems before taking this course. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 300 students, of whom 151 (50.3%) responded; 79.47% of these were female and 20.53% were male; 9.3% had a rural background and 90.7% had an urban background. The majority of respondents expressed strong agreement that equity in public healthcare and acknowledging disadvantaged populations was important. The majority of students also strongly agreed that inequity came about from a lack of accessibility to medical care, lack of financial resources, and the absence of a second medical opinion. There were no statistically significant differences specific to the gender and background environment of the respondents. Conclusions: The notion of equity is known to future dentists. However, contextual clarifications of the concept itself and its adequate quantification are necessary.
Increased Safety Behavior and COVID-19-Related Fear in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis during the Pandemic
Authors: Benecke Anke-Verena , Schmidt Kira Leandra , Dinse Hannah , Schweda Adam , Jahre Lisa , Fink Madeleine , Weismüller Benjamin , Dörrie Nora , Welsner Matthias , Skoda Eva-Maria , Bäuerle Alexander , Musche Venja , Teufel Martin
Published: May 2022

People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) face great challenges during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research found equal levels of distress in pwCF and healthy controls (HC). The current study aimed to investigate the mental health burden and safety behavior in pwCF. Sixty-nine adult pwCF and sixty-nine propensity-score-matched HC participated in this study. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing distress, generalized anxiety, depressive symptoms, COVID-19-related variables, self-reported adherent safety behavior (ASB), and dysfunctional safety behavior (DSB). PwCF showed equal amounts of distress (W = 2481.0, p = 0.669), depressive symptoms (W = 2632.5, p = 0.268), and generalized anxiety symptoms (W = 2515.5, p = 0.565) compared to the HC. COVID-19-related fear (W = 1872.0, p = 0.028), ASB (W = 1630.0, p = 0.001), and DSB (W = 1498.5, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated in pwCF. The pwCF estimated that the probability of suffering from symptoms (W = 954.5, p < 0.001), experiencing a severe course (W = 806.5, p < 0.001), or dying (W = 1079.0, p < 0.001) from COVID-19 is significantly higher than that of the HC. ASB was associated with a CF diagnosis, COVID-19-related fear, and a subjective level of information (R2 = 0.414, F(13, 124) = 6.936, p ≤ 0.001). DSB was associated with a diagnosis of CF and COVID-19-related fear (R2 = 0.196, F(13, 124) = 3.169, p ≤ 0.001). The data suggest that pwCF show functional and adequate behaviors towards the risk caused by the pandemic. Therefore, functional coping behaviors may provide advantages in addressing pandemic challenges.
Frequency of Leiden Mutation in Newborns with Birth Weight below 1500 g
Authors: Dusek Jiri , Nedvedova Lenka , Scheinost Ondrej , Hanzl Milan , Kantorova Eva , Fendrstatova Eva , Sram Radim J. , Kotouckova Hana , Voracek Jan
Published: May 2022

It has been hypothesized that fetal prematurity or Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) could be related to the presence of factor V of Leiden mutation. This mutation is associated with a higher incidence of pregnancy difficulties that can result in preterm birth. The frequency of Leiden mutation was investigated in the group of newborns with a low birth weight below 1500 g over a six-year period from 2015 to 2020. During this period, 339 newborns were tested, of which 42 newborns with V Leiden mutation (12.4%) were detected. The average of its occurrence frequency in the Czech population was determined as 5.0% based on published studies. In our research, the occurrence of the V Leiden mutation was found significantly higher in newborns under 1500 g. At the same time, we did not demonstrate an increased frequency of births at lower gestational weeks, lower birth weight, or an association with sex in newborns with a positive diagnosis of the Leiden V factor.
Effects of Fruit Bagging Treatment with Different Types of Bags on the Contents of Phenolics and Monoterpenes in Muscat-Flavored Table Grapes
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yue , Wang Hui-Ling , Zhang Guo-Jun , Yan Ai-Ling , Ren Jian-Cheng , Liu Zhen-Hua , Xu Hai-Ying , Sun Lei
Published: May 2022

The effects of fruit bagging treatments with seven different types of bags on the physicochemical characteristics of three table grape cultivars: RuiduZaohong (RDZH), RuiduHongyu (RDHY), and RuiduHongmei (RDHM) were investigated. Headspace-solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to determine the compositions of monoterpenes in the fruit. The results showed that the total soluble solids in RDZH and RDHY fruits treated with the transparent, mesh, yellow, white, and blue bags were significantly higher than the control. The sugar–acid ratio of RDZH was optimized under the transparent bag and yellow bag treatments, and both significantly increased the sugar-acid ratio of RDHY and RDHM. Additionally, mesh bag, transparent bag, and white bag improved the contents of phenolics to a certain extent. The most abundant volatiles were linalool, geraniol, β-myrcene, β-cis-ocimene, and β-trans-ocimene, of which linalool was the main aroma component. The least squares discriminant analysis results showed that linalool, 4-terpineol, and terpinolen could be used to distinguish the main contribution of different bagging treatments for RDZH. Trans-isogeraniol, α-terpineol, and terpinolen could be used for RDHY. Trans-isogeraniol, β-myrcene, and terpinolen could be used for RDHM. In conclusion, transparent and white bags promoted the accumulation of phenolics and monoterpenes while pink and blue bags showed inhibitory effects.
OfSPL11 Gene from Osmanthus fragrans Promotes Plant Growth and Oxidative Damage Reduction to Enhance Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhu Shoukuo , Fang Qiu , Wang Yiguang , Zhong Shiwei , Dong Bin , Zhao Hongbo
Published: May 2022

Osmanthus fragrans Lour. is a popular and traditional Chinese decorative plant. Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting the growth and development of O. fragrans. However, the involvement of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-like (SPL) gene in salt stress response is little understood. To elucidate the role of the OfSPL genes in salt stress resistance, we isolated a candidate gene, OfSPL11, from the O. fragrans genotype ‘Yanhong Gui’. OfSPL11 is a transcriptional activator that is located in the nucleus. OfSPL11 is a salt-inducible gene that is highly expressed in young leaves and shoots, according to tissue-specific expression and external treatment. The promoter activity of OfSPL11 is activated by salt treatments in the leaves of tobacco and callus of O. fragrans. The OfSPL11 transgenic lines exhibited better growth and physiological performance; under salt stress, transgenic lines have a faster germination rate, longer roots, and less leaf withering than the wild type (WT). In addition, OfSPL11 overexpression protected the leaves from oxidative damage by suppressing the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROSs) in Arabidopsis. OfSPL11 overexpression can promote the expression of some genes in response to abiotic stresses, including AtCBL1, AtCOR15A, AtCOR6.6, AtRD29A, AtSOS2 and AtSOS3. Yeast one-hybrid assays and transient expression assays showed that OfZAT12 (homologous to Arabidopsis AtRHL41 gene) specifically binds to the OfSPL11 promoter and positively regulates its expression. This study sheds fresh light on the role of OfSPL11 in enhancing salt tolerance in O. fragrans by promoting growth and reducing oxidative damage.
Trends in Ornamental Plant Production
Authors: Salachna Piotr
Published: May 2022

Growing ornamental plants is a dynamically developing and profitable sector of plant production [...]
Towards Achieving Equity and Innovation in Newborn Screening across Europe
Authors: Sikonja Jaka , Groselj Urh , Scarpa Maurizio , la Marca Giancarlo , Cheillan David , Kölker Stefan , Zetterström Rolf H. , Kožich Viktor , Le Cam Yann , Gumus Gulcin , Bottarelli Valentina , van der Burg Mirjam , Dekkers Eugenie , Battelino Tadej , Prevot Johan , Schielen Peter C. J. I. , Bonham James R.
Published: May 2022

Although individual rare disorders are uncommon, it is estimated that, together, 6000+ known rare diseases affect more than 30 million people in Europe, and present a substantial public health burden. Together with the psychosocial burden on affected families, rare disorders frequently, if untreated, result in a low quality of life, disability and even premature death. Newborn screening (NBS) has the potential to detect a number of rare conditions in asymptomatic children, providing the possibility of early treatment and a significantly improved long-term outcome. Despite these clear benefits, the availability and conduct of NBS programmes varies considerably across Europe and, with the increasing potential of genomic testing, it is likely that these differences may become even more pronounced. To help improve the equity of provision of NBS and ensure that all children can be offered high-quality screening regardless of race, nationality and socio-economic status, a technical meeting, endorsed by the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, was held in October 2021. In this article, we present experiences from individual EU countries, stakeholder initiatives and the meeting’s final conclusions, which can help countries attempting to establish new NBS programmes or expand existing provision.
Effect of Day Length on Growth and Root Morphology of Yellow Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Seedlings
Authors: Zaytseva Olga , Terrel Gutierrez Meylin , Graeff-Hönninger Simone
Published: May 2022

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a biennial herbaceous plant of the family Brassicaceae, which recently gained research attention as well as consumer interest. Its underground storage organs are used both as a food and as traditional medicine. The storage organs, called fleshy-hypocotyls, are formed by swollen hypocotyl tissues fused with a taproot. The attempts to grow maca outside of its centre of origin have increased globally, although many cropping requirements are unknown. In terms of fleshy-hypocotyl formation, the impact of day length remains unclear. In this study the effects of day length (8 h, 16 h) on early plant development and hypocotyl thickening in yellow maca were investigated in a rhizobox experiment under controlled conditions (20 °C day and 18 °C night temperature, and relative air humidity 25–30%). Results of a 13-week cultivation period showed that number of leaves and leaf length significantly increased in plants grown under long-day (LD, 16 h) conditions as compared to those from the short-day (SD, 8 h) treatment. Furthermore, plants developed under LD conditions had larger hypocotyl width within 67 days after sowing. At 88 days after sowing, the width was almost two-fold higher. Moreover, the total root length of maca plants from LD treatment was significantly longer and had more fine roots (diameter < 0.4 mm) than in plants cultivated in SD treatment. The obtained results suggest that in early stages of plant development LD can stimulate root development and hypocotyl thickening in yellow maca.
Predictors of Moderate or Severe Cognitive Impairment at Six Months of the Hip Fracture in the Surgical Patient over 65 Years of Age
Authors: González-Marcos Enrique , González-García Enrique , Rodríguez-Fernández Paula , González-Bernal Jerónimo J. , Sánchez-González Esteban , González-Santos Josefa
Published: May 2022

Background: cognitive impairment is known to be very common in patients with hip fractures, but studies are needed to help understand the relationship between both events. Our goal was to determine the relationship between moderate or severe cognitive impairment and hip fractures during the six months following that episode. Methods: a retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on a sample of 665 people over 65 years of age. The main variable of the study was cognitive impairment at six months of fracture, assessed using the Pfeiffer scale (PS). Other data related to clinical features were also collected for further analysis. Results: binary logistic regression analyses showed that the main factors related to moderate or severe cognitive impairment at the sixth month of the fracture were age (OR = 1.078), initial cognitive impairment (OR = 535.762), and discharge (OR = 547.91), cognitive worsening at the sixth month with respect to the time of admission (OR = 7.024), moderate dependence on admission (OR = 15.474) and at six months (OR = 8.088), poor ambulation at discharge (OR = 5.071) and institutionalization prior to admission (OR = 5.349) or during the first semester after fracture (OR = 6.317). Conclusions: this research provides evidence about the clinical factors that predict moderate or severe cognitive decline at the sixth month in patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture.
Utilization of Drug-Coated Balloons for the Treatment of Coronary Lesions in the Elderly Population
Authors: Sella Gal , Gandelman Gera , Tuvali Ortal , Volodarsky Igor , Cuciuc Valeri , Haberman Dan , Ayyad Omar , Poles Lion , Welt Michael , Kracoff Oscar Horacio , George Jacob
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) has become more prevalent in the past few years for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) and de novo lesions. The absence of foreign polymer implantations potentially shortens the duration of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT), which can be beneficial for the elderly population. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the use of DCBs for the treatment of coronary lesions in elderly patients as compared to the younger population. Materials and methods: A database of 446 consecutive patients who underwent a procedure of DCB inflation in our institution was divided into two groups, below 70 years old and above 80 years old. We compared and analyzed the endpoints of total major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular (CV) death, and all-cause mortality in both groups. Results: The difference in MACE between the two age groups was non-significant (p = 0.225); the difference in cardiovascular death was also non-significant (p = 0.086). All-cause mortality was significantly different (p < 0.0001) and can be attributed to the age of the patients. Conclusion: The utilization of DCBs for the treatment of coronary lesions may be as safe and effective for the elderly population as for the younger population and may allow a shorter period of DAPT therapy, which can lower the risk of bleeding.
Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis in Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Veltkamp Claudia , Lan Shuai , Korompoki Eleni , Weiss Karl-Heinz , Schmidt Hartmut , Seitz Helmut K.
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose: Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) frequently affect extraintestinal organs including the liver. Since limited evidence suggests the presence of liver disease in IBD patients, we studied the frequency of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in these patients and characterized disease-related factors. Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based, single-center study, consecutive patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) were included who had undergone routine abdominal ultrasound including transhepatic elastography. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by hyperechogenicity on B-mode ultrasound and by measuring controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Hepatic fibrosis was assumed if transhepatic elastography yielded a stiffness > 7 kPa. Results: 132 patients (60% CD) with a median disease duration of 10 years were included. Steatosis assessed by B-mode ultrasound and CAP correlated well. Of the IBD patients, 30.3% had non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Factors associated with NAFL were age, BMI, duration of disease, as well as serum activities of aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT). In multivariate analysis, only disease duration was independently associated with hepatic steatosis. Hepatic fibrosis was found in 10 (8%) of all IBD patients, predominantly in patients with CD (10/11). Conclusions: Pure hepatic steatosis is common in both CD and UC, whereas hepatic fibrosis occurs predominantly in CD patients. Association of disease duration with NAFLD suggests a contribution of IBD-related pathogenetic factors. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the impact of IBD on hepatic disorders.
Underwater Noise Measurements around a Tidal Turbine in a Busy Port Setting
Authors: Haxel Joseph , Zang Xiaoqin , Martinez Jayson , Polagye Brian , Staines Garrett , Deng Zhiqun Daniel , Wosnik Martin , O’Byrne Patrick
Published: May 2022

Acoustic emissions from current energy converters remain an environmental concern for regulators because of their potential effects on marine life and uncertainties about their effects stemming from a lack of sufficient observational data. Several recent opportunities to characterize tidal turbine sound emissions have begun to fill knowledge gaps and provide a context for future device deployments. In July 2021, a commercial-off-the-shelf hydrophone was deployed in a free-drifting configuration to measure underwater acoustic emissions and characterize a 25 kW-rated tidal turbine at the University of New Hampshire’s Living Bridge Project in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Sampling methods and analysis were performed in alignment with the recently published IEC 62600-40 Technical Specification for acoustic characterization of marine energy converters. Results from this study indicate acoustic emissions from the turbine were below ambient sound levels and therefore did not have a significant impact on the underwater noise levels of the project site. As a component of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Triton Field Trials (TFiT) described in this Special Issue, this effort provides a valuable use case for the IEC 62600-40 Technical Specification framework and further recommendations for cost-effective technologies and methods for measuring underwater noise at future current energy converter project sites.
Hybrid Systems for Marine Energy Harvesting
Authors: Rosa-Santos Paulo , Taveira-Pinto Francisco , López Mario , Rodríguez Claudio A.
Published: May 2022

The marine renewable energy (MRE) industry is being stimulated by the growing world energy demand, climate change mitigation policies, and land-use conflicts [...]
Is ß-d-glucan Relevant for the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Intensive Care Patients with Yeast-Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection?
Authors: Dupont Hervé , Malaquin Stéphanie , Villeret Léonie , Macq Pierre-Yves , Ammenouche Nacim , Tinturier François , Diouf Momar , Rumbach Matthieu , Chouaki Taieb
Published: May 2022

The usefulness of (1,3)-ß-d-glucan (BDG) detection for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal candidiasis and treatment monitoring is unknown. A prospective, single-center study of consecutive patients admitted to an ICU with complicated intra-abdominal infection (IAI) over a 2-year period was conducted. BDG was measured in the peritoneal fluid and serum between day 1 (D1) and D10. Patients with a positive peritoneal fluid yeast culture (YP) were compared to those with a negative yeast culture (YN). The evolution of serum BDG was compared in the two groups. Seventy patients were included (sixty-five analyzed): YP group (n = 19) and YN group (n = 46). Median peritoneal BDG concentration during surgery was 2890 pg.mL−1 [IQR: 942–12,326] in the YP group vs. 1202 pg.mL−1 [IQR: 317–4223] in the YN group (p = 0.13). Initial serum BDG concentration was 130 pg.mL−1 [IQR: 55–259] in the YP group vs. 88 pg.mL−1 [IQR: 44–296] in the YN group (p = 0.78). No difference in evolution of serum BDG concentrations was observed between the groups (p = 0.18). In conclusion, neither peritoneal BDG nor serum BDG appear to be good discriminating markers for the diagnosis of yeast IAI. In addition, monitoring the evolution of serum BDG in yeast IAI did not appear to be of any diagnostic value.
Does DHN-Melanin Always Protect Fungi against Antifungal Drugs? The Fonsecaea/Micafungin Paradigm
Authors: Coelho Rowena Alves , Figueiredo-Carvalho Maria Helena Galdino , Silva Juliana Vitória dos Santos , Correa-Junior Dario , Frases Susana , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , Freitas Dayvison Francis Saraiva , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

Several human pathogenic fungi produce melanin. One of its properties during parasitism is the protection against antifungal drugs. This occurs with the agents of chromoblastomycosis, in which DHN-melanin reduces antifungal susceptibility to terbinafine and itraconazole. Since these agents are resistant to some antifungal drugs, we investigated the role of DHN-melanin on the Fonsecaea susceptibility to amphotericin B, micafungin, fluconazole, and flucytosine, drugs that usually present high minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to this genus. Seven strains from three Fonsecaea human pathogenic species were treated with tricyclazole, a DHN-melanin inhibitor, and the MIC of the treated and untreated cells were compared. A survival assay was performed to confirm the alterations in the susceptibility of strains with reduced melanization, and the chitin levels of the strains were estimated by fluorescence. Tricyclazole did not affect fluconazole and flucytosine MIC, while melanin inhibition increased susceptibility to amphotericin B. Surprisingly, DHN-melanin inhibition decreased the susceptibility to micafungin. Survival assays confirmed this result on five strains. Cell wall chitin levels of the strains were not associated with the decrease in micafungin susceptibility. The results show that DHN-melanin does not have a role in the intrinsic resistance of Fonseacaea spp. to amphotericin B, fluconazole, and flucytosine, and its inhibition may promote micafungin resistance.
Intrinsic Fluorometric Reporters of Pteridine Reductase 1, a Target for Antiparasitic Agents
Authors: Ferrari Stefania , Costi Maria Paola , Ponterini Glauco
Published: May 2022

The intrinsic steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence of Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1, a tetrameric protein target for anti-infective agents, is investigated and deciphered in terms of the contributions from populations of the two tryptophans included in each protein monomer. Signals from these local fluorometric reporters contain molecular-level information on the conformational landscape of this protein and on its interaction with a nanomolar pteridinic inhibitor.
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench: Biological and Pharmacological Properties. A Review
Authors: Burlou-Nagy Cristina , Bănică Florin , Jurca Tünde , Vicaș Laura Grațiela , Marian Eleonora , Muresan Mariana Eugenia , Bácskay Ildikó , Kiss Rita , Fehér Pálma , Pallag Annamaria
Published: May 2022

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP)is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant, commonly known as purple coneflower and it belongs to the Asteraceae family. The Echinacea genus is originally from North America, in the United States, and its species are widely distributed throughout. There are nine different species of Echinacea, but only three of them are used as medicinal plants with wide therapeutic uses: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. and Echinacea angustifolia DC. Several significant groups of bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities have been isolated from Echinacea species. Numerous beneficial effects have been demonstrated about these compounds. The immunomodulatory effect was initially demonstrated, but over time other effects have also been highlighted. The present review gives a comprehensive summary of the chemical constituents, bioactive compounds, biological effects and therapeutical uses of purple coneflower. Research shows that such a well-known and recognized species needs to be further studied to obtain efficient products with a guarantee of the safety.
Jasmonic Acid Activates the Fruit-Pedicel Abscission Zone of ‘Thompson Seedless’ Grapes, Especially with Co-Application of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid
Authors: Fidelibus Matthew W. , Petracek Peter , McArtney Steven
Published: May 2022

Two studies were conducted to determine how methyl jasmonate (MeJA), jasmonic acid (JA), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) affect grape berry abscission in the initial days after treatment. The overarching goal was to determine whether JA, with or without ACC, may hold the potential to sufficiently reduce fruit detachment force (FDF) and increase the proportion of berries with dry stem scars while minimizing preharvest abscission, effects that could be useful in the production of stemless table grapes. On Thompson Seedless grapes, JA was at least as effective as MeJA for stimulating berry abscission based on reduced fruit detachment force (FDF) and yielding detached berries with dry stem scars. Further, since previous studies showed that ACC improved MeJA-induced grape abscission, we tested ACC effects on JA activity. We found that JA rapidly induced preharvest berry abscission, confirming previous results. ACC alone did not induce preharvest berry abscission, but ACC improved the effectiveness of JA on reducing FDF and increasing dry stem scar development. These studies also demonstrated that JA-induced abscission occurs within the first day after treatment. Commercial use of JA plus ACC as an abscission agent requires that FDF sufficiently declines, and the incidence of dry stem scars increases, prior to a significant increase in fruit abscission. However, the rapid progression of fruit abscission may require harvest either within 24 and 48 h after treatment or the use of a passive catch system.
Causal Network Structure Learning Based on Partial Least Squares and Causal Inference of Nonoptimal Performance in the Wastewater Treatment Process
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Yang Dan , Peng Xin , Zhong Weimin , Cheng Hui
Published: May 2022

Due to environmental fluctuations, the operating performance of complex industrial processes may deteriorate and affect economic benefits. In order to obtain maximal economic benefits, operating performance assessment is a novel focus. Therefore, this paper proposes a whole framework from operating performance assessment to nonoptimal cause identification based on partial-least-squares-based Granger causality analysis (PLS-GC) and Bayesian networks (BNs). The proposed method has three main contributions. First, a multiblock operating performance assessment model is established to correspondingly extract economic-related information and dynamic information. Then, a Bayesian network structure is established by PLS-GC that excludes the strong coupling of variables and simplifies the network structure. Lastly, nonoptimal root cause and and nonoptimal transmission path are identified by Bayesian inference. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified on Benchmark Simulation Model 1.
Seed Train Intensification Using an Ultra-High Cell Density Cell Banking Process
Authors: Müller Jan , Ott Vivian , Eibl Dieter , Eibl Regine
Published: May 2022

A current focus of biopharmaceutical research and production is seed train process intensification. This allows for intermediate cultivation steps to be avoided or even for the direct inoculation of a production bioreactor with cells from cryovials or cryobags. Based on preliminary investigations regarding the suitability of high cell densities for cryopreservation and the suitability of cells from perfusion cultivations as inoculum for further cultivations, an ultra-high cell density working cell bank (UHCD-WCB) was established for an immunoglobulin G (IgG)-producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line. The cells were previously expanded in a wave-mixed bioreactor with internal filter-based perfusion and a 1 L working volume. This procedure allows for cryovial freezing at 260 × 106 cells mL−1 for the first time. The cryovials are suitable for the direct inoculation of N−1 bioreactors in the perfusion mode. These in turn can be used to inoculate subsequent IgG productions in the fed-batch mode (low-seed fed-batch or high-seed fed-batch) or the continuous mode. A comparison with the standard approach shows that cell growth and antibody production are comparable, but time savings of greater than 35% are possible for inoculum production.
Research on Critical Load of Lithium Niobate Crystal Lapping
Authors: Zheng Hao , Wen Donghui , Kong Fanzhi , Cai Donghai
Published: May 2022

The elastic modulus and hardness of lithium niobate crystals were obtained by nanoindentation technology, and critical load and critical indentation depth range were determined by AFM by indentation morphology under different loads. According to the normal distribution characteristics of abrasive grains, the critical load model of lapping was deduced, and the critical load of lithium niobate during lapping process under different grain sizes was obtained. It was verified using a single-factor experiment in which experimental results were consistent with theoretical research.