bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Preference of Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) Among Fruits of Solanaceous Plants
Authors: Rattanapun Wigunda , Tarasin Manop , Thitithanakul Suraphon , Sontikun Yaowaphan
Published: May 2021

Host preference of Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), major chili and nightshade pest, was studied using seven host plant species of family Solanaceae. Two nightshade species, eggplant, Solanum melongena L. and turkey berry, Solanum torvum Sw.; three pepper and one large chili cultivar of Capsicum annum L., banana pepper, cayenne pepper, noom pepper and duey kai chili; and one small chili cultivar of Capsicum frutescens L., bird chili, were used as tested host plants of B. latifrons for a series of choice test and no-choice test under the laboratory. Results revealed that B. latifrons preferred Capsicum fruits for oviposition rather than Solanum fruits. Bird chili and banana pepper were the most preferred host for B. latifrons, with the highest number of pupae per gram of fruit in no-choice and choice experiment, respectively. Although the best larval performance parameters of B. latifrons were better for eggplant than for other Solanaceous plants, fruit characteristics and total phenolic content in fruit play a major role for host preference of B. latifrons. Turkey berry was least preferred by B. latifrons, with the lowest number of pupae per fruit and it was not oviposited by B. latifrons female fly under the choice situation at all stages of ripeness.
Should Deferred Stenting Still Be Considered in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction with High Thrombus Burden?
Authors: Sakellariou Xenofon M. , Katsanos Georgios I. , Efstathopoulos Andreas P. , Sfairopoulos Dimitrios G. , Stamatis Konstantinos V. , Pappas Spyridon D. , Kolettis Theofilos M. , Nikas Dimitrios N.
Published: May 2021

Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may demonstrate distal microvascular embolization of thrombotic materials. We retrospectively examined 20 cases displaying extensive thrombus in the infarct-related artery (IRA), treated either with a two-step procedure, with interim tirofiban infusion, or immediate stent implantation. Distal embolization tended to be more common in the latter strategy, but, overall, the outcome was comparable. Thus, a two-staged procedure may be considered in selected cases of primary PCI associated with high thrombus burden.
Subgroups of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder without Intellectual Disability: A Longitudinal Examination of Executive and Socio-Adaptive Behaviors in Adolescence
Authors: Rosello Rocio , Berenguer Carmen , Martinez-Raga Jose , Miranda Ana , Cortese Samuele
Published: May 2021

Within the autistic spectrum, there is remarkable variability in the etiology, presentation, and treatment response. This prospective study was designed to identify, through cluster analysis, subgroups of individuals with ASD without intellectual disability (ID) based on the severity of the core symptoms in childhood. The secondary aim was to explore whether these subgroups and a group with typical development (TD) differ in cognitive, adaptive, and social aspects measured in adolescence. The sample at baseline was comprised of 52 children with ASD without ID and 37 children with TD, aged 7–11. Among the ASD group, three clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (40%), ‘high severity’, presented high symptom severity on the DSM-5 criteria and the Social Communication Questionnaire. Cluster 2 (34%) showed ‘moderate severity’ on most of the scores. Cluster 3 (25%) corresponded to ‘low severity’, showing moderate social impairment and low restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. At 5-year follow-up, 45 adolescents with ASD without ID and 27 adolescents with TD were assessed. All clusters had significantly more difficulties in EF, ToM, socialization and adaptive behavior compared to TD. Social and adaptive trajectories between the ASD subgroups were relatively different; Cluster 1 showed poorer socialization and daily living skills than the other two subgroups. These findings highlight the importance of fully assessing social, cognitive, and adaptive profiles to develop care plans tailored to specific needs.
GamblingLess: A Randomised Trial Comparing Guided and Unguided Internet-Based Gambling Interventions
Authors: Dowling Nicki A. , Merkouris Stephanie S. , Rodda Simone N. , Smith David , Aarsman Stephanie , Lavis Tiffany , Lubman Dan I. , Austin David W. , Cunningham John A. , Battersby Malcolm W. , O Seung Chul
Published: May 2021

There is little evidence relating to the effects of adding guidance to internet-based gambling interventions. The primary aim was to compare the effectiveness of an online self-directed cognitive-behavioural gambling program (GamblingLess) with and without therapist-delivered guidance. It was hypothesised that, compared to the unguided intervention, the guided intervention would result in superior improvements in gambling symptom severity, urges, frequency, expenditure, psychological distress, quality of life and help-seeking. A two-arm, parallel-group, randomised trial with pragmatic features and three post-baseline evaluations (8 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 months) was conducted with 206 gamblers (106 unguided; 101 guided). Participants in both conditions reported significant improvements in gambling symptom severity, urges, frequency, expenditure, and psychological distress across the evaluation period, even after using intention-to-treat analyses and controlling for other low- and high-intensity help-seeking, as well as clinically significant changes in gambling symptom severity (69% recovered/improved). The guided intervention resulted in additional improvements to urges and frequency, within-group change in quality of life, and somewhat higher rates of clinically significant change (77% cf. 61%). These findings, which support the delivery of this intervention, suggest that guidance may offer some advantages but further research is required to establish when and for whom human support adds value.
White Matter Integrity of the Corpus Callosum and Psychopathological Dimensions in Deficit and Non-Deficit Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Podwalski Piotr , Tyburski Ernest , Szczygieł Krzysztof , Waszczuk Katarzyna , Rek-Owodziń Katarzyna , Mak Monika , Plichta Piotr , Bielecki Maksymilian , Rudkowski Krzysztof , Kucharska-Mazur Jolanta , Andrusewicz Wojciech , Misiak Błażej , Szulc Agata , Michalczyk Anna , Michałowska Sylwia , Sagan Leszek , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: May 2021

Deficit syndrome (DS) is a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by primary persistent negative symptoms. The corpus callosum (CC) appears to be related to psychopathology in schizophrenia. This study assessed white matter integrity in the CC using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in deficit and non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS) patients. We also investigated the psychopathological dimensions of schizophrenia and their relationship to CC integrity. Fifteen DS patients, 40 NDS patients, and 30 healthy controls (HC) underwent psychiatric evaluation and neuroimaging. We divided the CC into five regions and assessed their fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). Psychopathology was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. DS patients had lower FA than NDS patients and HC, and higher MD in Region 5 of the CC than did HC. NDS patients had higher MD in Region 4 of the CC. The patient groups differed in terms of negative symptoms. After differentiating clinical groups and HC, no significant correlations were observed between DTI measures and psychopathological symptoms. Our results suggest that DS and NDS are characterized by minor impairments of the posterior CC. We confirmed that DS patients have greater negative psychopathology than NDS patients. Our results are preliminary, and further studies are needed.
From Desire to Dread—A Neurocircuitry Based Model for Food Avoidance in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Frank Guido K. W.
Published: May 2021

Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric illness associated with food avoidance. Animal models from Berridge et al. over the past decade showed that environmental ambience, pleasant or fear inducing, can trigger either appetitive (desire) or avoidance (dread) behaviors in animals via frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, and hypothalamus. Those mechanisms could be relevant for understanding anorexia nervosa. However, models that translate animal research to explain the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa are sparse. This article reviews animal and human research to find evidence for whether this model can explain food avoidance behaviors in anorexia nervosa. Research on anorexia nervosa suggests fear conditioning to food, activation of the corticostriatal brain circuitry, sensitization of ventral striatal dopamine response, and alterations in hypothalamic function. The results support the applicability of the animal neurocircuitry derived model and provide directions to further study the pathophysiology that underlies anorexia nervosa.
An Up-Date of the Muscle Strengthening Exercise Effectiveness in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Alonso Pérez Jose Luis , Martín Pérez Sebastián , Battaglino Andrea , Villafañe Jorge H. , Alonso-Sal Alexandra , Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease that is characterized by decreased bone density and quality. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effects of muscle strengthening exercise in postmenopausal women with OP. Methods: A literature search was conducted systematically in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE databases for human studies up to 31 March 2021. Two researchers screened the articles against predefined inclusion criteria; a third resolved discrepancies. Articles were included if they assessed the effects of muscle strengthening exercise in postmenopausal women with OP. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021207917) and a qualitative systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement. Methodological quality was evaluated through the scientific validity scales PEDro. Finally, RTCs and NRCTs risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool (Risk of Bias-ROB 2.0) and ROBINS-1, respectively. Results: A total of 16 studies (1028 subjects) that met the different eligibility criteria previously established were selected. There is evidence of good methodological quality and a low to moderate risk of bias that supports that muscle strengthening exercise alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities improves BMD (9, n = 401) in proximal femur and lumbar vertebra body, muscle strength (10, n = 558), balance (4, n = 159), functionality (7, n = 617), and quality of life (5, n = 291). Conclusions: Exercise programs focused on muscle strengthening have benefits for all variables studied in postmenopausal women with OP.
Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoproteins in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Bonilha Isabella , Zimetti Francesca , Zanotti Ilaria , Papotti Bianca , Sposito Andrei C.
Published: May 2021

High density lipoproteins (HDLs) are commonly known for their anti-atherogenic properties that include functions such as the promotion of cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, because of some chronic inflammatory diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), significant changes occur in HDLs in terms of both structure and composition. These alterations lead to the loss of HDLs’ physiological functions, to transformation into dysfunctional lipoproteins, and to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we describe the main HDL structural/functional alterations observed in T2DM and the molecular mechanisms involved in these T2DM-derived modifications. Finally, the main available therapeutic interventions targeting HDL in diabetes are discussed.
Perihematomal Edema and Clinical Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Related to Different Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Nawabi Jawed , Elsayed Sarah , Morotti Andrea , Speth Anna , Liu Melanie , Kniep Helge , McDonough Rosalie , Broocks Gabriel , Faizy Tobias , Can Elif , Sporns Peter B. , Fiehler Jens , Hamm Bernd , Penzkofer Tobias , Bohner Georg , Schlunk Frieder , Hanning Uta
Published: May 2021

Background: There is a need to examine the effects of different types of oral anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (OAC-ICH) on perihematomal edema (PHE), which is gaining considerable appeal as a biomarker for secondary brain injury and clinical outcome. Methods: In a large multicenter approach, computed tomography-derived imaging markers for PHE (absolute PHE, relative PHE (rPHE), edema expansion distance (EED)) were calculated for patients with OAC-ICH and NON-OAC-ICH. Exploratory analysis for non-vitamin-K-antagonist OAC (NOAC) and vitamin-K-antagonists (VKA) was performed. The predictive performance of logistic regression models, employing predictors of poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale 4–6), was explored. Results: Of 811 retrospectively enrolled patients, 212 (26.14%) had an OAC-ICH. Mean rPHE and mean EED were significantly lower in patients with OAC-ICH compared to NON-OAC-ICH, p-value 0.001 and 0.007; whereas, mean absolute PHE did not differ, p-value 0.091. Mean EED was also significantly lower in NOAC compared to NON-OAC-ICH, p-value 0.05. Absolute PHE was an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome in NON-OAC-ICH (OR 1.02; 95%CI 1.002–1.028; p-value 0.027), but not in OAC-ICH (p-value 0.45). Conclusion: Quantitative markers of early PHE (rPHE and EED) were lower in patients with OAC-ICH compared to those with NON-OAC-ICH, with significantly lower levels of EED in NOAC compared to NON-OAC-ICH. Increase of early PHE volume did not increase the likelihood of poor outcome in OAC-ICH, but was independently associated with poor outcome in NON-OAC-ICH. The results underline the importance of etiology-specific treatment strategies. Further prospective studies are needed.
ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: Early Predictors of Very Long-Term Mortality
Authors: Cosentino Nicola , Resta Marta L. , Somaschini Alberto , Campodonico Jeness , D’Aleo Giampaolo , Di Stefano Giovanni , Lucci Claudia , Moltrasio Marco , Bonomi Alice , Cornara Stefano , Demarchi Andrea , De Ferrari Gaetano , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Marenzi Giancarlo
Published: May 2021

Background. Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the leading cause of in-hospital mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Only limited data are available on the long-term outcome of STEMI patients with CS undergoing contemporary treatment. We aimed to investigate long-term mortality and its predictors in STEMI patients with CS and to develop a risk score for long-term mortality prediction. Methods and Results. We retrospectively included 465 patients with STEMI complicated by CS and treated with primary angioplasty and intra-aortic balloon pump between 2005 and 2018. Long-term mortality, including both in-hospital mortality and all-cause mortality following discharge from the index hospitalization, was the primary endpoint. The long-term mortality (median follow-up 4 (2.0–5.2) years) was 60%, including in-hospital mortality (34%). At multivariate analysis, independent predictors of long-term mortality were age (HR 1.41, each 10-year increase), admission left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 1.51, each 10%-unit decrease) and creatinine (HR 1.28, each mg/dl increase), and acute kidney injury (HR 1.81). When these predictors were pooled together, the area under the curve (AUC) for long-term mortality was 0.80 (95% CI 0.75–0.84). Using the four variables, we developed a risk score with a mean (cross-validation analysis) AUC of 0.79. When the score was applied to in-hospital mortality, its AUC was 0.79, and 0.76 when the score was applied to all-cause mortality following discharge. Conclusions. In STEMI patients with CS, the risk of death is still substantial in the years following the index event. A simple clinical score at the time of the index event accurately predicts long-term mortality risk.
Smoking Cessation after Diagnosis of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation and the Risk of Stroke and Death
Authors: Lee So-Ryoung , Choi Eue-Keun , Jung Jin-Hyung , Han Kyung-Do , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: May 2021

Limited data are available regarding the impact of smoking cessation after atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis on clinical outcomes. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we included patients newly diagnosed with AF and categorized them into four groups as follows: (i) never smokers, (ii) ex-smokers, (iii) smoking cessation after AF diagnosis (“quitters”), and (iv) current smokers. The primary outcomes were incident ischemic stroke and all-cause death during follow-up. Fatal ischemic stroke and death from cerebrovascular events were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Among 97,637 patients (mean age, 61 years; mean CHA2DS2-VASc score, 2.3), 6.9% stopped smoking after AF diagnosis. The mean follow-up duration was 3.2 ± 2.0 years. After multivariable adjustment, quitters had lower risks of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio (HR), 0.702; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.595–0.827) and all-cause death (HR, 0.842; 95% CI, 0.748–0.948) than current smokers. Quitters after AF diagnosis were associated with lower risks of fatal ischemic stroke (HR, 0.454; 95% CI, 0.287–0.718) and death from cerebrovascular events (HR, 0.664; 95% CI, 0.465–0.949) compared with current smokers. Quitting smoking may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke, the severity of ischemic stroke, and the incidence of cerebrovascular events in patients with new-onset AF.
Diffusion-Weighted MRI in the Evaluation of Renal Parenchymal Involvement during Febrile Urinary Tract Infections in Children: Preliminary Data
Authors: Anfigeno Lorenzo , Sertorio Fiammetta , Basso Luca , Fontana Andrea , Bodria Monica , Pistorio Angela , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Damasio Maria Beatrice
Published: May 2021

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection in pediatric-age patients. Acute pyelonephritis (PNA) represents a worrying situation in pediatric patients due to the risk of sepsis and long-term cicatricial consequences. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the diagnostic role of DW-MRI in relation to clinical data, to understand if there are any clinical parameters useful in identifying which patients should undergo it. Methods: According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, we enrolled 51 patients ≤15 years old admitted to our Institute between September 2012 and April 2020 with a febrile UTI who underwent DW-MRI evaluation. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: 34 of 51 patients with an fUTI (66.7%) showed signs of acute parenchymal involvement at DW-MRI evaluation. In 27 of these 34 (79.4%), DW-MRI showed multiple areas of pyelonephritis. A statistically significant relationship (p = 0.0004) between older age at admission and pyelonephritis was demonstrated. No statistically significant relationship was found between the other clinical, anamnestic and laboratory parameters and the outcome of DWI. Only two ultrasound examinations allowed the identification of pathological areas on the renal parenchyma. Conclusions: From these preliminary investigations, we can say that selecting the patients with fUTI on whom to perform a DW-MRI is difficult. Nevertheless, thanks to the low cost, the very rare need for sedation and the accuracy in identifying pyelonephritic areas, the use of DW-MRI in patients with febrile UTI seems recommendable.
Determinants of Cue-Elicited Alcohol Craving and Perceived Realism in Virtual Reality Environments among Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Hernández-Serrano Olga , Ghiţă Alexandra , Fernández-Ruiz Jolanda , Monràs Miquel , Gual Antoni , Gacto Mariano , Porras-García Bruno , Ferrer-García Marta , Gutiérrez-Maldonado José
Published: May 2021

The identification of variables that can modulate the efficacy of cue exposure using virtual reality (VR) is crucial. This study aimed to explore determinant variables of cue-elicited alcohol craving and perceived realism (PR) of environments and alcoholic beverages during a VR cue-exposure session among alcohol use disorder (AUD) outpatients. A prospective cohort study was conducted amongst 72 outpatients with AUD from a clinical setting. Alcohol craving experienced during VR exposure and PR of virtual environments and alcoholic drinks were evaluated after a VR session of exposure to alcohol-related contexts and cues. Sociodemographic, psychological and consumption characteristics were examined as possible predicting variables. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the AUD severity and PR of beverages were predictors of cue-elicited alcohol craving. Educational level, PR of beverages and age were predictors of the PR of VR environments. In relation to the PR of VR beverages, cue-elicited alcohol craving and the PR of environments were predictors. A simple mediational model was also performed to analyze the influence of the PR of beverages on the relationship between the AUD severity and alcohol craving experienced during VR exposure: an indirect or mediational effect was found. PR of alcoholic beverages was (1) a key predictor of the PR of VR environments (and vice versa) and the alcohol craving (and vice versa) experienced during VR cue-exposure sessions using ALCO-VR software among AUD patients and (2) a mediator between AUD severity and cue-elicited alcohol craving.
Improved Glycemic Outcomes with Early Initiation of Insulin Pump Therapy in Pediatric Postoperative Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation
Authors: Tellez Siobhan E. , Hornung Lindsey N. , Courter Joshua D. , Abu-El-Haija Maisam , Nathan Jaimie D. , Lawson Sarah A. , Elder Deborah A.
Published: May 2021

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a surgical procedure for patients with chronic pancreatitis and poor quality of life. Euglycemia is critical for islet cell survival and engraftment. We reviewed clinical care practice and hypothesized that early in-hospital transition from intravenous insulin to insulin pump therapy, managed by an endocrine unit trained on post-surgical care, would improve glucose control and impact the length of hospital stay. We completed a retrospective analysis of 40 pediatric patients who underwent TPIAT. Comparative hospitalized postoperative groups included those who received insulin intravenously, followed by multiple daily injections, subsequently managed by pump therapy (n = 14), versus those who received insulin intravenously followed by early pump therapy provided on the endocrine unit trained to manage post-surgical patients (n = 26). The outcomes analyzed included percentage of blood glucoses in target (4.44–6.66 mmol/L (80–120 mg/dL)), hypoglycemia (<3.33 mmol/L (<60 mg/dL)) and hyperglycemia (>7.77 mmol/L (>140 mg/dL)), blood glucose variability, and length of hospital unit stay post-ICU. Hospitalized patients with early transition to pump therapy on a specialized endocrine unit had a higher proportion of glucose values in the target range (61% vs. 51%, p = 0.0003), a lower proportion of hyperglycemia (15% vs. 19%, p = 0.04), and a lower proportion of hypoglycemia, though not statistically significant (3.4% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.33). Early pump users also had lower variability in glucose values over 10 days post-intravenous insulin (p = 0.001), and the post-transition median length of stay was shorter by 5 days (median: 11.5 vs. 16.5 days, p = 0.005). Early in-hospital pump therapy managed by the specialized endocrine unit improved glucose outcomes and reduced the duration of in-unit stay.
Non-Selective Beta-Blockers Decrease Infection, Acute Kidney Injury Episodes, and Ameliorate Sarcopenic Changes in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Propensity-Score Matching Tertiary-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Li Tzu-Hao , Liu Chih-Wei , Huang Chia-Chang , Tsai Yu-Lien , Huang Shiang-Fen , Yang Ying-Ying , Tsai Chang-Youh , Hou Ming-Chih , Lin Han-Chieh
Published: May 2021

Background: Cirrhotic complications resulting from portal hypertension can be considerably reduced by non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs); however, scarce studies have investigated therapeutic agents for other complications. We aimed to investigate the effects of NSBBs on common cirrhotic complications of infection, acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic renal function declination, and sarcopenic changes. Methods: Medical records of hospitalization for cirrhosis with at least a 4-year follow-up were analyzed and selected using propensity-score matching (PSM). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was applied to assess the association of NSBBs with infection requiring hospitalization and AKI. Chronic renal function declination was evaluated by slope of regression lines derived from reciprocal of the serum creatinine level. The covariates of CT-measured skeletal muscle index (SMI) alterations were analyzed by generalized linear mixed model. Results: Among the 4946 reviewed individuals, 166 (83 NSBB group, 83 non-NSBB group) were eligible. Using GEE, Charlson comorbidity index, Child-Pugh score and non-NSBB were risk factors for infection; non-NSBB group revealed a robust trend toward AKI, showed no significant difference with chronic renal function declination of NSBB group, and was negatively associated with SMI alteration. Conclusion: Chronic NSBB use lowered the episodes of infection requiring hospitalization and AKIs, whereas non-NSBB was associated with sarcopenic changes.
Aquaculture Farming Effect on Benthic Respiration and Nutrient Flux in Semi-Enclosed Coastal Waters of Korea
Authors: Kim Sung-Han , Lee Jae-Seong , Kim Kyung-Tae , Kim Hyung-Chul , Lee Won-Chan , Choi Dongmun , Choi Sang-Hwa , Choi Jae-Hoon , Lee Hyo-Jin , Shin Jae-Hyuk
Published: May 2021

Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) and benthic nutrient fluxes (BNFs) were measured using an in situ benthic chamber at a fish farm (FF), oyster farm (OF), and controls (FF-C and OF-C) to assess the impact of aquaculture activities on organic carbon (OC) and nutrients cycles in coastal waters of Korea. The SOD at FF and OF ranged from 60 ± 2 to 157 ± 3 mmol m−2 d−1 and from 77 ± 14 to 84 ± 16 mmol m−2 d−1, respectively, more than five times those of the control sites. The SOD at farm sites is highly correlated with fish stock and food input, suggesting that excess feed input is an important control factor for OC remineralization. The combined analysis of sediment trap and SOD indicates that most of the deposited OC oxidized in the sediment and/or was laterally transported by the current before being buried in the sediment. The benthic nutrient fluxes at farms ranged from 5.45 to 8.95 mmol N m−2 d−1 for nitrogen and from 0.51 to 1.67 mmol P m−2 d−1 for phosphate, respectively, accounting for 37–270% and 52–804% of the N and P required for primary production in the water column. These results indicate that aquaculture farming may profoundly impact biogeochemical cycles in coastal waters.
Rarely Reported Cryptobenthic Fish in Marine Caves of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ragkousis Michail , Digenis Markos , Kovačić Marcelo , Katsanevakis Stelios , Gerovasileiou Vasilis
Published: May 2021

Data on the distribution and ecology of cryptobenthic fish of marine caves in the Mediterranean Sea are extremely scarce but necessary for scientists and marine managers alike in order to understand these fish’s ecological role and assess their conservation status. Broadscale surveys by implementing underwater visual census and photographic sampling in marine caves of the northeastern Mediterranean Sea, within different expeditions during the last 5 years, brought to light new records of eight rarely reported cryptobenthic fish species. To a smaller extent, complementary citizen science data from diving professionals of Crete were used to fill distribution gaps. A total of 36 new records (66 individuals) from 18 marine caves and caverns of the Aegean and northeastern Levantine Seas were assembled, belonging to the gobies Corcyrogobius liechtensteini, Didogobius splechtnai, Gammogobius steinitzi, and Thorogobius ephippiatus, the blenny Microlipophrys nigriceps, the tripterygiid Tripterygion melanurum, the speleophilic bythitid Grammonus ater, and the gobiesocid Lepadogaster cf. lepadogaster. The above species have been rarely reported from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, with D. splechtnai and G. steinitzi being recorded for the first and second time from Greek waters, respectively, while L. cf. lepadogaster constitutes the second record of a clingfish species in a marine cave of the Aegean Sea. Interesting behavioral and ecological habits were also noted for some species, based on in situ observations and photographic evidence. Our study contributes to filling gaps in the knowledge of cave fish diversity and demonstrates that cryptobenthic mobile species in understudied cryptic habitats are more common than previously thought in the Mediterranean Sea.
Effects of a Bulbous Bow Shape on Added Resistance Acting on the Hull of a Ship in Regular Head Wave
Authors: Le Trung-Kien , He Ngo Van , Hien Ngo Van , Bui Ngoc-Tam
Published: May 2021

In this study, the effect of bow shape on resistance acting on a hull in regular head waves was investigated by applying a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code. For this purpose, the hydrodynamic performance as well as the resistance of ships with blunt and bulbous bows were simulated. By analyzing the obtained CFD simulation results, the effects of the bow shape on the hydrodynamic performance and resistance of the ships were found. A new bulbous bow shape with drastically reduced added resistance acting on the hull in waves is proposed. Finally, the obtained CFD results for the hydrodynamic performance of ships are presented.
Pathogenesis and Management of COVID-19
Authors: Alfarouk Khalid O. , AlHoufie Sari T. S. , Ahmed Samrein B. M. , Shabana Mona , Ahmed Ahmed , Alqahtani Saad S. , Alqahtani Ali S. , Alqahtani Ali M. , Ramadan AbdelRahman M. , Ahmed Mohamed E. , Ali Heyam S. , Bashir Adil , Devesa Jesus , Cardone Rosa A. , Ibrahim Muntaser E. , Schwartz Laurent , Reshkin Stephan J.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19, occurring due to SARS-COV-2 infection, is the most recent pandemic disease that has led to three million deaths at the time of writing. A great deal of effort has been directed towards altering the virus trajectory and/or managing the interactions of the virus with its subsequent targets in the human body; these interactions can lead to a chain reaction-like state manifested by a cytokine storm and progress to multiple organ failure. During cytokine storms the ratio of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory mediators is generally increased, which contributes to the instigation of hyper-inflammation and confers advantages to the virus. Because cytokine expression patterns fluctuate from one person to another and even within the same person from one time to another, we suggest a road map of COVID-19 management using an individual approach instead of focusing on the blockbuster process (one treatment for most people, if not all). Here, we highlight the biology of the virus, study the interaction between the virus and humans, and present potential pharmacological and non-pharmacological modulators that might contribute to the global war against SARS-COV-2. We suggest an algorithmic roadmap to manage COVID-19.
Personalized Approach to Patient with MRI Brain Changes after SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Marcic Ljiljana , Marcic Marino , Kojundzic Sanja Lovric , Marcic Barbara , Capkun Vesna , Vukojevic Katarina
Published: May 2021

From the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic, it was clear that respiratory symptoms are often accompanied with neurological symptoms. Neurological manifestations can occur even after mild forms of respiratory disease, and neurological symptoms are very often associated with worsening of the patient’s condition. The aim of this study was to show abnormal brain neuroimaging findings evaluated by MRI in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurological symptoms. Methods: Sixteen patients after mild forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, twenty-three patients after moderate forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as sixteen healthy participants in the control group underwent MRI 3T brain scan. All subjects in the SARS-CoV-2 group had small, punctuate, strategically located and newly formed hyperintense lesions on T2 and FLAIR sequences. New lesions were formed more often in the bilateral frontal subcortical and bilateral periventricular, correlated with the severity of the clinical picture. These changes indicate an example of silent cerebrovascular disease related to SARS-CoV-2 and once again emphasize the neurotropism of the virus.
Implementation of Pharmacogenomics and Artificial Intelligence Tools for Chronic Disease Management in Primary Care Setting
Authors: Silva Patrick , Jacobs David , Kriak John , Abu-Baker Asim , Udeani George , Neal Gabriel , Ramos Kenneth
Published: May 2021

Chronic disease management often requires use of multiple drug regimens that lead to polypharmacy challenges and suboptimal utilization of healthcare services. While the rising costs and healthcare utilization associated with polypharmacy and drug interactions have been well documented, effective tools to address these challenges remain elusive. Emerging evidence that proactive medication management, combined with pharmacogenomic testing, can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced cost burdens may help to address such gaps. In this report, we describe informatic and bioanalytic methodologies that integrate weak signals in symptoms and chief complaints with pharmacogenomic analysis of ~90 single nucleotide polymorphic variants, CYP2D6 copy number, and clinical pharmacokinetic profiles to monitor drug–gene pairs and drug–drug interactions for medications with significant pharmacogenomic profiles. The utility of the approach was validated in a virtual patient case showing detection of significant drug–gene and drug–drug interactions of clinical significance. This effort is being used to establish proof-of-concept for the creation of a regional database to track clinical outcomes in patients enrolled in a bioanalytically-informed medication management program. Our integrated informatic and bioanalytic platform can provide facile clinical decision support to inform and augment medication management in the primary care setting.
Factors Inhibiting Effective Risk Management in Emerging Market SMEs
Authors: Chakabva Oscar , Tengeh Robertson , Dubihlela Job
Published: May 2021

Despite the anecdotal evidence that suggests that SMEs adopt inadequate and ineffective risk management practices, only a few studies have been conducted on the topic in the emerging market context. Besides, the existing studies on factors inhibiting effective risk management in emerging market SMEs are devoid of any theoretical grounding. This situation implies that there is still a knowledge gap on this area, and this gap is what the current paper seeks to close. In closing out the gap, this paper used the Resource Based View theory to interpret the results obtained, in order to help clarify the factors inhibiting effective risk management in emerging market SMEs, with a case of South Africa being used. In a first step, questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 320 FMCG SMEs in the Cape Metropolitan area. The results revealed the significance of both intangible and tangible resources in positively impacting the effectiveness of risk management within SMEs. This led to the conclusion that owner-managers must pay particular attention to their intangible and tangible resource structure, which will impact the positive response towards superior performance and competitive advantage by focusing more on coalescing resources that lead to effective risk management.
STO vs. ICO: A Theory of Token Issues under Moral Hazard and Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Miglo Anton
Published: May 2021

This paper considers a financing problem for an innovative firm that is launching a web-based platform. The entrepreneur, on one hand, faces a large degree of demand uncertainty on his product and on the other hand has to deal with incentive problems of professional blockchain participants who contribute to the development and sales of the product. We argue that hybrid tokens can be a better option for the firm compared to straight utility tokens or security tokens because they help the firm better deal with both the moral hazard problems (via profit sharing incentives) and demand uncertainty (they help the firm learn the market demand for the product). This finding is consistent with some recent evidence. The paper also generates new predictions regarding the effect of different variables on the choice of financing method that have not yet been tested.
Urban Regeneration between Cultural Heritage Preservation and Revitalization: Experiences with a Decision Support Tool in Eastern Germany
Authors: Knippschild Robert , Zöllter Constanze
Published: May 2021

Concentrated urban development in capital cities is associated with negative effects. Simultaneously, less favourably located cities suffer from population loss and economic decline. Shrinking cities face a loss of urban functions such as public infrastructure, high-quality services and various aspects of urban living; the cultural heritage is also degraded through declining population and vacant buildings. The end result is a lower level of attractiveness and competitiveness along with negative development prospects. At the same time, booming cities and city regions face negative agglomeration externalities such as rising real estate prices and rents, traffic congestion, land use conflicts or poor environmental quality. One such shrunk town is Görlitz in Eastern Germany, where a new decision support tool to foster urban regeneration and heritage preservation has been tested—the Urban Transformation Matrix. This tool aims at revitalising the historic building stock protected by heritage preservation law. The idea is to openly discuss structural alterations to buildings in order to foster revitalisation and high-quality occupancy not only in the case of individual buildings, but also in the wider neighbourhood context, which in turn can promote further revitalisation and revaluation of the entire urban district. The Matrix takes into account both heritage aspects and the proposed post-refurbishment function of a building before launching the approval procedure for the construction work. Based on scientific monitoring, the article reflects the heated discussions around the Urban Transformation Matrix and the test-period of its application, as well as factors of successful implementation.
Erratum: Guttenberg et al. Classification of the Biogenicity of Complex Organic Mixtures for the Detection of Extraterrestrial Life. Life 2021, 11, 234
Authors: Guttenberg Nicholas , Chen Huan , Mochizuki Tomohiro , Cleaves H. James
Published: May 2021

There was an error in the original article [...]
N-[7-Chloro-4-[4-(phenoxymethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]quinoline]-acetamide
Authors: Coghi Paolo , Ng Jerome P. L. , Nasim Ali Adnan , Wong Vincent Kam Wai
Published: May 2021

The 1,2,3-triazole is a well-known biologically active pharmacophore constructed by the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition. We herein reported the synthesis of 4-amino-7-chloro-based [1,2,3]-triazole hybrids via Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 4-azido-7-chloroquinoline with an alkyne derivative of acetaminophen. The compound was fully characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), ultraviolet (UV) and high-resolution mass spectroscopies (HRMS). This compound was screened in vitro with different normal and cancer cell lines. The drug likeness of the compound was also investigated by predicting its pharmacokinetic properties.
Synthesis of Copper Nitride Layers by the Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering Method Carried out under Various Operating Conditions
Authors: Wilczopolska Magdalena , Nowakowska-Langier Katarzyna , Okrasa Sebastian , Skowronski Lukasz , Minikayev Roman , Strzelecki Grzegorz W. , Chodun Rafal , Zdunek Krzysztof
Published: May 2021

Copper nitride shows various properties that depend on the structure of the material and is influenced by the change in technical parameters. In the present work, Cu–N layers were synthesized using the pulsed magnetron sputtering method. The synthesis was performed under different operating conditions: direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) power supply, and various atmospheres: pure Ar and a mixture of Ar + N2. The structural properties of the deposited layers were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements, and Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy have been performed. Optical properties were also evaluated. The obtained layers showed tightly packed columnar grain features. The kinetics of the layer growth in the AC mode was lower than that observed in the DC mode, and the layers were thinner and more fine-grained. The copper nitride layers were characterized by the one-phase and two-phase polycrystalline structure of the Cu3N phase with the preferred growth orientation (100). The lattice constant oscillates between 3.808 and 3.815 Å for one-phase and has a value of 3.828 Å for a two-phase structure. Phase composition results were correlated with Raman spectroscopy measurements. Raman spectra exhibited a broad, diffused, and intense signal of Cu3N phase, with Raman shift located at 628–635 cm−1. Studies on optical properties showed that the energy gap ranged from 2.17 to 2.47 eV. The results showed that controlling technical parameters gives a possibility to optimize the structure and phase composition of deposited layers. The reported changes were discussed and attributed to the properties of the material layers and technology method.
Elucidating the Trajectory of the Charge Transfer Mechanism and Recombination Process of Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kirui Joseph K. , Olaleru Solomon Akin , Jhamba Lordwell , Wamwangi Daniel , Roro Kittessa , Shnier Adam , Erasmus Rudolph , Mwakikunga Bonex
Published: May 2021

Perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs) have attracted attraction in the photovoltaic community since their inception in 2009. To optimize the performance of hybrid perovskite cells, a primary and crucial strategy is to unravel the dominant charge transport mechanisms and interfacial properties of the contact materials. This study focused on the charge transfer process and interfacial recombination within the n–i–p architecture of solar cell devices. The motivation for this paper was to investigate the impacts of recombination mechanisms that exist within the interface in order to quantify their effects on the cell performance and stability. To achieve our objectives, we firstly provided a rationale for the photoluminescence and UV-Vis measurements on perovskite thin film to allow for disentangling of different recombination pathways. Secondly, we used the ideality factor and impedance spectroscopy measurements to investigate the recombination mechanisms in the device. Our findings suggest that charge loss in PSCs is dependent mainly on the configuration of the cells and layer morphology, and hardly on the material preparation of the perovskite itself. This was deduced from individual analyses of the perovskite film and device, which suggest that major recombination most likely occur at the interface.
Performance Improvement of PVDF–HFP-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte with the Dopant of Octavinyl-Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane
Authors: Guo Xin , Li Shunchang , Chen Fuhua , Chu Ying , Wang Xueying , Wan Weihua , Zhao Lili , Zhu Yongping
Published: May 2021

Gel polymer electrolytes have the advantages of both a solid electrolyte and a liquid electrolyte. As a transitional product before which a solid electrolyte can be comprehensively used, gel polymer electrolytes are of great research value. They can reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion and explosion caused by leakage during the use of conventional liquid electrolytes. Poly(vinylidene-fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP), a material with excellent performance, has been widely utilized in the preparation of gel polymer electrolytes. Here, PVDF–HFP-based gel polymer membranes with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) pores were prepared using a phase inversion method, and Octavinyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OVAPOSS) was doped to improve its temperature resistance as well as its ionic conductivity, to enhance its safety and electrochemical performance. The final prepared polymer membrane had a porosity of 85.06% and still had a certain mechanical strength at 160 °C without any shrinkage. The gel polymer electrolyte prepared with this polymer membrane had an ionic conductivity of 1.62 × 10−3 S·cm−1 at 30 °C, as well as an electrochemical window of about 5.5 V. The LiCoO2-Li button half-cell prepared therefrom had a specific capacity of 141 mAh·g−1 at a rate of 1C. The coulombic efficiency remained above 99% within 100 cycles and the capacity retention rate reached 99.5%, which reveals an excellent cycling stability.
Ternary Nanocomposites Based on Oxidized Carbon Nanohorns as Sensing Layers for Room Temperature Resistive Humidity Sensing
Authors: Serban Bogdan-Catalin , Cobianu Cornel , Buiu Octavian , Bumbac Marius , Dumbravescu Niculae , Avramescu Viorel , Nicolescu Cristina Mihaela , Brezeanu Mihai , Pachiu Cristina , Craciun Gabriel , Radulescu Cristiana
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the relative humidity (RH) sensing response of a resistive sensor employing sensing layers based on a ternary nanocomposite comprising graphene oxide-oxidized carbon nanohorns-polyvinylpyrrolidone (GO-CNHox–PVP), at 1/1/1, 1/2/1, and 1/3/1 w/w/w mass ratios. The sensing structure is composed of a silicon substrate, a SiO2 layer, and interdigitated transducers (IDT) electrodes, on which the sensing layer is deposited via the drop-casting method. The morphology and the composition of the sensing layers are investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and RAMAN spectroscopy. The RH sensing capability of each carbonaceous nanocomposite-based thin film was analyzed by applying a current between the two electrodes and by measuring the voltage difference when varying the RH from 0% to 100% in humid nitrogen. The sensors have a room temperature response comparable to that of a commercial humidity sensor and are characterized by a rapid response, excellent linearity, good sensitivity, and recovery time. The manufactured sensing devices’ transfer functions were established, and we extracted the response and recovery times. While the structures with GO/CNHox/PVP at 1/1/1 ratio (w/w/w) had the best performance in terms of relative sensibility, response time, and recovery time, the sensors employing the GO/CNHox/PVP nanocomposite at the 1/2/1 ratio (w/w/w) had the best linearity. Moreover, the ternary mixture proved to have much better sensing properties compared to CNHox and CNHox-PVP-based sensing layers in terms of sensitivity and linearity. Each component of the ternary nanocomposites’ functional role is explained based on their physical and chemical properties. We analyzed the potential mechanism associated with the sensors’ response; among these, the effect of the p-type semiconductor behavior of CNHox and GO, correlated with swelling of the PVP, was dominant and led to increased resistance of the sensing layer.