bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical presentation and therapeutic outcome of patients with jackhammer esophagus—a multicenter cohort study in Japan
Authors: Hosaka Hiroko , Kawami Noriyuki , Manabe Noriaki , Kuribayashi Shiko , Sato Hiroki , Funaki Yasushi , Ayaki Maki , Hara Ken , Ueda Chise , Matsumura Tomoaki , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Wada Masafumi , Kishino Maiko , Yano Fumiaki , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Ishimura Norihisa , Akiyama Junichi , Ochiai Yorinari , Uraoka Toshio , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: March 2022

Background

Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a hypercontractile esophageal motility disorder diagnosed using high-resolution manometry (HRM). We sought to determine the clinical presentation and therapeutic data of patients with JE in Japan.

Methods

The study included patients with JE, diagnosed through HRM performed for suspicious esophageal motility disorders. Demographics, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, radiology, and therapy data were collected from patient charts.

Results

Among the 4,412 HRM tests performed, 89 patients (61.6 ± 13.4 years; 64 males, 25 females) were diagnosed with JE (2.0%). Dysphagia was the most frequent symptom (80%), followed by chest pain (40%) and heartburn (25%). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed abnormal findings in 32% of patients: corkscrew/rosary beads appearance in 26%, narrowing in 11%. Eosinophilic infiltration (> 15 eosinophils/high power field) was diagnosed in 21%. Esophagography showed abnormal findings in 9% of the patients. For the initial therapy, 47 patients received medical treatment followed by peroral endoscopic myotomy (21 patients) and laparoscopic myotomy (two patients). Thirteen patients did not receive any treatment and 10 of those (77%) reported spontaneous resolution of symptoms. Patients who required invasive treatment experienced severe disability in their quality of life and greater maximal distal contractile integral than those who did not.

Conclusions

HRM showed that the prevalence of JE was very low (2%). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed some characteristic features of JE in patients. Some patients showed improvement of symptoms without invasive treatments. Follow-up with/without medical treatment should be considered before performing invasive treatment in patients whose distal contractile integral is relatively low and the quality of life is not impaired.
Psychological and Emotional Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on People Living with Chronic Disease: HIV and Cancer
Authors: Focà Emanuele , Fornari Chiara , Arsuffi Stefania , Vetrano Maria Chiara , Calza Stefano , Renzetti Stefano , Copeta Silvia , Berruti Alfredo , Castelli Francesco , Compostella Silvia , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia
Published: March 2022

People living with chronic disease (PLWCD) are the frailest category, both for the risk of severe COVID-19 illness and for the impact on the care continuum. Aim of this study was to analyze coping strategies and resilience in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to people living with oncological diseases (PLWOD) during COVID-19 pandemic. We administrated an anonymous questionnaire, which explored the emotional experience, the demographic factors linked to a COVID-19-related stress syndrome, the patient’s perception about the adequacy of clinical undertaking from the hospital and the resilience. We analyzed 324 questionnaires. There were no significant differences in prevalence of psychological distress among the whole cohort; however, PLWOD were calmer, less troubled, and more serene than PLWH. Moreover, PLWH smoked more, ate more, and gained more weight than PLWOD. Most patients didn’t feel lonely and continued to take pleasure from their activities. No differences in resilience were found between the groups. In the whole cohort lower levels of resilience were found in patients that were unemployed, with history of psychological disorders and in those who experienced more feelings of anger, anxiety and concern. In our study, patients seemed to preserve their well-being, and to activate adaptive coping during the pandemic.
High abundance of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in bee pollen collected in July 2019 from Southern Germany
Authors: Friedle Carolin , Kapp Thomas , Wallner Klaus , Alkattea Raghdan , Vetter Walter
Published: March 2022

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are secondary plant defense compounds and known pre-toxins when containing a 1,2-double bond. They are commonly produced by various plants and may thus be present in bee pollen which may be consumed by humans as food supplements. In this study, PA were determined in bee pollen samples from 57 locations in Southern Germany sampled by means of pollen traps in July 2019. Samples were analyzed by using palynological methodology and solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by LC–MS/MS. In total, 52 pollen samples featured total pyrrolizidine alkaloids (ΣPA) with concentrations up to 48,000 ng/g bee pollen, while the N-oxides (NO) echinatine-NO and rinderine-NO clearly dominated. In contrast, the palynological analysis only detected 33 samples with pollen from PA-producing plants. Accordingly, the results showed that palynological analysis is not sufficient to determine PA in pollen. In addition, a risk assessment was followed to estimate the risk of the detected PA concentrations to humans.
Recombinant human erythropoietin and interferon-β-1b protect against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rats: possible role of JAK/STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Sayed Rabab H. , Ghazy Amira H. , Yammany Mohamed F. El
Published: March 2022

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) model serves as a beneficial tool to evaluate the effect of novel treatments for Huntington’s disease (HD). The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and interferon-beta-1b (IFN-β-1b) in 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Rats were injected with 3-NP (10 mg/kg/day, i.p) for 2 weeks and were divided into five subgroups; the first served as the HD group, the second received rhEPO (5000 IU/kg/every other day, i.p.) for 2 weeks, the third received rhEPO starting from the 5th day of 3-NP injection, the fourth received IFN-β-1b (300,000 units, every day other day, s.c) for 2 weeks, and the last received IFN-β-1b starting from the 5th day of 3-NP injection. All treatments significantly improved motor and behavior performance of rats. Moreover, all treatments markedly restored mitochondrial function as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, and reduced oxidative stress biomarkers, pro-inflammatory mediators, nuclear factor kappa B expression, caspase-3, and Bax/Bcl2 ratio in the striatum. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the neuroprotective potential of rhEPO or IFN-β-1b on 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Furthermore, our study suggests that activation of JAK2/STAT3 or JAK1/STAT3 may contribute to the neuroprotective activity of rhEPO or IFN-β-1b, respectively. We also found that early treatment with rhEPO did not confer any benefits compared with late rhEPO treatment, while early IFN-β-1b showed a marked significant benefit compared with late IFN-β-1b.
Sown mini-meadows increase pollinator diversity in gardens
Authors: Griffiths-Lee Janine , Nicholls Elizabeth , Goulson Dave
Published: March 2022

Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered the foremost threats in pollinator decline, and in England and Wales, 97% of wildflower meadows were lost by 1984. The value of creating flower-rich margins in agricultural environments is established, yet there is growing potential to support pollinator populations in urban landscapes. We used citizen science to investigate the effectiveness of small 4m2 sown wildflower ‘mini-meadows’ in UK gardens and allotments in recruiting beneficial insects. Participants were allocated one of three treatment groups: Mix 1 (commercially available ‘meadow mix’); Mix 2 (formulated based on existing literature on pollinator foraging preferences); or Control (no additional wildflowers). All participants conducted insect sampling over two years using standardised pan and sticky trap methods May–August. Samples were returned for identification by trained specialists. Mini-meadows provided resource-rich habitats, increasing wild bee richness and supporting on average 111% more bumblebees, 87% more solitary bees and 85% more solitary wasps in the year following seed-sowing, compared to Control plots. The wildflower mixes were also taxon-specific in their attractiveness. Mix 1 attracted more solitary bees and bumblebees, whereas Mix 2 attracted more solitary wasps. There was no significant difference in the abundance of hoverflies between treatments. Higher abundance of solitary wasps and bees caught amongst the mini-meadow was perhaps due to shorter foraging ranges.

Implications for insect conservation

Domestic gardens and allotments provide huge potential habitat for pollinators, and small-scale floral enhancements can attract more beneficial insects in fragmented urban landscapes, supporting urban biodiversity, pollination services and biological control.
A comprehensive review on methods for promotion of mechanical features and biodegradation rate in amniotic membrane scaffolds
Authors: Sarvari Raana , Keyhanvar Peyman , Agbolaghi Samira , Roshangar Leila , Bahremani Erfan , Keyhanvar Neda , Haghdoost Mehdi , Keshel Saeed Heidari , Taghikhani Afsaneh , Firouzi Nima , Valizadeh Amir , Hamedi Elham , Nouri Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Amniotic membrane (AM) is a biological tissue that surrounds the fetus in the mother’s womb. It has pluripotent cells, immune modulators, collagen, cytokines with anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effect, matrix proteins, and growth factors. In spite of the biological characteristics, some results have been released in preventing the adhesion on traumatized surfaces. Application of the AM as a scaffold is limited due to its low biomechanical resistance and rapid biodegradation. Therefore, for using the AM during surgery, its modification by different methods such as cross-linking of the membrane collagen is necessary, because the cross-linking is an effective way to reduce the rate of biodegradation of the biological materials. In addition, their cross-linking is likely an efficient way to increase the tensile properties of the material, so that they can be easily handled or sutured. In this regard, various methods related to cross-linking of the AM subsuming the composite materials, physical cross-linking, and chemical cross-linking with the glutraldehyde, carbodiimide, genipin, aluminum sulfate, etc. are reviewed along with its advantages and disadvantages in the current work.
Determination of Thermal Parameters of Concrete by Active Thermographic Measurements
Authors: Krankenhagen Rainer , Jonietz Florian , Zirker Stefan
Published: March 2022

The knowledge of the thermal parameters of a particular concrete is essential for thermal design of a building, but also could help to identify and assess the state of a concrete structure. Active thermography has the potential to be applied onsite and to provide a fast investigation of thermal properties. In this work, three different concrete samples were investigated by active thermography in reflection and in transmission setup. It was found that this method yields the same results without direct contact as the Transient Plane Source (TPS) method as an established inspection tool.
The Association Between Religiosity, Spirituality, and Medication Adherence Among Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Elhag Marwa , Awaisu Ahmed , Koenig Harold G. , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Izham
Published: March 2022

This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature on the relationship between religiosity or spirituality (R/S) and medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and to describe the nature and extent of the studies evaluating this relationship. Seven electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Library, ProQuest Theses and Dissertations, and Google Scholar) were searched with no restriction on the year of publication. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the eligible studies. Due to the heterogeneity observed across the included studies, data synthesis was performed using a narrative approach. Nine original studies published between 2006 and 2018 were included in the review. Only a few quantitative studies have examined the relationship between R/S and medication adherence among patients with CVDs. Most studies were conducted in the USA (n = 7) and involved patients with hypertension (n = 6). Five studies showed a significant correlation between R/S (higher organizational religiousness, prayer, spirituality) and medication adherence and revealed that medication adherence improved with high R/S. The other four studies reported a negative or null association between R/S and medication adherence. Some of these studies have found relationships between R/S and medication adherence in hypertension and heart failure patients. This review showed a paucity of literature exploring the relationship between R/S and medication adherence among patients with other CVDs, such as coronary artery diseases, arrhythmia, angina and myocardial infarction. Therefore, the findings suggest that future studies are needed to explore the relationship between R/S and medication adherence among patients with other types of CVDs. Moreover, there is a need to develop interventions to improve patients’ medication-taking behaviors that are tailored to their cultural beliefs and R/S.
Unsupervised anomaly detection in multivariate time series with online evolving spiking neural networks
Authors: Bäßler Dennis , Kortus Tobias , Gühring Gabriele
Published: March 2022

With the increasing demand for digital products, processes and services the research area of automatic detection of signal outliers in streaming data has gained a lot of attention. The range of possible applications for this kind of algorithms is versatile and ranges from the monitoring of digital machinery and predictive maintenance up to applications in analyzing big data healthcare sensor data. In this paper we present a method for detecting anomalies in streaming multivariate times series by using an adapted evolving Spiking Neural Network. As the main components of this work we contribute (1) an alternative rank-order-based learning algorithm which uses the precise times of the incoming spikes for adjusting the synaptic weights, (2) an adapted, realtime-capable and efficient encoding technique for multivariate data based on multi-dimensional Gaussian Receptive Fields and (3) a continuous outlier scoring function for an improved interpretability of the classifications. Spiking neural networks are extremely efficient when it comes to process time dependent information. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our model on a synthetic dataset based on the Numenta Anomaly Benchmark with various anomaly types. We compare our algorithm to other streaming anomaly detecting algorithms and can prove that our algorithm performs better in detecting anomalies while demanding less computational resources for processing high dimensional data.
A Lifestyle Intervention During Pregnancy and Its Effects on Child Weight 2.5 Years Later
Authors: Haby Karin , Gyllensten Hanna , Hanas Ragnar , Berg Marie , Premberg Åsa
Published: March 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate if overweight and obesity in the offspring is reduced by a low-intensity antenatal primary care intervention with focus on diet and physical activity for pregnant women with obesity, comparing children to mothers receiving the intervention with children to mothers who did not.

Methods

This study is a follow-up of children 2.5 years of age after their mothers’ participation in a non-randomised controlled intervention intending to limit gestational weight gain. All study participants received standard antenatal care. The intervention group received lifestyle support via motivational talks with midwife and support from dietician. Data on child weight were collected by medical records, letter and phone.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups 2.5 years after intervention (International Obesity Task Force ISO-BMI 25 (child BMI corresponding to adult BMI of 25): 20% vs. 21%; ISO-BMI 30: 4.6% vs. 1.3%). The mother’s BMI at the beginning of pregnancy significantly influenced child BMI at 2.5 years (r = 0.13, p = 0.014, r2 = 0.017). For each unit of increase in maternal BMI at enrollment, the probability of child ISO-BMI ≥ 25 increased by 7.5% (p = 0.021) and of ≥ 30, by 12.9% (p = 0.017)

Conclusion

The frequency of overweight and obesity of the children at 2.5 years of age was significantly correlated to the mother’s BMI, but not correlated to the mothers’ participation in the antenatal lifestyle intervention. Thus, it seems important to address obesity and lifestyle issues before and between pregnancies.

Trial registration The study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03147079.
A 3D Griffith peeling model to unify and generalize single and double peeling theories
Authors: Liprandi Daniele , Misseroni Diego , Bosia Federico , Fraldi Massimiliano , Pugno Nicola M.
Published: March 2022

It has been shown in recent years that many species in Nature employ hierarchy and contact splitting as a strategy to enhance the adhesive properties of their attachments. Maximizing the adhesive force is however not the only goal. Many animals can achieve a tunable adhesive force, which allows them to both strongly attach to a surface and easily detach when necessary. Here, we study the adhesive properties of 3D dendritic attachments, which are structures that are widely occurring in nature and which allow to achieve these goals. These structures exploit branching to provide high variability in the geometry, and thus tunability, and contact splitting, to increase the total peeling line and thus the adhesion force. By applying the same principles presented by A.A. Griffith 100 years ago, we derive an analytical model for the detachment forces as a function of their defining angles in 3D space, finding as limit cases 2D double peeling and 1D single peeling. We also develop a numerical model, including a nonlinear elastic constitutive law, for the validation of analytical calculations, allowing additionally to simulate the entire detachment phase, and discuss how geometrical variations influence the adhesive properties of the structure. Finally, we also realize a proof of concept experiment to further validate theoretical/numerical results. Overall, we show how this generalized attachment structure can achieve large variations in its adhesive and mechanical properties, exploiting variations of its geometrical parameters, and thus tunability. The in-depth study of similar basic structural units and their combination can in future lead to a better understanding of the mechanical properties of complex architectures found in Nature.
Regularising Transformations for Complex Differential Equations with Movable Algebraic Singularities
Authors: Kecker Thomas , Filipuk Galina
Published: March 2022

In a 1979 paper, Okamoto introduced the space of initial values for the six Painlevé equations and their associated Hamiltonian systems, showing that these define regular initial value problems at every point of an augmented phase space, a rational surface with certain exceptional divisors removed. We show that the construction of the space of initial values remains meaningful for certain classes of second-order complex differential equations, and more generally, Hamiltonian systems, where all movable singularities of all their solutions are algebraic poles (by some authors denoted the quasi-Painlevé property), which is a generalisation of the Painlevé property. The difference here is that the initial value problems obtained in the extended phase space become regular only after an additional change of dependent and independent variables. Constructing the analogue of space of initial values for these equations in this way also serves as an algorithm to single out, from a given class of equations or system of equations, those equations which are free from movable logarithmic branch points.
Progressive stopping heuristics that excel in individual and competitive sequential search
Authors: Rapoport Amnon , Seale Darryl A. , Spiliopoulos Leonidas
Published: March 2022

We study the performance of heuristics relative to the performance of optimal solutions in the rich domain of sequential search, where the decision to stop the search depends only on the applicant’s relative rank. Considering multiple variants of the secretary problem, that vary from one another in their formulation and method of solution, we find that descriptive heuristics perform well only when the optimal solution prescribes a single threshold value. We show that a computational heuristic originally proposed as an approximate solution to a single variant of the secretary problem performs equally well in many other variants where the optimal solution prescribes multiple threshold values that gradually relax the criterion for stopping the search. Finally, we propose a new heuristic with near optimal performance in a competitive or strategic variant of the secretary problem with multiple employers competing with one another to hire job applicants. Both heuristics share a simple computational component: the ratio of the number of interviewed applicants to the number of those remaining to be searched. We present the subgame-perfect Nash equilibrium for this competitive variant and an algorithm for its computation.
On the Frontline—A bibliometric Study on Sustainability, Development, Coronaviruses, and COVID-19
Authors: Gatto Andrea , Drago Carlo , Ruggeri Matteo
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed the world’s population in a state of unprecedented public health and global health vulnerability. Risks to public and global health have escalated due to COVID-19 contamination. This has raised the statistics of inequity and environmental concerns. A possible outlook entails reducing the pandemic consequences by prioritizing development, biodiversity, and adaptability, offering buffer solutions. It contains vital methods for studying, comprehending, and unraveling events—examining early responses to COVID-19, sustainability, and development, relating them with overall Coronaviruses reaction. This study maps out environmental, socioeconomic, and medical/technological issues using as statistical techniques multiple correspondence analysis and validated cluster analysis. The findings encourage rapid, long-term development policy involvement to address the pandemic. The resulting crises have highlighted the necessity for the revival of health justice policies anchored in distinctive public health ethical patterns in response to them. As a general rule, resilience and preparedness will be targeted at developing and vulnerable nations and are prone to include access to vaccines, public health care, and health investment. Our findings show the relevance of innovating on sustainable development routes and yardsticks. Sustainable global health requires crucial measures in prevention, preparation, and response. Long-term policy recommendations are needed to address pandemics and their interrelated crises and foster sustained growth and socioecological protection.
Functional composition of tall-statured trees underpins aboveground biomass in tropical forests
Authors: Kunwar Suwash , Wang Li-Qiu , Kazempour Larsary Maryam , Chaudhary Rajeev , Joshi Puspa Raj , Ali Arshad
Published: March 2022

The influences of trait diversity (i.e., the niche complementarity effect) and functional composition (i.e., the mass ratio effect) on aboveground biomass (AGB) is a highly debated topic in forest ecology. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore these mechanisms in unstudied forest ecosystems to enhance our understanding, and to provide guidelines for specific forest management. Here, we hypothesized that functional composition would drive AGB better than trait diversity and stem size inequality in the (sub-) tropical forests of Nepal. Using data from 101 forest plots, we tested 25 structural equation models (SEMs) to link elevation, stem DBH inequality, trait diversity (i.e., trait richness, evenness, dispersion and divergence), functional composition [i.e., community-weighted of maximum height mean (CWM of Hmax), specific leaf area (CWM of SLA), leaf dry matter content (CWM of LDMC), and wood density (CWM of WD)] and AGB. The best-fitted SEMs indicated that CWM of Hmax promoted AGB while overruling the impacts of trait diversity indices on AGB. However, low trait diversity indices were linked with higher AGB while overruling the effects of CWM of SLA, LDMC and WD on AGB. In addition, AGB decreased with increasing elevation, whereas stem size inequality did not influence AGB. Our results suggest that divergent species’ functional strategies could shape AGB along an altitudinal gradient in tropical forests. We argue that forest management practices should include plant functional traits in the management plan for the co-benefits of biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration that underpins human wellbeing.
Estrogen Enhances Dendrite Spine Function and Recovers Deficits in Neuroplasticity in the prpTDP-43A315T Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Handley Emily E. , Reale Laura A. , Chuckowree Jyoti A. , Dyer Marcus S. , Barnett Grace L. , Clark Courtney M. , Bennett William , Dickson Tracey C. , Blizzard Catherine A.
Published: March 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) attacks the corticomotor system, with motor cortex function affected early in disease. Younger females have a lower relative risk of succumbing to ALS than males and older females, implicating a role for female sex hormones in disease progression. However, the mechanisms driving this dimorphic incidence are still largely unknown. We endeavoured to determine if estrogen mitigates disease progression and pathogenesis, focussing upon the dendritic spine as a site of action. Using two-photon live imaging we identify, in the prpTDP-43A315T mouse model of ALS, that dendritic spines in the male motor cortex have a reduced capacity for remodelling than their wild-type controls. In contrast, females show higher capacity for remodelling, with peak plasticity corresponding to highest estrogen levels during the estrous cycle. Estrogen manipulation through ovariectomies and estrogen replacement with 17β estradiol in vivo was found to significantly alter spine density and mitigate disease severity. Collectively, these findings reveal that synpatic plasticity is reduced in ALS, which can be amelioriated with estrogen, in conjuction with improved disease outcomes.
Motives for attending cardiovascular health promotion events: An explorative analysis of the austrian “Heart Health Day”
Authors: Martin Sebastian , Hofer Katharina Maria , Grüb Birgit
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality. In Austria, the disease is responsible for nearly 36% of the total deaths in 2020. Continuous cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention become increasingly important. Events might offer an effective way to foster such cardiovascular health promotion towards the entire family. However, this form of health promotion, including the motivation to participate in such health events, has not yet been the focus of literature. This study aims to provide first explorative insights into the attendance motivation of participants of cardiovascular health promotion events. Numerous authors state that the motivation to attend events is influenced by the demographic characteristics of the visitors. Therefore, the potential impact of attendees’ demographic characteristics is explicitly included in the methodological design of this study. A survey was distributed at the Austrian ‘Heart Health Day’ and completed by 117 attendees. Results reveal that for health promotion events the dimensions of topic and individual interest in the issue of heart health were the key motivations to attend the event. Social aspects were less important for this specific health event. The study confirmed a relation between the demographic factors age and marital status towards the motivational dimensions to attend the health promotion event. By providing first explorative empirical evidence on attendance motivation in a health care setting, this study contributes to a more profound understanding of cardiovascular health promotion. Findings may help managers of healthcare events to better understand attendance motivation and more strategically plan and manage this kind of events.
Impact of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Reproductive Health of Human
Authors: Ghosh Abhinandan , Tripathy Adrija , Ghosh Debidas
Published: March 2022

At present, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have gained attention in human pathophysiology, and many studies have yet been conducted to explain the mechanism of these chemical compounds on endocrine and reproductive dysfunctions. In human the maximum studies focus towards the exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and their disorders on different endocrine axises though sufficient information are not available on reproductive systems in human. A huge number of EDCs resulting the interference of the normal functions of hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis. There are several types of EDCs like pesticides, heavy metals, food additives and contaminants which are responsible to create negative impact on metabolism and alteration of the homeostasis of tissue and promoting different disorders such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, infertility etc. Genomic and nongenomic mechanisms which have been proposed to clarify these complications together with occupational or environmental exposure together, the lack of in depth studies, and the occurrence of different confusing factors have prohibited to establish the causal relationship between the reproductive cum endocrine disorders and exposure to specific EDCs so far. The aim of the manuscript is to review the scientific literature exists so far on the different hazardous effects of EDCs on reproductive health focusing the up to date mode of actions of major EDCs in this concerns.
Diagnostic accuracy of the interferon-gamma release assay in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with suspected tuberculosis infection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Hao , Nakagawa Atsushi , Takamori Mikio , Abe Seitarou , Ueno Daisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Kato Seiya , Seki Nobuhiko
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The diagnostic accuracy of the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) in immunosuppressed patients remains unclear.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for diagnostic test accuracy of IGRA in tuberculosis (TB) infection among people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were calculated using both univariate and bivariate models.

Results

The meta-analysis included 45 of the 1,242 first-screened articles. The total number of PLWHIV was 6,525; 3,467 had TB disease, including 806 cases of LTBI and 2,661 cases of active TB. The overall diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of IGRA in the diagnosis of TB disease was 10.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.59, 25.07), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729. The DOR was better for QFT (14.2 (95%CI 4.359, 46.463)) than T-SPOT (10.0 (95%CI 3.866 26.033)). The sensitivity and specificity of QFT and T-SPOT were 0.663 (95%CI 0.471, 0.813), 0.867 (95%CI 0.683 0.942), and 0.604 (95%CI 0.481, 0.715), 0.862 (95%CI 0.654, 0.954), respectively, in the bivariate model. The sensitivity of IGRA in the diagnosis of LTBI was 0.64 (95%CI 0.61, 0.66).

Conclusion

IGRA was useful in the diagnostic of TB disease in PLWHIV, and QFT showed a better tendency of DOR than T-SPOT. IGRA showed a limited effect to rule out LTBI in PLWHIV.
SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination in Italian health care workers: a case report
Authors: Cafiero Concetta , Palmirotta Raffaele , Micera Alessandra , Ottaiano Maria Pia , Re Agnese , Pedata Florinda , Costagliola Domenico , Ponticelli Domenico , Pisconti Salvatore , Schiavone Beniamino , Benincasa Giulio
Published: March 2022

Following the approval of COVID-19 vaccination program by EMA and national authorities, an immunization campaign started in Italy with BNT162b2mRNA vaccine, initially focused on healthcare workers. The active immunization was monitored by systemic antibody titration and continuous surveillance was guaranteed by antigenic/molecular tests on swabs. Cases of infection have been recently observed in vaccinated healthcare workers. Herein we describe an outbreak of infection occurring in five physicians out of 656 healthcare workers belonging to a private hospital, referring mild symptoms of COVID-19. Healthcare workers underwent complete vaccination and screening for antibody titration. Five out of 656 healthcare workers were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs and referred mild COVID-19 symptoms. Molecular analyses were carried out to identify possible variants of Spike protein. Their genotyping performed on RNA extracts highlighted the presence of del69/70, N501Y, A570D, and 1841A > G (D614G) sequence variants, all indicative of VOC 202012/01-lineage B.1.1.7, suggesting a common source of infection. These cases might represent a serious emergency because outbreaks can compromise frail patients with important concomitant diseases.
A new numerical strategy for solving nonlinear singular Emden-Fowler delay differential models with variable order
Authors: Ahmed Hoda F. , Melad Marina B.
Published: March 2022

The present study is related to the numerical solutions of new mathematical models based on the variable order Emden-Fowler delay differential equations. The shifted fractional Gegenbauer, $$C_{S,j}^{(\alpha ,\mu )}(t),$$

C

S
,
j

(
α
,
μ
)

(
t
)

,

operational matrices (OMs) of VO differentiation, in conjunction with the spectral collocation method are used to solve aforementioned models numerically. The VO operator of differentiation will be used in the Caputo sense. The proposed technique simplifies these models by reducing them to systems of algebraic equations that are easy to solve. To determine the effectiveness and accuracy of the sugested technique, the absolute errors and maximum absolute errors for four realistic models are studied and illustrated by several tables and graphs at different values of the VO and the SFG parameters; $$\alpha$$
α
and $$\mu.$$

μ
.

Also numerical comparisons between the suggested technique with other numerical methods in the existing literature are held. The numerical results confirm that the suggested technique is accurate, computationally efficient and easy to implement.
Advanced shifted sixth-kind Chebyshev tau approach for solving linear one-dimensional hyperbolic telegraph type problem
Authors: Atta A. G. , Abd-Elhameed W. M. , Moatimid G. M. , Youssri Y. H.
Published: March 2022

A new numerical scheme based on the tau spectral method for solving the linear hyperbolic telegraph type equation is presented and implemented. The derivation of this scheme is based on utilizing certain modified shifted Chebyshev polynomials of the sixth-kind as basis functions. For this purpose, some new formulas concerned with the modified shifted Chebyshev polynomials of the sixth-kind have been stated and proved, and after that, they serve to study the hyperbolic telegraph type equation with our proposed scheme. One advantage of using this scheme is that it reduces the problem into a system of algebraic equations that can be simplified using the Kronecker algebra analysis. The convergence and error estimate of the proposed technique are analyzed in detail. In the end, some numerical tests are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and high accuracy of the proposed scheme.
Behaviour management problems in Finnish children with operated congenital heart disease: a practice-based study
Authors: Karhumaa H. , Vähänikkilä H. , Blomqvist M. , Pätilä T. , Anttonen V.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This retrospective, practice-based study investigates behaviour management problems (BMPs) in dental care among Finnish children with operated congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

All the heart-operated children born between the years 1997 and 1999 were identified in the national ProCardio database (n = 570). Primary dental care records were requested from this population and were eventually received from 211 patients. Information on gender, diagnosis, number of heart operations and perioperative care were collected from the ProCardio database, and the CHDs were categorised as shunting/stenotic/complex/other defects. Data on BMP/dental fear, oral conscious sedation, dental general anaesthesia (DGA) and past and present caries indices at 6, 12 and 15 years (d/D, dmft/DMFT) were assessed.

Results

Notes on behaviour management problems or dental fear were found in 19% of the study population. BMPs in dental care were more frequent among boys. Children with re-operations, longer post-operative intensive care stay and hospitalisation, and complications had not more BMP than others. Those children diagnosed with syndromes had more BMP often than the rest. Past and present caries experience were significantly associated with BMP, need of oral conscious sedation and DGA. Oral conscious sedation, nitrogen oxide sedation and dental general anaesthesia were used in 17/211, 2/221 and 24/211 CHD patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Dental caries remains a main factor associated with BMP in the CHD population. Need for oral conscious sedation and DGA were rather common. To maintain a good oral health and to avoid development of BMP, CHD children benefit from focus in health promotion and preventive care.
Italian guidelines on management of persons with multimorbidity and polypharmacy
Authors: Onder Graziano , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Palmer Katie , Trevisan Caterina , Amato Laura , Berti Franco , Campomori Annalisa , Catalano Lucio , Corsonello Andrea , Kruger Paola , Medea Gerardo , Nobili Alessandro , Trifirò Gianluca , Vecchi Simona , Veronese Nicola , Marengoni Alessandra
Published: March 2022

Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are emerging health priorities and the care of persons with these conditions is complex and challenging. The aim of the present guidelines is to develop recommendations for the clinical management of persons with multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy and to provide evidence-based guidance to improve their quality of care. The recommendations have been produced in keeping with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Overall, 14 recommendations were issued, focusing on 4 thematic areas: (1.) General Principles; (2.) target population for an individualized approach to care; (3.) individualized care of patients with multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy; (4.) models of care. These recommendations support the provision of individualized care to persons with multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy as well as the prioritization of care through the identification of persons at increased risk of negative health outcomes. Given the limited available evidence, recommendations could not be issued for all the questions defined and, therefore, some aspects related to the complex care of patients with multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy could not be covered in these guidelines. This points to the need for more research in this field and evidence to improve the care of this population.
Analytical Characterisation of Material Corrosion by Biofilms
Authors: Dang Yen T. H. , Power Aoife , Cozzolino Daniel , Dinh Khuong Ba , Ha Binh Son , Kolobaric Adam , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Truong Vi Khanh , Chapman James
Published: March 2022

Almost every abiotic surface of a material is readily colonised by bacteria, algae, and fungi, contributing to the degradation processes of materials. Both biocorrosion and microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) refer to the interaction of microbial cells and their metabolic products, such as exopolymeric substances (EPS), with an abiotic surface. Therefore, biofouling and biodeterioration of manufactured goods have economic and environmental ramifications for the user to tackle or remove the issue. While MIC is typically applied to metallic materials, newly developed and evolving materials frequently succumb to the effects of corrosion, resulting in a range of chemical reactions and transport mechanisms occurring in the material. Recent research on biocorrosion and biofouling of conventional and novel materials is discussed in this paper, showcasing the current knowledge regarding microbial and material interactions that contribute to biocorrosion and biofouling, including biofilms, anaerobic and aerobic environments, microbial assault, and the various roles microorganisms’ play. Additionally, we show the latest analytical techniques used to characterise and identify MIC on materials using a borescope, thermal imaging, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical and epifluorescence microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, and chemometrics.
Pre-web Digital Publishing and the Lore of Electronic Literature
Authors: Ensslin Astrid
Published: March 2022

This Element examines a watershed moment in the recent history of digital publishing through a case study of the pre-web, serious hypertext periodical, the Eastgate Quarterly Review of Hypertext (1994-1995). Early hypertext writing relied on standalone, mainframe computers and specialized authoring software. With the Web launching as a mass distribution platform, EQRH faced a fast-evolving technological landscape, paired with an emergent gift and open access economy. Its non-linear writing experiments afford key insights into historical, medium-specific authoring practices. Access constraints have left EQRH under-researched and threatened by obsolescence. To address this challenge, this study offers platform-specific analyses of all the EQRH's cross-media materials, including works that have hitherto escaped scholarly attention. It deploys a form of conceptually oral ethno-historiography: the lore of electronic literature. The Element deepens our understanding of the North American publishing industry's history and contributes to the overdue preservation of early digital writing.
Seismology Perspectives on Integrated, Coordinated, Open, Networked (ICON) Science
Authors: Li Lei , Wong Wing Ching Jeremy , Schwarz Benjamin , Lau Tsz Lam
Published: March 2022

Seismology focuses on the study of earthquakes and associated phenomena to characterize seismic sources and Earth structure, which both are of immediate relevance to society. This article is composed of two independent views on the state of the integrated, coordinated, open, networked (ICON) principles (Goldman et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021eo153180) in seismology and reflects on the opportunities and challenges of adopting them from a different angle. Each perspective focuses on a different topic. Section 1 deals with the integration of multiscale and multidisciplinary observations, focusing on integrated and open approaches, whereas Section 2 discusses computing and open‐source algorithms, reflecting coordinated, networked, and open principles. In the past century, seismology has benefited from two co‐existing technological advancements—The emergence of new, more capable sensory systems and affordable and distributed computing infrastructure. Integrating multiple observations is a crucial strategy to improve the understanding of earthquake hazards. However, current efforts in making big datasets available and manageable lack coherence, which makes it challenging to implement initiatives that span different communities. Building on ongoing advancements in computing, machine learning algorithms have been revolutionizing the way of seismic data processing and interpretation. A community‐driven approach to code management offers open and networked opportunities for young scholars to learn and contribute to a more sustainable approach to seismology. Investing in new sensors, more capable computing infrastructure, and open‐source algorithms following the ICON principles will enable new discoveries across the Earth sciences.
Improving the Thermosphere Ionosphere in a Whole Atmosphere Model by Assimilating GOLD Disk Temperatures
Authors: Laskar F. I. , Pedatella N. M. , Codrescu M. V. , Eastes R. W. , McClintock W. E.
Published: March 2022

Global‐Scale Observations of Limb and Disk (GOLD) disk measurements of far ultraviolet molecular nitrogen band emissions are used to retrieve column integrated disk temperatures (Tdisk), which are representative of the lower‐and‐middle thermosphere. The present work develops a new approach to assimilate the Tdisk in the whole atmosphere community climate model with thermosphere‐ionosphere eXtension using the data assimilation research testbed ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. Nine days of data, 1–9 November 2018, are assimilated. Analysis state variables such as thermospheric effective temperature (Teff, airglow layer integrated temperature), ratio of atomic oxygen to molecular nitrogen column densities (O/N2), and column electron content are compared with a control simulation that is only constrained up to ∼50 km. It is observed that assimilation of the GOLD Tdisk improves the analysis states when compared with the control simulation. The analysis and model states, particularly, Teff, O/N2, and electron column density (ECD) are compared with their measurement counterparts for a validation of the assimilation. Teff and O/N2 are compared with GOLD Tdisk and O/N2. While, the ECD is compared with ground based total electron content measurements from global navigational satellite system receivers. Root mean square error (RMSE) improvements in Teff and O/N2 are about 10.8% and 22.6%, respectively. The RMSE improvement in analyses ECD is about 10% compared to the control simulation.
A Library of Large‐Eddy Simulations Forced by Global Climate Models
Authors: Shen Zhaoyi , Sridhar Akshay , Tan Zhihong , Jaruga Anna , Schneider Tapio
Published: March 2022

Advances in high‐performance computing have enabled large‐eddy simulations (LES) of turbulence, convection, and clouds. However, their potential to improve parameterizations in global climate models (GCMs) is only beginning to be harnessed, with relatively few canonical LES available so far. The purpose of this paper is to begin creating a public LES library that expands the training data available for calibrating and evaluating GCM parameterizations. To do so, we use an experimental setup in which LES are driven by large‐scale forcings from GCMs, which in principle can be used at any location, any time of year, and in any climate state. We use this setup to create a library of LES of clouds across the tropics and subtropics, in the present and in a warmer climate, with a focus on the transition from stratocumulus to shallow cumulus over the East Pacific. The LES results are relatively insensitive to the choice of host GCM driving the LES. Driven with large‐scale forcing under global warming, the LES simulate a positive but weak shortwave cloud feedback, adding to the accumulating evidence that low clouds amplify global warming.