bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetically Targeted Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease: Learning from the Successes Made in Oncology
Authors: Sjögren Magnus , Huttunen Henri J. , Svenningsson Per , Widner Håkan
Published: September 2021

Clinical trials in neurodegenerative disorders have been associated with high rate of failures, while in oncology, the implementation of precision medicine and focus on genetically defined subtypes of disease and targets for drug development have seen an unprecedented success. With more than 20 genes associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), most of which are highly penetrant and often cause early onset or atypical signs and symptoms, and an increasing understanding of the associated pathophysiology culminating in dopaminergic neurodegeneration, applying the technologies and designs into the field of neurodegeneration seems a logical step. This review describes some of the methods used in oncology clinical trials and some attempts in Parkinson’s disease and the potential of further implementing genetics, biomarkers and smart clinical trial designs in this disease area.
Evolution of Multicellularity
Authors: Cock J. Mark
Published: September 2021

The emergence of multicellular organisms was, perhaps, the most spectacular of the major transitions during the evolutionary history of life on this planet [...]
Identification, Molecular Characterization, and Tissue Expression Profiles of Three Smad Genes from Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Guangle , Miao Yongwang
Published: September 2021

Smads are involved in a variety of biological activities by mediating bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals. The full-length coding sequences (CDSs) of buffalo Smads 1, 4, and 5 were isolated and identified through RT-PCR in this study. Their lengths are 1398 bp, 1662 bp, and 1398 bp, respectively. In silico analysis showed that their transcriptional region structures, as well as their amino acid sequences, physicochemical characteristics, motifs, conserved domains, and three-dimensional structures of their encoded proteins are highly consistent with their counterparts in the species of Bovidae. The three Smad proteins are all hydrophilic without the signal peptides and transmembrane regions. Each of them has an MH1 domain and an MH2 domain. A nuclear localization sequence was found in the MH1 domain of buffalo Smads 1 and 5. Prediction showed that the function of the three Smads is mainly protein binding, and they can interact with BMPs and their receptors. The three genes were expressed in all 10 buffalo tissues assayed, and their expression in the mammary gland, gonad, and spleen was relatively high. The results here indicate that the three buffalo Smads may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of genes in a variety of tissues.
AI for Doctors—A Course to Educate Medical Professionals in Artificial Intelligence for Medical Imaging
Authors: Hedderich Dennis M. , Keicher Matthias , Wiestler Benedikt , Gruber Martin J. , Burwinkel Hendrik , Hinterwimmer Florian , Czempiel Tobias , Spiro Judith E. , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Heim Dominik , Zimmer Claus , Rückert Daniel , Kirschke Jan S. , Navab Nassir
Published: September 2021

Successful adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging requires medical professionals to understand underlying principles and techniques. However, educational offerings tailored to the need of medical professionals are scarce. To fill this gap, we created the course “AI for Doctors: Medical Imaging”. An analysis of participants’ opinions on AI and self-perceived skills rated on a five-point Likert scale was conducted before and after the course. The participants’ attitude towards AI in medical imaging was very optimistic before and after the course. However, deeper knowledge of AI and the process for validating and deploying it resulted in significantly less overoptimism with respect to perceivable patient benefits through AI (p = 0.020). Self-assessed skill ratings significantly improved after the course, and the appreciation of the course content was very positive. However, we observed a substantial drop-out rate, mostly attributed to the lack of time of medical professionals. There is a high demand for educational offerings regarding AI in medical imaging among medical professionals, and better education may lead to a more realistic appreciation of clinical adoption. However, time constraints imposed by a busy clinical schedule need to be taken into account for successful education of medical professionals.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Chinese Teachers during COVID-19 Pandemic: Roles of Fear of COVID-19, Nomophobia, and Psychological Distress
Authors: Kukreti Shikha , Ahorsu Daniel Kwasi , Strong Carol , Chen I-Hua , Lin Chung-Ying , Ko Nai-Ying , Griffiths Mark D. , Chen Yu-Pin , Kuo Yi-Jie , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: September 2021

There are limited data concerning the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among teachers. Therefore, the present study estimated the prevalence of PTSD among mainland Chinese teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to construct a model with mediation and moderation effects to explain the PTSD. Data collection was conducted in schools in the Jiangxi province between October and November 2020 among k-12 schoolteachers. An online survey, including five different psychometric scales, was used to collect data. All participants were assessed for PTSD using the Chinese version of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Hayes’ PROCESS Model 8 was used to examine the potential factors explaining a higher PTSD scores. A total of 2603 teachers from k-12 schools participated. With the cutoff score at 31, the prevalence of PTSD was 12.3% but decreased to 1.0% when the cutoff score was at 49. Nomophobia moderated the effects of Fear of COVID-19 Scale on PTSD. The findings suggest that fear of COVID-19 among teachers leads to PTSD via psychological distress, highlighting the moderating effect of nomophobia in this association. Based on the study’s findings, psychological interventions and educational training are needed to reduce fear among teachers at higher risk of developing PTSD.
Mapping Land-Use/Land-Cover Change in a Critical Biodiversity Area of South Africa
Authors: Musetsho Khangwelo Desmond , Chitakira Munyaradzi , Nel Willem
Published: September 2021

Land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes have implications for the long-term outlook of environmental processes, especially in the face of factors such as climate change. These changes can have serious consequences for humans. In this study, remote sensing and geographic information system methods were used to investigate LULC changes in a critical biodiversity area (CBA) in the northern sections of Limpopo Province in South Africa from 1990 to 2018 using data obtained from the South African National Land Cover project. In 1990, the dominant land cover comprised thickets and dense bush, followed by woodland and built-up areas, covering proportions of 40, 24 and 18% of the total land-cover area, respectively. Bare and forest areas were the least dominant classes during this time. In 2018, the dominant land cover was woodland, followed by built-up areas, comprising 71 and 20% of the total area, respectively. Subsistence agriculture is a land-cover class with a relatively higher area compared to water bodies, wetlands and other classes. Between 1990 and 2018, significant changes in land-cover were noted for thickets and dense bush, woodland, water bodies, subsistence agriculture and built-up areas. Woodland increased by over 1000 hectares (ha) per year, while thickets decreased by over 900 ha per year. Interviews were conducted with local residents to determine what they thought were the drivers behind the observed changes. According to these interviews, the drivers included deforestation, agricultural activities in wetlands, sand and gravel mining, among others. The study’s outcomes are critical for future land-use planning exercises and the long-term conservation of this CBA, an area rich in biodiversity and a strategic water source for the communities.
Multilevel Zero-One Inflated Beta Regression Model for the Analysis of the Relationship between Exogenous Health Variables and Technical Efficiency in the Spanish National Health System Hospitals
Authors: Ocaña-Riola Ricardo , Pérez-Romero Carmen , Ortega-Díaz Mª Isabel , Martín-Martín José Jesús
Published: September 2021

Background: This article proposes a methodological innovation in health economics for the second stage analysis of technical efficiency in hospitals. It investigates the relationship between the installed capacity in regions and hospitals and their ownership structure. Methods: A multilevel zero-one inflated beta regression model is employed to model pure technical efficiency more adequately than other models frequently used in econometrics. Results: Compared to publicly managed hospitals, the mean efficiency index of hospitals with public-private partnership (PPP) formulas was 4.27-fold. This figure was 1.90-fold for private hospitals. Concerning the efficiency frontier, the odds ratio (OR) of PPP models vs. public hospitals was 42.06. The OR of private hospitals vs. public hospitals was 8.17. A one standard deviation increase in the percentage of beds in intensive care units increases the odds of being situated on the efficiency frontier by 50%. Conclusions: The proportion of hospital beds in intensive care units relates to a higher chance of being on the efficiency frontier. Hospital ownership structure is related to the mean efficiency index of Spanish National Health Service hospitals, as well as the odds of being situated on the efficiency frontier.
Measurement Invariance of Perfectionism Measures in Students with and without a History of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
Authors: Tonta Kate E. , Boyes Mark , Howell Joel , McEvoy Peter , Hasking Penelope
Published: September 2021

Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic process which may be implicated in the onset and maintenance of non-suicidal self-injury. No study has evaluated whether reported differences in perfectionism between individuals with and without a history of self-injury represent genuine group differences or measurement artefacts. The present study reports an investigation of the measurement invariance of two common scales of perfectionism, the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Brief (FMPS-Brief) and the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire (CPQ), among university students (Mage = 20.48, SDage = 2.22, 75.3% female, 22.8% male) with and without a history of self-injury (total n = 711). Results revealed full residual error invariance for the two-factor model of FMPS-Brief, while the bifactor model of the FMPS-Brief and the two-factor model of the CPQ demonstrated partial metric invariance. Accounting for partial metric invariance, the bifactor model of the FMPS-Brief also demonstrated partial residual error invariance. The current findings suggest that observed differences using the FMPS-Brief reflect genuine differences in perfectionism between individuals with and without a history of self-injury. Further, while researchers using the bi-factor model can have confidence that the general factor can adequately assess group differences, differential item functioning should be considered if using the strivings and concerns factors. Finally, in the current data, the CPQ did not perform as expected in baseline model fit and future research should replicate assessments of measurement invariance in this measure.
Community-Level Urban Green Space Equity Evaluation Based on Spatial Design Network Analysis (sDNA): A Case Study of Central Wuhan, China
Authors: Li Qing , Peng Kaili , Cheng Peng
Published: September 2021

Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide numerous irreplaceable environmental and social benefits to humankind, but the lack of baseline information makes it difficult to propose a reasonable greening strategy so as to achieve an equitable allocation of community green spaces. This paper divides UGSs into three classes using the spatial design network analysis (sDNA) and quantifies the UGS accessibility of communities in central Wuhan. Based on these results and the Gini coefficient, we analyze the UGS equity of the spatial distribution at the community level, then propose future greening strategies both at the city and community levels. The results show that the railway station and old Wuhan city are the core areas of traffic network strength (TNS). UGSs are evenly distributed in the core areas of TNS, but the number of UGSs in non-core areas is small, and their distribution is relatively uneven, and the number of communities with medium UGS accessibility is the largest, carrying the densest residential population. Most communities perform well in terms of UGS equity, but the UGS equity of 163 communities, covering a population of more than one million, remains to be improved. The method and conclusions of this study will contribute to the future greening policy making of 965 communities in central Wuhan, thus promoting the orderly planning and high-quality construction of community living circles.
Impact of an Online Sleep and Circadian Education Program on University Students’ Sleep Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours
Authors: Semsarian Caitlin R. , Rigney Gabrielle , Cistulli Peter A. , Bin Yu Sun
Published: September 2021

University students consistently report poor sleep. We conducted a before-and-after study to evaluate the impact of an online 10-week course on undergraduate students’ sleep knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours at 6-month follow-up. Data were collected via baseline course surveys (August–September 2020) and follow-up surveys distributed via email (February–March 2021). n = 212 students completed baseline surveys and n = 75 (35%) completed follow-up. Students retained to follow-up possessed higher baseline sleep knowledge and received higher course grades. At the 6-month follow-up, sleep knowledge had increased (mean score out of 5: 3.0 vs. 4.2, p < 0.001). At baseline, 85% of students aimed to increase their sleep knowledge and 83% aimed to improve their sleep. At follow-up, 91% reported being more knowledgeable and 37% reported improved sleep. A novel Stages of Change item revealed that 53% of students’ attitudes towards their sleep behaviours had changed from baseline. There was a reduction in sleep latency at follow-up (mean 33.3 vs. 25.6 min, p = 0.015), but no change in the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score. In summary, completion of an online course led to increased sleep and circadian knowledge and changed sleep attitudes, with no meaningful change in sleep behaviours. Future interventions should consider components of behavioural change that go beyond the knowledge–attitudes–behaviour continuum.
Abuse, Mental State, and Health Factors Pre and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison among Clinically Referred Adolescents in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Stewart Shannon L. , Toohey Ashley , Celebre Angela , Poss Jeff W.
Published: September 2021

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, population surveys revealed increased levels of anxiety and depression, while findings from large-scale population data analyses have revealed mixed findings with respect to the mental health consequences for children and youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and health-compromising behaviors of adolescents (12–18 years) previously referred for mental health services. Data were collected (pre-pandemic n = 3712; pandemic n = 3197) from mental health agencies across Ontario, Canada using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health assessment. Our findings revealed no increased incidence of witnessing domestic violence nor experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Further, there were no increases in the risk of self-harm and suicide, anxiety, or depression among our sample of clinically referred youth. Finally, results demonstrated no increase in problematic videogaming/internet use, disordered eating, or alcohol intoxication, and a decrease in cannabis use. Our findings add to the growing body of knowledge as to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and youth. Further, findings underscore the importance of understanding the nuanced impact of the pandemic on various subgroups of children, youth, and families and highlight the need for continued monitoring of outcomes for these children and youth.
The Relation between Perceived and Actual Understanding and Adherence: Results from a National Survey on COVID-19 Measures in Belgium
Authors: Vanderplanken Kirsten , Van den Broucke Stephan , Aujoulat Isabelle , van Loenhout Joris Adriaan Frank
Published: September 2021

To reduce the spread of COVID-19 among the population, Belgium has implemented various infection prevention and control measures over time. This study investigated the extent to which understanding of the COVID-19 measures contributed to adherence, and which personal characteristics were considered risk factors for lower adherence. It consisted of a large online survey among a sample of the population (n = 2008), representative of citizens of Belgium in terms of gender, age, province and socio-economic status. The survey was conducted in September 2020, and included questions on perceived and actual understanding of COVID-19 protective measures in place during that time, as well as past and future adherence to those measures. The results showed that both perceived and actual understanding contributed significantly to past as well as future adherence. Risk factors for perceived understanding included being male and belonging to a younger age group, while risk factors for actual understanding were speaking French (versus Dutch) and belonging to a lower socio-economic level. Communication about COVID-19 measures should put more focus on trying to improve the understanding of the measures, instead of only making them known, particularly for those who are less health literate and as such at risk of poor understanding.
Effects of a Short Daytime Nap on the Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Danini Benjamin , Bagheri Reza , Fantini Maria Livia , Pereira Bruno , Moustafa Farès , Trousselard Marion , Navel Valentin
Published: September 2021

Background: Napping in the workplace is under debate, with interesting results on work efficiency and well-being of workers. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the benefits of a short daytime nap on cognitive performance. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and PsycInfo databases were searched until 19 August 2021. Cognitive performance in working-aged adults, both before and following a daytime nap or under control conditions (no nap), was analysed by time and by type of cognitive function (alertness, executive function and memory). Results: We included 11 studies (all in laboratory conditions including one with a subgroup in working conditions) for a total of 381 participants. Mean duration of nap was 55.4 ± 29.4 min. Overall cognitive performance did not differ at baseline (t0) between groups (effect size −0.03, 95% CI −0.14 to 0.07), and improved in the nap group following the nap (t1) (0.18, 0.09 to 0.27), especially for alertness (0.29, 0.10 to 0.48). Sensitivity analyses gave similar results comparing only randomized controlled trials, and after exclusion of outliers. Whatever the model used, performance mainly improved until 120 min after nap, with conflicting results during the sleep inertia period. Early naps in the afternoon (before 1.00 p.m.) gave better cognitive performance (0.24, −0.07 to 0.34). The benefits of napping were independent of sex and age. Duration of nap and time between nap and t1 did not influence cognitive performance. Conclusions: Despite the fact that our meta-analyses included almost exclusively laboratory studies, daytime napping in the afternoon improved cognitive performance with beneficial effects of early nap. More studies in real work condition are warranted before implementing daytime napping at work as a preventive measure to improve work efficiency.
Description of e-Health Initiatives to Reduce Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Burden on Brazilian Health System
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela Laranja Gomes , Belber Gisele Silvestre , Borysow Igor da Costa , Maeyama Marcos Aurelio , Pinho Ana Paula Neves Marques de
Published: September 2021

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) account for 72% of the causes of death in Brazil. In 2013, 54 million Brazilians reported having at least one NCD. The implementation of e-Health in the Unified Health System (SUS) could fill gaps in access to health in primary health care (PHC). Objective: to demonstrate telehealth strategies carried out within the scope of the Institutional Development Support Program of the Unified Health System (PROADI-SUS) and developed by Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, between 2018 and 2021, on evaluation, supply, and problem-solving capacity for patients with NCDs. Methodology: a prospective and descriptive study of three projects in the telehealth areas, using document analysis. The Brasil Redes project used availability, implementation, and cost-effectiveness analysis, TELEconsulta Diabetes is a randomized clinical trial, and Regula Mais Brasil is focused on the waiting list for regulation of specialties. All those strategies were developed within the scope of the SUS. Results: 161 patients were attended by endocrinology teleconsultation in one project and another two research projects, one evaluating Brazil’s Telehealth Network Program, and another evaluating effectiveness and safety of teleconsultation in patients with diabetes mellitus referred from primary care to specialized care in SUS. Despite the discrepancy in the provision of telehealth services in the country, there was an increase in access to specialized care on the three projects and especially on the Regula Mais Brasil Collaborative project; we observed a reduction on waiting time and favored distance education processes. Conclusion: the three projects offered subsidies for decision-making by the Ministry of Health in e-Health and two developed technologies that could be incorporated into SUS.
Risk Factors for COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortality in Institutionalised Elderly People
Authors: Burgaña Agoües Ander , Serra Gallego Marta , Hernández Resa Raquel , Joven Llorente Beatriz , Lloret Arabi Maria , Ortiz Rodriguez Jessica , Puig Acebal Helena , Campos Hernández Mireia , Caballero Ayala Itziar , Pavón Calero Pedro , Losilla Calle Montserrat , Bueno Nieto Rosario , Oliver Messeguer Laura , Madridejos Mora Rosa , Abellana Sangrà Rosa , Perez-Porcuna Tomás M.
Published: September 2021

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has caused a high mortality in institutionalised individuals. There are very few studies on the involvement and the real impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes. This study analysed factors related to morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in institutionalised elderly people. Methods: This cohort study included 842 individuals from 12 nursing homes in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Spain) from 15 March to 15 May 2020. We evaluated individual factors (demographic, dependence, clinical, and therapeutic) and those related to the nursing homes (size and staff) associated with infection and mortality by SARS-CoV-2. Infection was diagnosed by molecular biology test. Results: Of the 842 residents included in the analysis, 784 underwent a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test; 74.2% were women, the mean age was 87.1 years, and 11.1% died. The PCR test was positive in 44%. A total of 33.4% of the residents presented symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and of these, 80.9% were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 among residents was associated with the rate of staff infected in the homes. Mortality by SARS-CoV-2 was related to male sex and a greater grade of dependence measured with the Barthel index. Conclusions: SARS-Cov-2 infection in institutionalised people is associated with the infection rate in nursing home workers and mortality by SARS-Cov-2 with sex and greater dependency according to the Barthel index. Adequate management of nursing home staff and special attention to measures of infection control, especially of individuals with greater dependence, are keys for successful management of future pandemic situations.
Overcoming Current and Preventing Future Nosocomial Outbreaks during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned at Three Hospitals in Japan
Authors: Komasawa Makiko , Aung Myo Nyein , Saito Kiyoko , Isono Mitsuo , Tanaka Go , Makimoto Saeda
Published: September 2021

Hospitals are increasingly challenged by nosocomial infection (NI) outbreaks during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although standardized guidelines and manuals regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are available worldwide, case-studies conducted at specified hospitals that are required to cope with real settings are limited. In this study, we analyzed three hospitals in Japan where large-scale NI outbreaks occurred for hints on how to prevent NI outbreaks. We reviewed openly available information from each hospital and analyzed it applying a three domain framework: operation management; identification of infection status; and infection control measures. We learned that despite having authorized infection control teams and using existing standardized IPC measures, SARS-CoV-2 may still enter hospitals. Early detection of suspected cases and confirmation by PCR test, carefully dealing with staff-to-staff transmission were the most essential factors to prevent NI outbreaks. It was also suggested that ordinary training on IPC for staff does not always provide enough practical knowledge and skills; in such cases external technical and operational supports are crucial. It is expected that our results will provide insights into preventing NI outbreaks of COVID-19, and contribute to mitigate the damage to health care delivery systems in various countries.
Delayed Tibial Shaft Fracture Healing Associated with Smoking: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies Conducted Worldwide
Authors: Mahajan Akanksha , Kumar Narinder , Gupta Bhawna
Published: September 2021

Tibial fractures represent a great burden of disease globally, being the most common long-bone fracture; smoking is a known risk factor for delayed skeletal healing and post-fracture complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to analyse the effect of smoking on healing of tibial shaft fractures. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to March 2021, with no limitation on language, to find relevant research. All observational studies that assessed the association between cigarette smoking and tibial shaft fracture healing in adults (≥18 years) were included. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. A random effects model was used to conduct meta-analysis. Tobacco smoking was associated with an increased rate of non-union and delayed union as well as an increase in time to union in fractures of the tibial shaft. Among the 12 included studies, eight reported an increased rate of non-union, three reported delayed union, and five reported an increase in time to union. However, the results were statistically significant in only three studies for non-union, one for delayed union, and two studies for increased time to union. This review confirms the detrimental impact of smoking on tibial shaft fracture healing and highlights the importance of patient education regarding smoking cessation.
FluCell-SELEX Aptamers as Specific Binding Molecules for Diagnostics of the Health Relevant Gut Bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila
Authors: Raber Heinz Fabian , Kubiczek Dennis Horst , Bodenberger Nicholas , Kissmann Ann-Kathrin , D’souza Deena , Xing Hu , Mayer Daniel , Xu Pengfei , Knippschild Uwe , Spellerberg Barbara , Weil Tanja , Rosenau Frank
Published: September 2021

Based on their unique properties, oligonucleotide aptamers have been named a gift of biological chemistry to life science. We report the development of DNA aptamers as the first high-affinity binding molecules available for fast and rapid labeling of the human gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila with a certain impact on Alzheimer´s disease. Fast and reliable analyses of the composition of microbiomes is an emerging field in microbiology. We describe the molecular evolution and biochemical characterization of a specific aptamer library by a FluCell-SELEX and the characterization of specific molecules from the library by bioinformatics. The aptamer AKK13.1 exerted universal applicability in different analysis techniques in modern microbiology, including fluorimetry, confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. It was also functional as a specific binding entity hybridized to anchor primers chemically coupled via acrydite-modification to the surface of a polyacrylamide-hydrogel, which can be prototypically used for the construction of affinity surfaces in sensor chips. Together, the performance and methodological flexibility of the aptamers presented here may open new routes not only to develop novel Akkermansia-specific assays for clinical microbiology and the analyses of human stool samples but may also be an excellent starting point for the construction of novel electronic biosensors.
Bioderived Ionic Liquids and Salts with Various Cyano Anions as Precursors for Doped Carbon Materials
Authors: Brzęczek-Szafran Alina , Gaida Bartłomiej , Blacha-Grzechnik Agata , Matuszek Karolina , Chrobok Anna
Published: September 2021

Carbohydrate moieties were combined with various cross-linkable anions (thiocyanate [SCN], tetracyanoborate [TCB], tricyanomethanide [TCM], and dicyanamide [DCA]) and investigated as precursors for the synthesis of nitrogen-doped and nitrogen-/sulfur-co-doped carbons. The influence of the molecular structures of the precursors on their thermophysical properties and the properties of the derived carbon materials was elucidated and compared to petroleum-derived analogs. A carbohydrate-based ionic liquid featuring an [SCN] anion yielded more carbon residues upon carbonization than its 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium analog, and the resulting dual-doping of the derived carbon material translated to enhanced catalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction.
Regional Differences in the Permeability Barrier of the Skin—Implications in Acantholytic Skin Diseases
Authors: Kapitány Anikó , Medgyesi Barbara , Jenei Adrienn , Somogyi Orsolya , Szabó Lilla , Gáspár Krisztián , Méhes Gábor , Hendrik Zoltán , Dócs Klaudia , Szücs Péter , Dajnoki Zsolt , Szegedi Andrea
Published: September 2021

The chemical milieu, microbiota composition, and immune activity show prominent differences in distinct healthy skin areas. The objective of the current study was to compare the major permeability barrier components (stratum corneum and tight junction (TJ)), investigate the distribution of (corneo)desmosomes and TJs, and measure barrier function in healthy sebaceous gland-rich (SGR), apocrine gland-rich (AGR), and gland-poor (GP) skin regions. Molecules involved in cornified envelope (CE) formation, desquamation, and (corneo)desmosome and TJ organization were investigated at the mRNA and protein levels using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The distribution of junction structures was visualized using confocal microscopy. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) functional measurements were also performed. CE intracellular structural components were similarly expressed in gland-rich (SGR and AGR) and GP areas. In contrast, significantly lower extracellular protein levels of (corneo)desmosomes (DSG1 and CDSN) and TJs (OCLN and CLDN1) were detected in SGR/AGR areas compared to GP areas. In parallel, kallikrein proteases were significantly higher in gland-rich regions. Moreover, gland-rich areas were characterized by prominently disorganized junction structures ((corneo)desmosomes and TJs) and significantly higher TEWL levels compared to GP skin, which exhibited a regular distribution of junction structures. According to our findings, the permeability barrier of our skin is not uniform. Gland-rich areas are characterized by weaker permeability barrier features compared with GP regions. These findings have important clinical relevance and may explain the preferred localization of acantholytic skin diseases on gland-rich skin regions (e.g., Pemphigus foliaceus, Darier’s disease, and Hailey–Hailey disease).
Human CD22-Transgenic, Primary Murine Lymphoma Challenges Immunotherapies in Organ-Specific Tumor Microenvironments
Authors: Gsottberger Franziska , Brandl Carolin , Wendland Kerstin , Petkovic Srdjan , Emmerich Charlotte , Erber Ramona , Geppert Carol , Hartmann Arndt , Mackensen Andreas , Nitschke Lars , Müller Fabian
Published: September 2021

Targeted immunotherapies have greatly changed treatment of patients with B cell malignancies. To further enhance immunotherapies, research increasingly focuses on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which differs considerably by organ site. However, immunocompetent mouse models of disease to study immunotherapies targeting human molecules within organ-specific TME are surprisingly rare. We developed a myc-driven, primary murine lymphoma model expressing a human-mouse chimeric CD22 (h/mCD22). Stable engraftment of three distinct h/mCD22+ lymphoma was established after subcutaneous and systemic injection. However, only systemic lymphoma showed immune infiltration that reflected human disease. In this model, myeloid cells supported lymphoma growth and showed a phenotype of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The human CD22-targeted immunotoxin Moxetumomab was highly active against h/mCD22+ lymphoma and similarly reduced infiltration of bone marrow and spleen of all three models up to 90-fold while efficacy against lymphoma in lymph nodes varied substantially, highlighting relevance of organ-specific TME. As in human aggressive lymphoma, anti-PD-L1 as monotherapy was not efficient. However, anti-PD-L1 enhanced efficacy of Moxetumomab suggesting potential for future clinical application. The novel model system of h/mCD22+ lymphoma provides a unique platform to test targeted immunotherapies and may be amenable for other human B cell targets such as CD19 and CD20.
Acute Ischaemic Stroke in Infective Endocarditis: Pathophysiology and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Treated with Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Maheshwari Rohan , Wardman Daniel , Cordato Dennis John , Bhaskar Sonu Menachem Maimonides
Published: September 2021

Infective endocarditis in the setting of acute stroke poses a clinical challenge given the high mortality and morbidity associated with the condition. The pathophysiological mechanisms including clinical and imaging biomarkers that can provide insights into clinical trajectories of such patients are of immense interest. The current paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of acute stroke with infective endocarditis and provide insights into various clinical factors mediating outcomes and therapeutic strategies, specifically in the setting of reperfusion therapy. Prognostic and therapeutic pathways to potentially improve functional outcomes in these patients are also discussed.
A Systems and Control Theory Approach for Law and Artificial Intelligence: Demystifying the “Black-Box”
Authors: Barfield Woodrow
Published: September 2021

In this paper, I propose a conceptual framework for law and artificial intelligence (AI) that is based on ideas derived from systems and control theory. The approach considers the relationship between the input to an AI-controlled system and the system’s output, which may affect events in the real-world. The approach aims to add to the current discussion among legal scholars and legislators on how to regulate AI, which focuses primarily on how the output, or external behavior of a system, leads to actions that may implicate the law. The goal of this paper is to show that not only is the systems output an important consideration for law and AI but so too is the relationship between the systems input to its desired output, as mediated through a feedback loop (and other control variables). In this paper, I argue that ideas derived from systems and control theory can be used to provide a conceptual framework to help understand how the law applies to AI, and particularly, to algorithmically based systems.
Mesh Properties for RANS Simulations of Airfoil-Shaped Profiles: A Case Study of Rudder Hydrodynamics
Authors: Lu Suli , Liu Jialun , Hekkenberg Robert
Published: September 2021

A good mesh is a prerequisite for achieving reliable results from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations. Mesh properties include mesh types, computational domain sizes, and node distributions. However, in literature, we found no clear consensus about what these properties should be. In this article, we performed a case study on ship rudders to determine what the suitable mesh properties are for airfoil-shaped profiles. A classic NACA 0012 profile is chosen as an example, and commercial packages ANSYS ICEM are applied for meshing with an ANSYS Fluent solver. With a strategy in consideration of relationships among different mesh properties, a comprehensive parametric investigation is conducted to study the impacts of these properties on the accuracy of rudder hydrodynamic coefficients obtained by CFD methods. The step-by-step study outputs recommended Reynolds numbers, domain sizes, and near- and far-field node distributions for mesh types with distinct topology structures, i.e., C-mesh, O-mesh, H-mesh, and Hybrid-mesh. Specifically, the study shows that a critical Reynolds number is needed for the perspective of efficiency, while a domain extending 60 times of the chord length enables the boundary effects to be negligible. As for node distributions, the near-field nodes should be treated carefully, compared with those in the far-field. After that, corresponding mesh properties for different calculation objectives are illustrated in detail based on the characteristics of mesh types mentioned above. With the proposed strategy for mesh refinements, impacts of different mesh properties on rudder hydrodynamics are clarified and recommended settings are applicable for other airfoil-shaped profiles such as wind turbines and marine propellers.
Collaborative Journalism from a Latin American Perspective: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Mesquita Lucia , de-Lima-Santos Mathias-Felipe
Published: September 2021

The practice of collaboration in journalism is not new. The developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) are understood by many scholars as the critical factor for collaborative journalism to flourish across newsrooms. By working together, practitioners can address the challenges of a profession in crisis as well as the need to produce quality investigative reporting. Much of the academic discussion regarding cooperative efforts in journalism has happened in the US and Europe. This paper aims to shed light on collaborative journalism outside this region, focusing on Latin America. To conduct our study, we looked at the literature concerning collaborative journalism in the Scopus and Scielo databases to build a survey that was shared among Latin American practitioners who worked on collaborative projects in recent years. Our findings show that Latin American news organisations are taking part or forming collaborative efforts to share a set of practices, processes, and motivations. However, their motivations are different from their Western counterparts, as Latin American journalists are looking for ways to fulfil the normative role of journalism in society and occupying spaces left by the mainstream media. By doing so, practitioners focus on topics and communities that are often misrepresented, forgotten, or underreported in the media. Finally, our paper concludes by suggesting a profile of news outlets working on collaborative projects across the region, and we provide some directions for future research.
Dialysis Access and Preemptive Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Mochizuki Yasushi , Miyata Yasuyoshi , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Mukae Yuta , Ohba Kojiro , Sakai Hideki
Published: September 2021

Sustainable vascular or peritoneal access for dialysis is very important for patients undergoing dialysis therapy, and access trouble is occasionally involved with unexpected occurrence of complications. Once access trouble occurs, dialysis therapy might be discontinued and be followed by a life-threatening state of patients with end-stage kidney disease. Bacterial infection, massive bleeding, and thrombosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis and acute infectious peritonitis and chronic encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis are important clinical issues. Preemptive kidney transplantation prior to dialysis has several advantages over transplantation after exposure to dialysis therapy. One of the notable advantages is the lack of necessity of dialysis access, which avoids access operations before transplantation. However, some transplant recipients may need short-term dialysis therapy due to the unexpected progression of chronic renal dysfunction. Dialysis access is required in a short preoperative period for preconditioning. The selection of renal replacement therapy without complications in a short-term dialysis before transplant surgery is important for the success of kidney transplantation. Appropriate preparation of short-term dialysis therapy and access is a key to success of preemptive kidney transplantation.
The Phonetics of Tone and Voice Quality Interactions in Sylheti
Authors: Gope Amalesh
Published: September 2021

This paper examines the phonetic interactions of tone and voice qualities in Sylheti. Data from six native speakers are examined to understand the voice qualities of the vowels carrying contrastive tones. The results identify three spectral measures (viz., H1*–H2*, H1*–A2*, and H1*–A3*) and one noise measure (viz., CPP) as reliable indicators of modal (or in the continuum of modal to tense) vs. breathy (or, in the continuum of breathy to lax) phonation contrasts in the vowels carrying high and low tone, respectively. Finally, a statistical model is proposed that predicts consistent phonation contrasts across the total duration of the contrastive tones.
Nitrogen-Containing Molecules: Natural and Synthetic Products including Coordination Compounds
Authors: Matiadis Dimitris , Halevas Eleftherios
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen constitutes one of the most crucial elements in synthetic compounds, both in organic and in coordination chemistry [...]
The Solidification/Stabilization of Wastewater (From a Landfill Leachate) in Specially Designed Binders Based on Coal Ash
Authors: Oproiu Carmen-Lidia , Voicu Georgeta , Bădănoiu Alina , Nicoară Adrian-Ionuţ
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to assess the possibility to solidify/stabilize a liquid waste from a municipal waste landfill using binders based on coal ash (fly ash and bottom ash) and specially designed cements for waste treatment (INERCEM). The leaching test proved that all cementitious systems are efficient for the solidification/stabilization of the studied wastes and can reduce the leaching potential of heavy metals present in both liquid waste and coal ash. Therefore, these wastes cease to be a source of environmental pollution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal complex analysis (DTA-TG) were used to assess the nature and amount of compounds formed in these cementitious systems during the hydration and hardening processes; ettringite, calcium silicate hydrates and CaCO3 were the main compounds formed in these systems assessed by these methods. The microstructure of hardened specimens was assessed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM); the presence of hydrate phases, at the surface of cenospheres present in fly ash, proved the high pozzolanic reactivity of this phase.
Knowledge Graphs Representation for Event-Related E-News Articles
Authors: Lakshika M.V.P.T. , Caldera H.A.
Published: September 2021

E-newspaper readers are overloaded with massive texts on e-news articles, and they usually mislead the reader who reads and understands information. Thus, there is an urgent need for a technology that can automatically represent the gist of these e-news articles more quickly. Currently, popular machine learning approaches have greatly improved presentation accuracy compared to traditional methods, but they cannot be accommodated with the contextual information to acquire higher-level abstraction. Recent research efforts in knowledge representation using graph approaches are neither user-driven nor flexible to deviations in the data. Thus, there is a striking concentration on constructing knowledge graphs by combining the background information related to the subjects in text documents. We propose an enhanced representation of a scalable knowledge graph by automatically extracting the information from the corpus of e-news articles and determine whether a knowledge graph can be used as an efficient application in analyzing and generating knowledge representation from the extracted e-news corpus. This knowledge graph consists of a knowledge base built using triples that automatically produce knowledge representation from e-news articles. Inclusively, it has been observed that the proposed knowledge graph generates a comprehensive and precise knowledge representation for the corpus of e-news articles.
The Limited Validity of the Conformable Euler Finite Difference Method and an Alternate Definition of the Conformable Fractional Derivative to Justify Modification of the Method
Authors: Clemence-Mkhope Dominic , Clemence-Mkhope Belinda
Published: September 2021

A method recently advanced as the conformable Euler method (CEM) for the finite difference discretization of fractional initial value problem Dtαyt = ft;yt, yt0 = y0, a≤t≤b, and used to describe hyperchaos in a financial market model, is shown to be valid only for α=1. The property of the conformable fractional derivative (CFD) used to show this limitation of the method is used, together with the integer definition of the derivative, to derive a modified conformable Euler method for the initial value problem considered. A method of constructing generalized derivatives from the solution of the non-integer relaxation equation is used to motivate an alternate definition of the CFD and justify alternative generalizations of the Euler method to the CFD. The conformable relaxation equation is used in numerical experiments to assess the performance of the CEM in comparison to that of the alternative methods.
Effect of High-Temperature Nitridation and Buffer Layer on Semi-Polar (10–13) AlN Grown on Sapphire by HVPE
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Xu , Zhao Jianyun , Sun Zhifei , Lu Yong , Liu Ting , Zhang Jicai
Published: September 2021

We have investigated the effect of high-temperature nitridation and buffer layer on the semi-polar aluminum nitride (AlN) films grown on sapphire by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). It is found the high-temperature nitridation and buffer layer at 1300 °C are favorable for the formation of single (10–13) AlN film. Furthermore, the compressive stress of the (10–13) single-oriented AlN film is smaller than polycrystalline samples which have the low-temperature nitridation layer and buffer layer. On the one hand, the improvement of (10–13) AlN crystalline quality is possibly due to the high-temperature nitridation that promotes the coalescence of crystal grains. On the other hand, as the temperature of nitridation and buffer layer increases, the contents of N-Al-O and Al-O bonds in the AlN film are significantly reduced, resulting in an increase in the proportion of Al-N bonds.