bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criterion validity of ActiGraph monitoring devices for step counting and distance measurement in adults and older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Ngueleu Armelle-Myriane , Barthod Corentin , Best Krista Lynn , Routhier François , Otis Martin , Batcho Charles Sèbiyo
Published: October 2022

Background

Wearable activity monitors such as ActiGraph monitoring devices are widely used, especially in research settings. Various research studies have assessed the criterion validity of ActiGraph devices for step counting and distance estimation in adults and older adults. Although several studies have used the ActiGraph devices as a reference system for activity monitoring, there is no summarized evidence of the psychometric properties. The main objective of this systematic review was to summarize evidence related to the criterion validity of ActiGraph monitoring devices for step counting and distance estimation in adults and/or older adults.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in six databases (Medline (OVID), Embase, IEEExplore, CINAHL, Engineering Village and Web of Science). Two reviewers independently conducted selection, a quality analysis of articles (using COSMIN and MacDermid’s grids) and data extraction.

Results

This review included 21 studies involving 637 participants (age 30.3 ± 7.5 years (for adults) and 82.7 ± 3.3 years (for older adults)). Five ActiGraph devices (7164, GT1M, wGTX +, GT3X +/wGT3X + and wGT3X − BT) were used to collect data at the hip, wrist and ankle to assess various walking and running speeds (ranging from 0.2 m/s to 4.44 m/s) over durations of 2 min to 3 days (13 h 30 mins per day) for step counting and distance estimation. The ActiGraph GT3X +/wGT3X + and wGT3X − BT had better criterion validity than the ActiGraph 7164, wGTX + and GT1M according to walking and running speeds for step counting. Validity of ActiGraph wGT3X + was good for distance estimation.

Conclusion

The ActiGraph wGT3X − BT and GT3X +/wGT3X + have good criterion validity for step counting, under certain conditions related to walking speeds, positioning and data processing.
Breastfeeding by a mother taking cyclosporine for nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Li Ruizhe , Zhang Chuan , Wang Hongjing , An Yunfei
Published: October 2022

Background

Cyclosporine is widely used for immunosuppressive treatment of various systematic and local autoimmune diseases. Breastfeeding is conventionally contraindicated when treating with cyclosporine due to its excretion into breast milk, which may cause immune suppression of exposed infants and affect infants` growth. A few cases have tested cyclosporine levels in random breast milk samples and concluded the infants exposed to safe cyclosporine levels during breastfeeding. Since infants do not maintain a fixed feeding schedule, we monitored cyclosporine levels in breast milk at different times of the day to assess the safety of breast milk for infants throughout the day.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old dichorionic twin-pregnancy woman had nephrotic syndrome with renal biopsy confirmed type V lupus nephritis for over five years. She was treated only with prednisone 10 mg a day before pregnancy and during early pregnancy. Cyclosporine was added in her regimen from 22 weeks gestation and was adjusted to 225 mg a day from 28 weeks gestation. After parturition, she partially breastfed her twin infants while being treated with cyclosporine 3 mg/kg a day as well as prednisone and hydroxychloroquine sulfate. The cyclosporine level in maternal blood was determined, and several breast milk samples were collected for consecutive 48 h beginning on the ninth day after parturition. The concentration of cyclosporine in breast milk was measured and ranged from 0.443 to 5.307 mcg/L. Both infants grew and developed normally at the three-month follow-up, with no adverse effects observed. The study was conducted at West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, started in September 2021, with the consent of the participant and the approval of the ethics committee.

Conclusion

In this case, cyclosporine levels in breast milk were low at all times of the day. The growth and development of both infants were normal at three months postpartum. Thus, breastfeeding may still be an option for mothers with nephrotic syndrome who are treated with cyclosporine.
Children with a rare congenital genetic disorder: a systematic review of parent experiences
Authors: von der Lippe Charlotte , Neteland Ingrid , Feragen Kristin Billaud
Published: October 2022

Background

Caring for a child with a chronic disease may be demanding and stressful. When a child has a rare condition, the impact of care on parents is amplified due to the rarity of the diagnosis. In order to address the lack of generalized and synthesized knowledge regarding parents’ experiences of having a child with a rare genetic disorder, and give a holistic picture of these experiences, a systematic review of the available qualitative research was conducted.

Methods

We performed a systematic review, including qualitative studies on parents of children with rare genetic disorders, published between 2000 and 2020.

Results

The review included 33 qualitative studies. Findings were synthesized and categorized according to three main themes: Parents’ experiences with health care, Responsibilities and challenges, and Factors promoting positive experiences in parents. The findings demonstrate that parents of children with rare genetic disorders share many common challenges, despite evident differences across conditions.

Conclusion

Coordinated care, and a more holistic approach in the follow up of children with rare genetic disorders is needed. International collaboration on research, diagnostics, producing scientific correct and understandable information available for health care professionals and lay people should be prioritized.
Pearson syndrome: a multisystem mitochondrial disease with bone marrow failure
Authors: Yoshimi Ayami , Ishikawa Kaori , Niemeyer Charlotte , Grünert Sarah C.
Published: October 2022

Pearson syndrome (PS) is a rare fatal mitochondrial disorder caused by single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions (SLSMDs). Most patients present with anemia in infancy. Bone marrow cytology with vacuolization in erythroid and myeloid precursors and ring-sideroblasts guides to the correct diagnosis, which is established by detection of SLSMDs. Non hematological symptoms suggesting a mitochondrial disease are often lacking at initial presentation, thus PS is an important differential diagnosis in isolated hypogenerative anemia in infancy. Spontaneous resolution of anemia occurs in two-third of patients at the age of 1–3 years, while multisystem non-hematological complications such as failure to thrive, muscle hypotonia, exocrine pancreas insufficiency, renal tubulopathy and cardiac dysfunction develop during the clinical course. Some patients with PS experience a phenotypical change to Kearns-Sayre syndrome. In the absence of curative therapy, the prognosis of patients with PS is dismal. Most patients die of acute lactic acidosis and multi-organ failure in early childhood. There is a great need for the development of novel therapies to alter the natural history of patients with PS.
Bridging therapeutic opportunities: a survey by the Italian molecular tumor board workgroup of Alliance Against Cancer
Authors: Ciliberto Gennaro , Canfora Marco , Terrenato Irene , Agnoletto Chiara , Agustoni Francesco , Amoroso Loredana , Baldassarre Gustavo , Curigliano Giuseppe , Delmonte Angelo , De Luca Antonella , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Gregorc Vanesa , Ibrahim Toni , Lazzari Chiara , Mastronuzzi Angela , Pronzato Paolo , Santoro Armando , Scambia Giovanni , Tommasi Stefania , Vingiani Andrea , Giacomini Patrizio , De Maria Ruggero
Published: October 2022

Background

Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) match molecular alterations with targeted anticancer drugs upon failure of the available therapeutic options. Special and local needs are most likely to emerge through the comparative analysis of MTB networks, but these are rarely reported. This manuscript summarizes the state-of-art of 16 active Italian MTBs, as it emerges from an online survey curated by Alliance Against Cancer (ACC).

Main text

Most MTBs (13/16) are exclusively supported through local Institutional grants and meet regularly. All but one adopts a fully virtual or a mixed face-to-face/virtual calling/attendance meeting model. It appears that the ACC MTB initiative is shaping a hub-and-spoke virtual MTB network reminiscent of non-redundant, cost-effective healthcare organization models. Unfortunately, public awareness of MTB opportunities presently remains insufficient. Only one center has a website. Dedicated e-mail addresses are for the exclusive use of the MTB staff. More than half of ACC members consider a miscellanea of most or all solid and hematological malignancies, and more than one-third consider neoplasms arising at any anatomical location. The average number of Staff Members in MTBs is 9. More than 10 staff members simultaneously attend MTB meetings in 13 MTBs. A medical oncologist is invariably present and is in charge of introducing the clinical case either with (45%) or without previous discussion in organ-specific multidisciplinary Boards. All but two MTBs take charge of not only patients with no standard-of-care (SoC) therapy option, but also cases receiving NGS profiling in SoC settings, implying a larger number of yearly cases. All MTBs run targeted NGS panels. Three run whole-exome and/or RNAseq approaches. ESCAT-ESMO and/or Onco-KB levels of evidence are similarly used for diagnostic reporting. Most MTBs (11) provide a written diagnostic report within 15 days. Conclusions are invariably communicated to the patient by the medical oncologist.

Conclusions

MTB networking is crucial not only for molecular diagnosis and therapy assignment, but also for healthcare governance. Survey results show that MTBs review therapeutic opportunities at the crossover between standard-of-care with off-label, the former task being much beyond their scope. Societal and scientific implications of this beyond-the-scope MTB function may be relevant for healthcare in Italy and abroad.
Characteristics and outcome of traumatic cardiac arrest at a level 1 trauma centre over 10 years in Sweden
Authors: Ohlén Daniel , Hedberg Magnus , Martinsson Paula , von Oelreich Erik , Djärv Therese , Jonsson Fagerlund Malin
Published: October 2022

Background

Historically, resuscitation in traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) has been deemed futile. However, recent literature reports improved but varying survival. Current European guidelines emphasise the addressing of reversible aetiologies in TCA and propose that a resuscitative thoracotomy may be performed within 15 min from last sign of life. To improve clinician understanding of which patients benefit from resuscitative efforts we aimed to describe the characteristics and 30-day survival for traumatic cardiac arrest at a Swedish trauma centre with a particular focus on resuscitative thoracotomy.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of adult patients (≥ 15 years) with TCA managed at Karolinska University Hospital Solna between 2011 and 2020. Trauma demographics, intra-arrest factors, lab values and procedures were compared between survivors and non-survivors.

Results

Among the 284 included patients the median age was 38 years, 82.2% were male and 60.5% were previously healthy. Blunt trauma was the dominant injury in 64.8% and median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 38. For patients with a documented arrest rhythm, asystole was recorded in 39.2%, pulseless electric activity in 24.8% and a shockable rhythm in 6.8%. Thirty patients (10.6%) survived to 30 days with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 3 (n = 23) or 4 (n = 7). The most common causes of death were haemorrhagic shock (50.0%) and traumatic brain injury (25.5%). Survivors had a lower ISS (P < 0.001), more often had reactive pupils (P < 0.001) and a shockable rhythm (P = 0.04). In the subset of prehospital TCA, survivors less frequently received adrenaline (epinephrine) (P < 0.001) and in lower amounts (P = 0.02). Of patients that underwent resuscitative thoracotomy (n = 101), survivors (n = 12) had a shorter median time from last sign of life to thoracotomy (P = 0.03), however in four of these survivors the time exceeded 15 min.

Conclusion

Survival after TCA is possible. Determining futility in TCA is difficult and this study demonstrates survivors outside of recent guidelines.
Delivery decision in pregnant women rescued by ECMO for severe ARDS: a retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Aissi James Sarah , Guervilly Christophe , Lesouhaitier Mathieu , Coppens Alexandre , Haddadi Clément , Lebreton Guillaume , Nizard Jacky , Brechot Nicolas , Assouline Benjamin , Saura Ouriel , Levy David , Lefèvre Lucie , Barhoum Pétra , Chommeloux Juliette , Hékimian Guillaume , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Kimmoun Antoine , Combes Alain , Schmidt Matthieu
Published: October 2022

Background

Although rarely addressed in the literature, a key question in the care of critically pregnant women with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), especially at the time of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) decision, is whether delivery might substantially improve the mother’s and child’s conditions. This multicenter, retrospective cohort aims to report maternal and fetal short- and long-term outcomes of pregnant women with ECMO-rescued severe ARDS according to the timing of the delivery decision taken before or after ECMO cannulation.

Methods

We included critically ill women with ongoing pregnancy or within 15 days after a maternal/child-rescue-aimed delivery supported by ECMO for a severe ARDS between October 2009 and August 2021 in four ECMO centers. Clinical characteristics, critical care management, complications, and hospital discharge status for both mothers and children were collected. Long-term outcomes and premature birth complications were assessed.

Results

Among 563 women on venovenous ECMO during the study period, 11 were cannulated during an ongoing pregnancy at a median (range) of 25 (21–29) gestational weeks, and 13 after an emergency delivery performed at 32 (17–39) weeks of gestation. Pre-ECMO PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 57 (26–98) and did not differ between the two groups. Patients on ECMO after delivery reported more major bleeding (46 vs. 18%, p = 0.05) than those with ongoing pregnancy. Overall, the maternal hospital survival was 88%, which was not different between the two groups. Four (36%) of pregnant women had a spontaneous expulsion on ECMO, and fetal survival was higher when ECMO was set after delivery (92% vs. 55%, p = 0.03). Among newborns alive, no severe preterm morbidity or long-term sequelae were reported.

Conclusion

Continuation of the pregnancy on ECMO support carries a significant risk of fetal death while improving prematurity-related morbidity in alive newborns with no difference in maternal outcomes. Decisions regarding timing, place, and mode of delivery should be taken and regularly (re)assess by a multidisciplinary team in experienced ECMO centers.
An engineered non-oxidative glycolytic bypass based on Calvin-cycle enzymes enables anaerobic co-fermentation of glucose and sorbitol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Aalst Aafke C. A. , Mans Robert , Pronk Jack T.
Published: October 2022

Background

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is intensively used for industrial ethanol production. Its native fermentation pathway enables a maximum product yield of 2 mol of ethanol per mole of glucose. Based on conservation laws, supply of additional electrons could support even higher ethanol yields. However, this option is disallowed by the configuration of the native yeast metabolic network. To explore metabolic engineering strategies for eliminating this constraint, we studied alcoholic fermentation of sorbitol. Sorbitol cannot be fermented anaerobically by S. cerevisiae because its oxidation to pyruvate via glycolysis yields one more NADH than conversion of glucose. To enable re-oxidation of this additional NADH by alcoholic fermentation, sorbitol metabolism was studied in S. cerevisiae strains that functionally express heterologous genes for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO) and phosphoribulokinase (PRK). Together with the yeast non-oxidative pentose-phosphate pathway, these Calvin-cycle enzymes enable a bypass of the oxidative reaction in yeast glycolysis.

Results

Consistent with earlier reports, overproduction of the native sorbitol transporter Hxt15 and the NAD+-dependent sorbitol dehydrogenase Sor2 enabled aerobic, but not anaerobic growth of S. cerevisiae on sorbitol. In anaerobic, slow-growing chemostat cultures on glucose–sorbitol mixtures, functional expression of PRK-RuBisCO pathway genes enabled a 12-fold higher rate of sorbitol co-consumption than observed in a sorbitol-consuming reference strain. Consistent with the high Km for CO2 of the bacterial RuBisCO that was introduced in the engineered yeast strains, sorbitol consumption and increased ethanol formation depended on enrichment of the inlet gas with CO2. Prolonged chemostat cultivation on glucose–sorbitol mixtures led to loss of sorbitol co-fermentation. Whole-genome resequencing after prolonged cultivation suggested a trade-off between glucose-utilization and efficient fermentation of sorbitol via the PRK-RuBisCO pathway.

Conclusions

Combination of the native sorbitol assimilation pathway of S. cerevisiae and an engineered PRK-RuBisCO pathway enabled RuBisCO-dependent, anaerobic co-fermentation of sorbitol and glucose. This study demonstrates the potential for increasing the flexibility of redox-cofactor metabolism in anaerobic S. cerevisiae cultures and, thereby, to extend substrate range and improve product yields in anaerobic yeast-based processes by enabling entry of additional electrons.
Scalable training of graph convolutional neural networks for fast and accurate predictions of HOMO-LUMO gap in molecules
Authors: Choi Jong Youl , Zhang Pei , Mehta Kshitij , Blanchard Andrew , Lupo Pasini Massimiliano
Published: October 2022

Graph Convolutional Neural Network (GCNN) is a popular class of deep learning (DL) models in material science to predict material properties from the graph representation of molecular structures. Training an accurate and comprehensive GCNN surrogate for molecular design requires large-scale graph datasets and is usually a time-consuming process. Recent advances in GPUs and distributed computing open a path to reduce the computational cost for GCNN training effectively. However, efficient utilization of high performance computing (HPC) resources for training requires simultaneously optimizing large-scale data management and scalable stochastic batched optimization techniques. In this work, we focus on building GCNN models on HPC systems to predict material properties of millions of molecules. We use HydraGNN, our in-house library for large-scale GCNN training, leveraging distributed data parallelism in PyTorch. We use ADIOS, a high-performance data management framework for efficient storage and reading of large molecular graph data. We perform parallel training on two open-source large-scale graph datasets to build a GCNN predictor for an important quantum property known as the HOMO-LUMO gap. We measure the scalability, accuracy, and convergence of our approach on two DOE supercomputers: the Summit supercomputer at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) and the Perlmutter system at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). We present our experimental results with HydraGNN showing (i) reduction of data loading time up to 4.2 times compared with a conventional method and (ii) linear scaling performance for training up to 1024 GPUs on both Summit and Perlmutter.
Protective effect of Secukinumab on severe sepsis model rats by neutralizing IL-17A to inhibit IKBα/NFκB inflammatory signal pathway
Authors: Wang Xingsheng , Zhang Xinxin , Sun Li , Gao Guangsheng , Li Yun
Published: October 2022

Secukinumab is a specific neutralizing antibody for IL-17A. At present, numerous studies have confirmed the important role of IL-17A in sepsis, but the role of secukinumab in sepsis has not been studied. The present study explored the protective effect and underlying mechanism of secukinumab in severe sepsis model rats. We established a severe sepsis rat model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The optimal dose of secukinumab was determined by observing the 7-day survival rate of severe sepsis model rats. The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A in plasma and lung tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of pathological damage to lung tissue was evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin (H–E) staining and pathological damage scale. The expressions of IKBα/NFκB pathway proteins and downstream-related inflammatory factors were detected by western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Our results show that high-dose secukinumab can inhibit the activation of the IKBα/NFκB inflammatory pathway by neutralizing IL-17A and reducing the gene expression of pathway-related inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue and plasma, thereby reducing the damage of lung tissue in severe sepsis model rats and improving the systemic inflammatory response.
Mining the microbiota to identify gut commensals modulating neuroinflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bianchimano Paola , Britton Graham J. , Wallach David S. , Smith Emma M. , Cox Laura M. , Liu Shirong , Iwanowski Kacper , Weiner Howard L. , Faith Jeremiah J. , Clemente Jose C. , Tankou Stephanie K.
Published: October 2022

Background

The gut microbiome plays an important role in autoimmunity including multiple sclerosis and its mouse model called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Prior studies have demonstrated that the multiple sclerosis gut microbiota can contribute to disease, hence making it a potential therapeutic target. In addition, antibiotic treatment has been shown to ameliorate disease in the EAE mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Yet, to this date, the mechanisms mediating these antibiotic effects are not understood. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the gut-derived bacterial strains that drive neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis.

Results

Here, we characterized the gut microbiome of untreated and vancomycin-treated EAE mice over time to identify bacteria with neuroimmunomodulatory potential. We observed alterations in the gut microbiota composition following EAE induction. We found that vancomycin treatment ameliorates EAE, and that this protective effect is mediated via the microbiota. Notably, we observed increased abundance of bacteria known to be strong inducers of regulatory T cells, including members of Clostridium clusters XIVa and XVIII in vancomycin-treated mice during the presymptomatic phase of EAE, as well as at disease peak. We identified 50 bacterial taxa that correlate with EAE severity. Interestingly, several of these taxa exist in the human gut, and some of them have been implicated in multiple sclerosis includingAnaerotruncus colihominis, a butyrate producer,which had a positive correlation with disease severity. We found thatAnaerotruncus colihominisameliorates EAE, and this is associated with induction of RORγt+regulatory T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes.

Conclusions

We identified vancomycin as a potent modulator of the gut-brain axis by promoting the proliferation of bacterial species that induce regulatory T cells. In addition, our findings reveal 50 gut commensals as regulator of the gut-brain axis that can be used to further characterize pathogenic and beneficial host-microbiota interactions in multiple sclerosis patients. Our findings suggest that elevatedAnaerotruncus colihominisin multiple sclerosis patients may represent a protective mechanism associated with recovery from the disease.
The organic residues of lining in transport vessels from the Red Sea coast of Eritrea: a further element to understand past commercial relations
Authors: Zerai Abraham , Guerrini Camilla , Łucejko Jeannette J. , Ribechini Erika , Piccirillo Anna , Massa Serena , Mandelli Chiara , Medin Tsegai , Re Alessandro , Lo Giudice Alessandro , Davit Patrizia , Gulmini Monica
Published: October 2022

The archaeological site of Adulis lays on the Red Sea Coast of Eritrea and during Late antiquity played a significant role in interregional commerce among the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean coasts. Contacts with the Eastern Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and the Sasanian world have been attested from different classes of pottery that were brought to light from on-going excavations at the site. Transport vessels have attracted particular attention as they testify the extent of trades and exchange networks. Transport vessels were coated by organic materials to seal porosity and make them suitable to transport different liquids and/or food. The characterisation of coating materials helped shedding light on their function, and support the attribution to different classes of transport vessels found in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea worlds. Here, the characterisation of the organic lining detected on a set of samples identified as Late Roman Amphora 1 is discussed. Results from the chemical analyses, performed preliminarily by FT-IR and then by GC–MS, revealed that bitumen was used for lining the jars, thus leading to set the classification of the amphorae within the wide class of the so- called Torpedo jars. By overcoming the question of typological complexity posed from macroscopic examination of the sherds, the chemical investigation contributed here crucial information for the interpretation of past trading in the Indian Ocean. The research gave clues to broaden the distribution of the Torpedo jars to Adulis, giving an unexpected insight into the trading routes of the past.
Potential of low-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage (LT-ATES) in Germany
Authors: Stemmle Ruben , Hammer Vanessa , Blum Philipp , Menberg Kathrin
Published: October 2022

More than 30% of Germany’s final energy consumption currently results from thermal energy for heating and cooling in the building sector. One possibility to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission savings in space heating and cooling is the application of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems. Hence, this study maps the spatial technical potential of shallow low-temperature ATES systems in Germany. Important criteria for efficient ATES operation considered in this assessment encompass suitable hydrogeological conditions, such as aquifer productivity and groundwater flow velocity, and balanced space heating and cooling demands. The latter is approximated by the ratio of heating and cooling degree days, which is incorporated as a time-dependent criterion to also evaluate the impact of climate change on the ATES potential. The hydrogeological and climatic criteria are combined within a spatial analysis revealing that, regarding the upcoming decades, about 54% of the investigated German area are very well or well suitable for ATES applications, largely concentrating on three regions: the North German Basin, the Upper Rhine Graben and the South German Molasse Basin. Considering time-dependent climatic conditions, the very well or well suitable areas will increase by 13% for the time period 2071–2100. This is mostly caused by a large relative area increase of the very well suitable regions due to an increasing cooling demand in the future. The sensitivity of the very well and well suitable regions to the criteria weightings is relatively low. Accounting for existing water protection zones shows a reduction of the country-wide share of very well or well suitable areas by around 11%. Nevertheless, the newly created potential map reveals a huge potential for shallow low-temperature ATES systems in Germany.
Molecular characteristics of humic substances from different origins and their effects on growth and metabolism of Pinus laricio callus
Authors: Muscolo A. , Sidari M. , Cozzolino V. , Nuzzo A. , Nardi S. , Piccolo A.
Published: October 2022

Humic susbtances (HS) are increasingly applied as biostimulants in agriculture, though their mechanism of action is not yet completely understood due to their complex and heterogeneous composition. Here, we isolated thirteen different humic and fulvic acids from different sources, such as soils, composts, peat, leonardite and lignite, and characterized the distribution of their carbon components by 13C-CPMAS–NMR spectroscopy. Callus of Pinus Laricio, as a model plant species, was treated with different humic extracts and its growth and content of carbohydrates, phenols, and enzyme related to the nitrogen metabolism (invertase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, phosphoenoly pyruvate carboxylase, malate dehydrogenase) and stress resistance (catalase) were monitored. While a multivariate statistical analysis of NMR results well-separated the HS characteristics based on their origin, humic materials generally increased callus growth, as expected, with largest effects being exerted by the mostly polar humic acids from composts. However, the rest of measured parameters were not linearly related to hydrophobicity and aromaticity of humic isolates as well as their origin, but their conformational dynamics had to be advocated to explain their effects on callus cellular components. This work confirms that HS of various origin can act as sustainable biostimulants of plant growth, though the comprehension of their effects on plants biochemical activities requires further research and additional understanding of their molecular composition and conformational behaviour.

Graphical Abstract
Anomalies of air pressure in Serbia as a result of the eruption of the volcano Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai in mid-January 2022
Authors: Burić Dragan , Mihajlović Jovan , Ducić Vladan
Published: October 2022

The aim of the study is to show the anomalies of air pressure registered at meteorological stations in Serbia during the passage of shock waves on January 15 and 16, 2022, as a result of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption. Based on the assumption that the atmosphere of our planet behaves like a fluid, such and many other disturbances can be detected in any part of the Earth. Calculations have shown that the great circle distance from Belgrade (the capital of Serbia) to Hunga Tonga is 16,952 km. It was further determined that during the passage of the shock waves of such a distant phenomenon in the Pacific, air pressure anomalies, which were not related to the existing synoptic situation (the synoptic situation was stable, the weather was completely clear), had occurred in Serbia. The first stronger eruption occurred at 04:00 UTC on January 15. After the first stronger eruption, the research showed that two main shock waves had been distinguished in Serbia: the first one was registered around 19:00 UTC on January 15, and the second one was registered around 00:00 UTC on January 16. In both cases, in the next 2–3 h (19–22 UTC and 00–02 UTC), barographs at meteorological stations in Serbia recorded a pronounced oscillation of air pressure in a synoptically stable atmosphere. Also, the first shock wave return was noticed on January 17, around 08:00 UTC. Based on the distance and time registration of the shock wave in the form of air pressure anomaly at selected meteorological stations in Serbia, the speed of the shock wave was mathematically determined to be approximately 1,130 km h–1, which is close to the speed of sound.
Influence of 3D models and animations on students in natural subjects
Authors: Teplá Milada , Teplý Pavel , Šmejkal Petr
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies comparing the effect of dynamic and static visualization suggest a predominantly positive effect of dynamic visualization. However, the results of individual comparisons are highly heterogeneous. In this study, we assess whether dynamic visualization (3D models and animations) used in the experimental group has a stronger positive influence on the intrinsic motivation and learning outcomes of science students (Biology, Chemistry and Geology) than static visualization used in the control group, and whether selected variables (students’ gender, age, educational level, learning domain, and teacher personality) significantly affect the results.

Results

This study was conducted in 2019 with a sample of 565 students from Czech middle (aged 11–15 years) and high (aged 15–19 years) schools using the following research tools: Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and knowledge tests. The results show that using 3D models and animations in the teaching process significantly increased the students’ intrinsic motivation for learning natural sciences (more specifically, its components (1) interest, (2) effort to actively participate in the educational process, (3) perceived competence and (4) understanding the usefulness of the subject matter), with a mean Hedges’ g = 0.38. In addition, students in the experimental group reached a significantly higher level of Chemistry knowledge than their peers in the control group. Furthermore, by moderator analysis, we identified three moderator variables, namely student age, instructional domain and teacher personality. These variables significantly affect intrinsic motivation in different ways. The strongest positive effect of dynamic visualizations was found among students aged 11–13, whereas the weakest positive effect was identified among students aged 14–16. Regarding instructional domain animations and 3D models, the strongest positive effect is found in Chemistry (g = 0.74) and Biology (g = 0.72), whereas the positive impact on Geology is significantly weaker (g = 0.45). Teacher personality was found to be a major moderator in student motivation, with significant differences (g = 0.40—1.24). Teachers’ attitude towards modern technology plays an important role concerning this effect.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we conclude that 3D models and animations have a positive effect on students and that teachers should include these visual aids in their lessons. For this reason, teachers are encouraged to implement these dynamic visual aids in their lessons regardless of their beliefs, and to get an adequate support in the process of implementation if necessary.
Monoclonal antibodies targeting small airways: a new perspective for biological therapies in severe asthma
Authors: Lombardi Carlo , Cottini Marcello , Berti Alvise , Comberiati Pasquale
Published: October 2022

Small airway dysfunction (SAD) in asthma is characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of airways with less of 2 mm in diameter between generations 8 and 23 of the bronchial tree. It is now widely accepted that small airways are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma and are a major determinant of airflow obstruction in this disease. 

In recent years, specialized tests have been developed, such as Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) and Multiple Breath Nitrogen Washout (MBNW) tests, which have been deemed more accurate in detecting SAD than conventional spirometry. Clinical studies show that SAD is associated with more severe bronchial hyperresponsiveness, worse asthma control, and a higher risk of exacerbations. Recent data from a large cohort study showed that the prevalence of SAD in asthma patients increases with asthma severity. Overall, SAD seems to represent a treatable trait, which makes it appealing for asthma control optimization and exacerbation rate reduction, especially in moderate-to-severe asthma.

Biologic agents are now available for the treatment of different severe asthma phenotypes and endotypes. However, the effect of these therapies on SAD remains poorly characterized. Literature showing that biologic agents can also favorably improve small airway function is accumulating. In particular, anti-IL5 agents (mepolizumab and benralizumab) seems to have a greater impact on SAD as compared to other biological agents, but direct comparisons in prospective randomized controlled trials are lacking.

In this mini-review article, we address the latest evidence on the effect of biological therapies on SAD in patients with severe asthma.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Oral health-related quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative analysis
Authors: Parsaei Amirhossein , Mehdipour Aida , Ghadimi Hamidreza , Mohammadi Kooshki Ashkan , Shajari Parisa , Masoumi Maryam , Torabi Pouya , Azizi Hossein , Amini Behnam , Karimi Hanie , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Aghaali Mohammad , Moradi Soroush
Published: October 2022

Background

Compared to the healthy population, the psychological impact of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) on patients' lives could dramatically lower their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Our goal is to analyze OHRQoL in RA patients and look into the role of disease activity, dental health index, and Temporomandibular disorders score in maintaining their oral health.

Methods

In a cross-sectional comparative study, we compared a sample of 40 RA patients with 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls in terms of oral health and OHRQoL. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), number of decayed, filled, or missing teeth (DMFT), and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) were among the oral health factors studied (OHIP-14). This study also looked at the link between the RA disease activity score (DAS28) and oral health factors.

Results

RA patients had a significantly higher mean (poorer OHRQol) than healthy controls in total oral function, total psychosocial impact, OHIP-14 sum score, OHIP-14 extent score, TMD score and the number of missed teeth (Mann–Whitney U test, P-value < 0.05). After adjustment for DMFT, only the oral function score of OHIP-14 had a significant correlation with disease activity (Mann–Whitney U test, P-value < 0.05). The TMD sum score significantly correlated with disease activity regardless of adjustment for DMFT (Spearman's Correlation test, P-value < 0.05 for both). The number of decayed teeth and missed teeth showed a positive correlation with increased disease activity (Coefficient = 0.239 and 0.245, P-value < 0.05 for both).

Conclusions

Patients with RA are less satisfied with their oral health than healthy controls. In RA patients, the number of missing teeth and temporomandibular disorders was substantially greater, and the number of missing teeth and temporomandibular diseases increased significantly with increased disease activity. Although OHRQoL was inversely connected with RA activity, after correcting for decaying, missing, and filled teeth, only the oral function score of OHIP-14 exhibited a slight connection to DAS28.
Using real mobility patterns to assess the impact of 100% electrified mobility in a German city
Authors: Klingert Sonja , Lee Jong-Won
Published: October 2022

Until now, individual motorized mobility has been almost exclusively powered by fossil energy sources. The battle against climate change, however, requires a transformation of the mobility system with the ultimate objective of a full electrification of transport. Ultimately, this will increase considerably the load on the distribution grid both in overall size and through temporarily and locally distributed charging. This paper explores the effects of an assumed full electrification of individual motorized transport on the power grid in a major German city using real traffic data collected from a German traffic panel and employing a microscopic and dynamic travel simulation with the Simulation of Urban MObility tool. The main finding of the traffic simulation is that the local and temporary impact on the distribution grid is very sensitive to the distribution of charging stations and their geographical aggregation in transformers. However, behavior change in the form of charging at different points in time and locations or using less power can alleviate local peaks, up to 50% in the simulated scenario. Therefore, this paper addresses the previously uncovered need for a more profound and realistic computation that includes all important aspects of a proper traffic simulation. It further extends the barely covered field of dynamic simulations that operate on real mobility data. With that, limitations arise from the process of transposing driving data into geographical data as it is very sensitive to underlying assumptions. However, we are convinced that the spatialization of charging stations and the randomization of trip assignments represent the most transparent and meaningful way of overcoming these limiting factors.
Sex differences in etiology and short-term outcome in young ischemic stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Weber Ralph , Winezki Evgenia , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Cueillette Melissa , Hajjar Karim , Yamac Elif , Veltkamp Roland , Chapot Rene
Published: October 2022

Background

Although there are well known sex differences in older patients with ischemic stroke receiving acute reperfusion treatments, there is paucity of data in younger patients.

Methods

We investigated sex-related differences in clinical presentation, stroke etiology and short-term outcomes in consecutive young patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) below the age of 50 years receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between January 2011 and May 2021 in a tertiary stroke center.

Results

We identified a total of 202 young ischemic stroke patients with MT, with 51% being female. Young female AIS patients were significantly younger (39 ± 8 vs. 43 ± 7 years, p < 0.001), and presented with a trend for more severe stroke on admission (median NIHSS 12 vs. 9, p = 0.065), compared to males, respectively. Young female AIS patients had higher rates of embolic strokes of determined or undetermined sources in the anterior circulation, while young male AIS patients suffered more often strokes of arterio-arterial embolism. Complete reperfusion (TICI score 3) was achieved significantly less often in young female AIS patients (69% vs. 83%, p = 0.006), and in-hospital mortality was 2-times higher (5% vs. 2%, p = 0.271) compared to males.

Conclusions

Young female AIS patients receiving MT have higher rates of severe embolic strokes and less often complete reperfusion due to different occlusion sites and stroke etiology compared to males.
Application of surrogate models to stability analysis and transition prediction in hypersonic flows
Authors: Nie Han , Song Wenping , Han Zhonghua , Tu Guohua , Chen Jianqiang
Published: October 2022

To increase the efficiency and robustness of stability-based transition prediction in flow simulations, simplified methods are introduced to substitute direct stability analyses for rapid disturbance growth prediction. For low-speed boundary layers, these methods are mainly established based on self-similar assumptions, which are not applicable to non-similar boundary layers in hypersonic flows. The objective of this article is to investigate the application of surrogate models to stability analysis of non-similar flows over blunt cones, focused on parameterization of boundary-layer (BL) profiles. Firstly, correlations between BL edge and profile parameters are analyzed, along with self-similar flow parameters and discrete points on BL profiles, which present four groups of BL characteristic parameters. Secondly, using these parameters as inputs, surrogate models are built for disturbance growth prediction over an MF-1 blunt cone. Results show that, surrogate models using four BL edge parameters and a BL shape factor {Ue, Te, ρe, ηe, H12} for stability analysis can achieve comparable accuracy with those using 16 discrete BL profile parameters, which are more precise than those using merely self-similar parameters or BL edge parameters. Thirdly, the established surrogate models are validated by stability analysis and transition prediction over the MF-1 blunt cone in flight experiments at the instants of t = 17 s ~ 22 s. Compared with direct linear stability analyses, the mean relative error of predicted disturbance growth rates by surrogate models is 8.0% and the maximum relative error of N factor envelopes is 6.6%, which indicates feasible applications of surrogate models to stability analysis and transition prediction of non-similar boundary layers in hypersonic flows.
Observable-specific phase biases of Wuhan multi-GNSS experiment analysis center’s rapid satellite products
Authors: Geng Jianghui , Zhang Qiyuan , Li Guangcai , Liu Jingnan , Liu Donglie
Published: October 2022

Precise Point Positioning (PPP) with Ambiguity Resolution (AR) is an important high-precision positioning technique that is gaining popularity in geodetic and geophysical applications. The implementation of PPP-AR requires precise products such as orbits, clocks, code, and phase biases. As one of the analysis centers of the International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service (IGS), the Wuhan University Multi-GNSS experiment (WUM) Analysis Center (AC) has provided multi-GNSS Observable-Specific Bias (OSB) products with the associated orbit and clock products. In this article, we first introduce the models and generation strategies of WUM rapid phase clock/bias products and orbit-related products (with a latency of less than 16 h). Then, we assess the performance of these products by comparing them with those of other ACs and by testing the PPP-AR positioning precision, using data from Day of the Year (DOY) 047 to DOY 078 in 2022. It is found that the peak-to-peak value of phase OSBs is within 2 ns, and their fluctuations are caused by the clock day boundary discontinuities. The associated Global Positioning System (GPS) orbits have the best consistency with European Space Agency (ESA) products, and those of other systems rank in the medium place. GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS) clocks show slightly inconsistency with other ACs’ due to the antenna thrust power adopted, while the phase clocks of other GNSSs show no distortion compared with legacy clocks. With well-estimated phase products for Precise Orbit Determination (POD), the intrinsic precision is improved by 14%, 17%, and 24% for GPS, Galileo navigation satellite system (Galileo), and BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), respectively. The root mean square of PPP-AR using our products in static mode with respect to IGS weekly solutions can reach 0.16 cm, 0.16 cm, and 0.44 cm in the east, north, and up directions, respectively. The multi-GNSS wide-lane ambiguity fixing rates are all above 90%, while the narrow-lane fixing rates above 80%. In conclusion, the phase OSB products at WUM have good precision and performance, which will benefit multi-GNSS PPP-AR and POD.