bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Co-Simulation Performance Evaluation of an Earth-to-Air Heat Exchanger System Integrated into a Smart Building
Authors: Kharbouch Abdelhak , Berrabah Soukayna , Bakhouya Mohamed , Gaber Jaafar , El Ouadghiri Driss , Idrissi Kaitouni Samir
Published: July 2022

Building models and their connected subsystems are often simulated as standalone entities. However, in order to monitor a system′s reactions to changing parameters and to assess its energy efficiency, it must be exposed to the actual dynamic context of the building under study. Hence, frameworks assessing co-operative simulation of buildings and their subsystems should be used. In this study, the Building Control Virtual Test Bed (BCVTB) framework was used for co-simulation of a small-scale building (EEBLab) connected to an Earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE). The EnergyPlus tool was used to simulate the indoor air temperature variations within the EEBLab, and MATLAB was used to model the EAHE system and to calculate its performance based on various parameters. The HOLSYS internet of things platform was deployed to monitor and collect the experimental data from the sensors to validate the simulations. A favorable agreement between the experimental and simulation results was obtained, showing the contribution of the small-scale EAHE system in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature range inside EEBLab. Moreover, it demonstrated the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach for integrated building co-simulation and performance evaluation.
Why Does Inflammation Result in Resorptive Bone Loss? What the Study of Burns Teaches Us
Authors: Klein Gordon
Published: July 2022

Burn injury serves as an example of a condition with a robust systemic inflammatory response. The elevation of circulating interleukins (IL)-1β and -6 in children and adolescents with severe burn injury upregulates the parathyroid calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), resulting in hypocalcemic hypoparathyroidism accompanied by urinary calcium wasting. This effect protects the body from the hypercalcemia that results from bone resorption, liberating calcium into the circulation. Extracellular calcium can exacerbate and prolong the inflammatory response by stimulating mononuclear cell chemokine production as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome of the innate immune system, resulting in increased IL-1 production by monocytes and macrophages. Interestingly, the CaSR upregulation in response to inflammatory cytokines disappears with age, potentially trapping calcium from bone resorption in the circulation, allowing it to contribute to increased inflammation and possibly increased calcium deposition in small arteries, such as the coronaries, as conditions with increased chronic inflammation, such as spinal cord injury, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis have an incidence of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery calcium deposition significantly higher than the unaffected age-matched population.
Temporary Stability Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Abies faxoniana-Dominated Communities in the Wanglang Nature Reserve
Authors: Kang Dongwei , Li Junqing
Published: July 2022

Specialized studies on the stability of Abies faxoniana (AF) communities are lacking. In order to fill this gap, a field survey of AF communities was conducted in the Wanglang Nature Reserve. Temporary stability is the possibility of the most dominant species to remain unchanged in a short period, reflecting the persistence of community stability to some extent. In this study, the temporary stability characteristics and influencing factors of the AF-dominated communities were analyzed. The results showed that the dominance of AF over the second dominant tree species became more pronounced as the temporary stability of the AF-dominated communities increased. Communities with the largest temporary stability value were dominated by AF alone. Furthermore, temporary stability had a significant linear positive relationship with the number of AF trees but not the AF size. There was no significant difference in the temporary stability between communities with and without large AF trees. It was concluded that with the increase in temporary stability, AF became more impossible to be replaced by other tree species in the short term, and the number of AF trees significantly affected the temporary stability of the AF-dominated communities. This study provides new insights into the stability characteristics of AF communities.
Comparison of Different Methods to Estimate Canopy Water Storage Capacity of Two Shrubs in the Semi-Arid Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Hu Caihong , Zhang Xueli , Ding Xinming , Yan Denghua , Jian Shengqi
Published: July 2022

The canopy water storage capacity of vegetation has great significance for the hydrological cycle. We used the Pereira regression analysis method, scale-up method, and simulated rainfall method to determine canopy water storage capacity from 2014 to 2018. The Pereira regression analysis was affected mainly by the seasonal variation in the leaf area index and the observation method of throughfall. The canopy water storage capacity was 0.68 mm and 0.72 mm for C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides, respectively. The canopy water storage capacity of C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides was 0.73 mm and 0.76 mm, respectively, using the scale-up method. The scale-up method showed that water storage capacity per area of the canopy components was in the order of branches (0.31 mm) > leaves (0.27 mm) > trunks (0.15 mm) for C. korshinskii, and trunks (0.33 mm) > branches (0.29 mm) > leaves (0.14 mm) for H. rhamnoides. We used eight simulated rainfall intensities to determine the canopy water storage capacity for C. korshinskii and H. rhamnoides, which was 0.63 mm and 0.59 mm, respectively.
Effect of Temperature and Fermentation Time on Fermentation Characteristics and Biogenic Amine Formation of Oat Silage
Authors: Jia Tingting , Yu Zhu
Published: July 2022

Temperature is known to have a clear influence on the formation of biogenic amines during fermentation. To improve the quality of oat silage, the impact of ensiling temperature on the fermentation, microbiological and chemical characteristics, as well as biogenic amines (BAs) was investigated. Vacuum bag mini silos of oat forage were incubated at four different temperature levels (10, 20, 30 and 37 °C) and opened on day 0, 1, 3, 7, 15 and 60. All oat silages were sampled to evaluate the fermentation quality and biogenic amine production. Results showed that putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine were the most prevalent biogenic amines in oat silage, representing approximately about 90% of the total biogenic amines (TBAs) investigated. Ensiling increased the β–phenylethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine and tyramine accumulation in oat silage at the four incubation temperatures. On day 60, the β–phenylethylamine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine and TBAs levels at a high temperature (37 °C) were significantly higher than those at a lower temperature (10, 20 and 30 °C); 10 °C fermentation increased the putrescine content in oat silage. A closed relationship between fermentation properties and BAs showed that the silages containing higher lactic acid, propionic acid and ammonia nitrogen and lower pH value had more BA content in oat silage. In conclusion, the ensiling process caused a significant increase in the amounts of BAs, except spermidine and spermine. The oat silage made in elevated temperature (30 and 37 °C) environments may accumulate more BAs than at a low temperature (10 °C), but low temperature (10 °C) fermentation may increase the putrescine levels in silage. The results suggested that ensiling at the proper temperature could retard BA formation and enhance the quality of oat silage.
Antifungal Agent Chitooligosaccharides Derived from Solid-State Fermentation of Shrimp Shell Waste by Pseudonocardia antitumoralis 18D36-A1
Authors: Widyastuti Widyastuti , Setiawan Fendi , Al Afandy Chasya , Irawan Arik , Laila Aspita , Juliasih Ni Luh Gede Ratna , Setiawan Wawan Abdullah , Arai Masayoshi , Hendri John , Setiawan Andi
Published: July 2022

Shrimp shell waste is a potential source of the biopolymer chitin. Through fermentation, chitin can be converted into its derivative products. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the products of the biodegradation of chitin from shrimp shell waste through a solid-state fermentation process using actinomycetes. Actinomycete isolates were obtained from tunicate marine biota collected from the waters of Buleleng, Bali, using a dilution technique on 1% chitin colloid agar medium. The isolated actinomycetes were cultivated on a shrimp shell waste medium for 7 days, and then the products of the biodegradation of the oligomers were extracted using water. The extracts of the biodegradation products of the shrimp shells were isolated through several chromatographic steps and analyzed using LC–MS–MS, and the bioactivity of the biodegradation products against fungi was tested. The morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate 18D36-A1 was a rare actinomycete with the proposed name Pseudonocardia antitumoralis 18D36-A1. The results of the analysis using TLC showed that the solid-state fermented water isolate 18D36-A1 produced several oligomeric components. These results indicate that the isolate 18D36-A1 was able to convert chitin into chitooligosaccharides. Further isolation of the extract produced the active fraction D36A1C38, which can inhibit the growth of fungi by 74% at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. This initial information is very important for further studies related to the development of a solid-state fermentation process for obtaining bioactive compounds from shrimp shell waste.
Addition of Conductive Materials to Support Syntrophic Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: König Roger , Cuomo Maurizio , Pianta Elisa , Buetti Antoine , Mauri Federica , Tanadini Matteo , Principi Pamela
Published: July 2022

Syntrophy and interspecies electron transfer among different microbial groups occurs in anaerobic digestion, and many papers recently reported their positive effect on biogas and methane production. In this paper, we present the results on the effect of conductive material, i.e., graphene, PAC and biochar addition in 3.5 L batch experiments, analyzing the biogas production curve. A peculiar curve pattern occurred in the presence of conductive materials. Compared to the respective controls, the addition of graphene produced a biogas surplus of 33%, PAC 20% and biochar 8%. Microbial community molecular analysis showed that syntrophic microorganisms present in the inoculum were stimulated by the conductive material addition. Graphene also appears to promote an interspecies electron transfer between Geobacter sp. and ca. Methanofastidiosum. This paper contributes to the understanding of the DIET-related microbial community dynamic in the presence of graphene and PAC, which could be exploited to optimize biogas and methane production in real-scale applications.
Integrated Fertilization with Bagasse Vermicompost Changes the Microbiome of Mencía Must and Wine
Authors: Rosado Daniela , Lores Marta , Ramos-Tapia Ignacio , Crandall Keith A. , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Domínguez Jorge
Published: July 2022

Winemaking is a well-known process that includes several steps in the production of grape must and wine. Grape marc, or bagasse, is a byproduct of wine production that can be vermicomposted and used as organic fertilizer. Grape marc vermicompost has microbial communities that are richer and more stable than grape marc alone, and its addition to a vineyard’s terroir can improve grape yields and wine quality. Here we compare the must and wine microbiota of Mencía from grapevines treated with and without (standard fertilization) vermicompost derived from Mencía grape marc. Mencía is a high-quality red wine broadly grown in Galicia, Spain, and is appreciated for its fresh acidity and fruity flavors. When Mencía grapevines are treated with vermicompost derived from its grape marc, Mencía vines increase their grape production, and the final wine improves its organoleptic properties. Metataxonomic analyses of the bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS gene regions showed that Mencía must and wine have the distinct taxonomic composition (phyla, genera and ASVs—amplicon sequence variants) of bacterial and fungal groups. Must and wine bacteriotas and mycobiotas show no significant variation in alpha-diversity, while wine bacteriotas and mycobiotas show significant differences in microbial structure (beta-diversity) between treated and control grapevines. Likewise, the functional diversity and predicted metabolic pathways (biosynthesis, degradation/utilization/assimilation, generation of precursor metabolites and energy, macromolecule modification and superpathways) of the must and wine microbiota also show significant changes. Our study proposes that changes in the abundance of microbial taxa and the metabolic processes they undergo during winemaking may improve Mencía’s organoleptic properties and productivity.
A New Scheme for Detecting Malicious Nodes in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks Based on Monitoring Node Behavior
Authors: Alkhalidy Muhsen , Al-Serhan Atalla Fahed , Alsarhan Ayoub , Igried Bashar
Published: July 2022

Vehicular ad hoc networks have played a key role in intelligent transportation systems that considerably improve road safety and management. This new technology allows vehicles to communicate and share road information. However, malicious users may inject false emergency alerts into vehicular ad hoc networks, preventing nodes from accessing accurate road information. In order to assure the reliability and trustworthiness of information through the networks, assessing the credibility of nodes has become a critical task in vehicular ad hoc networks. A new scheme for malicious node detection is proposed in this work. Multiple factors are fed into a fuzzy logic model for evaluating the trust for each node. Vehicles are divided into clusters in our approach, and a road side unit manages each cluster. The road side unit assesses the credibility of nodes before accessing vehicular ad hoc networks. The road side unit evicts a malicious node based on trust value. Simulations are used to validate our technique. We demonstrate that our scheme can detect and evict all malicious nodes in the vehicular ad hoc network over time, lowering the ratio of malicious nodes. Furthermore, it has a positive impact on selfish node participation. The scheme increases the success rate of delivered data to the same level as the ideal cases when no selfish node is present.
Analysis and Visualization of New Energy Vehicle Battery Data
Authors: Ren Wenbo , Bian Xinran , Gong Jiayuan , Chen Anqing , Li Ming , Xia Zhuofei , Wang Jingnan
Published: July 2022

In order to safely and efficiently use their power as well as to extend the life of Li-ion batteries, it is important to accurately analyze original battery data and quickly predict SOC. However, today, most of them are analyzed directly for SOC, and the analysis of the original battery data and how to obtain the factors affecting SOC are still lacking. Based on this, this paper uses the visualization method to preprocess, clean, and parse collected original battery data (hexadecimal), followed by visualization and analysis of the parsed data, and finally the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm is used to predict the SOC. Through experiments, the method can completely analyze the hexadecimal battery data based on the GB/T32960 standard, including three different types of messages: vehicle login, real-time information reporting, and vehicle logout. At the same time, the visualization method is used to intuitively and concisely analyze the factors affecting SOC. Additionally, the KNN algorithm is utilized to identify the K value and P value using dynamic parameters, and the resulting mean square error (MSE) and test score are 0.625 and 0.998, respectively. Through the overall experimental process, this method can well analyze the battery data from the source, visually analyze various factors and predict SOC.
Effects of Different Amounts of Corn Silk Polysaccharide on the Structure and Function of Peanut Protein Isolate Glycosylation Products
Authors: Han Xinxin , Zhao Yilin , Mao Sining , Hu Nannan , Sun Dijing , Yang Qi , Chu Zejun , Zheng Qihang , Xiu Lin , Liu Jingsheng
Published: July 2022

Covalent complexes of peanut protein isolate (PPI) and corn silk polysaccharide (CSP) (PPI-CSP) were prepared using an ultrasonic-assisted moist heat method to improve the functional properties of peanut protein isolate. The properties of the complexes were affected by the level of corn silk polysaccharide. By increasing the polysaccharide addition, the grafting degree first increased, and then tended to be flat (the highest was 38.85%); the foaming, foam stability, and solubility were also significantly improved. In a neutral buffer, the solubility of the sample with a protein/polysaccharide ratio of 2:1 was 73.69%, which was 1.61 times higher than that of PPI. As compared with PPI, the complexes had higher thermal stability and lower surface hydrophobicity. High addition of CSP could made the secondary structure of PPI change from ordered α-helix to disordered β-sheet, β-turn, and random coil structure, and the complex conformation become more flexible and loose. The results of multiple light scattering showed that the composite solution exhibited high stability, which could be beneficial to industrial processing, storage, and transportation. Therefore, the functional properties of peanut protein isolate glycosylation products could be regulated by controlling the amount of polysaccharide added.
Non-Commercial Grapevines Hybrids Fruits as a Novel Food of High Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Olędzki Remigiusz , Lutosławski Krzysztof , Nowicka Paulina , Wojdyło Aneta , Harasym Joanna
Published: July 2022

Non-commercial hybrid grapevine cultivars, usually used for dessert purposes or as ornamental garden plants, may contain a wealth of bioactive substances and thus can be regarded as highly valuable food resources. Antioxidant properties and selected groups of polyphenolic components in the three fractions of fruits: peel, pulp and juice; of five hybrid grape cultivars grown in Poland—Michigan, Alwood, Minnesota, V68021 and Beta—were analyzed and characterized. The liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-PDA-Q/TOF and UPLC-PDA), total polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, and DPPH, ABTS and FRAP were used for evaluation of antioxidant potential qualitatively and quantitatively as well as simple reductive sugars were measured. The antioxidant activity and polyphenols content depend mainly on the grape fruit fraction, while they depend to a lesser extent on the cultivar of the hybrid grapes studied. It was confirmed that grape skins are characterized by high antioxidant activity and their bioactive characteristics are similar to many hybrid grape cultivars grown in southern and Mediterranean regions of Europe. Especially grape skins of Alwood and Beta cultivars were characterized by a particularly high content of polyphenolic compounds, mainly from the flavonoid and anthocyanin group and a low content of simple sugars.
Quality Evaluation of the Oil of Camellia spp.
Authors: Yu Jing , Yan Heqin , Wu Yougen , Wang Yong , Xia Pengguo
Published: July 2022

The oil of Camellia spp. has become a well-known high-quality edible oil because of its rich nutrition. It is of great significance to breed fine varieties of Camellia spp. for the sustainable growth of the Camellia spp. industry. This study mainly evaluated the quality and antioxidant capacity of the camellia seed from several sources. The fatty acid composition and main active components of 40 kinds of C. oleifera, C. vietnamensis, C. osmantha, and C. gigantocarpa seeds, and so on, from different regions, were tested using GC–MS and HPLC. The quality of different Camellia spp. germplasm resources was comprehensively evaluated using multiple indices. The unsaturated fatty acid content and the antioxidant capacity of C. vietnamensis from Hainan were higher than those of C. oleifera Abel. In addition, there were a few differences in the fatty acid compositions of Camellia spp. oil from different species. Correlation analysis confirmed that rutin, total saponin, total flavonoids, squalene, and vitamin E were strongly correlated to the antioxidant capacity of Camellia spp. In the comprehensive evaluation, the best quality and strongest antioxidant activity were found for Chengmai Dafeng (C. vietnamensis). These methods in the study were applied for the first time for the quality evaluation of the Camellia spp. species. This study provided new insights into the quality evaluation of the Camellia spp. species, thus facilitating further development of variety breeding along with quality evaluation.
Determination of 14 Isoflavone Isomers in Natto by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Antioxidation and Antiglycation Profiles
Authors: Xiang Aoli , Wang Jingyi , Xie Bijun , Hu Kai , Chen Mengting , Sun Zhida
Published: July 2022

Natto is a famous traditional fermented food, but the influence of the fermentation process on the content and composition of soybean isoflavones and nutritional value is still unclear. In the present study, the variation in soybean isoflavones during fermentation by Bacillus subtilis natto was revealed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS (Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry) analysis. After 24 h of fermentation, the total isoflavone content in natto increased by 1.62 times compared with fresh soybean, and the content of aglycones was 3.07 times that of raw beans. More importantly, among 14 isoflavone isomers identified in natto, the isomers of daidzin, genistin, and succinyl genistin were detected for the first time, which might be due to the result of isomerase and succinylase and other corresponding enzymes’ action in Bacillus subtilis. In addition, natto isoflavones performed great antioxidant activity than its monomer components (glycosides daidzin and genistin, aglycones genistein and daidzein), except for genistein. Moreover, natto isoflavone and its aglycones (especially genistein) performed great inhibitory activity against AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) in three in vitro models. The mechanism test showed that genistein could form adducts (UPLC-Q-TOF-ESI-MS/MS analysis) with methylglyoxal. These findings demonstrated that soybean fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto had a significant influence on the isoflavone profiles and its bioactivity.
CRISPR DNA Base Editing Strategies for Treating Retinitis Pigmentosa Caused by Mutations in Rhodopsin
Authors: Kaukonen Maria , McClements Michelle E. , MacLaren Robert E.
Published: July 2022

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common group of inherited retinal degenerations and pathogenic variants in the Rhodopsin (RHO) gene are major cause for autosomal dominant RP (adRP). Despite extensive attempts to treat RHO-associated adRP, standardized curative treatment is still lacking. Recently developed base editors offer an exciting opportunity to correct pathogenic single nucleotide variants and are currently able to correct all transition variants and some transversion variants. In this study, we analyzed previously reported pathogenic RHO variants (n = 247) for suitable PAM sites for currently available base editors utilizing the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9), Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) or the KKH variant of SaCas9 (KKH-SaCas9) to assess DNA base editing as a treatment option for RHO-associated adRP. As a result, 55% of all the analyzed variants could, in theory, be corrected with base editors, however, PAM sites were available for only 32% of them and unwanted bystander edits were predicted for the majority of the designed guide RNAs. As a conclusion, base editing offers exciting possibilities to treat RHO-associated adRP in the future, but further research is needed to develop base editing constructs that will provide available PAM sites for more variants and that will not introduce potentially harmful bystander edits.
MicroRNA and MicroRNA-Target Variants Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Related Disorders
Authors: Wong Anthony , Zhou Anbo , Cao Xiaolong , Mahaganapathy Vaidhyanathan , Azaro Marco , Gwin Christine , Wilson Sherri , Buyske Steven , Bartlett Christopher W. , Flax Judy F. , Brzustowicz Linda M. , Xing Jinchuan
Published: July 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex and heterogeneous genetic etiology. MicroRNA (miRNA), a class of small non-coding RNAs, could regulate ASD risk genes post-transcriptionally and affect broad molecular pathways related to ASD and associated disorders. Using whole-genome sequencing, we analyzed 272 samples in 73 families in the New Jersey Language and Autism Genetics Study (NJLAGS) cohort. Families with at least one ASD patient were recruited and were further assessed for language impairment, reading impairment, and other associated phenotypes. A total of 5104 miRNA variants and 1,181,148 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) variants were identified in the dataset. After applying several filtering criteria, including population allele frequency, brain expression, miRNA functional regions, and inheritance patterns, we identified high-confidence variants in five brain-expressed miRNAs (targeting 326 genes) and 3′ UTR miRNA target regions of 152 genes. Some genes, such as SCP2 and UCGC, were identified in multiple families. Using Gene Ontology overrepresentation analysis and protein–protein interaction network analysis, we identified clusters of genes and pathways that are important for neurodevelopment. The miRNAs and miRNA target genes identified in this study are potentially involved in neurodevelopmental disorders and should be considered for further functional studies.
Weighted Single-Step GWAS Identifies Genes Influencing Fillet Color in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Ahmed Ridwan , Ali Ali , Al-Tobasei Rafet , Leeds Tim , Kenney Brett , Salem Mohamed
Published: July 2022

The visual appearance of the fish fillet is a significant determinant of consumers’ purchase decisions. Depending on the rainbow trout diet, a uniform bright white or reddish/pink fillet color is desirable. Factors affecting fillet color are complex, ranging from the ability of live fish to accumulate carotenoids in the muscle to preharvest environmental conditions, early postmortem muscle metabolism, and storage conditions. Identifying genetic markers of fillet color is a desirable goal but a challenging task for the aquaculture industry. This study used weighted, single-step GWAS to explore the genetic basis of fillet color variation in rainbow trout. We identified several SNP windows explaining up to 3.5%, 2.5%, and 1.6% of the additive genetic variance for fillet redness, yellowness, and whiteness, respectively. SNPs are located within genes implicated in carotenoid metabolism (β,β-carotene 15,15′-dioxygenase, retinol dehydrogenase) and myoglobin homeostasis (ATP synthase subunit β, mitochondrial (ATP5F1B)). These genes are involved in processes that influence muscle pigmentation and postmortem flesh coloration. Other identified genes are involved in the maintenance of muscle structural integrity (kelch protein 41b (klh41b), collagen α-1(XXVIII) chain (COL28A1), and cathepsin K (CTSK)) and protection against lipid oxidation (peroxiredoxin, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), sestrin-1, Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-10 (USP10)). A-to-G single-nucleotide polymorphism in β,β-carotene 15,15′-dioxygenase, and USP10 result in isoleucine-to-valine and proline-to-leucine non-synonymous amino acid substitutions, respectively. Our observation confirms that fillet color is a complex trait regulated by many genes involved in carotenoid metabolism, myoglobin homeostasis, protection against lipid oxidation, and maintenance of muscle structural integrity. The significant SNPs identified in this study could be prioritized via genomic selection in breeding programs to improve fillet color in rainbow trout.
Are Pain Polymorphisms Associated with the Risk and Phenotype of Post-COVID Pain in Previously Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors?
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Giordano Rocco , Díaz-Gil Gema , Gil-Crujera Antonio , Gómez-Sánchez Stella M. , Ambite-Quesada Silvia , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: July 2022

Objective: To investigate the association of different, selected pain polymorphisms with the presence of de novo long-COVID pain symptoms and to analyze the association between these polymorphisms with clinical, sensory-related, cognitive and psychological variables in COVID-19 survivors. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-three (n = 293, 49.5% female, mean age: 55.6 ± 12.9 years) previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors participated. Three genotypes of the following single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained from non-stimulated saliva: OPRM1 (rs1799971), COMT (rs4680), BDNF (rs6265), and HTR1B (rs6296) by polymerase chain reactions in all participants. Further, clinical (intensity/duration of pain), sensory-related (sensitization-associated symptoms, neuropathic pain features), psychological (anxiety or depressive levels, sleep quality), and cognitive (catastrophizing, kinesiophobia) variables were collected in those COVID-19 survivors suffering from post-COVID pain. Analyses were carried out to associate clinical features with genotype. Results: Participants were assessed 17.8 ± 5.2 months after hospitalization. One hundred and seventeen (39.9%) experienced post-COVID pain (particularly of musculoskeletal origin). The distributions of the genotype variants of any SNP were not significantly different between COVID-19 survivors with and without long-term post-COVID pain (all, p > 0.178). No differences in sensitization-associated symptoms, neuropathic pain features, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia levels, anxiety and depressive levels or sleep quality according to the genotype variant in any SNPs were found. No effect of gender was identified. Conclusion: The four SNPs generally associated with pain did not appear to predispose to the development of de novo long-COVID pain symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. The SNPs were not involved in the phenotypic features of post-COVID pain either.
Cataract Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from a Greek Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Tsironi Sevasti , Kavvadas Dimitrios , Delis Georgios , Bekiaridou Alexandra , Kapourani Viktoria , Loizou Fragkeskos , Apostolidou Panagiota-Sofia , Misiou Konstantina , Theofrastou Efstratios , Panakleridou Thaleia , Psimenidou Eleni , Sarafi Anastasia , Fadel Elie , Karachrysafi Sofia
Published: July 2022

Background: COVID-19 has affected everyday clinical practice, having an impact on the quality of healthcare provided, even in eye clinic departments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the consequences of this worldwide pandemic on cataract surgery in a Greek tertiary university hospital. Methods: A total of 805 patients were included in this study. The number of cataract surgeries (CS), the type, the unilateral or bilateral appearance as well as the stage of cataract were recorded for the months between January and June 2019 (pre-COVID period) and compared with the same period in 2021 (during the pandemic outbreak) in the Department of Ophthalmology of Thessaloniki General Hospital G. Papanikolaou. Results: A significant reduction in the number of CS as well as a significant increase in advanced and/or bilateral cataracts in 2021 compared to the pre-COVID period were observed. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected equally the value of ophthalmic interventions as well as the patients’ quality of life, being a powerful reminder of the significant physical and psychological benefits of CS, especially for older adults and patients with comorbidities.
A Challenging Diagnosis of Unroofed Coronary Sinus, Myxoma and Left Atrial Aneurysm
Authors: Dokollari Aleksander , Cameli Matteo , Maccherini Massimo , Veshti Altin , Kafazi Haxhire , Bonacchi Massimo
Published: July 2022

An unroofed coronary sinus is a malformation that leads to a shunt between the coronary sinus and the left atrium. In our case, the shunt led to the formation of a gigantic left atrial aneurysm compressing the left atrium on transesophageal echocardiography. During surgery, a myxoma was incidentally discovered.
Effects of Supplemental UV-A LEDs on the Nutritional Quality of Lettuce: Accumulation of Protein and Other Essential Nutrients
Authors: Lee Myungjin , Kim Jungkwun , Oh Myung-Min , Lee Jin-Hui , Rajashekar Channa B.
Published: July 2022

Light plays an important role in influencing the nutritional quality of food crops, especially with regard to the health-promoting phytochemicals. However, its role in affecting the nutritional quality with regard to the essential nutrients is not well understood. In this study, the effects of preharvest UV-A treatment on the nutritional quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv. red-leaf ‘New Red Fire’ and green-leaf ‘Two Star’) in relation to the essential nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals were explored. Lettuce plants were grown in a growth chamber and were subjected to supplemental UV-A LEDs (peak wavelength 375 nm) for a brief period (3–6 days) prior to harvest. UV-A LEDs were equipped with lenses to control the light dispersion. Many growth indices such as shoot fresh mass, leaf area, and leaf number were unaffected by supplemental UV-A in both varieties while shoot dry mass decreased in response to a 6-day UV-A treatment compared to the control. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations increased significantly in green-leaf lettuce after 3 or 6 days of UV-A treatment, but only after 3 days of UV-A treatment in red-leaf lettuce compared to the control. Leaf protein concentration increased significantly in both lettuce varieties along with a number of essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, and sulfur in response to supplemental UV-A. Supplemental UV-A increased the accumulation of protein by approximately 48% in green-leaf lettuce and 31% in red-leaf lettuce compared to the control plants. Moreover, in addition to the above essential nutrients, green-leaf lettuce accumulated higher amounts of magnesium, copper, and zinc compared to the control plants, indicating that green-leaf lettuce was more responsive to preharvest supplemental UV-A treatment than red-leaf lettuce. However, the accumulation of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in both varieties was lower under supplemental UV-A. Furthermore, the use of LED lenses did not have a consistent impact on most of the plant responses studied. Overall, the results indicate that a brief preharvest exposure of both red- and green-leaf lettuce varieties to UV-A increased their nutritional quality by enhancing the accumulation of protein and other major essential nutrients.
Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Congenital Choanal Atresia: Predictive Factors of Surgical Stability and Healing Outcomes
Authors: Ferlito Salvatore , Maniaci Antonino , Dragonetti Alberto Giulio , Cocuzza Salvatore , Lechien Jerome Rene , Calvo-Henríquez Christian , Maza-Solano Juan , Locatello Luca Giovanni , Caruso Sebastiano , Nocera Francesco , Achena Andrea , Mevio Niccolò , Mantini Gabriella , Ormellese Giorgio , Placentino Angelo , La Mantia Ignazio
Published: July 2022

Background: To assess the long-term outcomes and independent predictors of surgical success of a one-stage minimally invasive surgical procedure for congenital choanal atresia (C.C.A.). Methods: a retrospective multicentric study was conducted between 2010 and 2022. An endonasal endoscopic approach was performed in 38 unilateral or bilateral C.C.A. children. All the patients were clinically and radiologically assessed and followed for at least 2 years. Seven outcome measures were applied. Consequently, surgical success was correlated with all the independent variables reported. Results: 18/38 (47.36%) patients presented normal postoperative healing, 8/38 (21.05) had moderate restenosis (<50%), while 12/38 (31.57%) cases were severe (>50%), requiring a surgical revision. No statistical significance was found for average hospital stay between stenosis >50% and <50% patients (p = 0.802) and postoperative pain (p = 0.075); instead, the severe restenosis group demonstrated a higher delay of breast suction (p < 0.001). Among the independent variables predictors of surgical success, the presence of Charge syndrome and rhinopharyngeal stenosis demonstrated higher risks for surgical revision (OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 0.57–28.01, and OR: 2.75, 95% CI: 0.55–13.69, respectively). On the contrary, the hypoplastic inferior turbinate and bilateral C.C.A. showed a lower risk for severe restenosis by a higher endoscopic surgical space and creating a single larger opening (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.22–3.52, and OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.10–2.08). Conclusion: Several independent variables could influence the surgical success after C.C.A. endoscopic repair; however, more high-quality evidence is needed to generate an effective predictive model.
Multimorbidity and Complex Multimorbidity in India: Findings from the 2017–2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI)
Authors: Sinha Abhinav , Kerketta Sushmita , Ghosal Shishirendu , Kanungo Srikanta , Lee John Tayu , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: July 2022

Complex multimorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of three or more chronic illnesses across >2 body systems, which may identify persons in need of additional medical support and treatment. There is a scarcity of evidence on the differences in patient outcomes between non-complex (≥2 conditions) and complex multimorbidity groups. We evaluated the prevalence and patient outcomes of complex multimorbidity and compared them to non-complex multimorbidity. We included 30,489 multimorbid individuals aged ≥45 years from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) from wave-1 conducted in 2017–2018. We employed a log link in generalised linear models (GLM) to identify possible risk factors presenting the adjusted prevalence–risk ratio (APRR) and adjusted prevalence–risk difference (APRD) with 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of complex multimorbidity was 34.5% among multimorbid individuals. Participants residing in urban areas [APRR: 1.10 (1.02, 1.20)], [APRD: 0.04 (0.006, 0.07)] were more likely to report complex multimorbidity. Participants with complex multimorbidity availed significantly higher inpatient department services and had higher expenditure as compared to the non-complex multimorbidity group. Our findings have major implications for healthcare systems in terms of meeting the requirements of people with complicated multimorbidity, as they have significantly higher inpatient health service utilisation, higher medical costs, and poorer self-rated health.
Pollen Exposure and Cardiopulmonary Health Impacts in Adelaide, South Australia
Authors: Nitschke Monika , Simon David , Dear Keith , Venugopal Kamalesh , Jersmann Hubertus , Lyne Katrina
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Limited research has suggested that cardiopulmonary health outcomes should be considered in relation to pollen exposure. This study sets out to test the relationship between pollen types (grasses, trees, weeds) and cardiovascular, lower respiratory and COPD health outcomes using 15 years (2003–2017) of data gathered in Adelaide, South Australia; (2) Methods: A time-series analysis by months was conducted using cardiopulmonary data from hospital admissions, emergency presentations and ambulance callouts in relation to daily pollen concentrations in children (0–17) for lower respiratory outcomes and for adults (18+). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated over lags from 0 to 7 days; (3) Results: IRR increases in cardiovascular outcomes in March, May, and October were related to grass pollen, while increases in July, November, and December were related to tree pollen. IRRs ranged from IRR 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.10) to 1.25 (95% CI 1.12–1.40). COPD increases related to grass pollen occurred only in May. Pollen-related increases were observed for lower respiratory outcomes in adults and in children; (4) Conclusion: Notable increases in pollen-related associations with cardiopulmonary outcomes were not restricted to any one season. Prevention measures for pollen-related health effects should be widened to consider cardiopulmonary outcomes.
Association between Pre-Pregnancy Overweightness/Obesity and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Szu-Ting , Liu Chia-Hao , Ma Sheng-Hsiang , Chang Wen-Hsun , Chen Yi-Jen , Lee Wen-Ling , Wang Peng-Hui
Published: July 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic problem in women of reproductive age. Evidence suggests pregnant women with PCOS may have a higher risk of the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, the relationship between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS remains uncertain. We try to clarify the relationship between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis. We used the databases obtained from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, plus hand-searching, to examine the association between pre-pregnancy overweightness/obesity and pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS from inception to 4 February 2022. A total of 16 cohort studies, including 14 retrospective cohort studies (n = 10,496) and another two prospective cohort studies (n = 818), contributed to a total of 11,314 women for analysis. The meta-analysis showed significantly increased odds of miscarriage rate in PCOS women whose pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is above overweight (OR 1.71 [95% CI 1.38–2.11]) or obese (OR 2.00 [95% CI 1.38–2.90]) under a random effect model. The tests for subgroup difference indicated the increased risk was consistent, regardless which body mass index cut-off for overweight (24 or 25 kg/m2) or obesity (28 and 30 kg/m2) was used. With the same strategies, we found that pregnant women in the control group significantly increased live birth rate compared with those pregnant women with PCOS as well as pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.71–0.89], OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.67–0.91]). By contrast, we did not find any association between PCOS women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and preterm birth. Based on the aforementioned findings, the main critical factor contributing to a worse pregnancy outcome may be an early fetal loss in these PCOS women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity. Since PCOS women with pre-pregnancy overweightness/obesity were associated with worse pregnancy outcomes, we supposed that weight reduction before attempting pregnancy in the PCOS women with pre-pregnancy overweightness/obesity may improve the subsequent pregnancy outcomes.
Adequacy of an Altitude Fitness Program (Living and Training) plus Intermittent Exposure to Hypoxia for Improving Hematological Biomarkers and Sports Performance of Elite Athletes: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Santamaría Gema , Gutiérrez-Abejón Eduardo , Domínguez-Ortega Carlos , García-Lázaro Sandra María , Seco-Calvo Jesús
Published: July 2022

Athletes incorporate altitude training programs into their conventional training to improve their performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week altitude training program that was supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training (IHE) on the blood biomarkers, sports performance, and safety profiles of elite athletes. In a single-blind randomized clinical trial that followed the CONSORT recommendations, 24 male athletes were randomized to an IHE group (HA, n = 12) or an intermittent normoxia group (NA, n = 12). The IHE consisted of 5-min cycles of hypoxia–normoxia with an FIO2 of between 10–13% for 90 min every day for 8 weeks. Hematological (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, hematocrit, reticulated hemoglobin, reticulocytes, and erythropoietin), immunological (leukocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes), and renal (urea, creatinine, glomerular filtrate, and total protein) biomarkers were assessed at the baseline (T1), day 28 (T2), and day 56 (T3). Sports performance was evaluated at T1 and T3 by measuring quadriceps strength and using three-time trials over the distances of 60, 400, and 1000 m on an athletics track. Statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in erythropoietin, reticulocytes, hemoglobin, and reticulocyte hemoglobin were observed in the HA group at T3 with respect to T1 and the NA group. In addition, statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were achieved in all performance tests. No variations were observed in the immunological or renal biomarkers. The athletes who were living and training at 1065 m and were supplemented with IHE produced significant improvements in their hematological behavior and sports performance with optimal safety profiles.
Mental Illness and Work-Related Limitations in Healthcare Workers: A Preliminary Retrospective Study
Authors: Gostoli Sara , Nicolucci Laura , Malaguti Carlotta , Patierno Chiara , Carrozzino Danilo , Balducci Cristian , Zaniboni Sara , Lodi Vittorio , Petio Carmine , Rafanelli Chiara
Published: July 2022

This retrospective observational study investigated hospital staff requests for job fitness visits, addressed to occupational medicine. Specific objectives were to analyze: (1) health workers’ requests, sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, assigned doctor’s fit notes, and (orthopedic, psychiatric) limitations; (2) associations between psychiatric diagnoses, sociodemographic (sex, age), and work-related (job, department) characteristics; (3) associations between the same psychiatric diagnoses/orthopedic limitations, fit notes, and/or psychiatric limitations. Data of St. Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic health workers (N = 149; F = 73.8%; mean age = 48 ± 9.6 years), visited by both the occupational medicine physician and psychiatrist (January 2016–May 2019), were analyzed. 83.2% of the sample presented with at least one psychiatric diagnosis, including mood (47%), anxiety (13.4%), and anxious-depressive (10.7%) disorders. Significant differences between psychiatric diagnoses according to sex and fit notes (both p < 0.01) have been found, whereas no significant associations based on age and work-related characteristics have been observed. Analysis of frequencies of participants with the same psychiatric diagnosis (orthopedic limitation being equal), according to doctor’s fit notes and psychiatric work limitations, showed a high heterogeneity of assignments. The current occupational medicine procedure for fit notes/job limitations assignments does not allow taking into consideration clinical factors possibly associated with more specific assignments. To standardize the procedure and translate the psychiatrist’s clinical judgment into practice, further studies to test the usefulness of clinimetrics, which might represent a reliable approach in considering different fit notes and job limitations, are needed.