bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodality Approach to Lymphedema Surgery Achieves and Maintains Normal Limb Volumes: A Treatment Algorithm to Optimize Outcomes
Authors: Deptula Peter , Zhou Anna , Posternak Victoria , He Hui , Nguyen Dung
Published: January 2022

Surgical treatment of advanced lymphedema is challenging and outcomes are suboptimal. Physiologic procedures including lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) improve lymphatic flow but cannot reverse fibrofatty tissue deposition, whereas liposuction removes fibrofatty tissue but cannot prevent disease progression. The adjunctive use of nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds (BioBridgeTM) can promote lymphangiogenesis. We report a treatment algorithm utilizing a multimodality approach to achieve sustained normal limb volumes in patients with stage II-III lymphedema. A retrospective review of late stage II-III lymphedema patients treated with liposuction, physiologic procedures, and BioBridgeTM from 2016 through 2019 was conducted. Treatment outcome in the form of excess volume reduction is reported. Total of 14 patients underwent surgical treatment of late stage II and III lymphedema according to our triple therapy algorithm. Patients had a baseline median volume excess of 29% (19.8, 43.3%). The median volume excess was improved to 0.5% (−4.3, 3.8%) at 14.4 months from the first stage surgery (p < 0.05) and further improved to −1.0% (−3.3, 1.3%) after triple therapy with BB placement at 24.6 months. A triple therapy surgical treatment algorithm can optimize outcomes and achieve sustained normalization of limb volume in late stage II-III lymphedema. The incorporation of nanofibrillar collagen scaffold technology allows for improved and sustained volume reduction.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Outcome Prediction in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cornelissen Anne , Florescu Roberta , Kneizeh Kinan , Cornelissen Christian , Liehn Elisa , Brandenburg Vincent , Schuh Alexander
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is associated with mortality in patients with heart failure (HF); however, less is known about mortality associations in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). (2) Methods: FGF23 was assessed in 180 patients with acute MI, 99 of whom presented with concomitant acute HF. Patients were followed up for one year, and outcome estimates by FGF23 were compared to GRACE score estimates. (3) Results: Log-transformed serum levels of intact FGF23 (logFGF23) did not differ between MI patients with and without HF, and no difference in logFGF23 was observed between 14 MI patients who died and those who survived. However, when only MI patients with concomitant HF were considered, logFGF23 was significantly higher among non-survivors compared to that in survivors. While logFGF23 was not associated with the outcome in the entire cohort, logFGF23 was fairly predictive for one-year mortality in patients with concomitant HF (AUC 0.78; 95%CI 0.61–0.95), where it outperformed GRACE score estimates (AUC 0.70; 95%CI 0.46–0.94). (4) Conclusions: FGF23 was associated with one-year mortality only in MI patients who concomitantly presented with HF, surpassing the predictive ability of GRACE score estimates. No associations were observed in patients without HF despite similar FGF23 levels at admission. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether FGF23 is causal for dismal outcome of HF.
Spectrum of Kidney Disorders Associated with T-Cell Immunoclones
Authors: Piedrafita Alexis , Vergez François , Belliere Julie , Prades Nais , Colombat Magali , Huart Antoine , Rieu Jean-Baptiste , Lagarde Stéphanie , Del Bello Arnaud , Kamar Nassim , Chauveau Dominique , Laurent Camille , Oberic Lucie , Ysebaert Loïc , Ribes David , Faguer Stanislas
Published: January 2022

Large granular T-cell leukemia is a clonal hematological condition often associated with autoimmune disorders. Whether small-sized T-cell clones that are otherwise asymptomatic can promote immune kidney disorders remains elusive. In this monocentric retrospective cohort in a tertiary referral center in France, we reviewed characteristics of 29 patients with T-cell clone proliferation and autoimmune kidney disorders. Next-generation sequencing of the T-cell receptor of circulating T-cells was performed in a subset of patients. The T-cell clones were detected owing to systematic screening (mean count 0.32 × 109/L, range 0.13–3.7). Strikingly, a common phenotype of acute interstitial nephropathy was observed in 22 patients (median estimated glomerular filtration rate at presentation of 22 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range 0–56)). Kidney biopsies showed polymorphic inflammatory cell infiltration (predominantly CD3+ T-cells, most of them demonstrating positive phospho-STAT3 staining) and non-necrotic granuloma in six cases. Immune-mediated glomerulopathy only or in combination with acute interstitial nephropathy was identified in eight patients. Next-generation sequencing (n = 13) identified a major T-cell clone representing more than 1% of the T-cell population in all but two patients. None had a mutation of STAT3. Twenty patients (69%) had two or more extra-kidney autoimmune diseases. Acute interstitial nephropathies were controlled with corticosteroids, cyclosporin A, or tofacitinib. Thus, we showed that small-sized T-cell clones (i.e., without lymphocytosis) undetectable without specific screening are associated with various immune kidney disorders, including a previously unrecognized phenotype characterized by severe inflammatory kidney fibrosis and lymphocytic JAK/STAT activation.
COVID-19 and Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Multicenter Case Series, Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Schmidbauer Moritz L. , Ferse Caroline , Salih Farid , Klingner Carsten , Musleh Rita , Kunst Stefan , Wittstock Matthias , Neumann Bernhard , Schebesch Karl-Michael , Bösel Julian , Godau Jana , Lochner Piergiorgio , Adam Elisabeth H. , Jahnke Kolja , Knier Benjamin , Schirotzek Ingo , Müllges Wolfgang , Notz Quirin , Dengl Markus , Güldner Andreas , Onur Oezguer A. , Garcia Borrega Jorge , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Günther Albrecht ,   on behalf of the IGNITE Study Group
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) profoundly impacts hemostasis and microvasculature. In the light of the dilemma between thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, in the present paper, we systematically investigate the prevalence, mortality, radiological subtypes, and clinical characteristics of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we performed a systematic review of the literature by screening the PubMed database and included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and concomitant ICH. We performed a pooled analysis, including a prospectively collected cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients with ICH, as part of the PANDEMIC registry (Pooled Analysis of Neurologic Disorders Manifesting in Intensive Care of COVID-19). Results: Our literature review revealed a total of 217 citations. After the selection process, 79 studies and a total of 477 patients were included. The median age was 58.8 years. A total of 23.3% of patients experienced the critical stage of COVID-19, 62.7% of patients were on anticoagulation and 27.5% of the patients received ECMO. The prevalence of ICH was at 0.85% and the mortality at 52.18%, respectively. Conclusion: ICH in COVID-19 patients is rare, but it has a very poor prognosis. Different subtypes of ICH seen in COVID-19, support the assumption of heterogeneous and multifaceted pathomechanisms contributing to ICH in COVID-19. Further clinical and pathophysiological investigations are warranted to resolve the conflict between thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications in the future.
TROP2 Expression in Sebaceous and Sweat Gland Carcinoma
Authors: Ito Takamichi , Hashimoto Hiroki , Tanaka Yuka , Tanegashima Keiko , Murata Maho , Ichiki Toshio , Iwasaki Takeshi , Oda Yoshinao , Kaku-Ito Yumiko
Published: January 2022

Sebaceous carcinoma and sweat gland carcinoma (malignant tumors with apocrine and eccrine differentiation) are rare malignant skin adnexal tumors that differentiate toward sebaceous gland and eccrine and apocrine glands, respectively. Owing to the rarity of these carcinomas, standard treatments for advanced disease have not been established. Because the prognosis of patients with systemic metastasis is poor, a new treatment for these diseases is eagerly desired. Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) and sacituzumab govitecan, an antibody–drug conjugate of TROP2, have attracted attention in the treatment of various solid tumors. In the current study, we immunohistochemically investigated TROP2 expression in 14 sebaceous carcinoma and 18 sweat gland carcinoma samples and found strong and relatively homogeneous TROP2 staining in both cancer types. The mean Histoscore, a semi-quantitative scoring ranging from 0 (negative) to 300, was 265.5 in sebaceous carcinoma and 260.0 in sweat gland carcinoma. These observations directly suggest that both sebaceous carcinoma and sweat gland carcinoma could be potentially treated with TROP2-targeted antibody–drug conjugates such as sacituzumab govitecan.
Evaluating a Deep Learning Diabetic Retinopathy Grading System Developed on Mydriatic Retinal Images When Applied to Non-Mydriatic Community Screening
Authors: Nunez do Rio Joan M. , Nderitu Paul , Bergeles Christos , Sivaprasad Sobha , Tan Gavin S. W. , Raman Rajiv
Published: January 2022

Artificial Intelligence has showcased clear capabilities to automatically grade diabetic retinopathy (DR) on mydriatic retinal images captured by clinical experts on fixed table-top retinal cameras within hospital settings. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, screening for DR revolves around minimally trained field workers using handheld non-mydriatic cameras in community settings. This prospective study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a deep learning algorithm developed using mydriatic retinal images by the Singapore Eye Research Institute, commercially available as Zeiss VISUHEALTH-AI DR, on images captured by field workers on a Zeiss Visuscout® 100 non-mydriatic handheld camera from people with diabetes in a house-to-house cross-sectional study across 20 regions in India. A total of 20,489 patient eyes from 11,199 patients were used to evaluate algorithm performance in identifying referable DR, non-referable DR, and gradability. For each category, the algorithm achieved precision values of 29.60 (95% CI 27.40, 31.88), 92.56 (92.13, 92.97), and 58.58 (56.97, 60.19), recall values of 62.69 (59.17, 66.12), 85.65 (85.11, 86.18), and 65.06 (63.40, 66.69), and F-score values of 40.22 (38.25, 42.21), 88.97 (88.62, 89.31), and 61.65 (60.50, 62.80), respectively. Model performance reached 91.22 (90.79, 91.64) sensitivity and 65.06 (63.40, 66.69) specificity at detecting gradability and 72.08 (70.68, 73.46) sensitivity and 85.65 (85.11, 86.18) specificity for the detection of all referable eyes. Algorithm accuracy is dependent on the quality of acquired retinal images, and this is a major limiting step for its global implementation in community non-mydriatic DR screening using handheld cameras. This study highlights the need to develop and train deep learning-based screening tools in such conditions before implementation.
Maskne: The Epidemic within the Pandemic: From Diagnosis to Therapy
Authors: Spigariolo Cristina Beatrice , Giacalone Serena , Nazzaro Gianluca
Published: January 2022

Maskne, a newly coined term deriving from the contraction of mask-related acne, is a form of mechanical acne resulting from continuous textile–skin adherence and friction. Prolonged mask use heats up the face environment, thus modifying skin microbiota and sebum production. Although effective prevalence is unknown, since the pandemic began and the prolonged use of masks was extended to the general population, maskne has been a frequent topic of consultation among dermatologists. This term has been successfully introduced into common language, with more than 200,000 hashtags on social media, where it is also possible to find “home remedies” that can worsen this dermatosis. The aim of this paper is to discuss the pathogenesis, address clinicians on the correct differential diagnoses among facial dermatoses, and move towards the correct therapy.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a Promising Treatment for Craving in Stimulant Drugs and Behavioral Addiction: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gay Aurélia , Cabe Julien , De Chazeron Ingrid , Lambert Céline , Defour Maxime , Bhoowabul Vikesh , Charpeaud Thomas , Tremey Aurore , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Pereira Bruno , Brousse Georges
Published: January 2022

Addiction is a mental disorder with limited available treatment options. The therapeutic potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on it, by targeting craving in particular, has been explored with heterogenous results. This meta-analysis uses updated evidence to assess overall rTMS efficacy on craving, differential effects between addiction types clustered into three groups (depressant (alcohol, cannabis, opiate), stimulant (nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine), and behavioral addiction (gambling, eating disorder)), and stimulation settings. Studies on substance use, gambling, and eating disorders are included, with unrestricted stimulation settings, by searching the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases up to 30 April 2020. A total of 34 eligible studies (42 units of analysis) were identified. Because of highly significant heterogeneity in primary results, a sensitivity analysis was performed on a remaining sample of 26 studies (30 units of analysis). Analyses performed using random effects model revealed a small effect size favoring active rTMS over shamTMS stimulation in the reduction in craving. We found a significant difference between addiction types, with a persistent small effect only for stimulant and behavioral groups. In these groups we found no difference between the different combinations of target and frequency of stimulation, but a significant correlation between number of sessions and craving reduction. In conclusion, efficacy of rTMS on craving in stimulant and behavioral addiction was highlighted, but recommendations on optimal stimulation settings and its clinical application await further research.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2021
Authors:   Journal of Functional Morphology Kinesiology Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Label-Free Detection of Human Coronaviruses in Infected Cells Using Enhanced Darkfield Hyperspectral Microscopy (EDHM)
Authors: Gosavi Devadatta , Cheatham Byron , Sztuba-Solinska Joanna
Published: January 2022

Human coronaviruses (HCoV) are causative agents of mild to severe intestinal and respiratory infections in humans. In the last 15 years, we have witnessed the emergence of three zoonotic, highly pathogenic HCoVs. Thus, early and accurate detection of these viral pathogens is essential for preventing transmission and providing timely treatment and monitoring of drug resistance. Herein, we applied enhanced darkfield hyperspectral microscopy (EDHM), a novel non-invasive, label-free diagnostic tool, to rapidly and accurately identify two strains of HCoVs, i.e., OC43 and 229E. The EDHM technology allows collecting the optical image with spectral and spatial details in a single measurement without direct contact between the specimen and the sensor. Thus, it can directly map spectral signatures specific for a given viral strain in a complex biological milieu. Our study demonstrated distinct spectral patterns for HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E virions in the solution, serving as distinguishable parameters for their differentiation. Furthermore, spectral signatures obtained for both HCoV strains in the infected cells displayed a considerable peak wavelength shift compared to the uninfected cell, indicating that the EDHM is applicable to detect HCoV infection in mammalian cells.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Journal of Imaging in 2021
Authors:   Journal of Imaging Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Improved Detectivity for Detecting Gas Hydrates Using the Weighted Differential Fields of the Marine Controlled-Source Electromagnetic Data
Authors: Li Gang , Tang Fugui , Li Chaofan , Lei Wen , Liu Ying
Published: January 2022

Gas hydrate is seen as a kind of new energy resources, yet it may also be one of the main greenhouse gases as its dissociation may release methane into the atmosphere. Furthermore, a severe hazard to offshore infrastructures may also be introduced by extensive gas hydrate dissociation associated with the stability of the geological structures after gas production. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the gas hydrate as well as its environmental impacts before drilling and extracting it. The geophysical seismic reflection data is usually used for exploring the gas hydrate. The gas hydrate can be effectively identified by the bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) on seismic reflection data. However, the BSR is only for identifying the bottom boundary and it is difficult to estimate its space distribution and saturation within the hydrate stability zone. The marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data is suitable for detecting the gas hydrate as the resistivity of the seafloor increases significantly in the presence of gas hydrate or free gas. In this study, a weighted differential-field method is applied to improve the detectivity for identifying the gas hydrate. Numerical tests show that the difference of the EM fields can effectively suppress the airwaves in shallow waters. Therefore, the detectivity given by the field ratio between the models with and without the gas hydrate target is enhanced.
Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Five Novel Taxa in Parabambusicolaceae (Massarineae, Pleosporales) from Yunnan, China
Authors: Xie Ning , Phookamsak Rungtiwa , Jiang Hongbo , Zeng Yu-Jia , Zhang Haoxing , Xu Fangfang , Lumyong Saisamorn , Xu Jianchu , Hongsanan Sinang
Published: January 2022

Parabambusicolaceae is a well-studied family in Massarineae, Pleosporales, comprising nine genera and approximately 16 species. The family was introduced to accommodate saprobic bambusicola-like species in both freshwater and terrestrial environments that mostly occur on bamboos and grasses but are also found on different host substrates. In the present study, we surveyed and collected ascomycetes from bamboo and submerged grass across Yunnan Province, China. A biphasic approach based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogeny demonstrated five new taxa in Parabambusicolaceae. A novel genus Scolecohyalosporium is introduced as a monotypic genus to accommodate S. submersum sp. nov., collected from dead culms of grass submerged in a freshwater stream. The genus is unique in forming filiform ascospores, which differ from other known genera in Parabambusicolaceae. Multigene phylogeny showed that the genus has a close relationship with Multiseptospora. Moreover, the novel monotypic genus Neomultiseptospora, isolated from bamboo, was introduced to accommodate N. yunnanensis sp. nov. Neomultiseptospora yunnanensis formed a separated branch basal to Scolecohyalosporium submersum and Multiseptospora thailandica with high support (100% ML, 1.00 PP). Furthermore, the newly introduced species, Parabambusicola hongheensis sp. nov. was also isolated from bamboo in terrestrial habitats. Parabambusicola hongheensis clustered with the other three described Parabambusicola species and has a close relationship with P. bambusina with significant support (88% ML, 1.00 PP). Parabambusicola hongheensis was reported as the fourth species in this genus. Detailed description, illustration, and updated phylogeny of Parabambusicolaceae were provided.
A Combined Analysis of Transcriptome and Proteome Reveals the Inhibitory Mechanism of a Novel Oligosaccharide Ester against Penicillium italicum
Authors: Feng Linyan , Xu Liangxiong , Li Xiaojie , Xue Jinghua , Li Taotao , Duan Xuewu
Published: January 2022

Blue mold caused by Penicillium italicum is one of the most serious postharvest diseases of citrus fruit. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of a novel oligosaccharide ester, 6-O-β-L-mannopyranosyl-3-O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-4-O-(8-methyldecanoyl)-2-O-(4-methyl-hexanoyl) trehalose (MTE-1), against P. italicum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with transcriptome and proteome analysis also, were conducted to illuminate the underlying mechanism. Results showed that MTE-1 significantly inhibited P. italicum growth in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, MTE-1 suppressed the disease development of citrus fruit inoculated with P. italicum. Furthermore, ultrastructure observation, as well as transcriptome and proteome analysis, indicated that MTE-1 treatment damaged the cell wall and plasma membrane in spores and mycelia of P. italicum. In addition, MTE-1 regulated genes or proteins involved in primary metabolism, cell-wall metabolism, and pathogenicity. These results demonstrate that MTE-1 inhibited P. italicum by damaging cell walls and membranes and disrupting normal cellular metabolism. These findings contribute to the understanding of the possible molecular action of MTE-1. Finally, MTE-1 also provides a new natural strategy for controlling diseases in postharvest fruit.
Sustainable Use of Sewage Sludge as a Casing Material for Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Cultivation: Experimental and Prediction Modeling Studies for Uptake of Metal Elements
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Vinod , Adelodun Bashir , Bedeković Dalibor , Kos Ivica , Širić Ivan , Alamri Saad A. M. , Alrumman Sulaiman A. , Eid Ebrahem M. , Abou Fayssal Sami , Goala Madhumita , Arya Ashish Kumar , Bachheti Archana , Choi Kyung Sook , Ajibade Fidelis Odedishemi , Silva Luis F. O.
Published: January 2022

The present study focused on the use of sewage sludge (SS) as a casing material amendment and the potential uptake of metal elements by the cultivated white button (Agaricus bisporus: MS-39) mushroom. Laboratory experiments were performed under controlled environmental conditions to grow A. bisporus on the composted wheat straw substrate for 50 days. Different treatments (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 g/kg) of casing material were prepared by mixing garden and dried SS and applied on the mushroom substrate after proper sterilization. The results revealed that SS application was significant (p < 0.05) in accelerating mushroom yield with a biological efficiency of 65.02% for the mixing rate of 200 g/kg. Moreover, the maximum bioaccumulation of selected metal elements (Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Zn) was observed using the same treatment. Additionally, the multiple regression models constructed for the uptake prediction of metal elements showed an acceptable coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.9900), high model efficiency (ME > 0.98), and low root mean square error (RMSE < 0.410) values, respectively. The findings of this study represent sustainable use of SS for the formulation of mushroom casing material contributing toward synergistic agro-economy generation and waste management.
Basal Parasitic Fungi in Marine Food Webs—A Mystery Yet to Unravel
Authors: Ilicic Doris , Grossart Hans-Peter
Published: January 2022

Although aquatic and parasitic fungi have been well known for more than 100 years, they have only recently received increased awareness due to their key roles in microbial food webs and biogeochemical cycles. There is growing evidence indicating that fungi inhabit a wide range of marine habitats, from the deep sea all the way to surface waters, and recent advances in molecular tools, in particular metagenome approaches, reveal that their diversity is much greater and their ecological roles more important than previously considered. Parasitism constitutes one of the most widespread ecological interactions in nature, occurring in almost all environments. Despite that, the diversity of fungal parasites, their ecological functions, and, in particular their interactions with other microorganisms remain largely speculative, unexplored and are often missing from current theoretical concepts in marine ecology and biogeochemistry. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent research avenues on parasitic fungi and their ecological potential in marine ecosystems, e.g., the fungal shunt, and emphasize the need for further research.
In Vitro Activity of Amphotericin B in Combination with Colistin against Fungi Responsible for Invasive Infections
Authors: Schwarz Patrick , Nikolskiy Ilya , Bidaud Anne-Laure , Sommer Frank , Bange Gert , Dannaoui Eric
Published: January 2022

The in vitro interaction of amphotericin B in combination with colistin was evaluated against a total of 86 strains comprising of 47 Candida species (10 Candida albicans, 15 Candida auris, five Candida glabrata, three Candida kefyr, five Candida krusei, four Candida parapsilosis and five Candida tropicalis), 29 Aspergillus species (five Aspergillus flavus, 10 Aspergillus fumigatus, four Aspergillus nidulans, five Aspergillus niger, and five Aspergillus terreus), and 10 Rhizopus species (seven Rhizopus arrhizus, one Rhizopus delemar and two Rhizopus microsporus) strains. For the determination of the interaction, a microdilution checkerboard technique based on the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) reference method for antifungal susceptibility testing was used. Results of the checkerboard technique were evaluated by the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) based on the Loewe additivity model for all isolates. Different inhibition endpoints were used to capture both the interaction at MIC and sub-MIC levels. Additionally, checkerboard technique results for Candida species were evaluated by response surface analysis based on the Bliss independence model. Against common Candida species, the combination was synergistic for 75% of the strains by FICI and for 66% of the strains by response surface analysis. For C. tropicalis, the interaction was antagonistic for three isolates by FICI, but antagonism was not confirmed by response surface analysis. Interestingly, synergistic and antagonistic FICIs were simultaneously present on checkboard microplates of all three strains. Against C. auris the combination was synergistic for 73% of the strains by response surface analysis and for 33% of the strains by FICI. This discrepancy could be related to the insensitivity of the FICI to detect weak interactions. Interaction for all other strains was indifferent. For Aspergillus and Rhizopus species combination exhibited only indifferent interactions against all tested strains.
Antifungal and Antiaflatoxinogenic Effects of Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, and Cymbopogon schoenanthus Essential Oils Alone and in Combination
Authors: Sawadogo Ignace , Paré Adama , Kaboré Donatien , Montet Didier , Durand Noël , Bouajila Jalloul , Zida Elisabeth P. , Sawadogo-Lingani Hagrétou , Nikiéma Philippe Augustin , Nebié Roger Honorat Charles , Bassolé Imaël Henri Nestor
Published: January 2022

The antifungal and antiaflatoxinogenic activities of the essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, and their pair combinations were investigated. Antifungal susceptibility and the efficacy of paired combinations of EOs were assessed using agar microdilution and checkerboard methods, respectively. Identification and quantification of chemical components of the EOs were carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-MS and GC-FID), respectively. Aflatoxins were separated and identified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and then quantified by spectrofluorescence. The EO of C. nardus exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The combination of C. citratus and C. nardus and that of C. nardus and C. schoenanthus exhibited a synergistic effect against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus, respectively. Both C. citratus and C. schoenanthus EOs totally inhibited the synthesis of aflatoxin B1 at 1 µL/mL. C. citratus blocked the production of aflatoxins B2 and G2 at 0.5 µL/mL. Both C. citratus and C. schoenanthus totally hampered the production of the aflatoxin G1 at 0.75 µL/mL. The combination of C. citratus and C. schoenanthus completely inhibited the production of the four aflatoxins. The study shows that the combinations can be used to improve their antifungal and antiaflatoxinogenic activities.
Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: López-Fernández Luis A.
Published: January 2022

Although a cure is the main goal of a treatment, serious adverse reactions associated with these treatments are a major problem in clinical practice and cost a lot of money for health systems [...]
Physical Activity, Sunshine Duration, and Osteoporotic Fractures: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae-Myoung , Kwon Mi-Jung , Kim Joo-Hee , Choi Hyo-Geun
Published: January 2022

This study examined the associations between the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures in detailed sites and combined physical activity (PA) and sunshine duration (SD). Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service—National Health Screening Cohort for 7-year periods and from the Korea Meteorological Administration were used. Osteoporotic fractures (n = 12,103), including vertebral fractures, hip fractures, and distal radius fractures, and matched controls (n = 24,206) were selected in 1:2 ratios by age, sex, income, and region of residence. PA was classified as moderate- to high-intensity PA (High PA) and low-intensity PA (Low PA). SD was classified as Short SD (<6.1 h) and Long SD (≥6.1 h). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95%-confidence intervals (CIs) of the combined PA and SD groups for the occurrence of each osteoporotic fracture. Compared to ‘Low PA + Short SD’, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for vertebral fracture in ‘High PA + Short SD’ and ‘High PA + Long SD’ were 0.83 (0.76–0.91) and 0.84 (0.77–0.92), respectively. Hip/distal radius fractures were not associated with the combined PA and SD group. We suggest that a higher intensity of PA is inversely associated with the risk of vertebral fracture.
Net Buying Pressure and Informed Trading in the Options Market: Evidence from Earnings Announcements
Authors: Badshah Ihsan , Koerniadi Hardjo
Published: January 2022

By employing the modified net buying pressure as a measure of informed option trading, this study tested whether option trading around quarterly earnings announcements is either directionally motivated and/or volatility motivated. We found evidence that is consistent with the idea that option investors have private information prior to positive earnings announcements and use at-the-money options to exploit their informational advantage. In the post-event period, however, informed option investors trade by using deep-out-of-the-money and out-of-the-money options. We documented limited evidence on the volatility-motivated option trading, and our results suggest that this type of option trading could be motivated by hedging purposes only.
Corporate Taxation and Firm-Specific Determinants of Capital Structure: Evidence from the UK and US Multinational Firms
Authors: Ali Sarmad , Rangone Adalberto , Farooq Muhammad
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to examine whether effective tax rate and firm-specific factors (such as firm size, growth opportunities, tangibility, risk, profitability, non-debt tax shields and liquidity) impact the capital structure of multinational firms in the energy sector. We employ regression models consisting of OLS, fixed effect and random effect to test balanced panel dataset of multinational firms based in the UK and USA over the period 2011–2019. We show a positive and significant effect of tangibility, risk, profitability and non-debt tax shields on long-term and total debt measures of capital structure. In the case of short-term debt, however, we reveal that it is significantly negatively related to tangibility, non-debt tax shields and liquidity, and positively associated with firm risk. Moreover, we report that the effective tax rate and firm size are insignificantly negatively related to the leverage choices of multinational firms, and liquidity has a significant inverse relationship with long-term debt and total debt. This study reveals mixed support for the prevailing capital structure theories and evidence that multinational firms are unequivocally responsive to the capital structure. The results significantly contribute to evaluating multinational firms in the energy sector and show how managers can achieve an optimal level of capital structure.
Eurozone Stock Market Reaction to Monetary Policy Interventions and Other Covariates
Authors: Petrakis Nikolaos , Lemonakis Christos , Floros Christos , Zopounidis Constantin
Published: January 2022

The joint effect of the global economic and sovereign debt crisis forced the European Central Bank (ECB) to apply conventional and non-standard expansionary monetary policy interventions in order to stabilize eurozone economies. We conducted a panel regression econometric analysis to study the influence of euro area monetary authority policy interventions, along with two main macroeconomic variables and a sentiment indicator, on market equity returns of eurozone countries for the period January 2007 to December 2017. Our findings suggest that conventional and non-standard monetary policy innovations had a positive lagged impact on equity returns of euro area monetary markets. More specifically, interest rate cuts evenly influenced market indices while non-conventional actions mainly affected core eurozone countries that were less affected by the crisis. We also document a strong negative relationship between inflation rates and market returns. In addition, the sentiment indicator produces positive effects on returns because it contains information that is not incorporated into other macro variables.
Reconstruction of Agriculture-Driven Deforestation in Western Hunan Province of China during the 18th Century
Authors: Li Yikai , Ye Yu , Fang Xiuqi , Liu Yachen
Published: January 2022

Reconstruction of historical deforestation helps to understand the dynamics of forest cover change and provides a basis for the further study of human-nature interactions over the long term. Significant agriculture-driven deforestation occurred in the 18th century in China due to its socio-cultural transformation. To understand this deforestation during the 18th century, we took typical counties in western Hunan as a case study area and reconstructed the settlements’ expansion and densification as indicators of socio-cultural factors. We then reconstructed the agricultural land expansion and agriculture-driven deforestation based on these settlements. The results showed that the agricultural land area increased by 40.4% from the early to the late 18th century, while the proportion of forest area covering the region decreased from 78.0% to 69.1%. Meanwhile, agriculture-driven deforestation mainly unfolded in the eastern and western parts of the region at relatively low elevation in the early 18th century, and this mainly happened in the middle of the region lying at relatively high elevation in the late 18th century. This study’s results provide an improved spatial resolution for the reconstruction of historical land use/cover change, thus enabling insights to be gained from a more detailed spatiotemporal pattern of historical deforestation trends. This study helps to understand the anthropogenic land cover change on a larger spatiotemporal scale through a regional case study.
Examining the Relationships between Visitors Profile, Satisfaction and Revisit Intentions: Evidence from Romanian Ecotourism Destinations
Authors: Constantin Cristinel Petrișor , Ispas Ana , Candrea Adina Nicoleta
Published: January 2022

Monitoring satisfaction levels among visitors presents an important challenge in ecotourism destinations, as it can provide useful information for tourism planning and management. The purposes of this study are (i) to identify the attribute-level satisfaction factors in the context of four ecotourism destinations from Romania, (ii) to investigate whether segments with different purposes for visiting reported different levels of satisfaction, (iii) to examine if the analyzed ecotourism destinations recorded different levels of satisfaction, and (iv) to determine if the attribute-level satisfaction factors and visitors’ profiles influence the intention to revisit ecotourism destinations. The research data were collected using a survey among 1157 visitors in the analyzed destinations. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was computed and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted in order to determine whether significant differences in satisfaction existed across segments and across destinations. The research findings indicate three attribute-level satisfaction factors ((i) attractions and information services, (ii) amenities, (iii) conservation of natural and cultural heritage). Subsequent results revealed significant differences across visitor segments for two out of the three attribute-level satisfaction factors and across the four analyzed ecotourism destinations regarding all satisfaction factors. Furthermore, there were significant differences across visitor segments concerning the intention to revisit, however, influence of satisfaction factors on the intention to revisit the ecotourism destinations was found to be poor. The present study provides a contribution to the body of knowledge in ecotourism destination management and marketing by improving the understanding of relationships among visitors’ profile, satisfaction levels, and revisiting intention.
The Patterns and Mechanisms of Land Price Divergence in Multiple Industries from the Perspective of Element Flows: The Case of the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Hu Shuyun , Ge Dazhuan , Hu Guojian , Sun Jingwen , Ma Yingyi , Lu Mengqiu , Lu Yuqi
Published: January 2022

An in-depth exploration of the inner mechanisms of the spatio-temporal evolution of land prices in multiple industries (residential, commercial service and industrial) is of great significance for improving the overall economic development efficiency and resource allocation capacity of the region. Based on urban land price transaction data provided by the China Land Market Network, 307 county-level units in the Yangtze River Delta were used as the study area and spatial auto-correlation and spatio-temporal hotspot analysis were used to explore the spatial variation and temporal changes of land prices in multiple industries in the Yangtze River Delta from 2008 to 2018. The three-dimensional driving theory of land “demand + supply + market” was used as the basis to construct the index system of influential factors and the Spatial Durbin Model was used to explore the mechanism of the spatio-temporal variation of land prices in multiple industries. The results show that the land prices of multiple industries in the Yangtze River Delta are generally high in the east and low in the west and high in the south and low in the north, which is spatially consistent with the level of regional economic development. Due to the disparity in economic development between the regions, factors such as population, capital, technology and information are redistributed and fed into each other’s cycles between cities. The resulting spatial differences in land market supply and demand are intrinsic to the spatial differentiation of urban land prices. It is further proposed that land prices are a monetized expression of the abundance of resources in a city and that land prices are determined by the combined ability of regional resource factors to be allocated. Thus, land price differentiation reflects differences in the level of comprehensive regional development. Finally, the dynamic interaction of various factors on land values is used to promote the division of urban functions and regional economic development, which is an effective way to promote high-quality integrated regional development.
Arousal States as a Key Source of Variability in Speech Perception and Learning
Authors: Schuerman William L. , Chandrasekaran Bharath , Leonard Matthew K.
Published: January 2022

The human brain exhibits the remarkable ability to categorize speech sounds into distinct, meaningful percepts, even in challenging tasks like learning non-native speech categories in adulthood and hearing speech in noisy listening conditions. In these scenarios, there is substantial variability in perception and behavior, both across individual listeners and individual trials. While there has been extensive work characterizing stimulus-related and contextual factors that contribute to variability, recent advances in neuroscience are beginning to shed light on another potential source of variability that has not been explored in speech processing. Specifically, there are task-independent, moment-to-moment variations in neural activity in broadly-distributed cortical and subcortical networks that affect how a stimulus is perceived on a trial-by-trial basis. In this review, we discuss factors that affect speech sound learning and moment-to-moment variability in perception, particularly arousal states—neurotransmitter-dependent modulations of cortical activity. We propose that a more complete model of speech perception and learning should incorporate subcortically-mediated arousal states that alter behavior in ways that are distinct from, yet complementary to, top-down cognitive modulations. Finally, we discuss a novel neuromodulation technique, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which is particularly well-suited to investigating causal relationships between arousal mechanisms and performance in a variety of perceptual tasks. Together, these approaches provide novel testable hypotheses for explaining variability in classically challenging tasks, including non-native speech sound learning.
Nudging and Other Behaviourally Based Policies as Enablers for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Santos Silva Marta
Published: January 2022

Recent years have shown that traditional regulatory techniques alone are not effective in achieving behaviour change in important fields such as environmental sustainability. Governments all over the world have been progressively including behaviourally informed considerations in policy and law making with the aim of improving the acceptance and impact of sustainability-oriented measures. This led to the arrival of alternative regulatory tools, such as nudges. The effectiveness of nudges for environmental sustainability (green nudges) has been widely reported, but the practical and ethical implications are still largely neglected by academic research. In this contribution, “nudges” are conceptually distinguished from “boosts” and their ethics are briefly explained. The analysis is made in light of European and US American academic literature.
J. Young’s Early Maladaptive Schemas and Symptoms of Male Depression
Authors: Chodkiewicz Jan , Wydrzyński Mateusz , Talarowska Monika
Published: January 2022

Aim: There are more non-specific, hence harder to diagnose, symptoms in the picture of male depression. These symptoms are strongly linked to social norms and roles traditionally assigned to men. The aim of this study was to assess the interrelationship of early maladaptive schemas that affect the formation of self-image as a man with indicators of male depression. Materials and methods: The Gender-Sensitive Depression Screening (GSDS-26) by A.M. Möller-Leimkühler and the Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire by J. Young (YSQ-S3-PL) were used. A group of 75 men (aged 18 to 50) were qualified to take part in the research. Results: The total score of the GSDS-26 scale and individual indicators of male depression are strongly positively correlated with the severity of all five domains of the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. The highest correlation coefficient value was obtained in the following areas: “Disconnection and rejection” (0.741), “Other-directedness” (0.711), and “Overvigilance and inhibition” (0.711). In case of the GSDS-26 total score and the following indicators—Elevated stress, Aggressiveness, Emotional control, Risky behavior, and Classic symptoms of depression—positive statistically significant associations were confirmed with each of the 18 schemas from the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. Multiple regression results revealed that the following domains were significant for symptoms typical of male depression: “Disconnection and rejection” and “Impaired autonomy and performance”. The “Impaired limits” area was found to be statistically significant only for symptoms of classic depression. Conclusions: (1) The GSDS-26 scale scores show positive associations with each domain of the YSQ-S3-PL questionnaire. (2) The following areas seem to be more important for atypical depressive symptoms in men: “Disconnection and rejection” and “Impaired autonomy and performance”, while for classic depression: “Impaired limits” was more important. (3) In therapeutic work with male depressive symptoms, it is useful to focus on dominant maladaptive schemas alongside beliefs about stereotypical male roles.
Serum Adropin Levels in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Simac Petra , Perkovic Dijana , Bozic Ivona , Bilopavlovic Nada , Martinovic Dinko , Bozic Josko
Published: January 2022

Adropin is a secretory protein that mainly modulates metabolic homeostasis and endothelial function. There is growing evidence supporting association of adropin with various inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to compare serum adropin levels between 70 patients with RA and 70 matched healthy controls. Furthermore, we explored adropin correlations with RA disease activity, glucose metabolism parameters and inflammatory biomarkers. Serum adropin levels were determined by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum adropin levels were significantly lower in RA patients than in the control group (2.85 ± 0.91 vs. 4.02 ± 0.99 ng/mL, p < 0.001). In the RA group, serum adropin levels had a significant negative correlation with total cholesterol (r = −0.172, p = 0.043), HbA1c (r = −0.406, p < 0.001), fasting glucose (r = −0.377, p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance; (r = −0.315, p = 0.008)). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum adropin levels retained a significant association with levels of fasting glucose (β ± SE, −0.450 ± 0.140, p = 0.002) and HbA1c (−0.528 ± 0.223, p = 0.021) after model adjustments. These findings imply that adropin could have an impact on metabolic homeostasis in RA, although further well-designed studies are warranted in order to establish this.