bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Riding the COVID Waves: Clinical Trends, Outcomes, and Remaining Pitfalls of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Analysis of Two High-Incidence Periods at a Hospital in Northern Italy
Authors: Sartini Marina , Del Puente Filippo , Oliva Martino , Carbone Alessio , Blasi Vacca Elisabetta , Parisini Andrea , Boni Silvia , Bobbio Nicoletta , Feasi Marcello , Battistella Alessandra , Pontali Emanuele , Cristina Maria Luisa
Published: November 2021

Background. Italy was the first western country to face an uncontrolled outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The epidemic began in March 2020 within a context characterised by a general lack of knowledge about the disease. The first scientific evidence emerged months later, leading to treatment changes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of these changes. Methods. Data from a hospital in Genoa, Italy, were analysed. Patients deceased from SARS-CoV-2 infection were selected. Data were compared by dividing patients into two cohorts: “phase A” (March–May 2020) and “phase B” (October–December 2020). Results. A total of 5142 patients were admitted. There were 274 SARS-CoV-2-related deaths (162 phase A and 112 phase B). No differences were observed in terms of demographics, presentation, or comorbidities. A significant increase was recorded in corticosteroid use. Mortality was 33.36% during phase A, falling to 21.71% during phase B. When subdividing the trend during the two phases by age, we found a difference in people aged 65–74 years. Conclusions. There is scarce evidence regarding treatment for SARS-CoV-2 (especially for severe infection). However, treatment changes improved the prognosis for people under the age of 75. The prognosis for older people remains poor, despite the improvements achieved.
Robot-Assisted Training for Upper Limb in Stroke (ROBOTAS): An Observational, Multicenter Study to Identify Determinants of Efficacy
Authors: Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Morone Giovanni , Naro Antonino , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Liotti Vitalma , D’aurizio Carlo , Straudi Sofia , Focacci Antonella , Pournajaf Sanaz , Aprile Irene , Filoni Serena , Zanetti Claudia , Leo Maria Rosaria , Tedesco Lucia , Spina Vincenzo , Chisari Carmelo , Taveggia Giovanni , Mazzoleni Stefano , Smania Nicola , Paolucci Stefano , Franceschini Marco , Bonaiuti Donatella
Published: November 2021

Background: The loss of arm function is a common and disabling outcome after stroke. Robot-assisted upper limb (UL) training may improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of robot-assisted training using end-effector and exoskeleton robots on UL function following a stroke in real-life clinical practice. Methods: A total of 105 patients affected by a first-ever supratentorial stroke were enrolled in 18 neurorehabilitation centers and treated with electromechanically assisted arm training as an add-on to conventional therapy. Both interventions provided either an exoskeleton or an end-effector device (as per clinical practice) and consisted of 20 sessions (3/5 times per week; 6–8 weeks). Patients were assessed by validated UL scales at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T1), and at three-month follow-up (T2). The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper extremity (FMA-UE). Results: FMA-UE improved at T1 by 6 points on average in the end-effector group and 11 points on average in the exoskeleton group (p < 0.0001). Exoskeletons were more effective in the subacute phase, whereas the end-effectors were more effective in the chronic phase (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: robot-assisted training might help improve UL function in stroke patients as an add-on treatment in both subacute and chronic stages. Pragmatic and highmethodological studies are needed to confirm the showed effectiveness of the exoskeleton and end-effector devices.
Cancer Immunotherapy: Current and Future Perspectives on a Therapeutic Revolution
Authors: Rizzo Alessandro , Mollica Veronica , Santoni Matteo , Massari Francesco
Published: November 2021

The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of several hematological and solid tumors [...]
Fertility Preservation: How to Preserve Ovarian Function in Children, Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Dolmans Marie-Madeleine , Hossay Camille , Nguyen Thu Yen Thi , Poirot Catherine
Published: November 2021

Chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy and ovarian surgery have known gonadotoxic effects that can lead to endocrine dysfunction, cessation of ovarian endocrine activity and early depletion of the ovarian reserve, causing a risk for future fertility problems, even in children. Important determinants of this risk are the patient’s age and ovarian reserve, type of treatment and dose. When the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency is high, fertility preservation strategies must be offered to the patient. Furthermore, fertility preservation may sometimes be needed in conditions other than cancer, such as in non-malignant diseases or in patients seeking fertility preservation for personal reasons. Oocyte and/or embryo vitrification and ovarian tissue cryopreservation are the two methods currently endorsed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, yielding encouraging results in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates. The choice of one technique above the other depends mostly on the age and pubertal status of the patient, and personal and medical circumstances. This review focuses on the available fertility preservation techniques, their appropriateness according to patient age and their efficacy in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates.
Simplified Clinical Decision Rule Using Clinically Important Events for Risk Prediction in Pediatric Head Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yogo Naoki , Toida Chiaki , Muguruma Takashi , Gakumazawa Masayasu , Shinohara Mafumi , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: November 2021

Computed tomography (CT) scans are useful for confirming head injury diagnoses. However, there is no standard clinical decision rule (CDR) for determining the need for CT scanning in pediatric patients with head injuries. We developed a CDR and conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in identifying children with clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI). We selected predictors based on three existing CDRs: CATCH, CHALICE, and PECARN. Of the 2569 eligible patients, 645 (439 (68%) boys, median age: five years) were included in this study. In total, 59 (9%) patients showed ciTBI, and 129 (20%) were admitted to hospital. The novel CDR comprised six predictors of abnormal CT findings. It had a sensitivity of 79.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 65.5–89.0%) and a specificity of 50.9% (95% CI: 48.9–52.3%). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (0.72, 95% CI: 0.67–0.77) was non-inferior to those of CATCH, CHALICE, and PECARN (0.71, 95% CI: 0.66–0.77; 0.67, 95% CI: 0.61–0.74; and 0.69, 95% CI: 0.64–0.73, respectively; p = 0.57). The novel CDR was statistically noninferior in diagnostic accuracy compared to the three existing CDRs. Further development and validation studies are needed before clinical application.
Adjuvant Lineage-Negative Cell Therapy as a Potential Silencer of the Complement-Mediated Immune System in ALS Patients
Authors: Sobuś Anna , Baumert Bartłomiej , Gołąb-Janowska Monika , Kulig Piotr , Paczkowska Edyta , Łuczkowska Karolina , Rogińska Dorota , Zawiślak Alicja , Milczarek Sławomir , Osękowska Bogumiła , Pawlukowska Wioletta , Meller Agnieszka , Machowska-Sempruch Karolina , Wełnicka Agnieszka , Nowacki Przemysław , Machaliński Bogusław
Published: November 2021

ALS remains a fatal, neurodegenerative motor neuron disease. Numerous studies seem to confirm that innate immune system is involved in the pathophysiology of ALS. Hence, the assessment of the complement system and attempts to modify its activity remain the target of medical intervention in ALS. In the present study, three intrathecal administrations of autologous bone marrow-derived lineage-negative (Lin–) cells were performed every 6 weeks in 20 sporadic ALS patients. The concentrations of various complement components in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma at different time points after cell injection were quantified using a Luminex multiplex. The results of the complement system were correlated with the level of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, fibrinogen and CRP in the peripheral blood and the functional status of ALS patients using Norris and ALS-FRSr scales. The study showed a statistically significant decrease in plasma C3b concentration in all 7th days after cell application. In parallel, a peak decrease in neutrophil count and CRP level was observed on days 5–7, with a simultaneous maximum clinical improvement on days 7–28 of each Lin– cell administration. Adjuvant Lin– cell therapy appears to have the silencing potential on the complement-mediated immune system and thus suppress pro-inflammatory reactions responsible for neurodegeneration. However, further in-depth studies are necessary to address this issue.
MRI Findings in Hip in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Ostrowska Monika , Gietka Piotr , Mańczak Małgorzata , Michalski Emil , Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate if magnetic resonance imaging allows hip arthritis in JIA to be differentiated from hip arthralgia of unknown etiology in juveniles clinically suspected for hip arthritis. This was a retrospective observational study which included 97 children with clinically suspected hip arthritis. Each hip was assessed and scored in MRI for signs of active and destructive inflammatory lesions and developmental lesions. MRI findings between JIA-confirmed patients and without final diagnosis of JIA were compared and the MRI summarized score was calculated, as the sum of scorings of all 24 hip lesions in an individual patient (i.a., effusion, synovitis, bone marrow edema, enthesitis). MRI showed at least one lesion in the majority of patients (95 patients; 98%). Effusion was the most common feature, followed by bone marrow oedema and synovitis. All lesions were more common in patients with a final diagnosis of JIA, especially synovitis and enthesitis (p = 0.037 and p = 0.047). The MRI summarized score was significantly higher in the JIA group than the non-JIA group: 3 (2–5) vs. 2 (2–2), respectively, p = 0.002. Using a cut-off score of 6, the MRI summarized score showed 25% sensitivity and 100% specificity indicating a good ability in discriminating hip arthritis during JIA from non-JIA patients. MRI allows hip arthritis in JIA to be differentiated from hip arthralgia of unknown etiology with good specificity, thus, may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis of JIA.
Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission and Neonatal Complications
Authors: Citu Cosmin , Neamtu Radu , Sorop Virgiliu-Bogdan , Horhat Delia Ioana , Gorun Florin , Tudorache Emanuela , Gorun Oana Maria , Boarta Aris , Tuta-Sas Ioana , Citu Ioana Mihaela
Published: November 2021

We designed and implemented a prospective study to analyze the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with COVID-19 and determine the likelihood of viral transmission to the fetus and newborn by collecting samples from amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord blood, and breast milk. The study followed a prospective observational design, starting in July 2020 and lasting for one year. A total of 889 pregnant women were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection in an outpatient setting at our clinic, using nasal swabs for PCR testing. A total of 76 women were diagnosed with COVID-19. The positive patients who accepted study enrollment were systematically analyzed by collecting weekly nasal, urine, fecal, and serum samples, including amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord, and breast milk at hospital admission and postpartum. Mothers with COVID-19 were at a significantly higher risk of developing gestational hypertension and giving birth prematurely by c-section than the general pregnant population. Moreover, their mortality rates were substantially higher. Their newborns did not have negative outcomes, except for prematurity, and an insignificant number of newborns were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (5.4%). No amniotic fluid samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, and only 1.01% of PCR tests from breast milk were confirmed positive. Based on these results, we support the idea that SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women do not expose their infants to an additional risk of infection via breastfeeding, close contact, or in-utero. Consequently, we do not support maternal–newborn separation at delivery since they do not seem to be at an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The Adverse Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Abdominal Emergencies: A Retrospective Clinico-Pathological Analysis
Authors: Vissio Elena , Falco Enrico Costantino , Scozzari Gitana , Scarmozzino Antonio , Trinh Do An Andrea , Morino Mario , Papotti Mauro , Bertero Luca , Cassoni Paola
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a worldwide significant drop of admissions to the emergency department (ED). The aim of the study was to retrospectively investigate the pandemic impact on ED admissions, management, and severity of three abdominal emergencies (appendicitis, diverticulitis, and cholecystitis) during the COVID-19 pandemic using 2017–2019 data as a control. The difference in clinical and pathological disease severity was the primary outcome measure while differences in (i) ED admissions, (ii) triage urgency codes, and (iii) surgical rates were the second ones. Overall, ED admissions for the selected conditions decreased by 34.9% during the pandemic (control: 996, 2020: 648) and lower triage urgency codes were assigned for cholecystitis (control: 170/556, 2020: 66/356, p < 0.001) and appendicitis (control: 40/178, 2020: 21/157, p = 0.031). Less surgical procedures were performed in 2020 (control: 447, 2020: 309), but the surgical rate was stable (47.7% in 2020 vs. 44.8% in 2017–2019). Considering the clinical and pathological assessments, a higher percentage of severe cases was observed in the four pandemic peak months of 2020 (control: 98/192, 2020: 87/109; p < 0.001 and control: 105/192, 2020: 87/109; p < 0.001). For the first time in this study, pathological findings objectively demonstrated an increased disease severity of the analyzed conditions during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Correlation between Polysomnographic Parameters and Tridimensional Changes in the Upper Airway of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Treated with Mandibular Advancement Devices
Authors: Camañes-Gonzalvo Sara , Marco-Pitarch Rocío , Plaza-Espín Andrés , Puertas-Cuesta Javier , Agustín-Panadero Rubén , Fons-Font Antonio , Fons-Badal Carla , García-Selva Marina
Published: November 2021

Background. The effectiveness of mandibular advancement devices has been solidly demonstrated in the past. They are considered a valid alternative treatment to continuous positive airway pressure for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Nevertheless, the relationship between polysomnographic parameters and the increase in the volume of the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has not been clearly established so far. This study aimed to determine the impact of these oral appliances upon the volume of the airway after the device titration phase and correlate it with the degree of mandibular advancement and the improvement of polysomnographic parameters. Methods. All patients were diagnosed by polysomnography and were treated with a customized, titratable mandibular advancement device. Three-dimensional volumetric measurements were performed using cone beam computed tomography. Results. The present study included 45 patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (mild in 23 patients, moderate in 11 and severe in 11). Forty-four percent of the patients presented with an apnea hypopnea index <5/h at the end of treatment. The volume of the upper airway increased an average of 4.3 ± 5.9 cm3, this represents a percentage increase of 20.9%, which was significantly correlated with an apnea hypopnea index and a minimum oxygen saturation improvement. Conclusions. The mandibular advancement device used was found to be effective in improving polysomnographic parameters. Moreover, the oral appliance was able to significantly increase the tridimensional dimensions of the upper airway. Moreover, this finding was correlated with a reduction in the apnea hypopnea index (p = 0.007) and an increase on minimum oxygen saturation (p = 0.033).
Current Challenges and Advances in Preterm Birth
Authors: Farr Alex
Published: November 2021

As the Guest Editor of this Special Issue, I would like to express my gratitude to all the authors who have contributed [...]
The Relationship between Platelet Indices and Ultrasound, Clinical, Laboratory Parameters of Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Grzechnik Krzysztof , Zwolak Robert
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: A proper assessment of disease activity is crucial for the management of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Platelets seem to be involved in joint inflammation pathophysiology. Platelet indices (PIs) are markers of platelet activation, and include platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT). The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between PIs and disease activity markers, both systemic (clinical, laboratory) and local (ultrasound, US), in patients with RA; (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 131 consecutive RA patients. The following assessments were performed: joint counts, Disease Activity Score (DAS28), complete blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and US of 24 small joints; (3) Results: Mean values of PIs remained within the normal reference ranges. Values of PC, PCT, PDW were significantly associated with disease activity markers, both clinical (DAS28, joint counts) and laboratory (CRP, ESR). In patients with high disease activity, PC, PCT were significantly higher and PDW lower. PC was positively correlated with Power Doppler US (PDUS) score. In patients with features of RA severity (antibodies positivity, extra-articular manifestations) PC and PCT were positively associated with all US parameters (Grey Scale US, PDUS, Global scores); (4) Conclusions: In patients with RA, PC and PCT may serve as positive disease activity markers and PDW may serve as a negative marker. PIs may be used as reliable, inexpensive markers of RA systemic activity; they may also serve as markers of local inflammation in the joints affected by RA.
Predictive Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Comparison with Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Valente Filipa X. , Gavara José , Gutierrez Laura , Rios-Navarro Cesar , Rello Pau , Maymi Manel , Fernandez-Galera Ruben , Monmeneu José V. , Sao-Aviles Augusto , Lopez-Lereu Maria P. , Gonzalez-Alujas M. Teresa , Moratal David , Cuellar Hug , Barrabés José , Otaegui Imanol , Evangelista Artur , Ferreira Ignacio , Bodi Vicente , Rodriguez-Palomares José
Published: November 2021

In acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) may underestimate segmental functional recovery. We evaluated the predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking (FT) for functional recovery and whether it incremented the value of LGE compared to low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LDDSE) and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Eighty patients underwent LDDSE and CMR within 5–7 days after STEMI and segmental functional recovery was defined as improvement in wall-motion at 6-months CMR. Optimal conventional and FT parameters were analyzed and then also applied to an external validation cohort of 222 STEMI patients. Circumferential strain (CS) was the strongest CMR-FT predictor and addition to LGE increased the overall accuracy to 74% and was especially relevant in segments with 50–74% LGE (AUC 0.60 vs. 0.75, p = 0.001). LDDSE increased the overall accuracy to 71%, and in the 50–74% LGE subgroup improved the AUC from 0.60 to 0.69 (p = 0.039). LGE + CS showed similar value as LGE + LDDSE. In the validation cohort, CS was also the strongest CMR-FT predictor of recovery and addition of CS to LGE improved overall accuracy to 73% although this difference was not significant (AUC 0.69, p = 0.44). Conclusion: CS is the strongest CMR-FT predictor of segmental functional recovery after STEMI. Its incremental value to LGE is comparable to that of LDDSE whilst avoiding an inotropic stress agent. CS is especially relevant in segments with 50–74% LGE where accuracy is lower and further testing is frequently required to clarify the potential for recovery.
Cytoreductive Surgery for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Gastric Cancer: Technical Details
Authors: Boerner Thomas , Piso Pompiliu
Published: November 2021

Due to limited systemic treatment options, peritoneal carcinomatosis of gastric origin is still associated with a dismal outcome and is claimed a terminal disease. In the past, surgery had not been considered as a potential treatment option. However, there is emerging evidence that in selected patients, locoregional treatment modalities including cytoreductive surgery of peritoneal carcinomatosis can improve survival in patients with gastric cancer. These operative procedures are complex and challenging, and a high surgical expertise of the treating physician is necessary to prevent major postoperative morbidity and mortality with a delay of further systemic therapy. This review summarizes our current knowledge and personal experience regarding the techniques of cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastasis of gastric origin.
Modelling and Analysis of Topographic Surface Properties of Grinding Wheels
Authors: Sridhar Praveen , Mannherz Daniel , de Payrebrune Kristin M.
Published: November 2021

Grinding is one of the effective manufacturing processes with which to produce highly accurate parts with an ultra-fine surface finish. The tool used to remove materials in grinding is called the grinding wheel. Abrasive grains made of extremely hard materials (alumina, silica, cubic boron nitride, and diamond) having a definite grit size but a random shape are bonded on the circumferential surface of the grinding wheel. The fabrication process is controlled so that the wheel exhibits a prescribed structure (in the scale of soft to hard). At the same time, the distribution of grains must follow a prescribed grade (in the scale of dense to open). After the fabrication, the wheel is dressed to make sure of its material removal effectiveness, which itself depends on the surface topography. The topography is quantified by the distribution and density of active abrasive grains located on the circumferential surface, the grains’ protrusion heights, and their pore volume ratio. The prediction of the surface topography mentioned above requires a model that considers the entire manufacturing process and the influences on the grinding wheel properties. This study fills this gap in modelling the grinding wheel by presenting a surface topography model and simulation framework for the effect of the grinding wheel fabrication process on the surface topography. The simulation results have been verified by conducting experiments. This study will thus help grinding wheel manufacturers in developing more effective grinding wheels.
Relationship between Sea Surface Drag Coefficient and Wave State
Authors: Shi Jian , Feng Zhihao , Sun Yuan , Zhang Xueyan , Zhang Wenjing , Yu Yi
Published: November 2021

The sea surface drag coefficient plays an important role in momentum transmission between the atmosphere and the ocean, which is affected by ocean waves. The total air–sea momentum flux consists of effective momentum flux and sea spray momentum flux. Sea spray momentum flux involves sea surface drag, which is largely affected by the ocean wave state. Under strong winds, the sea surface drag coefficient (CD) does not increase linearly with the increasing wind speed, namely, the increase of CD is inhibited by strong winds. In this study, a sea surface drag coefficient is constructed that can be applied to the calculation of the air–sea momentum flux under high wind speed. The sea surface drag coefficient also considers the influence of wave state and sea spray droplets generated by wave breaking. Specially, the wave-dependent sea spray generation function is employed to calculate sea spray momentum flux. This facilitates the analysis not only on the sensitivity of the sea spray momentum flux to wave age, but also on the effect of wave state on the effective CD (CD, eff) under strong winds. Our results indicate that wave age plays an important role in determining CD. When the wave age is >0.4, CD decreases with the wave age. However, when the wave age is ≤0.4, CD increases with the wave age at low and moderate wind speeds but tends to decrease with the wave age at high wind speeds.
Ecological Constraints of Plankton Bio-Indicators for Water Column Stratification and Productivity: A Case Study of the Holocene North Aegean Sedimentary Record
Authors: Giamali Christina , Kontakiotis George , Antonarakou Assimina , Koskeridou Efterpi
Published: November 2021

This study presents novel findings on the drivers of the calcitic planktonic foraminiferal and aragonitic pteropod Holocene assemblages of the North Aegean Trough (northeastern Mediterranean), an area recording the interaction between dynamic water masses as they exchange between the northern and southern Mediterranean sub-basins. Both of these groups of microorganisms are the major producers of calcium carbonate in the ocean, and are particularly sensitive to climate and oceanographic changes over the late Quaternary. Downcore micropaleontological data from the gravity core AEX-15, supplemented with multivariate statistical Q-mode cluster and principal component analyses (PCA) results, provide significant insights on the water column dynamics during the Holocene. Focusing on the last ~10 calibrated thousands of years before the present day (ka cal BP), our integrated study reveals that primary productivity is the dominant factor controlling the planktonic foraminifera distribution in the North Aegean Sea, whereas water column stratification, and particularly the intensity of the oxygen minimum zone, seems to be the major driver on the pteropod distribution. Besides productivity and thermal stratification, which show the highest explanatory power for planktonic foraminifera and pteropod communities, respectively, though they affect both groups to a different extent, upwelling seems to further affect both faunal groups. Overall, our findings are consistent with those derived by published late Quaternary eastern Mediterranean records, highlighting in parallel a useful additional dimension on planktonic foraminiferal and pteropod ecology, which is inextricably linked with the factors of primary productivity and vertical stratification of the warm Holocene water column.
In-Culture Selection and the Potential Effects of Changing Sex Ratios on the Reproductive Success of Multiannual Delayed Gametophytes of Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta
Authors: Ebbing Alexander P. J. , Fivash Gregory S. , Martin Nuria B. , Pierik Ronald , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Kromkamp Jacco C. , Timmermans Klaas
Published: November 2021

Multiannual delayed gametophyte cultures can stay vegetative for years, while also having the ability to grow. This study aims to investigate whether male and female multiannual delayed gametophyte strains of the species Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta grow at different rates in culture. We furthermore assessed how changing sex ratios can affect the reproductive yields of these cultures. The results indicate that the reproductive yield of cultures declines with decreasing male:female ratios, a correlation that becomes especially apparent at higher culture densities for both species. Female gametophyte densities in particular affected the observed reproductive yield of the cultures, with S. latissima cultures showing a clear reproductive optimum (sporophytes·mL−1) at 0.013 mg·mL−1 DW female gametophyte biomass, while the reproductive success of A. esculenta peaked at a density of 0.025 mg·mL−1 DW of female gametophyte biomass, after which the reproductive yield started to decline in both species. The results show that the sex ratio of a gametophyte culture is an important biotic life cycle control, with higher amounts of female gametophyte biomass halting gametophyte reproduction. Understanding how these changing sex ratios in gametophyte cultures affect reproduction is especially important in the aquaculture of kelp, where reliable preforming cultures are key to long-term success.
The Sediment Reworking of the Mud Shrimp Laomedia sp. (Crustacea: Laomediidae) with Tidal Conditions in the Intertidal Sediments of Gomso Bay, Korea
Authors: Seo Jaehwan , Koo Bon Joo
Published: November 2021

Although the thalassinidean mud shrimp Laomedia sp. is one of the most abundant species in the upper tidal flats along the west coast of Korea, little is known of its ecological characteristics and bioturbation effects on intertidal sediments. This study estimated the sediment reworking rate (SRR) of Laomedia sp. by quantifying in situ sediments ejected from the burrows via direct entrapment and evaluated the effects of tidal conditions on the SRR. The amount of expelled sediments from individual burrows was significantly related to the duration of submergence, whereas SRR showed an increasing trend as elevation increased. The SRR of Laomedia sp. was estimated to be 40 g ind.−1 d−1 and the annual SRR of this species was 72.2 kg m−2 yr−1 based on the density in the study area, which is very high compared to other thalassinidean shrimp. These findings suggest that Laomedia sp. is an important bioturbator in intertidal sediments, and tidal conditions should be considered when evaluating the SRR of this species.
Cavity Detachment from a Wedge with Rounded Edges and the Surface Tension Effect
Authors: Savchenko Yuriy N. , Savchenko Georgiy Y. , Semenov Yuriy A.
Published: November 2021

Cavity flow around a wedge with rounded edges was studied, taking into account the surface tension effect and the Brillouin–Villat criterion of cavity detachment. The liquid compressibility and viscosity were ignored. An analytical solution was obtained in parametric form by applying the integral hodograph method. This method gives the possibility of deriving analytical expressions for complex velocity and for potential, both defined in a parameter plane. An expression for the curvature of the cavity boundary was obtained analytically. By using the dynamic boundary condition on the cavity boundary, an integral equation in the velocity modulus was derived. The particular case of zero surface tension is a special case of the solution. The surface tension effect was computed over a wide range of the Weber number for various degrees of cavitation development. Numerical results are presented for the flow configuration, the drag force coefficient, and the position of cavity detachment. It was found that for each radius of the edges, there exists a critical Weber number, below which the iterative solution process fails to converge, so a steady flow solution cannot be computed. This critical Weber number increases as the radius of the edge decreases. As the edge radius tends to zero, the critical Weber number tends to infinity, or a steady cavity flow cannot be computed at any finite Weber number in the case of sharp wedge edges. This shows some limitations of the model based on the Brillouin–Villat criterion of cavity detachment.
Geochemical and Mineral Properties of Quaternary Deep-Sea Sediments in the Central-Tropical Pacific and Its Response to the Mid-Pleistocene Transition
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Yi Liang , Deng Xiguang , He Gaowen
Published: November 2021

Global climate and oceanic water masses have undergone profound changes during the middle Pleistocene transition; however, due to a lack of foraminiferal fossils, the nonfossiliferous pelagic deposits were less detected in previous reports. In this work, a gravity core from the Kamehameha Basin in the Central Pacific was studied in terms of magnetostratigraphy, clay mineral and geochemical elements. The main results are: (1) nine magnetozones are recognized in the core, which can be correlated to the geomagnetic polarity timescale from chrons C2n to C1n; (2) smectite is the dominant clay mineral, and the others are illite, chlorite and kaolinite; and (3) the sediments are mainly composed of Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, Na2O and TiO2. Based on these results, a geochronological framework for the study area was established, and the depositional rates are estimated as 3–7 m/Myr in the Quaternary, showing an increase during the middle Pleistocene transition. By comparing the findings to various paleoenvironmental processes, it is inferred that the increased sedimentation in the Kamehameha Basin may have resulted from the induced weathering processes and the strengthened aeolian inputs from inner Asia. Moreover, regional circulation related to bottom water evolution has experienced a rapid reorganization across the middle Pleistocene transition. All these findings illustrate the potential of deep-sea sediments in the central tropical Pacific in revealing some key features in paleoclimatology and paleoceanography, which are worthy of further investigation in the future.
Effects of Gap Resonance on the Hydrodynamics and Dynamics of a Multi-Module Floating System with Narrow Gaps
Authors: Chen Mingsheng , Guo Hongrui , Wang Rong , Tao Ran , Cheng Ning
Published: November 2021

Multi-module floating system has attracted much attention in recent years as ocean space utilization becomes more demanding. This type of structural system has potential applications in the design and construction of floating piers, floating airports and Mobile Offshore Bases (MOBs) generally consists of multiple modules with narrow gaps in which hydrodynamic interactions play a non-neglected role. This study considers a numerical model consisting of several rectangular modules to study the hydrodynamics and dynamics of the multi-module floating system subjected to the waves. Based on ANSYS-AQWA, both frequency-domain and time-domain simulations are performed to analyze the complex multi-body hydrodynamic interactions by introducing artificial damping on the gap surfaces. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the effects of the gap width, shielding effects of the multi-body system, artificial damping ratio on the gap surface, and the dependency of the hydrodynamic interaction effect on wave headings is clarified. Based on the results, it is found that the numerical analysis based on the potential flow theory with artificial damping introduced can produce accurate results for the normal wave period range. In addition, the effects of artificial damping on the dynamics and connector loads are investigated by using a simplified RMFC model. For the case of adding an artificial damping ratio of 0.2, the relative heave and pitch motions are found to be reduced by 33% and 50%, respectively. In addition, the maximum cable and fender forces are found to be reduced by 50%, compared with the case without viscosity correction.
Gcorn fungi: A Web Tool for Detecting Biases between Gene Evolution and Speciation in Fungi
Authors: Kawachi Taiga , Inuki Yuta , Ogata Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: Fungi contain several millions of species, and the diversification of fungal genes has been achieved by speciation, gene duplication, and horizontal gene transfer. Although several databases provide information on orthologous and paralogous events, these databases show no information on biases between gene mutation and speciation. Here, we designed the Gcorn fungi database to better understand such biases. (2) Methods: Amino acid sequences of fungal genes in 249 species, which contain 2,345,743 sequences, were used for this database. Homologous genes were grouped at various thresholds of the homology index, which was based on the percentages of gene mutations. By grouping genes that showed highly similar homology indices to each other, we showed functional and evolutionary traits in the phylogenetic tree depicted for the gene of interest. (3) Results: Gcorn fungi provides well-summarized information on the evolution of a gene lineage and on the biases between gene evolution and speciation, which are quantitatively identified by the Robinson–Foulds metric. The database helps users visualize these traits using various depictions. (4) Conclusions: Gcorn fungi is an open access database that provides a variety of information with which to understand gene function and evolution.
The Heat Shock Protein 60 and Pap1 Participate in the Sporothrix schenckii-Host Interaction
Authors: García-Carnero Laura C. , Salinas-Marín Roberta , Lozoya-Pérez Nancy E. , Wrobel Katarzyna , Wrobel Kazimierz , Martínez-Duncker Iván , Niño-Vega Gustavo A. , Mora-Montes Héctor M.
Published: November 2021

Sporothrixschenckii is one of the etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a worldwide-distributed subcutaneous mycosis. Its cell wall contains a glycoconjugate composed of rhamnose, mannose, glucuronic acid, and proteins, named peptidorhamnomannan, which harbors important Sporothrix-specific immunogenic epitopes. Although the peptidorhamnomannan carbohydrate moiety has been extensively studied, thus far, little is known about the protein core. Here, using LC-MS/MS, we analyzed the S.schenckii peptidorhamnomannan peptide fraction and generated mass signals of 325 proteins, most of them likely to be moonlighting proteins. Among the identified proteins, chaperonin GroEL/Hsp60 and the uncharacterized protein Pap1 were selected for further analysis. Both proteins were heterologously expressed in bacteria, and they showed adhesive properties to the extracellular matrix proteins laminin, elastin, fibrinogen, and fibronectin, although Pap1 also was bound to type-I and type-II collagen. The inoculation of concentrations higher than 40 μg of these proteins, separately, increased immune effectors in the hemolymph of Galleriamellonella larvae and protected animals from an S.schenckii lethal challenge. These observations were confirmed when yeast-like cells, pre-incubated with anti-rHsp60 or anti-rPap1 antibodies were used to inoculate larvae. The animals inoculated with pretreated cells showed increased survival rates when compared to the control groups. In conclusion, we report that Hsp60 and Pap1 are part of the cell wall peptidorhamnomannan, can bind extracellular matrix components, and contribute to the S.schenckii virulence. To our knowledge, this is the first report about moonlighting protein in the S.schenckii cell wall with an important role during the pathogen–host interaction.
Yeast Plasma Membrane Fungal Oligopeptide Transporters Display Distinct Substrate Preferences despite Their High Sequence Identity
Authors: Becerra-Rodríguez Carmen , Taghouti Géraldine , Portier Perrine , Dequin Sylvie , Casal Margarida , Paiva Sandra , Galeote Virginie
Published: November 2021

Fungal Oligopeptide Transporters (Fot) Fot1, Fot2 and Fot3 have been found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine strains, but not in strains from other environments. In the S. cerevisiae wine strain EC1118, Fot1 and Fot2 are responsible for a broader range of oligopeptide utilization in comparison with strains not containing any Fot. This leads to better fermentation efficiency and an increased production of desirable organoleptic compounds in wine. Despite the benefits associated with Fot activity in S. cerevisiae within the wine environment, little is known about this family of transporters in yeast. The presence of Fot1, Fot2 and Fot3 in S. cerevisiae wine strains is due to horizontal gene transfer from the yeast Torulaspora microellipsoides, which harbors Fot2Tm, FotX and FotY proteins. Sequence analyses revealed that Fot family members have a high sequence identity in these yeast species. In this work, we aimed to further characterize the different Fot family members in terms of subcellular localization, gene expression in enological fermentation and substrate specificity. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we constructed S. cerevisiae wine strains containing each different Fot as the sole oligopeptide transporter to analyze their oligopeptide preferences by phenotype microarrays. The results of oligopeptide consumption show that Fot counterparts have different di-/tripeptide specificities, suggesting that punctual sequence divergence between FOT genes can be crucial for substrate recognition, binding and transport activity. FOT gene expression levels in different S. cerevisiae wine strains during enological fermentation, together with predicted binding motifs for transcriptional regulators in nitrogen metabolism, indicate that these transporters may be under the control of the Nitrogen Catabolite Repression (NCR) system. Finally, we demonstrated that Fot1 is located in the yeast plasma membrane. This work contributes to a better understanding of this family of oligopeptide transporters, which have demonstrated a key role in the utilization of oligopeptides by S. cerevisiae in enological fermentation.
Interaction of Polygenetic Variants for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk with Breastfeeding and Korean Balanced Diet to Influence Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Later Life in a Large Hospital-Based Cohort
Authors: Park Sunmin
Published: November 2021

The etiologies of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are similar. Genetic and environmental factors interact to influence the risk of both types of diabetes. We aimed to determine if the polygenetic risk scores (PRS) for GDM risk interacted with lifestyles to influence type 2 diabetes risk in women aged >40 years in a large hospital-based city cohort. The participants with GDM diagnosis without T2DM before pregnancy were considered the case group (n = 384) and those without GDM and T2DM as the control (n = 33,956) to explore GDM-related genetic variants. The participants with T2DM were the case (n = 2550), and the control (n = 33,956) was the same as GDM genetic analysis for the interaction analysis of GDM genetic risk with lifestyles to influence T2DM risk. The genetic variants for the GDM risk were selected from a genome-wide association study (GWAS), and their PRS from the best model with gene-gene interactions were generated. GDM was positively associated with age at first pregnancy, body mass index (BMI) at age 20, and education level. A previous GDM diagnosis increased the likelihood of elevated fasting serum glucose concentrations and HbA1c contents by 8.42 and 9.23 times in middle-aged and older women. However, it was not associated with the risk of any other metabolic syndrome components. Breast-feeding (≥1 year) was inversely associated with the T2DM risk in later life. In the genetic variant-genetic variant interaction, the best model with 5-SNPs included PTPRD_rs916855529, GPC6_rs9589710, CDKAL1_rs7754840, PRKAG2_rs11975504, and PTPRM_rs80164908. The PRS calculated from the 5-SNP model was positively associated with the GDM risk by 3.259 (2.17–4.89) times after adjusting GDM-related covariates. The GDM experience interacted with PRS for the T2DM risk. Only in non-GDM women PRS was positively associated with T2DM risk by 1.36-times. However, long breastfeeding did not interact with the PRS for T2DM risk. Among dietary patterns, only a Korean-style balanced diet (KBD) showed an interaction with PRS for the T2DM risk. Participants with a low-PRS had the lowest serum glucose concentrations in the high KBD intake but not low KBD intake. In conclusion, participants with a high PRS for GDM risk are positively associated with T2DM risk, and breastfeeding for ≥1 year and consuming KBD offset the PRS for GDM risk to influence T2DM risk in middle-aged and older.
LASSO and Bioinformatics Analysis in the Identification of Key Genes for Prognostic Genes of Gynecologic Cancer
Authors: Yu Shao-Hua , Cai Jia-Hua , Chen De-Lun , Liao Szu-Han , Lin Yi-Zhen , Chung Yu-Ting , Tsai Jeffrey J. P. , Wang Charles C. N.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of gynecologic cancer in order to improve survival. Cervical cancer (CC) and endometrial cancer (EC) are the most common malignant tumors of gynecologic cancer among women in the world. As the underlying molecular mechanisms in both cervical and endometrial cancer remain unclear, a comprehensive and systematic bioinformatics analysis is required. In our study, gene expression profiles of GSE9750, GES7803, GES63514, GES17025, GES115810, and GES36389 downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were utilized to analyze differential gene expression between cancer and normal tissues. A total of 78 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) common to CC and EC were identified to perform the functional enrichment analyses, including gene ontology and pathway analysis. KEGG pathway analysis of 78 DEGs indicated that three main types of pathway participate in the mechanism of gynecologic cancer such as drug metabolism, signal transduction, and tumorigenesis and development. Furthermore, 20 diagnostic signatures were confirmed using the least absolute shrink and selection operator (LASSO) regression with 10-fold cross validation. Finally, we used the GEPIA2 online tool to verify the expression of 20 genes selected by the LASSO regression model. Among them, the expression of PAMR1 and SLC24A3 in tumor tissues was downregulated significantly compared to the normal tissue, and found to be statistically significant in survival rates between the CC and EC of patients (p < 0.05). The two genes have their function: (1.) PAMR1 is a tumor suppressor gene, and many studies have proven that overexpression of the gene markedly suppresses cell growth, especially in breast cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome; (2.) SLC24A3 is a sodium–calcium regulator of cells, and high SLC24A3 levels are associated with poor prognosis. In our study, the gene signatures can be used to predict CC and EC prognosis, which could provide novel clinical evidence to serve as a potential biomarker for future diagnosis and treatment.
Factors Affecting Post-Stroke Depression in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients after 3 Months
Authors: Lee Chan-Hyuk , Jeon Su Hong , Kim Min Ju , Ra Gyu Dam , Lee Yong-Hyun , Hong Seung Hyeon , Shin Byoung-Soo , Kang Hyun Goo
Published: November 2021

Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately one-third of stroke patients. PSD not only impairs recovery and lowers quality of life, but has also serious neurological consequences, high mortality, and stroke recurrence risks. Studies on PSD-related prognostic factors are still lacking, especially environmental factors. Moreover, relieving factors after PSD in stroke patients has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate (study design 1) risk factors for PSD diagnosis after three months, and (study design 2) related factors for the relieving of early PSD after three months. This retrospective study included 227 patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke within three days at Jeonbuk National University Hospital from January to December 2019. The depressive status was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at admission and after three months. Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed for relevant prognostic factors. (Study design 1) HDRS score at admission (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.31; p < 0.001) and hospitalization period (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.20; p = 0.013) were confirmed as prognostic factors of PSD after three months. (Study design 2) The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at discharge (aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.94; p = 0.006) and HDRS score at admission (aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71–0.89; p < 0.001) were confirmed as prognostic factors of depression improvement after three months. In conclusion, environmental factors such as hospitalization period could be important in managing PSD. Factors related to PSD improvement are expected to be helpful in establishing a strategy for PSD recovery.