bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemin-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Chronic Hemolysis
Authors: Gonzales Janae , Holbert Kelsey , Czysz Kamryn , George Joseph , Fernandes Caroline , Fraidenburg Dustin R.
Published: April 2022

Pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease is an independent predictor of mortality, yet the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular disease in chronic hemolytic disorders remains incompletely understood and treatment options are limited primarily to supportive care. The release of extracellular hemoglobin has been implicated in the development of pulmonary hypertension, and in this study we explored the direct effects of hemin, the oxidized moiety of heme, on the pulmonary artery endothelium. We found that low dose hemin exposure leads to significantly increased endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and cytokine release as markers of endothelial dysfunction. Protein expression changes in our pulmonary artery endothelial cells showed upregulation of mesenchymal markers after hemin treatment in conjunction with a decrease in endothelial markers. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) resulting from hemin exposure was further confirmed by showing upregulation of the transcription factors SNAI1 and SLUG, known to regulate EndoMT. Lastly, given the endothelial dysfunction and phenotypic transition observed, the endothelial cytoskeleton was considered a potential novel target. Inhibiting myosin light chain kinase, to prevent phosphorylation of myosin light chain and cytoskeletal contraction, attenuated hemin-induced endothelial hyper-proliferation, migration, and cytokine release. The findings in this study implicate hemin as a key inducer of endothelial dysfunction through EndoMT, which may play an important role in pulmonary vascular remodeling during the development of pulmonary hypertension in chronic hemolytic states.
Molecular Alterations of the Endocannabinoid System in Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Navarro Daniela , Gasparyan Ani , Navarrete Francisco , Torregrosa Abraham B. , Rubio Gabriel , Marín-Mayor Marta , Acosta Gabriela B. , Garcia-Gutiérrez Maria Salud , Manzanares Jorge
Published: April 2022

The therapeutic benefits of the current medications for patients with psychiatric disorders contrast with a great variety of adverse effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) components have gained high interest as potential new targets for treating psychiatry diseases because of their neuromodulator role, which is essential to understanding the regulation of many brain functions. This article reviewed the molecular alterations in ECS occurring in different psychiatric conditions. The methods used to identify alterations in the ECS were also described. We used a translational approach. The animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neurochemical aspects of psychiatric disorders and the molecular alterations in clinical studies in post-mortem brain tissue or peripheral tissues were analyzed. This article reviewed the most relevant ECS changes in prevalent psychiatric diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, autism, attentional deficit, eating disorders (ED), and addiction. The review concludes that clinical research studies are urgently needed for two different purposes: (1) To identify alterations of the ECS components potentially useful as new biomarkers relating to a specific disease or condition, and (2) to design new therapeutic targets based on the specific alterations found to improve the pharmacological treatment in psychiatry.
Pure Chitosan Biomedical Textile Fibers from Mixtures of Low- and High-Molecular Weight Bidisperse Polymer Solutions: Processing and Understanding of Microstructure–Mechanical Properties’ Relationship
Authors: Bentley Flor Estefany , Passieux Renaud , David Laurent , Osorio-Madrazo Anayancy
Published: April 2022

Natural polymers, as extracted from biomass, may exhibit large macromolecular polydispersity. We investigated the impact of low molar mass chitosan (LMW, DPw~115) on the properties of chitosan fibers obtained by wet spinning of chitosan solutions with bimodal distributions of molar masses. The fiber crystallinity index (CrI) was assessed by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and the mechanical properties were obtained by uniaxial tensile tests. The LMW chitosan showed to slightly increase the crystallinity index in films which were initially processed from the bimodal molar mass chitosan solutions, as a result of increased molecular mobility and possible crystal nucleating effects. Nevertheless, the CrI remained almost constant or slightly decreased in stretched fibers at increasing content of LMW chitosan in the bidisperse chitosan collodion. The ultimate mechanical properties of fibers were altered by the addition of LMW chitosan as a result of a decrease of entanglement density and chain orientation in the solid state. An increase of crystallinity might not be expected from LMW chitosan with a still relatively high degree of polymerization (DPw ≥ 115). Instead, different nucleation agents—either smaller molecules or nanoparticles—should be used to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan fibers for textile applications.
Genome-Wide Identification of the NAC Gene Family in Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Their Transcriptional Responses to Drought Stress
Authors: Hu Haichao , Ma Lei , Chen Xin , Fei Xitong , He Beibei , Luo Yingli , Liu Yonghong , Wei Anzhi
Published: April 2022

NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factors (TFs) are one of the largest plant-specific TF families and play a pivotal role in adaptation to abiotic stresses. The genome-wide analysis of NAC TFs is still absent in Zanthoxylum bungeanum. Here, 109 ZbNAC proteins were identified from the Z. bungeanum genome and were classified into four groups with Arabidopsis NAC proteins. The 109 ZbNAC genes were unevenly distributed on 46 chromosomes and included 4 tandem duplication events and 17 segmental duplication events. Synteny analysis of six species pairs revealed the closely phylogenetic relationship between Z. bungeanum and C. sinensis. Twenty-four types of cis-elements were identified in the ZbNAC promoters and were classified into three types: abiotic stress, plant growth and development, and response to phytohormones. Co-expression network analysis of the ZbNACs revealed 10 hub genes, and their expression levels were validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, ZbNAC007, ZbNAC018, ZbNAC047, ZbNAC072, and ZbNAC079 were considered the pivotal NAC genes for drought tolerance in Z. bungeanum. This study represented the first genome-wide analysis of the NAC family in Z. bungeanum, improving our understanding of NAC proteins and providing useful information for molecular breeding of Z. bungeanum.
Impact of Clinical and Morphological Factors on Long-Term Mortality in Patients with Myocardial Bridge
Authors: Bárczi György , Becker Dávid , Sydó Nóra , Ruzsa Zoltán , Vágó Hajnalka , Oláh Attila , Merkely Béla
Published: April 2022

Although myocardial bridging (MB) has been intensively investigated using different methods, the effect of bridge morphology on long-term outcome is still doubtful. We aimed at describing the anatomical differences in coronary angiography between symptomatic and non-symptomatic LAD myocardial bridges and to investigate the influence of clinical and morphological factors on long-term mortality. In our retrospective, long-term, single center study we found relevant MB on the left anterior descendent (LAD) coronary artery in 146 cases during a two-year period, when 11,385 patients underwent coronary angiography due to angina pectoris. Patients were divided into two groups: those with myocardial bridge only (LAD-MBneg, n = 78) and those with associated obstructive coronary artery disease (LAD-MBpos, n = 68). Clinical factors, morphology of bridge by quantitative coronary analysis and ten-year long mortality data were collected. The LAD-MBneg group was associated with younger age and decreased incidence of diabetes mellitus, as well as with increased minimal diameter to reference diameter ratio (LAD-MBneg 54.5 (13.1)% vs. LAD-MBpos 46.5 (16.4)%, p = 0.016), while there was a tendency towards longer lesions and higher vessel diameter values compared to the LAD-MBpos group. The LAD-MBpos group was associated with increased mortality compared to the LAD-MBneg group. The analysis of our data showed that morphological parameters of LAD bridge did not influence long-term mortality, either in the overall population or in the LAD-MBneg patients. Morphological parameters of LAD bridge did not influence long-term mortality outcomes; therefore, it suggests that anatomical differences might not predict long-term outcomes and should not influence therapy.
Meibomian Gland Density: An Effective Evaluation Index of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Based on Deep Learning and Transfer Learning
Authors: Zhang Zuhui , Lin Xiaolei , Yu Xinxin , Fu Yana , Chen Xiaoyu , Yang Weihua , Dai Qi
Published: April 2022

We aimed to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) system based on deep learning and transfer learning for meibomian gland (MG) segmentation and evaluate the efficacy of MG density in the diagnosis of MG dysfunction (MGD). First, 85 eyes of 85 subjects were enrolled for AI system-based evaluation effectiveness testing. Then, from 2420 randomly selected subjects, 4006 meibography images (1620 upper eyelids and 2386 lower eyelids) graded by three experts according to the meiboscore were analyzed for MG density using the AI system. The updated AI system achieved 92% accuracy (intersection over union, IoU) and 100% repeatability in MG segmentation after 4 h of training. The processing time for each meibography was 100 ms. We discovered a significant and linear correlation between MG density and ocular surface disease index questionnaire (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), lid margin score, meiboscore, and meibum expressibility score (all p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.900 for MG density in the total eyelids. The sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 81%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 0.275. MG density is an effective index for MGD, particularly supported by the AI system, which could replace the meiboscore, significantly improve the accuracy of meibography analysis, reduce the analysis time and doctors’ workload, and improve the diagnostic efficiency.
Real-Time Monitoring of Blood Parameters in the Intensive Care Unit: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives
Authors: Bockholt Rebecca , Paschke Shaleen , Heubner Lars , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Laupp Alexander , Janićijević Željko , Klinghammer Stephanie , Balakin Sascha , Maitz Manfred F. , Werner Carsten , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Baraban Larysa , Spieth Peter Markus
Published: April 2022

The number of patients in intensive care units has increased over the past years. Critically ill patients are treated with a real time support of the instruments that offer monitoring of relevant blood parameters. These parameters include blood gases, lactate, and glucose, as well as pH and temperature. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, continuous management of dynamic deteriorating parameters in patients is more relevant than ever before. This narrative review aims to summarize the currently available literature regarding real-time monitoring of blood parameters in intensive care. Both, invasive and non-invasive methods are described in detail and discussed in terms of general advantages and disadvantages particularly in context of their use in different medical fields but especially in critical care. The objective is to explicate both, well-known and frequently used as well as relatively unknown devices. Furtehrmore, potential future direction in research and development of realtime sensor systems are discussed. Therefore, the discussion section provides a brief description of current developments in biosensing with special emphasis on their technical implementation. In connection with these developments, the authors focus on different electrochemical approaches to invasive and non-invasive measurements in vivo.
Fatigue Is a Major Symptom at COVID-19 Hospitalization Follow-Up
Authors: Sperling Søren , Fløe Andreas , Leth Steffen , Hyldgaard Charlotte , Gissel Tina , Topcu Ayfer , Kristensen Lars , Sønderskov Lene Dahl , Schmid Johannes Martin , Jensen-Fangel Søren , Bendstrup Elisabeth
Published: April 2022

Persistent symptoms after hospitalization with COVID-19 are common, but the frequency and severity of these symptoms are insufficiently understood. We aimed to describe symptoms and pulmonary function after hospitalization with COVID-19. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Central Denmark Region were invited for follow-up 3 months after discharge. Clinical characteristics, patient reported outcomes (Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), anxiety and depression (HADS)), symptoms, pulmonary function test and 6-min walk test were collected. We included 218 patients (mean age 59.9 (95% CI: 58.2, 61.7), 59% males). Fatigue, dyspnea and impaired concentration were the most prevalent symptoms at follow-up. Using FAS, 47% reported mild-to-moderate fatigue and 18% severe fatigue. Mean HADS was 7.9 (95% CI: 6.9, 8.9). FAS was correlated to HADS (β = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.44, 0.59, p < 0.001)). Mean DLCO was 80.4% (95% CI: 77.8, 83.0) and 45% had DLCO ˂ 80%. Mean DLCO was significantly reduced in patients treated in the ICU (70.46% (95% CI 65.13, 75.79)). The highest FAS and HADS were seen in patients with the shortest period of hospitalization (2.1 days (95% CI: 1.4, 2.7)) with no need for oxygen. In conclusion, fatigue is a common symptom after hospitalization for COVID-19 and ICU treatment is associated to decreased diffusion capacity.
To Optimize Radiotherapeutic Plans for Superior Tumor Coverage Predicts Malignant Glioma Prognosis and Normal Tissue Complication Probability
Authors: Kuo Chun-Yuan , Liu Wei-Hsiu , Chou Yu-Ching , Li Ming-Hsien , Tsai Jo-Ting , Huang David YC , Lin Jang-Chun
Published: April 2022

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) provides a modern treatment to enhance the malignant glioma control rate. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of tumor coverage on disease prognosis and to predict optimal RT plans to achieve a lower normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Methods: Ten malignant-glioma patients with tumors adjacent to organs at risk (OARs) were collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to adequate coverage or not, and prognosis was analyzed. Then, using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and helical tomotherapy (TOMO) to simulate new treatment plans for 10 patients, the advantages of these planning systems were revealed for subsequent prediction of NTCP. Results: The results of clinical analysis indicated that overall survival (p = 0.078) between the adequate and inadequate groups showed no differences, while the adequate group had better recurrence-free survival (p = 0.018) and progression-free survival (p = 0.009). TOMO had better CI (p < 0.001) and also predicted a lower total-irradiated dose to the normal brain (p = 0.001) and a lower NTCP (p = 0.027). Conclusions: The TOMO system provided optimal therapeutic planning, reducing NTCP and achieving better coverage. Combined with the clinical results, our findings suggest that TOMO can make malignant glioma patients close to OARs achieve better disease control.
Adiponectin, A-FABP and FGF-19 Levels in Women with Early Diagnosed Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Karasek David , Krystynik Ondrej , Kucerova Veronika , Macakova Dominika , Cibickova Lubica , Schovanek Jan , Haluzik Martin
Published: April 2022

Background: Adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), and fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) belong to proteins involved in glucose metabolism regulation. The aims of the study were to compare the plasma levels of these proteins in women with early diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to those in healthy controls and to investigate their changes during pregnancy after early intervention. Methods: The study was undertaken as a case-control study. Early GDM diagnosis was based on repeated fasting plasma glucose ≥5.1 and <7.0 mmol/L during the first trimester of pregnancy and exclusion of overt diabetes. Age-matched controls comprised healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. In addition to adipokines, clinical parameters and measures of glucose control were assessed. Results: Women with GDM (n = 23) had significantly lower adiponectin and higher A-FABP levels compared to healthy pregnant (n = 29) or non-pregnant (n = 25) controls, while no significant differences in FGF-19 between the groups were found. The therapeutic intervention shifted adiponectin and A-FABP levels in GDM women towards concentrations of healthy pregnant controls. Adipokines were associated with visceral adiposity and glucose control. Conclusion: Women with GDM showed altered adipokine production even in the first trimester of pregnancy. Early therapeutic intervention not only improved glucose control but also normalized impaired adipokine production.
Combination of High-Density and Coherent Mapping for Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmia in Patients with Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Sciacca Vanessa , Fink Thomas , Bergau Leonard , Imnadze Guram , El Hamriti Mustapha , Guckel Denise , Braun Martin , Khalaph Moneeb , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian
Published: April 2022

The present study describes our experience with a new mapping approach for ventricular arrhythmia (VA) ablation in patients with structural heart disease (SHD). Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for recurrent VA were analyzed. High-density mapping was conducted in all patients. In patients with inducible VA, local activation time (LAT) mapping and a novel vector-based mapping algorithm were implemented to analyze arrhythmia propagation. In case of focal tachycardia, the location of earliest activation was targeted. In VAs with re-entrant mechanisms, zones of slow conduction based on coherent mapping were ablated. Substrate modification was performed when pathologic electrograms were identified. Seventy-four patients were included. Sixty-five patients (87.8%) were male. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was the underlying disease in 35 patients (47.3%) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy was the underlying disease in 39 patients (52.7%). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 33.8 ± 9.9%. Non-inducibility of any VA was achieved in 70 patients (94.6%). Termination of VA was achieved in 93.5% of patients with stable VA. In 4 patients (5.4%), partial success was achieved. VA (p < 0.001), ATP (p < 0.001) and shock burden (p = 0.001) were significantly reduced after ablation. Mean arrhythmia-free survival after 12 months was 85.1 ± 4.7%. High-density mapping in combination with coherent mapping may facilitate the understanding of the tachycardia mechanism, providing targets for effective ablation.
Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adherence to Orally Administered Antineoplastics
Authors: Talens Amparo , López-Pintor Elsa , Bejerano Marta , Guilabert Mercedes , Aznar María Teresa , Aznar-Lou Ignacio , Lumbreras Blanca
Published: April 2022

Background: Several factors can influence adherence to orally administered antineoplastics, including fear or anxiety resulting from situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of these patients’ experiences on adherence to orally administered antineoplastics. Methods: Cross-sectional study in four hospitals including >18 year old cancer patients receiving orally administered antineoplastics during the first half of 2021. Data were collected from medical records and through telephone interviews. Adherence was assessed through the prescription refill records and pill counts. Patients’ fear resulting from the pandemic was assessed by means of a structured questionnaire using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Results: Our sample compr BARCELONAised 268 patients (54% men) with a mean age of 64 years (SD 12). More than 15% had experienced afraid and 5% had experienced a dangerous situation when attending hospital, 17% felt they had received less care, and 30% preferred telepharmacy. Adherence measured by pill count was 69.3% and 95.5% according to prescription refill records. Patients who had experienced fear or anxiety when attending hospital were less adherent (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.96, p = 0.039). Conclusion: The fear experienced by some patients has affected adherence to treatment.
Importance of Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Systemic Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Mena-Vázquez Natalia , García-Studer Aimara , Rojas-Gimenez Marta , Romero-Barco Carmen María , Manrique-Arija Sara , Mucientes Arkaitz , Velloso-Feijoo María Luisa , Godoy-Navarrete Francisco Javier , Morales-Garrido Pilar , Redondo-Rodríguez Rocío , Ordoñez-Cañizares MC , Ortega-Castro Rafaela , Lisbona-Montañez Jose Manuel , Hidalgo Conde Ana , Arnedo Díez de los Ríos Rocío , Cabrera César Eva , Espildora Francisco , Aguilar-Hurtado María Carmen , Añón-Oñate Isabel , Ureña-Garnica Inmaculada , Fernández-Nebro Antonio
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To describe the frequency of COVID-19 and the effect of vaccination in patients with interstitial lung disease and systemic autoimmune disease (ILD-SAD) and to identify factors associated with infection and severity of COVID-19. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional multicenter study of patients with ILD-SAD followed between June and October 2021. The main variable was COVID-19 infection confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for SARS-CoV-2. The secondary variables included severity of COVID-19, if the patient had to be admitted to hospital or died of the disease, and vaccination status. Other variables included clinical and treatment characteristics, pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography. Two logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with “COVID-19” and “severe COVID-19”. Results: We included 176 patients with ILD-SAD: 105 (59.7%) had rheumatoid arthritis, 49 (27.8%) systemic sclerosis, and 22 (12.54%) inflammatory myopathies. We recorded 22/179 (12.5%) SARS-CoV-2 infections, 7/22 (31.8%) of them were severe and 3/22 (13.22%) died. As to the vaccination, 163/176 (92.6%) patients received the complete doses. The factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were FVC (OR (95% CI), 0.971 (0.946–0.989); p = 0.040), vaccination (OR (95% CI), 0.169 (0.030–0.570); p = 0.004), and rituximab (OR (95% CI), 3.490 (1.129–6.100); p = 0.029). The factors associated with severe COVID-19 were the protective effect of the vaccine (OR (95% CI), 0.024 (0.004–0.170); p < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR (95% CI), 4.923 (1.508–19.097); p = 0.018). Conclusions: Around 13% of patients with ILD-SAD had SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was severe in approximately one-third. Most patients with severe infection were not fully vaccinated.
Estimation and Analysis of JONSWAP Spectrum Parameter Using Observed Data around Korean Coast
Authors: Lee Uk-Jae , Jeong Weon-Mu , Cho Hong-Yeon
Published: April 2022

The relationship between significant wave height (H1/3) and period (T1/3) was obtained using wave data from the East and Yellow coasts of the Korean Peninsula to facilitate the calculations of the wave parameters. In addition, the JONSWAP spectral parameters were estimated and analyzed for all wave height ranges. The relational expression between the two wave variables (H1/3~T1/3) obtained from this study showed a significant difference from the previously proposed relational expressions, most of which tended to follow the lower limit of the data. Meanwhile, the suggested peak enhancement factor (PEF, γ) is 1–7; however, for this study, a peak control factor (PCF, γc) with a range of 0–10 was introduced. As a result of the analysis, the PCF was determined to be 1.13–1.42, which is approximately 40% smaller than the previously proposed γ = 3.3. The probability density distribution of the appropriate PCF was then calculated, and the gamma and log-normal distributions for the East and Yellow coasts of the Korean Peninsula were found, respectively. This study covered waves of all range heights, and the analysis results can be used as important data to explain the characteristics of the sea area.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Litoditis marina in Different Food Environments
Authors: Sun Peiqi , Cao Xuwen , Zhang Liusuo
Published: April 2022

Diets regulate animal development, reproduction, and lifespan. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We previously showed that a chemically defined CeMM diet attenuates the development and promotes the longevity of C. elegans, but whether it impacts other nematodes is unknown. Here, we studied the effects of the CeMM diet on the development and longevity of the marine nematode Litoditis marina, which belongs to the same family as C. elegans. We further investigated genome-wide transcriptional responses to the CeMM and OP50 diets for both nematodes, respectively. We observed that the CeMM diet attenuated L. marina development but did not extend its lifespan. Through KEEG enrichment analysis, we found that many of the FOXO DAF-16 signaling and lysosome and xenobiotic metabolism related genes were significantly increased in C. elegans on the CeMM diet, which might contribute to the lifespan extension of C. elegans. Notably, we found that the expression of lysosome and xenobiotic metabolism pathway genes was significantly down-regulated in L. marina on CeMM, which might explain why the CeMM diet could not promote the lifespan of L. marina compared to bacterial feeding. Additionally, the down-regulation of several RNA transcription and protein generation and related processes genes in C. elegans on CeMM might not only be involved in extending longevity, but also contribute to attenuating the development of C. elegans on the CeMM diet, while the down-regulation of unsaturated fatty acids synthesis genes in L. marina might contribute to slow down its growth while on CeMM. This study provided important insights into how different diets regulate development and lifespan, and further genetic analysis of the candidate gene(s) of development and longevity will facilitate exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying how diets regulate animal physiology and health in the context of variable nutritional environments.
Multi-Class Classification of Breast Cancer Using 6B-Net with Deep Feature Fusion and Selection Method
Authors: Umer Muhammad Junaid , Sharif Muhammad , Kadry Seifedine , Alharbi Abdullah
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer has now overtaken lung cancer as the world’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, with thousands of new cases per year. Early detection and classification of breast cancer are necessary to overcome the death rate. Recently, many deep learning-based studies have been proposed for automatic diagnosis and classification of this deadly disease, using histopathology images. This study proposed a novel solution for multi-class breast cancer classification from histopathology images using deep learning. For this purpose, a novel 6B-Net deep CNN model, with feature fusion and selection mechanism, was developed for multi-class breast cancer classification. For the evaluation of the proposed method, two large, publicly available datasets, namely, BreaKHis, with eight classes containing 7909 images, and a breast cancer histopathology dataset, containing 3771 images of four classes, were used. The proposed method achieves a multi-class average accuracy of 94.20%, with a classification training time of 226 s in four classes of breast cancer, and a multi-class average accuracy of 90.10%, with a classification training time of 147 s in eight classes of breast cancer. The experimental outcomes show that the proposed method achieves the highest multi-class average accuracy for breast cancer classification, and hence, the proposed method can effectively be applied for early detection and classification of breast cancer to assist the pathologists in early and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer.
Endotypes of Prematurity and Phenotypes of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Toward Personalized Neonatology
Authors: Pierro Maria , Van Mechelen Karen , van Westering-Kroon Elke , Villamor-Martínez Eduardo , Villamor Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the chronic lung disease of prematurity, is increasingly recognized as the consequence of a pathological reparative response of the developing lung to both antenatal and postnatal injury. According to this view, the pathogenesis of BPD is multifactorial and heterogeneous with different patterns of antenatal stress (endotypes) that combine with varying postnatal insults and might distinctively damage the development of airways, lung parenchyma, interstitium, lymphatic system, and pulmonary vasculature. This results in different clinical phenotypes of BPD. There is no clear consensus on which are the endotypes of prematurity but the combination of clinical information with placental and bacteriological data enables the identification of two main pathways leading to birth before 32 weeks of gestation: (1) infection/inflammation and (2) dysfunctional placentation. Regarding BPD phenotypes, the following have been proposed: parenchymal, peripheral airway, central airway, interstitial, congestive, vascular, and mixed phenotype. In line with the approach of personalized medicine, endotyping prematurity and phenotyping BPD will facilitate the design of more targeted therapeutic and prognostic approaches.
The Impact of Migration on Vietnam Household Living Standards
Authors: Pham Ngoc Hung , Tran Manh Dung , Le Anh Duc , Le Thuy Linh
Published: April 2022

This study is conducted to investigate the impact of migration on living standards of households with migrants in the context of Vietnam. Data were collected from the results of Vietnam Household Living Standards in the time series. Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition was employed to decompose the source of differences in income between households with migrants and households without migrants. The results show that households with migrants in the multiyear dataset had a higher income than nonmigrant households, and migration had different impacts on expenditure at different quantiles. By conducting quantile regression, migration had positive impacts on expenditures at the 10% and 50% quantile, but no impact at the 90% quantile. Based on the findings, some implications in policies for managers, such as appropriate policies for poor workers in order to improve their living standards, especially poor households in rural or mountainous areas, are proposed.
Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Land–Use Transition from the Perspective of Urban–Rural Transformation Development: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Niu Xing , Liao Fenghua , Liu Ziming , Wu Guancen
Published: April 2022

Urban–rural transformation development is the key to resolving the imbalance in the dual structure of urban and rural areas. However, the transformation of the urban–rural relationship will also affect the structure and spatial distribution of land use. This paper measured the spatial–temporal characteristics of land–use transition in the Yangtze River Delta from 1990 to 2018 by using a geo–information Tupu method and explored the driving mechanism of land–use transition under the background of urban–rural transformation development by using a spatial regression analysis method. The results showed the following: (1) The transition from cultivated land to urban construction land, from rural residential land to cultivated land, and from rural residential land to urban construction land were the three main types of land–use transition in the Yangtze River Delta during urban–rural transformation development. (2) The transition from cultivated land to urban construction land was always the most important type of land–use transition. It expanded from the central area to the surrounding cities. The transition of rural residential land to cultivated land and urban construction land began to increase significantly after the year 2010, which was the urban–rural integration development period. (3) The urban–rural land–use transition was driven by government policies, industrial restructuring, population urbanization and migration. During the urban–rural integration development period, secondary industry and tertiary industry were the main driving factors of the transition from cultivated land to urban construction land. The number of policies, the primary industry, the total population, and the urbanization rate were the main driving factors of the transition from rural residential land to cultivated land. Primary industry, secondary industry, and tertiary industry were the main driving factors of the transition from rural residential land to urban construction land. Finally, the study provided some suggestions for policy, industry, and population driving forces.
Factors Influencing the Formalization of Rural Land Transactions in Ethiopia: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach
Authors: Abab Shewakena Aytenfisu , Wakjira Feyera Senbeta , Negash Tamirat Tefera
Published: April 2022

Despite the recent successful establishment of systematic land registration programs in some African countries including Ethiopia, updating the land registers has become a growing concern. However, there is limited empirical evidence about whether landholders’ behavior is driving the lack of updating land registers in Ethiopia. Using the theory of planned behavior, this study examines the factors that influence landholders’ behavior of formalizing rural land transactions in Ethiopia. Primary and secondary data were collected using surveys, key informant interviews, and a literature review. A total of 206 respondents participated in the survey from the Basona Worena district of the Amhara region, central Ethiopia. A structural equation model and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data and supplemented by qualitative findings. The study findings revealed that landholders’ attitudes and subjective norms have positively and significantly influenced their intentions to formalize land transactions. However, perceived behavioral control has a negative and insignificant influence. The predictive relevance of the research model is significant and indicates strong intentions to formalize but less actual behavior. This behavior can influence the currency of the information in the land register in the near future and degrade the functions and sustainability of the land registration system in Ethiopia. The study findings recommended facilitating the behavioral changes of landholders to transform their strong intentions into actual practice. Policymakers should develop and implement an innovative information value creation strategy including landholder-oriented services that incentivize the formalization of land transactions and helps landholders overcome hurdles created by subjective norms.
The Application Domain Extension (ADE) 4D Cadastral Data Model and Its Application in Turkey
Authors: Gürsoy Sürmeneli Hicret , Koeva Mila , Alkan Mehmet
Published: April 2022

The 3D cadastre, one of the most fundamental components of the 3D LAS (Land Administration System), aims to provide an integrated 3D view of legal (Right, Restrictions, and Responsibilities–RRR) and physical boundaries in multi-storey properties; therefore, to extend the flexible and modular basis of LADM, which best represents legal boundaries and RRRs, some integrated models using technical standards (e.g., CityGML, IFC, InfraGML) are developed to represent the full 3D cadastre. However, since most of the developed 3D integrated data models are designed at the conceptual level, there is a knowledge gap in logical data model relationships, which is the next processing step in the fully integrated 3D data model stage. The main argument of this study is an innovative ADE 4D Cadastral Data Model to represent 3D cadastral objects registration with time attributes using LADM and CityGML. The data management and organization are done in an open-source database for the Turkish cadastral system. This research will discuss two main topics. The first is how to implement a suitable way of realising LADM-based 3D cadastral object registration by focusing on developing the presentation of those cadastral objects to 4D (3D + t), with time attributes in alignment with the jurisdictional framework in Turkey. The second is how the data is managed in an open-source PostgreSQL database. In addition, the usage type of cadastral objects is shown in a CesiumJS, a visualisation platform. Moreover, this study will contribute to eliminating the knowledge gap between the conceptual and logical models.
Carbon Stock and Change Rate under Different Grazing Management Practices in Semiarid Pastoral Ecosystem of Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhn Haftay Hailu , Kelkay Tessema Zewdu , Tesfay Yayanshet , Tuffa Samuel , Dejene Sintayehu Workeneh , Mensah Sylvanus , Devenish Adam John Mears , Egeru Anthony
Published: April 2022

Grazing management strategies tend to have different effects on rangeland plant production. Changes in grazing management can, therefore, affect the carbon stock potential of rangelands. Despite rangeland ecosystems being important global sinks for carbon, we know relatively little about the effect of traditional grazing management practices on their potential to store carbon. In this study, we evaluated the carbon stock and change rate of rangelands using three traditional grazing management practices in the semiarid pastoral ecosystem of eastern Ethiopia. By comparing data on vegetation and soil carbon stocks, we found that there was a strong significant difference (p < 0.001) between these different management practices. In particular, the establishment of enclosures was associated with an annual increase in carbon stocks of soil (3%) and woody (11.9%) and herbaceous (57.6%) biomass, when compared to communal open lands. Both enclosure and browsing management practices were found to have the highest levels of soil organic carbon stocks, differing only in terms of the amount of woody and herbaceous biomass. Thus, modest changes in traditional grazing management practices can play an important role in carbon storage and sequestration. Further research is required on a wider range of traditional pastoral management practices across space and time, as understanding these processes is key to combating global climate change.
Occurrence and Geographic Distribution of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Citrus in Morocco and Their Interaction with Soil Patterns
Authors: Zoubi Btissam , Mokrini Fouad , Dababat Abdelfattah A. , Amer Mohammed , Ghoulam Cherki , Lahlali Rachid , Laasli Salah-Eddine , Khfif Khalid , Imren Mustafa , Akachoud Oumaima , Benkebboura Abderrazak , Housseini Abdelilah Iraqi , Qaddoury Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are found in citrus plantations throughout the world, but they are considered to be the most problematic pest in Morocco. Citrus fruit quality and yield have been adversely affected by PPNs. Due to data unavailability of nematodes associated with citrus, a detailed survey was conducted in the main citrus-growing regions of Morocco during 2020–2021 to assess the occurrence, distribution, and diversity of PPNs associated with rhizospheres of citrus trees. In addition, some soil properties have also been assessed for their impact on soil properties. Plant-parasitic nematode diversity was calculated using two ecological indexes, the Shannon diversity index (H′) and the Evenness index (E). The collected soil and root samples were analyzed, and eleven genera and ten species of plant-parasitic nematodes were identified. The results show that the most predominant PPN species were Tylenchulus semipenetrans (88%), Helicotylenchus spp. (75%), Pratylenchus spp. (47%), Tylenchus spp. (51%), and Xiphinema spp. (31%). The results showed that PPN distributions were correlated with soil physicochemical properties such as soil texture, pH levels, and mineral content. Based on the obtained result, it was concluded that besides the direct effects of the host plant, physicochemical factors of the soil could greatly affect PPN communities in citrus growing orchards.
Allowance for School Graduate Practice Performance in Slovakia: Impact Evaluation of the Intervention
Authors: Svabova Lucia , Kramarova Katarina
Published: April 2022

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a selected active labour market policy measure that has been applied in Slovakia—Allowance for school graduate practice performance—on the employability of young jobseekers and their sustainability in the labour market, and thus, it will also empirically contribute to the field of relevant literature. The policy targets unemployed school graduates, and it enables them to acquire professional skills and practical experience that corresponds with their level of education, work habits, and possible direct contact with potential employers. At the same time, this measure addresses a long-standing gap in the Slovakian education system, namely, the insufficient linkages between the educational process, the practices in the field, and the requirements of the labour market. Using fiscal resources to finance this policy, it provides a natural and logical platform to investigate the relevance of the outcome of this measure in the context of its proclaimed objectives. In light of this, we employed a counterfactual approach to compare the results of the participants who were affected the measure (recipients; treated group) and non-participants, as their counterparts (comparison/control group), using an instrumental variable to mitigate self-selection and selection-bias problems. Our findings show that this policy intervention has a short- or medium-term impact on the employability of unemployed school graduates and the sustainability of their careers. In addition, a positive impact on their monthly wages was observed. We also came to the conclusion that, assuming the measure is linked to other labour market policy interventions, which is aimed at employers that are willing to hire young unemployed people, it would be possible to improve the functionality and effectiveness of support for the unemployed through indirect measures.
Future Failure Time Prediction Based on a Unified Hybrid Censoring Scheme for the Burr-X Model with Engineering Applications
Authors: Ateya Saieed F. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz S. , Mousa Abd Allah A.
Published: April 2022

Industries are constantly seeking ways to avoid corrective maintenance in order to reduce costs. Performing regular scheduled maintenance can help to mitigate this problem, but not necessarily in the most efficient way. In many real life applications, one wants to predict the future failure time of equipment or devices that are expensive, or with long lifetimes, to save costs and/or time. In this paper, statistical prediction was studied using the classical and Bayesian approaches based on a unified hybrid censoring scheme. Two prediction schemes were used: (1) a one-sample prediction scheme that predicted the unobserved future failure times of devices that did not complete the lifetime experiments; and (2) a two-sample prediction scheme to predict the ordered values of a future independent sample based on past data from a certain distribution. We chose to apply the results of the paper to the Burr-X model, due to the importance of this model in many fields, such as engineering, health, agriculture, and biology. Point and interval predictors of unobserved failure times under one- and two-sample prediction schemes were computed based on simulated data sets and two engineering applications. The results demonstrate the ability of predicting the future failure of equipment using a statistical prediction branch based on collected data from an engineering system.
Stochastic Neural Networks-Based Algorithmic Trading for the Cryptocurrency Market
Authors: Kalariya Vasu , Parmar Pushpendra , Jay Patel , Tanwar Sudeep , Raboaca Maria Simona , Alqahtani Fayez , Tolba Amr , Neagu Bogdan-Constantin
Published: April 2022

Throughout the history of modern finance, very few financial instruments have been as strikingly volatile as cryptocurrencies. The long-term prospects of cryptocurrencies remain uncertain; however, taking advantage of recent advances in neural networks and volatility, we show that the trading algorithms reinforced by short-term price predictions are bankable. Traditional trading algorithms and indicators are often based on mean reversal strategies that do not advantage price predictions. Furthermore, deterministic models cannot capture market volatility even after incorporating price predictions. Thus motivated by these issues, we integrate randomness in the price prediction models to simulate stochastic behavior. This paper proposes hybrid trading strategies that take advantage of the traditional mean reversal strategies alongside robust price predictions from stochastic neural networks. We trained stochastic neural networks to predict prices based on market data and social sentiment. The backtesting was conducted on three cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, for over 600 days from August 2017 to December 2019. We show that the proposed trading algorithms are better when compared to the traditional buy and hold strategy in terms of both stability and returns.
Responsible Research and Innovation Framework, the Nagoya Protocol and Other European Blue Biotechnology Strategies and Regulations: Gaps Analysis and Recommendations for Increased Knowledge in the Marine Biotechnology Community
Authors: Schneider Xenia Theodotou , Stroil Belma Kalamujić , Tourapi Christiana , Rebours Céline , Gaudêncio Susana P. , Novoveska Lucie , Vasquez Marlen I.
Published: April 2022

As the quest for marine-derived compounds with pharmacological and biotechnological potential upsurges, the importance of following regulations and applying Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) also increases. This article aims at: (1) presenting an overview of regulations and policies at the international and EU level, while demonstrating a variability in their implementation; (2) highlighting the importance of RRI in biodiscovery; and (3) identifying gaps and providing recommendations on how to improve the market acceptability and compliance of novel Blue Biotechnology compounds. This article is the result of the work of the Working Group 4 “Legal aspects, IPR and Ethics” of the COST Action CA18238 Ocean4Biotech, a network of more than 130 Marine Biotechnology scientists and practitioners from 37 countries. Three qualitative surveys (“Understanding of the Responsible Research and Innovation concept”, “Application of the Nagoya Protocol in Your Research”, and “Brief Survey about the experiences regarding the Nagoya Protocol”) indicate awareness and application gaps of RRI, the Nagoya Protocol, and the current status of EU policies relating to Blue Biotechnology. The article categorises the identified gaps into five main categories (awareness, understanding, education, implementation, and enforcement of the Nagoya Protocol) and provides recommendations for mitigating them at the European, national, and organisational level.