bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Safety and Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy Using 3-mm Electrocautery Hook versus Open Surgery for Treatment of Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis in Infants
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon , Zelić Ana , Jukić Miro , Llorente Muñoz Carlos
Published: August 2021

Background: The standard of treatment for infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is still pyloromyotomy. Recently, in most of the pediatric surgery centers laparoscopic pyloromyotomy has become popular. The aim of the present study is to compare the outcomes of treatment in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis between traditional open approach and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy using 3-mm electrocautery hook. Methods: A total of 125 infants, 104 (83.2%) males, with median age 33 (interquartile range, IQR 24, 40) days, who underwent pyloromyotomy because of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, between 2005 and 2021, were included in the retrospective study. Of that number 61 (48.8%) infants were allocated to the open group and 64 (51.2%) to the laparoscopic group. The groups were compared in regards to time to oral intake, duration of surgery, the type and rate of complications, rate of reoperations, frequency of vomiting after surgery, and the length of hospital stay. Results: No differences were found with regards to baseline characteristics between two investigated groups. Laparoscopic approach was associated with significantly better outcomes compared to open approach: shorter duration of surgery (35 min (IQR 30, 45) vs. 45 min (40, 57.5); p = 0.00008), shorter time to oral intake (6 h (IQR 4, 8) vs. 22 h (13.5, 24); p < 0.00001), lower frequency of postoperative vomiting (n = 10 (15.6%) vs. n = 19 (31.1%)), and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (3 days (IQR 2, 3) vs. 6 days (4.5, 8); p < 0.00001). In regards to complications and reoperation rates, both were lower in the laparoscopic pyloromyotomy group but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.157 and p = 0.113, respectively). The most common complication in both groups was mucosal perforation (open group, n = 3 (4.9%); laparoscopic group, n = 2 (3.1%)) followed by wound infection in open group, n = 3 (4.9%). No cases of wound infection were recorded in the laparoscopic group. Conclusion: Open and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy are equally safe and effective in treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Laparoscopic technique is associated with faster recovery, shorter duration of surgery and shorter duration of hospital stay.
Enhanced Removal of Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs from Water by Quaternary Chitosan-Based Magnetic Nanosorbents
Authors: Soares Sofia F. , Trindade Tito , Daniel-da-Silva Ana L.
Published: August 2021

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common pharmaceuticals used worldwide. They are widely detected in natural waters due to their persistence in wastewater treatment, and their removal is desirable in wastewater management. As a contribution to tackle this challenge, this study explores magnetic quaternary chitosan-based nanosorbents for the effective magnetically assisted removal of three NSAIDs (diclofenac, naproxen, and ketoprofen) from water. Toward this goal, silane groups were grafted onto the backbone of trimethyl chitosan through the reaction with an epoxide functionalized silane. Once silanized, the modified chitosan was employed to coat Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The prepared materials were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and solid-state 29Si and 13C NMR spectroscopy, which confirmed the encapsulation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a hybrid siliceous material enriched in trimethyl chitosan. The effect of the initial NSAIDs concentration, pH, and contact time in the adsorption behavior was investigated. The kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating a chemisorption mechanism. The maximum adsorption capacities estimated from the Langmuir model were 188.5 mg/g (0.5925 mmol/g), 438.1 mg/g (1.7371 mmol/g), and 221.5 mg/g (0.8710 mmol/g) for diclofenac, naproxen, and ketoprofen, respectively. These adsorption capacities are higher than those of most reported sorbents, indicating the potential of these biosorbents to remove the selected NSAIDs using low-energy magnetically assisted separation.
A Synergistic Effect between Stearic Acid and (+)-α-Tocopherol as a Green Inhibitor on Ferritic Stainless Steel Corrosion Inhibition in 3.0% NaCl Solution
Authors: Fuchs-Godec Regina
Published: August 2021

The synergistic inhibitory effect of stearic acid and (+)-α-tocopherol (E307) as a green inhibitor within a highly hydrophobic layer on the corrosion of low-carbon ferritic stainless steels was investigated in 3.0 wt% NaCl solution at 25 °C, focusing on long-term immersion tests. For a broader characterisation of the surface properties, especially the modified surfaces, of the samples used, the following methods were chosen: SEM was used to investigate the surface morphologies, the water contact angle to examine the wettability, while the corrosion resistance was investigated by potentiodynamic measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The inhibition efficiency for modified ferritic stainless steel surfaces reached more than 99% after 1 h of immersion and remained the same after 5 days immersion testing when the surfaces were modified with (SA + 2.0 wt% E307) and more than 97% with (SA + 0.5 wt% E307) under the same test conditions.
Bio-Surfactant Assisted Aqueous Exfoliation of High-Quality Few-Layered Graphene
Authors: Akter Nasima , Mawardi Ayob Muhammad , Radiman Shahidan , Khandaker Mayeen , Osman Hamid , Alamri Sultan
Published: August 2021

Realizing the efficacy of the liquid-phase exfoliation technique to obtain a greater quantity of graphene, this study demonstrates a cost-effective technique of bio-surfactant-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation of few-layer graphene (FLG) with a low defect ratio. An ultrasonic bath without any toxic chemicals or chemical modification was employed to exfoliate the graphene at room temperature. Several state-of-the-art characterization techniques such as TEM, AFM, XRD UV-Vis, and Raman spectroscopy were used to confirm the presence of the graphene. The dispersion exhibits a typical Tyndall scattering to the red laser beam. After a 7-h sonication of the dispersion, followed by a centrifugation frequency of 500 rpm for half an hour, the graphene concentration was found to be 1.2 mg/mL. The concentration decreases monotonically with an increase in the frequency, as a higher frequency causes sedimentation of the larger flakes or removes the adsorbed surfactant molecules from the graphene structures that collapse the graphene sheets into the graphite. The presence of an amino acid head-group in the surfactant facilitated exfoliation in an aqueous solution at well below the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant. The product demonstrates all characteristic features of an FLG system. The TEM and AFM image reveals large-area graphene with a wrinkle-free surface; these morphological properties are confirmed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. This study suggests that a sonication-induced process with a biocompatible surfactant can produce a cheap, large-surface-area graphene system for a wide range of applications. Moreover, the use of a probe sonicator as an alternative to the bath-type sonicator, together with the demonstrated technique, may reduce the time needed, and leads to a manifold increase in the yield.
Synthesis and X-ray Crystal Structure of New Substituted 3-4′-Bipyrazole Derivatives. Hirshfeld Analysis, DFT and NBO Studies
Authors: Boraei Ahmed T. A. , Haukka Matti , Sarhan Ahmed A. M. , Soliman Saied M. , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Barakat Assem
Published: August 2021

A new compounds named 3-4′-bipyrazoles 2 and 3 were synthesized in high chemical yield from a reaction of pyran-2,4-diketone 1 with aryl hydrazines under thermal conditions in MeOH. Compound 2 was unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. It crystalizes in a triclinic crystal system and space group P-1. Its crystal structure was found to be in good agreement with the spectral characterizations. With the aid of Hirshfeld calculations, the H…H (54.8–55.3%) and H…C (28.3–29.2%) intermolecular contacts are the most dominant, while the O…H (5.8–6.5%), N…H (3.8–4.6%) and C…C (3.0–4.9%) are less dominant. The compound has a polar nature with a net dipole moment of 6.388 Debye. The BD(2)C31-C32→BD*(2)N4-C34 (27.10 kcal/mol), LP(1)N5→BD*(2)C31-C32 (36.90 kcal/mol), BD(1)C32-C34→BD*(1)C18-C31 (6.78 kcal/mol) and LP(1)N4→BD*(1)N5-C31 (7.25 kcal/mol) are the strongest π→π*, n→π*, σ-σ* and n→σ* intramolecular charge transfer processes, respectively.
Optical Properties and Band Gap of Ternary PSN-PMN-PT Single Crystals
Authors: Long Wei , Fan Xing , Fang Pinyang , Li Xiaojuan , Xi Zengzhe
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the optical properties and the interband transition of a ternary [100]-oriented 6PSN-61PMN-33PT relaxor ferroelectric single crystal. Compared with the binary [100]-oriented PMN-32PT crystal, the [100]-oriented 6PSN-61PMN-33PT crystal exhibited excellent optical properties, including high transmittance, low refractive index, weak frequency dispersion, and low reflection and absorption coefficients. All these differences can be attributed to the structural changes of the 6PSN-61PMN-33PT crystal, such as its large lattice size and increased band gap. The crystal’s transmittance was significantly improved after alternating current electric field poling due to the increased domain size and the order domain structure. The largest transmittance for the 6PSN-61PMN-33PT crystal was up to 66%. Our experimental results indicate that the ternary 6PSN-61PMN-33PT ferroelectric single crystal has great application potential in the optical field.
Bat Diversity in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Northeastern Vietnam: A Review with New Records from Mangrove Ecosystem
Authors: Thong Vu Dinh , Denzinger Annette , Sang Nguyen Van , Huyen Nguyen Thi Thu , Thanh Hoang Trung , Loi Dao Nhan , Nha Pham Van , Viet Nguyen Van , Tien Pham Duc , Tuanmu Mao-Ning , Huang Joe Chun-Chia , Thongphachanh Ladthavong , Luong Nguyen Thanh , Schnitzler Hans-Ulrich
Published: August 2021

The Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is internationally renowned for its spectacular karst landscape. It covers a large area with hundreds of limestone islands and various ecosystems including caves, tropical forests, and mangroves. However, previous surveys were only conducted in terrestrial ecosystems on Cat Ba Island. Therefore, bats inhabiting mangroves and the remaining islands did not receive attention from scientists up to 2014. To initially fill in the gaps, we conducted ten bat surveys between 2015 and 2020 with an emphasis on mangroves and previously unsurveyed islands. Bats were captured using mist nets and harp traps. Twenty-three species belonging to 13 genera of six families were recorded during the surveys. Of these, four species (Macroglossus minimus, Myotis hasselti, Phoniscus jagorii, Tylonycteris fulvida) are new to the reserve. Remarkably, 15 species belonging to seven genera of five families were captured in mangrove, which is the highest species diversity for bats reported from any mangrove area in mainland Southeast Asia. Based on results from the surveys and literature review, we here provide the most updated bat diversity of the reserve with confirmed records of 32 bat species belonging to 16 genera of six families. Historical records of each species in the literature were reviewed. Two species, Scotophilus heathi and Scotophilus kuhlii, are unconfirmed because of unclear evidence in previous publications. Results of this study indicated that the mangrove ecosystem is important for bats but still poorly studied in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve and Vietnam as a whole. In addition, morphological measurements, echolocation data, distributional records, and conservation status of each species are also given in this paper for potential research and conservation campaigns in the future.
Dittrichia viscosa: Native-Non Native Invader
Authors: Sladonja Barbara , Poljuha Danijela , Krapac Marin , Uzelac Mirela , Mikulic-Petkovsek Maja
Published: August 2021

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter is a shrub native to the Mediterranean, however, declared as a very invasive species in Australia and North America. Environmental (climatic) and socio-economic (land abandonment) changes can trigger different adaptive mechanisms and cause changes in species behavior, influencing invasion dynamics. Motivated by the recently noticed change of D. viscosa behavior in its native Mediterranean habitat, we discuss the invasion properties, its behavior in the native habitat and new areas, and its management options. We review the species’ adverse effects and its positive ecosystem services in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework. In this review, we provide information on the phytochemical properties of D. viscosa and highlight its potential use in ecological agriculture, phytopharmacy, and medicine. The presented data is useful for developing effective management of this contentious species, with emphasis on mitigating environmental and economic damages, especially in agriculture. The final aim is to achieve a balanced ecosystem, providing a high level of possible services (provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting).
Pseudomalignancies in Children: Histological Clues, and Pitfalls to Be Avoided
Authors: Menzinger Sébastien , Fraitag Sylvie
Published: August 2021

The term “pseudomalignancy” covers a large, heterogenous group of diseases characterized by a benign cellular proliferation, hyperplasia, or infiltrate that resembles a true malignancy clinically or histologically. Here, we (i) provide a non-exhaustive review of several inflammatory skin diseases and benign skin proliferations that can mimic a malignant neoplasm in children, (ii) give pathologists some helpful clues to guide their diagnosis, and (iii) highlight pitfalls to be avoided. The observation of clinical–pathological correlations is often important in this situation and can sometimes be the only means (along with careful monitoring of the disease’s clinical course) of reaching a firm diagnosis.
Muscle Thickness and Echo Intensity by Ultrasonography and Cognitive and Physical Dimensions in Older Adults
Authors: Mateos-Angulo Alvaro , Galán-Mercant Alejandro , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio Ignacio
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between muscle thickness and echo intensity with cognitive and physical dimensions like functional capacity measured in older people. This cross-sectional study involved 20 older adults (15 women and 5 men, mean age ± SD: 85 ± 7 years, body mass index: 25 ± 3 kg/m2) from a geriatric centre in Malaga (Spain). Anthropometric measurements, cognitive assessment with Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire and Motor Memory test, Physical Performance with Short Physical Performance Battery, and muscle strength were tested. Additionally, using B-mode ultrasonography, images of wrist flexors, biceps brachii, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior were captured, and muscle thickness and echo intensity variables were extracted. An association between muscle parameters assessed by ultrasonography and cognitive and physical dimensions were found in older people. Echo intensity was the best predictor in a set of regression models with different muscle parameters and a battery of cognitive and physical tests in older people. Echo intensity adjusted by handgrip strength could be a low cost and ambulatory index and an indirect and reversible indicator of functional capacity.
RMU-Net: A Novel Residual Mobile U-Net Model for Brain Tumor Segmentation from MR Images
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Usman , Ali Ghulam , Bin Wang , Almotiri Sultan H. , AlGhamdi Mohammed A. , Nagra Arfan Ali , Masood Khalid , Amin Riaz ul
Published: August 2021

The most aggressive form of brain tumor is gliomas, which leads to concise life when high grade. The early detection of glioma is important to save the life of patients. MRI is a commonly used approach for brain tumors evaluation. However, the massive amount of data provided by MRI prevents manual segmentation in a reasonable time, restricting the use of accurate quantitative measurements in clinical practice. An automatic and reliable method is required that can segment tumors accurately. To achieve end-to-end brain tumor segmentation, a hybrid deep learning model RMU-Net is proposed. The architecture of MobileNetV2 is modified by adding residual blocks to learn in-depth features. This modified Mobile Net V2 is used as an encoder in the proposed network, and upsampling layers of U-Net are used as the decoder part. The proposed model has been validated on BraTS 2020, BraTS 2019, and BraTS 2018 datasets. The RMU-Net achieved the dice coefficient scores for WT, TC, and ET of 91.35%, 88.13%, and 83.26% on the BraTS 2020 dataset, 91.76%, 91.23%, and 83.19% on the BraTS 2019 dataset, and 90.80%, 86.75%, and 79.36% on the BraTS 2018 dataset, respectively. The performance of the proposed method outperforms with less computational cost and time as compared to previous methods.
Domain Usability Evaluation
Authors: Bačíková Michaela , Porubän Jaroslav , Sulír Matúš , Chodarev Sergej , Steingartner William , Madeja Matej
Published: August 2021

Contemporary software systems focus on usability and accessibility from the point of view of effectiveness and ergonomics. However, the correct usage of the domain dictionary and the description of domain relations and properties via their user interfaces are often neglected. We use the term domain usability (DU) to describe the aspects of the user interface related to the terminology and domain. Our experience showed that poor domain usability reduces the memorability and effectiveness of user interfaces. To address this problem, we describe a method called ADUE (Automatic Domain Usability Evaluation) for the automated evaluation of selected DU properties on existing user interfaces. As a prerequisite to the method, metrics for formal evaluation of domain usability, a form stereotype recognition algorithm, and general application terms filtering algorithm have been proposed. We executed ADUE on several real-world Java applications and report our findings. We also provide proposals to modify existing manual usability evaluation techniques for the purpose of domain usability evaluation.
Optimization of Mono-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Devices Using PC1D Simulation
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Gokul Sidarth , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Chandran Jaideep , Stojcevski Alex , Subramanian Maruthamuthu , Marnadu Raj , Alfaify S. , Shkir Mohd.
Published: August 2021

Expeditious urbanization and rapid industrialization have significantly influenced the rise of energy demand globally in the past two decades. Solar energy is considered a vital energy source that addresses this demand in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Improving solar cell efficiency is considered a prerequisite to reinforcing silicon solar cells’ growth in the energy market. In this study, the influence of various parameters like the thickness of the absorber or wafer, doping concentration, bulk resistivity, lifetime, and doping levels of the emitter and back surface field, along with the surface recombination velocity (front and back) on solar cell efficiency was investigated using PC1D simulation software. Inferences from the results indicated that the bulk resistivity of 1 Ω·cm; bulk lifetime of 2 ms; emitter (n+) doping concentration of 1×1020 cm−3 and shallow back surface field doping concentration of 1×1018 cm−3; surface recombination velocity maintained in the range of 102 and 103 cm/s obtained a solar cell efficiency of 19%. The Simulation study presented in this article allows faster, simpler, and easier impact analysis of the design considerations on the Si solar cell wafer fabrications with increased performance.
Assessment of the Europe 2020 Strategy: A Multidimensional Indicator Analysis via Dynamic Relative Taxonomy
Authors: Walesiak Marek , Dehnel Grażyna , Obrębalski Marek
Published: August 2021

Since 2010, the European Union countries have been implementing the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy aimed at smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. The Strategy formulates nine indicators that are systematically monitored and assessed. Not all the indicators of the Europe 2020 Strategy could be used in the analysis in a direct way. Due to the limited availability and comparability of statistical data, this problem is presented in detail in part 2 of the article. The assessment of the achievement level of the Europe 2020 Strategy targets, both at the level of the entire European Union (the EU-level targets approach) and its individual Member States (the national-level targets approach) is the primary research purpose of the study. The composite index proposed and constructed on the basis of a dynamic relative taxonomy was used in the conducted research to present the diversified distance of the individual European Union countries in relation to the EU-level targets as well as the national-level targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The research methodology allows conducting the analysis taking into account the missing data. Most methods of ordering objects based on aggregate measures are compensatory in nature. This problem was significantly reduced by taking into account the geometric mean in the construction of the aggregate measure. The research findings revealed that in the years 2010–2019 an ongoing improvement in the implementation of both the EU and the national targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy was observed. In addition, the differences existing between the European Union Member States were reduced. However, none of the countries achieved the EU-level targets. Their highest implementation level was recorded in Denmark, Sweden, Austria, and Finland. The achievement level of the strategic goals regarding the national-level targets was influenced by the choice of one of the two approaches indicated in the study and adopted by the individual EU Member States in determining the set target values of the indicators, i.e., either prudential or optimistic.
Failure Diagnosis and Root-Cause Analysis of In-Service and Defective Distribution Transformers
Authors: Arumugam Saravanakumar
Published: August 2021

Diagnostic data of transformers are essential in determining their integrity and to estimate their reliability. Such diagnostic data is not available for distribution transformers as only meagre attempts are made to accumulate this information. The reason for lack of such attention is attributed to the compromise made to meet financial constraints and cost-cutting measures. It is needless to emphasize the significance of these diagnostic data in evading premature failures and enhancing the accuracy of the maintenance program. Overall, the concepts of diagnostic methods are well defined regarding power transformers, but cannot be extended to distribution transformers. This paper attempts to fill this gap by measuring the diagnostic data from in-service and defective distribution transformers. For this purpose, eight transformers (six in-service, two defective) showing deviations in their diagnostic status were selected from a group. As per their kVA rating and operating status, the chosen transformers were categorized into three sets and their integrity of insulation and winding-core arrangement were analyzed. Later, the root-cause analysis was performed on defective transformers to understand their failure reasons and possibilities to evade them. The pertinent data obtained are quite valuable for making decisions regarding reliability-oriented maintenance and for extending its potential in the distributed generation.
The Diatomic Diversity of Two Mediterranean High-Elevation Lakes in the Sibillini Mountains National Park (Central Italy)
Authors: Padula Rosalba , Carosi Antonella , Rossetti Alessandro , Lorenzoni Massimo
Published: August 2021

Temporary high-elevation lakes represent vulnerable and unstable environments strongly threatened by tourism, hydrogeological transformations and climate changes. In-depth scientific knowledge on these peculiar habitats is needed, on which to base integrated and sustainable management plans. Freshwater diatoms, thanks to their high diversity and their particular sensitivity to the water chemistry, can be considered powerful ecological indicators, as they are able to reflect environmental changes over time. The aim of the present study was to analyze the diatomic diversity of the Pilato and Palazzo Borghese lakes, two small temporary high-mountain basins, falling in a protected area within the Apennine mountains chain (central Italy). Diatoms data were collected, at the same time as 12 physicochemical parameters, through six microhabitat samplings, from 17 June to 30 August 2019. In both lakes, a total of 111 diatomic species and varieties were identified. The most species-rich genera were Gomphonema, Navicula, and Nitzschia. The Pilato Lake showed a diatomic community dominated by few species, favored by more stable and predictable environmental conditions than the Palazzo Borghese Lake, which hosted a more diversified community, guaranteed by greater spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Both lakes were characterized by the presence of diatomic species typical of good quality waters. The occurrence of numerous aerial species reflected adaptation strategies adopted to colonize environments subjected to extended drought periods. Endangered diatomic species of particular conservational interest were recorded, confirming the need to preserve their habitats.
High-Solid Anaerobic Digestion: Reviewing Strategies for Increasing Reactor Performance
Authors: Ellacuriaga Marcos , Cascallana José García , González Rubén , Gómez Xiomar
Published: August 2021

High-solid and solid-state anaerobic digestion are technologies capable of achieving high reactor productivity. The high organic load admissible for this type of configuration makes these technologies an ideal ally in the conversion of waste into bioenergy. However, there are still several factors associated with these technologies that result in low performance. The economic model based on a linear approach is unsustainable, and changes leading to the development of a low-carbon model with a high degree of circularity are necessary. Digestion technology may represent a key driver leading these changes but it is undeniable that the profitability of these plants needs to be increased. In the present review, the digestion process under high-solid-content configurations is analyzed and the different strategies for increasing reactor productivity that have been studied in recent years are described. Percolating reactor configurations and the use of low-cost adsorbents, nanoparticles and micro-aeration seem the most suitable approaches to increase volumetric production and reduce initial capital investment costs.
Cold Acclimation Increases Freeze Tolerance in Acacia koa, a Tropical Tree Species Occurring over a Wide Elevational Gradient
Authors: Ayala-Jacobo Lilian M. , Woeste Keith E. , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: August 2021

Frost damage is among the major limitations to reforestation and forest restoration projects worldwide. Investigations of environmental and genetic effects on frost resistance have focused on boreal and temperate tree species rather than tropical trees. Koa (Acacia koa A. Gray) is a valuable tropical hardwood tree species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, USA. Koa occurs across a wide elevational gradient, and newly planted trees are subject to winter frost at high elevations. We sought to determine whether different koa populations show variation in freeze hardiness as a cold-tolerance mechanism, and whether exposure to hardening conditions prior to frost exposure can modify koa cold-tolerance adaptation. Seeds from 13 populations of koa (Acacia koa A. Gray) were collected across an elevational range (603–2050 m) on the Island of Hawai’i. Four-month-old seedlings grown from the 13 population seed sources were divided into control (non-acclimated) and cold-acclimated treatments, maintained at 26 °C/22 °C (day/night) or exposed to gradually decreasing temperatures to 8 °C/4 °C (day/night), respectively. After six weeks, control and cold-acclimated seedlings from each population were tested for freeze tolerance by electrolyte leakage at five test temperatures ranging from 5 °C (control) to −20 °C. Treatment effects were mainly observed at the lowest test temperatures (−15 and −20 °C). A higher index of cold damage occurred in the non-acclimated seedlings for most of the populations. Several of our higher elevation populations showed greater cold tolerance than populations from lower elevations, particularly when cold-acclimated. Our results suggest that cold acclimation may increase frost hardiness in a tropical forest tree species, and that there is likely some adaptive variation in frost tolerance among populations from different elevations. Cold acclimation could be a useful tool to prepare koa seedlings to be planted in high-elevation sites prone to freezing winter temperatures.
Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of Resistant and Susceptible Taxodium Trees in Responding to the Infection by Pestalotiopsis maculans
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xuan Lei , Chen Hong , Yu Chaoguang , Chong Xinran , Yin Yunlong , Lu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2021

With the tolerance of flooding and strong winds, Taxodium has been widely recognized as an ecologically important tree in China. Red blight disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Pestalotiopsis maculans, is known as one of the most severe leaf diseases of Taxodium. However, limited information is available regarding the host plant defense response to this pathogen. To uncover the mechanism of the plant–pathogen interaction, we performed an essential comparative transcriptome analysis of the resistant species T. distichum and susceptible species T. mucronatum after P. maculans infection. A total of 50,763 unigenes were assembled, of which 34,651 unigenes were annotated in eight public databases. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis identified 3420 and 4414 unigenes in response to infection in T. distichum and T. mucronatum, respectively. The transcriptome analysis exhibited differential expression patterns in the two species in response to the infection. Moreover, this study first found that, compared to susceptible T. mucronatum, T. distichum can effectively perceive the invasion of P. maculans and make a valid response through SA signal pathway. These data provided not only new insights into the resistance mechanisms in the highly resistant species but also promising genetic resources for improving the fungal pathogen tolerance in Taxodium breeding.
Perceptions of NRCS Assistance with Prescribed Fires on U.S. Private Lands: A Regionally Stratified Case Study
Authors: Wilbur Ryan , Stanley Charles , Maczko Kristie A. , Scasta John Derek
Published: August 2021

The benefits of prescribed fires are recognized throughout the United States, but the ability to assist with prescribed fire application on private land by government agencies has many possible constraints and challenges. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a federal agency, is mandated to assist private landowners with meeting land management objectives, but the ability of employees to utilize prescribed fire as a management tool is complex. We conducted a regionally stratified online survey of NRCS employees across the United States to determine the barriers inhibiting their ability to assist private landowners with prescribed fire application. In January of 2020, we recruited 101 NRCS rangeland and grazing land specialists to participate in the survey with 50 completing the survey (regional sample size: Central n = 14, Northeast n = 5, Southeast n = 12, West n = 19). A majority (82%) of respondents thought prescribed fires were staying the same or increasing in number. Regional differences in assistance types were significant for conducting burns and providing technical education, but not for other assistance types. Regional differences for perceived constraints were also significant for how the public understands the risks of prescribed fire and the ecological constraints but not for state policy, federal policy, liability, or public understanding of prescribed fire benefits. Overall and across regions, the NRCS survey participants perceived federal policies, liability, and private landowners’ lack knowledge of prescribed fire limits their ability to assist in the utilization of prescribed fire. Creating a national policy that allows a streamlined process for NRCS employees to assist with prescribed fire implementation and collaborative initiatives to improve private landowner knowledge gaps has the potential to improve prescribed fire application across the United States.
Tubular Cellulose from Orange Juice By-Products as Carrier of Chemical Preservatives; Delivery Kinetics and Microbial Stability of Orange Juice
Authors: Panitsa Athanasia , Petsi Theano , Kandylis Panagiotis , Kanellaki Maria , Koutinas Athanasios A.
Published: August 2021

The quality and safety of juices are assured mainly through heat treatments and chemical preservatives. However, there is a growing trend in the food industry for lowering energy and water demands, and the chemicals and additives that may have negative effects οn human health. Following that trend, in the present study, the reduced use of chemical preservatives in orange juice is proposed by using encapsulated sodium benzoate (SB) in tubular cellulose (TC), derived from orange pulp. The effects of SB concentration and contact time on SB encapsulation were evaluated. The use of the wet impregnation method, 12% w/v SB solution and 2 h of contact proved to be ideal for application in the juice industry. The use of starch gel resulted in a more stable composite (TC/SB-SG) with a slower SB delivery, showing its potential for future controlled delivery applications. Furthermore, similar delivery rates of SB in juice were noted at 25 and 2 °C. The TC/SB-SG proved capable of inhibiting the growth and reducing the numbers of spoilage microorganisms (yeasts and lactic acid bacteria). The results of the present study are promising for potential applications; however, more research is needed in order to evaluate the controlled delivery of SB in juice.
O/W Pickering Emulsions Stabilized with Cellulose Nanofibrils Produced through Different Mechanical Treatments
Authors: Pirozzi Annachiara , Capuano Roberta , Avolio Roberto , Gentile Gennaro , Ferrari Giovanna , Donsì Francesco
Published: August 2021

This work aimed at studying the stabilization of O/W Pickering emulsions using nanosized cellulosic material, produced from raw cellulose or tomato pomace through different mechanical treatments, such as ball milling (BM) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The cellulose nanofibrils obtained via HPH, which exhibited longer fibers with higher flexibility than those obtained via ball milling, are characterized by lower interfacial tension values and higher viscosity, as well as better emulsion stabilization capability. Emulsion stability tests, carried out at 4 °C for 28 d or under centrifugation at different pH values (2.0, 7.0, and 12.0), revealed that HPH-treated cellulose limited the occurrence of coalescence phenomena and significantly slowed down gravitational separation in comparison with BM-treated cellulose. HPH-treated cellulose was responsible for the formation of a 3D network structure in the continuous phase, entrapping the oil droplets also due to the affinity with the cellulose nanofibrils, whereas BM-treated cellulose produced fibers with a more compact structure, which did adequately cover the oil droplets. HPH-treated tomato pomace gave similar results in terms of particle morphology and interfacial tension, and slightly lower emulsion stabilization capability than HPH-treated cellulose, suggesting that the used mechanical disruption process does not require cellulose isolation for its efficient defibrillation.
Interactions of Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A with DNA Damage: Mechanistic Insights and Functional Implications
Authors: Chew Krystie , Zhao Linlin
Published: August 2021

Mitochondria have a plethora of functions in eukaryotic cells, including cell signaling, programmed cell death, protein cofactor synthesis, and various aspects of metabolism. The organelles carry their own genomic DNA, which encodes transfer and ribosomal RNAs and crucial protein subunits in the oxidative phosphorylation system. Mitochondria are vital for cellular and organismal functions, and alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been linked to mitochondrial disorders and common human diseases. As such, how the cell maintains the integrity of the mitochondrial genome is an important area of study. Interactions of mitochondrial proteins with mtDNA damage are critically important for repairing, regulating, and signaling mtDNA damage. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is a key player in mtDNA transcription, packaging, and maintenance. Due to the extensive contact of TFAM with mtDNA, it is likely to encounter many types of mtDNA damage and secondary structures. This review summarizes recent research on the interaction of human TFAM with different forms of non-canonical DNA structures and discusses the implications on mtDNA repair and packaging.
Advances in Genetic and Molecular Understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ibanez Laura , Cruchaga Carlos , Fernández Maria Victoria
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a common disease of the elderly for which no cure currently exists. After over 30 years of intensive research, we have gained extensive knowledge of the genetic and molecular factors involved and their interplay in disease. These findings suggest that different subgroups of AD may exist. Not only are we starting to treat autosomal dominant cases differently from sporadic cases, but we could be observing different underlying pathological mechanisms related to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, immune dysfunction, and a tau-dependent pathology. Genetic, molecular, and, more recently, multi-omic evidence support each of these scenarios, which are highly interconnected but can also point to the different subgroups of AD. The identification of the pathologic triggers and order of events in the disease processes are key to the design of treatments and therapies. Prevention and treatment of AD cannot be attempted using a single approach; different therapeutic strategies at specific disease stages may be appropriate. For successful prevention and treatment, biomarker assays must be designed so that patients can be more accurately monitored at specific points during the course of the disease and potential treatment. In addition, to advance the development of therapeutic drugs, models that better mimic the complexity of the human brain are needed; there have been several advances in this arena. Here, we review significant, recent developments in genetics, omics, and molecular studies that have contributed to the understanding of this disease. We also discuss the implications that these contributions have on medicine.
An Updated Narrative Review on Ergometric Systems Applied to Date in Assessing Divers’ Fitness
Authors: Dreyer Sven , Schneppendahl Johannes , Moeller Fabian , Koch Andreas , Muth Thomas , Schipke Jochen D.
Published: August 2021

Many recreational divers suffer medical conditions, potentially jeopardizing their safety. To scale down risks, medical examinations are mandatory and overwhelmingly performed using bicycle ergometry, which overlooks some important aspects of diving. Searching ergometric systems that better address the underwater environment, a systematic literature search was conducted using the keywords ‘diving’, ‘fitness’, ‘ergometry’, and ‘exertion’. All presented alternative systems found convincingly describe a greatly reduced underwater physical performance. Thus, if a diver’s workload in air should already be limited, he/she will suffer early from fatigue, risking a diving incident. How to assess fitness? Performance diagnostics in sports is always specific for a modality or movement. Therefore, professional scuba divers should be tested when fin-swimming underwater. For the vast number of recreational divers, the current screening can likely not be replaced. However, to prevent accidents, divers need to understand and be able to improve factors that limit their physical performance underwater. Other systems, presented here, will continue to be important tools in underwater research.
Commonly Used Types and Recent Development of Ankle-Foot Orthosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Choo Yoo Jin , Chang Min Cheol
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is the most commonly prescribed orthosis to patients with foot drop, and ankle and foot problems. In this study, we aimed to review the commonly used types of AFO and introduce the recent development of AFO. (2) Methods: narrative review. (3) Results: AFO prevents the foot from being dragged, provides a clearance between the foot and the ground in the swinging phase of gait, and maintains a stable posture by allowing heel contact with the ground during the stance phase. In clinical practice, the most commonly used AFO include plastic AFO, walking boot, UD-Flex, and carbon fiber AFO. In addition, for compensating the demerits of these conventional AFOs, new types of AFOs, including AF Servo, TurboMed, three-dimensionally printed AFO, and AFO made from kenaf composites, were developed. (4) Conclusions: we think that our review can guide clinicians in selecting and prescribing the appropriate AFO for each patient in accordance with their specific physical conditions.
Early Graft Failure after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Case of Anastomosis Detachment Due to Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Vecchi Andrea Lorenzo , Maragliano Roberta , Sessa Fausto , Beghi Cesare , De Ponti Roberto , Castiglioni Battistina
Published: August 2021

Fibromuscular dysplasia is a non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory arteriopathy, considered a rare cause of coronary artery disease. Although familial cases have been described, no specific gene association has been detected so far. When the coronary vessels are involved, the main clinical scenarios are stable angina, acute coronary syndromes, left ventricular dysfunction, and sudden death. Specific clinical and angiographic findings may suggest this as the underlying disease, but certain diagnosis histological. The involvement of the lower and upper limbs is unusual; however, it may have decisive clinical implications for the most appropriate revascularization method and the selection of the arterial graft to be used.
Reducing Decision to Incision Time Interval for Emergency Cesarean Sections: 24 Months’ Experience from Rural Sierra Leone
Authors: Tucker Lahai , Frühauf Anna , Dumbuya Isata , Muwanguzi Paul , Lado Marta , Lavallie Daniel , Sheku Mohamed , Kachimanga Chiyembekezo
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed at describing the changes in the completeness of documentation and changes in decision to incision time interval of emergency cesarean sections after an audit and feedback project a rural hospital in Sierra Leone. Methods: We documented and monitored the decision and incision times for emergency cesarean sections over the course of two years. Year one focused on the introduction of the project and year two focused on the continuous monitoring of the project. We compared the completeness of decision to incision data and used the 30-min benchmark as target for the decision to incision time interval. Results: A total of 762 emergency cesarean sections were included. While the completion of decision time data (72%) did not change between the two reporting periods, documentation of incision time increased from 95% to 98% (p < 0.001). Complete documentation for both decision and incision time was available for 540 (70.9%) emergency cesarean sections. The decision to incision time interval decreased from 105 min to 42 min (p < 0.001). The proportion of cesarean sections started within 30 min increased from 8.5% to 37% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although not all cesarean sections were performed within the 30-min threshold, the decision to incision interval decreased significantly. Improvements in documentation and routine reporting of the decision to incision time interval is recommended.
Implementation, Mechanisms and Context of the MAMAACT Intervention to Reduce Ethnic and Social Disparity in Stillbirth and Infant Health
Authors: Damsted Rasmussen Trine , Johnsen Helle , Smith Jervelund Signe , Christensen Ulla , Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted
Published: August 2021

The MAMAACT intervention aimed to address ethnic and social disparity in stillbirth and infant health by improving management of pregnancy complications. This process evaluation of the intervention was guided by the British Medical Research Council’s framework. We examined implementation through dose, reach, and fidelity, important mechanisms and the influence of contextual factors. The intervention included a six-hour training session for antenatal care (ANC) midwives in intercultural communication and cultural competence, two follow-up dialogue meetings, and health education materials (leaflet and app) on warning signs of severe pregnancy complications and how to respond for pregnant women. A mixed-methods approach was applied. Cross-sectional survey data and administrative data were used to assess intervention reach and dose. Qualitative data (records from dialogue meetings with midwives, participant observations and field notes from ANC visits, focus group interviews with midwives, and individual interviews with non-Western immigrant women) evaluated intervention fidelity, mechanisms, and contextual barriers. More than 80% of women received the MAMAACT leaflet and many found the content useful. The app was used more selectively. Midwives described being more aware and reflective in their communication with women from various cultural backgrounds. Organizational factors in ANC (time pressure, lack of flexibility in visits, poor interpreter services), barriers in women’s everyday life (lack of social network, previous negative experiences/lack of trust and domestic responsibilities), and habitual interaction patterns among midwives served as contextual barriers. The reach of the intervention was high and it was evaluated positively by both pregnant women and midwives. Organizational factors hindered changes towards more needs-based communication in ANC potentially hindering the intended mechanisms of the intervention. When interpreting the intervention effects, attention should be drawn to both organizational and interpersonal factors in the clinic as well as the pregnant women’s life situations.