bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Microbial Ecology of Estuarine Ecosystems
Authors: Crump Byron C. , Bowen Jennifer L.
Published: July 2023

Human civilization relies on estuaries, and many estuarine ecosystem services are provided by microbial communities. These services include high rates of primary production that nourish harvests of commercially valuable species through fisheries and aquaculture, the transformation of terrestrial and anthropogenic materials to help ensure the water quality necessary to support recreation and tourism, and mutualisms that maintain blue carbon accumulation and storage. Research on the ecology that underlies microbial ecosystem services in estuaries has expanded greatly across a range of estuarine environments, including water, sediment, biofilms, biological reefs, and stands of seagrasses, marshes, and mangroves. Moreover, the application of new molecular tools has improved our understanding of the diversity and genomic functions of estuarine microbes. This review synthesizes recent research on microbial habitats in estuaries and the contributions of microbes to estuarine food webs, elemental cycling, and interactions with plants and animals, and highlights novel insights provided by recent advances in genomics.
An Electrochemical Immunosensor for Sensitive Detection of Cardiac Troponin I Based on the Amplification Effect of Asymmetric Bowl-Shaped Mesoporous Nanospheres
Authors: Liu Jiangcheng , Liu Ransheng , Li Yueyuan , Liu Qing , Wang Ping , Dong Hui , Xu Zhen , Li Yueyun
Published: July 2023

Here, a sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was constructed to detect cardiac troponin I (cTnI) via asymmetric bowl-shaped PdAgFe mesoporous nanospheres (PdAgFe ABMS) as signal amplification label and core–shell cubic Au/Co-LDH@ZIF-67 as substrate material. PdAgFe ABMS prepared by dual-template directional anisotropic island growth method has abundant mesoporous channels to accelerate molecular mass transfer in solution. In particular, the asymmetric bowl-like structure allows more active sites to be exposed, which improves the utilization of atoms to stabilize and high current response signals. The synergistic effect between PdAgFe increased the activation energy of the catalytic reaction and further amplified the current signal. In addition, the biosensing interface based on Au/Co-LDH@ZIF-67 not only exhibits a high electron transfer rate, but also can capture more bioactive molecules. Under the optimal conditions, the constructed immunosensor was detected to exhibit a low limit of detection (LOD, 4.47 fg ml−1) and a wide detection range (10 fg ml−1–100 ng ml−1). This work provides an accurate and convenient scheme for the clinical detection of cTnI.
An Improved Comprehensive Learning - Particle Swarm Optimization - Extended Kalman Filtering Method for the Online High-Precision State of Charge and Model Parameter Co-Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shen Xianfeng , Wang Shunli , Yu Chunmei , Qi Chuangshi , Li Zehao , Fernandez Carlos
Published: July 2023

The precise assessment of the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is critical in battery management systems. This work offers a comprehensive learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO) and extended Kalman filter (EKF) technique to forecast the SOC of LIBs in order to obtain an accurate SOC estimate for power batteries. Firstly, to address the challenge of identifying various parameters of the battery model, the bilinear transformation technique is employed to determine the parameters of the second-order RC equivalent circuit model. Secondly, to improve the fitness values for the conventional PSO algorithm, which is prone to entering local optimality, a learning strategy (

f

i

) is added to the particle velocity update method. The optimized PSO and EKF algorithms are integrated to perform online prediction of the SOC of LIBs. The experimental results demonstrate that under the conditions of the Beijing Bus Dynamic Stress Test (BBDST), Dynamic Stress Test (DST), and Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization Test (HPPC), the parameter identification inaccuracy of CLPSO is restricted to 1%. After multi-metric evaluation, the maximum error and mean absolute error of the CLPSO-EKF algorithm in SOC estimation are 0.32% and 0.0652%, respectively, demonstrating a higher robustness and accuracy advantage over other versions.
Warburg Conductivity for Binary Electrolyte for Enabling Electrolyte Screening and Efficient Battery Operations
Authors: Choudhury Basudev , Jangale Akash , Suthar Bharatkumar
Published: July 2023

Estimating the potential drop in a separator and an electrode is crucial for efficient battery operations and electrolyte screening. Currently, calculating the potential drop in the electrolyte phase for Li-ion batteries requires numerical simulation of coupled partial differential equations resulting from concentrated solution theory. In this study, we introduce the concept of Warburg conductivity to represent the potential drop due to concentration gradient in a binary electrolyte to simplify the theoretical treatment. Accurate quantification of this potential drop can facilitate the development of fast charging algorithms by allowing a higher voltage cutoff during battery charging. To express the potential drop in the binary electrolyte, four parameters are necessary: conductivity, diffusivity, transference number, and thermodynamic factor. While the effect of the conductivity on the potential drop in the electrolyte is straightforward (representing ionic resistance), this work introduces the concept of Warburg conductivity to combine the remaining three parameters and derive the expression of the Warburg resistance. By considering both ionic and Warburg resistances, a comprehensive understanding of the total potential drop in the electrolyte phase is achieved, which is essential for analyzing battery performance and electrolyte screening.
Insight into LIB Diffusion Phenomena Using Analytical Impedance Models
Authors: Woillez E. , Chandesris M.
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is extensively used to characterize the transport properties in porous electrodes of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). In the low-frequency domain (f < 1 Hz), solid diffusion and electrolyte diffusion are competing over similar timescales, which explains why both phenomena are difficult to characterize independently. In which case can the solid diffusion coefficient be correctly extracted from experimental EIS? To answer this question, the linearized P2D-Newman model of a complete cell is solved using a Fourier transform to obtain a physics-based analytical impedance. The solution allows deriving the characteristic frequencies and non-dimensional numbers of the system, and gives the parameters range for which solid diffusion is overwhelming electrolyte transport in the impedance signal. A simple criterion is then given to discriminate electrodes that are properly designed for active materials electrochemical characterization.
Torsional and strain dysfunction precede overt heart failure in a mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy pathogenesis
Authors: Holmes Joshua B. , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Stelzer Julian E.
Published: July 2023

A detailed study of how perturbations to sarcomere proteins impact whole heart mechanics in mouse models is a major yet challenging step in furthering our understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology. This study uses advanced echocardiographic imaging and analysis techniques to reveal previously unappreciated subclinical whole heart mechanical defects in a mouse model of cardiomyopathy. In doing so, it offers an accessible set of measurements for future studies to use when connecting sarcomere and whole heart function.
Multiaxial pressure-strain analysis of regional myocardial work in the setting of graded coronary stenoses and dobutamine stress
Authors: Stendahl John C. , Liu Zhao , Boutagy Nabil E. , Parajuli Nripesh , Lu Allen , Alkhalil Imran , Lin Ben A. , Duncan James S. , Sinusas Albert J.
Published: July 2023

Our unique experimental model assesses cardiac pressure-strain relationships along multiple axes in multiple regions. We demonstrate that moderate coronary stenoses decrease regional myocardial work and increase wasted work and that low-dose dobutamine can help to restore myocardial function, but often with further increases in wasted work. Our findings highlight the significant directional variation of cardiac mechanics and demonstrate potential advantages of pressure-strain analyses over traditional, purely deformational measures, especially in characterizing physiological changes related to dobutamine.
Optimization of Liner Operations and Fuel Selection considering Emission Control Areas
Authors: Yang Bin , Zou Jiahui
Published: July 2023

The continuous expansion of shipping trade has brought about increasingly serious marine pollution problems. In the context of emission reduction in the global shipping industry, this paper focuses on the operation optimization of container ships inside and outside the emission control area (ECA). From the dual perspectives of shipowners and the general public, models in the annual operating cycle are established to study the economic and environmental benefit differences between traditional fuels, i.e., heavy fuel oil (HFO) and low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO), and alternative fuels, i.e., liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for the proportion of ECA and ship speed. The results show that, in the current situation of high natural gas prices, the use of HFO after the installation of scrubbers is still the most cost-effective option in the short term, followed by the use of LSFO and methanol. LNG is no longer an attractive option, while LSFO and methanol are the best options for both cost and the environment. With the tightening of ECA regulations, methanol will become the optimal choice when the ECA ratio is higher than 47%. By reducing the speed of the ship, the pollutant emission can be effectively reduced, but it will also lead to an overall decrease in profits. Considering the future “zero carbon” emission targets, slow streaming is only suitable as a short-term response measure, while switching to green power energy is a choice that is more in line with the long-term development strategy.
Pandemic Lessons for Future Nursing Shortage: A Prospective Cohort Study of Nurses’ Work Engagement before and during 16 Months of COVID-19
Authors: Penturij-Kloks Monique M. A. , de Gans Simon T. , van Liempt Mandy , de Vries Esther , Scheele Fedde , Keijsers Carolina J. P. W.
Published: July 2023

Aim. To measure how nurses’ work engagement developed during the first three COVID-19 waves and to compare this with the data collected just before the outbreak. Background. The shortage of nurses is a threat to population health. COVID-19 posed nurses with personal and professional challenges that affected their work engagement. Insights into how the pandemic affected their work engagement may help hospitals retain and recruit nurses in the future. Methods. A single centre prospective survey study was conducted using the UWES-9. Results. In total, 1,697 nurses (90.5% female, mean age 41 years) completed four assessments. Each assessment showed a significant decrease in work engagement compared with that before COVID-19. Work engagement stabilized in the last two assessments. Conclusion. Work engagement decreased significantly compared with that in March 2020, just before the outbreak. Although the decrease stabilized from the 8th month to the 16th month, it did not return to pre-COVID-19 levels. Whether this stabilization was the beginning of a recovery in work engagement or reflected a permanent decline needs to be established. Implications for nursing management. Nurse leaders should facilitate nurses’ self-regulation processes and encourage them to develop resources in order to maintain work engagement at a high level.
Influence of Pilocarpine Eyedrops on the Ocular Biometric Parameters and Intraocular Lens Power Calculation
Authors: Gao Ruxin , Liu Jinkun , Zhou Xiaojie , Huang Luping , Huang Weiyi , Xue Yingying , Wang Fei , Gong Songjian , Wu Renyi , Wang Yuhong
Published: July 2023

Objective. To evaluate the influence of pilocarpine eyedrops on the ocular biometric parameters and whether these parameter changes affect the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in patients with primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods. Twenty‐two PACG patients and fifteen normal subjects were enrolled. Ocular biometric parameters including the axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), mean keratometry (Km), and white‐to‐white distance (WTW) were measured by using a Lenstar LS 900 device before and at least 30 minutes after instillation of 2% pilocarpine eyedrops. Lens position (LP) was calculated, and the IOL power prediction based on the ocular biometric parameters was performed using the Barrett Universal II, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay I, or SRK/T formulas before and after pilocarpine application. Results. In both PACG and normal groups, pilocarpine eyedrops induced a slight but statistically significant increase in the mean AL (0.01 mm for both groups) and mean LT (0.02 mm and 0.03 mm, respectively) but a significant decrease in the mean ACD (0.03 mm and 0.05 mm, respectively) and mean LP (0.02 mm and 0.04 mm, respectively). No significant changes in the mean Km and WTW were noticed in both groups. In addition, the IOL power calculation revealed insignificant changes before and after the pilocarpine instillation in both groups, regardless of the formula used. Conclusions. Pilocarpine eyedrops can induce slight changes in the ocular biometric parameters including the AL, ACD, LT, and LP. However, these parameter changes will not result in a significant difference in IOL power estimation.
Clinical Evaluation of Short (6 mm) and Longer Implants Placed Side by Side in Posterior Partially Edentulous Area: A 3-Year Observational Study
Authors: Shimogishi Masahiro , Kawakami Sawako , Tachikawa Noriko
Published: July 2023

Background. Short implants have been proposed as an alternative solution for the rehabilitation of atrophic posterior region. Purpose. To compare the clinical outcomes between 6 mm short implants and conventional implants placed under similar conditions of bone quality and occlusal loading. Materials and Methods. Nine patients received atone 6 mm implant and one standard-length (8 mm length or longer) implants in a total of 10 partially edentulous areas. Implants were left submerged for 3–6 months healing period and the screw-retained splinted prostheses were delivered. When the provisional or final restoration was placed, and at each year after loading, standardized intraoral radiograph was taken for themarginal bone level (MBL) changes around the implants. Subsequently, the patients were recalled for the clinical examination evaluating the implant survival, sulcus bleeding index, suppuration, and the incidence of prosthetic complications at every 6 months after the definitive crown delivery. The observation period was continued to 3 years (mean follow-up was 3.4 ± 0.3 years) after functional loading. Results. Nine patients (10 short implants and 10 standard length implants) were selected in this study. Cumulative survival rates of the short implants and standard-length implants were 100% in both groups, and no biological and prosthetic complication were found in 3 years observation period. Cortical bone thickness of implant insertion sites was 1.39 ± 0.45 mm at short implants and 1.38 ± 0.69 mm at standard-length implants, and trabecular bone computed tomography values of implant insertion sites was 424.1 ± 290.1 at short implants and 410.9 ± 267.9 at standard-length implants. The MBL changes were −0.30 ± 0.71 mm at short implants and −0.19 ± 0.78 mm at standard-length implants at 3 years follow-up visit. No significant difference was found in the average of MBL changes between implant length. Conclusions. Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that 6 mm short implants in a posterior edentulous region showed excellent results compared with conventional implants.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Technologies in the Construction of Surgical Risk Prediction Model for Patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiang , Wang Tao , Shi Haifeng , Zhang Ming , Yin RuoHan , Wu Qiyong , Pan Changjie
Published: July 2023

The objective of this work was to predict the risk of mortality rate in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) based on the risk prediction model of CABG using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies. The clinical data of 2,364 patients undergoing CABG in our hospital from January 2019 to August 2021 were collected in this work. Based on AI and big data technology, business requirement analysis, system requirement analysis, complication prediction module, big data mining technology, and model building are carried out, respectively; the successful CABG risk prediction system includes case feature analysis service, risk warning service, and case retrieval service. The commonly used precision, recall, and F1‐score were adopted to evaluate the quality of the gradient‐boosted tree (GBT) model. The analysis proved that the GBT model was the best in terms of precision, F1‐score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). According to the CABG risk prediction model, 1,382 patients had a score of <0, 463 patients had a score of 0 ≤ score ≤ 2, 252 patients had a score of 2 < score ≤ 5, and 267 patients had a score of >5, which were stratified into four groups: A, B, C, and D. The actual number of in‐hospital deaths was 25, and the in‐hospital mortality rate was 1.05%. The mortality rate predicted by the CABG risk prediction model was 2.67 ± 1.82% (95% confidential interval (CI) (2.87–2.98)), which was higher than the actual value. The CABG risk prediction model showed the credible results only in group B with AUC = 0.763 > 0.7. In group B, 3 patients actually died, the actual mortality rate was 0.33%, and the predicted mortality rate was 0.96 ± 0.78 (95% CI (0.82–0.87)), which overestimated the mortality rate of patients in group B. It successfully constructed a CABG risk prediction model based on the AI and big data technologies, which would overestimate the mortality of patients with intermediate risk, and it is suitable for different types of heart diseases through continuous research and development and innovation, and provides clinical guidance value.
Stochastic Unit Commitment Study in a Power System with Flexible Load in Presence of High Penetration Renewable Farms
Authors: Mojtahedzadeh Larijani Mostafa , Ahmadi Kamarposhti Mehrdad , Nouri Tohid
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a new hybrid multiobjective algorithm, namely, the modified bald eagle search Algorithm (MBES), integrated with the grasshopper optimization algorithm, is proposed to solve the unit commitment (UC) problem. We consider a standard 10-unit power system with two wind farms, two photovoltaic farms, and flexible loads for optimization purposes. The UC problem is tackled under uncertainties related to demand and renewable generation capacities. To account for these uncertainties, probability density functions (PDFs) are assigned to the sources of uncertainty, and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is employed to select several scenarios with specific probability coefficients. Additionally, two innovative objective functions based on operation cost and emissions are introduced, with each scenario weighted based on its occurrence probability. To assess the performance of the proposed MOGOA-MBES algorithm, simulations are conducted across three scenarios with varying conditions, and the results are compared against those obtained from several multiobjective algorithms. Our findings, supported by optimization results and the S-metric index, demonstrate that the proposed MOGOA-MBES algorithm outperforms other algorithms in terms of reducing operation cost and emissions. Furthermore, the simulation results reveal that uncertainties lead to an increase in cost and emissions, whereas the inclusion of flexible loads and their participation in the UC program can effectively mitigate cost and emission levels.
PET Imaging of Nectin-4: A Promising Tool for Personalized/Precision Oncology
Authors: Jiang Dawei , Lan Xiaoli , Cai Weibo
Published: July 2023

In a recent study, the authors developed a nectin-4–targeting bicyclic peptide–based radiotracer, 68Ga-N188, for PET imaging of advanced urothelial cancer. Preclinical investigation and first-in-human study in 14 patients demonstrated excellent specificity and sensitivity of 68Ga-N188 in detecting metastases. These promising results support 68Ga-N188 as a companion diagnostic for future personalized cancer therapy.

See related article by Duan et al., p. 3395
Inhibition of Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase Reduces Collagen Deposition in Melanoma Tumors and May Improve Immunotherapy Efficacy by Reducing T-cell Exhaustion
Authors: Fukuda Yasunari , Kim Sun-Hee , Bustos Matias A. , Cho Sung-Nam , Roszik Jason , Burks Jared K. , Kim Hong , Hoon Dave S.B. , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan
Published: July 2023

The arachidonic acid pathway participates in immunosuppression in various types of cancer. Our previous observation detailed that microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase 1 (mPGES-1), an enzyme downstream of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), limited antitumor immunity in melanoma; in addition, genetic depletion of mPGES-1 specifically enhanced immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The current study set out to distinguish the roles of mPGES-1 from those of COX-2 in tumor immunity and determine the potential of mPGES-1 inhibitors for reinforcing immunotherapy in melanoma. Genetic deletion of mPGES-1 showed different profiles of prostaglandin metabolites from that of COX-2 deletion. In our syngeneic mouse model, mPGES-1–deficient cells exhibited similar tumorigenicity to that of COX-2–deficient cells, despite a lower ability to suppress PGE2 synthesis by mPGES-1 depletion, indicating the presence of factors other than PGE2 that are likely to regulate tumor immunity. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that mPGES-1 depletion reduced the expressions of collagen-related genes, which have been found to be associated with immunosuppressive signatures. In our mouse model, collagen was reduced in mPGES-1–deficient tumors, and phenotypic analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes indicated that mPGES-1–deficient tumors had fewer TIM3+ exhausted CD8+ T cells compared with COX-2–deficient tumors. CAY10678, an mPGES-1 inhibitor, was equivalent to celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in reinforcing anti-PD-1 treatment. Our study indicates that mPGES-1 inhibitors represent a promising adjuvant for immunotherapies in melanoma by reducing collagen deposition and T-cell exhaustion.

Significance:

Collagen is a predominant component of the extracellular matrix that may influence the tumor immune microenvironment for cancer progression. We present here that mPGES-1 has specific roles in regulating tumor immunity, associated with several collagen-related genes and propose that pharmacologic inhibition of mPGES-1 may hold therapeutic promise for improving immune checkpoint–based therapies.
Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on COPD Assessment Test Items in Individuals Classified as GOLD Group E
Authors: Vitacca Michele , Paneroni Mara , Spanevello Antonio , Maniscalco Mauro , Diasparra Aldo , Aliani Maria , Ambrosino Nicolino
Published: July 2023

Background: A new Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification has been proposed, based also on COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Objectives: The aim of this large, multicenter, retrospective study was to determine the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on CAT items in individuals with COPD, GOLD group E, recovering from an exacerbation (ECOPD). As secondary aims, we evaluated whether gender, associated chronic respiratory failure (CRF), and age might influence results. Methods: Data of 2,213 individuals with available paired pre- and post-PR CAT were analyzed. Other common outcome measures were also assessed. Results: After PR, total CAT improved from 20.8 ± 7.8 to 12.4 ± 6.9 (p = 0.000), and 1,911 individuals (86.4%) reached the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). All CAT items improved significantly without any significant difference among them. However, item “confidence with disease” improved significantly more in males than in females (p = 0.009). Total CAT and six out of eight items improved significantly more in individuals with CRF than in those without (all p < 0.001). Total CAT and three items improved significantly more in younger than in older individuals (p = 0.023). Only presence of CRF was significantly associated with the probability of improving total CAT more than the MCID. Conclusion: In individuals with COPD, GOLD group E, recovering from ECOPD, PR improves all CAT items; however, gender, associated CRF and age may influence the effect size, suggesting the need to evaluate all items in addition to total CAT score.
Satisfaction with Homeopathic Service and Care for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Pannek Jürgen , Mahler Jasmin , Wöllner Jens , Krebs Jörg
Published: July 2023

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the satisfaction of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with a homeopathic service at an SCI rehabilitation center. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed at an SCI rehabilitation center in Switzerland. It included patients with chronic SCI who presented themselves to a homeopathic service offered by the hospital in a 12-months period. The participants filled in standardized questionnaires in German: “Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile” (MYMOP), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9), the European Project on Patient Evaluation of General Practice Care (EUROPEP) questionnaire, and a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The data of 14 patients were analyzed. Symptom severity as well as bother by the symptoms that led to homeopathic treatment decreased under homeopathic treatment (severity: from 4.3 to 3.3; bother: from 4.2 to 2.9) and remained lower over time (severity: 2.6; bother: 2.7), suggesting a sustained effect. Irrespective of the test instrument used, satisfaction rates were higher for homeopathic service than for homeopathic medication, which was rated as successful by 50% of the participants. Conclusion: Persons with SCI suffering from secondary complications of SCI who accessed homeopathic care reported high satisfaction rates with the service. Therefore, homeopathic service can be considered as an additive measure in persons with SCI suffering from recurrent symptoms.
Abelisauroidea (Theropoda, Dinosauria) from Africa: a review of the fossil record
Authors: Souza-Júnior André Luis de , Candeiro Carlos Roberto dos Anjos , Vidal Luciano da Silva , Brusatte Stephen Louis , Mortimer Mickey
Published: July 2023

The Continental African abelisauroid theropod dinosaur fossil record from the Jurassic-Cretaceous periods is becoming increasingly better understood, and offers great insight into the evolution and biogeography of this long-lived group of carnivores. Abelisauroidea is among the most familiar groups of theropod dinosaurs from Gondwana, with fossil records in South America, Australia, India and Africa, along with Europe. The objective of the present study is to review the fossil record of abelisauroids in continental Africa. Based on the literature and records from the online databases “The Paleobiology Database” and “The Theropod Database”, we review the distribution of these theropods in Africa and comment on their evolution. The African continent is a major region of importance when it comes to 26 Abelisauroidea fossil findings, including records of both major subdivisions of the clade: the Abelisauridae and Noasauridae families. The oldest Abelisauroidea fossil record found in Africa dates from the Late Jurassic, while the final records date from the end of the Cretaceous. This indicates that clade was the longest surviving lineage of the large theropods of Africa, and they filled a variety of ecological roles, including apex predators, at the end of the Cretaceous, when tyrannosaurids occupied similar niches in the northern continents.
Contributions to the taxonomy of the Brazilian Leurus Townes, 1946 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Metopiinae)
Authors: Moleiro Henrique Pereira , Onody Helena Carolina , Camacho Gabriela Procópio , Penteado-Dias Angélica Maria , Gutierrez Mabel Alvarado , Ballón-Estacio Ricardo Javier , Santos Alvaro Doria dos
Published: July 2023

Leurus Townes, 1946 is a small genus of Metopiinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), consisting of 13 described species distributed in the Neotropics and the Nearctic region. The present work aims to contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of Leurus in Brazil. A total of 109 specimens were identified and 15 literature records were analyzed. The genus geographical occurrence was evaluated according to data obtained from the literature and labels of analyzed specimens. Five species of Leurus were identified for the Brazilian fauna: L. angustignathus, L. caeruliventris, L. discus, L. gracius and L. nostrus. New municipality records of occurrence were made for L. angustignathus in the state of São Paulo, L. caeruliventris in the states of Bahia, Distrito Federal, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Piauí and Rondônia; for, L. discus in the state of Alagoas and São Paulo, and L. gracius in the state of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Females of L. angustignathus and L. gracius were described for the first time in the present study. The genitalia of males of L. caeruliventris, L. discus and L. gracius were described and illustrated for the first time.
Mammal prevalence after the fire catastrophe in northeastern Pantanal, Brazil
Authors: Deus Filipe Ferreira de , Burs Kathrin , Fieker Carolline Zatta , Tissiani Ana Silvia de Oliveira , Marques Marinêz Isaac , Schuchmann Karl-L.
Published: July 2023

Fire might occur under natural conditions in the Pantanal of Brazil; however, with climate change, severe periods of drought potentiated the devasting fires in 2020, resulting in substantial wildlife loss. Considering that mammal communities are strongly affected by fire and habitat alterations, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences in mammal diversity and the number of records before and one year after the fire in one region of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Parque SESC Baía das Pedras – PSBP). The data collection was performed using camera trapping between 2015 and 2017 and 2021, together with visual field observations in PSBP. We observed that the mammal assemblage composition was similar before and one year after the fire. Four species were more or less frequent in burned areas than in unburned ones. Since the fire was controlled in this area, avoiding its total destruction, and the species that fled from the surrounding areas, which were completely burnt, might be using PSBP as a refuge while the vegetation recovers elsewhere. Therefore, the PSBP might have contributed to protecting mammal species after the fire and maintaining and conserving biodiversity on a regional scale in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Two new species of Asphondylia Loew, 1850 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) on Asteraceae from Brazil
Authors: Maia Valéria Cid , Mendonça Milton de Souza , Mascarenhas Bernardo José de Araújo
Published: July 2023

Two new species of Asphondylia inducing galls on Asteraceae are described, A. gaucha from the state of Rio Grande do Sul and A. mineira from the state of Minas Gerais. Their host plants are Vernonanthura discolor (Sprengel) H. Rob., and V. polyanthes (Sprengel) Vega & Dematteis, respectively, both native to Brazil. Illustrations of relevant morphological characters are provided. The new species are compared with congeneric Neotropical species. The types are deposited in the Entomological Collection of the Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.
As redes sociais digitais como canais de transparência da informação: uma proposta de parâmetros de avaliação de uso
Authors: Ferreira João Rodrigo Santos , Souza Edivanio Duarte de
Published: July 2023

The growing appreciation of democratic precepts and consequent increase in civil participation in public decision-making, combined with the emergence of new digital information and communication channels, resulted in a paradigm shift that reframed administrative transparency policies, demanding greater attention to production, dissemination and use of public data and information. This study maps evaluation parameters that monitor the quality of info-communicational services mediated by digital social networks as institutional transparency channels. A documentary, descriptive, quantitative and qualitative research was conducted to integrate indicators and criteria used to evaluate info-communicational services on transparency websites and portals to the use guidelines of institutional social networks. The main scientific findings are presented in two tables. The first summarizes the informational framework used as the basis for mapping and consolidating the indicators; the second presents the indicators and their respective evaluation criteria. The five indicators identified seek to assess communicability, accessibility, usability, reliability, and transparency in social channels. Guiding and evaluating the use of digital social networks is paramount for the alignment of services provided by the Public Administration with its own objectives and strategies, with legal provisions and with societal expectations. Besides validating the use of these channels as institutional info-communicational tools, defining these parameters fills a gap in terms of administrative transparency.
Letramento informacional e estilos de aprendizagem: novo olhar sobre o processo ensino-aprendizagem
Authors: Marques Cláudia Luíza , Gasque Kelley Cristine Gonçalves Dias
Published: July 2023

Information Literacy (IL) consists in the actions of locating, selecting, accessing, organizing, and using information to generate knowledge while aiming at decision-making and problem-solving. Learning Styles (LS) are the preferred ways by which one relates to the learning conditions. Our main argument posits that identifying the LS involved in IL activities can improve educational practices. It also advocates that an information literate student presents higher levels of autonomy and critical thinking. This article is part of an ongoing doctoral research and assumes a narrative literature review character. It presents the concept and importance of IL, the concept of LS and their contributions to the development of new teaching-learning practices. Thus, LS, when identified and applied to IL, promote the subject’s protagonism in the search and use of information. However, bibliographic research showed the scarcity of studies that relate the aforementioned concepts and processes, verifying the need to further discuss the subject and to invest in research that contemplates the interrelations between these processes.
Estudo dos determinantes dos custos no atendimento dos pacientes com lesão medular decorrente de trauma raquimedular
Authors: Riberto Marcelo , Alves Liceana Barbosa de Pádua , Honorato Deborah Ligia Palma , Galliano Fabio Therezo , Albuquerque Tales Vieira Cavalcanti , Herrero Carlos Fernando Pereira da Silva
Published: July 2023

O trauma raquimedular (TRM) é a principal etiologia relacionada à lesão medular em homens jovens. Em decorrência da complexidade ao atendimento desses pacientes e às suas complicações, os custos envolvidos nesses casos são vultosos. Objetivo: Avaliar os custos associados ao atendimento hospitalar e ambulatorial dos pacientes com lesão medular traumática num serviço universitário. Métodos: Este estudo baseou-se na revisão de informações clínicas sobre a lesão medular e suas complicações, bem como a busca de valores relacionados ao atendimento no período hospitalar e ambulatorial de indivíduos com lesão medular traumática num serviço universitário em 2009. Resultados: Foram contabilizados 51 pacientes com trauma na coluna vertebral, dos quais 14 apresentaram TRM (idade= 38,9 ± 20,8; homens: 86%). Os custos do atendimento foram R$402.908,68 na ausência de lesão medular e R$304.433,77 com lesão medular. Os custos do atendimento estiveram relacionados com o tempo de internação, o número de intercorrências clínicas e procedimentos cirúrgicos. A reabilitação correspondeu a 23% dos custos dos pacientes com TRM. Conclusão: Os custos relacionados ao atendimento do paciente com TRM são maiores que aqueles associados ao trauma de coluna sem lesão neurológica. O número de complicações clínicas correlaciona-se diretamente ao tempo de internação e os custos desse atendimento. A reabilitação corresponde a menor parte das despesas no cuidado aos pacientes com TRM.
Final 3-Year Outcomes of a Randomized Trial Comparing a Self-Expanding to a Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve
Authors: Lanz Jonas , Möllmann Helge , Kim Won-Keun , Burgdorf Christof , Linke Axel , Redwood Simon , Hilker Michael , Joner Michael , Thiele Holger , Conzelmann Lars , Conradi Lenard , Kerber Sebastian , Thilo Christian , Toggweiler Stefan , Prendergast Bernard , Husser Oliver , Stortecky Stefan , Deckarm Sarah , Künzi Arnaud , Heg Dik , Walther Thomas , Windecker Stephan , Pilgrim Thomas ,   on behalf of the SCOPE I Investigators
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

In the SCOPE I trial (Safety and Efficacy of the Symetis ACURATE Neo/TF Compared to the Edwards SAPIEN 3 Bioprosthesis), transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the self-expanding ACURATE neo (NEO) did not meet noninferiority compared with the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 (S3) device regarding a composite end point at 30 days due to higher rates of prosthetic valve regurgitation and acute kidney injury. Data on long-term durability of NEO are scarce. Here, we report whether early differences between NEO and S3 translate into differences in clinical outcomes or bioprosthetic valve failure 3 years after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

METHODS:

Patients with severe aortic stenosis were randomized to transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation with NEO or S3 at 20 European centers. Clinical outcomes at 3 years are compared using Cox proportional or Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard models by intention-to-treat. Bioprosthetic valve failure is reported for the valve-implant cohort.

RESULTS:

Among 739 patients, 84 of 372 patients (24.3%) had died in the NEO and 85 of 367 (25%) in the S3 group at 3 years. Comparing NEO with S3, the 3-year rates of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.73–1.33]), stroke (subhazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.56–1.92]), and hospitalization for congestive heart failure (subhazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.51–1.07]) were similar between the groups. Aortic valve reinterventions were required in 4 NEO and 3 S3 patients (subhazard ratio, 1.32 [95% CI, 0.30–5.85]). New York Heart Association functional class ≤II was observed in 84% (NEO) and 85% (S3), respectively. Mean gradients remained lower after NEO at 3 years (8 versus 12 mm Hg;
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Early differences between NEO and S3 did not translate into significant differences in clinical outcomes or bioprosthetic valve failure throughout 3 years.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
, Unique identifier: NCT03011346.
Outcomes With Percutaneous Debulking of Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Zhang Robert S. , Alam Usman , Maqsood Muhammad H. , Xia Yuhe , Harari Rafael , Keller Norma , Elbaum Lindsay , Rao Sunil V. , Alviar Carlos L. , Bangalore Sripal
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

In patients with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis, percutaneous debulking is a treatment option. However, the outcomes of this approach are less well known.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent percutaneous vegetation debulking for tricuspid valve infective endocarditis from August 2020 to November 2022 at a large academic tertiary care public hospital. The primary efficacy outcome was procedural success defined by clearance of blood cultures. The primary safety outcome was any procedural complication. For the composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or heart block, outcomes were compared (sequential noninferiority and superiority) with published surgical outcomes data.

RESULTS:

Of the 29 patients with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis who underwent percutaneous debulking, the average age was 41.3±10.1 years, all patients had septic pulmonary emboli with 27 (93.1%) patients having cavitary lung lesions before the procedure. For the efficacy outcomes, 28 patients (96.6%) had clearance of cultures after their procedure, mean white blood cell count significantly decreased from 16.8±1.4×10
3
to 12.6±1.0×10
3
per µL (
P
<0.01), and mean body temperature significantly decreased from 99.8F ±0.30 to 98.3F ±0.20 (
P
<0.001) post-procedure. For safety outcomes, there were no procedural complications (0%). Two patients (6.9%) died during the follow-up period, both during the index hospitalization due to severe necrotizing pneumonia. When compared with published data on surgical outcomes, percutaneous debulking was noninferior and superior for the composite of in-hospital death or heart block (noninferiority,
P
<0.001; superiority,
P
=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS:

Percutaneous debulking is feasible, effective, and safe in treating patients with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis refractory to medical therapy.
Graft Failure After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Its Association With Patient Characteristics and Clinical Events: A Pooled Individual Patient Data Analysis of Clinical Trials With Imaging Follow-Up
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Sandner Sigrid , An Kevin R. , Dimagli Arnaldo , Di Franco Antonino , Audisio Katia , Harik Lamia , Perezgrovas-Olaria Roberto , Soletti Giovanni , Fremes Stephen E. , Hare David L. , Kulik Alexander , Lamy Andre , Peper Joyce , Ruel Marc , ten Berg Jurrien M. , Willemsen Laura M. , Zhao Qiang , Wojdyla Daniel M. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Alexander John H. , Redfors Bjorn
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Graft patency is the postulated mechanism for the benefits of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, systematic graft imaging assessment after CABG is rare, and there is a lack of contemporary data on the factors associated with graft failure and on the association between graft failure and clinical events after CABG.

METHODS:

We pooled individual patient data from randomized clinical trials with systematic CABG graft imaging to assess the incidence of graft failure and its association with clinical risk factors. The primary outcome was the composite of myocardial infarction or repeat revascularization occurring after CABG and before imaging. A 2-stage meta-analytic approach was used to evaluate the association between graft failure and the primary outcome. We also assessed the association between graft failure and myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, or all-cause death occurring after imaging.

RESULTS:

Seven trials were included comprising 4413 patients (mean age, 64.4±9.1 years; 777 [17.6%] women; 3636 [82.4%] men) and 13 163 grafts (8740 saphenous vein grafts and 4423 arterial grafts). The median time to imaging was 1.02 years (interquartile range [IQR], 1.00–1.03). Graft failure occurred in 1487 (33.7%) patients and in 2190 (16.6%) grafts. Age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.08 [per 10-year increment] [95% CI, 1.01–1.15];
P
=0.03), female sex (aOR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.08–1.50];
P
=0.004), and smoking (aOR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.04–1.38];
P
=0.01) were independently associated with graft failure, whereas statins were associated with a protective effect (aOR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.63–0.88];
P
<0.001). Graft failure was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction or repeat revascularization occurring between CABG and imaging assessment (8.0% in patients with graft failure versus 1.7% in patients without graft failure; aOR, 3.98 [95% CI, 3.54–4.47];
P
<0.001). Graft failure was also associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction or repeat revascularization occurring after imaging (7.8% versus 2.0%; aOR, 2.59 [95% CI, 1.86–3.62];
P
<0.001). All-cause death after imaging occurred more frequently in patients with graft failure compared with patients without graft failure (11.0% versus 2.1%; aOR, 2.79 [95% CI, 2.01–3.89];
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In contemporary practice, graft failure remains common among patients undergoing CABG and is strongly associated with adverse cardiac events.
Remote Ischemic Conditioning: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Hausenloy Derek J. , Hess David C. , Yellon Derek M. , Ji Xunming
Published: July 2023

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has been investigated as a promising, safe, and well-tolerated nonpharmacological therapy for cardio-cerebrovascular disease over the past 3 decades; variable results have been found when it is used in cerebrovascular versus cardiovascular disease. For patients with cardiovascular disease, milestone studies suggest that the roles of RIC may be limited. Recently, however, 2 large trials investigating RIC in patients with cerebrovascular disease found promising results, which may reignite the field’s research prospects after its setbacks in the cardiovascular field. This perspectives article highlights several important clinical trials of RIC in the cardio-cerebrovascular disease and describes the many challenges of RIC in clinical translation. Finally, based on the available evidence, several promising research directions such as chronic RIC, early initiation in target population, improvement of compliance, better understanding of dosing, and identification of specific biomarkers are proposed and should be investigated before RIC can become applied into clinical practice for patient benefit.
The Right to a Court in Cases of Administrative Liability of a Penal Character in the Field of the Protection of Financial Markets and Competition in German, French and English Law
Authors: Blachnio-Parzych Anna , Podhalicz Mateusz , Stawińska-Artecka Weronika
Published: July 2023

The right to a court (right to a fair trial) is regarded as a foundation of the rule of law. With regard to liability for offenses which do not belong to the so-called core of criminal law, the European Court of Human Rights has accepted the adjudication on this liability by an administrative authority. However, the requirement of compliance with Article 6 (1) of the European Convention on Human Rights is designed to ensure full judicial review of the administrative authority’s decision(s). The aim of the article is to examine whether and how the solutions adopted in German, French and English law meet the standards in relation to administrative liability of a penal character. This study will concentrate on the character of the administrative authorities’ decisions regarding such liability and the scope of judicial review of such administrative decisions in the field of the protection of financial markets and competition.
A new species of Clavaria from India
Authors: K KRISHNAPRIYA , ARUN KUMAR T.K.
Published: July 2023

A new species of clavarioid fungi, Clavaria viriditincta is described from Kerala State, India. This species is proposed as new based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic (ITS-LSUsequence) data. C. viriditincta can be distinguished from all other described species in the genus by its distinctly green, unbranched basidiomata, and by its genetic distinctiveness.