bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amyloid β1–42 Oligomers Induce Galectin–1S8 O–GlcNAcylation Leading to Microglia Migration
Authors: Arrazola Sastre Alazne , Luque Montoro Miriam , Llavero Francisco , Zugaza José L.
Published: July 2023

Protein O–GlcNAcylation has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The O–GlcNAcylation of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) regulates both the trafficking and the processing of the APP through the amyloidogenic pathway, resulting in the release and aggregation of the Aβ1–42 peptide. Microglia clears Aβ aggregates and dead cells to maintain brain homeostasis. Here, using LC-MS/MS, we revealed that the Aβ1–42 oligomers modify the microglia O-GlcNAcome. We identified 55 proteins, focusing our research on Galectin-1 protein since it is a very versatile protein from a functional point of view. Combining biochemical with genetic approaches, we demonstrated that Aβ1–42 oligomers specifically target Galectin–1S8 O–GlcNAcylation via OGT. In addition to this, the Gal–1–O–GlcNAcylated form, in turn, controls human microglia migration. Given the importance of microglia migration in the progression of AD, this study reports the relationship between the Aβ1–42 oligomers and Serine 8–O–GlcNAcylation of Galectin–1 to drive microglial migration.
Lifestyle and Pharmacological Interventions and Treatment Indications for the Management of Obesity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Herouvi Despina , Paltoglou George , Soldatou Alexandra , Kalpia Christina , Karanasios Spyridon , Karavanaki Kyriaki
Published: July 2023

Obesity is a multifactorial chronic impairment that further decreases quality of life and life expectancy. Worldwide, childhood obesity has become a pandemic health issue causing several comorbidities that frequently present already in childhood, including cardiovascular (hypertension, dyslipidemia), metabolic (Type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome), respiratory, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, obese children frequently experience stress and psychosocial symptoms, including mood disorders, anxiety, prejudice and low self-esteem. Given that cardiovascular risk factors and pediatric obesity have the tendency to pertain into adulthood, obesity management, including weight control and physical activity, should start before the late teens and certainly before the first signs of atherosclerosis can be detected. This review aims to concisely present options for childhood obesity management, including lifestyle modification strategies and pharmacological treatment, as well as the respective treatment indications for the general practitioner.
Childhood Outcomes in Children with and without Cardiac Echogenic Foci: An Electronic Birth Cohort Study in Wales, UK
Authors: Hurt Lisa , Uzun Orhan , Morris Susan , Bethel Jackie , Evans Annette , Seaborne Michael , Daniel Rhian , Brophy Sinead , Paranjothy Shantini
Published: July 2023

There is uncertainty about outcomes associated with cardiac echogenic foci (CEF) seen at the midtrimester ultrasound scan because of limited population-based follow-up data. This can lead to unnecessary invasive testing and significant parental anxiety. We analysed data from a cohort study, The Welsh Study of Mothers and Babies, to examine whether children with CEF had more adverse outcomes during childhood compared with children without CEF. Children born between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011 were followed until 31 January 2018, migration out of Wales, or death. The primary outcome was cardiac hospital admissions, defined a priori by an expert steering group. Secondary outcomes included congenital cardiac anomalies, and hospital admissions for other causes. There was no evidence of an association between isolated CEF and cardiac hospital admissions (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–2.25, p value 0.768), or with congenital cardiac anomalies. There was a small increased risk of a respiratory admission with isolated CEF (hazard ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.54, p value 0.020). Further research is needed on features of CEF, such as location or number, to fully understand the clinical significance of these findings.
Are Teachers Working with Visually Impaired Children Prepared to Be Advocates of Oral Health? Pilot Study
Authors: Chałas Renata , Mikuľáková Wioletta Bronislawa , Maksymiuk Paweł , Skawińska-Bednarczyk Agnieszka , Hudáková Lucia , Pietrak Justyna , Andraščíková Ľudmila , Zubrzycka Joanna , Jordán Daniel , Radácsi Andrea , Szőke Judit
Published: July 2023

Background: Children and adolescents with visual impairment are at increased risk of oral cavity diseases. Pro-health education in their prevention and the role of educators and school counselors are extremely important in this aspect. The aim of the study was to collect information, and compare and analyze the level of pro-health awareness in the field of oral health prevention among teachers working with visually impaired children in Poland and Slovakia. Methods: The questionnaire survey covered 109 school educators working with visually impaired children. The survey contained general information about participants concerning their knowledge of oral health, basic information about oral hygiene, and children’s care needs in this area. The obtained results were statistically analyzed. Results: The level of knowledge about oral health was assessed by the majority of respondents as rather good (60.56%), 28.44% as very good, and 11.01% as middling. Teaching children about oral hygiene at school was declared by a majority of them and over half of the correct answers were given by only 48.42% of the respondents. Conclusions: It is advisable to intensify the oral cavity diseases prevention training of teachers working with visually impaired children and youth and there is a great need to organize and carry out educational campaigns in schools for them.
A Two-Step Single Plex PCR Method for Evaluating Key Colonic Microbiota Markers in Young Mexicans with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Protocol and Pilot Epidemiological Application
Authors: Herrera-Mejía Julián , Campos-Vega Rocío , Wall-Medrano Abraham , Jiménez-Vega Florinda
Published: July 2023

Many neurological disorders have a distinctive colonic microbiome (CM) signature. Particularly, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit a very dissimilar CM when compared to neurotypical (NT) ones, mostly at the species level. Thus far, knowledge on this matter comes from high-throughput (yet very expensive and time-consuming) analytical platforms, such as massive high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. Here, pure (260/280 nm, ~1.85) stool DNA samples (200 ng.µL−1) from 48 participants [39 ASD, 9 NT; 3–13 y] were used to amplify four candidate differential CM markers [Bacteroides fragilis (BF), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (FP), Desulfovibrio vulgaris (DV), Akkermansia muciniphila (AM)], using micro-organism-specific oligonucleotide primers [265 bp (BF), 198 bp (FP), 196 bp (DV), 327 bp (AM)] and a standardized two-step [low (step 1: °Tm—5 °C) to high (stage 2: °Tm—0 °C) astringent annealing] PCR protocol (2S-PCR). The method was sensitive enough to differentiate all CM biomarkers in the studied stool donors [↑ abundance: NT (BF, FP, AM), ASD (DV)], and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the primers’ specificity.
Updates from Our Institutional Experience with Thyroid Nodules Diagnosed as Metastases
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Bruno Carmine , Tralongo Pietro , Policardo Federica , Vegni Federica , Feraco Angela , Zhang Qianqian , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Fadda Guido , Lombardi Celestino Pio , Raffaelli Marco , Mulè Antonino , Larocca Luigi Maria
Published: July 2023

Background: Thyroid metastases (TMs) are a rare entity, ranging between 0 and 24% in the autopsy series. In the assessment of the best management, the discrimination between a primary and a metastatic thyroid lesion is crucial. In this regard, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is likely to play a crucial role especially when ancillary techniques (i.e., immunocytochemistry (ICC) and molecular testing) are carried out. Methods: We searched for all the TMs diagnosed using FNAC and analyzed between 2014 and 2023. The cases were processed with liquid-based (LBC) and ICC and molecular testing performed on LBC-stored material. Results: We reported 2.2% (19 cases) of TMs out of 1022 malignancies. TMs included: 1 larynx carcinoma (LX-Ca), 1 melanoma, 2 breast carcinomas (B-Ca), 3 lung carcinomas (LG-Ca), 4 gastro-intestinal carcinomas (GI-Ca), and 8 clear cell renal carcinomas (CCRC). All patients had a previous cancer history, between 300 and 2 months from the primary cancers. The morphological features were supported by ICC, which were contributive in 100% of cases. All TMs cases were characterized by multiple thyroid nodules except the melanoma case. Four cases underwent total thyroidectomy (1 B, 1 LX, 1 melanoma, and 1 CCRC) whilst 15 TMs were treated with radio-chemotherapy. Conclusions: FNAC empowered the diagnostic workup of patients with TMs avoiding useless surgery. The low sensitivity of cytology might be reinforced by the application of ancillary techniques. We found a predominant rate of kidney metastatic carcinomas, followed by lung and breast. TMs are frequently multifocal and in a context of a systemic disease so a tailored therapy seems to be the best treatment.
A Testing Framework for AI Linguistic Systems (testFAILS)
Authors: Kumar Yulia , Morreale Patricia , Sorial Peter , Delgado Justin , Li J. Jenny , Martins Patrick
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an innovative testing framework, testFAILS, designed for the rigorous evaluation of AI Linguistic Systems (AILS), with particular emphasis on the various iterations of ChatGPT. Leveraging orthogonal array coverage, this framework provides a robust mechanism for assessing AI systems, addressing the critical question, “How should AI be evaluated?” While the Turing test has traditionally been the benchmark for AI evaluation, it is argued that current, publicly available chatbots, despite their rapid advancements, have yet to meet this standard. However, the pace of progress suggests that achieving Turing-test-level performance may be imminent. In the interim, the need for effective AI evaluation and testing methodologies remains paramount. Ongoing research has already validated several versions of ChatGPT, and comprehensive testing on the latest models, including ChatGPT-4, Bard, Bing Bot, and the LLaMA and PaLM 2 models, is currently being conducted. The testFAILS framework is designed to be adaptable, ready to evaluate new chatbot versions as they are released. Additionally, available chatbot APIs have been tested and applications have been developed, one of them being AIDoctor, presented in this paper, which utilizes the ChatGPT-4 model and Microsoft Azure AI technologies.
Content-Aware Image Resizing Technology Based on Composition Detection and Composition Rules
Authors: Wang Bo , Si Hongyang , Fu Huiting , Gao Ruao , Zhan Minjuan , Jiang Huili , Wang Aili
Published: July 2023

A novel content-aware image resizing mechanism based on composition detection and composition rules is proposed to address the lack of esthetic perception in current content-aware resizing algorithms. A composition detection module is introduced for the detection of the composition of the input image types in the proposed algorithm. According to the classification results, the corresponding composition rules in computational esthetics are selected. Finally, the algorithm performs the operations of seam carving using the corresponding esthetic rules. The resized image not only protects the important content of the image, but also meets the composition rules to optimize the overall visual effect of the image. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a better visual effect. Compared with the existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm not only effectively protects important image content, but also protects important structures and improves the overall beauty of the image.
DDoS Attack Detection in IoT-Based Networks Using Machine Learning Models: A Survey and Research Directions
Authors: Alahmadi Amal A. , Aljabri Malak , Alhaidari Fahd , Alharthi Danyah J. , Rayani Ghadi E. , Marghalani Leena A. , Alotaibi Ohoud B. , Bajandouh Shurooq A.
Published: July 2023

With the emergence of technology, the usage of IoT (Internet of Things) devices is said to be increasing in people’s lives. Such devices can benefit the average individual, who does not necessarily have to have technical knowledge. The IoT can be found in home security and alarm systems, smart fridges, smart televisions, and more. Although small Internet-connected devices have numerous benefits and can help enhance people’s efficiency, they also can pose a security threat. Malicious actors often attempt to find new ways to exploit and utilize certain resources, and IoT devices are a perfect candidate for such exploitation due to the huge volume of active devices. This is particularly true for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which involve the exploitation of a massive number of devices, such as IoT devices, to act as bots and send fraudulent requests to services, thus obstructing them. To identify and detect whether such attacks have occurred or not in a network, there must be a reliable mechanism of detection based on adequate techniques. The most common technique for this purpose is artificial intelligence, which involves the use of Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) to help identify cyberattacks. ML models involve algorithms that use structured data to learn from, predict outcomes from, and identify patterns. The goal of this paper is to review selected studies and publications relevant to the topic of DDoS detection in IoT-based networks using machine-learning-relevant publications. It offers a wealth of references for academics looking to define or expand the scope of their research in this area.
Oscillation Suppression Strategy of Three-Phase Four-Wire Grid-Connected Inverter in Weak Power Grid
Authors: Feng Guoli , Ye Zhihao , Xia Yihui , Nian Heng , Jiang Yunxiang
Published: July 2023

As the penetration of renewable energy increases year by year, the risk of high-frequency oscillation instability increases when a three-phase, four-wire split capacitor inverter (TFSCI) is connected to the grid with complementary capacitors in weak grids. Compared to the three-phase, three-wire inverter, the TFSCI has an additional zero-sequence current loop. To improve the accuracy of the modeling and stability analysis, the effect of the zero-sequence loop needs to be considered in the impedance-based stability analysis. Therefore, a correlation model considering multi-perturbation variables is first established, based on which the inverter positive, negative, and zero sequence admittance models are derived, solving the difficult problem of impedance modeling under small perturbations. Secondly, an admittance remodeling strategy based on a negative third-order differential element and a second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) damping controller is proposed, which can improve the stability of positive, negative, and zero-sequence systems simultaneously. Finally, the effectiveness of the oscillation suppression strategy is verified by simulation and experiment.
Millimeter-Wave Conformal Directional Leaky-Wave Antenna Based on Substrate-Integrated Waveguide
Authors: Ma Yuchen , Shi Xiaoya , Wang Junhong , Zhang Yu , Sun Fanqi , Wu Fan
Published: July 2023

Conformal antennas have been widely used in many fields due to their advantages of low air resistance and better visual appearance. In this paper, an arced conformal leaky-wave antenna (LWA) for a designable directional beam is proposed. The antenna is achieved based on a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW). On the upper surface, a series of non-uniform transverse slots are etched. In order to guide the design of the antenna, as another key contribution of this work, a theoretical model for the traveling-wave structure is established. Using the model, the radiation property of the LWA is analyzed. In addition, by inputting the desired beam direction, the structural parameters of the LWA can be generated through the model. To verify the performance of the antenna and the model, an LWA prototype working at 28 GHz was fabricated and tested in a microwave anechoic chamber. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results. The antenna achieved a gain of 9.96 dBi with cambered surface area of 1.89 λ02. The proposed method may be a promising candidate for conformal wireless communication applications.
Tailoring Epoxy Composites with Acacia caesia Bark Fibers: Evaluating the Effects of Fiber Amount and Length on Material Characteristics
Authors: Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Kalimuthu Mayandi , Santulli Carlo , Palaniappan Murugesan , Nagarajan Rajini , Fragassa Cristiano
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been growing interest in utilizing bark fibers as reinforcements for polymer composites. This study focused on the characterization of epoxy composites reinforced with Acacia caesia bark (ACB) fibers, considering their mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties. Various amounts of ACB fibers with three different lengths (10, 20, and 30 mm) were incorporated into the composites, ranging from 10 to 35 wt.% in 5% increments. This resulted in 18 sample categories, which were compared to neat epoxy samples. The findings demonstrated that the introduction of ACB fibers, even at the highest fiber content, led to improved mechanical performance. However, a transition in fiber length from 20 to 30 mm exhibited conflicting effects on the composite, likely due to the tendency of bark fibers to bend and split into fibrils during loading. Regarding thermal degradation, the advantages over neat epoxy were evident, particularly for 20 mm fibers, suggesting enhanced interfacial bonding between the matrix and the reinforcement. The epoxy adequately protected the bark fibers, enabling the composite to withstand degradation at temperatures comparable to pure resin, with minimal structural damage below 320 °C.
Effect of Hydrolysis Regime on the Properties of Fibers Obtained from Recycling Medium-Density Fiberboards
Authors: Savov Viktor , Antov Petar , Panchev Christian , Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Lee Seng Hua , Taghiyari Hamid R. , Todorova Martina , Petrin Stoyko
Published: July 2023

Unlike the recycling of particleboards, the recycling of medium-density fiberboards (MDF) is not a widespread industrial practice, and currently, most waste MDF panels are landfilled or incinerated after the end of their life cycle. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop cost-effective methods for MDF recycling. The extraction of resins used for bonding the panels, mostly urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins, is carried out mainly with hydrolysis. Hydrothermal hydrolysis is a more environmentally friendly and cheaper recycling technique compared to acid hydrolysis and allows obtaining a high yield of recycled fibers. The aim of this research work was to investigate and evaluate the effect of hydrolysis regime applied on its efficiency and on the properties of the recycled MDF fibers. For this purpose, thermal hydrolysis was carried out in an autoclave with saturated steam as a heat carrier. The main novelty of the research is the preliminary preparation of the recyclable MDF in samples with dimensions close to those of pulp chips. The effect of hydrolysis regime characteristics, i.e., process time and temperature on the properties of recycled MDF wood fibers, was studied. The hydrolysis temperatures used were 121 °C (saturated steam pressure of 0.2 MPa) and 134 °C (saturated steam pressure of 0.3 MPa); for each temperature, three durations were applied—30, 45, and 60 min. After hydrolysis, the resulting fiber fraction was refined using a hammer mill. The fractional and elemental composition of the recycled fibers obtained were evaluated. The hemicellulose content after each hydrolysis treatment was also determined. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) was defined as an indicator of wastewater contamination and as an indirect indicator of the quantitative yield of the process. The results revealed no significant changes in the elemental composition of the recycled fibers, and the hydrolysis regimes used showed no decrease in pentosan content. The recycled MDF fibers exhibited similar fiber morphology and fractional composition, being shorter than fibers from industrial pulp. The increased temperature and time of hydrolysis resulted in a significant increase in COD values. Based on the obtained results, with a view to the slightest contamination of wastewater (as determined by COD), the most promising hydrolysis regime was at a temperature of 121 °C and a time of 30 min. It should be emphasized that for a confirmation of this statement, the properties of MDF panels fabricated with fibers recycled in different regimes should be subsequently investigated.
Caffeine Synthesis and Its Mechanism and Application by Microbial Degradation, A Review
Authors: Lin Zhipeng , Wei Jian , Hu Yongqiang , Pi Dujuan , Jiang Mingguo , Lang Tao
Published: July 2023

Caffeine is a metabolite derived from purine nucleotides, typically accounting for 2–5% of the dry weight of tea and 1–2% of the dry weight of coffee. In the tea and coffee plants, the main synthesis pathway of caffeine is a four-step sequence consisting of three methylation reactions and one nucleosidase reaction using xanthine as a precursor. In bacteria, caffeine degradation occurs mainly through the pathways of N-demethylation and C-8 oxidation. However, a study fully and systematically summarizing the metabolism and application of caffeine in microorganisms has not been established elsewhere. In the present study, we provide a review of the biosynthesis, microbial degradation, gene expression, and application of caffeine microbial degradation. The present review aims to further elaborate the mechanism of caffeine metabolism by microorganisms and explore the development prospects in this field.
Microbial Inhibition by UV Radiation Combined with Nisin and Shelf-Life Extension of Tangerine Juice during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Kijpatanasilp Isaya , Shiekh Khursheed Ahmad , Jafari Saeid , Worobo Randy W. , Assatarakul Kitipong
Published: July 2023

This study evaluated the efficiency of UV radiation doses (4.68–149.76 J/cm2) and nisin (50–200 ppm) and their combination in comparison with thermal pasteurization on the microbial inhibition kinetics and physicochemical properties of tangerine juice. It was noted that UV-149.76 J/cm2 and nisin (NS) at 200 ppm in conjunction exhibited the highest log reduction in spoilage and pathogenic microbes including Escherichia coli, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yeast and molds, and total plate count in tangerine juice. Additionally, the first-order kinetic model provides a better fit for spoilage and pathogenic strains compared with the zero-order model (higher coefficient of determination, R2), particularly for E. coli. UV and NS showed insignificant effects (p > 0.05) on pH, TSS, and TA values compared with pasteurization. However, there were notable differences observed in color analysis, total phenolic compound, total flavonoid content, vitamin C, carotenoid content, and antioxidant activity using DPPH and FRAP assays. The optimized UV + NS samples were subjected to refrigerated storage for 21 days. The results revealed that during the entire storage period, the pH values and the TSS values slightly decreased, and the TA values increased in the treated samples. The UV + NS treatment insignificantly impacted the color properties. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, and carotenoid contents, and vitamin C decreased over time for all sample treatments, whereas the antioxidant properties exhibited varying outcomes, compared with an untreated control and pasteurization. Therefore, UV radiation and nisin (UV-149.76 J/cm2 + NS-200 ppm) in combination could serve as a viable alternative to traditional heat pasteurization of fruit juice during cold storage.
Black Wheat Extracts (Arriheuk) Regulate Adipogenesis and Lipolysis via Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yoon Young , Park Min-Kyung , Kim Kyung-Hoon , Lee Geum-Hwa
Published: July 2023

Polyphenols and other compounds with antioxidant properties are found in plants and are one of the main antioxidants proven to reduce body weight and the risk of insulin resistance. Still, the mechanism behind the protective effects against obesity remains unclear. Thus, the study aims to assess the impact of flavonoid-rich arriheuk extract, a purple wheat extract, on mitochondrial function using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and investigate the molecular mechanism behind its protective effects against adipogenesis and lipolysis. The study findings strongly indicate that arriheuk significantly suppressed triglyceride levels and inhibited the expression of transcription factors like C/EBPα and PPARγ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, treatment with arriheuk suppressed the expression of SREBP1c and FAS proteins linked to lipogenesis. In addition, treatment with arriheuk extract decreased the mRNA levels of adipogenic transcription factors, increased glycerol release, and inhibited adipocyte differentiation. Interestingly, the arriheuk-mediated PGC-1α expression triggered mitochondrial biogenesis by promoting the AMPK phosphorylation and SIRT1 expression in adipocytes. Also, arriheuk suppressed adipogenesis and elicited browning through the AMPK- and SIRT1-associated pathways. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that arriheuk extract regulates browning in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes by triggering the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway, indicating the prospective applications of arriheuk as a functional food to control obesity.
The Experiences of Newly Graduated Nurses during Their First Year of Practice
Authors: Alharbi Hanan F. , Alzahrani Jamila , Hamed Amira , Althagafi Abdulslam , Alkarani Ahmed S.
Published: July 2023

The present study aimed to explore the experiences of newly graduated nurses during their first year of practise. A qualitative descriptive design was employed in this study. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with newly graduated nurses to gather detailed descriptions and experiences during their transition to the workplace in the first year after graduation. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify patterns and themes in the collected data. Ethical considerations were strictly enforced throughout the study. There are two main themes: factors contributing to the integration of new nurses into the workplace and the difficulties faced by new nurses in a work environment. Within the first theme, three subthemes emerged: the positive role of trainers, the gradual handling of patients, and the benefit of pre-employment training and volunteering. The theme of difficulties faced included three subthemes: difficulty dealing with the health system and devices, fear of dealing with new patients, and difficulty applying policies and procedures in the workplace. The study provides insights into the challenges faced by newly graduated nurses and the factors that contribute to their integration into practise settings. Educational departments in hospitals’ support and efficient access to policies are crucial for these nurses as they begin their early professional years.
Operational Health Pavilions in Mass Disasters: Lessons Learned from the 2023 Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Authors: Scendoni Roberto , Cingolani Mariano , Tambone Vittoradolfo , De Micco Francesco
Published: July 2023

The massive earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in February 2023 killed tens of thousands of people, and most of the deceased have not yet been identified. Many victims were pulled from the rubble hours or days later, injured and in need of assistance, treatment, and food, and many have not yet been connected with their families. Armed forces, volunteers, technicians, and health workers must cooperate in synergy in these situations to ensure effective interventions and to improve resilience. Based on the lessons learned from the response efforts to this recent natural catastrophe, this brief report proposes, for the first time, an organisational model structured around five functional pavilions that can be safely set up at the edge of a disaster area. Each pavilion should run its own activities to make a vital contribution to the overall coordinated emergency response. Looking to the future, it is extremely important to apply a technical approach that leads to maximum operational synergy at a disaster site and during the first phase of a sudden-onset emergency.
Using CMIP6 Models to Assess Future Climate Change Effects on Mine Sites in Kazakhstan
Authors: Golian Saeed , El-Idrysy Houcyne , Stambuk Desana
Published: July 2023

Climate change is a threat to mining and other industries, especially those involving water supply and management, by inducing or amplifying some climatic parameters such as changes in precipitation regimes and temperature extremes. Using the latest NASA NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 datasets, this study quantifies the level of climate change that may affect the development of two mine sites (site 1 and site 2) in north–east Kazakhstan. The study analyses the daily precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature a of a number of global circulation models (GCM) over three future time periods, the 2040s, 2060s, and 2080s, under two shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios, SSP245 and SSP585, against the baseline period 1981–2014. The analyses reveal that: (1) both maximum and minimum temperature will increase under both SSP in those time periods, with the rate of change for minimum temperature being higher than maximum temperature. Minimum temperature, for example, will increase by 2.2 and 2.7 °C under SSP245 and SSP585, respectively, over the 2040s period at both sites; (2) the mean annual precipitation will increase by an average rate of 7% and 10.5% in the 2040s for SSP245 and 17.5% and 7.5% for SSP585 in the 2080s at site 1 and site 2, respectively. It is also observed that summer months will experience drier condition whilst all other months will increase in precipitation; (3) the values of 24 h precipitation with a 10 year return period will also increase under both SSP scenarios and future time periods for most of the studied GCM and at both mine sites. For instance, over the near future period, a 6.9% and 2.8% increase in 10 year 24 h precipitation is expected to happen over site 1 and site 2, respectively, under SSP245. These predicted changes should be considered as design criteria adjustments for projected water supply and water management structures.
The Effect of Diabetes Control Status on CT Findings in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Emphasis on Bronchial Erosive Changes
Authors: Jung Min Kyung , Lee Sang Young , Ko Jeong Min , Im Soo-Ah
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Studies on the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the radiologic findings of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) have reported inconsistent results. These findings may have been influenced by the glycemic control status of the patients studied. To our knowledge, no recent data have described the effect of the DM control status on CT findings in PTB in terms of medium-sized airway involvement that is visualized as bronchial erosion on CT. The aim of this present study was to determine whether the DM control status influenced radiological manifestations in patients with PTB, with an emphasis on bronchial erosive changes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study on patients who were newly diagnosed with PTB. A total of 426 consecutive patients with PTB who underwent CT scans at the time of diagnosis from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2020 were included in this study. The included patients were categorized as having no DM (non-DM), controlled DM, or uncontrolled DM. The patient medical charts, microbiology study results, and pulmonary changes on the CT scans were analyzed. Results: Among 426 patients with PTB who underwent CT scans at the time of diagnosis, 91 were excluded either due to undetermined hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels (n = 25) or concomitant pulmonary diseases (n = 66) that would make the analysis of the pulmonary changes on CT scans difficult. Finally, 335 patients were included in this study (224 men and 111 women; mean age, 59 years; range, 16–95 years). Among the 335 patients, 82 (24.5%) had DM and 52 of those (63.4%) had an uncontrolled status. The frequency of cavitation (43% vs. 23% vs. 79%, p < 0.001) and bronchial erosion (44% vs. 30% vs. 73%, p < 0.001) was significantly different between the three groups. The uncontrolled DM group showed a high frequency of cavitation and bronchial erosion compared to the non-DM (cavitation, p < 0.001 and bronchial erosion, p < 0.001) and controlled DM groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). However, the frequency of cavitation and bronchial erosion in the controlled DM group was not different compared to the non-DM group. Conclusion: The glycemic status (HbA1C ≥ 7.0), not the presence of DM, influenced the radiologic manifestations of PTB, especially in terms of medium-sized bronchial involvement, appearing as bronchial erosive changes and the feeding bronchus sign on chest CT scans. This difference in the uncontrolled DM group was likely to contribute to the higher frequency of cavitation.
Safety Profile of Vitamin D in Italy: An Analysis of Spontaneous Reports of Adverse Reactions Related to Drugs and Food Supplements
Authors: Maggini Valentina , Crescioli Giada , Ippoliti Ilaria , Gallo Eugenia , Menniti-Ippolito Francesca , Chiaravalloti Adelaide , Mascherini Vittorio , Da Cas Roberto , Potenza Simona , Gritti Giulia , Galiulo Maria , Sottosanti Laura , Vannacci Alfredo , Lombardi Niccolò , Firenzuoli Fabio
Published: July 2023

Vitamin D (VitD) is largely used in Italy, often inappropriately; thus, an evaluation of its safety is a crucial issue. This study analyses the adverse reactions (ARs) associated with the use of products containing VitD (VitDps) reported to the Italian National Pharmacovigilance and Phytovigilance networks. From March 2002 to August 2022, a total of 643 and 127 reports concerning 903 and 215 ARs were retrieved from Pharmacovigilance and Phytovigilance networks, respectively. Overall, 332 (29.6%) ARs were classified as serious, and the most described ones were hypercalcaemia, renal failure and tachycardia. Serious AR risk was significantly higher for subjects using more than four concomitant products (OR 2.44 [95% CI 1.30–4.60]) and VitD doses higher than 1000 IU/day (OR 2.70 [95% CI 1.30–5.64]). In Italy, there was a modest decrease in AR reporting, despite the slightly increased use of VitD during the COVID-19 pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing all VitDps-related ARs observed in the Italian general population. Since underreporting is the main limitation of the safety reporting systems, the necessity to continue ARs monitoring, also using real-world data on VitDps prescription, use and outcome patterns is highlighted.
Comparative Clinical Performances of Tunneled Central Venous Catheters versus Arterio-Venous Accesses in Patients Receiving High-Volume Hemodiafiltration: The Case for High-Flow DualCath, a Tunneled Two-Single-Lumen Silicone Catheter
Authors: Canaud Bernard , Leray-Moragues H. , Chenine Leila , Morena Marion , Miller George , Canaud Ludovic , Cristol Jean Paul
Published: July 2023

Tunneled central venous catheters (CVC) are mainly considered as a rescue vascular access option in dialysis but are still used on approximately one quarter of prevalent patients worldwide even though they are associated with poor performances and higher risks. Study design: in this retrospective single-center study, we aimed to report on the clinical performances achieved with high-flow tunneled CVCs (DualCath or DCath) and compared them with arteriovenous accesses (AVAs, e.g., AV fistula, AV graft, and Thomas Shunt) in a hospital-based dialysis unit. Methods: Sixty-eight stage 5 chronic kidney disease dialysis-dependent patients (CKD5D) receiving high volume hemodiafiltration were followed-up with for 30 months. The study consisted of two phases: baseline cross-sectional and longitudinal follow-ups of key performance indicators. Clinical performances consisting of effective blood flow and blood volume, recirculation, urea and ionic Kt/V, total Kt, ultrafiltration volume, and percent reduction in β2-M were measured monthly as part of quality control in our unit. Results: At baseline, the effective blood flow using a DCath was close to 400 mL/min, similar to an AVA. Recirculation with a DCath (7%, 6–13%) was higher than with an AVA. The diffusive dialysis dose delivered with a DCath (spKt and eKt/V) and convective dialysis dose achieved with a DCath were slightly lower than those achieved with AVAs, but they were still much higher than is recommended by guidelines. The percent reduction in β2-M achieved with a DCath was also 4 to 10% lower than that achieved with an AVA. On longitudinal follow-up, the main clinical performance indicators of DCaths (total Kt and total ultrafiltration volume, L/session) were maintained as very stable over time and close to those achieved with AVAs. Conclusions: As shown in this study, high-flow DualCath tunneled two-single-lumen silicone catheters may be used to deliver high volume hemodiafiltration in a reliable and consistent manner without compromising clinical performance. These results relied on the specific design of the two silicone cannulas and the strict adherence to best catheter practices.
Utility of Serum Ferritin for Predicting Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID
Authors: Yamamoto Yukichika , Otsuka Yuki , Tokumasu Kazuki , Sunada Naruhiko , Nakano Yasuhiro , Honda Hiroyuki , Sakurada Yasue , Hasegawa Toru , Hagiya Hideharu , Otsuka Fumio
Published: July 2023

Objective: The most common symptom of post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is fatigue, and it potentially leads to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, a specific prognosticator is lacking. We aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of patients who developed ME/CFS after COVID-19. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, patients who visited Okayama University Hospital for long COVID between February 2021 and March 2022 were investigated. Results: Of the 234 patients, 139 (59.4%) had fatigue symptoms. Fifty patients with fatigue symptoms (21.4%) met the criteria for ME/CFS (ME/CFS group), while the other 89 patients did not (non-ME/CFS group); 95 patients had no fatigue complaints (no-fatigue group). Although the patients’ backgrounds were not significantly different between the three groups, the ME/CFS group presented the highest scores on the self-rating symptom scales, including the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), EuroQol, and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Furthermore, serum ferritin levels, which were correlated with FAS and SDS scores, were significantly higher in the ME/CFS group (193.0 ng/mL, interquartile range (IQR): 58.8–353.8) than in the non-ME/CFS group (98.2 ng/mL, 40.4–251.5) and no-fatigue group (86.7 ng/mL, 37.5–209.0), and a high serum ferritin level was prominent in female patients. Endocrine workup further showed that the ME/CFS group had higher thyrotropin levels but lower growth hormone levels in serum and that insulin-like growth factor-I levels were inversely correlated with ferritin levels (R = −0.328, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Serum ferritin level is a possible predictor of the development of ME/CFS related to long COVID, especially in female patients.
Implicit Motor Imagery for Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Case–Control Study
Authors: Díaz-Mohedo Esther , González-Roldán Gloria , Muñoz-Gámez Inmaculada , Padilla-Romero Virginia , Castro-Martín Eduardo , Cabrera-Martos Irene , Sánchez-García Clara
Published: July 2023

Implicit motor imagery (IMI), with an image laterality discrimination (LD) task, has been proposed as a useful therapeutic tool to restore body schema in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The aim of this study was to analyse the existence of differences between patients with CPP and healthy individuals in order to justify the use of IMI. An observational, cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling was designed as a one-to-one matched case–control study. Through a web link designed for this purpose, a total of 40 abdominoperineal images were shown to 130 participants during the laterality task. Outcome measures were pain intensity (visual analogue scale, VAS), accuracy, response time (RT), and CPPQ-Mohedo score (Chronic Pelvic Pain Questionnaire—Mohedo). This was an observational, cross-sectional study with a total of 64 CPP patients and 66 healthy individuals. The comparative analysis between groups revealed significant differences in accuracy, CPPQ-Mohedo and VAS (p < 0.001), but not in RT; in patients with CPP, accuracy was correlated with a lower CPPQ-Mohedo score and RT and, the greater the pain intensity, the higher the CPPQ-Mohedo score and RT, and the lower the accuracy. In the LD task, the patients with CPP made more mistakes than the healthy individuals. IMI could be a useful and complementary tool in the therapeutic approach for patients with CPP.
Autoinflammatory Diseases and COVID-19 Vaccination: Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Anti-S-RBD IgG Levels in a Cohort of Patients Receiving IL-1 Inhibitors
Authors: Bindoli Sara , Baggio Chiara , Galozzi Paola , Vesentini Filippo , Doria Andrea , Cosma Chiara , Padoan Andrea , Sfriso Paolo
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination in patients affected by systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAID) undertaking IL-1 inhibitors (IL-1i) compared to healthy vaccinated controls (HC). The course of COVID-19 in vaccinated patients on IL-1i was also assessed. The serological response was evaluated in SAID patients using the CLIA MAGLUMI TM 2000 Plus test after the first vaccination cycle and the booster dose. Fifty-four fully vaccinated healthcare workers were enrolled as HCs. GraphPad Prism 8 software was used for statistical analysis. All patients developed an adequate antibody response. No differences were observed between the antibody titers of patients on IL-1i and those not on IL-1i, either after the first vaccination cycle or the booster dose (p = 0.99), and to HC (p = 0.99). With increasing age, a decrease in antibody production was assessed after the second vaccine in SAID (r = 0.67, p = 0.0003). In general, 11.6% of SAID patients had COVID-19 after receiving vaccination. None of them developed severe disease or experienced flares of their autoinflammatory disease. In conclusion, patients receiving IL-1i develop an antibody response comparable to HC. No side effects after vaccination were observed; IL-1i was continued before and after injections to avoid flare-ups.
Understanding the Effects of Wind Intensity, Forward Speed, and Wave on the Propagation of Hurricane Harvey Surges
Authors: Shamsu Madinah , Akbar Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Hurricane storm surges are influenced by wind intensity, forward speed, width and slope of the ocean bottom, central pressure, angle of approach, shape of coastal lines, local features, and storm size. A numerical experiment is conducted using the Advanced Circulation + Simulation and Simulating Waves Nearshore (ADCIRC + SWAN) coupled model for understanding the effects of wind intensity, forward speed, and wave on the storm surges caused by Hurricane Harvey. The ADCIRC + SWAN is used to simulate hurricane storm surges and waves. The wind fields of Hurricane Harvey were reconstructed from observed data, aided by a variety of methodologies and analyses conducted by Ocean Weather Inc (OWI) after the event. These reconstructed wind fields were used as the meteorological forcing in the base case in ADCIRC+SWAN to investigate the storm surges caused by the hurricane. Hurricane Harvey was the second most costly hurricane in the United States, causing severe urban flooding by dropping more than 60 inches of rainfall in Texas. The hurricane made three landfalls, with its first landfall as a Category 4 based on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS), with wind intensities of 212.98 km/h (59 m/s). The storm surges caused by Hurricane Harvey were unique due to the slow speed, crooked tracks, triple landfalls in the USA, and excessive rain. The model’s storm surge and wave results were compared against observed data. High water marks at 21 locations and time series at 12 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gauges were compared with the generated results. Several cases were investigated by increasing or decreasing the wind intensity or hurricane forward speed by 25% of the OWI wind and pressure data. The effects of the wave were analyzed by comparing the results obtained from ADCIRC + SWAN (with waves) and ADCIRC (without waves) models. The study found that the changes in wind intensity had the most significant effect on storm surges, followed by wave and forward speed changes. This study signifies the importance of considering these factors to enhance accuracy in predicting storm surges.
Exploring the Pirate Attack Process Risk along the Maritime Silk Road via Dynamic Bayesian Network Analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaoyue , Xia Haibo , Xuan Shaoyong , Hu Shenping
Published: July 2023

The Maritime Silk Road (MSR) is an important channel for maritime trade between China and other countries in the world. Maritime piracy has brought huge security risks to ships’ navigation and has seriously threatened the lives and property of crew members. To reduce the likelihood of attacks from pirates, it is necessary to study the risk to a ship exposed to attacks from pirates on the MSR. Firstly, risk factors were established from three risk component categories (hazard, mitigation capacity, and vulnerability and exposure) and the risk index system of piracy and armed robbery events was founded. Secondly, the dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) method was introduced to establish a pirate attack risk assessment model ad to conduct a quantitative analysis of the process risk of a ship being attacked by pirates. Finally, combined with the scene data of the MSR, the process risk of a ship being attacked by pirates was modeled and applied as an example. The results showed that the overall risk of a ship being attacked by pirates is the lowest in July and the highest in March. In the whole route, when the ship was in the Gulf of Guinea, the Gulf of Aden–Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Malacca, the risk of pirate attack was the highest. This dynamic network model can effectively analyze the level of risk of pirate attacks on ships, providing a reference for the safety decision-making of ships on ocean routes.
Pilot Study: The Relationship between Foot Posture and Movement Quality in Non-Professional Male Football Players
Authors: Algaba-Del-Castillo José , Castro-Méndez Aurora , Pérez-Belloso Ana Juana , Garrido-Barragán José Gabriel , Aguilar Sánchez Alberto , Coheña-Jiménez Manuel
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: This study focusses on establishing the relationship between quality of movement (based on the functional movement screen, or FMS) and foot posture (based on the foot posture index, or FPI-6). We hypothesised that a poor FMS test score may be derived from the foot position in the space measured by FPI-6. (2) Methods: a quasi-experimental and cross-sectional study was designed to analyse foot posture in 30 healthy football players, using the foot posture index and the functional movement screen. (3) Results: No significant relationships were found between movement quality and foot posture. Poor movement quality is present in more than half of all foot positions, supination, pronation, and neutral. Good quality seems to be more associated with a neutral foot position (23.3%) and supinated (16.6%) than a pronated foot position (6.6%). (4) Conclusions: this study found no relationship between the two tests; therefore, we cannot demonstrate that foot posture is relevant in the quality of the movement of the football players studied.