bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Geotechnical Uncertainty on the Preliminary Design of Monopiles Supporting Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Reale Cormac , Tott-Buswell Jacques , Prendergast Luke J.
Published: June 2021

The growing demand for clean renewable energy sources and the lack of suitable nearshore sites are moving the offshore wind industry toward developing larger wind turbines in deeper water locations further offshore. This is adding significant uncertainty to the geotechnical design of monopiles used as foundations for these systems. Soil testing becomes more challenging, rigid monopile behavior is less certain, and design methods are being applied outside the bounds of the datasets from which they were originally derived. This paper examines the potential impact of certain elements of geotechnical uncertainty on monotonic load–displacement behavior and design system natural frequency of an example monopile-supported offshore wind turbine (OWT). Geotechnical uncertainty is considered in terms of spatial variability in soil properties derived from cone penetration tests (CPT), parameter transformation uncertainty using the rigidity index, and design choice for subgrade reaction modeling. Results suggest that spatial variability in CPT properties exhibits limited impact on design load–displacement characteristics of monopiles as vertical spatial variability tends to be averaged out in the process to develop discrete soil reaction-lateral displacement (p-y) models. This highlights a potential issue whereby localized variations in soil properties may not be captured in certain models. Spatial variability in CPT data has a noticeable effect on predicted system frequency responses of OWTs employing a subgrade reaction model approach, and the influence of subgrade reaction model choice is significant. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of uncertainty in soil data, model transformation, and design model choice on resulting structural behavior for a subset of available design approaches. It should be noted that significant further uncertainty exists and a wide variety of alternative models can be used by designers, so the results should be interpreted qualitatively.
Design and Development of An Instrumented Knee Joint for Quantifying Ligament Displacements
Authors: Cui Lei , Dale Brody , Allison Garry , Li Min
Published: June 2021

Recently, robotic assistive leg exoskeletons have gained popularity because an increased number of people crave for powered devices to run faster and longer or carry heavier loads. However, these powered devices have the potential to impair knee ligaments. This work was aimed to develop an instrumented knee joint via rapid prototyping that measures the displacements of the four major knee ligaments—the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior crucial ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL)—to quantify the strain experienced by these ligaments. The knee model consists of a femur, lateral and medial menisci, and a tibia-fibula, which were printed from three dimensional (3D) imaging scans. Nonstretchable cords served as main fiber bundles of the ligaments with their desired stiffnesses provided by springs. The displacement of each cord was obtained via a rotary encoder mechanism, and the leg flexion angle was acquired via a closed-loop four-bar linkage of a diamond shape. The displacements were corroborated by published data, demonstrating the profiles of the displacement curves agreed with known results. The paper shows the feasibility of developing a subject-specific knee joint via rapid prototyping that is capable of quantifying the ligament strain via rapid prototyping.
Assembly of a spatial circuit of T-bet–expressing T and B lymphocytes is required for antiviral humoral immunity
Authors: Mendoza Alejandra , Yewdell William T. , Hoyos Beatrice , Schizas Michail , Bou-Puerto Regina , Michaels Anthony J. , Brown Chrysothemis C. , Chaudhuri Jayanta , Rudensky Alexander Y.
Published: June 2021

T-bet–expressing T and B lymphocytes form a spatiotemporal circuit that enables optimal antiviral humoral immunity.
Validation of a Gradient Diffusion Method (Etest) for Testing of Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Aerococcus urinae to Fluoroquinolones
Authors: Roy France Emilie , Berteau Tammy , Bestman-Smith Julie , Grandjean Lapierre Simon , Dufresne Simon Frédéric , Domingo Marc-Christian , Leduc Jean-Michel
Published: June 2021

Aerococcus urinae
is a urinary pathogen with well-described resistance to fluoroquinolones. This study aimed to validate the gradient diffusion (GD) method (Etest) on cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton agar with 5% sheep blood for testing the susceptibilities of
Aerococcus urinae
to the antimicrobial agents ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin and to compare the Etest to the broth microdilution (BMD) method from CLSI document M45-A3.
Insights into the Organization of the Poxvirus Multicomponent Entry-Fusion Complex from Proximity Analyses in Living Infected Cells
Authors: Schin Alexander M. , Diesterbeck Ulrike S. , Moss Bernard
Published: June 2021

Poxviruses are enveloped viruses with a DNA-containing core that enters cells following fusion of viral and host membranes. This essential step is a target for vaccines and therapeutics.
Convalescent-Phase Sera and Vaccine-Elicited Antibodies Largely Maintain Neutralizing Titer against Global SARS-CoV-2 Variant Spikes
Authors: Tada Takuya , Dcosta Belinda M. , Samanovic Marie I. , Herati Ramin S. , Cornelius Amber , Zhou Hao , Vaill Ada , Kazmierski Wes , Mulligan Mark J. , Landau Nathaniel R.
Published: June 2021

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns with regard to their potential to escape from vaccine-elicited antibodies and anti-spike protein monoclonal antibodies. We report here on an analysis of sera from recovered patients and vaccinated individuals and on neutralization by Regeneron therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
Tobacco Root Endophytic
Arthrobacter
Harbors Genomic Features Enabling the Catabolism of Host-Specific Plant Specialized Metabolites
Authors: Shimasaki Tomohisa , Masuda Sachiko , Garrido-Oter Ruben , Kawasaki Takashi , Aoki Yuichi , Shibata Arisa , Suda Wataru , Shirasu Ken , Yazaki Kazufumi , Nakano Ryohei Thomas , Sugiyama Akifumi
Published: June 2021

Host secondary metabolites have a crucial effect on the taxonomic composition of its associated microbiota. It is estimated that a single plant species produces hundreds of secondary metabolites; however, whether different classes of metabolites have distinctive or common roles in the microbiota assembly remains unclear.
Transient Mitochondria Dysfunction Confers Fungal Cross-Resistance against Phagocytic Killing and Fluconazole
Authors: Siscar-Lewin Sofía , Gabaldón Toni , Aldejohann Alexander M. , Kurzai Oliver , Hube Bernhard , Brunke Sascha
Published: June 2021

Candida glabrata
is an opportunistic pathogen whose incidence has been increasing in the last 40 years. It has risen to become the most prominent non-
Candida albicans
Candida
(NCAC) species to cause candidemia, constituting about one-third of isolates in the United States, and steadily increasing in European countries and in Australia.
Design of a Retrovirus-Derived Vector for Expression and Transduction of Exogenous Genes in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Perkins Archibald S. , Kirschmeier Paul T. , Gattoni-Celli Sebastiano , Weinstein I. Bernard
Published: June 2021

We have developed a transfection vector for animal cells that contains long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences to promote expression. Plasmid p101/101, a derivative of plasmid pBR322 containing the complete Moloney murine sarcoma virus genome, was cut with restriction enzymes and religated so that both the 5′ and 3′ LTRs were retained and all but about 700 base pairs of the intervening viral sequences were removed. To test this vector, the
Escherichia coli
gene
gpt
was cloned into a unique
Pst
I site, between the two LTRs, with guanine and cytosine tailing, a method that can be generalized for insertion of any DNA segment into this vector. When DNA from recombinant plasmids in which the
gpt
gene was inserted in the same transcriptional polarity as the LTR sequences was transfected onto murine or rat fibroblast cultures, we obtained a high yield of Gpt
+
colonies. However, plasmid constructs with the
gpt
gene in the opposite polarity were virtually devoid of activity. With
gpt
in the proper orientation, restriction enzyme cuts within the LTRs or between the 5′ LTR and the
gpt
gene reduced transfection by more than 98%, whereas a cut between the
gpt
gene and the 3′ LTR gave an 80% reduction in activity. Thus, both 5′ and 3′ LTR sequences are essential for optimal
gpt
expression, although the 5′ LTR appears to play a more important role. When the LTR-
gpt
plasmid was transfected onto murine leukemia virus-infected mouse fibroblasts, we obtained evidence that RNA copies became pseudotyped into viral particles which could transfer the Gpt
+
phenotype into rodent cells with extremely high efficiency. This vector should prove useful for high-efficiency transduction of a variety of genes in mammalian cells.
Genome Sequences of Five Microviruses and a Murine Norovirus
Authors: Zhou Rui , Yin Jun , Lu Juan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Wen , Yang Shixing , Wang Xiaochun , Shen Quan
Published: June 2021

Murine norovirus is a fecal-orally transmitted pathogen in mice which belongs to the same genus as human norovirus. Microviruses are bacteriophages with small circular single-stranded DNA genomes, belonging to the family
Microviridae
. Here, we report the genome sequences of five microviruses and one murine norovirus obtained from the intestinal content of a lab mouse.
Draft Genome Sequences of 13 Vibrio cholerae Strains from the Rio Grande Delta
Authors: Turner Jeffrey W. , Duran-Gonzalez Jorge , Laughlin David A. , Unterweger Daniel , Silva David , Ermolinsky Boris , Pukatzki Stefan , Provenzano Daniele
Published: June 2021

Vibrio cholerae
is the etiologic agent of cholera, an acute and often fatal diarrheal disease that affects millions globally. We report the draft genome sequences of 13 non-O1/O139
V. cholerae
strains isolated from the Rio Grande Delta, TX, USA. These genomes will aid future analyses of environmental serovars.
Complete Genome Sequence of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Obtained from a Chronically Infected Individual in Uruguay
Authors: Cancela Florencia , Panzera Yanina , Mainardi Victoria , Gerona Solange , Ramos Natalia , Pérez Ruben , Arbiza Juan , Mirazo Santiago
Published: June 2021

Hepatitis E is a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. We report the full-length genome sequence of an HEV-3 strain obtained from a chronically infected patient from Uruguay. This strain shared only 86% nucleotide sequence identity with the most closely related reference strain belonging to subtype 3m.
Genome Sequences of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 (Variant of Concern) and P.2 (Variant of Interest) Identified in Uruguay
Authors: Panzera Yanina , Goñi Natalia , Calleros Lucía , Ramos Natalia , Frabasile Sandra , Marandino Ana , Tomás Gonzalo , Techera Claudia , Grecco Sofía , Fuques Eddie , Ramas Viviana , Coppola Leticia , Flieller María Rosa , Morel Noelia , Cortinas María Noel , Mogdasy Cristina , Arbiza Juan , Delfraro Adriana , Pérez Ruben , Chiparelli Héctor
Published: June 2021

Two severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants associated with increased transmission and immune evasion, P.1 and P.2, emerged in Brazil and spread throughout South America. Here, we report genomes corresponding to these variants that were recently detected in Uruguay. These P.1 and P.2 genomes share all substitutions that are characteristic of these variants.
IMMUNO-COV v2.0: Development and Validation of a High-Throughput Clinical Assay for Measuring SARS-CoV-2-Neutralizing Antibody Titers
Authors: Vandergaast Rianna , Carey Timothy , Reiter Samantha , Lathrum Chase , Lech Patrycja , Gnanadurai Clement , Haselton Michelle , Buehler Jason , Narjari Riya , Schnebeck Luke , Roesler Anne , Sevola Kara , Suksanpaisan Lukkana , Bexon Alice , Naik Shruthi , Brunton Bethany , Weaver Scott C. , Rafael Grace , Tran Sheryl , Baum Alina , Kyratsous Christos A. , Peng Kah Whye , Russell Stephen J.
Published: June 2021

Since its emergence at the end of 2019, SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has caused over 100 million infections and 2.4 million deaths worldwide. Recently, countries have begun administering approved COVID-19 vaccines, which elicit strong immune responses and prevent disease in most vaccinated individuals.
Antibody Response against SARS-CoV-2 and Seasonal Coronaviruses in Nonhospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ruetalo Natalia , Businger Ramona , Althaus Karina , Fink Simon , Ruoff Felix , Pogoda Michaela , Iftner Angelika , Ganzenmüller Tina , Hamprecht Klaus , Flehmig Bertram , Bakchoul Tamam , Templin Markus F. , Schindler Michael
Published: June 2021

There is strong interest in the nature of the neutralizing antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in infected individuals. For vaccine development, it is especially important which antibodies confer protection against SARS-CoV-2, if there is a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, and if there is cross-protection by antibodies directed against seasonal coronaviruses.
Case Study of the Response of N
6
-Methyladenine DNA Modification to Environmental Stressors in the Unicellular Eukaryote Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Sheng Yalan , Pan Bo , Wei Fan , Wang Yuanyuan , Gao Shan
Published: June 2021

Increasing evidence indicated that 6mA could respond to environmental stressors in multicellular eukaryotes. As 6mA distribution and function differ significantly in multicellular and unicellular organisms, whether and how 6mA in unicellular eukaryotes responds to environmental stress remains elusive.
Comprehensive Scanning of Prophages in
Lactobacillus
: Distribution, Diversity, Antibiotic Resistance Genes, and Linkages with CRISPR-Cas Systems
Authors: Pei Zhangming , Sadiq Faizan Ahmed , Han Xiao , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Ross R. Paul , Lu Wenwei , Chen Wei
Published: June 2021

Lactobacilli are inherent microorganisms in the human gut and are widely used in the food processing industries due to their probiotic properties. Prophages were reportedly hidden in numerous
Lactobacillus
genomes and can potentially contaminate entire batches of fermentation or modulate the intestinal microecology once they are released.
Synthesis and Analysis of Properties of an Immunogenic Fragment from NS4A Polypeptide of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Belyavtsev A. N. , Melnikova M. V. , Shevchenko N. G. , Sapronov G. V. , Vahrenev R. G. , Shastina N. S. , Kolesanova E. F. , Nikolaeva L. I.
Published: June 2021

Abstract—

The work is aimed at the synthesis and analysis from NS4A of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen peptide fragment that contains a conserved B-cell and T-helper epitopes. The 24-mer peptide VIVGRIILSGRPAVIPDREVLYRK-NH2, which contains the main immunogenic site 24–46 of HCV NS4A antigen (corresponding to the 1681–1703 amino acid residues of the HCV polypeptide), subtype 1b, has been prepared via solid-phase synthesis according to the Fmoc-protocol. Particles with diameters of 73 ± 10 nm (30%) and 236 ± 5 nm (70%) have been detected in the water solution of the highly purified peptide (0.5 mg/mL) by dynamic light scattering. The polydispersity index of 0.377 ± 0.012 implies the existence of heterogeneity because of the aggregation of the peptide molecules. The ζ-potential of the peptide aggregates has been determined as 7.0 ± 0.5 mV by means of electrophoretic light scattering. These data confirm the possibility for the development of a nanoscale liposome form of the peptide preparation. Immunoreactivity of the synthesized highly purified peptide has been studied with the use of blood sera of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Antipeptide immunoglobulins G have been detected in 41.7% of serum samples. Thus, this peptide has been shown to reproduce at least one B-epitope, to which antibodies are raised during natural HCV infection. The synthesized 24-mer peptide is a promising candidate for further research and for use as a potential immunogen for the design of a nanoscale therapeutic immunogenic liposomal peptide composition with synthetic lipids as an adjuvant.
Transgression maps for crossed modules of groupoids
Authors: Cai Xiongwei
Published: June 2021

Given a crossed module of groupoids [Formula: see text], we construct (1) a natural homomorphism from the product groupoid [Formula: see text] to the crossed product groupoid [Formula: see text] and (2) a transgression map from the singular cohomology [Formula: see text] of the nerve of the groupoid [Formula: see text] to the singular cohomology [Formula: see text] of the nerve of the crossed product groupoid [Formula: see text]. The latter turns out to be identical to the transgression map obtained by Tu–Xu in their study of equivariant [Formula: see text]-theory.
Exact single travelling wave solutions to the fractional perturbed Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation in nonlinear optics
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Yin Zhixiang
Published: June 2021

In this paper, exact single travelling wave solutions to the nonlinear fractional perturbed Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation are captured by the complete discrimination system for polynomial method and the trial equation method. In the classification, we can find out the original equation has rational function solutions, solitary wave solutions, triangular function periodic solutions, and elliptic function periodic solutions, which are normally very difficult to be obtained by other methods. In particular, the concrete parameters are set to show that the solutions in the classification can be realized in almost all cases.
Long-term changes in mandibular bone microchemical quality after radiation therapy and underlying systemic malignancy: A pilot study
Authors: Palander A. , Dekker H. , Hyvärinen M. , Rieppo L. , Lyijynen I. , Schulten E. A. J. M. , Bruggenkate C. M. Ten , Koistinen A. , Kullaa A. , Turunen M. J.
Published: June 2021

Radiation therapy (RT) is a treatment option for head and neck cancer (HNC), but 2% of RT patients may experience damage to the jawbone, resulting in osteoradionecrosis (ORN). The ORN can manifest years after RT exposure. Changes in the local microchemical bone quality prior to the clinical manifestation of ORN could play a key role in ORN pathogenesis. Chemical bone quality can be analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), that is applied to examine the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and RT on the quality of human mandibular bone. Cortical mandibular bone samples were harvested from dental implant beds of 23 individuals, i.e., patients with surgically and radiotherapeutically treated HNC (RT-HNC, [Formula: see text]), surgically and radiochemotherapeutically treated HNC (CH-RT-HNC, [Formula: see text]), only surgically treated HNC (SRG-HNC, [Formula: see text]), and healthy controls ([Formula: see text]). Infrared spectra were acquired from two representative regions of interest in cortical mandibular bone. Spectral parameters, i.e., mineral-to-matrix ratio (MM), carbonate-to-matrix ratio (CM), carbonate-to-phosphate ratio (CP), collagen maturity (cross-linking), crystallinity, acid phosphate substitution (APS), and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), were analyzed for each sample. Amide I region of the CH-RT-HNC group differed from the control group in cluster analysis ([Formula: see text]). Apart from a minor variation trend in collagen maturity ([Formula: see text]), there were no other significant differences between the groups. Thus, the effect of radiochemotherapy on mandibular bone composition should be further investigated. In future trials, this study design is potential when the effects of the cancer burden and different HNC treatment modalities on jawbone composition are studied, in order to reveal ORN pathogenesis.
Exoplanet Statistics and Theoretical Implications
Authors: Zhu Wei , Dong Subo
Published: June 2021

In the past few years, significant advances have been made in understanding the distributions of exoplanet populations and the architecture of planetary systems. We review the recent progress of planet statistics, with a focus on the inner ≲1-AU region of planetary systems that has been fairly thoroughly surveyed by the Kepler mission. We also discuss the theoretical implications of these statistical results for planet formation and dynamical evolution.
Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months: Is There Evidence for Health Impacts?
Authors: Lackey Kimberly A. , Fehrenkamp Bethaney D. , Pace Ryan M. , Williams Janet E. , Meehan Courtney L. , McGuire Mark A. , McGuire Michelle K.
Published: June 2021

Because breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and other benefits for infants (e.g., lower risk of infectious disease) and benefits for mothers (e.g., less postpartum bleeding), many organizations recommend that healthy infants be exclusively breastfed for 4 to 6 months in the United States and 6 months internationally. Recommendations related to how long breastfeeding should continue, however, are inconsistent. The objective of this article is to review the literature related to evidence for benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year for mothers and infants. In summary, human milk represents a good source of nutrients and immune components beyond 1 year. Some studies point toward lower infant mortality in undernourished children breastfed for >1 year, and prolonged breastfeeding increases interbirth intervals. Data on other outcomes (e.g., growth, diarrhea, obesity, and maternal weight loss) are inconsistent, often lacking sufficient control for confounding variables. There is a substantial need for rigorous, prospective, mixed-methods, cross-cultural research on this topic.
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in Mother and Son with a Central 22q11.2 Microdeletion
Authors: Faurschou Signe , Lildballe Dorte L. , Maroun Lisa L. , Helvind Morten , Rasmussen Maria
Published: June 2021

In this clinical report, we describe a male infant and his mother, who had similar congenital heart defects. They were both diagnosed neonatally with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) in combination with other heart defects. Neither of the two had any other organ malformations or dysmorphic facial features. SNP-array identified a central 22q11.2 microdeletion in the male infant and his mother as well as in the maternal grandmother and maternal aunt. The mother and the maternal aunt additionally harbored a 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion. The maternal grandmother was unaffected by heart disease. However, heart computed tomography scan of the maternal aunt revealed a quadricuspid aortic valve. Additionally, the maternal grandmother and the maternal aunt both had significant learning disabilities. Rarely, TAPVC has been described in patients with the common 22q11.2 microdeletions. However, to the best of our knowledge, TAPVC has not previously been reported in patients with this small central 22q11.2 microdeletion. Haploinsufficiency of TBX1 was originally thought to be the main cause of the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome phenotype, but TBX1 is not included in the atypical central 22q11.2 microdeletion. Previous reports have suggested an association between TAPVC and the 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion. Our report does not support this association as the maternal aunt, who harbors both microdeletions, is unaffected by TAPVC, and the male infant affected by TAPVC does not harbor the 15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion. Our findings support that genes located in the central 22q11.2 region are important for heart development and that haploinsufficiency of these genes plays a crucial role in the development of the rare heart defect TAPVC.
Ipomea batatas Leaf Powder from Cameroon: Antioxidant Activity and Antihyperlipidemic Effect in Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Mbouche Fanmoe Marcéline Joëlle , Tatsadjieu Ngoune Léopold , Ndjouenkeu Robert
Published: June 2021

The present study consists of analyzing the phytochemical composition of Ipomoea batatas leaf powders and evaluating their antihyperlipidemic effect on rats receiving a high-fat diet. Ipomoea batatas leaves were collected from four agroecological areas of Cameroon, and powders were obtained after washing, drying, grinding, and sieving. Standard analytical methods were used to determine the phytochemical composition of two varieties (IRAD-tib1yellow-V1 and IRAD-1112white-V2) from North Z1, Adamawa Z2, West Z3, Center Z4. The effect of I. batatas leaf powder on lipid metabolism was assessed in vivo by feeding different groups of rats with a high-fat diet supplemented with 5 and 10% of I. batatas leaf powder during 30 days. At the end of the experimentation, total cholesterols, triglycerides, LDL- (low-density lipoprotein-) cholesterol, HDL- (High-density lipoprotein-) cholesterol, ASAT (aspartate aminotransferase), ALAT (alanine aminotransferase), and creatinine were measured using commercial enzymatic kits (Spinreact, Spain). The results of phytochemical analysis of I. batatas leaf powders revealed that the total phenol content ranged from 660.173 mg GAE/100 gDW (Z1V2) to 657.76 mg GAE/100 gDW (Z3V2), the flavonoids content ranged from 282.25 mgEC/100 gDW (Z3V1) to 325.05 mgEC/100 gDW (Z4V2), and the anthraquinone content ranged from 324.05 mg/100 gDW (Z3V2) to 326.72 mg/100 gDW (Z4V2). The total antioxidant capacity ranged from 19.00 (Z1V1) to 23.48 mg AAE/gDW (Z3V2), while the IC50 ranged from 1.58 mg/mL (Z1V1) to 3.08 mg/mL (Z3V2). Rats fed a high-fat diet and supplemented with 5 and 10% of I. batatas leaf powder showed a significant (

p
<
0.05

) reduction in body weight compared to the control with a reduction rate ranging from 6 to 10%. The consumption of I. batatas leaf powder for 30 days significantly (

p
<
0.05

) reduced serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, ALAT, and creatinine level. These results suggest the use of I. batatas leaves as a phytomedicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Two-Step Method for Millimeter-Wave Antenna Performance Assessment in 5G Smartphones
Authors: Fernandes Filipa S. S. , Rom Christian , Rodrigues António , Svendsen Simon , Jagielski Ole
Published: June 2021

A critical challenge for 5G is transitioning to the mm-Wave spectrum. Despite providing unprecedented data rates, mm-Waves also suffer high path loss, atmospheric absorption, and higher fluctuating channel conditions, sparking numerous paradigm shifts in the smartphone industry. Extending mm-Wave communications to smartphones requires first a comprehensive study to identify the antenna design/smartphone implementation challenges that impact the quality of communications. This work proposes a two-step assessment metric, the mmWAESI, to evaluate mm-Wave antennas’ potential and limitations regarding their impact on system performance. First, it analyzes the spatial distribution of the smartphone-integrated beam steering array’s radiated power. Then, it evaluates the antenna’s influence on the MIMO performance, using a discrete, time-variant geometrical MIMO channel simulator to recreate any mm-Wave propagation scenario. For enhanced accuracy, mmWAESI accounts simultaneously for several communication aspects: antenna type, realistic radiation patterns, mobile phone form factor constraints, phone orientation, and user influence. The method is illustrated for two different 4-element linear arrays at 39 GHz, based on patch or monopole elements, integrated into smartphones. Their performance is compared under similar conditions, revealing that, unless array switching is employed, the smartphone’s form factor and user influence will mask any potential advantage of the unperturbed array characteristics.
Determinant of Mother’s Health Promotional Measures Practice of Infant with Age 6–12 Months in a Tertiary Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Chet Kant
Published: June 2021

Background. Promotion of health is vital for the optimal growth and development of every infant. Globally, many infants died due to common problems such as diarrhoea and respiratory infection; most of these problems are related to inadequate breast feeding, improper complimentary feeding, lack of immunization, and home accident. Infant and child health status depends upon mothers’ knowledge and practice regarding health promotional measures. This study aimed to determine practice and its determinants regarding health promotional measures of infant with 6–12 months age amongst the mothers attending Pediatrics Outpatient Department of Universal College of Medical Science and Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal. Methods. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Universal College of Medical Science, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal, among 414 mothers attending pediatrics outpatient department from September 2019–March 2020. Purposive sampling technique was used to select mothers of infants aged 6–12 months. Bivariate analysis was used primarily to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Variables which were associated in bivariate analysis with

p
<
0.05

were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify associated factors of health promotional measures. The goodness of fit of multivariate logistic regression was checked by Nagelkerke R square and variation inflation factor. Results. The mean age and family size was 25.89 ± 4.81 years and 5.94 ± 2.48, respectively. A total of 71.5% mothers have good practice of health promotional measures. Mothers from Dalit caste (adjusted odds ratio = 0.04, confidence interval: 0.005–0.30), mothers with below school leaving certificate education (AOR = 0.08, CI: 0.02–0.27), fathers engaged in nonagricultural work (AOR = 7.21, CI: 2.59–20.11), birth space of index child greater than 2 years (AOR = 12.88, CI: 3.49–47.58), and family monthly income greater than 20000 Nepalese rupees (AOR = 3.29, CI: 1.16–13.32 were significantly associated with good practice of health promotional measures. Conclusions. More than one-fourth of the mothers have poor practice of health promotional measures. Ethnicity, mothers’ education, fathers’ occupation, birth space of index child, and family monthly income were found to be independent determinants of practice of health promotion measures. Thus, policy makers should provide specific education regarding health promotional measures to both parents.
On Suzuki and Wardowski-Type Contraction Multivalued Mappings in Partial Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Asim Mohammad , Aydi Hassen , Imdad Mohammad
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to provide some fixed-point results for Suzuki and Wardowski-type contraction multivalued mappings in partial symmetric spaces. We give some examples to support and substantiate the developed notions and obtained results. Also, we use one of our main results to establish the existence and uniqueness of the solution for a system of integral inclusions.
Low Serum miR-607 Level as a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Patients of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jiang Dawei , Yuan Xiangfei , Ni Jianqi , Shen Lan , Cai Min , Xu Liu
Published: June 2021

Background. One of the microRNAs (miRNAs) known to be associated with cancer development is miR-607. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance and diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-607 and to explore its potential role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods. The expression levels of miR-607 were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation between miR-607 expression and clinical characteristics was analyzed by the Chi-square test. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated via the Kaplan–Meier method, and the association between miR-607 expression and OS was investigated by the Cox proportional hazard analysis. The diagnostic value was estimated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The effect of miR-607 overexpression on cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was determined by wound-healing, Transwell invasion, and Western blotting assays. Results. miR-607 levels were downregulated in PDAC tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. Also, low miR-607 levels were observed in serum samples from PDAC patients than that in healthy controls. The miR-607 level was found to be closely correlated with lymphatic metastasis and liver metastasis, perineural invasion, and OS and PFS, and the low miR-607 level was an independent prognostic factor for the poor OS of PDAC patients. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) of serum miR-607 for discriminating PDAC patients was 0.785 with a sensitivity of 0.647 and a specificity of 0.772, which was better than those for CA19-9 (AUC: 0.702, sensitivity: 0.607, specificity: 0.736) and CEA (AUC: 0.648, sensitivity: 0.542, specificity: 0.670). The AUC (0.863), sensitivity (0.766), and specificity (0.831) of their combination in the diagnosis of PDAC were better than those for alone. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of miR-607 could inhibit cell migration and invasion of BxPc-3 and PANC-1 cells by decreasing EMT ability. Conclusions. Low serum miR-607 level may serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker through regulation of tumor metastasis in PDAC patients.
The Prognostic Effect of Serum Albumin Level on Outcomes of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Abdeen Yazan , Kaako Ahmad , Ahmad Amin Zaid , Muhanna Ala , Josefine Froessl Luise , Alnabulsi Mohammad , Okeh Amira , Miller Richard A.
Published: June 2021

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread across the globe and significantly impacts health-care systems and strains resources, identifying prognostic factors to predict clinical outcome remains essential. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to further explore the prognostic value of serum hypoalbuminemia and other factors in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The primary endpoint was defined as the risk of in-hospital mortality. 300 patients were included in the analysis, with 56% being male and a mean (±SD) age of 61.5 ± 15.3 years. The mean (±SD) albumin was 2.86 ± 0.5 g/dL. Our analysis showed that patients with in-hospital mortality had lower albumin levels than patients without in-hospital mortality (2.6 ± 0.49 vs. 2.9 ± 0.48 g/dL, respectively, with

P

value = <0.001). A multivariant logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted, and after adjustment, the serum albumin level remained a strong predictor of the primary outcome. Based on the data gathered, we were able to create a model predictive of mortality in this patient group based on the serum albumin level and other pertinent factors. In this model, with all other variables remaining constant, each one-unit increase in albumin is estimated to reduce the odds of mortality by 73%. Our results strengthen the current available data on the prognostic value of serum albumin in COVID-19 patients and provide a model to predict in-hospital mortality.
Multiple Intravitreal Liposomal Amphotericin B for a Case of Candida glabrata Endophthalmitis
Authors: Sakai Daiki , Imai Hisanori , Nakamura Makoto
Published: June 2021

We report a case of Candida glabrata endophthalmitis which was effectively treated by intravitreal liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) injection. A 72-year-old man was referred to our department for positive blood culture of Candida glabrata. First ophthalmologic examination revealed a chorioretinal lesion in left eye, and the patient was diagnosed as possible candida chorioretinitis. Despite systemic antifungal therapy, his chorioretinal lesion increased in both eyes and complicated by vitritis. Intravitreal administration of L-AMB was introduced for probable candida endophthalmitis. Finally, improvement of vitritis and regression of chorioretinal lesions were obtained by total of 9 times intravitreal injection. Our case suggests the safety and efficacy of intravitreal L-AMB injection for Candida glabrata endophthalmitis.
Intraocular Tuberculosis: A Challenging Case Mimicking Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Interlandi Emanuela , Pellegrini Francesco , Pavesio Carlos , De Luca Marco , De Marco Rocco , Papayannis Alessandro , Mandarà Erika , Cuna Alessandra , Cirone Daniele , Ciabattoni Cristina , Liberali Tatiana , Zappacosta Antonio , Latanza Loredana
Published: June 2021

An otherwise healthy 72-year-old Chinese patient diagnosed with exudative age-related macular degeneration and decreased vision in left eye was fully investigated. The retrospective analysis of past multimodal imaging revealed bilateral severe choroidal neovascularization and choroiditis associated with a positive tuberculin skin testing and interferon-gamma release assay (QuantiFERON-TB Gold – Cellestis®, Chadstone, VIC, Australia) suggestive of latent ocular tuberculosis. The variable presentation and tests’ results interpretation represent the greatest limitations in understanding and treating intraocular TB (IOTB). This may present without any other systemic symptoms, the intraocular tissues are of limited access to biopsies and other tests, including imaging and immunological tests, are of relative value. This case highlights how variable may be the presentation of IOTB, which can be easily misdiagnosed leading to a delayed treatment and worse prognosis.
Hyperactivation of RAP1 and JAK/STAT Signaling Pathways Contributes to Fibrosis during the Formation of Nasal Capsular Contraction
Authors: Wu Meng , Li Ming , Xie Hong-Ju , Liu Hong-Wei
Published: June 2021

Silicone implant-based augmentation rhinoplasty or mammoplasty induces capsular contracture, which has been acknowledged as a process that develops an abnormal fibrotic capsule associated with the immune response to allogeneic materials. However, the signaling pathways leading to the nasal fibrosis remain poorly investigated. We aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of nasal capsular contracture, with a specific research interest in the signaling pathways involved in fibrotic development at the advanced stage of contracture. By examining our recently obtained RNA sequencing data and global gene expression profiling between grade II and grade IV nasal capsular tissues, we found that both the RAP1 and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were hyperactive in the contracted capsules. This was verified on quantitative real-time PCR which demonstrated upregulation of most of the representative component signatures in these pathways. Loss-of-function assays through siRNA-mediated Rap1 silencing and/or small molecule-directed inhibition of JAK/STAT pathway in ex vivo primary nasal fibroblasts caused a series of dramatic behavioral and functional changes, including decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis, reduced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and synthesis of type I collagen, compared to control cells, and indicating the essential role of the RAP1 and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in nasal capsular fibrosis. Our results sheds light on targeting downstream signaling pathways for the prevention and therapy of silicone implant-induced nasal capsular contracture.
Safety of High-Dose Dabigatran in Elderly and Younger Patients with a Low Bleeding Risk: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Erez Aharon , Golovchiner Gregory , Klempfner Robert , Kadmon Ehud , Goldenberg Gustavo Ruben , Goldenberg Ilan , Barsheshet Alon
Published: June 2021

Introduction: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk for stroke, dabigatran 150 mg twice a day (DE150) is superior to warfarin for stroke prevention. However, there is paucity of data with respect to bleeding risk at this dose in elderly patients (≥75 years). We aimed to evaluate the safety of DE150 in comparison to warfarin in a real-world population with AF and low bleeding risk (HAS-BLED score ≤2). Methods: In this prospective observational study, 754 consecutive patients with AF and HAS-BLED score ≤2 were included. We compared outcome of elderly patients (age ≥75 tears) to younger patients (age <75 years). The primary end point was the combined incidence of all-cause mortality, stroke, systemic emboli, and major bleeding event during a mean follow-up of 1 year. Results: There were 230 (30%) elderly patients, 151 patients were treated with warfarin, and 79 were treated with DE150. Fifty-two patients experienced the primary endpoint during the 1-year follow-up. Among the elderly, at 1-year of follow-up, the cumulative event rate of the combined endpoint in the DE150 and warfarin was 8.9 and 15.9% respectively (p = 0.14). After adjustment for age and gender, patients who were treated with DE150 had a nonsignificant difference in the risk for the combined end point as patients treated with warfarin both among the elderly and among the younger population (HR 0.58, 95% C.I = 0.25–1.39 and HR = 1.12, 95% C.I 0.62–2.00, respectively [p for age-group-by-treatment interaction = 0.83). Conclusions: Our results suggest that Dabigatran 150 mg twice a day can be safely used among elderly AF patients with low bleeding risk.
The Epipeptide Biosynthesis Locus epeXEPAB Is Widely Distributed in Firmicutes and Triggers Intrinsic Cell Envelope Stress
Authors: Popp Philipp F. , Friebel Lena , Benjdia Alhosna , Guillot Alain , Berteau Olivier , Mascher Thorsten
Published: June 2021

The epeXEPAB (formerly yydFGHIJ) locus of Bacillus subtilis encodes a minimalistic biosynthetic pathway for a linear antimicrobial epipeptide, EpeX, which is ribosomally produced and post-translationally processed by the action of the radical-SAM epimerase, EpeE, and a membrane-anchored signal 2 peptide peptidase, EpeP. The ABC transporter EpeAB provides intrinsic immunity against self-produced EpeX, without conferring resistance against extrinsically added EpeX. EpeX specifically targets, and severely perturbs the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane, which leads to the induction of the Lia-dependent envelope stress response. Here, we provide new insights into the distribution, expression, and regulation of the minimalistic epeXEPAB locus of B. subtilis, as well as the biosynthesis and biological efficiency of the produced epipeptide EpeX*. A comprehensive comparative genomics study demonstrates that the epe-locus is restricted to but widely distributed within the phylum Firmicutes. The gene products of epeXEP are necessary and sufficient for the production of the mature antimicrobial peptide EpeX*. In B. subtilis, the epeXEPAB locus is transcribed from three different promoters, one upstream of epeX (PepeX) and two within epeP (PepeA1 and PepeA2). While the latter two are mostly constitutive, PepeX shows a growth phase-dependent induction at the onset of stationary phase. We demonstrate that this regulation is the result of the antagonistic action of two global regulators: The transition state regulator AbrB keeps the epe locus shut off during exponential growth by direct binding. This tight repression is relieved by the master regulator of sporulation, Spo0A, which counteracts the AbrB-dependent repression of epeXEPAB expression during the transition to stationary phase. The net result of these three ­promoters is an expression pattern that ensures EpeAB-dependent autoimmunity prior to EpeX* production. In the absence of EpeAB, the general envelope stress response proteins LiaIH can compensate for the loss of specific autoimmunity by providing sufficient protection against the membrane-perturbating action of EpeX*. Hence, the transcriptional regulation of epe expression and the resulting intrinsic induction of the two corresponding resistance functions, encoded by epeAB and liaIH, are well balanced to provide a need-based immunity against mature EpeX*.
Aktuelle Fortschritte in der allergenspezifischen Immuntherapie bei allergischem Asthma. Ein praxisorientierter Überblick
Authors: Tabar Ana I. , Castañeda-Delgado Julio Enrique , González-Mancebo Eloina , Arroabarren Esozia , Soto Retes Lorena , Domínguez-Ortega Javier
Published: June 2021

In ihrem 2019 aktualisierten Bericht schreibt die Global Initiative for Asthma, die möglichen Vorteile der Allergen-Immuntherapie (AIT) gegenüber medikamentösen und Karenzmaßnahmen müssten gegen das Nebenwirkungsrisiko sowie den Aufwand und die Kosten dieser langfristigen Form der Asthmatherapie abgewogen werden. Mit dem Ziel, diesbezüglich bei einigen Aspekten des möglichen Einsatzes der AIT als Teil des therapeutischen Arsenals bei allergischem Asthma mehr Klarheit zu schaffen, hat ein allergologisches Expertengremium aus der Mitgliedschaft der spanischen Fachgesellschaft für Allergologie und klinische Immunologie (SEAIC), genauer gesagt aus deren Arbeitsgruppen für Immuntherapie und Asthma, eine Aufstellung häufiger Fragen für die klinische Praxis zusammengetragen. Dieses Dokument soll den aktuellen Stand wichtiger Aspekte der Anwendung der AIT bei Asthma darstellen, Ärztinnen und Ärzten als klinische Entscheidungshilfe dienen und zu besseren Behandlungsergebnissen für die Patienten beitragen.
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ТИПІВ ПОВЕДІНКОВОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ, ЯКІ ВИЯВЛЕНІ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯМИ СЕРЦЕВО-СУДИННОЇ СИСТЕМИ
Authors: RUDNYCKA O. M.
Published: June 2021

У статті міститься характеристика поведінкових особливостей хворих із захворюваннями серцево-судинної системи. У обстежених виявлено три типи поведінкової активності, усі з яких представляли інтерес як чинники формування внутрішньої картини хвороби. Хворі на серцево-судінні захворювання мають психологічні проблеми і комплексного потребують догляду із застосуванням медсестринської психотерапії і допомоги медичного психолога.
МОТИВАЦІЯ ФОРМУВАННЯ ЗДОРОВОГО СПОСОБУ ЖИТТЯ СЕРЕД РІЗНИХ КАТЕГОРІЙ НАСЕЛЕННЯ
Authors: Melnychuk I. M. , Sapizhak M. I.
Published: June 2021

У статті узагальнено, що стан здоров’я людини залежить не тільки від біологічних факторів, навколишнього та соціального середовища, а й від ціннісного ставлення людини до власного здоров’я. Мотивацію формування здорового способу життя серед різних категорій населення оцінено за результатами дослідження «Ставлення молоді України до здорового способу життя».
ОСНОВИ РАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ХАРЧУВАННЯ СТУДЕНТІВ
Authors: Chernetska S. I.
Published: June 2021

Важливою складовою здорового способу життя є раціональне харчування, яке допомагає підтримувати високий рівень життєдіяльності. У статті проаналізовано основні елементи живлення, необхідні для нормального функціонування організму.
Quem são os populistas? O uso do populismo como arma política na grande imprensa paulista durante os anos 1980
Authors: Nazario Gustavo
Published: June 2021

O populismo é um dos conceitos com maior grau de compartilhamento, não apenas na academia brasileira, como também na cultura política nacional. Reconhecendo seu uso amplo, que sai da retórica acadêmica para uma retórica política, o populismo é frequentemente aplicado nos meios de comunicação de massa e no senso comum da população, trazendo para si significados diversos e muitas vezes contraditórios. Observando seu uso durante um período de grandes transformações políticas no país, através de dois jornais de São Paulo nos anos 1980 - O Estado de São Paulo e a Folha de São Paulo – constata-se que o populismo se torna uma arma de combate. Em momentos de disputa no ambiente político brasileiro dos anos 1980 como em eleições, em implementações de planos econômicos ou em grandes manifestações, os representantes da grande imprensa paulista usam o populismo para atacar e desqualificar pautas contrárias às suas. Dessa maneira, compreender a forma pela qual esses jornais usam o populismo durante esse período é lançar luz não só sobre sua aplicação, mas, também, sobre os muitos significados que o conceito assume.