bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Review
Authors: Gudowska-Sawczuk Monika , Mroczko Barbara
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), discovered in 2019, is responsible for the global coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The main protein that interacts with the host cell receptor is the Spike-1 (S1) subunit of the coronavirus. This subunit binds with receptors present on the host cell membrane. It has been identified from several studies that neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is one of the co-receptors for SARS-CoV-2 entry. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the significance of NRP-1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection. MEDLINE/PubMed database was used for a search of available literature. In the current review, we report that NRP-1 plays many important functions, including angiogenesis, neuronal development, and the regulation of immune responses. Additionally, the presence of this glycoprotein on the host cell membrane significantly augments the infection and spread of SARS-CoV-2. Literature data suggest that NRP-1 facilitates entry of the virus into the central nervous system through the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. Moreover, published findings show that interfering with VEGF-A/NRP-1 using NRP-1 inhibitors may produce an analgesic effect. The review describes an association between NRP-1, SARS-CoV-2 and, inter alia, pathological changes in the retina. Based on the published findings, we suggest that NRP-1 is a very important mediator implicated in, inter alia, neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, it appears that the use of NRP-1 inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Evaluation of Two Rapid Antigenic Tests for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Swabs
Authors: Seynaeve Ysaline , Heylen Justine , Fontaine Corentin , Maclot François , Meex Cécile , Diep Anh Nguyet , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Hayette Marie-Pierre , Descy Julie
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: In the current context of the COVID-19 crisis, there is a need for fast, easy-to-use, and sensitive diagnostic tools in addition to molecular methods. We have therefore decided to evaluate the performance of newly available antigen detection kits in “real-life” laboratory conditions. (2) Methods: The sensitivity and specificity of two rapid diagnostic tests (RDT)—the COVID-19 Ag Respi-Strip from Coris Bioconcept, Belgium (CoRDT), and the coronavirus antigen rapid test cassette from Healgen Scientific, LLC, USA (HeRDT)—were evaluated on 193 nasopharyngeal samples using RT-PCR as the gold standard. (3) Results: The sensitivity obtained for HeRDT was 88% for all collected samples and 91.1% for samples with Ct ≤ 31. For the CoRDT test, the sensitivity obtained was 62% for all collected samples and 68.9% for samples with Ct ≤ 31. (4) Conclusions: Despite the excellent specificity obtained for both kits, the poor sensitivity of the CoRDT did not allow for its use in the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. HeRDT satisfied the World Health Organization’s performance criteria for rapid antigen detection tests. Its high sensitivity, quick response, and ease of use allowed for the implementation of HeRDT at the laboratory of the University Hospital of Liège.
Transconjunctival and Subciliary Approach in the Treatment of Orbital Fractures: A Study on Oculoplastic Complication
Authors: Trevisiol Lorenzo , D’Agostino Antonio , Gasparini Silvia , Bettini Pierfrancesco , Bersani Massimo , Nocini Riccardo , Favero Vittorio
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to compare lower eyelid post-operative complications, such as ectropion, entropion, and scleral show of orbital floor fractures, associated to the subciliary vs transconjunctival approaches. (2) Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study of patients who underwent surgery for orbital fractures by means of a transconjunctival or a subciliary approach at the Clinic of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Verona from January 2013 through September 2018 was designed. Data related to the trauma and to surgical procedures were retrieved, as well as a series of anthropometric parameters extrapolated from standardized photographs. Statistical analysis was performed on the outcomes. (3) Results: 33 patients underwent surgery by means of a transconjunctival approach and 36 patients by means of a subciliary approach. Ectropion was observed to a greater extent in the subciliary group, however the difference resulted to be not statistically significant. Patients in which osteosynthesis devices were used presented with a greater incidence of scleral show with respect to the remaining patients. No statistically significant difference was observed for any of the parameters taken into account. (4) Conclusions: Since the two approaches does not seem to be associated with remarkable differences in terms of outcomes, the choice of technique should be tailored to the patient’s features and the surgeon’s experience.
Epilepsy in Down Syndrome: A Highly Prevalent Comorbidity
Authors: Altuna Miren , Giménez Sandra , Fortea Juan
Published: June 2021

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have an increased risk for epilepsy during the whole lifespan, but especially after age 40 years. The increase in the number of individuals with DS living into late middle age due to improved health care is resulting in an increase in epilepsy prevalence in this population. However, these epileptic seizures are probably underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. This late onset epilepsy is linked to the development of symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the main comorbidity in adults with DS with a cumulative incidence of more than 90% of adults by the seventh decade. More than 50% of patients with DS and AD dementia will most likely develop epilepsy, which in this context has a specific clinical presentation in the form of generalized myoclonic epilepsy. This epilepsy, named late onset myoclonic epilepsy (LOMEDS) affects the quality of life, might be associated with worse cognitive and functional outcomes in patients with AD dementia and has an impact on mortality. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of epileptic seizures in the DS population, with a special emphasis on LOMEDS. Raised awareness and a better understanding of epilepsy in DS from families, caregivers and clinicians could enable earlier diagnoses and better treatments for individuals with DS.
Neurosurgical Considerations Regarding Decompressive Craniectomy for Intracerebral Hemorrhage after SARS-CoV-2-Vaccination in Vaccine Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia—VITT
Authors: Gessler Florian , Schmitz Ann Kristin , Dubinski Daniel , Bernstock Joshua D. , Lehmann Felix , Won Sae-Yeon , Wittstock Matthias , Güresir Erdem , Hadjiathanasiou Alexis , Zimmermann Julian , Miesbach Wolfgang , Freiman Thomas , Vatter Hartmut , Schuss Patrick
Published: June 2021

Given the ongoing global SARS-CoV-2-vaccination efforts, clinical awareness needs to be raised regarding the possibility of an increased incidence of SARS-CoV-2-vaccine-related immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) secondary to cerebral sinus and vein thrombosis (CVT) requiring (emergency) neurosurgical treatment in the context of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Only recently, an association of vaccinations and cerebral sinus and vein thrombosis has been described. In a number of cases, neurosurgical treatment is warranted for these patients and special considerations are warranted when addressing the perioperative coagulation. We, herein, describe the past management of patients with VITT and established a literature-guided algorithm for the treatment of patients when addressing the impaired coagulation in these patients. Increasing insights addressing the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2-vaccine-related immune-mediated thrombocytopenia guide physicians in developing an interdisciplinary algorithm taking into account the special considerations of this disease.
Long-Term Effects of Pedicle Clamping during Major Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Krawczyk Piotr , Morawski Marcin , Krasnodębski Maciej , Sieńko Damian , Grąt Michał , Kron Philipp , Lodge Peter
Published: June 2021

The use of the Pringle maneuver (PM) varies widely among surgical departments. Its use depends on the operator and type of liver resection. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the PM on patient outcomes when undergoing major liver resections. This retrospective study comprised 179 colorectal liver metastasis patients from two liver centers from Leeds and Warsaw. Only right or right extended hepatectomies with negative oncological margins were included. The primary outcome measure was the 5-year overall survival (OS). The PM was applied during 60 (33.5%) major hepatectomies included in the study and was associated with a higher peak 3-day postoperative bilirubin concentration (p = 0.002), yet not with the peak 3-day alanine aminotransferase activity (p = 0.415). The 5-year OS after liver resections with the PM and without the PM were 55.0% and 33.4%, respectively (p = 0.019). Following stratification by the Tumor Burden Score, after resections with the use of the PM, superior survival was particularly found in the subgroup of patients at intermediate risk of recurrence (p = 0.004). However, the use of the PM had no significant effect on the 5-year overall survival following adjustment for the confounding effect of the carcinoembryonic antigen concentration (p = 0.265). The use of the PM had no negative effects on the long-term outcomes in patients undergoing major, oncologically radical liver resections for colorectal metastases.
The Chameleon Behavior of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Tana Claudio , Schiavone Cosima
Published: June 2021

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease that raises several diagnostic difficulties in routine clinical practice due to its multisystemic involvement and the presence of nonspecific clinical pictures, except in some isolated cases [...]
The Impact of Vitamin D Low Doses on Its Serum Level and Cytokine Profile in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Walawska-Hrycek Anna , Galus Weronika , Hrycek Eugeniusz , Kaczmarczyk Aleksandra , Krzystanek Ewa
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D is known to have immunomodulatory properties and its deficiency is identified as an environmental risk factor for the development of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether low-dose vitamin D supplementation could normalize the 25(OH)D serum levels in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L), and whether it may impact serum levels of selected cytokines. Among 44 patients (mean age 38.4 ± 10.1 years, 33 women and 11 men), after 12 months of low-dose vitamin D supplementation, serum levels of 25(OH)D normalized in 34 (77.3%) of the patients. Together with vitamin D increase, median levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL10, TGF-β) and regulatory IFN-γ increased, while proinflammatory IL-17 remained unchanged. Moreover, an increase of inorganic phosphorus levels and decrease of PTH levels were observed, but without changes in total calcium concentration. These results may indicate that long-term supplementation with low doses of vitamin D is sufficient to compensate its deficiency in patients with RRMS and may help to maintain beneficial anti-inflammatory cytokine profile.
Spondyloarthritis and Strength Training: A 4-Year Report
Authors: Cannataro Roberto , Di Maio Lorenzo , Malorgio Andrea , Levi Micheli Matteo , Cione Erika
Published: June 2021

Peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) has predominant peripheral (arthritis, enthesitis, or dactylitis) involvement. The severity of the symptoms can have a significant impact on the quality of life. There is no therapeutic gold standard, and physical exercise, with the opposition of resistance, remains controversial. Herein, we report the case of a woman who, at the age of 50, comes to our center with evident motor difficulties. She was previously diagnosed with SpA and was in therapy with a biological drug (adalimumab) for over one year. The training program and the nutritional intervention plan improved her condition, as pointed out by WOMAC, SQS, RAD-36 questionnaire, and BIA analysis, suspending biological therapy for almost two years. During this period, she achieved in sequence: (i) the Italian master deadlift championship, and (ii) the Italian master powerlifting championship, both for two consecutive years.
Restoration and Enhancement of Historical Stereo Photos
Authors: Fanfani Marco , Colombo Carlo , Bellavia Fabio
Published: June 2021

Restoration of digital visual media acquired from repositories of historical photographic and cinematographic material is of key importance for the preservation, study and transmission of the legacy of past cultures to the coming generations. In this paper, a fully automatic approach to the digital restoration of historical stereo photographs is proposed, referred to as Stacked Median Restoration plus (SMR+). The approach exploits the content redundancy in stereo pairs for detecting and fixing scratches, dust, dirt spots and many other defects in the original images, as well as improving contrast and illumination. This is done by estimating the optical flow between the images, and using it to register one view onto the other both geometrically and photometrically. Restoration is then accomplished in three steps: (1) image fusion according to the stacked median operator, (2) low-resolution detail enhancement by guided supersampling, and (3) iterative visual consistency checking and refinement. Each step implements an original algorithm specifically designed for this work. The restored image is fully consistent with the original content, thus improving over the methods based on image hallucination. Comparative results on three different datasets of historical stereograms show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, and its superiority over single-image denoising and super-resolution methods. Results also show that the performance of the state-of-the-art single-image deep restoration network Bringing Old Photo Back to Life (BOPBtL) can be strongly improved when the input image is pre-processed by SMR+.
Performance Assessments of Hurricane Wave Hindcasts
Authors: Rogowski Peter , Merrifield Sophia , Collins Clarence , Hesser Tyler , Ho Allison , Bucciarelli Randy , Behrens James , Terrill Eric
Published: June 2021

Landfalling tropical cyclones (TC) generate extreme waves, introducing significant property, personal, and financial risks and damage. Accurate simulations of the sea state during these storms are used to support risk and damage assessments and the design of coastal structures. However, the TCs generate a complex surface gravity wave field as a result of the inherently strong temporal and spatial gradients of the wind forcing. This complexity is a significant challenge to model. To advance our understanding of the performance of these models on the eastern seaboard of the United States, we conduct an assessment of four hindcast products, three based on WAVEWATCH-III and the other using the Wave Modeling project, for six major landfall TCs between 2011–2019. Unique to our assessment was a comprehensive analysis of these hindcast products against an array of fixed wave buoys that generate high quality data. The analysis reveals a general tendency for the wave models to underestimate significant wave height (Hs) around the peak of the TC. However, when viewed on an individual TC basis, distinct Hs error patterns are evident. Case studies of hurricanes Sandy and Florence illustrate complex Hs bias patterns, likely resulting from various mechanisms including insufficient resolution, improper wind input and source term parameterization (e.g., drag coefficient), and omission of wave–current interactions. Despite the added challenges of simulating complex wave fields in shallow coastal waters, the higher resolution Wave Information Study and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (ST4 parameterization only) hindcasts perform relatively well. Results from this study illustrate the challenge of simulating the spatial and temporal variability of TC generated wave fields and demonstrate the value of in-situ validation data such as the north Atlantic buoy array.
An Underwater Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on Generative Adversarial Network and Natural Image Quality Evaluation Index
Authors: Hu Kai , Zhang Yanwen , Weng Chenghang , Wang Pengsheng , Deng Zhiliang , Liu Yunping
Published: June 2021

When underwater vehicles work, underwater images are often absorbed by light and scattered and diffused by floating objects, which leads to the degradation of underwater images. The generative adversarial network (GAN) is widely used in underwater image enhancement tasks because it can complete image-style conversions with high efficiency and high quality. Although the GAN converts low-quality underwater images into high-quality underwater images (truth images), the dataset of truth images also affects high-quality underwater images. However, an underwater truth image lacks underwater image enhancement, which leads to a poor effect of the generated image. Thus, this paper proposes to add the natural image quality evaluation (NIQE) index to the GAN to provide generated images with higher contrast and make them more in line with the perception of the human eye, and at the same time, grant generated images a better effect than the truth images set by the existing dataset. In this paper, several groups of experiments are compared, and through the subjective evaluation and objective evaluation indicators, it is verified that the enhanced image of this algorithm is better than the truth image set by the existing dataset.
Innovation and Collaboration: Opportunities for the European Seaweed Sector in Global Value Chains
Authors: Selnes Trond , Giesbers Else , van den Burg Sander W. K.
Published: June 2021

The European seaweed sector transitions from harvesting wild stocks only to harvesting and farming seaweed. This transition comes with the need to rethink the role of the European sector on the global scale; insight is needed into the organization of, and innovation in, the global seaweed value chain. This article presents results from our study on value chains using Gereffi’s conceptual framework. A systematic review of scientific publications published between 2010 and 2020 was executed for five markets: pharmaceuticals, bioplastics, biostimulants, alginate and cosmetics. It is concluded that innovation in the use of seaweed takes place across the globe and thus that a focus on high-value applications alone will not set the nascent European seaweed sector apart from established producing regions such as Asia. The studied global value chains are organised around strong lead firms that require suppliers to produce according to codified product characteristics. The European seaweed sector needs to increase the collaboration and develop joint efforts to develop safe and sustainable products that meet the demands of regulators, lead firms and consumers. Stronger coordination in the value chain will facilitate further business development, by stimulating collaboration and innovations.
New Records of the Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) from the Coastal Lagoons in Korea
Authors: Kwon Daeryul , Park Mirye , Lee Chang Soo , Park Chaehong , Lee Sang Deuk
Published: June 2021

Lagoons are natural bodies of water that are isolated from the sea due to the development of a sand bar or spit. Each lagoon has distinct ecological characteristics, and these sites also serve as popular tourist attractions because they are common habitats for migratory birds and are characterized by beautiful natural scenery. Lagoons also have distinct ecological characteristics from those of their associated estuaries, and there are active research efforts to classify, qualify, and quantify the high biodiversity of lagoons. The lagoons in Korea are primarily distributed in the East Sea, and are represented by Hwajinpo, Yeongrangho, and Gyeongpoho. Here, we report the discovery of 11 unrecorded diatom species (Diploneis didyma, Mastogloia elliptica, Cosmioneis citriformis, Haslea crucigera, Pinnularia bertrandii, Pinnularia nodosa var. percapitata, Gyrosigma sinense, Gomphonema guaraniarum, Gomphonema italicum, Navicula freesei, Trybionella littoralis var. tergestina) among samples collected from the Hwajinpo, Hyangho, Maeho, Gapyeongri wetland, Cheonjinho, and Gyeongpoho lagoons in Korea during a survey from 2018–2020. We present the taxonomic characteristics, ecological information, habitat environmental conditions, and references for these 11 species.
The Price Difference and Trend Analysis of Yesso Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) in Changhai County, China
Authors: Peng Daomin , Yang Qian , Mu Yongtong , Zhang Hongzhi
Published: June 2021

This paper focuses on the difference in inter-group and intra-group price of Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) and the simulation accuracy of three different exponential smoothing models in the price. Based on the farm-gate price and wholesale price data of P. yessoensis in Changhai county from January 2017 to December 2018, this study uses the Wilcoxon rank sum test to compare the inter- and intra-group price and applies simple exponential smoothing (SES), Holt’s linear trend method, and Holt-Winters’ additive method to simulate and predict the price. The results suggest that (i) to improve economic benefits, it is necessary to formulate reasonable farming area and establish low-density ecological cultivation mode; (ii) the price’s Akaike information criterion (AIC) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values by the SES model are optimal, and the MAPE value is lower than 4%; and (iii) the result of SES analysis shows no obvious change from January to March 2019.
Mycopharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals: Promising Agents to Improve Human Well-Being and Life Quality
Authors: Al-Obaidi Jameel R. , Jambari Nuzul Noorahya , Ahmad-Kamil E. I.
Published: June 2021

Fungi, especially edible mushrooms, are considered as high-quality food with nutritive and functional values. They are of considerable interest and have been used in the synthesis of nutraceutical supplements due to their medicinal properties and economic significance. Specific fungal groups, including predominantly filamentous endophytic fungi from Ascomycete phylum and several Basidiomycetes, produce secondary metabolites (SMs) with bioactive properties that are involved in the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. These beneficial fungi, while high in protein and important fat contents, are also a great source of several minerals and vitamins, in particular B vitamins that play important roles in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and the maintenance of the nervous system. This review article will summarize and discuss the abilities of fungi to produce antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, and antidiabetic molecules while also reviewing the evidence from the last decade on the importance of research in fungi related products with direct and indirect impact on human health.
Simplified All-In-One CRISPR-Cas9 Construction for Efficient Genome Editing in Cryptococcus Species
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Yu , Li Chenxi , Ma Xiaoyu , Ma Lan , Zhu Xudong
Published: June 2021

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus deneoformans are opportunistic fungal pathogens found worldwide that are utilized to reveal mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. However, their low homologous recombination frequency has greatly encumbered genetic studies. In preliminary work, we described a ‘suicide’ CRISPR-Cas9 system for use in the efficient gene editing of C. deneoformans, but this has not yet been used in the C. neoformans strain. The procedures involved in constructing vectors are time-consuming, whether they involve restriction enzyme-based cloning of donor DNA or the introduction of a target sequence into the gRNA expression cassette via overlap PCR, as are sophisticated, thus impeding their widespread application. Here, we report the optimized and simplified construction method for all-in-one CRISPR-Cas9 vectors that can be used in C. neoformans and C. deneoformans strains respectively, named pNK003 (Genbank: MW938321) and pRH003 (Genbank: KX977486). Taking several gene manipulations as examples, we also demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the new simplified all-in-one CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools in both Serotype A and Serotype D strains, as well as their ability to eliminate Cas9 and gDNA cassettes after gene editing. We anticipate that the availability of new vectors that can simplify and streamline the technical steps for all-in-one CRISPR-Cas9 construction could accelerate genetic studies of the Cryptococcus species.
Calcium Identification and Scoring Based on Echocardiography. An Exploratory Study on Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Elvas Luis B. , Almeida Ana G. , Rosario Luís , Dias Miguel Sales , Ferreira João C.
Published: June 2021

Currently, an echocardiography expert is needed to identify calcium in the aortic valve, and a cardiac CT-Scan image is needed for calcium quantification. When performing a CT-scan, the patient is subject to radiation, and therefore the number of CT-scans that can be performed should be limited, restricting the patient’s monitoring. Computer Vision (CV) has opened new opportunities for improved efficiency when extracting knowledge from an image. Applying CV techniques on echocardiography imaging may reduce the medical workload for identifying the calcium and quantifying it, helping doctors to maintain a better tracking of their patients. In our approach, a simple technique to identify and extract the calcium pixel count from echocardiography imaging, was developed by using CV. Based on anonymized real patient echocardiographic images, this approach enables semi-automatic calcium identification. As the brightness of echocardiography images (with the highest intensity corresponding to calcium) vary depending on the acquisition settings, echocardiographic adaptive image binarization has been performed. Given that blood maintains the same intensity on echocardiographic images—being always the darker region—blood areas in the image were used to create an adaptive threshold for binarization. After binarization, the region of interest (ROI) with calcium, was interactively selected by an echocardiography expert and extracted, allowing us to compute a calcium pixel count, corresponding to the spatial amount of calcium. The results obtained from these experiments are encouraging. With this technique, from echocardiographic images collected for the same patient with different acquisition settings and different brightness, obtaining a calcium pixel count, where pixel values show an absolute pixel value margin of error of 3 (on a scale from 0 to 255), achieving a Pearson Correlation of 0.92 indicating a strong correlation with the human expert assessment of calcium area for the same images.
An Overview of the Geomorphological Characteristics of the Pergamon Micro-Region (Bakırçay and Madra River Catchments, Aegean Region, West Turkey)
Authors: Yang Xun , Becker Fabian , Knitter Daniel , Schütt Brigitta
Published: June 2021

Current landforms are the basis for understanding past geomorphodynamics and human activities. Based on multiple materials and methods, including geomorphometric analyses of a digital elevation model and visual interpretations of satellite images, different landscape units of the Bakırçay and Madra River catchments in the environs of ancient Pergamon are described. The area was mainly shaped by tectonics that formed a horst-and-graben structure; small Miocene horsts and NE-trending subgrabens in the Kozak and Yunt Dağı Mountains were separated by the NEE-trending Plio-Pleistocene Bergama Graben. The asymmetry in relief, drainage network, and sediment accumulation between the Kozak Mountains to the north and the Yunt Dağı Mountains to the south of the lower Bakırçay plain characterize the Pergamon Micro-Region. The regional relief characteristics, with wide flat basin and plateau areas, are suitable for agriculture. Complemented by its richness in natural resources, the Pergamon Micro-Region became a preferred settlement area, with evidence of human impact since the Hellenistic–Roman period at the latest. As a consequence of settlement activities, several landscape engineering measures were implemented simultaneously with a parallel change in morphodynamics.
Atlantic Shortfin Mako: Chronicle of a Death Foretold?
Authors: Rosello Mercedes , Vilata Juan , Belhabib Dyhia
Published: June 2021

This article outlines recent events concerning the conservation and management trajectory of a highly migratory shark species, the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), in the North Atlantic, where it has been routinely captured recreationally and as part of commercial fishing operations alongside other species. Noting recent warnings concerning the high mortality of the species in this ocean region, and the threat of imminent population collapse, this article sets out a number of applicable law of the sea provisions, and carries out an evaluation of relevant measures for target and incidental capture species, discussing their applicability to the mako fishery. It also presents an analysis of regional and global governance actions taken to date by the international community and by individual actors, noting a number of shortfalls, and outlining potential responses.
A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Cellular Protein Folding, Misfolding and Aggregation
Authors: Choi Seong Il , Seong Baik L.
Published: June 2021

How proteins properly fold and maintain solubility at the risk of misfolding and aggregation in the cellular environments still remains largely unknown. Aggregation has been traditionally treated as a consequence of protein folding (or misfolding). Notably, however, aggregation can be generally inhibited by affecting the intermolecular interactions leading to aggregation, independently of protein folding and conformation. We here point out that rigorous distinction between protein folding and aggregation as two independent processes is necessary to reconcile and underlie all observations regarding the combined cellular protein folding and aggregation. So far, the direct attractive interactions (e.g., hydrophobic interactions) between cellular macromolecules including chaperones and interacting polypeptides have been widely believed to mainly stabilize polypeptides against aggregation. However, the intermolecular repulsions by large excluded volume and surface charges of cellular macromolecules can play a key role in stabilizing their physically connected polypeptides against aggregation, irrespective of the connection types and induced conformational changes, underlying the generic intrinsic chaperone activity of cellular macromolecules. Such rigorous distinction and intermolecular repulsive force-driven aggregation inhibition by cellular macromolecules could give new insights into understanding the complex cellular protein landscapes that remain uncharted.
First Record of the Alien Species Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017 in Fresh Waters of Sardinia and Insight into Its Genetic Variability
Authors: Sanna Daria , Azzena Ilenia , Scarpa Fabio , Cossu Piero , Pira Angela , Gagliardi Flavio , Casu Marco
Published: June 2021

In the fresh waters of Sardinia (Italy), the non-indigenous crayfish species Procambarus clarkii has been reported from 2005, but, starting from 2019, there have been several reports of a new non-indigenous crayfish in southern and central areas of this Mediterranean island, and its morphology suggests that this species may be the marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis. Forty-seven individuals of this putative species were analyzed, using the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I as molecular marker to identify this crayfish and investigate the level of genetic variability within the recently established population. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were carried out on a dataset including sequences from the Sardinian individuals and from all congenerics available in GenBank. Results showed that the new Sardinian crayfish belong to the species P. virginalis. All the sequences belonging to P. virginalis from European countries are identical, with only few exceptions found among Sardinian individuals. In conclusion, this paper highlights the occurrence of a new further alien species in the Sardinian fresh waters, which are already characterized by the high presence of non-indigenous species.
Chemical-Mediated Targeted Protein Degradation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Hyun Soonsil , Shin Dongyun
Published: June 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, are a class of diseases that lead to dysfunction of cognition and mobility. Aggregates of misfolded proteins such as β-amyloid, tau, α-synuclein, and polyglutamates are known to be among the main causes of neurodegenerative diseases; however, they are considered to be some of the most challenging drug targets because they cannot be modulated by conventional small-molecule agents. Recently, the degradation of target proteins by small molecules has emerged as a new therapeutic modality and has garnered the interest of the researchers in the pharmaceutical industry. Bifunctional molecules that recruit target proteins to a cellular protein degradation machinery, such as the ubiquitin–proteasome system and autophagy–lysosome pathway, have been designed. The representative targeted protein degradation technologies include molecular glues, proteolysis-targeting chimeras, hydrophobic tagging, autophagy-targeting chimeras, and autophagosome-tethering compounds. Although these modalities have been shown to degrade many disease-related proteins, such technologies are expected to be potentially important for neurogenerative diseases caused by protein aggregation. Herein, we review the recent progress in chemical-mediated targeted protein degradation toward the discovery of drugs for neurogenerative diseases.
Relationship of the Pine Growth Promoting Pantoea eucalypti FBS135 with Type Strains P. eucalypti LMG 24197T and P. vagans 24199T
Authors: Wei Chunyue , Song Zhongwen , Lu Yiming , Zhao Yinjuan , Fan Ben
Published: June 2021

Endophytes in woody plants are much less understood. Pantoea strain FBS135 is an endophytic bacterium isolated from Pinus massoniana with the ability to promote pine growth significantly. In this study, we demonstrated that FBS135 has the astonishing ability of low nitrogen tolerance but no ability of nitrogen fixation. To exactly determine the phylogenetic status of FBS135, we sequenced the whole genomes of P. eucalypti LMG 24197T and P. vagans 24199T, type strains of two Pantoea species, which are evolutionarily closest to FBS135. P. eucalypti LMG 24197T contained a single chromosome of 4,035,995 bp (C+G, 54.6%) plus three circular plasmids while LMG 24199T comprises a single circular chromosome of 4,050,173 bp (C+G, 55.6%) and two circular plasmids. With the genomic information, FBS135 was finally identified as a P. eucalypti strain, although it showed some different physiological traits from the two type strains. Comparative genomic analyses were performed for the three strains, revealing their common molecular basis associated with plant lifecycle as well as the differences in their gene arrangements relating to nitrogen utilization.
Dietary Patterns and Oral Health Behaviours Associated with Caries Development from 4 to 7 Years of Age
Authors: Carvalho Silva Cátia , Gavinha Sandra , Vilela Sofia , Rodrigues Rita , Manso Maria Conceição , Severo Milton , Lopes Carla , Melo Paulo
Published: June 2021

The association between modifiable risk factors and caries in children has been documented; however, most studies have been cross-sectional and have not considered the complexity of dietary factors and oral health habits. This study aimed to investigate the prospective association between dietary patterns and oral health behaviours at 4 years of age and the development of new decayed, missing, and filled teeth (d3–6mft/D3–6MFT) over a period of three years. Participants were children from the Generation XXI population-based birth cohort. At 4 years of age, diet patterns were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, with three dietary patterns being identified. For the purpose of capturing the new development of caries between 4 and 7 years of age, two dental outcomes were defined in the mixed dentition: “dental caries development” and “severe dental caries development” in the mixed dentition. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used. From 4 to 7 years of age, 51.2% of the children had at least one new d3–6mft/D3–6MFT and 27.4% had more than two new d3–6mft/D3–6MFT. Children belonging to the “energy-dense foods” (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.20–4.00) and “snacking” (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.41–3.41) dietary patterns at 4 years old were associated with severe dental caries development three years later. Preventive strategies should be implemented in an attempt to reduce snacking and the consumption of energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods to promote children’s oral health.
Psychological Traits and Behavioural Influences in Patients with Dystonia—An Observational Cohort Study in a Romanian Neurology Department
Authors: Davidescu Eugenia Irene , Odajiu Irina , Tulbă Delia , Mitrea Iulia , Cucu Camelia , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Emerging evidence indicates that non-motor symptoms significantly influence the quality of life in dystonic patients. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate their psychological characteristics and personality traits. (2) Methods: Subjects with idiopathic dystonia and a matched control group were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Inclusion criteria for patient group included idiopathic dystonia diagnosis, evolution exceeding 1 year, and signed informed consent. Inclusion criteria for the control group included lack of neurological comorbidities and signed informed consent. All subjects completed the DECAS Personality Inventory along with an additional form of demographic factors. Data (including descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analysis) were analyzed with SPSS. (3) Results: In total, 95 participants were included, of which 57 were in the patient group. Females prevailed (80%), and the mean age was 54.64 ± 12.8 years. The most frequent clinical features of dystonia were focal distribution (71.9%) and progressive disease course (94.73%). The patients underwent regular treatment with botulinum toxin (85.95%). In addition, patients with dystonia obtained significantly higher openness scores than controls, even after adjusting for possible confounders (p = 0.006). Personality traits were also different between the two groups, with patients more often being fantasists (p = 0.007), experimenters (p = 0.022), sophists (p = 0.040), seldom acceptors (p = 0.022), and pragmatics (p = 0.022) than control subjects. (4) Conclusion: Dystonic patients tend to have different personality profiles compared to control subjects, which should be taken into consideration by the treating neurologist.
A New Water-Soluble Thermosensitive Star-Like Copolymer as a Promising Carrier of the Chemotherapeutic Drug Doxorubicin
Authors: Chernykh Mariia , Zavalny Dmytro , Sokolova Viktoriya , Ponomarenko Stanislav , Prylutska Svitlana , Kuziv Yuliia , Chumachenko Vasyl , Marynin Andrii , Kutsevol Nataliya , Epple Matthias , Ritter Uwe , Piosik Jacek , Prylutskyy Yuriy
Published: June 2021

A new water-soluble thermosensitive star-like copolymer, dextran-graft-poly-N-iso-propilacrylamide (D-g-PNIPAM), was created and characterized by various techniques (size-exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy). The viability of cancer cell lines (human transformed cervix epithelial cells, HeLa) as a model for cancer cells was studied using MTT and Live/Dead assays after incubation with a D-g-PNIPAM copolymer as a carrier for the drug doxorubicin (Dox) as well as a D-g-PNIPAM + Dox mixture as a function of the concentration. FTIR spectroscopy clearly indicated the complex formation of Dox with the D-g-PNIPAM copolymer. The size distribution of particles in Hank’s solution was determined by the DLS technique at different temperatures. The in vitro uptake of the studied D-g-PNIPAM + Dox nanoparticles into cancer cells was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. It was found that D-g-PNIPAM + Dox nanoparticles in contrast to Dox alone showed higher toxicity toward cancer cells. All of the aforementioned facts indicate a possibility of further preclinical studies of the water-soluble D-g-PNIPAM particles’ behavior in animal tumor models in vivo as promising carriers of anticancer agents.
Chemical Vapor Deposited Mixed Metal Halide Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Magubane Siphesihle Siphamandla , Arendse Christopher Joseph , Ngqoloda Siphelo , Cummings Franscious , Mtshali Christopher , Bolokang Amogelang Sylvester
Published: June 2021

In this article, we used a two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to synthesize methylammonium lead-tin triiodide perovskite films, MAPb1−xSnxI3, with x varying from 0 to 1. We successfully controlled the concentration of Sn in the perovskite films and used Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) to quantify the composition of the precursor films for conversion into perovskite films. According to the RBS results, increasing the SnCl2 source amount in the reaction chamber translate into an increase in Sn concentration in the films. The crystal structure and the optical properties of perovskite films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis spectrometry. All the perovskite films depicted similar XRD patterns corresponding to a tetragonal structure with I4cm space group despite the precursor films having different crystal structures. The increasing concentration of Sn in the perovskite films linearly decreased the unit volume from about 988.4 Å3 for MAPbI3 to about 983.3 Å3 for MAPb0.39Sn0.61I3, which consequently influenced the optical properties of the films manifested by the decrease in energy bandgap (Eg) and an increase in the disorder in the band gap. The SEM micrographs depicted improvements in the grain size (0.3–1 µm) and surface coverage of the perovskite films compared with the precursor films.
Influence of Boundary Migration Induced Softening on the Steady State of Discontinuous Dynamic Recrystallization
Authors: Montheillet Frank
Published: June 2021

During discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX), new dislocation-free grains progressively replace the initially strain-hardened grains. Furthermore, the grain boundary migration associated with dislocation elimination partially opposes strain hardening, thus adding up to dynamic recovery. This effect, referred to as boundary migration induced softening (BMIS) is generally not accounted for by DDRX models, in particular by “mean-field” approaches. In this paper, BMIS is first defined and then analyzed in detail. The basic equations of a grain scale DDRX model, involving the classical Yoshie–Laasraoui–Jonas equation for strain hardening and dynamic recovery and including BMIS are described. A steady state condition equation is then used to derive the average dislocation density and the average grain size. It is then possible to assess the respective influences of BMIS and dynamic recovery on the strain rate sensitivity, the apparent activation energy, and the relationship between flow stress and average grain size (“Derby exponent”) of the material during steady state DDRX. Finally, the possible influence of BMIS on the estimation of grain boundary mobility and nucleation rate from experimental data is addressed.
Influence of Different Warm Mix Additives on Characteristics of Warm Mix Asphalt
Authors: Belc Anda Ligia , Coleri Erdem , Belc Florin , Costescu Ciprian
Published: June 2021

The interest in minimising fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions among road specialists is increasing. Thus, methods for reducing asphalt concrete mixing and compaction temperatures by a few tens of degrees Celsius without compromising the long-term performance has become a topic of significant interest. This study is focused on the analysis of warm mix asphalt (WMA) prepared with locally available materials in order to determine the suitable technology applicable to the specific traffic and climatic conditions of Romania. WMA was prepared using different warm mix additives (organic additives, chemical additive, and synthetic zeolite) at different mixing and compaction temperatures, and bitumen blends with these additives were analysed by carrying out the dynamic shear rheometer test and evaluating the penetration index. In conclusion it was noted that most additives did not lead to a significant change of bitumen’s characteristics, but the organic additive had a big influence on the bitumen’s properties. The characteristics of WMA are very similar to those of HMA. The mixing and compaction temperatures could be reduced by approximately 40 °C when WMA was blended with the additives without compromising the performance of the asphalt mixture, compared to hot mix asphalt.
Research on the Volumetric Efficiency of a Novel Stacked Roller 2D Piston Pump
Authors: Zhang Chenchen , Ruan Jian , Xing Tong , Li Sheng , Meng Bin , Ding Chuan
Published: June 2021

In order to improve the volumetric efficiency of the axial piston pump, this paper proposes a novel stacked roller 2D piston pump. It utilizes the alternate communication between the distribution cylinder and the oil intake and discharge ports of the housing to realize the flow distribution. While removing the independent flow distribution mechanism of the traditional piston pump, the leakage loss at the distribution friction pair can be reduced to improve the volumetric efficiency. Based on the flow distribution principle, an analytical model of the volumetric efficiency of the stacked roller 2D piston pump was established. Then, a co-simulation model of the whole pump was built using both the Simulink and AMESim software. The variation curve of output flow and leakage flow under different load pressures and rotational speeds was obtained, as well as the influence of backflow, axial leakage, and circumferential leakage on the volumetric efficiency. On this basis, a prototype of the stacked roller 2D pump was designed and manufactured in order to measure the output flow under different load pressures and rotational speeds, and a dedicated test bench was established. The experimental results are consistent with the simulation results; when the rotational speed is 6000 rpm and the load pressure is 5 MPa, the volumetric efficiency of the prototype pump can reach 98.6%. The research work validates that the novel stacked roller 2D piston pump has high volumetric efficiency.
High Precision Wilker-Type Inequality of Fractional Powers
Authors: Zhu Ling
Published: June 2021

This paper established a new high precision Wilker-type inequality with fractional powers for the function 2−[x/sinx6/5+x/tanx3/5] bounded by the function x6tanx/x5/4.