bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the Size Distribution of Suspended Particulate Matters in the Urban Atmospheric Surface Layer and Its Influence on Bronchopulmonary Pathology
Authors: Veremchuk Lyudmila V. , Vitkina Tatyana I. , Barskova Lyudmila S. , Gvozdenko Tatyana A. , Mineeva Elena E.
Published: August 2021

The surface layer of the urban atmosphere significantly affects human health. Its quality depends on the level of air pollution. The aim was to determine the size distribution of suspended particulate matters (SPMs) in the atmospheric surface layer of Vladivostok city and to assess the response of the blood immune and metabolic parameters of the population with bronchopulmonary pathology. Sampling of SPMs was conducted in the continental zone of the city with a high level of technogenic pollution (138 samples) and the island part of the city with an insignificant level of technogenic pollution (132 samples). The SPM fractional composition was analyzed by laser granulometry. We examined patients with bronchopulmonary pathology living in a one-kilometer zone centered on sampling area for at least 5 years (continental territory—220 patients, island territory—176 patients). We calculated the D% index characterizing the integral response of the blood immune and metabolic parameters to the exposure of dust fractions. It was found that PM > 10 (mainly of a natural origin) predominate in the island zone with insignificant level of technogenic pollution. The PM10 fraction prevails in the area with a high level of technogenic pollution. The response of the immune and metabolic systems to the exposure to microparticles in population living in the marine and forest/park zone of the island indicates a health-improving effect of the area. Low values of D% were detected for the patients living in the area with a high air pollution level, indicating a pathogenic reaction of immune and prooxidant-oxidative systems.
A Review of Biomaterials and Scaffold Fabrication for Organ-on-a-Chip (OOAC) Systems
Authors: Osório Luana A. , Silva Elisabete , Mackay Ruth E.
Published: August 2021

Drug and chemical development along with safety tests rely on the use of numerous clinical models. This is a lengthy process where animal testing is used as a standard for pre-clinical trials. However, these models often fail to represent human physiopathology. This may lead to poor correlation with results from later human clinical trials. Organ-on-a-Chip (OOAC) systems are engineered microfluidic systems, which recapitulate the physiochemical environment of a specific organ by emulating the perfusion and shear stress cellular tissue undergoes in vivo and could replace current animal models. The success of culturing cells and cell-derived tissues within these systems is dependent on the scaffold chosen; hence, scaffolds are critical for the success of OOACs in research. A literature review was conducted looking at current OOAC systems to assess the advantages and disadvantages of different materials and manufacturing techniques used for scaffold production; and the alternatives that could be tailored from the macro tissue engineering research field.
Long COVID-19 Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Its Effect on Various Organ Systems and Recommendation on Rehabilitation Plans
Authors: Yan Zhipeng , Yang Ming , Lai Ching-Lung
Published: August 2021

The majority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 fully recovered within a few weeks. However, a considerable number of patients of different ages still suffer from long-lasting problems similar to the multi-organ damage in its acute phase of infection, or experience symptoms continuously for a longer term after the recovery. The severity of the primary infection seems not to be associated with the possibility and severity of long-term symptoms. Various unresolved symptoms have been reported in COVID-19 survivors months after hospital discharge. Long COVID-19 Syndrome refers to survivors 4 months after initial symptoms onset. It is important to understand the systemic effects of Long COVID-19 Syndrome, its presentations, and the need for rehabilitations to restore functional recovery in survivors. Government, healthcare workers, and survivor groups should collaborate to establish a self-sustaining system to facilitate follow-up and rehabilitations, with prioritization of resources to more severely Long COVID-19 Syndrome survivors. This review looks into the systemic effects of Long COVID-19 Syndrome in various aspects: respiratory, cardiovascular, hematological, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, and metabolic effects of Long COVID-19 Syndromes. Recommendations for follow-up and rehabilitations details have been explored to cope with the tremendous Long COVID-19 Syndrome patients.
Exosomes and Micro-RNAs in Aging Process
Authors: Hamdan Yousra , Mazini Loubna , Malka Gabriel
Published: August 2021

Exosomes are the main actors of intercellular communications and have gained great interest in the new cell-free regenerative medicine. These nanoparticles are secreted by almost all cell types and contain lipids, cytokines, growth factors, messenger RNA, and different non-coding RNA, especially micro-RNAs (mi-RNAs). Exosomes’ cargo is released in the neighboring microenvironment but is also expected to act on distant tissues or organs. Different biological processes such as cell development, growth and repair, senescence, migration, immunomodulation, and aging, among others, are mediated by exosomes and principally exosome-derived mi-RNAs. Moreover, their therapeutic potential has been proved and reinforced by their use as biomarkers for disease diagnostics and progression. Evidence has increasingly shown that exosome-derived mi-RNAs are key regulators of age-related diseases, and their involvement in longevity is becoming a promising issue. For instance, mi-RNAs such as mi-RNA-21, mi-RNA-29, and mi-RNA-34 modulate tissue functionality and regeneration by targeting different tissues and involving different pathways but might also interfere with long life expectancy. Human mi-RNAs profiling is effectively related to the biological fluids that are reported differently between young and old individuals. However, their underlying mechanisms modulating cell senescence and aging are still not fully understood, and little was reported on the involvement of mi-RNAs in cell or tissue longevity. In this review, we summarize exosome biogenesis and mi-RNA synthesis and loading mechanism into exosomes’ cargo. Additionally, we highlight the molecular mechanisms of exosomes and exosome-derived mi-RNA regulation in the different aging processes.
Parental Stress and Disability in Offspring: A Snapshot during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Siracusano Martina , Riccioni Assia , Gialloreti Leonardo Emberti , Segatori Eugenia , Arturi Lucrezia , Vasta Michelangelo , Porfirio Maria Cristina , Terribili Monica , Galasso Cinzia , Mazzone Luigi
Published: August 2021

Parenting a child with a disability, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic syndromes, implies a high level of stress. During the COVID-19 outbreak—as a period implying additional challenges—few studies have specifically investigated caregivers’ distress among neurodevelopmental disabilities. The objective of the study is to investigate whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of parental stress differs between four disability groups including neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) and genetic syndromes (Rett syndrome (RTT), Sotos syndrome (SS)) in comparison to families with typical development offspring (TD). In total, 220 Italian parents of children affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities (74 ASD, 51 ADHD, 34 SS, 21 RTT, 40 TD; age M 9.4 ± SD 4.2) underwent a standardized evaluation for stress related to parenting through the self-report questionnaire, Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). The main findings show greater levels of parental stress—mainly linked to child behavioral characteristics rather than parental sense of competence—in parents of children affected by a disability in comparison to children with typical development. This study highlights the need to support not only individuals with special needs but also their own caregivers: core figures in the management and outcome of children disorders.
Neural Activation in Risky Decision-Making Tasks in Healthy Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of fMRI Data
Authors: Tannou Thomas , Magnin Eloi , Comte Alexandre , Aubry Régis , Joubert Sven
Published: August 2021

Decision making is a complex cognitive phenomenon commonly used in everyday life. Studies have shown differences in behavioral strategies in risky decision-making tasks over the course of aging. The development of functional neuroimaging has gradually allowed the exploration of the neurofunctional bases of these behaviors. The purpose of our study was to carry out a meta-analysis on the neural networks underlying risky decision making in healthy older adults. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched for fMRI studies of decision making in older adults using risky decision-making tasks. To perform the quantitative meta-analysis, we used the revised version of the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) algorithm. A total of 620 references were selected for initial screening. Among these, five studies with a total of 98 cognitively normal older participants (mean age: 69.5 years) were included. The meta-analysis yielded two clusters. Main activations were found in the right insula, bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Despite the limited number of studies included, our meta-analysis highlights the crucial involvement of circuits associated with both emotion regulation and the decision to act. However, in contrast to the literature on young adults, our results indicate a different pattern of hemispheric lateralization in older participants. These activations can be used as a minimum pattern of activation in the risky decision-making tasks of healthy older subjects.
EEG Patterns in Patients with Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Elia Maurizio , Rutigliano Irene , Sacco Michele , Madeo Simona F. , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Li Pomi Alessandra , Trifirò Giuliana , Di Bella Paolo , De Lucia Silvana , Vetri Luigi , Iughetti Lorenzo , Delvecchio Maurizio
Published: August 2021

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare disease determined by the loss of the paternal copy of the 15q11-q13 region, and it is characterized by hypotonia, hyperphagia, obesity, short stature, hypogonadism, craniofacial dysmorphisms, and cognitive and behavioral disturbances. The aims of this retrospective study were to analyze interictal EEG findings in a group of PWS patients and to correlate them with genetic, clinical, and neuroimaging data. The demographic, clinical, genetic, EEG, and neuroimaging data of seventy-four patients were collected. Associations among the presence of paroxysmal EEG abnormalities, genotype, and clinical and neuroimaging features were investigated. Four patients (5.4%) presented drug-sensitive epilepsy. Interictal paroxysmal EEG abnormalities—focal or multifocal—were present in 25.7% of the cases, and the normalization of the EEG occurred in about 25% of the cases. In 63.2% of the cases, the paroxysmal abnormalities were bilaterally localized over the middle–posterior regions. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 39 patients (abnormal in 59%). No relevant associations were found between paroxysmal EEG abnormalities and all of the other variables considered. Interictal paroxysmal EEG abnormalities—in particular, with a bilateral middle–posterior localization—could represent an important neurological feature of PWS that is not associated with genotype, cognitive or behavioral endophenotypes, MRI anomalies, or prognosis.
The Biological and Clinical Significance of Glutaminase in Luminal Breast Cancer
Authors: Masisi Brendah K. , El Ansari Rokaya , Alfarsi Lutfi , Craze Madeleine L. , Jewa Natasha , Oldfield Andrew , Cheung Hayley , Toss Michael , Rakha Emad A. , Green Andrew R.
Published: August 2021

The glutamine metabolism has a key role in the regulation of uncontrolled tumour growth. This study aimed to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of glutaminase in luminal breast cancer (BC). The glutaminase isoforms (GLS/GLS2) were assessed at genomic/transcriptomic levels, using METABRIC (n = 1398) and GeneMiner datasets (n = 4712), and protein using immunohistochemistry in well-characterised cohorts of Oestrogen receptor-positive/HER2-negative BC patients: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; n = 206) and invasive breast cancer (IBC; n = 717). Glutaminase expression was associated with clinicopathological features, patient outcome and glutamine-metabolism-related genes. In DCIS, GLS alone and GLS+/GLS2- expression were risk factors for shorter local recurrence-free interval (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and remained prognostic factors independent of tumour size, grade and comedo necrosis (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.003, respectively). In IBC, GLS gene copy number gain with high mRNA expression was associated with poor patient outcome (p = 0.011), whereas high GLS2 protein was predictive of a longer disease-free survival (p = 0.006). Glutaminase plays a role in the biological function of luminal BC, particularly GLS in the early non-invasive stage, which could be used as a potential biomarker to predict disease progression and a target for inhibition. Further validation is required to confirm these observations, and functional assessments are needed to explore their specific roles.
Multicenter DSC–MRI-Based Radiomics Predict IDH Mutation in Gliomas
Authors: Manikis Georgios C. , Ioannidis Georgios S. , Siakallis Loizos , Nikiforaki Katerina , Iv Michael , Vozlic Diana , Surlan-Popovic Katarina , Wintermark Max , Bisdas Sotirios , Marias Kostas
Published: August 2021

To address the current lack of dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC–MRI)-based radiomics to predict isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations in gliomas, we present a multicenter study that featured an independent exploratory set for radiomics model development and external validation using two independent cohorts. The maximum performance of the IDH mutation status prediction on the validation set had an accuracy of 0.544 (Cohen’s kappa: 0.145, F1-score: 0.415, area under the curve-AUC: 0.639, sensitivity: 0.733, specificity: 0.491), which significantly improved to an accuracy of 0.706 (Cohen’s kappa: 0.282, F1-score: 0.474, AUC: 0.667, sensitivity: 0.6, specificity: 0.736) when dynamic-based standardization of the images was performed prior to the radiomics. Model explainability using local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) revealed potential intuitive correlations between the IDH–wildtype increased heterogeneity and the texture complexity. These results strengthened our hypothesis that DSC–MRI radiogenomics in gliomas hold the potential to provide increased predictive performance from models that generalize well and provide understandable patterns between IDH mutation status and the extracted features toward enabling the clinical translation of radiogenomics in neuro-oncology.
High Tumor Burden Predicts Poor Response to Enzalutamide in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Ting , Chiang Bing-Juin , Wu Chia-Chang , Liao Chun-Hou , Lin Chia-Da , Chen Chung-Hsin
Published: August 2021

To assess the predictive value of tumor burden on the biochemical response, and radiological response in Taiwanese metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients receiving enzalutamide. The mCRPC patients treated with enzalutamide were recruited from three hospitals. High tumor burden (HTB) was classified as metastases at either appendicular bone or visceral organ. Good prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response was defined as PSA reduction of 80%. In this cohort, there were 104 (54.2%) HTB patients and 88 (45.8%) with low tumor burden (LTB). Compared to LTB patients, fewer HTB patients had good PSA response (odds ratio: 0.43, range: 0.22–0.87, p = 0.019) and fewer radiological response (complete and partial remission) (odds ratio: 0.78, range: 0.36–1.68, p = 0.52) to enzalutamide. The disease control rate which also contained stable disease, was still lower in HTB (76.0%) than LTB group (92.9%, OR: 0.24, range: 0.07–0.77, p = 0.016) in the multivariable model. In addition, HTB patients had significantly shorter progression–free survival duration than did LTB patients (median: 8.3 vs. 21.6 months, log-rank test p = 0.003) in the univariable analysis. The tumor burden before the use of enzalutamide was associated with treatment outcomes. HTB reduced PSA response rate, radiological response rate and progression-free survival duration.
Network-Based Integration of Multi-Omics Data Identifies the Determinants of miR-491-5p Effects
Authors: Meryet-Figuiere Matthieu , Vernon Mégane , Andrianteranagna Mamy , Lambert Bernard , Brochen Célia , Issartel Jean-Paul , Guttin Audrey , Gauduchon Pascal , Brotin Emilie , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Vigneron Nicolas , Wambecke Anaïs , Abeilard Edwige , Barillot Emmanuel , Poulain Laurent , Martignetti Loredana , Denoyelle Christophe
Published: August 2021

The identification of miRNAs’ targets and associated regulatory networks might allow the definition of new strategies using drugs whose association mimics a given miRNA’s effects. Based on this assumption we devised a multi-omics approach to precisely characterize miRNAs’ effects. We combined miR-491-5p target affinity purification, RNA microarray, and mass spectrometry to perform an integrated analysis in ovarian cancer cell lines. We thus constructed an interaction network that highlighted highly connected hubs being either direct or indirect targets of miR-491-5p effects: the already known EGFR and BCL2L1 but also EP300, CTNNB1 and several small-GTPases. By using different combinations of specific inhibitors of these hubs, we could greatly enhance their respective cytotoxicity and mimic the miR-491-5p-induced phenotype. Our methodology thus constitutes an interesting strategy to comprehensively study the effects of a given miRNA. Moreover, we identified targets for which pharmacological inhibitors are already available for a clinical use or in clinical trials. This study might thus enable innovative therapeutic options for ovarian cancer, which remains the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies in developed countries.
Plasma Based Protein Signatures Associated with Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Fahrmann Johannes F. , Katayama Hiroyuki , Irajizad Ehsan , Chakraborty Ashish , Kato Taketo , Mao Xiangying , Park Soyoung , Murage Eunice , Rusling Leona , Yu Chuan-Yih , Cai Yinging , Hsiao Fu Chung , Dennison Jennifer B. , Tran Hai , Ostrin Edwin , Wilson David O. , Yuan Jian-Min , Vykoukal Jody , Hanash Samir
Published: August 2021

Small-cell-lung cancer (SCLC) is associated with overexpression of oncogenes including Myc family genes and YAP1 and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. We performed in-depth proteomic profiling of plasmas collected from 15 individuals with newly diagnosed early stage SCLC and from 15 individuals before the diagnosis of SCLC and compared findings with plasma proteomic profiles of 30 matched controls to determine the occurrence of signatures that reflect disease pathogenesis. A total of 272 proteins were elevated (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) ≥ 0.60) among newly diagnosed cases compared to matched controls of which 31 proteins were also elevated (AUC ≥ 0.60) in case plasmas collected within one year prior to diagnosis. Ingenuity Pathway analyses of SCLC-associated proteins revealed enrichment of signatures of oncogenic MYC and YAP1. Intersection of proteins elevated in case plasmas with proteomic profiles of conditioned medium from 17 SCLC cell lines yielded 52 overlapping proteins characterized by YAP1-associated signatures of cytoskeletal re-arrangement and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Among samples collected more than one year prior to diagnosis there was a predominance of inflammatory markers. Our integrated analyses identified novel circulating protein features in early stage SCLC associated with oncogenic drivers.
Sex-Specific Differences in Toxicity Following Systemic Paclitaxel Treatment and Localized Cardiac Radiotherapy
Authors: Chmielewski-Stivers Nicole , Petit Benoit , Ollivier Jonathan , Monceau Virginie , Tsoutsou Pelagia , Quintela Pousa Ana , Lin Xiaomeng , Limoli Charles , Vozenin Marie-Catherine
Published: August 2021

The impact of sex in the development of long-term toxicities affecting the quality of life of cancer survivors has not been investigated experimentally. To address this issue, a series of neurologic and cardiologic endpoints were used to investigate sex-based differences triggered by paclitaxel treatment and radiotherapy exposure. Male and female wild-type (WT) mice were treated with paclitaxel (150 and 300 mg/kg) administered weekly over 6 weeks or exposed to 19 Gy cardiac irradiation. Cohorts were analyzed for behavioral and neurobiologic endpoints to assess systemic toxicity of paclitaxel or cardiovascular endpoints to assess radiotherapy toxicity. Interestingly, female WT mice exhibited enhanced tolerance compared to male WT mice regardless of the treatment regimen. To provide insight into the possible sex-specific protective mechanisms, rhoB-deficient animals and elderly mice (22 months) were used with a focus on the possible contribution of sex hormones, including estrogen. In females, RhoB deficiency and advanced age had no impact on neurocognitive impairment induced by paclitaxel but enhanced cardiac sensitivity to radiotherapy. Conversely, rhoB-deficiency protected males from radiation toxicity. In sum, RhoB was identified as a molecular determinant driving estrogen-dependent cardioprotection in female mice, whereas neuroprotection was not sex hormone dependent. To our knowledge, this study revealed for the first time sex- and organ-specific responses to paclitaxel and radiotherapy.
A Humanized Anti-GPC3 Antibody for Immuno-Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Orthotopic Mouse Model of Patient-Derived Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenografts
Authors: Natarajan Arutselvan , Zhang Hui , Ye Wei , Huttad Lakshmi , Tan Mingdian , Chua Mei-Sze , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , So Samuel K.
Published: August 2021

Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an attractive diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously reported the potential of an 89Zr-labeled murine anti-GPC3 antibody (clone 1G12) for immunoPET imaging of HCC in orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. We now humanized the murine antibody by complementarity determining region (CDR) grafting, to allow its clinical translation for human use. The engineered humanized anti-GPC3 antibody, clone H3K3, retained comparable binding affinity and specificity to human GPC3. H3K3 was conjugated with desferrioxamine (Df) and radiolabeled with 89Zr to produce the PET/CT tracer 89Zr-Df-H3K3. When injected into GPC3-expressing orthotopic HCC PDX in NOD SCID Gamma (NSG) mice, 89Zr-Df-H3K3 showed specific high uptake into the orthotopic PDX and minimal, non-specific uptake into the non-tumor bearing liver. Specificity was demonstrated by significantly higher uptake of 89Zr-Df-H3K3 into the non-blocked PDX mice, compared with the blocked PDX mice (which received prior injection of 100 mg of unlabeled H3K3). Region of interest (ROI) analysis showed that the PDX/non-tumor liver ratio was highest (mean ± SD: 3.4 ± 0.31) at 168 h post injection; this ratio was consistent with biodistribution studies at the same time point. Thus, our humanized anti-GPC3 antibody, H3K3, shows encouraging potential for use as an immunoPET tracer for diagnostic imaging of HCC patients.
Updates on the Role of ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) and ABSCISIC ACID-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTORs (ABFs) in ABA Signaling in Different Developmental Stages in Plants
Authors: Collin Anna , Daszkowska-Golec Agata , Szarejko Iwona
Published: August 2021

The core abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway consists of receptors, phosphatases, kinases and transcription factors, among them ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) and ABRE BINDING FACTORs/ABRE-BINDING PROTEINs (ABFs/AREBs), which belong to the BASIC LEUCINE ZIPPER (bZIP) family and control expression of stress-responsive genes. ABI5 is mostly active in seeds and prevents germination and post-germinative growth under unfavorable conditions. The activity of ABI5 is controlled at transcriptional and protein levels, depending on numerous regulators, including components of other phytohormonal pathways. ABFs/AREBs act redundantly in regulating genes that control physiological processes in response to stress during vegetative growth. In this review, we focus on recent reports regarding ABI5 and ABFs/AREBs functions during abiotic stress responses, which seem to be partially overlapping and not restricted to one developmental stage in Arabidopsis and other species. Moreover, we point out that ABI5 and ABFs/AREBs play a crucial role in the core ABA pathway’s feedback regulation. In this review, we also discuss increased stress tolerance of transgenic plants overexpressing genes encoding ABA-dependent bZIPs. Taken together, we show that ABI5 and ABFs/AREBs are crucial ABA-dependent transcription factors regulating processes essential for plant adaptation to stress at different developmental stages.
High Performance Conditioning Shampoo with Hyaluronic Acid and Sustainable Surfactants
Authors: Yorke Kelly , Amin Samiul
Published: August 2021

Recently, consumers have become invested in more natural and sustainable ingredients contained in personal care products. Unfortunately, cationic surfactants are still heavily relied on as primary conditioning agents in products such as conditioning shampoos because of their ability to cling well to the negatively charged surface of hair follicles. Additionally, sulfates are utilized as cleansing agents because they are highly effective and low cost. The objective of this study is to find a more sustainable formulation for a conditioning shampoo without compromising the desired wet combing, rheological, and surface activity properties. The systems which were investigated contained hyaluronic acid (HA) at a variety of molecular weights and concentrations, in combination with a surfactant, either acidic sophorolipid (ASL) or alkyl polyglucoside (APG), and varying the presence of sodium chloride. A Dia-stron was utilized to test the wet combing force, a rheometer recorded the viscosity at various shear rates, and a tensiometer measured the surface tension of the samples before a visual foaming study was conducted. Molecular weight and concentration seemed to have a large impact on wet combing force, as well as rheology, with the largest molecular weight and concentration producing the lowest friction coefficient and desired rheological profile. The addition of a surfactant significantly aids in the reduction in surface tension and increased foamability. Therefore, the optimal system to achieve the largest reduction in wet combing force, large viscosity with shear-thinning behavior, and relatively low surface tension with decent foaming is composed of 1% HA at 800 kDa, 10% ASL and 1% NaCl. This system shows a viable sulfate-free and silicone-free option that can achieve both conditioning and cleansing.
A Cuckoo Search Algorithm Using Improved Beta Distributing and Its Application in the Process of EDM
Authors: Shen Dili , Ming Wuyi , Ren Xinggui , Xie Zhuobin , Zhang Yong , Liu Xuewen
Published: August 2021

Lévy flights random walk is one of key parts in the cuckoo search (CS) algorithm to update individuals. The standard CS algorithm adopts the constant scale factor for this random walk. This paper proposed an improved beta distribution cuckoo search (IBCS) for this factor in the CS algorithm. In terms of local characteristics, the proposed algorithm makes the scale factor of the step size in Lévy flights showing beta distribution in the evolutionary process. In terms of the overall situation, the scale factor shows the exponential decay trend in the process. The proposed algorithm makes full use of the advantages of the two improvement strategies. The test results show that the proposed strategy is better than the standard CS algorithm or others improved by a single improvement strategy, such as improved CS (ICS) and beta distribution CS (BCS). For the six benchmark test functions of 30 dimensions, the average rankings of the CS, ICS, BCS, and IBCS algorithms are 3.67, 2.67, 1.5, and 1.17, respectively. For the six benchmark test functions of 50 dimensions, moreover, the average rankings of the CS, ICS, BCS, and IBCS algorithms are 2.83, 2.5, 1.67, and 1.0, respectively. Confirmed by our case study, the performance of the ABCS algorithm was better than that of standard CS, ICS or BCS algorithms in the process of EDM. For example, under the single-objective optimization convergence of MRR, the iteration number (13 iterations) of the CS algorithm for the input process parameters, such as discharge current, pulse-on time, pulse-off time, and servo voltage, was twice that (6 iterations) of the IBCS algorithm. Similar, the iteration number (17 iterations) of BCS algorithm for these parameters was twice that (8 iterations) of the IBCS algorithm under the single-objective optimization convergence of Ra. Therefore, it strengthens the CS algorithm’s accuracy and convergence speed.
Seroepidemiology of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Cattle across Three Livestock Pastoral Regions in Kenya
Authors: Blanco-Penedo Isabel , Obanda Vincent , Kingori Edward , Agwanda Bernard , Ahlm Clas , Lwande Olivia Wesula
Published: August 2021

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease, endemic in Africa, with a high case fatality rate. There is no efficient treatment or licensed vaccine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHFV in cattle in extensive grazing systems (both pastoralism and ranching) within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Nanyuki, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We conducted a seroepidemiological study of the sera of 148 cattle from 18 households from the three ecosystems in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Sera from 23 sheep and 17 goats were also obtained from the same households during the same period. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to CCHFV using the commercially available double-antigen ELISA kit. Overall, 31.5% CCHFV seropositivity was observed. The prevalence of CCHF was analyzed using a multiple logistic mixed model with main predictors. Risk factors associated with exposure to CCHFV were age (p = 0.000) and season (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest exposure to CCHFV and point to cattle as likely reservoirs of CCHFV in Kenya. The findings might play a role in providing better insights into disease risk and dynamics where analysis of tick populations in these regions should be further investigated.
Models on Teaching Effectiveness in Current Scientific Literature
Authors: Sánchez-Cabrero Roberto , Estrada-Chichón José Luís , Abad-Mancheño Alfonso , Mañoso-Pacheco Lidia
Published: August 2021

Knowing what defines ‘effective teaching’ contributes significantly to the appropriateness and validity of the instruction provided to pre-service teachers during their initial training. This may help them to perform as expert teachers before finishing their university training. This study aims to reflect upon the most significant models and theoretical contributions of each of the five most common methods for investigating teaching effectiveness in the current scientific literature. To that end, the main scientific sources within this field of study have been obtained on the Internet through the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and ERIC. The sources were selected for their relevance to the topic, which was determined by assessing the citations generated by the academic works and the impact of the journals in which they were published. The results show that the key and most central factor salient in teaching quality is related to the teachers themselves and their training. Thus, any educational model that seeks educational excellence must focus foremost on ensuring care and respect for teaching professionals, beyond economic investment, resource availability, or any other factors.
Dependence of Irradiated High-Power Electromagnetic Waves on the Failure Threshold Time of Semiconductors Using a Closed Waveguide
Authors: Min Sun-Hong , Kim Jung-Il , Sattorov Matlabjon , Kim Seontae , Hong Dongpyo , Kim Seonmyeong , Hong Bong-Hwan , Park Chawon , Ma Sukhwal , Kim Minho , Lee Kyo-Chul , Lee Yong-Jin , Kwon Han-Byul , Yoo Young-Joon , Park Sang-Yoon , Park Gun-Sik
Published: August 2021

The failure threshold time of semiconductors caused by the impact of irradiated high-power electromagnetic waves (HPEM) is experimentally studied. A SN7442 integrated circuit (IC) is placed in an emulator with a WR430 closed waveguide and is irradiated by HPEM generated from a magnetron oscillator. The state of the SN7442 component is observed by a light-emitting diode (LED) detector and the voltage measured in the SN7442 component. As the magnitude of the electric field in the HPEM is varied from 24 kV/m to 36 kV/m, the failure threshold time falls from 195 s to 17 s with dependence of the irradiated electric field (E) on the failure threshold time (T) from T~E−12 to a T~E−6.
Wearable Flexible Phototherapy Device for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Kun , Chen Hongda , Wang Yuguang , Wang Mengqi , Tang Jun
Published: August 2021

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent and disabling disease that causes pain and gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage. Phototherapy is a new physiotherapy treatment, more effective and stable than other non-pharmacologic management. Conventional phototherapy devices typically suffer from unintelligent and bulky equipment, while existing phototherapy methods require maintain a certain phototherapy distance. Here, we introduce a wearable flexible phototherapy device worn on a knee for osteoarthritis, incorporating a phototherapy adhesive patch and a control box. The phototherapy adhesive patch is capable of softly laminating onto the curved surfaces of the knee skin to increase the effects of phototherapy. We describe the LED array, constant current drive module, key control module, and power supply module that serve as the foundations for the control box. The weight of the device is only 101.8 g. The irradiance of the device can be adjusted linearly and irradiance of the designed phototherapy device based on LED can reach 13 mW/cm2. The maximum temperature of the surface of the light source is 31.2 °C. The device proposed in this work exhibits satisfactory stability, promising a potential in phototherapy.
NGS Techniques Reveal a High Diversity of RNA Viral Pathogens and Papillomaviruses in Fresh Produce and Irrigation Water
Authors: Itarte Marta , Martínez-Puchol Sandra , Forés Eva , Hundesa Ayalkibet , Timoneda Natàlia , Bofill-Mas Sílvia , Girones Rosina , Rusiñol Marta
Published: August 2021

Fresh fruits and vegetables are susceptible to microbial contamination at every stage of the food production chain, and as a potential source of pathogens, irrigation water quality is a critical factor. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have been flourishing and expanding to a wide variety of fields. However, their application in food safety remains insufficiently explored, and their sensitivity requires improvement. In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays showed low but frequent contamination of common circulating viral pathogens, which were found in 46.9% of samples of fresh produce: 6/12 lettuce samples, 4/12 strawberries samples, and 5/8 parsley samples. Furthermore, the application of two different NGS approaches, target enrichment sequencing (TES) for detecting viruses that infect vertebrates and amplicon deep sequencing (ADS), revealed a high diversity of viral pathogens, especially Norovirus (NoV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), in fresh produce and irrigation water. All NoV and HPV types found in fresh fruit and vegetable samples were also detected in irrigation water sources, indicating that these viruses are common circulating pathogens in the population and that irrigation water may be the most probable source of viral pathogens in food samples.
Gutenberg–Richter B-Value Time Series Forecasting: A Weighted Likelihood Approach
Authors: Taroni Matteo , Vocalelli Giorgio , De Polis Andrea
Published: August 2021

We introduce a novel approach to estimate the temporal variation of the b-value parameter of the Gutenberg–Richter law, based on the weighted likelihood approach. This methodology allows estimating the b-value based on the full history of the available data, within a data-driven setting. We test this methodology against the classical “rolling window” approach using a high-definition Italian seismic catalogue as well as a global catalogue of high magnitudes. The weighted likelihood approach outperforms competing methods, and measures the optimal amount of past information relevant to the estimation.
Fabrication and In Vitro Evaluation of pH-Sensitive Polymeric Hydrogels as Controlled Release Carriers
Authors: Suhail Muhammad , Fang Chih-Wun , Khan Arshad , Minhas Muhammad Usman , Wu Pao-Chu
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the current investigation was to develop chondroitin sulfate/carbopol-co-poly(acrylic acid) (CS/CBP-co-PAA) hydrogels for controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium (DS). Different concentrations of polymers chondroitin sulfate (CS), carbopol 934 (CBP), and monomer acrylic acid (AA) were cross-linked by ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (EGDMA) in the presence of ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS) (initiator). The fabricated hydrogels were characterized for further experiments. Characterizations such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to understand the surface morphology, thermodynamic stability, crystallinity of the drug, ingredients, and developed hydrogels. The swelling and drug release studies were conducted at two different pH mediums (pH 1.2 and 7.4), and pH-dependent swelling and drug release was shown due to the presence of functional groups of both polymers and monomers; hence, greater swelling and drug release was observed at the higher pH (pH 7.4). The percent drug release of the developed system and commercially available product cataflam was compared and high controlled release of the drug from the developed system was observed at both low and high pH. The mechanism of drug release from the hydrogels followed Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Conclusively, the current research work demonstrated that the prepared hydrogel could be considered as a suitable candidate for controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium.
Does a “Cushion Effect” Really Exist? A Morphomic Analysis of Vulnerable Road Users with Serious Blunt Abdominal Injury
Authors: Tee Yu-San , Cheng Chi-Tung , Hsieh Chi-Hsun , Kang Shih-Ching , Fu Chih-Yuan , Derstine Brian A. , Su Grace L. , Wang Stewart C.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The severity of injury from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) depends on complex biomechanical factors, and the bodily features of the injured person account for some of these factors. By assuming that vulnerable road users (VRUs) have limited protection resulting from vehicles and safety equipment, the current study analyzed the characteristics of fat distribution measured by computed tomography (CT) imaging and investigated the existence of a “cushion effect” in VRUs. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 592 VRUs involved in MVCs who underwent CT scans. Visceral fat area and subcutaneous fat cross-sectional area were measured and adjusted according to total body area (TBA) and are presented as the visceral fat ratio and the subQ fat ratio (subcutaneous fat ratio). Risk factors for serious abdominal injury (maximum abbreviated injury scale (MAISabd ≥ 3)) resulting from MVCs were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: MAISabd ≥ 3 was observed in 104 (17.6%) of the patients. The subQ fat ratio at the L4 vertebral level was significantly lower in the MAISabd ≥ 3 group than in the MAISabd < 3 group (24.9 ± 12.0 vs. 28.1 ± 11.9%; p = 0.015). A decreased L4 subQ fat ratio was associated with a higher risk for MAISabd ≥ 3 in multivariate analysis (odds ratio 0.063; 95% CI 0.008–0.509; p = 0.009). Conclusion: The current study supported the “cushion effect” theory, and protection was apparently provided by subcutaneous fat tissue. This concept may further improve vehicle and safety designation in the future.
Chemical Characterization of Pope Pius VII Ancient Ecclesiastical Vestment by a Multi-Analytical Approach
Authors: Magrini Donata , Bracci Susanna , Iannaccone Roberta , Nucci Lucia , Salvadori Barbara
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a multi-analytical investigation performed for the study of the ecclesiastical vestment, with insignia, of Pope Pius VII, painted from the end of the 18th up to the beginning of the 19th century, made of five clothing elements: chasuble, stole, maniple, chalice veil and purse. The aim of this research was to assess the conservation state of the silk and painted backgrounds; to define the manufacturing technique of the work; to localize, if present, the underdrawing and any retouching; to identify the pigments and, where possible, the binders used. A diagnostic protocol was developed based on preliminary investigations through multiband imaging techniques known as MBI (visible, ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence (UVL), near-infrared reflected (NIR) and infrared reflected false color (IRRFC) photography). The images acquired with MBI techniques ensured a more specific choice of spots to be analyzed directly in situ by non-invasive techniques. In particular, portable digital optical microscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were performed. Two fragments detached from the chasuble were also analyzed by microFT-IR, microRaman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Application of the multi-analytical protocol enabled the materials used to be characterized and helped to define the peculiar execution technique used. The presence of an underdrawing made with a carbon pencil was highlighted by MBI. Red lakes, iron-based pigments and copper-based pigments have been identified on the painting palette, applied with arabic gum as a binder.
Suicide-Related Knowledge and Attitudes among a Sample of Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Erbuto Denise , Berardelli Isabella , Sarubbi Salvatore , Rogante Elena , Sparagna Alice , Nigrelli Gaia , Lester David , Innamorati Marco , Pompili Maurizio
Published: August 2021

Inadequate knowledge of the potential signs and risk factors of suicide negatively affects the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize patients at risk of suicide. The principal aim of the present study is to assess the attitudes and knowledge about suicide in a large sample of mental health professionals. We examined the relationship between Suicide Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire items and the experience of a patient dying by suicide. We also examined whether various healthcare professionals respond differently to the items of the Impact of a Patient’s Suicide on Professional and Personal Lives Scale. Results demonstrated that healthcare professionals who had experienced a patient suicide reported greater skills than professionals who had not experienced a patient suicide. However, 44% of professionals who had experienced a patient suicide felt that they did not have adequate training on this particular issue. Among those who had experienced a patient suicide, there was an increased tendency to hospitalize patients with suicide risk and an increased use of collegial consultation. Concerning personal emotions, healthcare professionals reported troubled relationships with family members and friends and the loss of self-esteem. In conclusion, better knowledge and attitudes about suicide are necessary for suicide-prevention strategies.
The Association between Parent and Child-Report Measures of Alexithymia in Children with and without Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Hobson Hannah , van den Bedem Neeltje P.
Published: August 2021

Accurate measures of alexithymia, an inability to recognise and describe one’s own emotions, that are suitable for children are crucial for research into alexithymia’s development. However, previous research suggests that parent versus child reports of alexithymia do not correlate. Potentially, children may report on the awareness of their emotions, whereas parent-report measures may reflect children’s verbal expression of emotion, which may be confounded by children’s communicative abilities, especially in conditions such as Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Given theoretical arguments that alexithymia may develop due to language impairments, further research into alexithymia in DLD is also needed. This project examined parent and child report measures of alexithymia in children with DLD (n = 106) and without DLD (n = 183), and their association to children’s communication skills. Parent and child reports were not significantly correlated in either group, and children with DLD had higher alexithymia scores on the parent-report measure only. Thus, parent and child measures of alexithymia likely reflect different constructs. Pragmatic language problems related to more parent-reported alexithymia, over and above group membership. Structural language abilities were unrelated to alexithymia. We suggest decreased social learning opportunities, rather than a language measure artefact, underlie increased alexithymic difficulties in DLD.
Three Versions of the Perceived Stress Scale: Psychometric Evaluation in a Nationally Representative Sample of Chinese Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: She Zhuang , Li Dan , Zhang Wei , Zhou Ningning , Xi Juzhe , Ju Kang
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has created pressure in people’s daily lives, further threatening public health. Thus, it is important to assess people’s perception of stress during COVID-19 for both research and practical purposes. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is one of the most widely used instruments to measure perceived stress; however, previous validation studies focused on specific populations, possibly limiting the generalization of results. (2) Methods: This study tested the psychometric properties of three versions of the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-14, CPSS-10, and CPSS-4) in the Chinese general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A commercial online survey was employed to construct a nationally representative sample of 1133 adults in Mainland China (548 males and 585 females) during a one-week period. (3) Results: The two-factor (positivity and negativity) solution for the three versions of the CPSS showed a good fit with the data. The CPSS-14 and CPSS-10 had very good reliability and the CPSS-4 showed acceptable reliability, supporting the concurrent validity of the CPSS. (4) Conclusions: All three versions of the CPSS appear to be appropriate for use in research with samples of adults in the Chinese general population under the COVID-19 crisis. The CPSS-10 and CPSS-14 both have strong psychometric properties, but the CPSS-10 would have more utility because it is shorter than the CPSS-14. However, the CPSS-4 is an acceptable alternative when administration time is limited.