bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Invisible Museum: A User-Centric Platform for Creating Virtual 3D Exhibitions with VR Support
Authors: Zidianakis Emmanouil , Partarakis Nikolaos , Ntoa Stavroula , Dimopoulos Antonis , Kopidaki Stella , Ntagianta Anastasia , Ntafotis Emmanouil , Xhako Aldo , Pervolarakis Zacharias , Kontaki Eirini , Zidianaki Ioanna , Michelakis Andreas , Foukarakis Michalis , Stephanidis Constantine
Published: February 2021

With the ever-advancing availability of digitized museum artifacts, the question of how to make the vast collection of exhibits accessible and explorable beyond what museums traditionally offer via their websites and exposed databases has recently gained increased attention. This research work introduces the Invisible Museum: a user-centric platform that allows users to create interactive and immersive virtual 3D/VR exhibitions using a unified collaborative authoring environment. The platform itself was designed following a Human-Centered Design approach, with the active participation of museum curators and end-users. Content representation adheres to domain standards such as International Committee for Documentation of the International Council of Museums (CIDOC-CRM) and the Europeana Data Model and exploits state-of-the-art deep learning technologies to assist the curators by generating ontology bindings for textual data. The platform enables the formulation and semantic representation of narratives that guide storytelling experiences and bind the presented artifacts with their socio-historic context. Main contributions are pertinent to the fields of (a) user-designed dynamic virtual exhibitions, (b) personalized suggestions and exhibition tours, (c) visualization in web-based 3D/VR technologies, and (d) immersive navigation and interaction. The Invisible Museum has been evaluated using a combination of different methodologies, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality user experience, leading to valuable lessons learned, which are discussed in the article.
Implementation and Validation of an Advanced Wind Energy Controller in Aero-Servo-Elastic Simulations Using the Lifting Line Free Vortex Wake Model
Authors: Perez-Becker Sebastian , Marten David , Nayeri Christian Navid , Paschereit Christian Oliver
Published: February 2021

Accurate and reproducible aeroelastic load calculations are indispensable for designing modern multi-MW wind turbines. They are also essential for assessing the load reduction capabilities of advanced wind turbine control strategies. In this paper, we contribute to this topic by introducing the TUB Controller, an advanced open-source wind turbine controller capable of performing full load calculations. It is compatible with the aeroelastic software QBlade, which features a lifting line free vortex wake aerodynamic model. The paper describes in detail the controller and includes a validation study against an established open-source controller from the literature. Both controllers show comparable performance with our chosen metrics. Furthermore, we analyze the advanced load reduction capabilities of the individual pitch control strategy included in the TUB Controller. Turbulent wind simulations with the DTU 10 MW Reference Wind Turbine featuring the individual pitch control strategy show a decrease in the out-of-plane and torsional blade root bending moment fatigue loads of 14% and 9.4% respectively compared to a baseline controller.
About the Influence of Eco-Friendly Fluids on the Performance of an External Gear Pump
Authors: Muzzioli Gabriele , Montorsi Luca , Polito Andrea , Lucchi Andrea , Sassi Alessandro , Milani Massimo
Published: February 2021

This paper wants to investigate the effects of eco-friendly fluids on the thermo-fluid-dynamic performance of external gear pumps in order to provide a first response to the increasingly urgent demands of the green economy. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach based on the overset mesh technique was developed for the simulation of the full 3D geometry of an industrial pump, including all the characteristic leakages between components. A sensibility analysis of the numerical model with respect to different fluid properties was performed on a commonly used mineral oil, showing the key role of the fluid compressibility on the prediction of the pump volumetric efficiency. Moreover, the influence of temperature internal variations on both fluid density and viscosity were included. The BIOHYDRAN TMP 46 eco-friendly industrial oil and olive oil were further considered in this work, and the results of the simulations were compared for the three fluid configurations. A slightly lower volumetric efficiency was derived for the olive oil application against the other two conditions, but suggestive improvements were produced in terms of pressure and temperature distributions. Therefore, based on the obtained results, this paper encourages research activity towards the use of eco-friendly fluids in the hydraulic field.
Development and Validation of an Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method to Determine Maduramicin in Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and Evaluate Food Safety
Authors: Gao Xiuge , Teng Pei , Peng Lin , Ji Hui , Qiu Yawei , Liu Xiaoxiao , Guo Dawei , Jiang Shanxiang
Published: February 2021

Maduramicin (MAD) is widely introduced into aquatic environments and results in the contamination of fish products. Worryingly, the consumption of MAD-contaminated crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) may induce symptoms of Haff disease. In this study, to monitor this potential contamination and to understand the residue and elimination characteristics of MAD in edible tissues of crayfish, a sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed, validated, and applied. After extraction with acetonitrile and purification by solid-phase extraction column, multiple-reaction monitoring mass spectrometry with positive ionization mode was used to determine MAD’s residues. The limits of detection and of quantification were 6 μg·kg−1 and 20 μg·kg−1, respectively. The fortified recoveries ranged from 74.2% to 110.4%, with relative standard deviation of 1.2% to 10.1%. Furthermore, MAD was completely eliminated after 3 and 5 days from abdominal muscle and hepatopancreas tissues of crayfish, respectively. The maximum residue limits (MRLs) of MAD respectively was 200 μg·kg−1 in muscle and 600 μg·kg−1 in the hepatopancreas, and its withdrawal time in both edible tissues was 25.8 °C·d. Collectively, the results of this study indicate the proposed method is an efficient tool to evaluate the public health risk associated with crayfish consumption.
Use of Amylomaltase to Steer the Functional and Nutritional Properties of Wheat Starch
Authors: Korompokis Konstantinos , Deleu Lomme J. , De Brier Niels , Delcour Jan A.
Published: February 2021

The fine molecular structure of starch governs its functionality and digestibility, and enzymatic approaches can be utilized to tailor its properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the in situ modification of starch by amylomaltase (AMM) from Thermus thermophilus in model starch systems subjected to hydrothermal treatments under standardized conditions and the relationship between molecular structure, rheological properties and in vitro digestibility. When low dosages of AMM were added to a wheat starch suspension prior to submitting it to a temperature-time profile in a Rapid Visco Analyzer, the increased peak viscosity observed was attributed to partial depolymerization of amylose, which facilitated starch swelling and viscosity development. At higher dosages, the effect was smaller. The low cold paste viscosity as a result of the activity of AMM reflected substantial amylose depolymerization. At the same time, amylopectin chains were substantially elongated. The longer amylopectin chains were positively correlated (R2 = 0.96) with the melting enthalpies of retrograded starches, which, in turn, were negatively correlated with the extent (R2 = 0.92) and rate (R2 = 0.79) of in vitro digestion. It was concluded that AMM has the potential to be used to deliver novel starch functionalities and enhance its nutritional properties.
Solving Operating Room Scheduling Problem Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Lin Yang-Kuei , Li Min-Yang
Published: February 2021

Many healthcare institutions are interested in reducing costs and in maintaining a good quality of care. The operating room department is typically one of the most costly units in a hospital. Hospital managers are always interested in finding effective ways of using operating rooms to minimize operating costs. In this research, we study the operating room scheduling problem. We consider the use of a weekly surgery schedule with an open scheduling strategy that takes into account the availabilities of surgeons and operating rooms. The objective is to minimize the total operating cost while maximizing the utilization of the operating rooms but also minimizing overtime use. A revised mathematical model is proposed that can provide optimal solutions for a surgery size up to 110 surgical cases. Next, two modified heuristics, based on the earliest due date (EDD) and longest processing time (LPT) rules, are proposed to quickly find feasible solutions to the studied problem. Finally, an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm that incorporates the initial solutions, a recovery scheme, local search schemes, and an elitism strategy is proposed. The computational results show that, for a surgery size between 40 and 100 surgical cases, the ABC algorithm found optimal solutions to all of the tested problems. For surgery sizes larger than 110 surgical cases, the ABC algorithm performed significantly better than the two proposed heuristics. The computational results indicate that the proposed ABC is promising and capable of solving large problems.
A Deep Learning Approach for Brain Tumor Classification and Segmentation Using a Multiscale Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Díaz-Pernas Francisco Javier , Martínez-Zarzuela Mario , Antón-Rodríguez Míriam , González-Ortega David
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we present a fully automatic brain tumor segmentation and classification model using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network that includes a multiscale approach. One of the differences of our proposal with respect to previous works is that input images are processed in three spatial scales along different processing pathways. This mechanism is inspired in the inherent operation of the Human Visual System. The proposed neural model can analyze MRI images containing three types of tumors: meningioma, glioma, and pituitary tumor, over sagittal, coronal, and axial views and does not need preprocessing of input images to remove skull or vertebral column parts in advance. The performance of our method on a publicly available MRI image dataset of 3064 slices from 233 patients is compared with previously classical machine learning and deep learning published methods. In the comparison, our method remarkably obtained a tumor classification accuracy of 0.973, higher than the other approaches using the same database.
Sensitivity of the Evapotranspiration Deficit Index to Its Parameters and Different Temporal Scales
Authors: Wambura Frank Joseph
Published: February 2021

Sound estimates of drought characteristics are very important for planning intervention measures in drought-prone areas. Due to data scarcity, many studies are increasingly using less data-intensive approaches, such as the evapotranspiration deficit index (ETDI), in estimations of agricultural droughts. However, little is known about the sensitivity of this specific ETDI formula to its parameters, and to data at different temporal scales. In this study, a general ETDI formula, homologous to the specific ETDI formula, was introduced and used to test the sensitivity of the ETDI to its parameters and to data at different temporal scales. The tests used time series of remotely sensed evapotranspiration data in the Ruvu River basin in Tanzania. The parameter sensitivity tests revealed that ETDI is sensitive to its parameters, and different parameter combinations resulted in different drought characteristics. The temporal scale sensitivity test showed that drought characteristics, such as the number of drought events and the total drought durations, decreased as the temporal scale increased. Thus, an inappropriate temporal scale may lead to the misrepresentation of drought characteristics. To reduce uncertainty and increase the accuracy of ETDI-based agricultural drought characteristics, ETDI requires parameter calibration and the use of data with small temporal scales, respectively. These findings are useful for improving estimations of ETDI-based agricultural droughts.
Soil Lead (Pb) in New Orleans: A Spatiotemporal and Racial Analysis
Authors: Egendorf Sara Perl , Mielke Howard W. , Castorena-Gonzalez Jorge A. , Powell Eric T. , Gonzales Christopher R.
Published: February 2021

Spatialized racial injustices drive morbidity and mortality inequalities. While many factors contribute to environmental injustices, Pb is particularly insidious, and is associated with cardio-vascular, kidney, and immune dysfunctions and is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. Here, we present a revised analysis from the New Orleans dataset of soil lead (SPb) and children’s blood Pb (BPb), which was systematically assembled for 2000–2005 and 2011–2016. We show the spatial–temporal inequities in SPb, children’s BPb, racial composition, and household income in New Orleans. Comparing medians for the inner city with outlying areas, soil Pb is 7.5 or 9.3 times greater, children’s blood Pb is ~2 times higher, and household income is lower. Between 2000–2005 and 2011–2016, a BPb decline occurred. Long-standing environmental and socioeconomic Pb exposure injustices have positioned Black populations at extreme risk of adverse health consequences. Given the overlapping health outcomes of Pb exposure with co-morbidities for conditions such as COVID-19, we suggest that further investigation be conducted on Pb exposure and pandemic-related mortality rates, particularly among Black populations. Mapping and remediating invisible environmental Pb provides a path forward for preventing future populations from developing a myriad of Pb-related health issues.
Endothelin-1 and LOX-1 as Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Kosacka Monika , Brzecka Anna
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The search of biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction: lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1)—involved in atherosclerotic plaques formation—and endothelin-1 (ET-1)—potent vasoconstrictor-might help in detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Material and Methods: In 71 OSA patients (apnoea/hypopnoea index, AHI 28.2 ± 17.9/hour) and in 21 healthy controls the serum levels of LOX-1 and ET-1 were measured. Results: There were increased levels of ET-1 (1.58 ± 0.65 vs. 1.09 ± 0.38 pg/mL; p < 0.001) but not of LOX-1 in OSA patients as compared with healthy controls. In the patients’ group ET-1 levels negatively correlated with serum LDL levels. LOX-1 levels positively correlated with fasting glucose levels and were higher in the patients with than without diabetes. Neither ET-1 nor LOX-1 correlated with OSA severity. In mild OSA patients, there was a negative correlation between LOX-1 and mean arterial oxygen saturation during sleep. In severe OSA patients, there was a positive correlation between LOX-1 levels and uric acid. Conclusion: There is endothelial dysfunction in OSA patients as indicated by increased serum levels of ET-1 and possibly endothelial dysfunction in diabetic OSA patients as indicated by increased serum levels of LOX-1 and its correlation with fasting glucose levels.
Could Emotional Intelligence Ability Predict Salary? A Cross-Sectional Study in a Multioccupational Sample
Authors: Sanchez-Gomez Martin , Breso Edgar , Giorgi Gabriele
Published: February 2021

The study of emotional intelligence (EI) in work environments is a trending topic. However, few studies have examined the relationship between EI and salary. Therefore, the presented research aims to analyze the influence of EI on salary using a multioccupational sample. The participants were 785 subjects aged between 18 and 58 years (M = 39.41; SD = 10.95). EI ability was measured using the Mobile Emotional Intelligence Test (MEIT), while the salary was collected together with other sociodemographic variables in a questionnaire created ad hoc. After controlling for the age, gender, social class, educational level, and work experience variables, the results of correlation and regression analysis showed that participants with higher EI and emotional-repair capacity generally have higher salary. These findings provide preliminary evidence that EI is a relevant variable in achieving career success. The ability to channel and manage emotions could help employees develop stronger interpersonal relationships, leading to higher positions and greater financial compensation.
The Role of Culture and Religion on Sexual and Reproductive Health Indicators and Help-Seeking Attitudes amongst 1.5 Generation Migrants in Australia: A Quantitative Pilot Study
Authors: Dune Tinashe , Ayika David , Thepsourinthone Jack , Mapedzahama Virginia , Mengesha Zelalem
Published: February 2021

In Australia, 1.5 generation migrants (those who migrated as children) often enter a new cultural and religious environment, with its own set of constructs of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), at a crucial time in their psychosexual development—puberty/adolescence. Therefore, 1.5 generation migrants may thus have to contend with constructions of SRH from at least two cultures which may be at conflict on the matter. This study was designed to investigate the role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking amongst 1.5 generation migrants. An online survey was completed by 111 participants who answered questions about their cultural connectedness, religion, sexual and reproductive health and help-seeking. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyse the data. There was no significant difference between ethnocultural groups or levels of cultural connectedness in relation to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking attitudes. The results do suggest differences between religious groups in regard to seeking help specifically from participants’ parents. Notably, participants who reported having ‘no religion’ were more likely to seek help with sexual and reproductive health matters from their parent(s). Managing cross-cultural experiences is often noted in the extant literature as a barrier to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking. However, while cultural norms of migrants’ country of origin can remain strong, it is religion that seems to have more of an impact on how 1.5 generation migrants seek help for SRH issues. The findings suggest that 1.5 generation migrants may not need to adapt their religious beliefs or practices, despite entering a new ethnocultural environment. Given that religion can play a role in the participants’ sexual and reproductive health, religious organizations are well-placed to encourage young migrants to adopt help-seeking attitudes.
Building an Indigenous-Led Evidence Base for Smoking Cessation Care among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women during Pregnancy and Beyond: Research Protocol for the Which Way? Project
Authors: Bovill Michelle , Chamberlain Catherine , Bennett Jessica , Longbottom Hayley , Bacon Shanell , Field Belinda , Hussein Paul , Berwick Robert , Gould Gillian , O’Mara Peter
Published: February 2021

Strong and healthy futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people requires engagement in meaningful decision making which is supported by evidence-based approaches. While a significant number of research publications state the research is co-designed, few describe the research process in relation to Indigenous ethical values. Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies is crucial to the continuation of the oldest living culture in the world. Developing meaningful supports to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers to quit smoking during pregnancy is paramount to addressing a range of health and wellbeing outcomes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have called for non-pharmacological approaches to smoking cessation during pregnancy. We describe a culturally responsive research protocol that has been co-designed and is co-owned with urban and regional Aboriginal communities in New South Wales. The project has been developed in line with the AH&MRC’s (Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council) updated guidelines for ethical research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Ethics approvals have been granted by AH&MRC #14541662 University of Newcastle HREC H-2020-0092 and the Local Health District ethics committee 2020/ETH02095. Results will be disseminated through peer reviewed articles, community reports, infographics, and online social media content.
Border Environmental Justice PPGIS: Community-Based Mapping and Public Participation in Eastern Tijuana, México
Authors: Prado Carolina ,   Colectivo Salud y Justicia Ambiental,   Red de Ciudadanos para el Mejoramiento de las Comunidades
Published: February 2021

Community mapping projects have been studied as important contributions to the field of environmental justice and Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS). As a collaborative project between the Colectivo Salud y Justicia Ambiental and Red de Ciudadanos por el Mejoramiento de las Comunidades (RECIMEC), the “Mapeo Comunitario de la Zona Alamar” was created as a mechanism for community participation in the urban planning process in Tijuana, México. This paper outlines the project’s community mapping process, including planning, data collection, priority identification, and data submission. Results from this community mapping project are analyzed including the (1) particular environmental risks and goods in this border region, (2) the influence that the project data had on the urban planning process, and (3) the impact that the community mapping process had on community organizing capacity. Our findings point to particular environmental challenges in this border city including clandestine trash dumps, and contaminated water runoff points. The mapping project influenced the land use planning process by identifying the key environmental risks and goods to prioritize in the zoning and ground truthing urban planning data. The community mapping project also had a key impact on community organizing through the fomenting of knowledge and relationships between community members and government representatives at the city’s urban planning agency.
Transcript Dynamics in Wounded and Inoculated Scots Pine
Authors: Šķipars Vilnis , Ruņģis Dainis
Published: February 2021

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides a useful tool for the exploration of plant–pathogen interaction by allowing in-depth comparison of gene expression between unaffected, inoculated and wounded organisms. Here we present the results of comparative transcriptome analysis in genetically identical one-year-old Scots pine ramets after wounding and inoculation with Heterobasidion annosum. We identified 230 genes that were more than 2-fold upregulated in inoculated samples (compared to controls) and 116 downregulated genes. Comparison of inoculated samp les with wounded samples identified 32 differentially expressed genes (30 were upregulated after inoculation). Several of the genes upregulated after inoculation are involved in protection from oxidative stress, while genes involved in photosynthesis, water transport and drought stress tolerance were downregulated. An NRT3 family protein was the most upregulated transcript in response to both inoculation and wounding, while a U-box domain-containing protein gene was the most upregulated gene comparing inoculation to wounding. The observed transcriptome dynamics suggest involvement of auxin, ethylene, jasmonate, gibberellin and reactive oxygen species pathways and cell wall modification regulation in response to H. annosum infection. The results are compared to methyl jasmonate induced transcriptome dynamics.
Pollen Source Affects Development and Behavioral Preferences in Honey Bees
Authors: Lan Jun , Ding Guiling , Ma Weihua , Jiang Yusuo , Huang Jiaxing
Published: February 2021

With the availability of various plants in bloom simultaneously, honey bees prefer to collect some pollen types over others. To better understand pollen’s role as a reward for workers, we compared the digestibility and nutritional value of two pollen diets, namely, pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) and apricot (Armeniaca sibirica L.). We investigated the visits, pollen consumption, and pollen extraction efficiency of caged Apis mellifera workers. Newly emerged workers were reared, and the effects of two pollen diets on their physiological status (the development of hypopharyngeal glands and ovaries) were compared. The choice-test experiments indicated a significant preference of A. mellifera workers for apricot pollen diets over pear pollen diets (number of bees landing, 29.5 ± 8.11 and 9.25 ± 5.10, p < 0.001 and pollen consumption, 0.052 ± 0.026 g/day and 0.033 ± 0.013 g/day, p < 0.05). Both pollen diets had comparable extraction efficiencies (67.63% for pear pollen and 67.73% for apricot pollen). Caged workers fed different pollen diets also exhibited similar ovarian development (p > 0.05). However, workers fed apricot pollen had significantly larger hypopharyngeal glands than those fed pear pollen (p < 0.001). Our results indicated that the benefits conferred to honey bees by different pollen diets may influence their foraging preference.
The Influence of Family History of Neurodegenerative Disease on Adolescent Concussion Outcomes
Authors: Coffman Colt A. , Harrison Adam T. , Kay Jacob J. M. , Holloway Jeffrey P. , LaFountaine Michael F. , Moore Robert Davis
Published: February 2021

Evidence suggests that factors associated with a family history of neurodegenerative disease (fhNDD) may influence outcomes following a concussion. However, the relevance of these findings in adolescent populations has not been fully explored. Therefore, the present study sought to evaluate the relationship between fhNDD and neurological outcomes following an adolescent concussion. Data from a local pediatric concussion clinic were used to compare adolescents with (n = 22) and without (n = 44) an fhNDD. Clinical symptom burden, emotional health, cardio-autonomic function, and cognitive performance were assessed at initial (~2 weeks) and follow-up (~5 weeks) post-injury evaluations. Cardio-autonomic function was assessed at rest and during isometric handgrip contraction (IHGC). Results indicated no significant group differences in emotional health or cognitive performance. Across evaluations, those with an fhNDD exhibited greater somatic symptom severity, alterations in HRV at rest, and early blunted cardio-autonomic reactivity during IHGC compared to those without an fhNDD. These findings suggest that positive fhNDD is negatively associated with clinical symptomology and cardio-autonomic functioning following an adolescent concussion. Further, these findings encourage clinicians to utilize a comprehensive neurological evaluation to monitor concussion recovery. Future studies should look into exploring the role of specific neurodegenerative processes and conditions on concussion outcomes in adolescents.
Reliability and Reproducibility of Landmark Identification in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: Digital Lateral Vis-A-Vis CBCT-Derived 3D Cephalograms
Authors: Kochhar Anuraj Singh , Nucci Ludovica , Sidhu Maninder Singh , Prabhakar Mona , Grassia Vincenzo , Perillo Letizia , Kochhar Gulsheen Kaur , Bhasin Ritasha , Dadlani Himanshu , d’Apuzzo Fabrizia
Published: February 2021

Background: The aim of the retrospective observational study was to compare the precision of landmark identification and its reproducibility using cone beam computed tomography-derived 3D cephalograms and digital lateral cephalograms in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Methods: Cephalograms of thirty-one (31) North Indian children (18 boys and 13 girls) with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, who were recommended for orthodontic treatment, were selected. After a thorough analysis of peer-reviewed articles, 20 difficult-to-trace landmarks were selected, and their reliability and reproducibility were studied. These were subjected to landmark identification to evaluate interobserver variability; the coordinates for each point were traced separately by three different orthodontists (OBA, OBB, OBC). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics with paired t-tests to compare the differences measured by the two methods. Real-scale data are presented in mean ± SD. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant at a 95% confidence level. Results: When comparing, the plotting of points posterior nasal spine (PNS) (p < 0.05), anterior nasal spine (ANS) (p < 0.01), upper 1 root tip (p < 0.05), lower 1 root tip (p < 0.05), malare (p < 0.05), pyriforme (p < 0.05), porion (p < 0.01), and basion (p < 0.05) was statistically significant. Conclusion: In patients with a cleft lip and palate, the interobserver identification of cephalometric landmarks was significantly more precise and reproducible with cone beam computed tomography -derived cephalograms vis-a-vis digital lateral cephalograms.
Gut Microbiota at the Intersection of Alcohol, Brain, and the Liver
Authors: Gupta Haripriya , Suk Ki Tae , Kim Dong Joon
Published: February 2021

Over the last decade, increased research into the cognizance of the gut–liver–brain axis in medicine has yielded powerful evidence suggesting a strong association between alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) and the brain, including hepatic encephalopathy or other similar brain disorders. In the gut–brain axis, chronic, alcohol-drinking-induced, low-grade systemic inflammation is suggested to be the main pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunctions in patients with ALD. However, the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites have remained unclear. Eubiosis of the gut microbiome is crucial as dysbiosis between autochthonous bacteria and pathobionts leads to intestinal insult, liver injury, and neuroinflammation. Restoring dysbiosis using modulating factors such as alcohol abstinence, promoting commensal bacterial abundance, maintaining short-chain fatty acids in the gut, or vagus nerve stimulation could be beneficial in alleviating disease progression. In this review, we summarize the pathogenic mechanisms linked with the gut–liver–brain axis in the development and progression of brain disorders associated with ALD in both experimental models and humans. Further, we discuss the therapeutic potential and future research directions as they relate to the gut–liver–brain axis.
Multistate Modeling of COVID-19 Patients Using a Large Multicentric Prospective Cohort of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Ursino Moreno , Dupuis Claire , Buetti Niccolò , de Montmollin Etienne , Bouadma Lila , Golgran-Toledano Dany , Ruckly Stéphane , Neuville Mathilde , Cohen Yves , Mourvillier Bruno , Souweine Bertrand , Gainnier Marc , Laurent Virginie , Terzi Nicolas , Siami Shidasp , Reignier Jean , Alberti Corinne , Timsit Jean-François ,   on behalf of the OUTCOMEREA Study Group
Published: February 2021

The mortality of COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is influenced by their state at admission. We aimed to model COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome state transitions from ICU admission to day 60 outcome and to evaluate possible prognostic factors. We analyzed a prospective French database that includes critically ill COVID-19 patients. A six-state multistate model was built and 17 transitions were analyzed either using a non-parametric approach or a Cox proportional hazard model. Corticosteroids and IL-antagonists (tocilizumab and anakinra) effects were evaluated using G-computation. We included 382 patients in the analysis: 243 patients were admitted to the ICU with non-invasive ventilation, 116 with invasive mechanical ventilation, and 23 with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The predicted 60-day mortality was 25.9% (95% CI: 21.8%–30.0%), 44.7% (95% CI: 48.8%–50.6%), and 59.2% (95% CI: 49.4%–69.0%) for a patient admitted in these three states, respectively. Corticosteroids decreased the risk of being invasively ventilated (hazard ratio (HR) 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39–0.90) and IL-antagonists increased the probability of being successfully extubated (HR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.02–3.17). Antiviral drugs did not impact any transition. In conclusion, we observed that the day-60 outcome in COVID-19 patients is highly dependent on the first ventilation state upon ICU admission. Moreover, we illustrated that corticosteroid and IL-antagonists may influence the intubation duration.
Analgesic Drugs and COVID-19
Authors: Varrassi Giustino
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 pandemic represents a big challenge for the health care systems [...]
Opportunity Costs or Not? Validating the Short Gambling Harm Screen against a Set of “Unimpeachable” Negative Impacts
Authors: Murray Boyle Cailem , Browne Matthew , Rockloff Matthew , Flenady Tracy
Published: February 2021

Assessing the harmful consequences of gambling is an area of active investigation. One measure intended to capture gambling-related harm is the 10-item short gambling harm screen (SGHS). Although good psychometric properties have been reported, it has been suggested that the screen’s less severe probes may not represent genuinely harmful consequences, but rather may reflect rational opportunity costs. Consequently, it has been argued that the screen may lead to overestimation of the extent of gambling-related harm in the population. The current study sought to examine the psychometric performance of three less severe suspect items in the SGHS. Associations between each of these items and a specially constructed scale of relatively severe “unimpeachable” gambling harms were calculated from archival data from 5551 Australian and New Zealand gamblers. All three suspect items, both individually and upon aggregation, predicted greater endorsement of “unimpeachable” harms, and indicated the presence of gambling problems. Moreover, the SGHS as a whole is highly correlated with “unimpeachable” gambling harms. Including suspect items in the SGHS was found to improve predictions of low- and moderate-risk gambling status, but slightly decreased predictions of severe gambling problems. The results are inconsistent with the notion that SGHS harm probes capture either inconsequential consequences or opportunity costs. They confirm prior findings that harm symptomatology is unidimensional, and that the report of multiple more prevalent, but less severe, harms serves as an effective indicator of the spectrum of experienced harm.
Development of a Single-Step Antibody–Drug Conjugate Purification Process with Membrane Chromatography
Authors: Cordova Juan Carlos , Sun Sheng , Bos Jeffrey , Thirumalairajan Srinath , Ghone Sanjeevani , Hirai Miyako , Busse Ricarda A. , Hardt Julia S. v. der , Schwartz Ian , Zhou Jieyu
Published: February 2021

Membrane chromatography is routinely used to remove host cell proteins, viral particles, and aggregates during antibody downstream processing. The application of membrane chromatography to the field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has been applied in a limited capacity and in only specialized scenarios. Here, we utilized the characteristics of the membrane adsorbers, Sartobind® S and Phenyl, for aggregate and payload clearance while polishing the ADC in a single chromatographic run. The Sartobind® S membrane was used in the removal of excess payload, while the Sartobind® Phenyl was used to polish the ADC by clearance of unwanted drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) species and aggregates. The Sartobind® S membrane reproducibly achieved log-fold clearance of free payload with a 10 membrane-volume wash. Application of the Sartobind® Phenyl decreased aggregates and higher DAR species while increasing DAR homogeneity. The Sartobind® S and Phenyl membranes were placed in tandem to simplify the process in a single chromatographic run. With the optimized binding, washing, and elution conditions, the tandem membrane approach was performed in a shorter timescale with minimum solvent consumption and high yield. The application of the tandem membrane chromatography system presents a novel and efficient purification scheme that can be realized during ADC manufacturing.
Extreme Waves in the Agulhas Current Region Inferred from SAR Wave Spectra and the SWAN Model
Authors: Ponce de León Sonia , Guedes Soares C.
Published: February 2021

The influence of the Agulhas Current on the wave field is investigated. The study is conducted by performing high resolution spectral wave model simulations with and without ocean currents. The validation of the numerical simulations is performed for the Significant Wave Height (Hs) using all possible satellite altimetry data available in the study region for a winter period of 2018. Wave spectra and extreme waves parameters are examined in places where waves and current are aligned in the Agulhas Current. Sentinel-1 (S1) wave mode Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) spectra are used to estimate the composites of the Hs and BFI (Benjamin–Feir Index). SAR computed BFI and Hs were compared with the respective composites obtained from the Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) model. From the Hs composites using SAR data and modeled data, it can be concluded that the Hs maxima values are distributed in the Agulhas Current Retroflection (ACR) and also in the southern limit of the domain that is affected by the strong circumpolar winds around Antarctic. In addition, the BFI composites exhibit the highest values in the ACR and some few values are observed in the southern border as occurred with the Hs. The results of this study indicate that there is direct correlation between the Agulhas Current strength, the Hs and the BFI. It was found that the modeled directional wave spectra are broadened when the ocean current is considered in the simulation. The analysis of the modeled wave spectra is performed over eddies, rings and meanders in the Agulhas Current region. The transformation of the wave spectra due to current refraction is discussed based on the numerical simulations. The effect of the Agulhas Current on the spectral shape is explored. The spectral wave energy grows when the wave and the current are aligned, resulting in peaked, elongated and widened spectra. A decrease of the peak period was observed before the occurrence of maximum values of BFI, which characterize abnormal sea states.
One Century of Study: What We Learned about Paracoccidioides and How This Pathogen Contributed to Advances in Antifungal Therapy
Authors: Seki Kioshima Erika , de Souza Bonfim de Mendonça Patrícia , de Melo Teixeira Marcus , Grenier Capoci Isis Regina , Amaral André , Vilugron Rodrigues-Vendramini Franciele Abigail , Lauton Simões Bruna , Rodrigues Abadio Ana Karina , Fernandes Matos Larissa , Soares Felipe Maria Sueli
Published: February 2021

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a notable fungal infection restricted to Latin America. Since the first description of the disease by Lutz up to the present day, Brazilian researchers have contributed to the understanding of the life cycle of this pathogen and provided the possibility of new targets for antifungal therapy based on the structural and functional genomics of Paracoccidioides. In this context, in silico approaches have selected molecules that act on specific targets, such as the thioredoxin system, with promising antifungal activity against Paracoccidioides. Some of these are already in advanced development stages. In addition, the application of nanostructured systems has addressed issues related to the high toxicity of conventional PCM therapy. Thus, the contribution of molecular biology and biotechnology to the advances achieved is unquestionable. However, it is still necessary to transcend the boundaries of synthetic chemistry, pharmaco-technics, and pharmacodynamics, aiming to turn promising molecules into newly available drugs for the treatment of fungal diseases.
Functional Assessment of 12 Rare Allelic CYP2C9 Variants Identified in a Population of 4773 Japanese Individuals
Authors: Kumondai Masaki , Ito Akio , Gutiérrez Rico Evelyn Marie , Hishinuma Eiji , Ueda Akiko , Saito Sakae , Nakayoshi Tomoki , Oda Akifumi , Tadaka Shu , Kinoshita Kengo , Maekawa Masamitsu , Mano Nariyasu , Hirasawa Noriyasu , Hiratsuka Masahiro
Published: February 2021

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) is an important drug-metabolizing enzyme that contributes to the metabolism of approximately 15% of clinically used drugs, including warfarin, which is known for its narrow therapeutic window. Interindividual differences in CYP2C9 enzymatic activity caused by CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms lead to inconsistent treatment responses in patients. Thus, in this study, we characterized the functional differences in CYP2C9 wild-type (CYP2C9.1), CYP2C9.2, CYP2C9.3, and 12 rare novel variants identified in 4773 Japanese individuals. These CYP2C9 variants were heterologously expressed in 293FT cells, and the kinetic parameters (Km, kcat, Vmax, catalytic efficiency, and CLint) of (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation and tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation were estimated. From this analysis, almost all novel CYP2C9 variants showed significantly reduced or null enzymatic activity compared with that of the CYP2C9 wild-type. A strong correlation was found in catalytic efficiencies between (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation and tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation among all studied CYP2C9 variants. The causes of the observed perturbation in enzyme activity were evaluated by three-dimensional structural modeling. Our findings could clarify a part of discrepancies among genotype–phenotype associations based on the novel CYP2C9 rare allelic variants and could, therefore, improve personalized medicine, including the selection of the appropriate warfarin dose.
Women’s Views on Multifactorial Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Risk-Stratified Screening: A Population-Based Survey from Four Provinces in Canada
Authors: Mbuya Bienge Cynthia , Pashayan Nora , Brooks Jennifer , Dorval Michel , Chiquette Jocelyne , Eloy Laurence , Turgeon Annie , Lambert-Côté Laurence , Paquette Jean-Sébastien , Lévesque Emmanuelle , Hagan Julie , Walker Meghan , Lapointe Julie , Dalpé Gratien , Granados Moreno Palmira , Blackmore Kristina , Wolfson Michael , Joly Yann , Broeders Mireille , Knoppers Bartha , Chiarelli Anna , Simard Jacques , Nabi Hermann
Published: February 2021

Risk-stratified screening for breast cancer (BC) is increasingly considered as a promising approach. However, its implementation is challenging and needs to be acceptable to women. We examined Canadian women’s attitudes towards, comfort level about, and willingness to take part in BC risk-stratified screening. We conducted an online survey in women aged 30 to 69 years in four Canadian provinces. In total, 4293 women completed the questionnaire (response rate of 63%). The majority of women (63.5% to 72.8%) expressed favorable attitudes towards BC risk-stratified screening. Most women reported that they would be comfortable providing personal and genetic information for BC risk assessment (61.5% to 67.4%) and showed a willingness to have their BC risk assessed if offered (74.8%). Most women (85.9%) would also accept an increase in screening frequency if they were at higher risk, but fewer (49.3%) would accept a reduction in screening frequency if they were at lower risk. There were few differences by province; however, outcomes varied by age, education level, marital status, income, perceived risk, history of BC, prior mammography, and history of genetic test for BC (all p ≤ 0.01). Risk-based BC screening using multifactorial risk assessment appears to be acceptable to most women. This suggests that the implementation of this approach is likely to be well-supported by Canadian women.
Breathing Exercise Called the Maximal Abdominal Contraction Maneuver
Authors: Kwon Jung Won , Park Seo Yoon , Baek Ki Hyun , Youk Kyoungsoo , Oh Seunghue
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives: The maximal abdominal contraction maneuver (MACM) was designed as an effective and efficient breathing exercise to increase the stability of the spinal joint. However, it has not been determined whether MACM is more effective and efficient than the maximal expiration method. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate whole abdominal muscle thickness changes after MACM. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (17 males and 13 females) participated in this study. An experimental comparison between MACM and the maximal expiration task was conducted by measuring the change of abdominal muscle thickness such as the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO) and rectus abdominis (RA) using ultrasound images. Results: The results indicated that MACM resulted in significantly greater muscle thickness increases of the TrA and RA than the maximal expiration exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MACM provided better exercise than the maximal expiration exercise in terms of increasing spine stability, at least from a co-contraction perspective.
Multiparametric Monitoring of Hypnosis and Nociception-Antinociception Balance during General Anesthesia—A New Era in Patient Safety Standards and Healthcare Management
Authors: Rogobete Alexandru Florin , Bedreag Ovidiu Horea , Papurica Marius , Popovici Sonia Elena , Bratu Lavinia Melania , Rata Andreea , Barsac Claudiu Rafael , Maghiar Andra , Garofil Dragos Nicolae , Negrea Mihai , Petcu Laura Bostangiu , Toma Daiana , Dumbuleu Corina Maria , Rimawi Samir , Sandesc Dorel
Published: February 2021

The development of general anesthesia techniques and anesthetic substances has opened new horizons for the expansion and improvement of surgical techniques. Nevertheless, more complex surgical procedures have brought a higher complexity and longer duration for general anesthesia, which has led to a series of adverse events such as hemodynamic instability, under- or overdosage of anesthetic drugs, and an increased number of post-anesthetic events. In order to adapt the anesthesia according to the particularities of each patient, the multimodal monitoring of these patients is highly recommended. Classically, general anesthesia monitoring consists of the analysis of vital functions and gas exchange. Multimodal monitoring refers to the concomitant monitoring of the degree of hypnosis and the nociceptive-antinociceptive balance. By titrating anesthetic drugs according to these parameters, clinical benefits can be obtained, such as hemodynamic stabilization, the reduction of awakening times, and the reduction of postoperative complications. Another important aspect is the impact on the status of inflammation and the redox balance. By minimizing inflammatory and oxidative impact, a faster recovery can be achieved that increases patient safety. The purpose of this literature review is to present the most modern multimodal monitoring techniques to discuss the particularities of each technique.