bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Higher Vasoactive-Inotropic Scores Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Chinese Children
Authors: Ye Xiuxia , Dong Shumei , Deng Yujiao , Jiang Chuan , Kong Yanting , Tang Lili , Wang Yanlin , Bei Fei , Hong Haifa
Published: July 2021

The relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular health in children remains unclear. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is supposed to be a potential risk factor associated with poorer outcomes after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery. The maximum vasoactive-inotropic use after cardiac surgery is considered to be a good predictor of adverse outcomes. We aimed to assess the correlation between preoperative VDD and the maximum vasoactive-inotropic score (VISmax) at 24 h postoperatively. Nine hundred children with CHD were enrolled in this study, and preoperative total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Related demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. A total of 490 boys (54.4%) and 410 girls (45.6%) with a mean age of 1 year (range: 6 months-3 years) were enrolled. The median 25(OH)D level was 24.0 ng/mL, with 32.6% of patients having VDD [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. The univariate analysis indicated that VDD [odds ratio (OR): 2.27; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48–3.50] is associated with a risk of increased VISmax at 24 h postoperation. Multivariate analysis revealed that VDD (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.09–3.02), a Risk-adjusted Congenital Heart Surgery score of at least three points (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.09–2.19), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02) were independently associated with an increased VISmax within 24 h after cardiac surgery. VDD in pediatric patients before cardiac surgery is associated with the need for increased postoperative inotropic support at 24 h postoperation.
Age-Related Differences in the Expression of Most Relevant Mediators of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Human Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Berni Canani Roberto , Comegna Marika , Paparo Lorella , Cernera Gustavo , Bruno Cristina , Strisciuglio Caterina , Zollo Immacolata , Gravina Antonietta Gerarda , Miele Erasmo , Cantone Elena , Gennarelli Nicola , Nocerino Rita , Carucci Laura , Giglio Veronica , Amato Felice , Castaldo Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Background: Clinical features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection seem to differ in children compared to that in adults. It has been hypothesized that the lower clinical severity in children could be influenced by differential expression of the main host functional receptor to SARS-CoV-2, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), but data are still conflicting. To explore the origin of age-dependent clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we comparatively evaluated the expression in children and adult subjects of the most relevant mediators of the SARS-CoV-2 infection: ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), transmembrane serine protease-2 (TMPRSS2), and neuropilin-1 (NRP1), at upper respiratory tract and small intestine level.

Methods: The expression of ACE2, ACE1, TMPRSS2, and NRP1 in nasal epithelium and in small intestine epithelium was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR analysis.

Results: We found no differences in ACE2, ACE1, and TMPRSS2 expression in the nasal epithelium comparing children and adult subjects. In contrast, nasal epithelium NRP1 expression was lower in children compared to that in adults. Intestinal ACE2 expression was higher in children compared to that in adults, whereas intestinal ACE1 expression was higher in adults. Intestinal TMPRSS2 and NRP1 expression was similar comparing children and adult subjects.

Conclusions: The lower severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection observed in children may be due to a different expression of nasal NRP1, that promotes the virus interaction with ACE2. However, the common findings of intestinal symptoms in children could be due to a higher expression of ACE2 at this level. The insights from these data will be useful in determining the treatment policies and preventive measures for COVID-19.
Functions and Diseases of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Yang Song , Zhou Jun , Li Dengwen
Published: July 2021

The retinal pigment epithelium is a fundamental component of the retina that plays essential roles in visual functions. Damage to the structure and function of the retinal pigment epithelium leads to a variety of retinopathies, and there is currently no curative therapy for these disorders. Therefore, studying the relationship between the development, function, and pathobiology of the retinal pigment epithelium is important for the prevention and treatment of retinopathies. Here we review the function of the retinal pigment epithelium and its relevance to the pathobiology, and discuss potential strategies for the treatment of retinopathies. In doing so, we provide new viewpoints outlining new ideas for the future study and treatment of retinopathies.
Functorial Evolution of Quantum Fields
Authors: Gogioso Stefano , Stasinou Maria E. , Coecke Bob
Published: July 2021

We present a compositional algebraic framework to describe the evolution of quantum fields in discretised spacetimes. We show how familiar notions from Relativity and quantum causality can be recovered in a purely order-theoretic way from the causal order of events in spacetime, with no direct mention of analysis or topology. We formulate theory-independent notions of fields over causal orders in a compositional, functorial way. We draw a strong connection to Algebraic Quantum Field Theory (AQFT), using a sheaf-theoretical approach in our definition of spaces of states over regions of spacetime. We introduce notions of symmetry and cellular automata, which we show to subsume existing definitions of Quantum Cellular Automata (QCA) from previous literature. Given the extreme flexibility of our constructions, we propose that our framework be used as the starting point for new developments in AQFT, QCA and more generally Quantum Field Theory.
Oxygen Extraction Based on Inspiratory and Expiratory Gas Analysis Identifies Ventilatory Inefficiency in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Miki Keisuke , Tsujino Kazuyuki , Maekura Ryoji , Matsuki Takanori , Miki Mari , Hashimoto Hisako , Kagawa Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Takahiro , Kuge Tomoki , Kida Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Aims: In contrast to cardiovascular disease, low rather than high ventilatory inefficiency, evaluated by the minute ventilation-carbon dioxide output (V'E-V'CO2)-slope, has been recognized as being related to greater disease severity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To better care for patients with cardiopulmonary disease, understanding the physiological correlation between ventilatory inefficiency and exercise limitation is necessary, but remains inadequate. Given that oxygen uptake (V'O2) evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) depends on both the ventilatory capability and oxygen extraction, i.e., the difference between inspiratory and expiratory oxygen concentration (ΔFO2), the aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between V'E-V'CO2-slope and the ΔFO2 during exercise and their physiological implications in patients with COPD.

Methods: A total of 156 COPD patients (mean age, 70.9 ± 7.2 years) with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages I–IV and 16 controls underwent CPET with blood gas analysis.

Results: With the progression of COPD, mechanical ventilatory constraints together with a slower respiratory frequency led to exertional respiratory acidosis. In GOLD IV cases, (1) decrease in the dependence of reduced peak V'O2 on V'E led to an increase in its dependence on peak ΔFO2 during exercise; and (2) the ΔFO2-V'CO2-slope became steeper, correlating with the severity of exertional respiratory acidosis (r = 0.6359, p < 0.0001). No significant differences in peak exercise ΔFO2 or V'E-V'CO2-slope were observed among the various GOLD stages. In all subjects, including controls, peak exercise ΔFO2 had the strongest correlation with the V'E-V'CO2-slope (r = −0.8835, p < 0.0001) and correlated well with body mass index (r = 0.3871, p < 0.0001), although it did not correlate with the heart rate-V'CO2-relationship and V'E.

Conclusions: Ventilatory efficiency related to CO2 clearance might depend on exertional oxygen extraction in the body. Measuring ΔFO2 might be a key component for identifying ventilatory inefficiency and oxygen availability. Increasing ΔFO2 would help to improve ventilatory inefficiency and exercise tolerance separately from cardiac and ventilatory capability in COPD patients.
Hypothalamic Perineuronal Nets Are Regulated by Sex and Dietary Interventions
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yan Zili , Liu Hailan , Yu Meng , He Yang , Liu Hesong , Liang Chen , Tu Longlong , Wang Lina , Yin Na , Han Junying , Scarcelli Nikolas , Yang Yongjie , Wang Chunmei , Zeng Tianshu , Chen Lu-Lu , Xu Yong
Published: July 2021

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are widely present in the hypothalamus, and are thought to provide physical protection and ion buffering for neurons and regulate their synaptic plasticity and intracellular signaling. Recent evidence indicates that PNNs in the mediobasal hypothalamus play an important role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. However, whether and how hypothalamic PNNs are regulated are not fully understood. In the present study, we examined whether PNNs in various hypothalamic regions in mice can be regulated by sex, gonadal hormones, dietary interventions, or their interactions. We demonstrated that gonadal hormones are required to maintain normal PNNs in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus in both male and female mice. In addition, PNNs in the terete hypothalamic nucleus display a sexual dimorphism with females higher than males, and high-fat diet feeding increases terete PNNs only in female mice but not in male mice. On the other hand, PNNs in other hypothalamic regions are not influenced by sex, gonadal hormones or dietary interventions. In summary, we demonstrated that hypothalamic PNNs are regulated in a region-specific manner and these results provide a framework to further investigate the potential functions of PNNs in regulating energy/glucose homeostasis at the interplay of sex, gonadal hormones and diets.
Why and When Do Good Soldiers Behave Unethically? Introducing Conservation of Resources Theory to Explain the Curvilinear Effects of Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Xu Fangfang , Xu Shiyong , Zhu Jinqiang , Zhou Jinyi , Zhang Bainan , Yang Chunmeng
Published: July 2021

Previous research about organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) has produced contradictory results. Drawing from the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the present study tries to explain the contradictory findings by examining the curvilinear relationship between OCB and CWB. Using data collected at three time points from 426 employees and 110 supervisors in Chinese companies, data analysis shows that OCB has an inverted U-shaped relationship with CWB. The results also demonstrate that citizenship fatigue mediates the relationship between OCB and CWB, perceived organizational support (POS) moderates the relationship between OCB and citizenship fatigue. In addition, POS moderates the mediating effect of citizenship fatigue in the inverted U-shaped curvilinear relationship between OCB and CWB. This mediating effect is stronger under conditions of low POS than high POS. The findings present a complementary explanation of the conflicting relationships between OCB and CWB.
Mentalizing Glasses: Multifocal Attention in Mentalization-Based Treatment and the Role of the Supervision
Authors: Tohme Pia , Kolev Martin
Published: July 2021

Bifocal attention has been conceptualized differently by various scholars; however, all converge in the idea that the therapeutic process includes the need for the therapist to focus his attention on more than one aspect of the therapeutic setting. We propose a novel view in the application of bifocal attention within the mentalizing framework (MBT) of working with children, adolescents, and their families. We start by providing a short history of the evolution of the construct of bifocal attention, followed by a brief description of the structure of MBT for children and adolescents, emphasizing the crucial role of bifocal and multiple attentions in the mentalizing therapist. We close by discussing the importance of continued supervision in facilitating the maintaining of mentalizing glasses in therapy.
Australian Maltreated Infants and Young Children Can Achieve Positive Relational Health With Neurodevelopmentally- and Trauma-Informed Interventions Provided Within Relationally-Positive and Stable Environments
Authors: Cox Allison , Frederico Margarita , Mosse Holly , Radford Lyn , Ambry Dallas , Ryan Clare
Published: July 2021

Background: Childhood maltreatment such as abuse, neglect and family violence has a profound impact on children's psychological and relational functioning and their lifelong trajectory, with associated adverse physical and mental health outcomes, higher mortality rates and reduced socioeconomic opportunities. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of neurodevelopmentally- and trauma-informed interventions on the relational health of children who have experienced maltreatment.

Context: The study was conducted at Berry Street Take Two, an Australian therapeutic service. Take Two provides services to Victorian children aged 0-18 years, to address the impact of the trauma they have experienced from maltreatment. Take Two clinicians use relational and ecological frameworks, neurodevelopmental research and evidence-informed approaches to repair family relationships and develop networks of caring adults that focus on meeting the child's needs. Take Two uses the NMT approach as a framework for clinical intervention-planning and is site-certified in the use of the NMT Clinical Practice tools.

Method: The mixed methods study had two components. A cross sectional study of baseline and repeat clinical measure data (HoNOSCA and SDQ) with a cohort of children aged 2–11 years (n = 91), who were clients of Berry Street Take Two between 2014 and 2019, was conducted utilizing SPSS. The quantitative data analysis was supplemented by three case studies of Berry Street Take Two clients, which explored the process of intervention, including intervention type, timing and dosage. The case studies drew on the full case record for each child to illustrate the impact of NMT-informed interventions on the relational health, psychological and behavioral functioning of children.

Results: The study found that Take Two intervention was associated with improved relational health, measured by the NMT metric and supported by significant positive changes on the SDQ and HoNOSCA with medium effect sizes (cohen's d). The case study analysis highlighted the importance of intervention addressing individual, family and systems elements to bring about positive change.

Conclusions: This study illustrates the value of neurodevelopmental trauma-informed interventions in positively impacting on the relational health and current functioning of maltreated children and the potential to reduce the lifelong impact of maltreatment.
Associations Between the Kynurenine Pathway, Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Okamoto Naomichi , Natsuyama Tomoya , Igata Ryohei , Konishi Yuki , Tesen Hirofumi , Ikenouchi Atsuko , Yoshimura Reiji
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The kynurenine (Kyn) pathway may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This pathway shows crosstalk with proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and/or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Moreover, Kyn metabolites affect neurotransmission and cause neurotoxicity. To date, the influence of the Kyn pathway on proinflammatory cytokines and BDNF remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of the Kyn pathway with proinflammatory cytokines, BDNF, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: Thirty patients with schizophrenia and ten healthy control participants were recruited for this study. All patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The healthy controls were those who did not fulfill any of the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5. The serum levels of Kyn and its metabolites, proinflammatory cytokines, and BDNF were measured in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Patients with schizophrenia were also assessed for psychiatric symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results: Patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls showed no significant differences in the levels of Kyn and its metabolites, proinflammatory cytokines, and BDNF. A significant positive correlation was found between the serum levels of TNF-α and Kyn (r = 0.53, p = 0.0026) and the Kyn/tryptophan (Trp) value (r = 0.67, p = 0.000046) in the schizophrenia group, but not in the healthy control group.

Conclusion: TNF-α affects the Kyn pathway in patients with chronic schizophrenia, but not in the healthy individuals, although serum TNF-α levels showed no difference between the two groups. Associations between the Kyn pathway and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and BDNF or psychotic symptoms might be complicated in hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia.
SIGIRR and TNFAIP3 Are Differentially Expressed in Both PBMC and TNF-α Secreting Cells of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Lin Chin-Chuen , Huang Tiao-Lai
Published: July 2021

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with the activation of the immune/inflammatory system. TNF-α is associated with MDD and poor treatment response. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are responsible in innate immune response, and is associated with MDD and antidepressant response. Some negative regulators of TLR pathway such as SOCS1, TOLLIP, SIGIRR, TNFAIP3, and MyD88s, are reported to be differentially expressed in the peripheral blood samples of patients of MDD.

Methods: We recruited patients with MDD and healthy controls, collect their demographic data, and measured their mRNA levels of negative TLR regulators, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and isolated TNF-α secreting cells. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using Halmiton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D). Some patients were evaluated again after 4 weeks of antidepressant treatment.

Results: Forty-seven patients with MDD and 52 healthy controls were recruited. Between the PBMC samples of 37 MDD patients and 42 controls, mRNA levels of SOCS1, SIGIRR, TNFAIP3, and MyD88s were significantly different. Between TNF-α secreting cells of 10 MDD patients and 10 controls, mRNA levels of SIGIRR and TNFAIP3 were significantly different. Change of Ham-D score only correlated significantly with TOLLIP mRNA level after treatment.

Conclusion: SIGIRR and TNFAIP3, two negative regulators of TLR immune response pathways, were differentially expressed in both PBMC and TNF-α secreting cells of patients with MDD as compared to healthy controls. The negative regulations of innate immune response could contribute to the underlying mechanism of MDD.
Psychological Distress and Tobacco Use Among Hospital Workers During COVID-19
Authors: Mounir Izza , Menvielle Loick , Perlaza Samir , Chênevert Denis , Planchard Jo-Hanna , Fabre Roxane , Benoit Michel , Benyamina Amine , Rolland Benjamin , Cherikh Faredj , David Renaud
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims: This work aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital workers' psychological parameters and attitudes toward substance use, before and during the French COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods: An online survey was proposed to the staff of the University Hospital of Nice and Sainte-Marie psychiatric hospital in France from May 18 to June 6, 2020 assessing changes in daily habits, psychological distress and changes in substance use, including smoking.

Results: A total of 702 respondents (80.3% female) filled out the survey. Overall, most of the workers reported increased stress, irritability, sadness, decreased motivation, and a worse quality of sleep after the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. Additionally, hospital workers who were more likely to use tobacco during the COVID-19 lockdown reported increased sadness (OR = 1.23, p < 0.001), loss of motivation (OR = 0.86, p < 0.05), alcohol consumption (OR = 3.12, p < 0.001), lower incomes (OR = 1.69, p < 0.05), living alone (OR = 1.77, p < 0.001) and doing less physical activity (OR = 0.36, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: During the first lockdown, significant psychological changes (sadness, distress, irritability) associated with changes in tobacco use and physical activity were reported. Such results should encourage hospital leaders to implement dedicated policies to better accompany hospital workers' psychological distress.
Lessons From Lizards: How Scaly Superhealers Can Help Humans
Authors: Subramaniam Noeline , Jacyniak Kathy , McDonald Rebecca P. , Vickaryous Matthew K.
Published: July 2021

Regeneration is the ability to regrow injured or missing body parts. While you might think that regeneration is science fiction or a superpower, it is surprisingly common to many types of animals, including lizards. So why are lizards superhealers? What organs can lizards repair, and what can we learn from lizards to help people? To answer these and other questions, we take a closer look at our scaly neighbors. Our research reveals new ways to look at old problems, such as how to repair skin, the heart and even the brain. Lizards and other species offer important lessons for how to heal, and may one day offer new methods for advancing human health.
The Efficacy and Safety of <2 cm Micro-Keyhole Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Huang Jiashang , Zhan Yan , Li Yi , Jiang Li , Wang Kuan , Wu Zhimin , Xie Yanfeng , Shi Quanhong
Published: July 2021

Objective: Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery has been accepted as a minimally invasive surgical modality for the treatment of hemifacial spasm (HFS). However, the size of the bone window does not match the concept of minimally invasive. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of <2 cm micro-keyhole MVD.

Methods: A total of 148 patients with HFS diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020, who underwent MVD in the neurosurgery department of the hospital were collected. Surgery was performed by a retrosigmoid keyhole approach with the bone hole diameter <2 cm, which was named micro-keyhole MVD. The efficacy and safety of the micro-keyhole MVD were evaluated by statistical analysis of the efficacy of the micro-keyhole MVD and the incidence of postoperative complications.

Results: The effect of micro-keyhole MVD was satisfying (cure or partial remission) in 97.2% (n = 144). The failure and recurrence rates were 2.7% (n = 4) and 0.6% (n = 1), respectively. Among them, immediate facial palsy, delayed facial palsy, hearing loss, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage were found in 0.6% (n = 1), 8.1% (n = 12), 4.7% (n = 7), and 1.3% (n = 2). Only one patient developed cerebellar infarction, which was complicated by “moyamoya disease.” The micro-keyhole MVD in the treatment of HFS can achieve a high remission rate and reduce the incidence of surgical complications.

Conclusion: Micro-keyhole MVD is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for HFS. This technique does not increase the incidence of cranial nerve injury. Meanwhile, it reduces the incidence of CSF leakage and hearing loss (HL).
Mitochondria Content and Activity Are Crucial Parameters for Bull Sperm Quality Evaluation
Authors: Madeja Zofia E. , Podralska Marta , Nadel Agnieszka , Pszczola Marcin , Pawlak Piotr , Rozwadowska Natalia
Published: July 2021

Standard sperm evaluation parameters do not enable predicting their ability to survive cryopreservation. Mitochondria are highly prone to suffer injuries during freezing, and any abnormalities in their morphology or function are reflected by a decline of sperm quality. Our work focused on describing a link between the number and the activity of mitochondria, with an aim to validate its applicability as a biomarker of bovine sperm quality. Cryopreserved sperm collected from bulls with high (group 1) and low (group 2) semen quality was separated by swim up. The spermatozoa of group 1 overall retained more mitochondria (MitoTrackerGreen) and mtDNA copies, irrespective of the fraction. Regardless of the initial ejaculate quality, the motile sperm contained significantly more mitochondria and mtDNA copies. The same trend was observed for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm, JC-1), where motile sperm displayed high ΔΨm. These results stay in agreement with transcript-level evaluation (real-time polymerase chain reaction, PCR) of antioxidant enzymes (PRDX1, SOD1, GSS), which protect cells from the reactive oxygen species. An overall higher level of glutathione synthetase (GSS) mRNA was noted in group 1 bulls, suggesting higher ability to counteract free radicals. No differences were noted between basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) (Seahorse XF Agilent) and ATP-linked respiration for group 1 and 2 bulls. In conclusion, mitochondrial content and activity may be used as reliable markers for bovine sperm quality evaluation.
Differences in Nutritional Status and Inflammatory Biomarkers between Female and Male Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Large-Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Xuejie , Villa Carmen , Dobarganes Yadira , Olveira Casilda , Girón Rosa , García-Clemente Marta , Maíz Luis , Sibila Oriol , Golpe Rafael , Menéndez Rosario , Rodríguez-López Juan , Prados Concepción , Martinez-García Miguel Angel , Rodriguez Juan Luis , de la Rosa David , Duran Xavier , Barreiro Esther
Published: July 2021

We hypothesized that systemic inflammatory and nutritional parameters may differ between male and female patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. In a large patient cohort from the Spanish Online Bronchiectasis Registry (RIBRON), clinical features, systemic inflammatory and nutritional parameters were analyzed in male and female patients with bronchiectasis. Lung function, disease severity using several scores, nutritional status, systemic inflammatory parameters, and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify differences between male and female patients in the target variables. The number of female patients included in the registry was greater than male patients and they had a less severe disease as measured by all three indices of disease severity, a lower degree of airway obstruction, worse diffusion capacity and airway trapping, better nutritional parameters, and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Multivariate regression analysis evidenced that strong relationships were found between female gender and the following variables: total numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils, hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, and body mass index (BMI). Multivariate regression analyses evidenced that nutritional parameters and inflammatory biomarkers may be reliable indicators of gender-related differences in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. These findings deserve further attention in follow-up investigations in which the potential predictive value of those biomarkers should be thoroughly explored.
Clinical Utility of Liquid Biopsy-Based Actionable Mutations Detected via ddPCR
Authors: Palacín-Aliana Irina , García-Romero Noemí , Asensi-Puig Adrià , Carrión-Navarro Josefa , González-Rumayor Víctor , Ayuso-Sacido Ángel
Published: July 2021

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and remains a major public health challenge. The introduction of more sensitive and powerful technologies has permitted the appearance of new tumor-specific molecular aberrations with a significant cancer management improvement. Therefore, molecular pathology profiling has become fundamental not only to guide tumor diagnosis and prognosis but also to assist with therapeutic decisions in daily practice. Although tumor biopsies continue to be mandatory in cancer diagnosis and classification, several studies have demonstrated that liquid biopsies could be used as a potential tool for the detection of cancer-specific biomarkers. One of the main advantages is that circulating free DNA (cfDNA) provides information about intra-tumoral heterogeneity, reflecting dynamic changes in tumor burden. This minimally invasive tool has become an accurate and reliable instrument for monitoring cancer genetics. However, implementing liquid biopsies across the clinical practice is still ongoing. The main challenge is to detect genomic alterations at low allele fractions. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a powerful approach that can overcome this issue due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Here we explore the real-world clinical utility of the liquid biopsy ddPCR assays in the most diagnosed cancer subtypes.
Potential Assessment of Dehydration during High-Intensity Training Using a Capacitance Sensor for Oral Mucosal Moisture: Evaluation of Elite Athletes in a Field-Based Survey
Authors: Tanabe Gen , Hasunuma Tetsuya , Inai Yuto , Takeuchi Yasuo , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Hayashi Kairi , Shimizu Shintaro , Kamiya Nana S , Churei Hiroshi , Sumita Yuka I , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Moriya Naoki , Ueno Toshiaki
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim of this clinical study was to reveal the relationship between body dehydration and oral mucosa moisture measured by the use of a capacitance sensor for oral epithelial moisture. Methods: The following clinical parameters were recorded from each one of 19 athletes in a one-week period of high-intensity exercise at the U-23 Triathlon Training Camp in summer and winter; body weight, urine specific gravity, oral mucosa moisture, subjective oral thirst, and subjective throat thirst (within 30 min after waking and before breakfast at 7:00 a.m. on Day2 and Day6). Results: There were no significant differences in the mean values of body weight, urine specific gravity, oral mucosa moisture, oral thirst, and throat thirst between Day2 and Day6 in both measurements in summer and winter. The oral mucosa moisture had a moderate negative correlation with urine specific gravity (p < 0.05, r = −0.45). Conclusions: This study suggests that oral mucosal moisture determined using an oral moisture-checking device could be a potential index for assessing dehydration during sports activities.
A Review of Accelerated Pavement Testing Applications in Non-Pavement Research
Authors: Fosu-Saah Benjamin , Hafez Marwan , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: July 2021

Accelerated pavement testing (APT) facilities has been demonstrated for years as a multi-purpose solution for pavement and non-pavement research. Even though APTs are widely known in the pavement industry, little has been publicized about their successful applications in non-pavement research. This paper provides a survey of APT applications in non-pavement research. The purpose of the survey is to review and encourage APT owners and agencies to explore the opportunities that APT facilities can present to promote non-pavement research initiatives. The survey demonstrates the ability of APTs to conduct research for bridges, transportation technology, drainage, geotechnical engineering, automobiles, environmental engineering, highway safety, among others. Non-pavement research can be incorporated into APT programs to diversify funding sources for research operations and promote cooperation with other agencies. Finally, suggestions for future and current APTs are made in this paper, including evaluating connected vehicles, work zone applications, smart infrastructure, truck platooning effects on bridge performance, sustainable drainage systems, bridges, advancement in geotechnical methods, sustainable fuels, and unmanned aerial systems.
Design of Computational Models for Hydroturbine Units Based on a Nonparametric Regression Approach with Adaptation by Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Bukhtoyarov Vladimir Viktorovich , Tynchenko Vadim Sergeevich
Published: July 2021

This article deals with the problem of designing regression models for evaluating the parameters of the operation of complex technological equipment—hydroturbine units. A promising approach to the construction of regression models based on nonparametric Nadaraya–Watson kernel estimates is considered. A known problem in applying this approach is to determine the effective values of kernel-smoothing coefficients. Kernel-smoothing factors significantly impact the accuracy of the regression model, especially under conditions of variability of noise and parameters of samples in the input space of models. This fully corresponds to the characteristics of the problem of estimating the parameters of hydraulic turbines. We propose to use the evolutionary genetic algorithm with an addition in the form of a local-search stage to adjust the smoothing coefficients. This ensures the local convergence of the tuning procedure, which is important given the high sensitivity of the quality criterion of the nonparametric model. On a set of test problems, the results were obtained showing a reduction in the modeling error by 20% and 28% for the methods of adjusting the coefficients by the standard and hybrid genetic algorithms, respectively, in comparison with the case of an arbitrary choice of the values of such coefficients. For the task of estimating the parameters of the operation of a hydroturbine unit, a number of promising approaches to constructing regression models based on artificial neural networks, multidimensional adaptive splines, and an evolutionary method of genetic programming were included in the research. The proposed nonparametric approach with a hybrid smoothing coefficient tuning scheme was found to be most effective with a reduction in modeling error of about 5% compared with the best of the alternative approaches considered in the study, which, according to the results of numerical experiments, was the method of multivariate adaptive regression splines.
Impedance Spectroscopy of Electrochromic Hydrous Tungsten Oxide Films
Authors: Pehlivan Esat , Granqvist Claes G. , Niklasson Gunnar A.
Published: July 2021

Tungsten oxide is a widely used electrochromic material with important applications in variable-transmittance smart windows as well as in other optoelectronic devices. Here we report on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy applied to hydrous electrochromic tungsten oxide films in a wide range of applied potentials. The films were able to reversibly bleach and color upon electrochemical cycling. Interestingly, the bleaching potential was found to be significantly higher than in conventional non-hydrous tungsten oxide films. Impedance spectra at low potentials showed good agreement with anomalous diffusion models for ion transport in the films. At high potentials, where little ion intercalation takes place, it seems that parasitic side reactions influence the spectra. The potential dependence of the chemical capacitance, as well as the ion diffusion coefficient, were analyzed. The chemical capacitance is discussed in terms of the electron density of states in the films and evidence was found for a band tail extending below the conduction band edge.
Data-Driven Reduced-Order Modeling of Convective Heat Transfer in Porous Media
Authors: German Péter , Tano Mauricio E. , Fiorina Carlo , Ragusa Jean C.
Published: July 2021

This work presents a data-driven Reduced-Order Model (ROM) for parametric convective heat transfer problems in porous media. The intrusive Proper Orthogonal Decomposition aided Reduced-Basis (POD-RB) technique is employed to reduce the porous medium formulation of the incompressible Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations coupled with heat transfer. Instead of resolving the exact flow configuration with high fidelity, the porous medium formulation solves a homogenized flow in which the fluid-structure interactions are captured via volumetric flow resistances with nonlinear, semi-empirical friction correlations. A supremizer approach is implemented for the stabilization of the reduced fluid dynamics equations. The reduced nonlinear flow resistances are treated using the Discrete Empirical Interpolation Method (DEIM), while the turbulent eddy viscosity and diffusivity are approximated by adopting a Radial Basis Function (RBF) interpolation-based approach. The proposed method is tested using a 2D numerical model of the Molten Salt Fast Reactor (MSFR), which involves the simulation of both clean and porous medium regions in the same domain. For the steady-state example, five model parameters are considered to be uncertain: the magnitude of the pumping force, the external coolant temperature, the heat transfer coefficient, the thermal expansion coefficient, and the Prandtl number. For transient scenarios, on the other hand, the coastdown-time of the pump is the only uncertain parameter. The results indicate that the POD-RB-ROMs are suitable for the reduction of similar problems. The relative L2 errors are below 3.34% for every field of interest for all cases analyzed, while the speedup factors vary between 54 (transient) and 40,000 (steady-state).
Numerical Simulation of Pressure Fluctuation near an Expansion Corner in a Supersonic Flow of M = 3.01
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wu Zi-Niu
Published: July 2021

The influence of the expansion corner on pressure fluctuation is an important subject in supersonic flow around high-speed vehicles. Past studies have clarified how the expansion corner alters the root-mean-square of the fluctuating pressure coefficient (Cprms) and the power spectral density (PSD) without considering how these fluctuating properties are related to compressible waves. In this paper, we use characteristics to determine the direction of wave propagation and identified three zones—U-zone, M-zone and D-zone—within which both Cprms and PSD are likely to display different behaviors across the boundary layer. The U-zone is upstream of the characteristic line of the second family and passing through the corner. The D-zone is downstream of the characteristic line of the first family and passing through the corner. The middle zone lies between the U-zone and D-zone. The results of Cprms and PSD at different layers within the boundary layer are obtained using numerical computation through a Detached Eddy Simulation (DES). It is found that in the U-zone and D-zone, both Cprms and PSD are the same in different layers within the boundary layer. In the M-zone, however, both Cprms and PSD may vary in different layers and this variation occurs in the high-frequency band upstream of the corner and mid-frequency band downstream of the corner. A feedback mechanism is tentatively used to explain the difference of spatial distribution of fluctuation properties inside the M-zone.
Development of a Novel Sensor Based on Polypyrrole Doped with Potassium Hexacyanoferrate (II) for Detection of L-Tryptophan in Pharmaceutics
Authors: Dinu Ancuța , Apetrei Constantin
Published: July 2021

This study describes the development of a new sensor with applicability in the determination and quantification of yjr essential amino acid (AA) L-tryptophan (L-TRP) from pharmaceutical products. The proposed sensor is based on a carbon screen-printed electrode (SPCE) modified with the conductor polymer polypyrrole (PPy) doped with potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) (FeCN). For the modification of the SPCE with the PPy doped with FeCN, the chronoamperometry (CA) method was used. For the study of the electrochemical behavior and the sensitive properties of the sensor when detecting L-TRP, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) method was used. This developed electrode has shown a high sensibility, a low detection limit (LOD) of up to 1.05 × 10−7 M, a quantification limit (LOQ) equal to 3.51 × 10−7 M and a wide linearity range between 3.3 × 10−7 M and 1.06 × 10−5 M. The analytical performances of the device were studied for the detection of AA L-TRP from pharmaceutical products, obtaining excellent results. The validation of the electroanalytical method was performed by using the standard method with good results.
Similar Features, Different Behaviors: A Comparative In Vitro Study of the Adipogenic Potential of Stem Cells from Human Follicle, Dental Pulp, and Periodontal Ligament
Authors: Mercado-Rubio Melissa D. , Pérez-Argueta Erick , Zepeda-Pedreguera Alejandro , Aguilar-Ayala Fernando J. , Peñaloza-Cuevas Ricardo , Kú-González Angela , Rojas-Herrera Rafael A. , Rodas-Junco Beatriz A. , Nic-Can Geovanny I.
Published: July 2021

Dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DT-MSCs) are a promising resource for tissue regeneration due to their multilineage potential. Despite accumulating data regarding the biology and differentiation potential of DT-MSCs, few studies have investigated their adipogenic capacity. In this study, we have investigated the mesenchymal features of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), as well as the in vitro effects of different adipogenic media on these cells, and compared them to those of periodontal ligament stem cells (PLSCs) and dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs). DFSC, PLSCs, and DPSCs exhibit similar morphology and proliferation capacity, but they differ in their self-renewal ability and expression of stemness markers (e.g OCT4 and c-MYC). Interestingly, DFSCs and PLSCs exhibited more lipid accumulation than DPSCs when induced to adipogenic differentiation. In addition, the mRNA levels of adipogenic markers (PPAR, LPL, and ADIPOQ) were significantly higher in DFSCs and PLSCs than in DPSCs, which could be related to the differences in the adipogenic commitment in those cells. These findings reveal that the adipogenic capacity differ among DT-MSCs, features that might be advantageous to increasing our understanding about the developmental origins and regulation of adipogenic commitment.
Ethnic Disparities in the Development of Sight-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy in a UK Multi-Ethnic Population with Diabetes: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Nugawela Manjula D. , Gurudas Sarega , Prevost A Toby , Mathur Rohini , Robson John , Hanif Wasim , Majeed Azeem , Sivaprasad Sobha
Published: July 2021

There is little data on ethnic differences in incidence of DR and sight threatening DR (STDR) in the United Kingdom. We aimed to determine ethnic differences in the development of DR and STDR and to identify risk factors of DR and STDR in people with incident or prevalent type II diabetes (T2DM). We used electronic primary care medical records of people registered with 134 general practices in East London during the period from January 2007–January 2017. There were 58,216 people with T2DM eligible to be included in the study. Among people with newly diagnosed T2DM, Indian, Pakistani and African ethnic groups showed an increased risk of DR with Africans having highest risk of STDR compared to White ethnic groups (HR: 1.36 95% CI 1.02–1.83). Among those with prevalent T2DM, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Caribbean ethnic groups showed increased risk of DR and STDR with Indian having the highest risk of any DR (HR: 1.24 95% CI 1.16–1.32) and STDR (HR: 1.38 95% CI 1.17–1.63) compared with Whites after adjusting for all covariates considered. It is important to optimise prevention, screening and treatment options in these ethnic minority groups to avoid health inequalities in diabetes eye care.
High-Performance of a Thick-Walled Polyamide Composite Produced by Microcellular Injection Molding
Authors: Sykutera Dariusz , Czyżewski Piotr , Szewczykowski Piotr
Published: July 2021

Lightweight moldings obtained by microcellular injection molding (MIM) are of great significance for saving materials and reducing energy consumption. For thick-walled parts, the standard injection molding process brings some defects, including a sink mark, warpage, and high shrinkage. Polyamide 66 (PA66)/glass fiber (GF) thick-walled moldings were prepared by MuCell® technology. The influences of moldings thickness (6 and 8.4 mm) and applied nitrogen pressure (16 and 20 MPa) on the morphology and mechanical properties were studied. Finally, the microcellular structure with a small cell diameter of about 30 μm was confirmed. Despite a significant time reduction of the holding phase (to 0.3 s), high-performance PA66 GF30 foamed moldings without sink marks and warpage were obtained. The excellent strength properties and favorable impact resistance while reducing the weight of thick-walled moldings were achieved. The main reason for the good results of polyamide composite was the orientation of the fibers in the flow direction and the large number of small nitrogen cells in the core and transition zone. The structure gradient was analysed and confirmed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, X-ray micro computed tomography (micro CT) and finite element method (FEM) simulation.
Exploitation Characteristics of Teeth Flanks of Gears Regenerated by Three Hard-Facing Procedures
Authors: Marković Svetislav , Arsić Dušan , Nikolić Ružica R. , Lazić Vukić , Hadzima Branislav , Milovanović Vladimir P. , Dwornicka Renata , Ulewicz Robert
Published: July 2021

Numerous phenomena that occur during the process of machine parts’ regeneration have a significant impact on the loss of their working ability. Therefore, the properties of the working surfaces of the teeth flanks of repaired gears were analyzed in this research. The hereditary properties of the gear teeth are expressed by the interdependence of their geometric and physical-mechanical-metallurgical parameters created during the technological operations of regeneration of worn teeth by welding/hard-facing. The hard-facing was executed with three filler metal types, namely: combination Inox 18/8/6 + EDur 600, Castolin 2 and UTP 670. The tested properties included geometrical accuracy, microstructure and microhardness. Evaluation of the executed regeneration procedures was done by comparing the mentioned parameters of the regenerated gears and the new ones. The tested gears were not withdrawn from production due to damage, but they were newly manufactured and intentionally damaged gears, made of the same materials, subjected to the same manufacturing process. In this way, all influences except for the considered filler metal type were eliminated. Based on results of the conducted experiments, it was possible to establish the influence of the filler metal type on the surface characteristics of the regenerated gears’ teeth flanks.
Morphology, Thermo-Mechanical Properties and Biodegradibility of PCL/PLA Blends Reactively Compatibilized by Different Organic Peroxides
Authors: Przybysz-Romatowska Marta , Barczewski Mateusz , Mania Szymon , Tercjak Agnieszka , Haponiuk Józef , Formela Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Reactive blending is a promising approach for the sustainable development of bio-based polymer blends and composites, which currently is gaining more and more attention. In this paper, biodegradable blends based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were prepared via reactive blending performed in an internal mixer. The PCL and PLA content varied in a ratio of 70/30 and 55/45. Reactive modification of PCL/PLA via liquid organic peroxides (OP) including 0.5 wt.% of tert-butyl cumyl peroxide (BU), 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(tert-butylperoxy)-hexane (HX), and tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (PB) is reported. The materials were characterized by rotational rheometer, atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests and biodegradability tests. It was found that the application of peroxides improves the miscibility between PCL and PLA resulted in enhanced mechanical properties and more uniform morphology. Moreover, it was observed that the biodegradation rate of PCL/PLA blends reactively compatibilized was lower comparing to unmodified samples and strongly dependent on the blend ratio and peroxide structure. The presented results confirmed that reactive blending supported by organic peroxide is a promising approach for tailoring novel biodegradable polymeric systems with controllable biodegradation rates.