bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Growing Substrate and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Chemical Composition and Bioactive Properties of Centaurea raphanina ssp. mixta (DC.) Runemark
Authors: Petropoulos Spyridon A. , Fernandes Ângela , Dias Maria Inês , Pereira Carla , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Ivanov Marija , Sokovic Marina D. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian
Published: March 2021

The Mediterranean basin is abundant in wild edible species with numerous health beneficial effects due to the presence of various bioactive phytochemicals. In the present work, the effect of nitrogen fertilization rates (0 ppm, (N0), 200 ppm (N1), 400 ppm (N2), and 600 ppm (N3) of total N) and growth substrate composition (soil or peat/perlite (2/1; v/v)) on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of Centaurea raphanina ssp. mixta plants was evaluated. The results of the study showed that both the tested factors affected nutritional value of the edible leaves, with the soil × N1 treatment being the most beneficial for fat, protein, and carbohydrate content and energetic value. On the other hand, the peat/perlite-grown plants that received 200 ppm of N had the highest content in α-, γ-, and total tocopherols, while the control treatment of soil-grown plants was the richest in individual and total sugars. Oxalic, citric, and total organic acids were the highest in the N2 × soil treatment, while malic acid was the highest in control treatment of the same substrate. The main fatty acids were palmitic, α-linolenic, and linoleic acids, with the highest contents being observed in the N0 × soil, N3 × soil, and N3 × peat/perlite treatments, respectively. The major phenolic compounds were pinocembrim neohesperidoside and pinocembrim acetyl neohesperidoside isomer II, with the highest content being observed in the N1 × soil treatment. The highest antihemolytic activity was observed in the N3 × peat/perlite treatment, while the most effective treatments against lipid peroxidation were N0 (in both soil and peat/perlite combinations) and N1 × peat/perlite. Lastly, all the tested extracts (except for N1 × soil) showed promising cytotoxic effects against HeLa (cervical carcinoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), and NCI-H460 (non-small-cell lung cancer), while all the tested extracts exhibited better antifungal activities (lower minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values) against Trichoderma viride than the positive controls. Overall, the present results suggest that the application of cost-effective practices such as the nitrogen application and the selection of growth substrate may regulate the chemical composition and the bioactive properties of C. raphanina ssp. mixta species and increase its added value under commercial cultivation conditions.
Insights on Immune Function in Free-Ranging Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) with and without Fibropapillomatosis
Authors: Perrault Justin R. , Levin Milton , Mott Cody R. , Bovery Caitlin M. , Bresette Michael J. , Chabot Ryan M. , Gregory Christopher R. , Guertin Jeffrey R. , Hirsch Sarah E. , Ritchie Branson W. , Weege Steven T. , Welsh Ryan C. , Witherington Blair E. , Page-Karjian Annie
Published: March 2021

Chelonid alphaherpesviruses 5 and 6 (ChHV5 and ChHV6) are viruses that affect wild sea turtle populations. ChHV5 is associated with the neoplastic disease fibropapillomatosis (FP), which affects green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in panzootic proportions. ChHV6 infection is associated with lung-eye-trachea disease (LETD), which has only been observed in maricultured sea turtles, although antibodies to ChHV6 have been detected in free-ranging turtles. To better understand herpesvirus prevalence and host immunity in various green turtle foraging aggregations in Florida, USA, our objectives were to compare measures of innate and adaptive immune function in relation to (1) FP tumor presence and severity, and (2) ChHV5 and ChHV6 infection status. Free-ranging, juvenile green turtles (N = 45) were captured and examined for external FP tumors in Florida’s Big Bend, Indian River Lagoon, and Lake Worth Lagoon. Blood samples were collected upon capture and analyzed for ChHV5 and ChHV6 DNA, antibodies to ChHV5 and ChHV6, in vitro lymphocyte proliferation using a T-cell mitogen (concanavalin A), and natural killer cell activity. Despite an overall high FP prevalence (56%), ChHV5 DNA was only observed in one individual, whereas 20% of turtles tested positive for antibodies to ChHV5. ChHV6 DNA was not observed in any animals and only one turtle tested positive for ChHV6 antibodies. T-cell proliferation was not significantly related to FP presence, tumor burden, or ChHV5 seroprevalence; however, lymphocyte proliferation in response to concanavalin A was decreased in turtles with severe FP (N = 3). Lastly, green turtles with FP (N = 9) had significantly lower natural killer cell activity compared to FP-free turtles (N = 5). These results increase our understanding of immune system effects related to FP and provide evidence that immunosuppression occurs after the onset of FP disease.
Honey Bee Proteolytic System and Behavior Parameters under the Influence of an Electric Field at 50 Hz and Variable Intensities for a Long Exposure Time
Authors: Migdał Paweł , Murawska Agnieszka , Strachecka Aneta , Bieńkowski Paweł , Roman Adam
Published: March 2021

The effect of an artificial electromagnetic field on organisms is a subject of extensive public debate and growing numbers of studies. Our study aimed to show the effect of an electromagnetic field at 50 Hz and variable intensities on honey bee proteolytic systems and behavior parameters after 12 h of exposure. Newly emerged worker bees were put into cages and exposed to a 50 Hz E-field with an intensity of 5.0 kV/m, 11.5 kV/m, 23.0 kV/m, or 34.5 kV/m. After 12 h of exposure, hemolymph samples were taken for protease analysis, and the bees were recorded for behavioral analysis. Six behaviors were chosen for observation: walking, flying, self-grooming, contact between individuals, stillness, and wing movement. Bees in the control group demonstrated the highest number of all behavior occurrences, except flying, and had the lowest protease activity. Bees in the experimental groups showed a lower number of occurrences of walking, self-grooming, and contacts between individuals than the control bees and had significantly higher protease activity than the control bees (except that of alkaline proteases in the 23.0 kV/m group).
Comparison of Genetic Merit for Weight and Meat Traits between the Polled and Horned Cattle in Multiple Beef Breeds
Authors: Randhawa Imtiaz A. S. , McGowan Michael R. , Porto-Neto Laercio R. , Hayes Ben J. , Lyons Russell E.
Published: March 2021

Breeding for polled animals is deemed the most practical solution to eradicate horns naturally and circumvent management costs and risks on health and welfare. However, there has been a historical reluctance by some farmers to select polled animals due to perceived lower productivity of their calves. This study has compared estimated breeding values (EBVs) between horned and polled animals (N = 2,466,785) for 12 production and carcass traits to assess historical (before 2000) and recent (2000–2018) genetic implications of poll breeding. Older generations of the polled animals in most breeds had significantly lower (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.05) genetic merits for live (birth to maturity) and carcass weights, milk, meat quality, and fat content traits. Substantial gains of genetic potential were achieved during 2000 to 2018 in each breed, such that polled animals have significantly improved for the majority of traits studied. Generally, polled cohorts showed advantageous EBVs for live and carcass weights irrespective of the lower birth weights in some breeds. While Polled Brahman showed inferior production parameters, the poll genetics’ effect size (d) and correlation (r) were very small on recent birth weight (d = −0.30, r = −0.08), 200 days (−0.19, −0.05), 400 days (−0.06, −0.02), 600 days (−0.05, −0.01), mature cow live weight (−0.08, −0.02), and carcass weight (−0.19, −0.05). In conclusion, although there is some evidence that historical selection for polled breeding animals may have reduced productivity, there is strong evidence that more recent selection for polled genotypes in the breeds studied has not resulted in any adverse effects on genetic merit.
Transmission of Similar Mcr-1 Carrying Plasmids among Different Escherichia coli Lineages Isolated from Livestock and the Farmer
Authors: Viñes Joaquim , Cuscó Anna , Napp Sebastian , Alvarez Julio , Saez-Llorente Jose Luis , Rosàs-Rodoreda Montserrat , Francino Olga , Migura-Garcia Lourdes
Published: March 2021

Colistin use has mostly been stopped in human medicine, due to its toxicity. However, nowadays, it still is used as a last-resort antibiotic to treat hospital infections caused by multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae. On the contrary, colistin has been used in veterinary medicine until recently. In this study, 210 fecal samples from pigs (n = 57), calves (n = 152), and the farmer (n = 1) were collected from a farm where E. coli harboring mcr-1–mcr-3 was previously detected. Samples were plated, and mcr-genes presence was confirmed by multiplex-PCR. Hybrid sequencing which determined the presence and location of mcr-1, other antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors. Eighteen colistin resistant isolates (13 from calves, four from pigs, and one from the farmer) contained mcr-1 associated with plasmids (IncX4, IncI2, and IncHI2), except for two that yielded mcr-1 in the chromosome. Similar plasmids were distributed in different E. coli lineages. Transmission of mcr-1 to the farmer most likely occurred by horizontal gene transfer from E. coli of calf origin, since plasmids were highly similar (99% coverage, 99.97% identity). Moreover, 33 virulence factors, including stx2 for Shiga toxin E. coli (STEC) were detected, highlighting the role of livestock as a reservoir of pathotypes with zoonotic potential.
Induction of AML Preleukemic Fusion Genes in HSPCs and DNA Damage Response in Preleukemic Fusion Gene Positive Samples
Authors: Kosik Pavol , Durdik Matus , Skorvaga Milan , Klimova Daniela , Kochanova Dominika , Cerna Zlatica , Kubes Miroslav , Holop Marek , Belyaev Igor
Published: March 2021

Preleukemic fusion genes (PFGs) occurring after DNA damage in hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) in utero often represent the initial event in the development of childhood leukemia. While the incidence of PFGs characteristic for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was relatively well examined by several research groups and estimated to be 1–5% in umbilical cord blood (UCB) of healthy newborns, PFGs that are relevant to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were poorly investigated. Therefore, this study is focused on the estimation of the incidence of the most frequent AML PFGs in newborns. For the first time, this study considered the inducibility of AML PFGs in different subsets of UCB HSPCs by low-dose γ-rays and also compared endogenous DNA damage, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level between UCB samples containing or lacking AML PFGs. We found that: (i) the incidence of AML PFGs in UCB was 3.19% for RUNX1-RUNX1T1, 3.19% for PML-RARα, and 1.17% for KMT2A-MLLT3, (ii) 50 cGy of γ-rays did not induce RUNX1-RUNX1T1, PML-RARα, or KMT2A-MLLT3 PFGs in different subsets of sorted and expanded HSPCs, and (iii) the AML PFG+ samples accumulated the same level of endogenous DNA damage, as measured by the γH2AX/53BP1 focus formation, and also the same ROS level, and apoptosis as compared to PFG− controls. Our study provides critical insights into the prevalence of AML PFGs in UCB of newborns, without the evidence of a specific HSPC population more susceptible for PFG formation after irradiation to low-dose γ-rays or increased amount of ROS, apoptosis and DNA damage.
Subjective Effects of Sound Absorption and Investigation of Reverberation Times in Modern Japanese Dwellings
Authors: Hoshi Kazuma , Hanyu Toshiki , Suzuki Ryoichi , Watanabe Daisuke
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to reveal the influence of sound absorption in general dwellings on the subjective evaluation of acoustics. First, a subjective experiment was conducted using a full-scale room model. The results indicate that the feelings of silence and serenity can be experienced at absorption coefficients above 0.17, particularly above 0.25. Additionally, we used the recorded binaural sounds for a subjective test instead of using a full-scale room model. This trial showed that the reverberance, feeling of silence, and feeling of serenity can also be evaluated using a headphone listening test. We also measured the reverberation times and recorded the sound environments in three bedrooms, three living and dining (LD) rooms, and three child rooms in modern Japanese dwellings. The average absorption coefficients of the LD and child rooms were lower than 0.17, in the range of 500 Hz to 4 kHz. Therefore, we analyzed the subjective effect of absorption through a psychological test using binaural recorded sounds. The bedrooms with absorption coefficients of 0.18–0.23 were significantly less reverberant, quieter, and more serene than the other rooms.
Investigation of the LCST-Thermoresponsive Behavior of Novel Oligo(Ethylene Glycol)-Modified Pentafluorostyrene Homopolymers
Authors: Pelosi Chiara , Guazzelli Elisa , Calosi Matteo , Bernazzani Luca , Tiné Maria Rosaria , Duce Celia , Martinelli Elisa
Published: March 2021

Amphiphilic tetrafluorostyrene monomers (EFS8) carrying in the para position an oligoethylene glycol chain containing 8 oxyethylenic units on average were synthesized and used for preparation via activator regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET-ATRP) of the corresponding amphiphilic homopolymers (pEFS8-x) with different degrees of polymerization (x = 26 and 46). Combining light transmittance and nano-differential scanning calorimetry (n-DSC) measurements revealed that pEFS8-x homopolymers displayed a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) thermoresponsive behavior in water solutions. Moreover, n-DSC measurements revealed the presence in heating scans of a broad endothermic peak ascribable to the dehydration process of the polymer single chains (unimers) and their collapse into aggregates. Consistently, dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements showed below the LCST the presence of small nanostructures with a hydrodynamic diameter size Dh of 6–7 nm, which collapsed into concentration-dependent larger multichain aggregates (Dh = 300–3000 nm) above LCST. Interestingly, n-DSC data showed that the unimer-aggregate transition was reversible up to a specific temperature (Trev) of each homopolymer, which in any case was higher than Tmax. When heating above Trev the transition was no longer reversible, causing the shift of Tonset and Tmax at lower values, thus suggesting an increase in hydrophobicity of the polymer systems associated with a temperature-dependent dehydration process.
Traffic Noise Prediction Applying Multivariate Bi-Directional Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Xue , Kuehnelt Helmut , De Roeck Wim
Published: March 2021

With the drastically increasing traffic in the last decades, crucial environmental problems have been caused, such as greenhouse gas emission and traffic noise pollution. These problems have adversely affected our life quality and health conditions. In this paper, modelling of traffic noise employing deep learning is investigated. The goal is to identify the best machine-learning model for predicting traffic noise from real-life traffic data with multivariate traffic features as input. An extensive study on recurrent neural network (RNN) is performed in this work for modelling time series traffic data, which was collected through an experimental campaign at an inner city roundabout, including both video traffic data and audio data. The preprocessing of the data, namely how to generate the appropriate input and output for deep learning model, is detailed in this paper. A selection of different architectures of RNN, such as many-to-one, many-to-many, encoder–decoder architectures, was investigated. Moreover, gated recurrent unit (GRU) and long short-term memory (LSTM) were further discussed. The results revealed that a multivariate bi-directional GRU model with many-to-many architecture achieved the best performance with both high accuracy and computation efficiency. The trained model could be promising for a future smart city concept; with the proposed model, real-time traffic noise predictions can be potentially feasible using only traffic data collected by different sensors in the city, thanks to the generated big data by smart cities. The forecast of excessive noise exposure can help the regulation and policy makers to make early decisions, in order to mitigate the noise level.
Chaotic Evolutionary Programming for an Engineering Optimization Problem
Authors: Singh Nirbhow Jap , Singh Shakti , Chopra Vikram , Aftab Mohd Asim , Hussain S. M. Suhail , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: March 2021

The aim of the current paper is to present a mimetic algorithm called the chaotic evolutionary programming Powell’s pattern search (CEPPS) algorithm for the solution of the multi-fuel economic load dispatch problem. In the CEPPS algorithm, the exploration process is maintained by chaotic evolutionary programming, whereas exploitation is taken care off by a pattern search. The proposed CEPPS has two variants based on the Gauss map and the tent map. Seven generalized benchmark test functions and six cases of the multi-fuel economic load dispatch problem are considered for the performance analysis. It is observed from the analysis that the CEPPS solution procedure based on the tent map exhibits superiority to obtain an excellent solution and better convergence characteristics than traditional chaotic evolutionary programming. Further, the performance investigation for the considered economic load dispatch shows that the Gauss map CEPPS solution procedure performs better than the tent map based CEPPS to obtain the solution of the multi-fuel economic dispatch problem.
The Relationship between On-Ice and Off-Ice Performance in Elite Male Adolescent Ice Hockey Players—An Observation Study
Authors: Wagner Herbert , Abplanalp Marc , von Duvillard Serge P. , Bell Jeffrey W. , Taube Wolfgang , Keller Martin
Published: March 2021

In elite adolescence ice hockey players, overall skating performance is an essential performance factor and should be measured adequately, whereas the relationship between on-ice and off-ice performance is not well known. Consequently, the aim of the study was to analyze (1) the differences in on-ice and off-ice performance in elite adolescent ice hockey players, and (2) the relationship between on-ice and off-ice performance in general separated into different age groups. Thirteen under-15, 18 under-17, and 19 under-20 elite male ice hockey players performed the specific overall skating performance test for ice hockey players (SOSPT). Additional tests included 30 m on-ice skating, off-ice skating and off-ice sprinting tests, the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the standing long jump test, the single-leg lateral jump test, and the single-leg lateral skating simulation jump test (Skate SIM). Significant differences (employing one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test) between under-15, under-17, and under-20 players were found in body mass, height, leg length, CMJ height, standing long jump distance, single-leg lateral jumps from the left and right legs, Skate SIM time, off-ice sprinting time (0–6 m and 0–30 m), off-ice inline skating time (0–30 m), on-ice skating time (0–6 m and 0–30 m), and SOSPT time. Pearson Product-Moment correlation analysis revealed stronger correlations between SOSPT time and on-ice skating, off-ice skating, and off-ice sprinting and jump tests in the under-15 players compared to the under-17 and under-20 players. As expected with increasing age, elite male ice hockey players performed better in on-ice and off-ice performance tests. The stronger relationship between SOSPT performance and on-ice and off-ice performance in the younger compared to the older players revealed that general physical performance determined specific overall skating performance more often in youth players, whereas in junior und young adult players, an optimal skating technique is more important. These results should be considered in the selection process for young ice hockey players.
The Effectiveness of Frenotomy on Speech in Adults
Authors: Lichnowska Anna , Kozakiewicz Marcin
Published: March 2021

There is no publication concerning tongue-tie (TT) in adults, surprisingly. It is generally known that TT is mainly diagnosed in newborns and infants. It seems unlikely that TT does not cause functional disorders in adults, especially considering that TT has been present in organism since childhood. Thus, there is insufficient information about the influence of TT on adults′ speech production. The purpose of this study was the functional evaluation of lingual frenotomy on tongue mobility and speech in the adult Polish population. Methods: Methods were based on visual observation and examination of the oral cavity accompanied by visual and auditory examination of articulation. Χ2 test, Kruskal–Wallis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analyses. Conclusions: Tongue-tie is a serious condition in adults. Implementing surgical procedures to treat it improves the tongue′s mobility in every direction and improves speech clarity. The frenotomy should be implemented in patients suffering from malocclusion because the equilibrium of all the face muscles and skeleton is often disturbed and may lead to unstable functional effects of orthodontic and orthognathic treatment.
Trichomonas vaginalis Detection Using Two Convolutional Neural Networks with Encoder-Decoder Architecture
Authors: Wang Xiangzhou , Du Xiaohui , Liu Lin , Ni Guangming , Zhang Jing , Liu Juanxiu , Liu Yong
Published: March 2021

Diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the most important factors in the routine examination of leucorrhea. According to the motion characteristics of Trichomonas vaginalis, a viable detection method is the use of a microscopic camera to record videos of leucorrhea samples and video object detection algorithms for detection. Most Trichomonas vaginalis is defocused and displays as shadow regions on microscopic images, and it is hard to recognize the movement of shadow regions using traditional video object detection algorithms. In order to solve this problem, we propose two convolutional neural networks based on an encoder-decoder architecture. The first network has the ability to learn the difference between frames and utilizes the image and optical flow information of three consecutive frames as the input to perform rough detection. The second network corrects the coarse contours and uses the image information and the rough detection result of the current frame as the input to perform fine detection. With these two networks applied, the metric value of the mean intersection over union of Trichomonas vaginalis achieves 72.09% on test videos. The proposed networks can effectively detect defocused Trichomonas vaginalis and suppress false alarms caused by the motion of formed elements or impurities.
Topology and Control Strategy of PV MVDC Grid-Connected Converter with LVRT Capability
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhou Yu , Huang Xinke , Wang Yibo , Xu Honghua
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes an isolated buck-boost topology and control strategy for the photovoltaic (PV) medium-voltage DC (MVDC) converter with low-voltage ride through (LVRT) capability. The proposed isolated buck-boost topology operates on either boost or buck mode by only controlling the active semiconductors on the low-voltage side. Based on this topology, medium-voltage (MV) dc–dc module is able to be developed to reduce the number of modules and increase the power density in the converter, which corresponds to the first contribution. As another contribution, a LVRT method based on an LC filter for MVDC converter is proposed without additional circuit and a feedback capacitor current control method for the isolated buck-boost converter is proposed to solve the instability problem caused by the resonance spike of the LC filter. Five kV/50 kW SiC-based dc–dc modules and ±10 kV/200 kW PV MVDC converters were developed. Experiments of the converter for MVDC system in the normal and LVRT conditions are presented. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology and control strategy.
Feasibility Analysis of Brewers’ Spent Grain for Energy Use: Waste and Experimental Pellets
Authors: Arranz José Ignacio , Sepúlveda Francisco José , Montero Irene , Romero Pilar , Miranda María Teresa
Published: March 2021

Waste production is increasing every day as a consequence of human activities; thus, its valorization is becoming more important. For this purpose, the usage of wastes as biofuels is one of the most important aspects of sustainable strategies. This is the case of the main waste generated in brewing industries: brewers’ spent grain (BSG). In this sector, microbreweries are not able to properly manage the wastes that they generate due to lack of space. Consequently, the transformation of BSG to a high-quality biofuel might be an interesting option for this kind of small industry. In this work, we carried out a physical-energy characterization of BSG, as well as pellets from this waste. The initial characterization showed slightly unfavorable results concerning N and ash, with values of 3.76% and 3.37% db, respectively. Nevertheless, the physical characterization of the pellets was very good, with acceptable bulk density (662.96 kg·m−3 wb) and low heating value (LHV; 17.65 MJ·kg−1 wb), among others. This situation is very favorable for any of the intended uses (for energy use or animal feed, among others).
New Trends in Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, Food Production, and Analysis
Authors: Iwaniak Anna , Janczukowicz Wojciech , Rodziewicz Joanna
Published: March 2021

Modern agriculture and aquaculture, as well as related food processing, are associated with a significant use of environmental resources and a growing impact on the natural environment [...]
Iron Status of Vegans, Vegetarians and Pescatarians in Norway
Authors: Henjum Sigrun , Groufh-Jacobsen Synne , Stea Tonje Holte , Tonheim Live Edvardsen , Almendingen Kari
Published: March 2021

Although plant-based diets provide well-established physical and environmental health benefits, omitting meat or meat products has also been associated with a risk of being deficient in specific nutrients, such as iron. As data on the iron status among Norwegian vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians are lacking, the present study aimed to assess iron status in these groups of healthy adults. Blood markers for iron status were measured in 191 participants (18–60 years old) comprising 106 vegans, 54 vegetarians and 31 pescatarians: serum-ferritin (S-Fe), serum-iron (S-Iron) and serum-total iron binding capacity (S-TIBC). Serum-transferrin-saturation (S-TSAT) was estimated (S-Iron/S-TIBC × 100). The median concentration of blood markers for iron status were within the normal range with no difference between the different dietary practices. In total, 9% reported iron supplement use the last 24 h. S-Fe concentrations below reference (<15 μg/L) were found in 8% of the participating women, of which one participant reported iron supplement use. In multiple regression analysis, duration of adherence to dietary practices and the female gender were found to be the strongest predictors for decreased S-Fe concentration. In conclusion, although the participants were eating a plant-based diet, the majority had sufficient iron status. Female vegans and vegetarians of reproductive age are at risk of low iron status and should have their iron status monitored.
Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Sepsis
Authors: Leong Kieran , Gaglani Bhavita , Khanna Ashish K. , McCurdy Michael T.
Published: March 2021

Sepsis management demands early diagnosis and timely treatment that includes source control, antimicrobial therapy, and resuscitation. Currently employed diagnostic tools are ill-equipped to rapidly diagnose sepsis and isolate the offending pathogen, which limits the ability to offer targeted and lowest-toxicity treatment. Cutting edge diagnostics and therapeutics in development may improve time to diagnosis and address two broad management principles: (1) source control by removing the molecular infectious stimulus of sepsis, and (2) attenuation of the pathological immune response allowing the body to heal. This review addresses novel diagnostics and therapeutics and their role in the management of sepsis.
Management of Antiretroviral Therapy with Boosted Protease Inhibitors—Darunavir/Ritonavir or Darunavir/Cobicistat
Authors: Marin Ruxandra-Cristina , Behl Tapan , Negrut Nicoleta , Bungau Simona
Published: March 2021

A major challenge in the management of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is to improve the patient’s adherence, reducing the burden caused by the high number of drugs that compose the treatment regimens for human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) patients. Selection of the most appropriate treatment regimen is responsible for therapeutic success and aims to reduce viremia, increase the immune system response capacity, and reduce the incidence rate and intensity of adverse reactions. In general, protease inhibitor (PI) is one of the pillars of regimens, and darunavir (DRV), in particular, is frequently recommended, along with low doses of enzyme inhibitors as cobicistat (COBI) or ritonavir (RTV), by the international guidelines. The potential of clinically significant drug interactions in patients taking COBI or RTV is high due to the potent inhibitory effect on cytochrome CYP 450, which attracts significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of PIs. Regardless of the patient or type of virus, the combined regimens of DRV/COBI or DRV/RTV are available to clinicians, proving their effectiveness, with a major impact on HIV mortality/morbidity. This study presents current information on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, drug interactions, and adverse reactions of DRV; it not only compares the bioavailability, pharmacokinetic parameters, immunological and virological responses, but also the efficacy, advantages, and therapeutic disadvantages of DRV/COBI or DRV/RTV combinations.
Probing the Brain–Body Connection Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Validating a Promising Tool to Provide Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity and Central Nervous System Function
Authors: Chaves Arthur R. , Snow Nicholas J. , Alcock Lynsey R. , Ploughman Michelle
Published: March 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method used to investigate neurophysiological integrity of the human neuromotor system. We describe in detail, the methodology of a single pulse TMS protocol that was performed in a large cohort of people (n = 110) with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim was to establish and validate a core-set of TMS variables that predicted typical MS clinical outcomes: walking speed, hand dexterity, fatigue, and cognitive processing speed. We provide a brief and simple methodological pipeline to examine excitatory and inhibitory corticospinal mechanisms in MS that map to clinical status. Delayed and longer ipsilateral silent period (a measure of transcallosal inhibition; the influence of one brain hemisphere’s activity over the other), longer cortical silent period (suggestive of greater corticospinal inhibition via GABA) and higher resting motor threshold (lower corticospinal excitability) most strongly related to clinical outcomes, especially when measured in the hemisphere corresponding to the weaker hand. Greater interhemispheric asymmetry (imbalance between hemispheres) correlated with poorer performance in the greatest number of clinical outcomes. We also show, not surprisingly, that TMS variables related more strongly to motor outcomes than non-motor outcomes. As it was validated in a large sample of patients with varying severities of central nervous system dysfunction, the protocol described herein can be used by investigators and clinicians alike to investigate the role of TMS as a biomarker in MS and other central nervous system disorders.
Sexually Explicit Online Media Use and Sexual Behavior among Sexual Minority Men in Portugal
Authors: Pereira Henrique , Esgalhado Graça
Published: March 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to describe sexually explicit online media (SEOM) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Portugal and to examine any associations between exposure to SEOM depicting unprotected anal intercourse and engaging in unprotected anal sex. Methods: This study recruited 1577 MSM living in Portugal with Internet access, who ranged in age from 18 to 74 years old (Mage = 35.69, SDage = 11.16). Participants were recruited via websites, e-mail and social media. 67.3% (n = 1061) of sample participants self-identified as gay, and 32.7% (n = 516) claimed to be bisexual. The survey included four categories of questions/measurements, encompassing demographic information, SEOM use, explicit imagery of protected/unprotected anal sex and sexual behavior. Results: The study results suggest that Portuguese MSM frequently use SEOM and that they possess a stated preference for SEOM displaying unprotected anal sex. Furthermore, this study’s findings indicate that self-identified gay men more frequently engage in unprotected sex than self-identified bisexual men. Finally, the study revealed that a preference for viewing SEOM displaying unprotected sex and higher levels of arousal attributed to direct SEOM exposure are significant predictors of having receptive anal sex without condoms.
Review of Intra-Arterial Therapies for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis
Authors: Kwan Justin , Pua Uei
Published: March 2021

The liver is frequently the most common site of metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer, occurring in more than 50% of patients. While surgical resection remains the only potential curative option, it is only eligible in 15–20% of patients at presentation. In the past two decades, major advances in modern chemotherapy and personalized biological agents have improved overall survival in patients with unresectable liver metastasis. For patients with dominant liver metastatic disease or limited extrahepatic disease, liver-directed intra-arterial therapies such as hepatic arterial chemotherapy infusion, chemoembolization and radioembolization are treatment strategies which are increasingly being considered to improve local tumor response and to reduce systemic side effects. Currently, these therapies are mostly used in the salvage setting in patients with chemo-refractory disease. However, their use in the first-line setting in conjunction with systemic chemotherapy as well as to a lesser degree, in a neoadjuvant setting, for downstaging to resection have also been investigated. Furthermore, some clinicians have considered these therapies as a temporizing tool for local disease control in patients undergoing a chemotherapy ‘holiday’ or acting as a bridge in patients between different lines of systemic treatment. This review aims to provide an update on the current evidence regarding liver-directed intra-arterial treatment strategies and to discuss potential trends for the future.
Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC): An Intralesional Cancer Immunotherapy for Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Ferrucci Pier Francesco , Pala Laura , Conforti Fabio , Cocorocchio Emilia
Published: March 2021

Direct intralesional injection of specific or even generic agents, has been proposed over the years as cancer immunotherapy, in order to treat cutaneous or subcutaneous metastasis. Such treatments usually induce an effective control of disease in injected lesions, but only occasionally were able to demonstrate a systemic abscopal effect on distant metastases. The usual availability of tissue for basic and translational research is a plus in utilizing this approach, which has been used in primis for the treatment of locally advanced melanoma. Melanoma is an immunogenic tumor that could often spread superficially causing in-transit metastasis and involving draining lymph nodes, being an interesting model to study new drugs with different modality of administration from normal available routes. Talimogene laherperepvec (T-VEC) is an injectable modified oncolytic herpes virus being developed for intratumoral injection, that produces granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and enhances local and systemic antitumor immune responses. After infection, selected viral replication happens in tumor cells leading to tumor cell lysis and activating a specific T-cell driven immune response. For this reason, a probable synergistic effect with immune checkpoints inhibition have been described. Pre-clinical studies in melanoma confirmed that T-VEC preferentially infects melanoma cells and exerts its antitumor activity through directly mediating cell death and by augmenting local and even distant immune responses. T-VEC has been assessed in monotherapy in Phase II and III clinical trials demonstrating a tolerable side-effect profile, a promising efficacy in both injected and uninjected lesions, but a mild effect at a systemic level. In fact, despite improved local disease control and a trend toward superior overall survival in respect to the comparator GM-CSF (which was injected subcutaneously daily for two weeks), responses as a single agent therapy have been uncommon in patients with visceral metastases. For this reason, T-VEC is currently being evaluated in combinations with other immune checkpoint inhibitors such as ipilimumab and pembrolizumab, with interesting confirmation of activity even systemically.
The Limonene Biorefinery: From Extractive Technologies to Its Catalytic Upgrading into p-Cymene
Authors: Satira Antonella , Espro Claudia , Paone Emilia , Calabrò Paolo Salvatore , Pagliaro Mario , Ciriminna Rosaria , Mauriello Francesco
Published: March 2021

Limonene is a renewable cyclic monoterpene that is easily obtainable from citrus peel and it is commonly used as a nutraceutical ingredient, antibacterial, biopesticide and green extraction solvent as well as additive in healthcare, fragrance and food and beverage industries for its characteristic lemon-like smell. Indeed, the lack of toxicity makes limonene a promising bio-alternative for the development of a wide range of effective products in modern biorefineries. As a consequence, industrial demand largely exceeds supply by now. Limonene can be also used as starting substrate for the preparation of building block chemicals, including p-cymene that is an important intermediate in several industrial catalytic processes. In this contribution, after reviewing recent advances in the recovery of limonene from citrus peel and residues with particular attention to benign-by-design extractive processes, we focus on the latest results in its dehydrogenation to p-cymene via heterogeneous catalysis. Indeed, the latest reports evidence that the selective production of p-cymene still remains a scientific and technological challenge since, in order to drive the isomerization and dehydrogenation of limonene, an optimal balance between the catalyst nature/content and the reaction conditions is needed.
Adolescents’ Explanatory Models for Headaches and Associations with Behavioral and Emotional Outcomes
Authors: Neß Verena , Könning Anna , Hirschfeld Gerrit , Wager Julia
Published: March 2021

More than one-third of adolescents experience recurrent headaches. Usually, these headaches are of primary origin and modulated by different biological and psychosocial factors. While parents are often consulted in scientific research and medical care about the nature of their child’s headache, it is unclear to what extent parents and their children agree upon the factors that cause them. Adolescents’ own attributions of headaches have rarely been investigated, and it is unclear how those attributions affect behavioral and emotional outcomes. In the present study, adolescents with chronic headaches (N = 248) and their parents (N = 120) rated the influence of various biological and psychosocial factors on the adolescents’ headaches. Associations between these factors and several behavioral and emotional outcomes were examined. The most frequently reported factor by both samples was stress; however, concordance between parents and adolescents was generally low. The factor “other disease” was significantly associated with medication consumption and school absence. This study is one of the first to provide insights into adolescents’ own attributions of headaches. Furthermore, the significant associations of the factor with behavioral outcomes reveal the importance of understanding personal explanatory models of headache. Future studies should examine associations between subjective headache causes and the individual’s experience of the disorder to improve headache interventions.
Cyberbullying and Obesity in Adolescents: Prevalence and Associations in Seven European Countries of the EU NET ADB Survey
Authors: Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Bampalitsa Sofia D. , Theofilou Paraskevi , Panagouli Eleni , Vlachopapadopoulou Elpis , Michalacos Stefanos , Gryparis Alexandros , Thomaidis Loretta , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Tsolia Maria , Bacopoulou Flora , Tsitsika Artemis
Published: March 2021

Background: overweight and obese individuals may often face aggressive messages or comments on the internet. This study attempts to evaluate the association between cyberbullying victimization and overweight/obesity in adolescents participating in the European Network for Addictive Behavior (EU NET ADB) survey. Methods: a school-based cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 14–17.9 years was conducted (n = 8785) within the EU NET ADB survey, including data from seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Iceland, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, Spain). Complex samples and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: overall, overweight adolescents were more likely to have been cyberbullied compared to their normal weight peers (adjusted OR (Odds ratio) = 1.20, CI (confidence intervals): 1.01–1.42); this association was pronounced in Germany (adjusted OR = 1.58, CI: 1.11–2.25). In Iceland, obese adolescents reported cyberbullying victimization more frequently compared to their normal weight peers (adjusted OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.00–8.19). No significant associations with cyberbullying victimization were identified either for obese or overweight adolescents in Greece, Spain, Romania, Poland, and the Netherlands. Conclusions: this study reveals an overall association between cyberbullying victimization and overweight on the basis of a sizable, representative sample of adolescent population from seven European countries. Country-specific differences might reflect differential behavioral perceptions, but also normalization aspects.
Extubation Readiness in Preterm Infants: Evaluating the Role of Monitoring Intermittent Hypoxemia
Authors: Abu Jawdeh Elie , Pant Amrita , Gabrani Aayush , Cunningham M. , Raffay Thomas , Westgate Philip
Published: March 2021

Preterm infants with respiratory distress may require mechanical ventilation which is associated with increased pulmonary morbidities. Prompt and successful extubation to noninvasive support is a pressing goal. In this communication, we show original data that increased recurring intermittent hypoxemia (IH, oxygen saturation <80%) may be associated with extubation failure at 72 h in a cohort of neonates <30 weeks gestational age. Current-generation bedside high-resolution pulse oximeters provide saturation profiles that may be of use in identifying extubation readiness and failure. A larger prospective study that utilizes intermittent hypoxemia as an adjunct predictor for extubation readiness is warranted.
Thermal Analysis of Mass Concrete Containing Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Leon Guadalupe , Chen Hung-Liang (Roger)
Published: March 2021

In this study, the early age thermal properties of a concrete mix containing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) were investigated and incorporated in a finite-element model. A two-term exponential degree of hydration function was proposed to better capture the early age behavior. An FEM program (ABAQUS) was used to predict the temperature time-history of three 1.2-m (4-ft) cubes cast with a mix design containing 50% replacement of the cement by weight with GGBFS. The FEM predictions match well with the experimental temperature measurements. Results show that using the measurements of the thermal properties, an accurate estimation of the temperature difference can be obtained for a concrete mix containing GGBFS, and engineers can use the estimated temperature difference to take preventative measures to minimize the risk of thermal cracking.
Multiphysics Design of Pet-Coke Burner and Hydrogen Production by Applying Methane Steam Reforming System
Authors: Davidy Alon
Published: March 2021

Pet-coke (petroleum coke) is identified as a carbon-rich and black-colored solid. Despite the environmental risks posed by the exploitation of pet-coke, it is mostly applied as a boiling and combusting fuel in power generation, and cement production plants. It is considered as a promising replacement for coal power plants because of its higher heating value, carbon content, and low ash. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computational model of methane steam reforming was developed in this research. The hydrogen production system is composed from a pet-coke burner and a catalyst bed reactor. The heat released, produced by the pet-coke combustion, was utilized for convective and radiative heating of the catalyst bed for maintaining the steam reforming reaction of methane into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This computational algorithm is composed of three steps—simulation of pet-coke combustion by using fire dynamics simulator (FDS) software coupled with thermal structural analysis of the burner lining and a multiphysics computation of the methane steam reforming (MSR) process taking place inside the catalyst bed. The structural analysis of the burner lining was carried out by coupling the solutions of heat conduction equation, Darcy porous media steam flow equation, and structural mechanics equation. In order to validate the gaseous temperature and carbon monoxide mole fraction obtained by FDS calculation, a comparison was carried out with the literature results. The maximal temperature obtained from the combustion simulation was about 1440 °C. The calculated temperature is similar to the temperature reported, which is also close to 1400 °C. The maximal carbon dioxide mole fraction reading was 15.0%. COMSOL multi-physics software solves simultaneously the catalyst media fluid flow, heat, and mass with chemical reaction kinetics transport equations of the methane steam reforming catalyst bed reactor. The methane conversion is about 27%. The steam and the methane decay along the catalyst bed reactor at the same slope. Similar values have been reported in the literature for MSR temperature of 510 °C. The hydrogen mass fraction was increased by 98.4%.