bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Continuous Electric Current on Biometrical, Physiological and Quality Characteristics of Organic Tomato
Authors: Gheorghitoaie Madalin-Vasile , Bodale Ilie , Achitei Vladut , Teliban Gabriel-Ciprian , Cojocaru Alexandru , Caruso Gianluca , Mihalache Gabriela , Stoleru Vasile
Published: April 2022

The tomato is one of the most important species in the food sector. For farmers, the increase in yield in greenhouse conditions by keeping a high quality of fruits represents a goal which is very difficult to achieve in these conditions. Therefore, the present study evaluates the influence that a continuous electric current might have on some biometrical, physiological and quality parameters of tomato fruits. The study was carried out in a greenhouse where tomato plants belonging to Qualitet F1 hybrid were treated with different continuous electric currents, under 5 DC sources, stabilized by the laboratory 0–30 V/0–5 A. During the research, the tomato plants were exposed to different electric current intensities or voltages on the plants or in the soil (T1-0.15 A; T2-0.30 A; T3-0.45 A; T4-1.5 V; T5-1.5 V-soil). The tomato plant samples were compared with an untreated control. In order to determine the influence of a continuous electric current, observations and determinations were made on tomato plants and fruits. The results highlighted significant differences between the treated and not treated plants, regarding the plant height, yield, firmness, acidity, total soluble solids, antioxidant activity, crude and dietary fibres, tannins, oxalates, saponins, α-amylase inhibitors, K, Mg, Fe and Zn content. Depending on the intensity of the electric current and the manner of application, the biometrical, physiological and quality parameters of tomato fruits were differently influenced. Both positive and negative influences were registered. More experiments are needed in order to establish a relation between the electric current intensity and the manner of application which can lead to better and higher tomato yields and quality in greenhouse conditions.
The Physicochemical Properties, Volatile Compounds and Taste Profile of Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Cloves, Paste and Powder
Authors: Najman Katarzyna , Król Katarzyna , Sadowska Anna
Published: April 2022

Black garlic is produced as a result of the so-called “fermentation processes” of whole heads or cloves kept under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity for several weeks. During this long-term heat treatment, garlic undergoes enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning reactions, which greatly change its taste, aroma, physicochemical, organoleptic and bioactive properties. Black garlic is most often produced in the form of cloves, and recently also in the form of paste and powder. This work focused on the comparison of functional properties of black garlic, such as volatile compounds, taste profile, total polyphenols content, antioxidant activity, color (CIE L*, a*, b*), water activity (aw), pH, soluble solids content (°Brix) and moisture content, depending on the form of its occurrence: cloves, spreading paste and powder. After long-term heat treatment, garlic was characterized by a higher content of dry matter and water-soluble solids, respectively at about 22% and 24% for spreading paste and 166% and 44% for powder. The conducted research showed significant differences in the bioactive properties of the tested garlic samples, with the lowest content of polyphenols and antioxidant properties in fresh, unprocessed garlic (6.05 ± 0.07 mg GAE/1 g d.m. and 232.95 ± 4.06 µM TEAC/1 g d.m., respectively), while in garlic subjected to long-term heat treatment, the total polyphenols content and antioxidant potential were two times higher than in the unprocessed garlic. The polyphenol content and antioxidant properties were the highest in the spread garlic (respectively, 15.16 ± 0.08 mg GAE/1 g d.m. and 638.46 ± 3.37 µM TEAC/1 g d.m.) and the lowest in the powdered samples (respectively, 11.02 ± 0.51 mg GAE/1 g d.m. and 541.71 ± 5.22 µM TEAC/1 g d.m.). Obtained black garlic samples gain completely different sensory characteristics determined using instrumental methods. In black garlic and its preparations, the intensity of unpleasant taste and aroma is reduced as a result of the appearance of metabolites during the long-term heat treatment, which in turn determined the specific, delicate sweet–sour taste and pleasant aroma, completely unrelated to the aroma of the unprocessed product. Taking into account the obtained results, it can be stated that black garlic, in the form of cloves, paste and powder, exhibits completely different properties than white garlic.
Relaxation and Fascination through Outside Views of Mexican Dwellings
Authors: de la Fuente Suárez Luis Alfonso , Martínez-Soto Joel
Published: April 2022

Exposure to outside views creates opportunities to distract and experience feelings of relaxation. To explore the relationship between the environmental qualities of the views with such psychological states, 89 participants from seven Mexican states evaluated the views they contemplated during the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Items on fascination, cognitive well-being, and how relaxing and helpful the views were to withstand the confinement were answered. Participants took photographs of the views, which were evaluated according to 41 environmental dimensions, considering the built elements, vegetation, and visibility. Based on these dimensions, a classification of the views into categories was realized with multidimensional scaling. The five categories obtained were (a) immersive views of extensive landscapes with vegetation, (b) non-immersive views of landscapes with vegetation, (c) views of courtyards with vegetation, (d) views of commonplace scenes, and (e) views of mostly built elements. The categories generating the highest and lowest relaxation, fascination, and cognitive well-being were identified. The views of extensive landscapes with vegetation and the views of courtyards were the categories presenting the most favorable psychological effects. Furthermore, a partial correlation network found direct relations between the environmental and psychological dimensions. Fascination relates to the observation of distant elements, mountains, and trees. Meanwhile, relaxation correlates with the presence of plants and anticorrelates with car visibility, the quantity of the windows of the visible buildings, and the variety of built elements. Relaxation was the psychological state with the highest direct relation with the environmental dimensions. Meanwhile, the perceived immersion (the feeling of being outdoors), the quantity of plants, and the attractiveness of the built elements were the environmental aspects most directly related to the psychological dimensions. The multiplicity of environmental and architectural qualities considered allowed specific implications for architecture to be obtained. An integrated configuration of the natural and the built elements, and a limited quantity and variation of the built elements were qualities that generated positive outcomes in the observers of the views.
MRSA Colonization in Workers from Different Occupational Environments—A One Health Approach Perspective
Authors: Oliveira Ketlyn , Viegas Carla , Ribeiro Edna
Published: April 2022

Staphylococcus aureus and particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections are currently associated with extremely high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The global escalation in the development of antibiotic-resistant human pathogens and S. aureus ability in developing new clones with the capacity to invade community settings, leads to an urgent need to develop accurate and efficient assessments of S. aureus colonization in occupational settings, particularly those with increased risk of human and animal colonization and food contamination. Here we present cross-sectional studies with the aim to assemble crucial information regarding MRSA prevalence in workers from five different Portuguese occupational environments (bakeries, swineries (humans and animals), ambulance crews, veterinary clinics and healthcare facilities). Our data demonstrated high prevalence of S. aureus asymptomatic carriers among bakery workers (40%; 75% MSSA and 25% MRSA), swinery workers (54%; 8% MSSA and 46% MRSA), firefighters (48.5%; 24% MSSA and 21% MRSA) and healthcare workers (Study 1: 42.2%; 18.4% MSSA and 23.7% MRSA, Study 2: 43.3% MRSA). S. aureus prevalence in veterinary staff was 7.1% (MSSA), lower than the results obtained in control groups (33.3% S. aureus; MRSA 4% to 10%). The present study sustains the urge to develop accurate and efficient assessment of S. aureus human and animal colonization, particularly in high risk occupational settings, with proper guidelines and validated procedures in order to avoid potential hazardous health outcomes associated with bioaerosol exposure and associated infectious diseases.
Comparative Testing of Two Ligature-Induced Periodontitis Models in Rats: A Clinical, Histological and Biochemical Study
Authors: Tomina Darius C. , Petruțiu Ștefan A. , Dinu Cristian M. , Crișan Bogdan , Cighi Vasile S. , Rațiu Ioana A.
Published: April 2022

Experimental animal models for studying the mechanisms of periodontitis and its links are a better alternative to in vitro studies. The aim of this study is to compare two ligature induced periodontitis models and validate the best one for further use in research. An experimental study was performed on male Wistar rats that were divided into three groups: Test 1 (n = 10), incisor ligated, Test 2 (n = 10), molar ligated, and Control (n = 10). The animals were clinically evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the experiment by recording body weight, gingival bleeding index, tooth mobility score, changes in color, and consistency of gingival tissue. Two blood samples were obtained for each animal at baseline and at the end of the experiment. The hematological parameters Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 α), high sensitive C Reactive Protein (hsCRP), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured. Seven days after the induction of periodontitis, the animals were sacrificed, and samples were prepared for histological evaluation. The results of this research demonstrated that the association between clinical, histological, and biochemical parameters initiate a periodontal pathology in the molar induced model in rats while the incisor experimental model initiates only a moderate and incomplete periodontal inflammation, mainly due to mechanical irritation.
Detection of Lymphatic Vessels in Dental Pulp
Authors: Wiśniewska Kamila , Rybak Zbigniew , Szymonowicz Maria , Kuropka Piotr , Kaleta-Kuratewicz Katarzyna , Dobrzyński Maciej
Published: April 2022

The literature lacks conclusive evidence that lymphatic vessels can form in the dental pulp. Lymphangiogenesis is believed to occur in an inflamed pulp. If one defines lymphangiogenesis as the development of lymphatic vessels from already existing ones, such a mechanism is possible only when lymphatic vessels are present in healthy teeth. This paper aims to identify lymphatic vessels in the dental pulp using microscopic and immunohistochemical methods under physiological and pathological conditions. The tissue material consisted of human teeth intended for extraction. Our studies and results suggest a moderate correlation between pulp inflammation and the formation of new vessels, including lymphatic vessels.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Knowledge-Hiding Research
Authors: Xia Qing , Yan Shumin , Li Heng , Duan Kaifeng , Zhang Yuliang
Published: April 2022

Knowledge hiding, defined as an intentional attempt to conceal requested knowledge, has become a hot topic in management and psychology in the last decade. Emerging research has suggested that knowledge hiding is not simply the opposite of knowledge sharing, such that it is crucial to clarify the concept, explore the research progress and development trend of knowledge hiding. Based on 243 relevant articles, a bibliometric analysis of knowledge-hiding research is presented via descriptive, keyword and citation analysis. Results reveal that knowledge-hiding research, mainly focusing on the disciplines of management, business and psychology, is currently in a period of rapid growth, especially in the past two or three years. The systematic review of knowledge-hiding research enables us intuitively to obtain a panoramic view, including publication performance, thematic evolution and most influential topics of the field via a set of science maps, enabling future authors to investigate knowledge hiding and focus their research more effectively.
Influence of Vegetation on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in a High-Altitude Tropical Megacity: Climate Change and Variability Scenarios
Authors: Bustamante-Zapata Angélica María , Zafra-Mejía Carlos Alfonso , Rondón-Quintana Hugo Alexander
Published: April 2022

The objective of this paper is to show a study on the influence of vegetation on the outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) of a high-altitude tropical megacity. The OTC is evaluated by the PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) index and by establishing three simulation scenarios: (i) Current OTC, (ii) OTC under RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway), and (iii) OTC under RCPs and ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation). The results show that the hourly variation range of the current OTC in urban areas with vegetation is greater (+3.15 °C) compared to impermeable areas. Outdoor thermal stress due to cold in vegetated areas is 1.29 °C lower compared to impervious areas. The effect of vegetated coverage on the improvement of urban OTC increases as the phenomenon of global warming intensifies. On average, in the current, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios for each 10% increase in urban vegetation coverage, an increase of 0.22, 0.24, and 0.28 °C in OTC is obtained, respectively. The hourly variation range of the PET index increases during the ENSO scenario (vegetated areas: +16.7%; impervious areas: +22.7%). In the context of climate change and variability, this study provides a reference point for decision-makers to assess possible planning options for improving OTC in megacities.
Best Fit for Common Purpose: A Multi-Stakeholder Design Optimization Methodology for Construction Management
Authors: Zhilyaev Dmitry , Binnekamp Ruud , Wolfert A. M. Rogier
Published: April 2022

Within traditional design processes, decisions are often made based on individualistic values and late-stage assessments conducted on a predefined set of design alternatives potentially leading to suboptimal design decisions and conflicts. The issues are further amplified by the growing complexity of construction project management where an increasing number of stakeholders are involved. To address those issues, a shift is needed towards a collaborative early stage optimization-based design process. The current optimization-based design approaches are not appropriately integrating stakeholders and their preferences in the optimization process and thereby not reflecting the real-life design and construction process. In this study, we present a pioneering multi-stakeholder design methodology combining preference function modeling theory and a priori optimization enabling stakeholders to find the group-optimal design fairly representing their preferences. The application of the developed methodology is demonstrated on a real-life multi-storey building design case. The study provides a novel approach for managing design and construction projects for academic and industry stakeholders. It also sets the foundation for the further development of stakeholder-oriented optimization-based design.
Impact Assessment of Waste Odor Source Locations on Pedestrian-Level Exposure Risk
Authors: Ma Chenyu , Liu Jianlin , Li Hongyan , Zhong Jiading
Published: April 2022

Poor wind environment in residential areas leads to the accumulation of odor from domestic waste, affecting pedestrian health. A reasonable arrangement of waste collection points can reduce pedestrian exposure risks. This study aims to investigate the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) dispersion and residents’ exposure risk at the pedestrian level for five different locations of waste collection points in a residential building array. Simulation results are consistent with the benchmark wind tunnel experiment, validating that the used turbulence model and numerical methods show good agreement with the predictions of the aforementioned problem. Results indicate that the dimensionless concentration of H2S and personal intake fraction in a residential area are lower when the collection point is at the corner of the building array periphery. When the collection point is located in the middle of the periphery of the building array or between two adjacent buildings in the center of the array, the local dimensionless concentration of H2S is 50 at the pedestrian level, and the personal intake fraction is three orders of magnitude higher than that at the corner of the building array periphery. The findings provide a reference for the layout of waste collection points in high-density residential areas and reduction in outdoor exposure risk.
Does DPP-IV Inhibition Offer New Avenues for Therapeutic Intervention in Malignant Disease?
Authors: Busek Petr , Duke-Cohan Jonathan S. , Sedo Aleksi
Published: April 2022

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV, CD26) is frequently dysregulated in cancer and plays an important role in regulating multiple bioactive peptides with the potential to influence cancer progression and the recruitment of immune cells. Therefore, it represents a potential contributing factor to cancer pathogenesis and an attractive therapeutic target. Specific DPP-IV inhibitors (gliptins) are currently used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to promote insulin secretion by prolonging the activity of the incretins glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Nevertheless, the modulation of the bioavailability and function of other DPP-IV substrates, including chemokines, raises the possibility that the use of these orally administered drugs with favorable side-effect profiles might be extended beyond the treatment of hyperglycemia. In this review, we critically examine the possible utilization of DPP-IV inhibition in cancer prevention and various aspects of cancer treatment and discuss the potential perils associated with the inhibition of DPP-IV in cancer. The current literature is summarized regarding the possible chemopreventive and cytotoxic effects of gliptins and their potential utility in modulating the anti-tumor immune response, enhancing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, preventing acute graft-versus-host disease, and alleviating the side-effects of conventional anti-tumor treatments.
Local Control after Locally Ablative, Image-Guided Radiotherapy of Oligometastases Identified by Gallium-68-PSMA-Positron Emission Tomography in Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Patients (OLI-P)
Authors: Hölscher Tobias , Baumann Michael , Kotzerke Jörg , Zöphel Klaus , Paulsen Frank , Müller Arndt-Christian , Zips Daniel , Thomas Christian , Wirth Manfred , Troost Esther G. C. , Krause Mechthild , Löck Steffen , Lohaus Fabian
Published: April 2022

Progression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values after curative treatment of prostate cancer patients is common. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-) PET imaging can identify patients with metachronous oligometastatic disease even at low PSA levels. Metastases-directed local ablative radiotherapy (aRT) has been shown to be a safe treatment option. In this prospective clinical trial, we evaluated local control and the pattern of tumor progression. Between 2014 and 2018, 63 patients received aRT of 89 metastases (MET) (68 lymph node (LN-)MET and 21 bony (OSS-)MET) with one of two radiation treatment schedules: 50 Gy in 2 Gy fractions in 34 MET or 30 Gy in 10 Gy fractions in 55 MET. The mean gross tumor volume and planning target volume were 2.2 and 14.9 mL, respectively. The median follow-up time was 40.7 months. Local progression occurred in seven MET, resulting in a local control rate of 93.5% after three years. Neither treatment schedule, target volume, nor type of lesion was associated with local progression. Regional progression in the proximity to the LN-MET was observed in 19 of 47 patients with at least one LN-MET (actuarial 59.3% free of regional progression after 3 years). In 33 patients (52%), a distant progression was reported. The median time to first tumor-related clinical event was 16.6 months, and 22.2% of patients had no tumor-related clinical event after three years. A total of 14 patients (22%) had another aRT. In conclusion, local ablative radiotherapy in patients with PSMA-PET staged oligometastatic prostate cancer may achieve local control, but regional or distant progression is common. Further studies are warranted, e.g., to define the optimal target volume coverage in LN-MET and OSS-MET.
Validity of the Cancer and Aging Research Group Predictive Tool in Older Japanese Patients
Authors: Suto Hirotaka , Inui Yumiko , Okamura Atsuo
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) predictive tool in older Japanese patients with cancer. Methods: Patients aged 65 years or older with solid tumors treated with new anticancer regimens in Kakogawa Central City Hospital between April 2016 and March 2019 were included. Grade 3 or higher risks of developing chemotherapy-related adverse events (CRAEs) were calculated using the tool (low-, intermediate-, or high-risk scores). The association between grade 3–5 CRAE incidence during the first course of each regimen and the calculated risk or the patient characteristics was evaluated. The difference in the incidences of CRAEs between the groups was evaluated by Fisher’s exact test. Results: This study examined 76 patients (mean age: 71 (65–82) years). The incidence of grade 3–5 CRAE was 38%, 55%, and 76% in patients classified as low, medium, and high CARG risk scores (p = 0.035), and the incidence of severe non-hematological toxicities was 4%, 31%, and 52% (p < 0.01), respectively. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and age were not associated with chemotherapy toxicity. Conclusions: The CARG predictive tool was valid, suggesting its usefulness in optimizing chemotherapy outcomes in older patients with cancer.
Towards an Improved Understanding of the Effects of Elevated Progesterone Levels on Human Endometrial Receptivity and Oocyte/Embryo Quality during Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Kalakota Nischelle R. , George Lea C. , Morelli Sara S. , Douglas Nataki C. , Babwah Andy V.
Published: April 2022

Ovarian stimulation is an indispensable part of IVF and is employed to produce multiple ovarian follicles. In women who undergo ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins, supraphysiological levels of estradiol, as well as a premature rise in progesterone levels, can be seen on the day of hCG administration. These alterations in hormone levels are associated with reduced embryo implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF cycles with a fresh embryo transfer. This article aims to improve the reader’s understanding of the effects of elevated progesterone levels on human endometrial receptivity and oocyte/embryo quality. Based on current clinical data, it appears that the premature rise in progesterone levels exerts minimal or no effects on oocyte/embryo quality, while advancing the histological development of the secretory endometrium and displacing the window of implantation. These clinical findings strongly suggest that reduced implantation and pregnancy rates are the result of a negatively affected endometrium rather than poor oocyte/embryo quality. Understanding the potential negative impact of elevated progesterone levels on the endometrium is crucial to improving implantation rates following a fresh embryo transfer. Clinical studies conducted over the past three decades, many of which have been reviewed here, have greatly advanced our knowledge in this important area.
Anti-Inflammatory Extract from Soil Algae Chromochloris zofingiensis Targeting TNFR/NF-κB Signaling at Different Levels
Authors: Leitner Peter D. , Jakschitz Thomas , Gstir Ronald , Stuppner Stefan , Perkams Sebastian , Kruus Maren , Trockenbacher Alexander , Griesbeck Christoph , Bonn Günther K. , Huber Lukas A. , Valovka Taras
Published: April 2022

Inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis, are increasing in populations worldwide. The treatment of patients with AD and other forms of skin inflammation is mainly based on the use of topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, which can cause significant side effects with long-term use. Therefore, there is a great need for the development of more effective and less toxic anti-inflammatory agents suitable for the treatment of chronic skin lesions. Here, we screened a number of strains from the ASIB 505 terrestrial algae collection and identified a green algae Chromochloris zofingiensis with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. We found that a crude nonpolar extract of C. zofingiensis (ID name NAE_2022C), grown upon nitrogen deprivation, acts as a bioactive substance by inhibiting TNFR/NF-κB responses in human skin keratinocyte HaCaT cells. We also found that NAE_2022C suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and several Th1- and Th2-related chemokines in a reconstituted human epidermis. The TNFR/NF-κB pathway analysis showed multiple inhibitory effects at different levels and disclosed a direct targeting of IKKβ by the extract. Bioassay-guided fractionation followed by high-resolution mass spectrometry detected diacylglyceryl-trimethylhomoserine (DGTS), Lyso-DGTS (LDGTS), 5-phenylvaleric acid, theophylline and oleamide as leading metabolites in the active fraction of NAE_2022C. Further analysis identified betaine lipid DGTS (32:0) as one of the active compounds responsible for the NAE_2022C-mediated NF-κB suppression. Overall, this study presents an approach for the isolation, screening, and identification of anti-inflammatory secondary metabolites produced by soil algae.
Plectin in Health and Disease
Authors: Wiche Gerhard
Published: April 2022

In light of recent progress in defining a unifying mechanism for the versatile functions and disease involvement of the cytolinker protein plectin, a series of invited review articles, together with an original research article, were published in Cells as a Special Issue entitled ‘Plectin in Health and Disease’ [...]
The Placental NLRP3 Inflammasome and Its Downstream Targets, Caspase-1 and Interleukin-6, Are Increased in Human Fetal Growth Restriction: Implications for Aberrant Inflammation-Induced Trophoblast Dysfunction
Authors: Alfian Irvan , Chakraborty Amlan , Yong Hannah E. J. , Saini Sheetal , Lau Ricky W. K. , Kalionis Bill , Dimitriadis Evdokia , Alfaidy Nadia , Ricardo Sharon D. , Samuel Chrishan S. , Murthi Padma
Published: April 2022

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is commonly associated with placental insufficiency and inflammation. Nonetheless, the role played by inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of FGR is poorly understood. We hypothesised that placental inflammasomes are differentially expressed and contribute to the aberrant trophoblast function. Inflammasome gene expression profiles were characterised by real-time PCR on human placental tissues collected from third trimester FGR and gestation-matched control pregnancies (n = 25/group). The functional significance of a candidate inflammasome was then investigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models of inflammation in human trophoblast organoids, BeWo cells in vitro, and a murine model of FGR in vivo. Placental mRNA expression of NLRP3, caspases 1, 3, and 8, and interleukin 6 increased (>2-fold), while that of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, decreased (<2-fold) in FGR compared with control pregnancies. LPS treatment increased NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression (>2-fold) in trophoblast organoids and BeWo cell cultures in vitro, and in the spongiotrophoblast and labyrinth in the murine model of FGR. However, the LPS-induced rise in NLRP3 was attenuated by its siRNA-induced down-regulation in BeWo cell cultures, which correlated with reduced activity of the apoptotic markers, caspase-3 and 8, compared to the control siRNA-treated cells. Our findings support the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammation-induced aberrant trophoblast function, which may contribute to FGR.
Respiratory Viral and Bacterial Exacerbations of COPD—The Role of the Airway Epithelium
Authors: Love Michelle E. , Proud David
Published: April 2022

COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide, with acute exacerbations being a major contributor to disease morbidity and mortality. Indeed, exacerbations are associated with loss of lung function, and exacerbation frequency predicts poor prognosis. Respiratory infections are important triggers of acute exacerbations of COPD. This review examines the role of bacterial and viral infections, along with co-infections, in the pathogenesis of COPD exacerbations. Because the airway epithelium is the initial site of exposure both to cigarette smoke (or other pollutants) and to inhaled pathogens, we will focus on the role of airway epithelial cell responses in regulating the pathophysiology of exacerbations of COPD. This will include an examination of the interactions of cigarette smoke alone, and in combination with viral and bacterial exposures in modulating epithelial function and inflammatory and host defense pathways in the airways during COPD. Finally, we will briefly examine current and potential medication approaches to treat acute exacerbations of COPD triggered by respiratory infections.
Reduced Sarcolemmal Membrane Repair Exacerbates Striated Muscle Pathology in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Paleo Brian J. , McElhanon Kevin E. , Bulgart Hannah R. , Banford Kassidy K. , Beck Eric X , Sattler Kristina M. , Goines Briana N. , Ratcliff Shelby L. , Crowe Kelly E. , Weisleder Noah
Published: April 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common X-linked degenerative muscle disorder that involves mutations in the DMD gene that frequently reduce the expression of the dystrophin protein, compromising the structural integrity of the sarcolemmal membrane and leaving it vulnerable to injury during cycles of muscle contraction and relaxation. This results in an increased frequency of sarcolemma disruptions that can compromise the barrier function of the membrane and lead to death of the myocyte. Sarcolemmal membrane repair processes can potentially compensate for increased membrane disruptions in DMD myocytes. Previous studies demonstrated that TRIM72, a muscle-enriched tripartite motif (TRIM) family protein also known as mitsugumin 53 (MG53), is a component of the cell membrane repair machinery in striated muscle. To test the importance of membrane repair in striated muscle in compensating for the membrane fragility in DMD, we crossed TRIM72/MG53 knockout mice into the mdx mouse model of DMD. These double knockout (DKO) mice showed compromised sarcolemmal membrane integrity compared to mdx mice, as measured by immunoglobulin G staining and ex vivo muscle laser microscopy wounding assays. We also found a significant decrease in muscle ex vivo contractile function as compared to mdx mice at both 6 weeks and 1.5 years of age. As the DKO mice aged, they developed more extensive fibrosis in skeletal muscles compared to mdx. Our findings indicate that TRIM72/MG53-mediated membrane repair can partially compensate for the sarcolemmal fragility associated with DMD and that the loss of membrane repair results in increased pathology in the DKO mice.
Crystal Structure Determination and Hirshfeld Analysis of a New Alternariol Packing Polymorph
Authors: Rue Kelly L. , Niu Guodong , Li Jun , Raptis Raphael G.
Published: April 2022

A new polymorph of the mycotoxin alternariol is reported and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural data, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and 2D fingerprint plots are used to compare differences in the intermolecular interactions of the orthorhombic Pca21 Form I (previously reported) and the monoclinic P21/c Form II (herein reported). The polymorphs have small differences in planarity—7.55° and 2.19° between the terminal rings for Form I and Form II, respectively—that brings about significant differences in the crystal packing and O-H…H interactions.
On-State Voltage Drop Analytical Model for 4H-SiC Trench IGBTs
Authors: Liu Yanjuan , Jia Dezhen , Fang Junpeng
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a model for the forward voltage drop in a 4H-SiC trench IGBT is developed. The analytical model is based on the 4H-SiC trench MOSFET voltage model and the hole-carrier concentration profile in the N-drift region for a conventional 4H-SiC trench IGBT. Moreover, an on-state voltage drop analytical model is validated using a 2D numerical simulation, and the simulation results demonstrate that there is good agreement between the ATLAS simulation data and analytic solutions.
Reproductive Behaviours and Potentially Associated Sounds of the Mottled Grouper Mycteroperca rubra: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Desiderà Elena , Mazzoldi Carlotta , Navone Augusto , Panzalis Pieraugusto , Gervaise Cédric , Guidetti Paolo , Di Iorio Lucia Di
Published: April 2022

Most grouper species worldwide are threatened by overfishing. Effective marine protected areas (MPAs) are known to enable population recovery, and consideration of vulnerable species’ reproductive behaviours is fundamental to monitoring and management plans. Many groupers produce sounds associated with reproductive behaviours. Recording these sounds helps to locate spawning sites and improve management efforts to ensure reproduction and viability. This study focuses on a poorly studied yet likely vulnerable grouper species, Mycteroperca rubra, providing novel insights into its reproductive biology by combining underwater visual census surveys, direct visual observations and passive acoustic monitoring within a Mediterranean MPA during two consecutive summers (2017 and 2018). Results indicate that M. rubra individuals were more abundant and larger at one of the protected study sites, where they also occasionally formed unusual aggregations (<30 individuals), likely for spawning. These aggregations and the observation of courtship behaviours suggest that M. rubra spawns in the surroundings of this study site. Moreover, grouper-like unknown sounds were recorded exclusively at this site, suggesting they are associated with M. rubra courtship behaviours. Therefore, this study provides a basis for validating M. rubra sound production and supports the monitoring of its spawning sites via passive acoustics to improve MPA conservation effectiveness.
Mid-Atlantic Big Brown and Eastern Red Bats: Relationships between Acoustic Activity and Reproductive Phenology
Authors: Deeley Sabrina , Ford W. Mark , Kalen Nicholas J. , Freeze Samuel R. , St. Germain Michael , Muthersbaugh Michael , Barr Elaine , Kniowski Andrew , Silvis Alexander , De La Cruz Jesse
Published: April 2022

Acoustic data are often used to describe bat activity, including habitat use within the summer reproductive period. These data inform management activities that potentially impact bats, currently a taxa of high conservation concern. To understand the relationship between acoustic and reproductive timing, we sampled big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) on 482 mist-netting and 35,410 passive acoustic sampling nights within the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, 2015–2018. We documented the proportion of female, pregnant, lactating, and juvenile big brown and eastern red bats within each mist-net sampling event and calculated locally estimated non-parametric scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) lines for each reproductive and acoustic dataset. We compared the peak in acoustic activity with the peaks of each reproductive condition. We determined that the highest levels of acoustic activity within the maternity season were most associated with the period wherein we captured the highest proportions of lactating bats, not juvenile bats, as often assumed.
Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of Vestibular Schwannoma for Hearing Preservation Surgery: Otologists’ Perspective from Bedside to Bench
Authors: Hosoya Makoto , Wakabayashi Takeshi , Wasano Koichiro , Nishiyama Takanori , Tsuzuki Nobuyoshi , Oishi Naoki
Published: April 2022

Vestibular schwannoma is a clinically benign schwannoma that arises from the vestibulocochlear nerve that causes sensorineural hearing loss. This tumor is clinically and oncologically regarded as a benign tumor as it does not metastasize or invade surrounding tissues. Despite being a benign tumor, its management is difficult and controversial due to the potential serious complications, such as irreversible sensorineural hearing loss, of current interventions. Therefore, preventing hearing loss due to the natural course of the disease and complications of surgery is a challenging issue for an otologist. Improvements have been reported recently in the treatment of vestibular schwannomas. These include advances in intraoperative monitoring systems for vestibular schwannoma surgery where the risk of hearing loss as a complication is decreased. Precise genomic analysis of the tumor would be helpful in determining the characteristics of the tumor for each patient, leading to a better hearing prognosis. These procedures are expected to help improve the treatment of vestibular schwannomas. This review summarizes recent advances in vestibular schwannoma management and treatment, especially in hearing preservation. In addition, recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying vestibular schwannomas and how these advances can be applied in clinical practice are outlined and discussed, respectively. Moreover, the future directions from the bedside to the bench side are presented from the perspective of otologists.
Automated Detection, Segmentation, and Classification of Pericardial Effusions on Chest CT Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wilder-Smith Adrian Jonathan , Yang Shan , Weikert Thomas , Bremerich Jens , Haaf Philip , Segeroth Martin , Ebert Lars C. , Sauter Alexander , Sexauer Raphael
Published: April 2022

Pericardial effusions (PEFs) are often missed on Computed Tomography (CT), which particularly affects the outcome of patients presenting with hemodynamic compromise. An automatic PEF detection, segmentation, and classification tool would expedite and improve CT based PEF diagnosis; 258 CTs with (206 with simple PEF, 52 with hemopericardium) and without PEF (each 134 with contrast, 124 non-enhanced) were identified using the radiology report (01/2016–01/2021). PEF were manually 3D-segmented. A deep convolutional neural network (nnU-Net) was trained on 316 cases and separately tested on the remaining 200 and 22 external post-mortem CTs. Inter-reader variability was tested on 40 CTs. PEF classification utilized the median Hounsfield unit from each prediction. The sensitivity and specificity for PEF detection was 97% (95% CI 91.48–99.38%) and 100.00% (95% CI 96.38–100.00%) and 89.74% and 83.61% for diagnosing hemopericardium (AUC 0.944, 95% CI 0.904–0.984). Model performance (Dice coefficient: 0.75 ± 0.01) was non-inferior to inter-reader (0.69 ± 0.02) and was unaffected by contrast administration nor alternative chest pathology (p > 0.05). External dataset testing yielded similar results. Our model reliably detects, segments, and classifies PEF on CT in a complex dataset, potentially serving as an alert tool whilst enhancing report quality. The model and corresponding datasets are publicly available.
Correlation of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Characteristics with Visual Function to Define Vision-Threatening Diabetic Macular Ischemia
Authors: Tsai Wei-Shan , Thottarath Sridevi , Gurudas Sarega , Sen Piyali , Pearce Elizabeth , Giani Andrea , Chong Victor , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Sivaprasad Sobha
Published: April 2022

The thresholds of macular microvasculature parameters associated with mild visual impairment in diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) patients are unclear. Therefore, this prospective observational study is aimed at demonstrating the optical coherence tomography angiography parameters that best correlate with mild visual impairment (<70 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, Snellen equivalent 20/40) in DMI. The study was completed at the Moorfields Eye Hospital from December 2019 to August 2021. A total of 123 eyes of 87 patients with stable-treated proliferative diabetic retinopathy following panretinal photocoagulation were recruited. DMI was defined as an irregular foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area ≥ 0.5 mm2 or a smaller FAZ area with parafoveal capillary dropout in at least one quadrant. The analysis showed that the whole image deep vascular complex vessel density (DVC VD) in the 3 × 3 mm area had the best discriminatory ability to identify participants with mild visual impairment at 41.9% (area under the curve = 0.77, sensitivity 94%, specificity 54%, likelihood ratio [LR] = 2.04), and the FAZ area had the greatest post-test LR = 4.21 at 0.64 mm2. The 3 × 3 mm whole image DVC VD and FAZ area cutoffs are useful for screening vision-threatening DMI, but DVC VD has low specificity.
Non-Orthogonality Measure for a Collection of Pure Quantum States
Authors: Kato Kentaro
Published: April 2022

Modern optical communication technology can realize a large-scale multilevel (or M-ary) optical signal. Investigating the quantum mechanical nature of such a large-scale M-ary optical signal is essential for a unified understanding of quantum information science and optical communication technology. This article focuses on the quantum-mechanical non-orthogonality for a collection of pure quantum states and proposes a non-orthogonality index based on the least squares error criterion in quantum detection theory. First, we define the index for linearly independent signals, and the proposed index is analyzed through numerical simulations. Next, the index is applied to a highly large-scale M-ary phase-shift keying (PSK) coherent state signal. Furthermore, the index is compared with the capacity of the pure state channel with the PSK signal. As a result, it is shown that a highly large-scale M-ary PSK coherent state signal exhibits a quantum nature even when the signal transmission power is very high. Thus, the theoretical characterization of a highly large-scale M-ary coherent state signal based on the proposed index will be the first step toward a better understanding of cutting-edge optical communication technologies such as the quantum stream cipher Y00.
Human Capital Spillovers from Special Economic Zones: Evidence from Yangtze Delta in China
Authors: Lu Zhaoying
Published: April 2022

This paper evaluates the effects of a place-based program in the Yangtze Delta of China—Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Taking into account spatial proximity, this paper quantifies the spillover effects of the human capital in SEZs. One major finding is that regional productivity benefits from the human capital in SEZs. The spillover effects are not only confined to their own counties, but also neighboring counties. SEZs contribute more to the regional productivity of neighboring counties than the one of the hosting county itself. Moreover, positive spillover effects of the human capital in SEZs still hold for the growth of regional productivity.
Prediction of Upper Limb Action Intention Based on Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network
Authors: Cui Jianwei , Li Zhigang
Published: April 2022

The use of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to measure the motion data of the upper limb is a mature method, and the IMU has gradually become an important device for obtaining information sources to control assistive prosthetic hands. However, the control method of the assistive prosthetic hand based on the IMU often has problems with high delay. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for predicting the action intentions of upper limbs based on a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. First, the degree of correlation between palm movement and arm movement is compared, and the Pearson correlation coefficient is calculated. The correlation coefficients are all greater than 0.6, indicating that there is a strong correlation between palm movement and arm movement. Then, the motion state of the upper limb is divided into the acceleration state, deceleration state and rest state. The rest state of the upper limb is used as a sign to control the assistive prosthetic hand. Using the LSTM to identify the motion state of the upper limb, the accuracy rate is 99%. When predicting the action intention of the upper limb based on the angular velocity of the shoulder and forearm, the LSTM is used to predict the angular velocity of the palm, and the average prediction error of palm motion is 1.5 rad/s. Finally, the feasibility of the method is verified through experiments, in the form of holding an assistive prosthetic hand to imitate a disabled person wearing a prosthesis. The assistive prosthetic hand is used to reproduce foot actions, and the average delay time of foot action was 0.65 s, which was measured by using the method based on the LSTM neural network. However, the average delay time of the manipulator control method based on threshold analysis is 1.35 s. Our experiments show that the prediction method based on the LSTM can achieve low prediction error and delay.
A Durability Model for Analysis of Switching Direct Current Surge Degradation of Metal Oxide Varistors
Authors: van Niekerk Daniel , Bokoro Pitshou
Published: April 2022

In this study, a durability model for predicting the lifetime of MOV devices used to prevent DC switch damage due to occasional switching surges is proposed and validated. In addition, MOV devices are subjected to induced switching DC surges of a constant amplitude and variable time durations. Each MOV of the 270 selected devices sourced from three different manufacturers with similar size and electrical specifications was subjected to 5000 degrading surges. Three samples of 30 of the selected MOV devices from each manufacturer were degraded by induced switching DC surge durations of 2, 3, and 4 ms in order to reach an undesirable degradation level of 10% change in V1 mA. A statistical analysis of the three MOV manufacturer sample averages of the accumulated conduction charge transfer at 10% change in V1 mA supported the proposed durability model irrespective of the surge charge content variation and MOV material differences. The results show that MOV device durability or resilience may be more accurately modelled by using the surge average accumulated conduction charge transfer of a statistically significant MOV device sample.