bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Alexithymic Traits Are Related to Lower Maternal Sensitivity and Higher Hostility in Maternal Caregiving Behavior—The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Ahrnberg Hanna , Korja Riikka , Scheinin Noora M. , Nolvi Saara , Kataja Eeva-Leena , Kajanoja Jani , Hakanen Hetti , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Karukivi Max
Published: July 2021

Background: The quality of parental caregiving behavior with their child plays a key role in optimal mother–infant interaction and in supporting child adaptive development. Sensitive caregiving behavior, in turn, requires the ability to identify and understand emotions. Maternal alexithymia, with difficulties in identifying and describing feelings or emotions, as well as a concrete way of thinking, could potentially complicate the quality of caregiving. In this study, we aim to explore the possible association between maternal alexithymic traits and the quality of maternal caregiving behavior.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 158 mother–infant dyads within the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study population with an available report of maternal alexithymic traits at 6 months postpartum and observational data on maternal caregiving behavior at 8 months postpartum. Alexithymia was measured using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) including three alexithymia dimensions—Difficulty Identifying Feelings, Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF), and Externally Oriented Thinking (EOT). Maternal caregiving behavior was assessed using the Emotional Availability Scale and in this study, all four parent dimensions (Sensitivity, Structuring, Non-intrusiveness and Non-hostility) were included. Maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms at 6 months postpartum were controlled for as potential confounders. In addition, background factors of mother's age and gestational weeks at the time of child birth, maternal educational level, monthly income and parity, as well as relationship status and the gender of the baby were assessed.

Results: Maternal TAS-20 total score correlated negatively with Sensitivity (r = −0.169, p = 0.034) and with non-intrusiveness (r = −0.182, p = 0.022). In addition, maternal DDF correlated negatively with Sensitivity (r = −0.168, p = 0.035) and EOT with Non-hostility (r = −0.159, p = 0.047). Furthermore, in regression analyses with controlling for the associated background factors, maternal total score of alexithymic traits (p = 0.034, η2p = 0.029) and higher DDF (p = 0.044, η2p = 0.026) remained significantly associated with lower Sensitivity and higher EOT remained significantly associated with lower Non-hostility (p = 0.030, η2p = 0.030).

Conclusions: In this explorative study we found preliminary evidence for the hypothesis that higher maternal alexithymic traits associate with lower maternal sensitivity and more hostile maternal caregiving behavior. Further studies are needed to explore these hypotheses and to investigate their possible implications for child development.
The Impact of Negative Symptoms and Neurocognition on Functioning in MDD and Schizophrenia
Authors: Quek Yue Feng , Yang Zixu , Dauwels Justin , Lee Jimmy
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Negative symptoms, neurocognitive deficits and functional impairment are prevalent in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). However, unlike neurocognitive deficits, little is known about the role of negative symptoms toward functioning in individuals with MDD. On the other hand, both factors are well-studied in individuals with SCZ. Thus, this study aimed to examine the contributions of negative symptoms and neurocognitive impairments in functioning in individuals with MDD, compared to individuals with SCZ.

Methods: Participants included 50 individuals with MDD, 49 individuals with SCZ and 49 healthy controls. The following measures were administered—Negative Symptom Assessment (NSA-16), Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and MIRECC-Global Assessment of Functioning (MIRECC-GAF) to evaluate negative symptoms, neurocognition, depressive symptoms, and functioning respectively.

Results: Both MDD and SCZ groups had significantly more severe negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, and poorer functioning than healthy controls. Individuals with SCZ performed significantly poorer on the BACS than the other two groups. Both negative symptoms and neurocognition were significantly correlated with social and occupational functioning in SCZ. Motivation subdomain of the negative symptoms was significantly correlated with occupational functioning, while depressive symptoms correlated with functioning in MDD.

Conclusion: Both negative symptoms and neurocognitive deficits appear to play differential roles on individual domains of functioning between MDD and SCZ. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes should be done for a better understanding about the associations between the factors and functioning.
Effects of Vessel Interruption Sequence During Lobectomy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Long Xiang , Wu Bingxuan , Zhang Wenxiong , Lv Guoli , Yu Dongliang , Peng Jinhua , Wei Yiping , Lei Youming
Published: July 2021

Background: For lobectomy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whether interrupting the pulmonary vein first (Vein-first) achieves better perioperative and survival outcomes than interrupting the pulmonary artery first (Artery-first) remains controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare outcomes between the two groups to facilitate better surgical decision-making.

Methods: Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were searched for eligible studies comparing Vein-first and Artery-first procedures. The primary endpoints were survival indicators [overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS)]. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative indicators, hospitalization, and follow-up indicators.

Results: After screening 2,505 studies, 8 studies involving 1,714 patients (Vein-First group: 881 patients; Artery-first group: 833 patients) were included. The vein-first group achieved better OS [HR (hazard ratio): 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–1.91, p = 0.005], DFS (HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.23–2.08, p < 0.001), and LCSS (HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.16–2.31, p = 0.005). The survival rates of OS at 2–5 years, DFS at 1–5 years, and LCSS at 3–5 years were also higher in the Vein-First group. Subgroup analyses suggested that the advantages of survival in the Vein-First group were primarily embodied in the subgroups of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and earlier pathological TNM stage (I–II). Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, total complications, and total recurrences were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions: The Vein-first sequence is the suitable choice of vessel interruption sequence during lobectomy for NSCLC with better survival and similar perioperative outcomes, especially for stage I–II SCC.
Delay-Dependent Stability Analysis of Haptic Systems via an Auxiliary Function-Based Integral Inequality
Authors: Xiong Du , Liu Yunfan , Zhu Cui , Jin Li , Wang Leimin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the delay-dependent stability of haptic systems is studied by developing a new stability criterion. Firstly, the haptic system inevitably introduces time delays by using communication networks to transmit information between the controller and the haptic device. When discussing the stability of the haptic system near its operating point, the original nonlinear system is modeled as a linear system with the time delay mentioned above. In addition, a suitable augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) with more integral forms is constructed and an auxiliary function-based integral inequality is applied to estimate the derivative of the proposed LKF. Then, a less conservative delay-dependent criterion in terms of the linear matrix inequality (LMI) is derived to calculate the delay margin for the haptic system. Finally, case studies are carried out based on a one degree of freedom haptic system. The results show that, compared with criteria in existing works, the proposed criterion can obtain more accurate results and require less calculation complexity, and, with the increase in virtual damping in a certain range, the stable upper bound of the haptic system increases at first and then decreases.
Structural and Aeroelastic Studies of Wing Model with Metal Additive Manufacturing for Transonic Wind Tunnel Test by NACA 0008 Example
Authors: Tsushima Natsuki , Saitoh Kenichi , Arizono Hitoshi , Nakakita Kazuyuki
Published: July 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has a potential to improve manufacturing costs and may help to achieve high-performance aerospace structures. One of the application candidates would be a wind tunnel wing model. A wing tunnel model requires sophisticated designs and precise fabrications for accurate experiments, which frequently increase manufacturing costs. A flutter wind tunnel testing, especially, requires a significant cost due to strict requirements in terms of structural and aeroelastic characteristics avoiding structural failures and producing a flutter within the wind tunnel test environment. The additive manufacturing technique may help to reduce the expensive testing cost and allows investigation of aeroelastic characteristics of new designs in aerospace structures as needed. In this paper, a metal wing model made with the additive manufacturing technique for a transonic flutter test is studied. Structural/aeroelastic characteristics of an additively manufactured wing model are evaluated numerically and experimentally. The transonic wind tunnel experiment demonstrated the feasibility of the metal AM-based wings in a transonic flutter wind tunnel testing showing the capability to provide reliable experimental data, which was consistent with numerical solutions.
New Version of High-Damping PCB with Multi-Layered Viscous Lamina
Authors: Park Tae-Yong , Shin Seok-Jin , Oh Hyun-Ung
Published: July 2021

In a previous study, a high-damping printed circuit board (PCB) implemented by multilayered viscoelastic acrylic tapes was investigated to increase the fatigue life of solder joints of electronic packages by vibration attenuation in a random vibration environment. However, the main drawback of this concept is its inability to mount electronic parts on the PCB surface area occupied by interlaminated layers. For the efficient spatial accommodation of electronics, this paper proposes a new version of a high-damping PCB with multilayered viscoelastic tapes interlaminated on a thin metal stiffener spaced from a PCB. Compared to the previous study, this concept ensures efficient utilization of the PCB area for mounting electronic parts as well as the vibration attenuation capability. Free vibration tests were performed at various temperatures to obtain the basic characteristics of the proposed PCB. The effectiveness of the proposed PCB was verified by random vibration fatigue tests of sample PCBs with various numbers of viscoelastic layers to compare the fatigue life of electronic packages.
Protoplast Isolation, Fusion, Culture and Transformation in the Woody Plant Jasminum spp.
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed A. A. , Miao Miao , Pratsinakis Emmanouil D. , Zhang Hongliang , Wang Wei , Yuan Yuan , Lyu Meiling , Iftikhar Junaid , Yousef Ahmed F. , Madesis Panagiotis , Wu Binghua
Published: July 2021

Plant protoplasts are significant for plant cell culture, somatic cell fusion, genetics, and breeding studies. In addition, in vitro plant regeneration has great importance for developmental biology, manifesting potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology. In this regard, we present a well-established protocol regarding protoplast isolation, cell culture and protoplast fusion of Jasminum spp. In particular, different tissues of Jasminum samab L. and Jasminum mesnyi were employed for protoplast isolation, and stem explants provided a high callus induction rate in a short period of time. The best source for protoplast isolation was calli tissues. The optimized isolation protocol consisted of digesting callus in an enzyme solution containing 0.4 M mannitol, 0.2 M MES, 1 M CaCl2, 0.2 M KCL and 1 M NaH2PO4, 1.5% Cellulases onozuka R-10, 0.4% Macerozyme R-10 and 0.8% Pectinase for 4 h at 26 °C in the dark, providing a yield of 23.8 × 106 Protoplast/gFW with 88% viability. Protoplasts were cultured both in liquid and agarose medium under optimum conditions, leading to microcalli formation after eight weeks. A 5% protoplast-fusion rate can be achieved when cultured in 40% (w/v) PEG-MW6000 supplemented with 0.1 M CaCl2, 0.1 M sorbitol and 1 M Tris for 20 min. Furthermore, we developed an efficient PEG-mediated transformation protocol for jasmine protoplasts. The best results regarding protoplast transformation were obtained when the protoplast concentration was 4 × 105 cells/mL and the exogenous plasmid DNA added had a concentration of 10 µg DNA/100 µL protoplast solution, followed by the application of 40% PEG-4000 for 10 min.
Wettability Increase in Plasma-Treated Agricultural Seeds and Its Relation to Germination Improvement
Authors: Holc Matej , Mozetič Miran , Recek Nina , Primc Gregor , Vesel Alenka , Zaplotnik Rok , Gselman Peter
Published: July 2021

The literature on plasma-stimulated modification of seed wettability and germination is reviewed and analyzed. The results reported by different authors are scattered, but there is a positive correlation between the change in the water contact angle and the germination improvement. There is hardly any correlation between the germination and the power density used for sustaining gaseous plasma. The wettability, on the other hand, exhibits optimal values at the power density of roughly 1 W cm−3, but the results differ significantly. In fact, a super hydrophilic surface finish was only reported at such moderate power densities. Both the wettability and germination increase with treatment time, but saturate at a certain level, depending on the discharge power. Unlike for most polymers, the hydrophobic recovery does not appear to be a considerable obstacle, so the plasma treatment may be performed well before sowing, which makes the technique applicable in agricultural practice. The scattering of results indicates that the commonly reported parameters such as the type and mode of discharge, the discharge power or power density, the type of gas and its pressure, the treatment time and the type of the seeds, are not decisive parameters governing wettability and germination. Based on the observations of the reviewing authors, conclusions and scientific challenges in this scientific niche are summarized.
Multitemporal Analysis of Land Use Changes and Their Effect on the Landscape of the Jerte Valley (Spain) by Remote Sensing
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez Yolanda , Martínez Graña Antonio , Santos-Francés Fernando , Reyes Ramos Joan Leandro , Criado Marco
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the interest of institutions in land use has increased, creating the need to determine the changes in use through spatial-temporal and statistical analysis. This study analyzes the changes over the last 40 years, based on a cartography of landscape units obtained from the study of geo-environmental parameters in the Jerte Valley (Spain) with satellite images, Landsat 5 and 7. Subsequently, through the analysis of spatial patterns and diversity and fragmentation indices, and with the Fragstat software, the landscape was characterized from 1994 to the present. The results show that wooded areas decreased slightly, crops increased in altitude and major environmental disturbances (mainly forest fires) negatively affected the environmental mosaic. Land uses affect the landscape by developing larger tesserae (+5 ha), which are less fragmented (−0.15), but more isolated (0.12). This study demonstrates that landscape metrics can be used to understand changes in spatial pattern, help in decision making to implement appropriate management measures in the conservation of traditional land uses, and allow the maintenance of connecting areas between fragments to avoid the loss of natural corridors to increase landscape quality.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Some Hazelnut Varieties Grown in Portugal
Authors: Ferrão Ana Cristina , Guiné Raquel P. F. , Ramalhosa Elsa , Lopes Arminda , Rodrigues Cláudia , Martins Hugo , Gonçalves Roberto , Correia Paula M. R.
Published: July 2021

Hazelnuts are one of the most appreciated nuts worldwide due to their unique organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. The present work intended to analyse several physical and chemical properties of different hazelnut varieties grown in Portugal, namely Tonda de Giffoni, Grada de Viseu, Segorbe, Longa de Espanha, Butler, Gunslebert, and Negreta. In general, the results revealed statistically significant differences between the varieties under study. The Gunslebert had more elongated hazelnuts and with heavier shelled fruits, while the kernels of the Grada de Viseu revealed to be heavier. Grada de Viseu was harder in the shell, Gunslebert had a harder core, and Segorbe was more resistant to fracture. Fat was the more representative component for all varieties and in some cases the values of moisture and water activity were over the recommended amount (≥0.62). Tonda de Giffoni was the variety with the highest induction time, indicating the highest oxidation stability. Moreover, discriminant analysis revealed that the variables more important to distinguish the varieties were protein (λ = 0.007) and water activity (λ = 0.010). The results of this study help to better understand the differences between some hazelnut varieties that are cultivated in Portugal, which gives important hints for all players in the hazelnut sector.
Effect of Organic Amendment Addition on Soil Properties, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Grape Yield in Semi-Arid Vineyard Agroecosystems
Authors: Marín-Martínez Antonio , Sanz-Cobeña Alberto , Bustamante Mª Angeles , Agulló Enrique , Paredes Concepción
Published: July 2021

In semi-arid vineyard agroecosystems, highly vulnerable in the context of climate change, the soil organic matter (OM) content is crucial to the improvement of soil fertility and grape productivity. The impact of OM, from compost and animal manure, on soil properties (e.g., pH, oxidisable organic C, organic N, NH4+-N and NO3−-N), grape yield and direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in vineyards was assessed. For this purpose, two wine grape varieties were chosen and managed differently: with a rain-fed non-trellising vineyard of Monastrell, a drip-irrigated trellising vineyard of Monastrell and a drip-irrigated trellising vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon. The studied fertiliser treatments were without organic amendments (C), sheep/goat manure (SGM) and distillery organic waste compost (DC). The SGM and DC treatments were applied at a rate of 4600 kg ha−1 (fresh weight, FW) and 5000 kg ha−1 FW, respectively. The use of organic amendments improved soil fertility and grape yield, especially in the drip-irrigated trellising vineyards. Increased CO2 emissions were coincident with higher grape yields and manure application (maximum CO2 emissions = 1518 mg C-CO2 m−2 d−1). In contrast, N2O emissions, mainly produced through nitrification, were decreased in the plots showing higher grape production (minimum N2O emissions = −0.090 mg N2O-N m−2 d−1). In all plots, the CH4 fluxes were negative during most of the experiment (−1.073−0.403 mg CH4-C m−2 d−1), indicating that these ecosystems can represent a significant sink for atmospheric CH4. According to our results, the optimal vineyard management, considering soil properties, yield and GHG mitigation together, was the use of compost in a drip-irrigated trellising vineyard with the grape variety Monastrell.
Environmental Regulation of Agriculture in Federal Systems of Government: The Case of Australia
Authors: Hamman Evan , Deane Felicity , Kennedy Amanda , Huggins Anna , Nay Zoe
Published: July 2021

The regulation of environmental impacts from agriculture can take place at various scales. In some nations, with federal systems of government, the multiscale nature of regulatory interventions can be confusing for farmers, not to mention costly and time-consuming to navigate. Regulatory overlap contributes to inefficiency and wastage in governance efforts, reduced trust in government action and can preclude positive environmental outcomes across the landscape. In this article, we explore how Australia’s national-level law has been applied to agricultural land use. We canvas the concepts of regulatory complexity and ambiguity, and argue for a more integrated and flexible policy mix that rewards positive behaviour and stewardship of natural capital. This model would provide financial and other personal gains for those who can demonstrate objectives are being met. Further empirical research on fine-tuning that policy mix, again across scale, is warranted.
L-Asparaginase, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisolone (LHOP) Chemotherapy as a First-Line Treatment for Dogs with Multicentric Lymphoma
Authors: Lee Jih-Jong , Liao Albert Taiching , Wang Shang-Lin
Published: July 2021

Cyclophosphamide exhibits the weakest therapeutic effect compared with vincristine and doxorubicin in the CHOP (C, cyclophosphamide; H, doxorubicin; O, vincristine; and P, prednisolone) chemotherapeutic protocol for the treatment of canine lymphoma. Twenty dogs with multicentric lymphoma were treated using the LHOP protocol, which used l-asparaginase in place of cyclophosphamide, and the outcomes were historically compared with those of dogs that received CHOP chemotherapy in the same institution. No significant differences were found in age (p = 0.107), body weight (p = 0.051), sex (p = 0.453), clinical stage V (p = 1), substage b (p = 0.573), T-cell phenotype (p = 0.340), overall response (p = 1), and hypercalcaemia status (p = 1) between the LHOP and CHOP groups. The adverse effects of l-asparaginase were well tolerated and self-limiting. The median PFS (progression-free survival) and median ST (survival time) in the LHOP group were 344 days (range: 28–940 days) and 344 days (range: 70–940 days), respectively. The median PFS and median ST in the CHOP group were 234 days (range: 49–1822 days) and 314 days (range: 50–1822 days), respectively. The dogs that received LHOP chemotherapy had a significantly longer PFS than the dogs that received CHOP chemotherapy (p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in ST between the LHOP and CHOP groups (p = 0.131). Our study findings thus indicate that the LHOP protocol can be used as a first-line chemotherapeutic protocol in canine multicentric lymphoma.
Development of Nanobodies Targeting Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus: The Prospect in Disease Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Kinimi Edson , Muyldermans Serge , Vincke Cécile , Odongo Steven , Kock Richard , Parida Satya , Mahapatra Mana , Misinzo Gerald
Published: July 2021

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes a highly devastating disease, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) of sheep and goats, that threatens food security, small ruminant production, and the conservation of wild small ruminants in many developing countries, especially in Africa. Robust serological and molecular diagnostic tools are available to detect PPRV infection, but they were mainly developed for domestic sheep and goats. The presence of a wide host range for PPRV does present serological diagnostic challenges. New innovative diagnostic tools are needed to detect PPRV in atypical hosts (e.g., Camelidae, Suidae, and Bovinae), in wildlife ecosystems and in complex field situations. Interestingly, single-domain antigen binding fragments (nanobodies) derived from heavy-chain-only camelid antibodies have emerged as a new hope in the development of accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tools in veterinary and biomedical fields that are suitable for low-income countries. The main objective of this study was to construct an immune nanobody library to retrieve PPRV-reactive nanobodies that enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic nanobodies in the future. Here, a strategy was developed whereby an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was immunized with a live attenuated vaccine strain (PPRV/N/75/1) to raise an affinity-matured immune response in the heavy-chain-only antibody classes. The nanobody gene repertoire was engineered in pMECS-GG phagemid, whereby a ccdB gene (encoding a lethal protein) was substituted by the nanobody gene. An immune nanobody library with approximately sixty-four million independent transformants was constructed, of which 100% contained an insert with the proper size of nanobody gene. Following phage display and biopanning, nine nanobodies that specifically recognise completely inactivated PPRV were identified on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. They showed superb potency in rapidly identifying PPRV, which is likely to open a new perspective in the diagnosis and possible treatment of PPR infection.
Microbiomes of Various Maternal Body Systems Are Predictive of Calf Digestive Bacterial Ecology
Authors: Owens Connor E. , Huffard Haley G. , Nin-Velez Alexandra I. , Duncan Jane , Teets Chrissy L. , Daniels Kristy M. , Ealy Alan D. , James Robert E. , Knowlton Katharine F. , Cockrum Rebecca R.
Published: July 2021

Body systems once thought sterile at birth instead have complex and sometimes abundant microbial ecosystems. However, relationships between dam and calf microbial ecosystems are still unclear. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the various maternal and calf microbiomes during peri-partum and post-partum periods and (2) examine the influence of the maternal microbiome on calf fecal microbiome composition during the pre-weaning phase. Multiparous Holstein cows were placed in individual, freshly bedded box stalls 14 d before expected calving. Caudal vaginal fluid samples were collected approximately 24 h before calving and dam fecal, oral, colostrum, and placenta samples were collected immediately after calving. Calf fecal samples were collected at birth (meconium) and 24 h, 7 d, 42 d, and 60 d of age. Amplicons covering V4 16S rDNA regions were generated using DNA extracted from all samples and were sequenced using 300 bp paired end Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Spearman rank correlations were performed between genera in maternal and calf fecal microbiomes. Negative binomial regression models were created for genera in calf fecal samples at each time point using genera in maternal microbiomes. We determined that Bacteroidetes dominated the calf fecal microbiome at all time points (relative abundance ≥42.55%) except for 24 h post-calving, whereas Proteobacteria were the dominant phylum (relative abundance = 85.10%). Maternal fecal, oral, placental, vaginal, and colostrum microbiomes were significant predictors of calf fecal microbiome throughout pre-weaning. Results indicate that calf fecal microbiome inoculation and development may be derived from various maternal sources. Maternal microbiomes could be used to predict calf microbiome development, but further research on the environmental and genetic influences is needed.
Importance and Considerations of Antibody Engineering in Antibody-Drug Conjugates Development from a Clinical Pharmacologist’s Perspective
Authors: Lucas Andrew T. , Moody Amber , Schorzman Allison N. , Zamboni William C.
Published: July 2021

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) appear to be in a developmental boom, with five FDA approvals in the last two years and a projected market value of over $4 billion by 2024. Major advancements in the engineering of these novel cytotoxic drug carriers have provided a few early success stories. Although the use of these immunoconjugate agents are still in their infancy, valuable lessons in the engineering of these agents have been learned from both preclinical and clinical failures. It is essential to appreciate how the various mechanisms used to engineer changes in ADCs can alter the complex pharmacology of these agents and allow the ADCs to navigate the modern-day therapeutic challenges within oncology. This review provides a global overview of ADC characteristics which can be engineered to alter the interaction with the immune system, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, and therapeutic index of ADCs. In addition, this review will highlight some of the engineering approaches being explored in the creation of the next generation of ADCs.
Assessment of Adherence to the Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: A Survey of the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Mubarak Naeem , Khan Asma Sarwar , Zahid Taheer , Ijaz Umm e Barirah , Aziz Muhammad Majid , Khan Rabeel , Mahmood Khalid , Saif-ur-Rehman Nasira , Zin Che Suraya
Published: July 2021

Background: To restrain antibiotic resistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States of America, urges all hospital settings to implement the Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (CEHASP). However, the concept of hospital-based antibiotic stewardship programs is relatively new in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Aim: To appraise the adherence of the tertiary care hospitals to seven CEHASPs. Design and Setting: A cross-sectional study in the tertiary care hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan. Method: CEHASP assessment tool, (a checklist) was used to collect data from the eligible hospitals based on purposive sampling. The check list had 19 statements to cover seven CEHASPs: Hospital Leadership Commitment, Accountability, Pharmacy Expertise, Action (Implement Interventions to Improve Antibiotic Use), Tracking Antibiotic Use and Outcomes, Reporting Antibiotic Use and Outcomes, and Education. For each statement, a response of “YES”, “NO” or “Under Process” constituted a score of 2, 0 and 1, respectively, where the higher the scores the better the adherence. Categorical variables were described through descriptive statistics, while independent t-test computed group differences. Result: A total of 68 hospitals (n = 33 public, n = 35 private) participated with a response rate of 79.1%. No hospital demonstrated “Perfect” adherence. Roughly half private (48.6%) and more than half public (54.5%) sector hospitals were “Poor“ in adherence. Based on the mean score, there was no significant difference between the private and the public hospitals in terms of comparison of individual core elements. The two most neglected core elements emerged as top priority area were: Reporting Antibiotic Use and Outcomes and Tracking Antibiotic Use and Outcomes.Conclusion: The current response of Pakistan to implement hospital-based antibiotic stewardship programs is inadequate. This study points out significant gaps of practice both in public and private tertiary care hospitals. A majority of the core elements of antibiotic stewardship are either absent or ”Under Process”. The deficiency/priority areas mentioned require immediate attention of the concerned stakeholders in Pakistan.
Two Distinct Genotypes of KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from South Korea
Authors: Kim Jee Hong , Cho Yun Young , Choi Ji Young , Wi Yu Mi , Ko Kwan Soo
Published: July 2021

In this study, we investigated the characteristics of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP-Kp) isolates from a hospital in South Korea. Among the 37 KP-Kp isolates, two main clones were identified—ST11 and ST307. ST11 isolates showed higher minimum inhibitory concentrations for carbapenems than ST307 isolates. All ST307 isolates were resistant to gentamicin and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, but ST11 isolates were not. However, most tigecycline-resistant or colistin-resistant isolates belonged to ST11. The two KP-Kp clones showed different combinations of wzi and K serotypes. Plasmids from ST11 KP-Kp isolates exhibited diverse incompatibility types. Serum resistance and macrophage infection assays indicated that ST11 may be more virulent than ST307. The changes in the main clones of KP-Kp isolates over time as well as the different characteristics of these clones, including virulence, suggest the need for their continuous monitoring.
Changes in Antioxidative, Oxidoreductive and Detoxification Enzymes during Development of Aphids and Temperature Increase
Authors: Durak Roma , Dampc Jan , Kula-Maximenko Monika , Mołoń Mateusz , Durak Tomasz
Published: July 2021

Temperature, being the main factor that has an influence on insects, causes changes in their development, reproduction, winter survival, life cycles, migration timing, and population dynamics. The effects of stress caused by a temperature increase on insects may depend on many factors, such as the frequency, amplitude, duration of the stress, sex, or the developmental stage of the insect. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the enzymatic activity of nymphs and adult aphids Aphis pomi, Macrosiphum rosae and Cinara cupressi, and changes in their response to a temperature increase from 20 to 28 °C. The activity of enzymatic markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), β-glucosidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD)) in aphid tissues was analysed for three constant temperatures. The results of our research showed that the enzymatic activity of aphids (measured as the activity of antioxidant, detoxifying and oxidoreductive enzymes) was mainly determined by the type of morph. We observed a strong positive correlation between the activity of the detoxifying and oxidoreductive enzymes and aphids’ development, and a negative correlation between the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and aphids’ development. Moreover, the study showed that an increase in temperature caused changes in enzyme activity (especially SOD, CAT and β-glucosidase), which was highest at 28 °C, in both nymphs and adults. Additionally, a strong positive correlation between metabolic activity (heat flow measured by microcalorimeter) and longevity was observed, which confirmed the relationship between these characteristics of aphids. The antioxidant enzyme system is more efficient in aphid nymphs, and during aphid development the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreases. The antioxidant enzyme system in aphids appears to deliver effective protection for nymphs and adults under stressful conditions, such as high temperatures.
Performance Impact of Optimization Methods on MySQL Document-Based and Relational Databases
Authors: Győrödi Cornelia A. , Dumşe-Burescu Diana V. , Győrödi Robert Ş. , Zmaranda Doina R. , Bandici Livia , Popescu Daniela E.
Published: July 2021

Databases are an important part of today’s applications where large amounts of data need to be stored, processed, and accessed quickly. One of the important criteria when choosing to use a database technology is its data processing performance. In this paper, some methods for optimizing the database structure and queries were applied on two popular open-source database management systems: MySQL as a relational DBMS, and document-based MySQL as a non-relational DBMS. The main objective of this paper was to conduct a comparative analysis of the impact that the proposed optimization methods have on each specific DBMS when carrying out CRUD (CREATE, READ, UPDATE, DELETE) requests. To perform the analysis and performance evaluation of CRUD operations for different amounts of data, a case study testing architecture based on Java was developed and used to show how the databases’ proposed optimization methods can influence the performance of the application, and to highlight the differences in response time and complexity. The results obtained show the degree to which the proposed optimization methods contributed to the application’s performance improvement in the case of both databases; based on these, a detailed analysis and several conclusions are presented to support a decision for choosing a specific approach.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential and Consumer Acceptance of Wafers Enriched with Freeze-Dried Raspberry Pomace
Authors: Szymanowska Urszula , Karaś Monika , Bochnak-Niedźwiecka Justyna
Published: July 2021

In this study, the effect of the addition of freeze-dried raspberry pomace on the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of wafers was investigated. Particular attention was paid to the biological activity of the potentially bioavailable fraction of polyphenols extracted via gastro-intestinal digestion. In the basic recipe for the waffle dough, flour was replaced with freeze-dried raspberry pomace in the amount of 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, and 75%. The content of total phenolic compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in ethanol and buffer extracts and after in vitro digestion increased with the increase in the addition of pomace. A similar relationship was noted for antioxidant properties: ability to neutralize ABTS—2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH—1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals, iron II chelating ability, and reduction power. The extracts obtained after the simulated digestion showed the highest activities, which confirms that the polyphenols are a potentially bioavailable fraction. Extracts from the fortified wafers effectively inhibited the activity of enzymes involved in the generation of free radicals and induction of inflammation, i.e., xanthine oxidase (XO), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). The lowest IC50 values were determined for extracts after in vitro digestion. The sensory evaluation of the prepared wafers showed that the wafers fortified with 20% pomace achieved optimal scores. Enrichment of confectionery products with waste products from the fruit and vegetable industry can be a good way to increase the proportion of biologically active polyphenols in the diet and brings benefits to the environment.
Using Virtual Learning Environment Data for the Development of Institutional Educational Policies
Authors: Queiroga Emanuel Marques , Enríquez Carolina Rodríguez , Cechinel Cristian , Casas Alén Perez , Paragarino Virgínia Rodés , Bencke Luciana Regina , Ramos Vinicius Faria Culmant
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the application of Data Science and Educational Data Mining techniques to data from 4529 students, seeking to identify behavior patterns and generate early predictive models at the Universidad de la República del Uruguay. The paper describes the use of data from different sources (a Virtual Learning Environment, survey, and academic system) to generate predictive models and discover the most impactful variables linked to student success. The combination of different data sources demonstrated a high predictive power, achieving prediction rates with outstanding discrimination at the fourth week of a course. The analysis showed that students with more interactions inside the Virtual Learning Environment tended to have more success in their disciplines. The results also revealed some relevant attributes that influenced the students’ success, such as the number of subjects the student was enrolled in, the students’ mother’s education, and the students’ neighborhood. From the results emerged some institutional policies, such as the allocation of computational resources for the Virtual Learning Environment infrastructure and its widespread use, the development of tools for following the trajectory of students, and the detection of students at-risk of failure. The construction of an interdisciplinary exchange bridge between sociology, education, and data science is also a significant contribution to the academic community that may help in constructing university educational policies.
Microscope Enclosure for Temperature Regulation and Light Isolation
Authors: Johnson Daniel S. , Deneau Taylor , Toledo-Crow Ricardo , Simon Sanford M.
Published: July 2021

Light isolation and temperature regulation are often required for microscopic imaging. Commercial enclosures are available to satisfy these requirements, but they are often not flexible to the variety of custom systems found in research laboratories. We present the design for an affordable enclosure which utilizes aluminum t-slot profiles to support opaque expanded PVC panels. Temperature is regulated by exchanging the enclosure air with an external heater. In addition, we demonstrate baffles integrated into the enclosure improve temperature uniformity. Example designs for both upright and inverted microscopes are given, providing a starting point for creating a system-specific custom enclosure.
Polymerization and Collision in High Concentrations for Brownian Coagulation
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Liu Yueyan , Wu Taiquan , Yu Mingzhou
Published: July 2021

Aggregation always occurs in industrial processes with fractal-like particles, especially in dense systems (the volume fraction, ϕ>1%). However, the classic aggregation theory, established by Smoluchowski in 1917, cannot sufficiently simulate the particle dynamics in dense systems, particularly those of generat ed fractal-like particles. In this article, the Langevin dynamic was applied to study the collision rate of aggregations as well as the structure of aggregates affected by different volume fractions. It is shown that the collision rate of highly concentrated particles is progressively higher than that of a dilute concentration, and the SPSD (self-preserving size distribution) is approached (σg,n≥1.5). With the increase in volume fraction, ϕ, the SPSD broadens, and the geometric standard is 1.54, 1.98, and 2.73 at ϕ=0.1, 0.2, and 0.3. When the volume fraction, ϕ, is higher, the radius of gyration is smaller with the same cluster size (number-based), which means the particle agglomerations are in a tighter coagulation. The fractal-like property Df is in the range of 1.60–2.0 in a high-concentration system. Knowing the details of the collision progress in a high-concentration system can be useful for calculating the dynamics of coagulating fractal-like particles in the industrial process.
Enhancement of the Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of a Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Using Interleaved Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper
Authors: Shin Yong-Chul , Kim Seung-Mo
Published: July 2021

In this study, a carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypaper was interleaved in a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite to improve the interlaminar fracture toughness. Interleaving the film of a laminate-type composite poses the risk of deteriorating the in-plane mechanical properties. Therefore, the in-plane shear modulus and shear strength were measured prior to estimating the interlaminar fracture toughness. To evaluate the effect of the buckypaper on the interlaminar fracture toughness of the CFRP, double cantilever beam (DCB) and end notch flexure (ENF) tests were conducted for mode I and mode II delamination, respectively. No significant change was observed for the in-plane shear modulus due to the buckypaper interleaving and the shear strength decreased by 4%. However, the interlaminar fracture toughness of the CFRP increased significantly. Moreover, the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of the CFRP increased by 45.9%. Optical micrographs of the cross-section of the CFRPs were obtained to compare the microstructures of the specimens with and without buckypaper interleaving. The fracture surfaces obtained after the DCB and ENF tests were examined using a scanning electron microscope to identify the toughening mechanism of the buckypaper-interleaved CFRP.
Impact on the Quality of Life and Physiological Parameters in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Reina-Bueno María , Palomo-Toucedo Inmaculada C. , Medina-Núñez Manuel Ángel , Munuera-Martínez Pedro V. , Castro-Méndez Aurora , Vázquez-Bautista María del Carmen
Published: July 2021

The co-existence of complications and diabetes mellitus is related to a worsening in quality of life compared to not presenting comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate whether there is a different impact on quality of life according to gender and to establish the physiological parameters that these patients have in relation to diabetes-related complications. The sampling was continuous non-probabilistic, involving legal age patients with diabetes mellitus. All of the participants were administered the generic SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. The presence of peripheral artery disease was considered from an ankle brachial index <0.9 and grade II to grade IV of the Leriche–Fontaine classification. Nerve dysfunction was detected from a neurotensiometer test, and the presence of diabetic foot was detected from a dermal examination and co-existence with arteriopathy and/or neuropathy. Men presented significantly better quality of life values on the mental health, emotional role and health transition scales. Despite this, in the presence of complications such as vasculopathy, neuropathy or diabetic foot, the perception of well-being changes, showing that men and women face the disease in different ways. Despite the fact that the physical parameters of diabetic patients are similar according to the complications that they present, the adult women in our environment have lower levels of quality of life than men in most cases. This may be related not only to pathophysiological differences but also to sociocultural factors.
Dietary Intervention Induced Distinct Repercussions in Response to the Individual Gut Microbiota as Demonstrated by the In Vitro Fecal Fermentation of Beef
Authors: Singh Vineet , Ryu Youn-Chul , Unno Tatsuya
Published: July 2021

Animals and humans have very different gut microbiota, and the human microbiota is unique to each individual. For these reasons, it is difficult to find a diet that provides all the nutrients according to individual requirements. In this study, we investigated the possibility of using simple in vitro fecal fermentation of digested food to evaluate fundamental differences in the gut metabolism of individuals with different microbiomes in response to specific dietary interventions. We fermented beef using six human fecal microbiotas, analyzed shifts in these microbiomes, and quantified short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in each system. Our results demonstrate that each microbiome responds with a unique shift in composition, SCFA production, and metabolic activity following 90 min of fecal fermentation of beef. Differentially abundant genera and metabolic activities varied among subjects. Only two subjects’ fecal microbiome showed no significant changes in their metabolic activity, while the other subjects’ microbial metagenome showed anywhere between 17 and 60 differences in their metabolism, including several changes associated with heart disease (i.e., depletion of oleate and palmitoleate biosynthesis). This study revealed the varying responses of each microbiome when exposed to digested beef, suggesting that this method could provide fundamental information in understanding personal nutrient requirements and the impact of changes in the individual gut microbiota on human health. Although further studies using larger study populations are required, this study describes a simple and cost-effective protocol for evaluating the interactions between specific dietary interventions and individual gut microbiota differences.