bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrotactile-Based Rehabilitation on Balance and Gait in Patients with Neurological Diseases: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis
Authors: De Angelis Sara , Princi Alessandro Antonio , Dal Farra Fulvio , Morone Giovanni , Caltagirone Carlo , Tramontano Marco
Published: April 2021

Postural instability and fear of falling represent two major causes of decreased mobility and quality of life in cerebrovascular and neurologic diseases. In recent years, rehabilitation strategies were carried out considering a combined sensorimotor intervention and an active involvement of the patients during the rehabilitation sessions. Accordingly, new technological devices and paradigms have been developed to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation by integrating multisensory information and augmented feedback promoting the involvement of the cognitive paradigm in neurorehabilitation. In this context, the vibrotactile feedback (VF) could represent a peripheral therapeutic input, in order to provide spatial proprioceptive information to guide the patient during task-oriented exercises. The present systematic review and metanalysis aimed to explore the effectiveness of the VF on balance and gait rehabilitation in patients with neurological and cerebrovascular diseases. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Due to the lack of high-quality studies and heterogeneity of treatments protocols, clinical practice recommendations on the efficacy of VF cannot be made. Results show that VF-based intervention could be a safe complementary sensory-motor approach for balance and gait rehabilitation in patients with neurological and cerebrovascular diseases. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed.
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease with Cognitive Impairment: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Authors: Sun Chichun , Armstrong Melissa J.
Published: April 2021

Cognitive impairment risk in Parkinson’s disease increases with disease progression and poses a significant burden to the patients, their families and society. There are no disease-modifying therapies or preventative measures for Parkinson’s disease mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), or Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). This article reviews current and previously investigated treatments and those under investigation, including pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic and surgical procedures. There are currently no effective pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic treatments for PD-MCI. The only recommended treatment for PDD currently is rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor. Donepezil and galantamine—other cholinesterase inhibitors—are possibly useful. Memantine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is considered investigational in PDD. Drug repurposing (atomoxetine, levodopa, insulin, atomoxetine for PD-MCI; ambroxol and ceftriaxone for PDD) and novel medications (SYN120, GRF6021, NYX-458 for PD-MCI; ANAVEX2-73, LY3154207, ENT-01, DAAOI-P for PDD) currently have insufficient evidence. There is growing research supporting exercise in the treatment of PD-MCI, but most non-pharmacological approaches have insufficient evidence for use in PD-MCI (cognitive rehabilitation, deep brain stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial ultrasound, vestibular nerve stimulation) and PDD (cognitive intervention, deep brain stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, transcranial ultrasound, temporal blood brain barrier disruption). Research is needed for both disease-modifying and symptomatic treatments in PD cognitive impairment.
Risk Identification, Assessments, and Prediction for Mega Construction Projects: A Risk Prediction Paradigm Based on Cross Analytical-Machine Learning Model
Authors: Banerjee Chattapadhyay Debalina , Putta Jagadeesh , Rao P Rama Mohan
Published: April 2021

Risk identification and management are the two most important parts of construction project management. Better risk management can help in determining the future consequences, but identifying possible risk factors has a direct and indirect impact on the risk management process. In this paper, a risk prediction system based on a cross analytical-machine learning model was developed for construction megaprojects. A total of 63 risk factors pertaining to the cost, time, quality, and scope of the megaproject and primary data were collected from industry experts on a five-point Likert scale. The obtained sample was further processed statistically to generate a significantly large set of features to perform K-means clustering based on high-risk factor and allied sub-risk component identification. Descriptive analysis, followed by the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was performed to retain the most significant features pertaining to cost, time, quality, and scope. Eventually, unlike classical K-means clustering, a genetic-algorithm-based K-means clustering algorithm (GA–K-means) was applied with dual-objective functions to segment high-risk factors and allied sub-risk components. The proposed model identified different high-risk factors and sub-risk factors, which cumulatively can impact overall performance. Thus, identifying these high-risk factors and corresponding sub-risk components can help stakeholders in achieving project success.
Assessment of the Density Loss in Anobiid Infested Pine Using X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography
Authors: Parracha João , Pereira Manuel , Maurício António , Faria Paulina , Lima Daniel F. , Tenório Marina , Nunes Lina
Published: April 2021

The present study aims at evaluating the impact of anobiid damage on pine timber elements. Anobiid attack produces a diffuse damage of the elements with a set of tunnels in random directions and sizes, thus confusing quantification. Therefore, a method was developed based on X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-XCT) to obtain, for naturally infested timber samples, an empirical correlation between lost material percentage (consumed by beetles) and timber apparent density (original, before degradation—OTD and residual, after degradation—RTD). The quantified density loss can then be used in further assessment of the structure. The results of the tests performed showed high correlation between original apparent density and lost material percentage (r2 = 0.60) and between residual apparent density and lost material percentage (r2 = 0.83), which confirms μ-XCT as a valuable tool to the required quantification. The loss of density results can be further applied on the definition of an assessment method for the evaluation of the residual strength of anobiids infested timber, thus contributing to reducing unnecessary replacement. The optimized procedure of the μ-XCT study for infested Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) is presented and discussed in this article.
Quantification of Air Change Rate by Selected Methods in a Typical Apartment Building
Authors: Bullová Iveta , Kapalo Peter , Katunský Dušan
Published: April 2021

An important parameter that affects indoor climate of buildings and also ventilation heat losses and gains is the speed of air change between the outdoor environment and the interior of buildings. Indoor air quality is therefore significantly associated with ventilation. Quantification of air change rate is complicated, because it is impacted by many parameters, the most variable of which is air flow. This study focuses on the determination and comparison of air change rate values in two methods by quantification of the aerodynamic coefficient Cp = Cpe − Cpi, so-called “aerodynamic quantification of the building” and the methodology based on “experimental measurements of carbon dioxide”. The study describes and takes into account the effect of wind, building parameters and air permeability for the building using “aerodynamic quantification of the building”. The paper compares these calculated results with the values obtained from experimental measurements method of carbon dioxide in a selected reference room in apartment building and evaluates the accuracy of the prediction of the air exchange rate obtained by these methods. At higher wind speeds the values of air change rate with considering the effect of openings are closer to the values obtained based on experimental measurements of carbon dioxide and the difference between the values without considering the effect of openings increases significantly.
Development of Side Mold Control Equipment for Producing Free-Form Concrete Panels
Authors: Yun Jiyeong , Jeong Kyeongtae , Youn Jongyoung , Lee Donghoon
Published: April 2021

Free-form concrete panel production requires an increasing amount of manpower because the molds cannot be reused. There are many limitations when it comes to reproducing accurate forms due to the many manual processes. Therefore, the current study developed side mold control equipment that can automatically fabricate molds for free-form concrete panels. The equipment is capable of molding various shapes and sustainable operation. However, there may be errors as it automatically produces various shapes. Therefore, it is necessary to check the errors between manufactured shapes and designed shapes. The shape created using the side mold control equipment showed less than 0.1° error in side angle and ±3 mm error in side length. Therefore, the equipment manufactured a precise shape. Based on the findings of the study, the side mold control equipment will be used to produce accurate shape of free-form concrete panels automatically.
Historical Study and Conservation Strategies of “Tianzihao” Colony (Nanjing, China)—Architectural Heritage of the French Catholic Missions in the Late 19th Century
Authors: Li Yinghan , Li Xuanfan , Jiang Qiaochu , Zhou Qi
Published: April 2021

The “Tianzihao” colony was built by the French Jesuits in the 1890s. As one of the earliest examples of the French Catholic Church’s mission in China, as well as the only case in Nanjing, it shows the historical scenes of Western missionaries in Nanjing 120 years ago. It is a demonstration of cultural exchanges between China and the West after China opened to the Western world in the late 19th century. In architectural style, the “Tianzihao” colony is Western-style townhouses, but a large number of traditional Chinese architectural technologies were used for it, and therefore it is characterized by Western space and Chinese technology. The “Tianzihao” colony was badly damaged during these decades, with a lot of decayed building materials and structures on the verge of collapse. Based on the historical research and technical analysis of the “Tianzihao” colony, this article explores the conservation strategies and methods of reusing the architectural heritage. In addition, this article is to study the characteristics of the times before introduction of Western architectural technology in Nanjing based on an analysis on the building technology used for the “Tianzihao” colony. The authors participated in the conservation and restoration project of the “Tianzihao” colony, and the objective of this study was achieved through some qualitative methods, including collection and analysis of archival data, analysis of old maps and photos, architectural mapping and a large amount of historical information found in the conservation process.
Age- and Intravenous Methotrexate-Associated Leukoencephalopathy and Its Neurological Impact in Pediatric Patients with Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Rijmenams Ilona , Moechars Daan , Uyttebroeck Anne , Radwan Ahmed , Blommaert Jeroen , Deprez Sabine , Sunaert Stefan , Segers Heidi , Gillebert Céline R. , Lemiere Jurgen , Sleurs Charlotte
Published: April 2021

Methotrexate (MTX) is associated with leukoencephalopathy (LE) in children treated for lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/LBL). However, large-scale studies with systematic MR acquisition and quantitative volumetric lesion information remain limited. Hence, the prevalence of lesion burdens and the potential risk factors of LE in this population are still inconclusive. FLAIR-MRI scans were acquired at the end of treatment in children who were treated for ALL/LBL, which were quantitatively analyzed for LE. Voxels were assigned to the lesion segmentation if indicated by two raters. Logistic and linear regression models were used to test whether lesion presence and size were predicted by risk factors such as age at diagnosis, gender, intrathecal (IT-) or intravenous (IV-)MTX dose, CNS invasion, and acute neurological events. Patients with a pre-existing neurological condition or low-quality MR scan were excluded from the analyses. Of the 129 patients, ten (8%) suffered from CNS invasion. Chemotherapy-associated neurological events were observed in 13 patients (10%) during therapy, and 68 patients (53%) showed LE post-treatment. LE was more frequent in cases of lower age and higher cumulative IV-MTX doses, while the extent of LE and neurological symptoms were associated only with IV-MTX doses. Neurological events were not significantly associated with LE, even though symptomatic patients demonstrated a higher ratio of LE (n = 9/13) than asymptomatic patients (n = 59/116). This study suggests leukoencephalopathy frequently occurs in both symptomatic and asymptomatic leukemia patients. Younger children and patients treated with higher cumulative IV-MTX doses might need more regular screening for early detection and follow-up of associated sequelae.
A Single-Run Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Both Gene Mutations and Large Chromosomal Abnormalities in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Related Myeloid Neoplasms
Authors: Liquori Alessandro , Lesende Iván , Palomo Laura , Avetisyan Gayane , Ibáñez Mariam , González-Romero Elisa , Boluda-Navarro Mireia , Morote-Faubel Mireya , Garcia-Ruiz Cristian , Martinez-Valiente Cristina , Santiago-Balsera Marta , Gomez-Seguí Inés , Sanjuan-Pla Alejandra , Sanz Miguel A. , Sanz Guillermo , Solé Francesc , Such Esperanza , Cervera José
Published: April 2021

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms are clonal disorders that share most of their cytogenetic and molecular alterations. Despite the increased knowledge of the prognostic importance of genetics in these malignancies, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has not been incorporated into clinical practice in a validated manner, and the conventional karyotype remains mandatory in the evaluation of suspected cases. However, non-informative cytogenetics might lead to an inadequate estimation of the prognostic risk. Here, we present a novel targeted NGS-based assay for the simultaneous detection of all the clinically relevant genetic alterations associated with these disorders. We validated this platform in a large cohort of patients by performing a one-to-one comparison with the lesions from karyotype and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Our strategy demonstrated an approximately 97% concordance with standard clinical assays, showing sensitivity at least equivalent to that of SNP arrays and higher than that of conventional cytogenetics. In addition, this NGS assay was able to identify both copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity events distributed genome-wide and copy number alterations, as well as somatic mutations within significant driver genes. In summary, we show a novel NGS platform that represents a significant improvement to current strategies in defining diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with MDS and myeloid-related disorders.
NKL-Code in Normal and Aberrant Hematopoiesis
Authors: Nagel Stefan
Published: April 2021

We have recently described physiological expression patterns of NKL homeobox genes in early hematopoiesis and in subsequent lymphopoiesis and myelopoiesis, including terminally differentiated blood cells. We thereby systematized differential expression patterns of eleven such genes which form the so-called NKL-code. Due to the developmental impact of NKL homeobox genes, these data suggest a key role for their activity in normal hematopoietic differentiation processes. On the other hand, the aberrant overexpression of NKL-code-members or the ectopical activation of non-code members have been frequently reported in lymphoid and myeloid leukemia/lymphoma, revealing the oncogenic potential of these genes in the hematopoietic compartment. Here, I provide an overview of the NKL-code in normal hematopoiesis and instance mechanisms of deregulation and oncogenic functions of selected NKL genes in hematologic cancers. As well as published clinical studies, our conclusions are based on experimental work using hematopoietic cell lines which represent useful models to characterize the role of NKL homeobox genes in specific tumor types.
Impact of Grade Groups on Prostate Cancer-Specific and Other-Cause Mortality: Competing Risk Analysis from a Large Single Institution Series
Authors: Milonas Daimantas , Ruzgas Tomas , Venclovas Zilvinas , Jievaltas Mindaugas , Joniau Steven
Published: April 2021

Objective: To assess the risk of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) using post-operative International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group (GG) model in patients after radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients and Methods: Overall 1921 consecutive men who underwent RP during 2001 to 2017 in a single tertiary center were included in the study. Multivariate competing risk regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors and quantify cumulative incidence of CSM and OCM. Time-depending area under the curve (AUC) depicted the performance of GG model on prediction of CSM. Results: Over a median follow-up of 7.9-year (IQR 4.4-11.7) after RP, 235 (12.2%) deaths were registered, and 52 (2.7%) of them were related to PCa. GG model showed high and stable performance (time-dependent AUC 0.88) on prediction of CSM. Cumulative 10-year CSM in GGs 1 to 5 was 0.9%, 2.3%, 7.6%, 14.7%, and 48.6%, respectively; 10-year OCM in GGs was 15.5%, 16.1%, 12.6%, 17.7% and 6.5%, respectively. The ratio between 10-year CSM/OCM in GGs 1 to 5 was 1:17, 1:7, 1:2, 1:1, and 7:1, respectively. Conclusions: Cancer-specific and other-cause mortality differed widely between GGs. Presented findings could aid in personalized clinical decision making for active treatment.
Health Science Community Will Miss This Bright and Uniting Star: In Memory of Professor Gjumrakch Aliev, M.D, Ph.D.
Authors: Chubarev Vladimir N. , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y. , Bulygin Kirill V. , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Mihaylenko Elizaveta , Tarasov Vadim V. , Mikhaleva Liudmila M. , Poltronieri Palmiro , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Somasundaram Siva G. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Chen Kuo , Liu Junqi , Fan Ruitai , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Mironov Alexander A. , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Pretorius Etheresia , Dindyaev Sergey V. , Muresanu Cristian , Sukocheva Olga A.
Published: April 2021

It is with deep sadness that we offer our memorial on the unexpected demise of our dear colleague, Professor Gjumrakch Aliev [...]
Polyaniline/Ag2S–CdS Nanocomposites as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Triiodide Reduction in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kuo Meng , Cheng Tsung-Chia , Ye Huai-Kai , Wang Tzong-Liu , Wu Tzu-Ho , Kuo Chi-Ching , Lee Rong-Ho
Published: April 2021

In this study, an Ag2S–CdS nanocomposite (AC11) was prepared through chemical co-precipitation of silver nitrate and cadmium acetate in an aqueous solution of thiourea. We then synthesized PACI, a nanocomposite of polyaniline (PANI) and AC11, through in situ polymerization of aniline in an AC11-containing solution, resulting in uniform embedding of the AC11 nanoparticles in the PANI fibers. Moreover, we synthesized the nanocomposite PACO through deposition of the AC11 nanoparticles on the surface of the PANI fibers. PANI, PACI, and PACO were then spin-coated onto conducting glasses to form PANI-S, PACI-S, and PACO-S counter electrodes, respectively, for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the electrochemical catalytic activity of the PACI-S electrode was much higher than those of the PANI-S and PACO-S electrodes. Furthermore, the photovoltaic properties of the PACI-S-based DSSC were much better than those of the PANI-S- and PACO-S-based DSSCs. Indeed, the highest short-circuit current density (12.06 mA/cm2), open-circuit voltage (0.72 V), fill factor (0.58), and photoenergy conversion efficiency (5.04%) were those of the DSSC featuring PACI-S as the counter electrode.
Do Gas Nanobubbles Enhance Aqueous Photocatalysis? Experiment and Analysis of Mechanism
Authors: Yu Weijia , Chen Jiaying , Ateia Mohamed , Cates Ezra L. , Johnson Matthew S.
Published: April 2021

The performance of photocatalytic advanced oxidation must be improved in order for the technology to make the jump from academic research to widespread use. Research is needed on the factors that cause photocatalysis to become self-limiting. In this study, we introduced, for the first time, nanobubbles continuously into a running photocatalytic reactor. Synthetic air, O2, and N2 bubbles in the size range of 40 to 700 nm were added to a reaction system comprising P25 TiO2 photocatalyst in stirred aqueous solution excited by UV-A lamps, with methyl orange as a target contaminant. The removal of methyl orange was tested under conditions of changing pH and with the addition of different radical scavengers. Results indicated that the oxygen and air nanobubbles improved the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange—the removal efficiency of methyl orange increased from 58.2 ± 3.5% (N2 aeration) to 71.9 ± 0.6% (O2 aeration). Dissolved oxygen (DO) of 14.93 ± 0.13 mg/L was achieved using O2 nanobubbles in comparison to 8.43 ± 0.34 mg/L without aeration. The photodegradation of methyl orange decreased from 70.8 ± 0.4% to 53.9 ± 0.5% as pH increased from 2 to 10. Experiments using the scavengers showed that O2− was the main reactive species in photocatalytic degradation under highly dissolved oxygen conditions, which also accounted for the observation that the removal efficiency for methyl orange decreased at higher pH. However, without photocatalyst, nanobubbles alone did not improve the removal of methyl orange, and nanobubbles also did not increase the degradation of methyl orange by only photolysis. These experiments show that oxygen and air nanobubbles can act as environmentally friendly catalysts for boosting the performance of photocatalytic water treatment systems.
Unconventional Gold-Catalyzed One-Pot/Multicomponent Synthesis of Propargylamines Starting from Benzyl Alcohols
Authors: Zárate-Roldán Stephany , Gimeno María Concepción , Herrera Raquel P.
Published: April 2021

A formal homogeneous gold-catalyzed A3-coupling, starting from benzyl alcohols, is reported for the straightforward synthesis of propargylamines. This is the first process where these highly valuable compounds have been synthesized, starting from the corresponding alcohols in a one-pot oxidation procedure using MnO2, followed by a HAuCl4·3H2O catalyzed multicomponent reaction. The final products are obtained with very good yields in short reaction times, which is of fundamental interest for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. The usefulness and efficiency of our methodology is successfully compared against the same reaction starting from aldehydes.
Immune Checkpoints in Pediatric Solid Tumors: Targetable Pathways for Advanced Therapeutic Purposes
Authors: Cocco Claudia , Morandi Fabio , Airoldi Irma
Published: April 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a complex network between tumor cells and a variety of components including immune, stromal and vascular endothelial cells as well as the extracellular matrix. A wide panel of signals and interactions here take place, resulting in a bi-directional modulation of cellular functions. Many stimuli, on one hand, induce tumor growth and the spread of metastatic cells and, on the other hand, contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment. The latter feature is achieved by soothing immune effector cells, mainly cytotoxic T lymphocytes and B and NK cells, and/or through expansion of regulatory cell populations, including regulatory T and B cells, tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In this context, immune checkpoints (IC) are key players in the control of T cell activation and anti-cancer activities, leading to the inhibition of tumor cell lysis and of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Thus, these pathways represent promising targets for the development of effective and innovative therapies both in adults and children. Here, we address the role of different cell populations homing the TME and of well-known and recently characterized IC in the context of pediatric solid tumors. We also discuss preclinical and clinical data available using IC inhibitors alone, in combination with each other or administered with standard therapies.
S6K1 Is Indispensible for Stress-Induced Microtubule Acetylation and Autophagic Flux
Authors: Hać Aleksandra , Pierzynowska Karolina , Herman-Antosiewicz Anna
Published: April 2021

Autophagy is a specific macromolecule and organelle degradation process. The target macromolecule or organelle is first enclosed in an autophagosome, and then delivered along acetylated microtubules to the lysosome. Autophagy is triggered by stress and largely contributes to cell survival. We have previously shown that S6K1 kinase is essential for autophagic flux under stress conditions. Here, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of S6K1 involvement in autophagy. We stimulated autophagy in S6K1/2 double-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts by exposing them to different stress conditions. Transient gene overexpression or silencing, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and ratiometric fluorescence analyses revealed that the perturbation of autophagic flux in S6K1-deficient cells did not stem from impaired lysosomal function. Instead, the absence of S6K1 abolished stress-induced tubulin acetylation and disrupted the acetylated microtubule network, in turn impairing the autophagosome-lysosome fusion. S6K1 overexpression restored tubulin acetylation and autophagic flux in stressed S6K1/2-deficient cells. Similar effect of S6K1 status was observed in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of an acetylation-mimicking, but not acetylation-resistant, tubulin variant effectively restored autophagic flux in stressed S6K1/2-deficient cells. Collectively, S6K1 controls tubulin acetylation, hence contributing to the autophagic flux induced by different stress conditions and in different cells.
Biomarkers of Radiotherapy-Induced Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Vaes Rianne D. W. , Hendriks Lizza E. L. , Vooijs Marc , De Ruysscher Dirk
Published: April 2021

Radiation therapy (RT) can induce an immunogenic variant of regulated cell death that can initiate clinically relevant tumor-targeting immune responses. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is accompanied by the exposure and release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), chemokine release, and stimulation of type I interferon (IFN-I) responses. In recent years, intensive research has unraveled major mechanistic aspects of RT-induced ICD and has resulted in the identification of immunogenic factors that are released by irradiated tumor cells. However, so far, only a limited number of studies have searched for potential biomarkers that can be used to predict if irradiated tumor cells undergo ICD that can elicit an effective immunogenic anti-tumor response. In this article, we summarize the available literature on potential biomarkers of RT-induced ICD that have been evaluated in cancer patients. Additionally, we discuss the clinical relevance of these findings and important aspects that should be considered in future studies.
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19 and Complications: A Review
Authors: Demeulemeester Fien , de Punder Karin , van Heijningen Marloes , van Doesburg Femke
Published: April 2021

Emerging data suggest that obesity is a major risk factor for the progression of major complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cytokine storm and coagulopathy in COVID-19. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the link between obesity and disease severity as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for the development of new therapeutic interventions and preventive measures in this high-risk group. We propose that multiple features of obesity contribute to the prevalence of severe COVID-19 and complications. First, viral entry can be facilitated by the upregulation of viral entry receptors, like angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), among others. Second, obesity-induced chronic inflammation and disruptions of insulin and leptin signaling can result in impaired viral clearance and a disproportionate or hyper-inflammatory response, which together with elevated ferritin levels can be a direct cause for ARDS and cytokine storm. Third, the negative consequences of obesity on blood coagulation can contribute to the progression of thrombus formation and hemorrhage. In this review we first summarize clinical findings on the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 disease severity and then further discuss potential mechanisms that could explain the risk for major complications in patients suffering from obesity.
Placenta-Expanded Stromal Cell Therapy in a Rodent Model of Simulated Weightlessness
Authors: Rubinstein Linda , Paul Amber M. , Houseman Charles , Abegaz Metadel , Tabares Ruiz Steffy , O’Neil Nathan , Kunis Gilad , Ofir Racheli , Cohen Jacob , Ronca April E. , Globus Ruth K. , Tahimic Candice G. T.
Published: April 2021

Long duration spaceflight poses potential health risks to astronauts during flight and re-adaptation after return to Earth. There is an emerging need for NASA to provide successful and reliable therapeutics for long duration missions when capability for medical intervention will be limited. Clinically relevant, human placenta-derived therapeutic stromal cells (PLX-PAD) are a promising therapeutic alternative. We found that treatment of adult female mice with PLX-PAD near the onset of simulated weightlessness by hindlimb unloading (HU, 30 d) was well-tolerated and partially mitigated decrements caused by HU. Specifically, PLX-PAD treatment rescued HU-induced thymic atrophy, and mitigated HU-induced changes in percentages of circulating neutrophils, but did not rescue changes in the percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells and splenic atrophy. Further, PLX-PAD partially mitigated HU effects on the expression of select cytokines in the hippocampus. In contrast, PLX-PAD failed to protect bone and muscle from HU-induced effects, suggesting that the mechanisms which regulate the structure of these mechanosensitive tissues in response to disuse are discrete from those that regulate the immune- and central nervous system (CNS). These findings support the therapeutic potential of placenta-derived stromal cells for select physiological deficits during simulated spaceflight. Multiple countermeasures are likely needed for comprehensive protection from the deleterious effects of prolonged spaceflight.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of SOS Response Genes in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Mérida-Floriano Angela , Rowe Will P. M. , Casadesús Josep
Published: April 2021

A bioinformatic search for LexA boxes, combined with transcriptomic detection of loci responsive to DNA damage, identified 48 members of the SOS regulon in the genome of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Single cell analysis using fluorescent fusions revealed that heterogeneous expression is a common trait of SOS response genes, with formation of SOSOFF and SOSON subpopulations. Phenotypic cell variants formed in the absence of external DNA damage show gene expression patterns that are mainly determined by the position and the heterology index of the LexA box. SOS induction upon DNA damage produces SOSOFF and SOSON subpopulations that contain live and dead cells. The nature and concentration of the DNA damaging agent and the time of exposure are major factors that influence the population structure upon SOS induction. An analogy can thus be drawn between the SOS response and other bacterial stress responses that produce phenotypic cell variants.
Peer Influence during Adolescence: The Moderating Role of Parental Support
Authors: Havewala Mazneen , Bowker Julie C. , Smith Kelly A. , Rose-Krasnor Linda , Booth-LaForce Cathryn , Laursen Brett , Felton Julia W. , Rubin Kenneth H.
Published: April 2021

Although many studies show that peers influence the development of adolescent internalizing and externalizing difficulties, few have considered both internalizing and externalizing difficulties in the same study, and fewer have considered the contributions of parents. Using a longitudinal sample of 385 adolescents, the contributions of best friends’ internalizing and externalizing difficulties (as assessed in Grade 6; G6: Mage = 13.64 years; 53% female; 40% ethnic or racial minority) were examined as they predicted subsequent adolescent internalizing and externalizing difficulties (at G8); in addition, the moderating role of both maternal and paternal support (at G6) was explored. Structural equation modelling revealed that best friend internalizing difficulties predicted decreases, but that best friend externalizing difficulties predicted increases in adolescents’ externalizing difficulties over time. Significant interactions involving both maternal and paternal support revealed that the negative impact of a G6 best friend having internalizing problems on later G8 adolescent externalizing problems was stronger at low levels of maternal and paternal support. The findings highlight the complex, and interactive, influences of friends and parents on the development of internalizing and externalizing symptomatology during adolescence, and underscore the importance of targeting both sources of social influence in research and clinical work.
Resuscitation with an Intact Cord Enhances Pulmonary Vasodilation and Ventilation with Reduction in Systemic Oxygen Exposure and Oxygen Load in an Asphyxiated Preterm Ovine Model
Authors: Chandrasekharan Praveen , Gugino Sylvia , Helman Justin , Koenigsknecht Carmon , Nielsen Lori , Bradley Nicole , Nair Jayasree , Agrawal Vikash , Bawa Mausma , Mari Andreina , Rawat Munmun , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: Optimal initial oxygen (O2) concentration in preterm neonates is controversial. Our objectives were to compare the effect of delayed cord clamping with ventilation (DCCV) to early cord clamping followed by ventilation (ECCV) on O2 exposure, gas exchange, and hemodynamics in an asphyxiated preterm ovine model. (2) Methods: Asphyxiated preterm lambs (127–128 d) with heart rate <90 bpm were randomly assigned to DCCV or ECCV. In DCCV, positive pressure ventilation (PPV) was initiated with 30–60% O2 and titrated based on preductal saturations (SpO2) with an intact cord for 5 min, followed by clamping. In ECCV, the cord was clamped, and PPV was initiated. (3) Results: Fifteen asphyxiated preterm lambs were randomized to DCCV (N = 7) or ECCV (N = 8). The inspired O2 (40 ± 20% vs. 60 ± 20%, p < 0.05) and oxygen load (520 (IQR 414–530) vs. 775 (IQR 623–868), p-0.03) in the DCCV group were significantly lower than ECCV. Arterial oxygenation and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels were significantly lower and peak pulmonary blood flow was higher with DCCV. (4) Conclusion: In asphyxiated preterm lambs, resuscitation with an intact cord decreased O2 exposure load improved ventilation with an increase in peak pulmonary blood flow in the first 5 min.
Validity of Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score in Distinguishing Perforated from Non-Perforated Appendicitis in Children
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon , Mihanović Jakov , Ninčević Stipe , Lukšić Bruna , Elezović Baloević Sara , Polašek Ozren
Published: April 2021

Background: This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the validity of appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score in differentiating advanced (perforated) from simple (non-perforated) appendicitis in pediatric patients. Methods: A single-center prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 January 2019 until 1 May 2020 including 184 pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy. Based on the intraoperative finding of advanced (n = 38) or simple (n = 146) appendicitis the patients were divided into two groups. Recipient-operator curve (ROC), with calculation of sensitivity and specificity of best cutoff and the area under the curve (AUC), were used to measure the diagnostic value and the potential for risk stratification of the AIR score, among the patients with simple or advanced acute appendicitis. Results: The median value of the AIR score in the perforated and non-perforated groups was 10 (interquartile range, IQR 9, 11), and was 7 (IQR 6, 9), respectively (p < 0.001). Based on the calculated value of AIR score, the patients were classified with a high precision into low, indeterminate and high risk groups for acute appendicitis (p < 0.001). A cutoff value of ≥9 was demonstrated to serve as a reliable indicator of perforated appendicitis with a sensitivity and a specificity of 89.5% and 71.9%, respectively (AUC = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.719–0.871; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Acute appendicitis can be detected with a high level of sensitivity and specificity using the AIR score. Also, the AIR score may differentiate perforated from non-perforated appendicitis in pediatric patients with a high level of accuracy.
Mapping Vulnerability of Cotton to Climate Change in West Africa: Challenges for Sustainable Development
Authors: Cunningham Mary Ann , Wright Nicholas S. , Mort Ranta Penelope B. , Benton Hannah K. , Ragy Hassan G. , Edington Christopher J. , Kellner Chloe A.
Published: April 2021

Climate models project vulnerability to global warming in low-income regions, with important implications for sustainable development. While food crops are the priority, smallholder cash crops support food security, education, and other priorities. Despite its importance as a populous region subject to substantial climate change, West Africa has received relatively slight attention in spatial assessments of climate impacts. In this region, rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) provides essential smallholder income. We used a spatially explicit species distribution model to project likely changes in the spatial distribution of suitable climates for rainfed cotton in West Africa. We modeled suitable climate conditions from the recent past (1970–2000) and projected the range of those conditions in 2050 (Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5). The suitable area declined by 60 percent under RCP4.5 and by 80 percent under RCP8.5. Of 15 countries in the study area, all but two declined to less than ten percent suitable under RCP8.5. The annual precipitation was the most influential factor in explaining baseline cotton distribution, but 2050 temperatures appear to become the limiting factor, rising beyond the range in which rainfed cotton has historically been grown. Adaptation to these changes and progress on sustainable development goals will depend on responses at multiple scales of governance, including global support and cooperation.
Reliable Ohmic Contact Properties for Ni/Hydrogen-Terminated Diamond at Annealing Temperature up to 900 °C
Authors: Yuan Xiaolu , Liu Jiangwei , Liu Jinlong , Wei Junjun , Da Bo , Li Chengming , Koide Yasuo
Published: April 2021

Ohmic contact with high thermal stability is essential to promote hydrogen-terminated diamond (H-diamond) electronic devices for high-temperature applications. Here, the ohmic contact characteristics of Ni/H-diamond at annealing temperatures up to 900 °C are investigated. The measured current–voltage curves and deduced specific contact resistance (ρC) are used to evaluate the quality of the contact properties. Schottky contacts are formed for the as-received and 300 °C-annealed Ni/H-diamonds. When the annealing temperature is increased to 500 °C, the ohmic contact properties are formed with the ρC of 1.5 × 10−3 Ω·cm2 for the Ni/H-diamond. As the annealing temperature rises to 900 °C, the ρC is determined to be as low as 6.0 × 10−5 Ω·cm2. It is believed that the formation of Ni-related carbides at the Ni/H-diamond interface promotes the decrease in ρC. The Ni metal is extremely promising to be used as the ohmic contact electrode for the H-diamond-based electronic devices at temperature up to 900 °C.
A Comparison of Etiology-Derived and Non-Etiology-Derived Indices Utilizing for Erosive Tooth Wear in People with Eating Disorders. The Validation of Economic Value in Clinical Settings
Authors: Zalewska Irena , Trzcionka Agata , Tanasiewicz Marta
Published: April 2021

Increasing occurrence of non-carious lesions in their various forms and etiologies requires reliable and valid diagnostic tools to register their distribution, severity, and progression and to become helpful in planning treatment. The aim of this work is to evaluate eight selected (etiological and non-etiological) indices of tooth wear/erosion, taking into account the subjective opinion of the researcher/operator and the patients being treated for eating disorders. The research sample included 60 people with symptoms of dental erosion. The study group included 30 patients suffering from eating disorders, recruited from three independent medical institutions providing eating disorder therapy. The control group consisted of 30 patients with no eating disorders, but with dental erosion caused mostly by a low-pH diet. The indices chosen for evaluation were: Tooth Wear Index by Smith and Knight; indexes by Lussi, Johansson et al.; Tooth Wear Index modified by de Carvahlo Sales-Peres et al.; Linkosalo and Markkanen modified by Ganss et al.; and index Oilo et al., BEWE, VEDE. The examination took place during three short visits. The study group (suffering eating disorders) and the control group (without eating disorders) evaluated the indices chosen for this research similarly. In the assessment made by both groups of patients, the usefulness and application benefits of the etiological indices set were not significantly different than in the case of a set of non-etiological indexes. An analogous opinion has been made by the operator/researcher as far, as the following aspects are concerned: the number of indexes criteria, order of difficulty in memorizing criteria and in the procedure of indexes application. According to this research, for the group at risk of dental erosive wear (with or without eating disorders), optimal research tools to evaluate dental wear occurred: index by Lussi, Tooth Wear Index modified by de Carvahlo Sales-Peres et al., BEWE, index by Oilo et al.
Chemical Degradation and Color Changes of Paint Protective Coatings Used in Solar Glass Mirrors
Authors: Guerguer Mohamed , Naamane Sanae , Edfouf Zineb , Raccurt Olivier , Bouaouine Hassan
Published: April 2021

This paper reports a study of the influence of outdoor natural aging on paint coatings applied to the back of three commercial solar glass mirrors (A1, C2, and D2) under two different exposure environments (marine and desert) in Morocco for a period of about three years. The aging assessment was carried out through colorimetric measurements and FTIR-ATR (Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared) analyses of the top coat paints. The obtained results demonstrate that the tested coating system had a high resistance at the desert site. Under the desert environment, no obvious changes to the coating occurred after 350 days. However, at the marine site, some color changes were detected, and the coating got yellow and more matte, especially for mirror A1. FTIR-ATR analyses have indicated many modifications in the intensity of many bonds of infrared spectra especially for paint of this mirror type (A1). This chemical degradation is not only due to UV degradation but also related to many factors, such as humidity, salinity, and rainfall. This finding was concluded after the faster degradation observed on samples exposed at the marine site. The present study confirms the need to use different exposure environments for testing the limits of new protective systems for solar glass mirrors rather than using only the real service conditions. Finally, accelerated tests are necessary for understanding the effect of each degrading parameter and their results should be compared to outdoor tests data for a complete analysis of coatings durability.
Crystal Plasticity Simulation of Magnesium and Its Alloys: A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Yaghoobi Mohammadreza , Voyiadjis George , Sundararaghavan Veera
Published: April 2021

Slip and extension twinning are the dominant deformation mechanisms in Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys. Crystal plasticity is a powerful tool to study these deformation mechanisms. Different schemes have incorporated crystal plasticity models to capture different properties, which vary from the simple homogenization Taylor model to the full-scale crystal plasticity finite element model. In the current study, a review of works available in the literature that addresses different properties of Mg and its alloys using crystal plasticity modes is presented. In addition to slip and twinning, detwinning is another deformation mechanism that is activated in Mg and its alloys. The different models that capture detwinning will also be addressed here. Finally, the recent experimental frameworks, such as in-situ neutron diffraction, 3D high energy synchrotron X-ray techniques, and digital image correlation under scanning electron microscopy (SEM-DIC), which are incorporated along crystal plasticity models to investigate the properties of Mg and its alloys, are addressed. Future research directions towards improving the deformation response of Mg and its alloys are identified, which can lead to increased deployment of the lightest structural metal in engineering applications.
Standardized Procedure of Measuring the pH Value of Cement Matrix Material by Ex-Situ Leaching Method (ESL)
Authors: Wang Wei-Chien , Huang Wei-Hsing , Lee Ming-Yu , Duong Hoang Trung Hieu , Chang Ya-Hui
Published: April 2021

According to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) report, the ex-situ leaching method (ESL) is more appropriate and accurate than other methods for measuring pH value in terms of repeatability and reproducibility. In this study, the ESL method was used to measure the pH value of cement matrix materials. The design test process aimed to avoid underestimating the variation in pH during the process of solution stirring and pH measurement without using both argon and nitrogen to block the specimen contact with air, with good repeatability and reproducibility. This study also considered the influence of the dryness of the specimen before crushing, the size of the powder, the air-exposed specimen, the air-exposed solution, the temperature of the solution, etc. After testing and analysis, a standard procedure for detecting the pH value of cement matrix materials was established which is known as the S-ESL method.