bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features and Outcomes of 124 Italian Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression: A Real-World, Prospective Study
Authors: Perugi Giulio , Calò Paola , De Filippis Sergio , Rosso Gianluca , Vita Antonio , Adami Marina , Ascione Giuseppe , Morrens Joachim , Delmonte Dario
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a debilitating condition affecting 20–30% of patients with major depressive disorders (MDD). Currently, there is no established standard of care for TRD, and wide variation in the clinical approach for disease management has been documented. Real-world data could help describe TRD clinical features, disease burden, and treatment outcome and identify a potential unmet medical need.

Methods: We analyzed the Italian data from a European, prospective, multicentric, observational cohort study of patients fulfilling TRD criteria by the European Medicine Agency, with moderate to severe major depressive episode, and starting a new antidepressant treatment according to routinary clinical practice. They were followed up for minimum 6 months. Treatments received throughout the study period, disease severity, health-related quality of life and functioning were prospectively recorded and analyzed.

Results: The Italian subcohort included 124 TRD patients (30.2% of patients of the European cohort; mean age 53.2 [sd = 9.8], women: 82, 66.1%). At enrollement, the mean (SD) duration of MDD was 16 years (sd = 11.1) and the mean duration of the ongoing major depressive episode (MDE) was 97.5 weeks (sd = 143.5); low scores of quality of life and functioning were reported. The most frequently antidepressant classes started at baseline (data available for 98 subjects) were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, 42 patients [42.9%]) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI, 32 patients [32.7%]). In terms of treatment strategies, 50 patients (51%) started augmentation therapies, 18 (18.4%) combination therapies and 24 (24.5%) monoterapies (6 patients [6%] started a non-antidepressant drug only). Fourteen patients (11.3%) were treated with a psychosocial approach, including psychotherapy. After 6 months of treatment, clinical assessments were collected for 89 patients: 64 (71.9%) showed no response, 9 (10.1%) response without remission and 16 (18.0%) were in remission; non-responder patients showed lower quality of life and higher disability scores than responder patients.

Conclusions: In our sample of TRD patients, we documented substantial illness burden, low perceived quality of life and poor outcome, suggesting an unmet treatment need in TRD care in Italy.

Registration Number:ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT03373253.
Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents With and Without Mental Disorders
Authors: Gilsbach Susanne , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Konrad Kerstin
Published: November 2021

Background: The previous and current studies highlight the psychological distress caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated restrictions among the general population, especially among children and adolescents; however, few studies have examined children and adolescents with a mental disorder. The current study aimed to explore whether youth with mental disorders show a higher pandemic-associated psychological burden than healthy children and adolescents and to determine which psychiatric diagnoses are particularly associated with a higher distress level.

Methods: In this study, 144 children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 18 years with a mental disorder and 48 children and adolescents within the same age range without a mental disorder, and their caregivers, completed questionnaires assessing the pandemic-associated trauma symptoms (the Child Report of Post-Traumatic Symptoms [CROPS] and the Parents Report of Post-Traumatic Symptoms [PROPS]). Additionally, we asked specific questions about the pandemic-associated stress factors, such as financial problems, prolonged screen times, or loneliness.

Results: Children and adolescents with a mental illness showed a significantly higher psychological burden than their mentally healthy peers. Female gender was a risk factor for a higher self-reported psychological burden, and younger age was associated with a more extensive parent-reported psychological burden. The patients with a depressive disorder showed significantly higher levels of psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic than the patients with an attention deficit and/or a conduct disorder.

Conclusions: Children and adolescents with a mental illness, particularly, female children and individuals with a depressive disorder, are at an increased risk of suffering from pandemic-associated psychological distress. Adequate mental health care options, such as telepsychiatry, are indispensable.
HPV Prevalence and Genotype Distribution Among Women From Hengyang District of Hunan Province, China
Authors: Tang Shuang-yang , Liao Ya-qi , Hu Yu , Shen Hai-yan , Wan Yan-ping , Wu Yi-mou
Published: November 2021

Most cervical cancers were closely associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Therefore, understanding the ecological diversity of HPV prevalence and genotype distribution among various populations in different geographical regions was essential for optimizing HPV vaccination and maximizing the vaccination effects. A total of 12,053 patient data from the three-level hospitals in Hengyang city were retrospectively analyzed. In this study, the HPV prevalence was 10.16% overall, and the multiple-type infection rate was 1.83%. The HR-HPV infection rate was 8.52%. The top six HPV genotypes were as follows in descending order: HPV16, HPV58, HPV52, HPV39, HPV51, and HPV53. The HPV prevalence in the group above 60 years old was the most, and their HR-HPV infection rate corresponded to the most too. The infection rates of HPV and HR-HPV among outpatients were both lower than those among the hospitalized-patients, respectively. Among the hospitalized-patients, the infection rates of HPV and HR-HPV among the 50–60 years group were the most in both. The HR-HPV ratio-in-positive among HPV-positive patients with the histopathologic examination was higher than that among those patients without. Among 52 HPV-positive patients with cervical squamous carcinoma, the ratio-in-positive of HPV16 was 61.54%. This study demonstrated that the HPV prevalence varied with age among women from Hengyang district of Hunan province in China and showed that HPV16, HPV58, HPV52, HPV39, HPV51, and HPV53 genotypes were more popularly distributed in this region, which could provide the experimental basis for Chinese public health measures on cervical cancer prevention.
Negative Association Between Smoking and Positive SARS-CoV-2 Testing: Results From a Swiss Outpatient Sample Population
Authors: Vallarta-Robledo Juan R. , Sandoval José Luis , Baggio Stéphanie , Salamun Julien , Jacquérioz Frédérique , Spechbach Hervé , Guessous Idris
Published: November 2021

To date, most of the evidence suggests that smoking is negatively associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. However, evidence has several methodological limitations. Using an outpatient sample population, we analyzed the association of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and smoking considering comorbidities, socioeconomic and demographic factors. Baseline data were obtained from a cohort during the first wave of the pandemic in Geneva, Switzerland (March-April 2020). RT-PCR tests were carried out on individuals suspected of having SARS-CoV-2 according to the testing strategy at that time. Logistic regressions were performed to test the association of smoking and testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and further adjusted for comorbidities, socioeconomic and demographic factors. The sample included 5,169 participants; 60% were women and the mean age was 41 years. The unadjusted OR for testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 was 0.46 (CI: 0.38–0.54). After adjustment for comorbidities, socioeconomic and demographic factors, smoking was still negatively associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR: 0.44; CI: 0.35–0.77). Women (OR: 0.79; CI: 0.69–0.91), higher postal income (OR: 0.97; CI: 0.95–0.99), having respiratory (OR: 0.68; CI: 0.55–0.84) and immunosuppressive disorders (OR: 0.63; CI: 0.44–0.88) also showed independent negative associations with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2. Smoking was negatively associated with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 independently of comorbidities, socioeconomic and demographic factors. Since having respiratory or immunosuppressive conditions and being females and healthcare workers were similarly negatively associated with SARS-CoV-2 positive testing, we hypothesize that risk factor-related protective or testing behaviors could have induced a negative association with SARS-CoV-2.
What Is the Willingness to Receive Vaccination Against COVID-19 Among the Elderly in Italy? Data From the PASSI d'Argento Surveillance System
Authors: Contoli Benedetta , Possenti Valentina , Minardi Valentina , Binkin Nancy J. , Ramigni Mauro , Carrozzi Giuliano , Masocco Maria
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Italy was one of the earliest countries to experience a severe COVID-19 epidemic and vaccinating the elderly, who constitute 23% of the population and have experienced the highest mortality rates, is a top priority. Estimating prevalences and understanding risk factors for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or refusal are important for development of targeted interventions.

Methods: We used data from a specially developed COVID-19 module of PASSI D'Argento, an ongoing surveillance system of residents 65+ years of age to measure the prevalence and identify risk factors for hesitancy and refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We calculated multinomial regression relative risk ratios to examine the association between demographic characteristics, health status, COVID-19 attitudes and experiences and likely vaccine hesitancy and refusal.

Results: Of the 1876 respondents, 55% reported they would accept vaccination and 16% would likely refuse; the remaining 29% were categorized as hesitant. Compared with the acceptance group, we identified several risk factors in common between the hesitancy group and the refusal group, including not having received vaccination against influenza during the previous flu season (hesitancy: RRR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.4–2.9; refusal: RRR = 12.1; 95%CI 7.6–19.4) and lower risk of having had a death from COVID-19 among family or friends (hesitancy: RRR = 4.8; 95%CI 2.0–11.4; refusal: RRR = 15.4; 95%CI 3.7–64.5). The hesitancy group was significantly more likely being worried and they did not know if consequences of the disease would be serious for them.

Conclusion: Our findings show the importance of establishing and maintaining active contact between the preventive services, primary care providers and the population because trust is difficult to establish during an emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. Italian public health is based on a capillary network of general practitioners and having them reach out to their patients who have not previously received influenza vaccine may be a useful strategy for targeting efforts to further encourage uptake of COVID-19 vaccination.
Disparities in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Survival by Insurance Status: A Population-Based Study in China
Authors: Wu Jing , Liu Chengyu , Wang Fengmei
Published: November 2021

Objective: Health disparities related to basic medical insurance in China have not been sufficiently examined, particularly among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the disparities in HCC survival by insurance status in Tianjin, China.

Methods: This retrospective analysis used data from the Tianjin Basic Medical Insurance claims database, which consists of enrollees covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI). Adult patients newly diagnosed with HCC between 2011 and 2016 were identified and followed until death from any cause, withdrawal from UEBMI or URRBMI, or the latest data in the dataset (censoring as of December 31st 2017), whichever occurred first. Patients' overall survival during the follow-up was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and extrapolated by six parametric models. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with the adjusted Cox proportional hazards model including age at diagnosis, sex, baseline comorbidities and complications, baseline healthcare resources utilization and medical costs, tumor metastasis at diagnosis, the initial treatment after diagnosis and antiviral therapy during the follow-up.

Results: Two thousand sixty eight patients covered by UEBMI (N = 1,468) and URRBMI (N = 570) were included (mean age: 60.6 vs. 60.9, p = 0.667; female: 31.8 vs. 27.7%, p = 0.074). The median survival time for patients within the UEBMI and URRBMI were 37.8 and 12.2 months, and the 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates were 63.8, 50.2, 51.0, 33.4, and 44.4, 22.8, 31.5, 13.1%, respectively. Compared with UEBMI, patients covered by URRBMI had 72% (HR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.47–2.00) higher risk of death after adjustments for measured confounders above. The survival difference was still statistically significant (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.21–1.83) in sensitivity analysis based on propensity score matching.

Conclusions: This study reveals that HCC patients covered by URRBMI may have worse survival than patients covered by UEBMI. Further efforts are warranted to understand healthcare disparities for patients covered by different basic medical insurance in China.
Links of the Plasmapause With Other Boundary Layers of the Magnetosphere: Ionospheric Convection, Radiation Belt Boundaries, Auroral Oval
Authors: Pierrard V. , Botek E. , Ripoll J.-F. , Thaller S. A. , Moldwin M. B. , Ruohoniemi M. , Reeves G.
Published: November 2021

The plasmapause marks the limit of the plasmasphere and is characterized by a sudden change in plasma density. This can influence the other regions of the magnetosphere, including due to different waves circulating inside and outside the plasmasphere. In the present work, we first compare the positions of the plasmapause measured by the NASA Van Allen Probes in 2015 with those of the Space Weather Integrated Forecasting Framework plasmasphere model (SPM). Using the Van Allen Probes and other satellite observations like PROBA-V, we investigate the links that can exist with the radiation belt boundaries. The inward motion of the outer radiation belt associated with sudden flux enhancements of energetic electrons can indeed be directly related to the plasmapause erosion during geomagnetic storms, suggesting possible links. Moreover, the position of the plasmapause projected in the ionosphere is compared with the ionospheric convection boundary. The equatorward motion of the plasmapause projected in the ionosphere is related to the equatorward edge motion of the auroral oval that goes to lower latitudes during storms due to the geomagnetic perturbation, like the low altitude plasmapause and the outer radiation belt. The links between these different regions are investigated during quiet periods, for which the plasmasphere is widely extended, as well as during geomagnetic storms for which plumes are generated, and then afterwards rotates with the plasmasphere. The magnetic local time dependence of these boundaries is especially studied on March 14, 2014 after a sudden northward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and for the geomagnetic storm of August 26, 2018, showing the importance of the magnetic field topology and of the convection electric field in the interactions between these different regions eventually leading to the coupling between magnetosphere and ionosphere.
The Early Impacts of COVID-19 on Food Security and Livelihood in Vietnam
Authors: Aaron Alec , Baidya Anurima , Wang Jun , Chan Christabel , Wetzler Erica , Kang Yunhee
Published: November 2021

In April 2020, Vietnam initiated a country-wide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. This secondary data analysis evaluates whether NGO-supported households (n = 3,431) reporting to be severely impacted by the lockdowns differ from those reporting a lesser impact, regarding food availability within households and at markets and affordability. 19.2% of respondents indicated that the pandemic had severely impacted their livelihoods. In the severely impacted group, there was a higher percentage of urban residents (25.3 vs. 8.6%; p < 0.001), households reporting decreased income (85.4 vs. 39.9%), and females (56.4 vs. 45.6%; p < 0.001) than in the less impacted group. Both groups reported similar availabilities of staple food groups at the household-level, but the availability of green vegetables was lower in the severely affected group (Adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.38, 1.00) than in the less affected group. However, local market availability of hygiene items (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.39) and essential medicines (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.50) were higher for the more impacted group relative to the less impacted group. While the self-reported livelihood impact of COVID-19 was associated with a loss of income, the association of indicators of food availability within households and at markets, and essential item affordability, did not frequently differ. Self-determination of a severe economic impact may represent a relative change in the household's socioeconomic status from before the pandemic.
Localized Amyloidosis of the Nasal Mucosa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Takakura Hiromasa , Tachino Hirohiko , Takii Kouji , Imura Johji , Shojaku Hideo
Published: November 2021

Amyloidosis is a disorder of protein folding in which various proteins automatically aggregate into a highly abnormal fibrillar conformation. Amyloidosis is classified into systemic and localized forms depending on whether the abnormal proteins deposited in several different organs or only a single organ. In localized amyloidosis of the head and neck regions, laryngeal amyloidosis is common; however, localized amyloidosis of the nose is extremely rare. We herein report a case of localized amyloidosis of the nose and review the relevant literature on localized sinonasal amyloidosis. A 41-year-old man presented with a history of severe nasal obstruction, which had persisted for two decades. Nasal endoscopy and imaging studies showed extensive thickening of the bilateral nasal mucosa and diffuse submucosal deposition of calcification. After histopathological and systemic examinations, he was diagnosed with localized amyloidosis of the nasal mucosa. Septoplasty and bilateral inferior turbinoplasty, which consisted of mucosal resection using an ultrasonic bone curette, was performed and his symptoms markedly improved. Localized sinonasal amyloidosis has a good prognosis and surgical resection should be selected as a first-line treatment; however, clinicians should recognize the high probability of recurrence.
Feature Selection for High-Dimensional Datasets through a Novel Artificial Bee Colony Framework
Authors: Zhang Yuanzi , Wang Jing , Li Xiaolin , Huang Shiguo , Wang Xiuli
Published: November 2021

There are generally many redundant and irrelevant features in high-dimensional datasets, which leads to the decline of classification performance and the extension of execution time. To tackle this problem, feature selection techniques are used to screen out redundant and irrelevant features. The artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is a popular meta-heuristic algorithm with high exploration and low exploitation capacities. To balance between both capacities of the ABC algorithm, a novel ABC framework is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the solutions are first updated by the process of employing bees to retain the original exploration ability, so that the algorithm can explore the solution space extensively. Then, the solutions are modified by the updating mechanism of an algorithm with strong exploitation ability in the onlooker bee phase. Finally, we remove the scout bee phase from the framework, which can not only reduce the exploration ability but also speed up the algorithm. In order to verify our idea, the operators of the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm and whale optimization algorithm (WOA) are introduced into the framework to enhance the exploitation capability of onlooker bees, named BABCGWO and BABCWOA, respectively. It has been found that these two algorithms are superior to four state-of-the-art feature selection algorithms using 12 high-dimensional datasets, in terms of the classification error rate, size of feature subset and execution speed.
Hybrid Multiagent Collaboration for Time-Critical Tasks: A Mathematical Model and Heuristic Approach
Authors: Zhou Yifeng , Di Kai , Xing Haokun
Published: November 2021

Principal–assistant agent teams are often employed to solve tasks in multiagent collaboration systems. Assistant agents attached to the principal agents are more flexible for task execution and can assist them to complete tasks with complex constraints. However, how to employ principal–assistant agent teams to execute time-critical tasks considering the dependency between agents and the constraints among tasks is still a challenge so far. In this paper, we investigate the principal–assistant collaboration problem with deadlines, which is to allocate tasks to suitable principal–assistant teams and construct routes satisfying the temporal constraints. Two cases are considered in this paper, including single principal–assistant teams and multiple principal–assistant teams. The former is formally formulated in an arc-based integer linear programming model. We develop a hybrid combination algorithm for adapting larger scales, the idea of which is to find an optimal combination of partial routes generated by heuristic methods. The latter is defined in a path-based integer linear programming model, and a branch-and-price-based (BP-based) algorithm is proposed that introduces the number of assistant-accessible tasks surrounding a task to guide the route construction. Experimental results validate that the hybrid combination algorithm and the BP-based algorithm are superior to the benchmarks in terms of the number of served tasks and the running time.
Preliminary Observations on Viola calcarata as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Profile of Two Alpine Subspecies
Authors: Falla Nicole Mélanie , Demasi Sonia , Caser Matteo , Scariot Valentina
Published: November 2021

Viola L. is a botanical genus with approximately 525 to 620 species, spread worldwide. Several violets are traditionally used as edible flowers and have been recently proved to be a source of bioactive compounds, including flavonols, flavanols, benzoic acids, and cinnamic acids. However, no information is available about the phytochemical profile of the Viola calcarata complex, which is found in the Alpine environment. Thus, the present research aimed to assess the antioxidant activity and the presence of bioactive compounds (anthocyanins and phenolic compounds) in V. calcarata subspecies, to promote their biodiversity and use in the agrifood sector. Two V. calcarata subspecies were chosen, with different colors: V. calcarata subspecies calcarata L., with white (CW), yellow (CY), and violet flowers (CV); and V. calcarata subspecies villarsiana (Roem & Schult.) Merxm., with bicolor (violet and yellow—VB) flowers. CY showed a significantly higher phenolic content (1116.43 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW) than the other subspecies, while CV showed higher values in anthocyanins content (44.73 mg C3G 100 g−1 FW). Regarding the antioxidant activity, CW (215.07 mmol Fe2+ kg−1 FW, 99.53 µmol TE g−1 FW, and 32.30 µmol TE g−1 FW for FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS, respectively) and VB (217.33 mmol Fe2+ kg−1 FW, 90.97 µmol TE g−1 FW, and 29.17 µmol TE g−1 FW for FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS, respectively) showed the highest values. Through HPLC, a total of eight phenolic compounds were quantitatively identified among the two subspecies, including flavonols, cinnamic acids, benzoic acids, catechins, and vitamin C. Though different in their composition, the two subspecies are rich in phenolic compounds, highlighting the importance of preserving their biodiversity and their potential use in the agrifood sector.
Effects of Replacing Grass with Foliage on Growth Rate and Feed Intake in Goats—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kronqvist Cecilia , Kongmanila Daovy , Wredle Ewa
Published: November 2021

Small ruminants such as goats have a higher preference for browse species than cattle and sheep. In a meta-analysis of 42 papers describing 117 experimental treatments found by a search performed in June 2021 in PubMed and Web of Knowledge, we examined the general effect of including foliage in the diet of goats, replacing grasses, on dry matter intake and average daily weight gain. The inclusion requirement for a paper was that it described a controlled trial with a control diet of grass and with grass replaced by foliage in the experimental diet. Publication bias was estimated by calculating the Fail-safe n. Random effects analyses were conducted, using effect size calculated as Hedges’ d. The results showed that inclusion of foliage increased feed intake (Hedges’ d = 1.350, SE = 0.388) and average daily weight gain (Hedges’ d = 1.417, SE = 0.444) compared with a grass-based control. The positive effect of foliage inclusion on dry matter intake was associated with lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and higher crude protein (CP) in the foliage than in the grass it replaced. The positive effect on average daily weight gain was associated with higher CP concentration in the foliage than in grass. Foliage inclusion level showed a quadratic relationship with dry matter intake, with maximum dry matter intake achieved at a level of 50–60%. There was wide variation between the studies reviewed, and this variation was not reduced by subgroup analysis based on different kinds of foliage. In conclusion, the addition of foliage to goat diets can increase feed intake and daily weight gain, as an effect of the dietary preferences of goats and of generally higher nutritional value in foliage species compared with natural/semi-natural grass species.
Dietary Lycopene Supplementation Could Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Induced Intestinal Damage through Improving Immune Function and Anti-Oxidant Capacity in Broilers
Authors: Sarker Md Touhiduzzaman , Wan Xiaoli , Yang Haiming , Wang Zhiyue
Published: November 2021

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of lycopene (LYC) supplementation on the intestinal immune function, barrier function, and antioxidant capacity of broilers fed with aflatoxinB1 (AFB1) contaminated diet. A total of 144 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into three dietary treatment groups; each group consisted of six replicates (eight birds in each cage). Treatments were: (1) a basal diet containing neither AFB1 nor LYC (Control), (2) basal diet containing 100 µg/kg AFB1, and (3) basal diets with 100 µg/kg AFB1 and 200 mg/kg LYC (AFB1 and LYC). The results showed that dietary LYC supplementation ameliorated the AFB1 induced broiler intestinal changes by decreasing the inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), and increasing mRNA abundances of cludin-1 (CLDN-1) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the jejunum mucosa. On the other hand, AFB1-induced increases in serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activities, D-lactate concentration, mucosal malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations were reversed by dietary LYC supplementation (p < 0.05). Additionally, LYC supplementation ameliorated the redox balance through increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities and their related mRNA expression abundances compared to AFB1 exposed broilers. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with LYC could alleviate AFB1 induced broiler intestinal immune function and barrier function damage and improve antioxidants status.
Self-Disinfecting Paints with the Natural Antimicrobial Substances: Colophony and Curcumin
Authors: Querido Micaela Machado , Paulo Ivo , Hariharakrishnan Sriram , Rocha Daniel , Barbosa Nuno , Galhano dos Santos Rui , Bordado João Moura , Teixeira João Paulo , Pereira Cristiana Costa
Published: November 2021

The risk of infection arising from indirect sources—namely, contaminated surfaces—has been proved, particularly in healthcare facilities. In the attempt to minimize this problem, innumerable research projects involving the development of surfaces with self-disinfecting properties are being conducted. In this work, wall-paints with self-disinfecting properties were developed with the scope of being applied in environments prone to contamination, such as those at healthcare settings. Our approach was to develop new paint formulations containing two natural plant-based products with known antimicrobial activity—colophony (CLF) and curcumin (CUR). The natural substances were separately incorporated on a commercial paint and their antibacterial activity was evaluated with several bacterial species following ISO 22196. To assess the paints’ safety, cytotoxicity tests were performed on HaCaT and A549 cell lines, using tests on extracts and direct contact tests, as suggested by the standardized protocol ISO 10993. In general, both paints containing CLF and CUR were able to reduce the bacterial growth after 24 h, compared with the control, the commercial unmodified paint. Colophony was even able to reduce the number of culturable bacteria by over 2 log for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus. Regarding the cytotoxicity tests performed (WST-1, NRU, and LDH), both formulations revealed promising results regardless of the methodology used.
How Adding Chlorhexidine or Metallic Nanoparticles Affects the Antimicrobial Performance of Calcium Hydroxide Paste as an Intracanal Medication: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Sy Kadiatou , Agossa Kevimy , Maton Mickaël , Chijcheapaza-Flores Henry , Martel Bernard , Siepmann Florence , Deveaux Etienne , Blanchemain Nicolas , Neut Christel
Published: November 2021

The aim of our study was to explore the potential value of metallic (Ag, Cu, and Zn) salts, polymer/metallic nanoparticles, and chlorhexidine (CHX) for improving the antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide (CH) against E. faecalis and C. albicans, associated with persistent endodontic infections. A first screening was performed by determining minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC). Antimicrobial activity of the CH paste mixed with metallic salts, chitosan or cyclodextrin polymer metallic nanoparticles was compared to the antimicrobial activity of CH paste alone and CH + CHX using a time-kill kinetics assay. The effect of the antimicrobials on the rheological and the key mechanical properties were also examined. Copper and zinc were discarded because of their MIC/MBC values and silver because of its kill time curve profile. Except for a slower setting time after 24 h and a higher weight loss after 1 week of incubation, the mechanical behavior of the CH paste was unaffected by the addition of CHX. Polymeric/metallic nanoparticles failed to potentiate the antimicrobial effect of CH. By contrast, CHX increased this effect and thus could help eradicate E. faecalis associated with persistent root canal infections without altering the desired key physical properties of the CH paste.
Bronisława Fejgin (1883–1943): Forgotten Important Contributor to International Microbiology and Phage Therapy
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Żaczek Maciej , Górski Andrzej , Weber-Dąbrowska Beata , Międzybrodzki Ryszard
Published: November 2021

Bronisława Brandla Fejgin was a Polish-born Jewish female physician. Among Fejgin’s numerous articles in the field of microbiology, her later work was almost entirely devoted to phage research. Although not equally famous as the phage pioneers from Western Europe, F.W. Twort and F. d’Herelle, Fejgin’s contribution to phage research deserves proper recognition. Her studies on phages resulted in the publication of numerous original scientific reports. These articles, published mostly in French, constitute an important source of information and expertise on early attempts towards therapeutic use of phages in humans. The interwar period marks the most intense years in Bronisława Fejgin’s research activity, brutally interrupted by her death in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1943. Her microbiology contributions have not been analyzed so far. Thus, the aim of this article is to fill the existing gap in the history of microbiology and phage therapy.
Potential Role of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E in TB Treatment and Prevention: A Narrative Review
Authors: Patti Giulia , Pellegrino Carmen , Ricciardi Aurelia , Novara Roberta , Cotugno Sergio , Papagni Roberta , Guido Giacomo , Totaro Valentina , De Iaco Giuseppina , Romanelli Federica , Stolfa Stefania , Minardi Maria Letizia , Ronga Luigi , Fato Ilenia , Lattanzio Rossana , Bavaro Davide Fiore , Gualano Gina , Sarmati Loredana , Saracino Annalisa , Palmieri Fabrizio , Di Gennaro Francesco
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s top infectious killers, in fact every year 10 million people fall ill with TB and 1.5 million people die from TB. Vitamins have an important role in vital functions, due to their anti-oxidant, pro-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and to metabolic functions. The aim of this review is to discuss and summarize the evidence and still open questions regarding vitamin supplementation as a prophylactic measure in those who are at high risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and active TB; (2) Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and WHO websites starting from March 1950 to September 2021, in order to identify articles discussing the role of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E and Tuberculosis; (3) Results: Supplementation with multiple micronutrients (including zinc) rather than vitamin A alone may be more beneficial in TB. The WHO recommend Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) when high-dose isoniazid is administered. High concentrations of vitamin C sterilize drug-susceptible, MDR and extensively drug-resistant MTB cultures and prevent the emergence of drug persisters; Vitamin D suppresses the replication of mycobacterium in vitro while VE showed a promising role in TB management as a result of its connection with oxidative balance; (4) Conclusions: Our review suggests and encourages the use of vitamins in TB patients. In fact, their use may improve outcomes by helping both nutritionally and by interacting directly and/or indirectly with MTB. Several and more comprehensive trials are needed to reinforce these suggestions.
Antioxidant Properties and Cytoprotective Effect of Pistacia lentiscus L. Seed Oil against 7β-Hydroxycholesterol-Induced Toxicity in C2C12 Myoblasts: Reduction in Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial and Peroxisomal Dysfunctions and Attenuation of Cell Death
Authors: Ghzaiel Imen , Zarrouk Amira , Nury Thomas , Libergoli Michela , Florio Francesca , Hammouda Souha , Ménétrier Franck , Avoscan Laure , Yammine Aline , Samadi Mohammad , Latruffe Norbert , Biressi Stefano , Levy Débora , Bydlowski Sérgio Paulo , Hammami Sonia , Vejux Anne , Hammami Mohamed , Lizard Gérard
Published: November 2021

Aging is characterized by a progressive increase in oxidative stress, which favors lipid peroxidation and the formation of cholesterol oxide derivatives, including 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC). This oxysterol, which is known to trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death, could contribute to the aging process and age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia. Identifying molecules or mixtures of molecules preventing the toxicity of 7β-OHC is therefore an important issue. This study consists of determining the chemical composition of Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus L. seed oil (PLSO) used in the Tunisian diet and evaluating its ability to counteract the cytotoxic effects induced by 7β-OHC in murine C2C12 myoblasts. The effects of 7β-OHC (50 µM; 24 h), associated or not with PLSO, were studied on cell viability, oxidative stress, and on mitochondrial and peroxisomal damages induction. α-Tocopherol (400 µM) was used as the positive control for cytoprotection. Our data show that PLSO is rich in bioactive compounds; it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, and several nutrients with antioxidant properties: phytosterols, α-tocopherol, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. When associated with PLSO (100 µg/mL), the 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxic effects were strongly attenuated. The cytoprotection was in the range of those observed with α-tocopherol. This cytoprotective effect was characterized by prevention of cell death and organelle dysfunction (restoration of cell adhesion, cell viability, and plasma membrane integrity; prevention of mitochondrial and peroxisomal damage) and attenuation of oxidative stress (reduction in reactive oxygen species overproduction in whole cells and at the mitochondrial level; decrease in lipid and protein oxidation products formation; and normalization of antioxidant enzyme activities: glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). These results provide evidence that PLSO has similar antioxidant properties than α-tocopherol used at high concentration and contains a mixture of molecules capable to attenuate 7β-OHC-induced cytotoxic effects in C2C12 myoblasts. These data reinforce the interest in edible oils associated with the Mediterranean diet, such as PLSO, in the prevention of age-related diseases, such as sarcopenia.
Extraction and Characterization of Biogenic Silica Obtained from Selected Agro-Waste in Africa
Authors: Prempeh Clement Owusu , Formann Steffi , Schliermann Thomas , Dizaji Hossein Beidaghy , Nelles Michael
Published: November 2021

Increased amounts of available biomass residues from agricultural food production are present widely around the globe. These biomass residues can find essential applications as bioenergy feedstock and precursors to produce value-added materials. This study assessed the production of biogenic silica (SiO2) from different biomass residues in Africa, including cornhusk, corncob, yam peelings, cassava peelings and coconut husks. Two processes were performed to synthesize the biogenic silica. First, the biomass fuels were chemically pre-treated with 1 and 5% w/v citric acid solutions. In the second stage, combustion at 600 °C for 2 h in a muffle oven was applied. The characterization of the untreated biomasses was conducted using Inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The resulting ashes from the combustion step were subjected to ICP, nitrogen physisorption, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD). ICP results revealed that the SiO2 content in the ashes varies between 42.2 to 81.5 wt.% db and 53.4 to 90.8 wt.% db after acidic pre-treatment with 1 and 5 w/v% acid, respectively. The relative reductions of K2O by the citric acid in yam peel was the lowest (79 wt.% db) in comparison to 92, 97, 98 and 97 wt.% db calculated for corncob, cassava peel, coconut husk and cornhusk, respectively. XRD analysis revealed dominant crystalline phases of arcanite (K2SO4), sylvite (KCl) and calcite (CaCO3) in ashes of the biomass fuels pre-treated with 1 w/v% citric acid due to potassium and calcium ions present. In comparison, the 5 w/v% citric acid pre-treatment produced amorphous, biogenic silica with specific surface areas of up to 91 m2/g and pore volumes up to 0.21 cm3/g. The examined biomass residues are common wastes from food production in Africa without competition in usage with focus application. Our studies have highlighted a significant end-value to these wastes by the extraction of high quality, amorphous silica, which can be considered in applications such as catalyst support, construction material, concrete and backing material.
The Ensembles of Machine Learning Methods for Survival Predicting after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Tolstyak Yaroslav , Zhuk Rostyslav , Yakovlev Igor , Shakhovska Nataliya , Gregus ml Michal , Chopyak Valentyna , Melnykova Nataliia
Published: November 2021

Machine learning is used to develop predictive models to diagnose different diseases, particularly kidney transplant survival prediction. The paper used the collected dataset of patients’ individual parameters to predict the critical risk factors associated with early graft rejection. Our study shows the high pairwise correlation between a massive subset of the parameters listed in the dataset. Hence the proper feature selection is needed to increase the quality of a prediction model. Several methods are used for feature selection, and results are summarized using hard voting. Modeling the onset of critical events for the elements of a particular set is made based on the Kapplan-Meier method. Four novel ensembles of machine learning models are built on selected features for the classification task. Proposed stacking allows obtaining an accuracy, sensitivity, and specifity of more than 0.9. Further research will include the development of a two-stage predictor.
Advances in the Noninvasive Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Di Cello Luca , Pellegrini Marco , Vagge Aldo , Borselli Massimiliano , Ferro Desideri Lorenzo , Scorcia Vincenzo , Traverso Carlo E. , Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease that represents one of the most common ophthalmologic conditions encountered in everyday clinical practice. Traditional diagnostic tests for DED, such as subjective questionnaires, tear film break-up time and the Schirmer test, are often associated with poor reproducibility and reliability, which make the diagnosis, follow-up, and management of the disease challenging. New advances in imaging technologies enable objective and reproducible measurements of DED parameters, thus making the diagnosis a multimodal imaging-based process. The aim of this review is to summarize all the current and emerging diagnostic tools available for the diagnosis and monitoring of DED, such as non-invasive tear breakup time, thermography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, meibography, interferometry, in vivo confocal microscopy, and optical quality assessment. Although there is not a gold standard imaging technique, new multi-imaging-integrated devices are precious instruments to help clinicians to better cope with the diagnostic complexity of DED.
Petroleum Sector-Driven Roadmap for Future Hydrogen Economy
Authors: Safari Amir , Roy Joyashree , Assadi Mohsen
Published: November 2021

In the climate change mitigation context based on the blue hydrogen concept, a narrative frame is presented in this paper to build the argument for solving the energy trilemma, which is the possibility of job loss and stranded asset accumulation with a sustainable energy solution in gas- and oil-rich regions, especially for the Persian Gulf region. To this aim, scientific evidence and multidimensional feasibility analysis have been employed for making the narrative around hydrogen clear in public and policy discourse so that choices towards acceleration of efforts can begin for paving the way for the future hydrogen economy and society. This can come from natural gas and petroleum-related skills, technologies, experience, and infrastructure. In this way, we present results using multidimensional feasibility analysis through STEEP and give examples of oil- and gas-producing countries to lead the transition action along the line of hydrogen-based economy in order to make quick moves towards cost effectiveness and sustainability through international cooperation. Lastly, this article presents a viewpoint for some regional geopolitical cooperation building but needs a more full-scale assessment.
A Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Based SPR Sensor for 2-Furaldehyde Determination in Oil Matrices
Authors: Pesavento Maria , Cennamo Nunzio , Zeni Luigi , De Maria Letizia
Published: November 2021

Optical chemosensors with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) transduction are widely employed, even in complex environments, such as those outside the laboratory. In this context, not only the chemical nature but also the physical form of the receptor layer is particularly relevant. Synthetic receptors as molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are well suited. This is demonstrated here in the case of an SPR sensor platform based on a multimode plastic optical fiber, which is very promising for on site application due to the low dimensions and low cost. A specific MIP was used as the receptor, with high affinity for the substance to be determined, 2-furaldehyde, in water. Here, a medium of high refractive index, i.e., vegetable oil, was considered because of the high interest for its determination in industrial diagnostics. The effects of the MIP layer thickness and the washing extent on the quality of the analytical signal were investigated. Better spectra were generated at the thinner MIP layer, while a lower detection limit is reached with extended washing.
Biochemical Mapping of the Inflamed Human Dental Pulp
Authors: Kritikou Konstantina , Imre Marina , Tanase Mihaela , Vinereanu Arina , Totan Alexandra Ripszky , Spinu Tudor-Claudiu , Ilinca Radu , Miricescu Daniela , Stanescu-Spinu Iulia-Ioana , Greabu Maria
Published: November 2021

Dental pulp inflammation, caused by the evolution of caries, involves numerous interrelated activities at a cellular and molecular level. Cytokines, proteases, growth factors, and other biomarkers of the host response may take part in dental pulp’s immune defense. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix degradation biomarkers in healthy and symptomatic irreversibly inflamed dental pulp samples from children and adolescents. Twenty-three dental pulp samples were collected from permanent teeth with irreversible inflammation, while nineteen healthy dental pulp samples were obtained from teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. Pulp lysates were obtained and the levels of IL-2, IL-17, TNF-α, SOD3, TGF-β1, catalase, osteocalcin, MMP-7, and MMP-9 were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. We detected significantly higher levels (p < 0.001) of IL-2, IL-17, TNF-α, SOD3, osteocalcin, and TGF-β1 in pulp samples with irreversible inflammation than in controls. Catalase and MMP-7 showed higher levels in the experimental group, while MMP-9 showed slightly increased levels in the control group, but none of these differences were statistically significant (p = 0.064/p = 0.061/p = 0.625). Inflamed dental pulp samples showed an up-regulation of IL-2, IL-17, TNF-α, SOD3, osteocalcin, and TGF-β1. These biomarkers appear to have a powerful role in the inflammation process of human dental pulp.