bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surrogate Modeling Approaches for Multiobjective Optimization: Methods, Taxonomy, and Results
Authors: Deb Kalyanmoy , Roy Proteek , Hussein Rayan
Published: December 2020

Most practical optimization problems are comprised of multiple conflicting objectives and constraints which involve time-consuming simulations. Construction of metamodels of objectives and constraints from a few high-fidelity solutions and a subsequent optimization of metamodels to find in-fill solutions in an iterative manner remain a common metamodeling based optimization strategy. The authors have previously proposed a taxonomy of 10 different metamodeling frameworks for multiobjective optimization problems, each of which constructs metamodels of objectives and constraints independently or in an aggregated manner. Of the 10 frameworks, five follow a generative approach in which a single Pareto-optimal solution is found at a time and other five frameworks were proposed to find multiple Pareto-optimal solutions simultaneously. Of the 10 frameworks, two frameworks (M3-2 and M4-2) are detailed here for the first time involving multimodal optimization methods. In this paper, we also propose an adaptive switching based metamodeling (ASM) approach by switching among all 10 frameworks in successive epochs using a statistical comparison of metamodeling accuracy of all 10 frameworks. On 18 problems from three to five objectives, the ASM approach performs better than the individual frameworks alone. Finally, the ASM approach is compared with three other recently proposed multiobjective metamodeling methods and superior performance of the ASM approach is observed. With growing interest in metamodeling approaches for multiobjective optimization, this paper evaluates existing strategies and proposes a viable adaptive strategy by portraying importance of using an ensemble of metamodeling frameworks for a more reliable multiobjective optimization for a limited budget of solution evaluations.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Shoulders and Its Associations with Shoulder Pain, Age, and Swim Training in Masters Swimmers
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Maeda Noriaki , Sasadai Junpei , Kaneda Kazuki , Shirakawa Taizan , Urabe Yukio
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives: The long head of the biceps (LHB) and rotator cuff tendinopathy is the major cause of shoulder pain in competitive swimmers. The risk of tendinopathy increases with aging; however, the structural changes of LHB and rotator cuff in populations of masters swimmers have not been well examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ultrasonographic abnormalities of the shoulders in masters swimmers, and the association of pain, age, and swim training with structural changes in this population. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects participated in this study, with 20 masters swimmers with shoulder pain, 20 asymptomatic masters swimmers, and 20 sex- and age-matched controls. All swimmers completed a self-reported questionnaire for shoulder pain, their history of competition, and training volume. Each subject underwent ultrasonographic examination of both shoulders for pathologic findings in the LHB tendon, rotator cuff (supraspinatus (SSP) and subscapularis (SSC)) tendons, and subacromial bursa (SAB) of both shoulders and had thickness measured. Results: The prevalence of tendinosis (LHB, 48.8%; SSP, 17.5%; SSC, 15.9%), partial tear (SSP, 35.0%), and calcification (SSC, 10.0%) were higher in swimmers than in controls. LHB and SSP tendinosis were associated with shoulder pain. Older age and later start of competition were associated with an increased risk of LHB tendinosis and SSC calcification. Earlier initiation of swimming and longer history of competition were associated with an increased risk of SSP and SSC tendinosis. The thicker SSP tendon significantly increased the risk of tendinosis and partial tear. Conclusions: A high prevalence of structural changes in the rotator cuff and biceps tendons in masters swimmers reflects the effect of shoulder symptoms, aging, and swim training.
Revision Hip Arthroplasty in Patient with Acetabulum Migration into Subperitoneal Space—A Case Report
Authors: Kotela Andrzej , Lorkowski Jacek , Chmielewski Dariusz , Grodzik Marta , Kotela Ireneusz
Published: December 2020

Revision hip arthroplasty procedures have been extensively discussed in the literature. At the same time, discussions of the management of acetabular component protrusion into the pelvic cavity, and, more specifically, the subperitoneal space, necessitating an additional abdominal approach for the revision arthroplasty, have only been published as case reports and descriptions of transperitoneal approaches have been even rarer. This paper presents the case of a 63-year-old female patient in whom a peritoneal approach was necessary to access a migrated acetabular component. The outcome of the treatment, which represented a complex orthopedic and general surgical problem, was good. We believe that the complexity of revision hip arthroplasty in patients with protrusion of the acetabular component together with the head and proximal part of the stem of the implant into subperitoneal space calls for a careful re-analysis of the category of Type III bony acetabulum defects according to Paprosky, where the recognition of two subtypes would facilitate analysis of such cases.
Correlation of Biomarkers with Endoscopic Score: Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in Remission
Authors: Pop Corina Silvia , Filip Petruta Violeta , Diaconu Sorina Laura , Matei Clara , Furtunescu Florentina
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives: Ulcerative colitis is a disease with an unpredictable evolution, often highlighted endoscopically, that is associated with persistent inflammation affecting the patient’s quality of life. An attempt was made to discover surrogate markers to evaluate the endoscopic remission of the disease in order to increase the patient’s quality of life and also their adherence to the treatment and monitoring plan. One such marker is fecal calprotectin (FC). To confirm the correlation between biomarkers and endoscopic disease activity and to define the optimal cut off value to detect clinical and endoscopic remission in a center of Romania. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study that included 59 patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the Department of Internal Medicine III, University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest. Patients had fecal calprotectin measurements and colonoscopy/rectosigmoidoscopy performed during baseline, 6 and 12 months. For endoscopic activity the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) was used. Results: During the study, relapses have occurred in 35.6% of patients, the median age was 47 years (21–77). During the study, the FC measurement was significantly increased at 3 months (median, range µg/g; 715, 14–4000) and at 6 months (median, range µg/g; 650, 4.5–3000) (p ≤ 0.05). Another inflammatory biomarker studied was CRP, which showed increased values at 3 months (median, range, mg/dL; 1.86, 0.14–58.9), at 6 months (median, range, mg/dL; 2.36, 0.12–45.8) and at 9 months (median, range, mg/dL; 2, 0.12–25.9) compared to the baseline (p = 0.01). Patients with recurrence of the disease also associated an increase in the values of clinical evaluation scores (SCCAI; p = 0.00001), but also endoscopic (UCEIS; p = 0.0006) Conclusion: A relapse is associated independently with younger age, the extension of the disease (E2-E3), increased FC level, C reactive protein, hemoglobin concentration, SCCAI index and UCEIS score.
Mannan-Based Nanodiagnostic Agents for Targeting Sentinel Lymph Nodes and Tumors
Authors: Jirátová Markéta , Gálisová Andrea , Rabyk Maria , Sticová Eva , Hrubý Martin , Jirák Daniel
Published: December 2020

Early detection of metastasis is crucial for successful cancer treatment. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies are used to detect possible pathways of metastasis spread. We present a unique non-invasive diagnostic alternative to biopsy along with an intraoperative imaging tool for surgery proven on an in vivo animal tumor model. Our approach is based on mannan-based copolymers synergistically targeting: (1) SLNs and macrophage-infiltrated solid tumor areas via the high-affinity DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin) receptors and (2) tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The polymer conjugates were modified with the imaging probes for visualization with magnetic resonance (MR) and fluorescence imaging, respectively, and with poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (POX) to lower unwanted accumulation in internal organs and to slow down the biodegradation rate. We demonstrated that these polymer conjugates were successfully accumulated in tumors, SLNs and other lymph nodes. Modification with POX resulted in lower accumulation not only in internal organs, but also in lymph nodes and tumors. Importantly, we have shown that mannan-based polymer carriers are non-toxic and, when applied to an in vivo murine cancer model, and offer promising potential as the versatile imaging agents.
Intercalated Poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic Acid) into Sulfonated Poly (1,4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) Based Proton Exchange Membrane: Improved Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Manohar Murli , Sharma Prem P. , Kim Dukjoon
Published: December 2020

A series of hybrid proton exchange membranes were synthesized via in situ polymerization of poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) PMPS with sulfonated poly (1,4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) (SPEES). The insertion of poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) PMPS, between the rigid skeleton of SPEES plays a reinforcing role to enhance the ionic conductivity. The synthesized polymer was chemically characterized by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance 1H NMR spectroscopy to demonstrate the successful grafting of PMPS with the pendent polymer chain of SPEES. A variety of physicochemical properties were also investigated such as ion exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity, water uptake and swelling ratio to characterize the suitability of the formed polymer for various electrochemical applications. SP-PMPS-03, having the highest concentration of all PMPS, shows excellent proton conductivity of 0.089 S cm−1 at 80 °C which is much higher than SPEES which is ~0.049 S cm−1. Optimum water uptake and swelling ratio with high conductivity is mainly attributed to a less ordered arrangement polymer chain with high density of the functional group to facilitate ionic transport. The residual weight was 93.35, 92.44 and 89.56%, for SP-PMPS-01, 02 and 03, respectively, in tests with Fenton’s reagent after 24 h. In support of all above properties a good chemical and thermal stability was also achieved by SP-PMPS-03, owing to the durability for electrochemical application.
Influence of Olive Pomace Blending on Antioxidant Activity: Additive, Synergistic, and Antagonistic Effects
Authors: Nunes M. Antónia , Reszczyński Filip , Páscoa Ricardo N. M. J. , Costa Anabela S. G. , Alves Rita C. , Oliveira Maria Beatriz P. P.
Published: December 2020

Food innovation is moving rapidly and comprises new categories of food products and/or ingredients with a natural and ecological origin. Monocultivar olive pomaces, individually or combined, can be a source of natural bioactive compounds suitable for food or cosmetic applications. This work aimed to assess the phenolics content and antioxidant activity of four monocultivar olive pomaces (Arbosana, Koroneiki, Oliana, and Arbequina) and forty-nine blends prepared with different proportions of each. Additive, synergistic, and antagonistic effects were studied. Among the monocultivar pomaces, Koroneiki and Arbosana were the richest in total phenolics (~15 mg gallic acid eq./g). Most of the interactions found in the blends were additive or synergistic, while very few antagonistic effects were observed. The best results were obtained for those blends where the Koroneiki variety predominated: (i) 90% Koroneiki, 4.75% Oliana, 3.75% Arbequina, 1.5% Arbosana; (ii) 65% Koroneiki, 29% Oliana, 3.25% Arbequina, 2.75% Arbosana; and (iii) 85% Koroneiki, 8.75% Arbequina, 3.5% Arbosana, 2.75% Oliana. In sum, these combinations can be advantageous in comparison to the individual use of monocultivar pomaces, presenting a higher potential to be used as functional ingredients or for bioactive compounds extraction, having in view the obtention of natural preservatives or food/cosmetic formula enhancers.
Antibacterial Activity of Fluorobenzoylthiosemicarbazides and Their Cyclic Analogues with 1,2,4-Triazole Scaffold
Authors: Kosikowska Urszula , Wujec Monika , Trotsko Nazar , Płonka Wojciech , Paneth Piotr , Paneth Agata
Published: December 2020

The development of drug-resistant bacteria is currently one of the major challenges in medicine. Therefore, the discovery of novel lead structures for the design of antibacterial drugs is urgently needed. In this structure–activity relationship study, a library of ortho-, meta-, and para-fluorobenzoylthiosemicarbazides, and their cyclic analogues with 1,2,4-triazole scaffold, was created and tested for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria strains. While all tested 1,2,4-triazoles were devoid of potent activity, the antibacterial response of the thiosemicarbazides was highly dependent on substitution pattern at the N4 aryl position. The optimum activity for these compounds was found for trifluoromethyl derivatives such as 15a, 15b, and 16b, which were active against both the reference strains panel, and pathogenic methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates at minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 7.82 to 31.25 μg/mL. Based on the binding affinities obtained from docking, the conclusion can be reached that fluorobenzoylthiosemicarbazides can be considered as potential allosteric d-alanyl-d-alanine ligase inhibitors.
Nanomedicine Reformulation of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Stevens David M. , Crist Rachael M. , Stern Stephan T.
Published: December 2020

The chloroquine family of antimalarials has a long history of use, spanning many decades. Despite this extensive clinical experience, novel applications, including use in autoimmune disorders, infectious disease, and cancer, have only recently been identified. While short term use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine is safe at traditional therapeutic doses in patients without predisposing conditions, administration of higher doses and for longer durations are associated with toxicity, including retinotoxicity. Additional liabilities of these medications include pharmacokinetic profiles that require extended dosing to achieve therapeutic tissue concentrations. To improve chloroquine therapy, researchers have turned toward nanomedicine reformulation of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to increase exposure of target tissues relative to off-target tissues, thereby improving the therapeutic index. This review highlights these reformulation efforts to date, identifying issues in experimental designs leading to ambiguity regarding the nanoformulation improvements and lack of thorough pharmacokinetics and safety evaluation. Gaps in our current understanding of these formulations, as well as recommendations for future formulation efforts, are presented.
Synthesis and Antiproliferatory Activities Evaluation of Multi-Substituted Isatin Derivatives
Authors: Ding Ying , Zhao Lianbo , Fu Ying , Hao Lei , Fu Yupeng , Yuan Yuan , Yu Peng , Teng Yuou
Published: December 2020

A series of multi-substituted isatin derivatives were synthesized using the powerful Sandmeyer reaction. The structures of these derivatives were confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HR-MS. Inhibition of proliferation activities of these derivatives against human leukemia cells (K562), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and human colon carcinoma cells (HT-29) were evaluated in vitro using the MTT assay. Among the series, compound 4l exhibited strong antiproliferatory activities against K562, HepG2 and HT-29 cells with IC50 values of 1.75, 3.20, and 4.17 μM, respectively. The morphological, growth inhibitory and apoptosic effects of compound 4l in K562 cells, wound healing effect in HepG2 cells, and tube formating effect in matrix gel of HUVEC cells were evaluated consequently. All results indicated that compound 4l could be used as a potential antitumor agent in further investigations.
Relationship between Serum 25(OH)D and Depression: Causal Evidence from a Bi-Directional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Mulugeta Anwar , Lumsden Amanda , Hyppönen Elina
Published: December 2020

The relationship between depression and vitamin D deficiency is complex, with evidence mostly from studies affected by confounding and reverse causality. We examined the causality and direction of the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and depression in bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using information from up to 307,618 white British participants from the UK Biobank and summary results from the SUNLIGHT (n = 79,366) and Psychiatric Genomics consortia (PGC 113,154 cases and 218,523 controls). In observational analysis, the odds of depression decreased with higher 25(OH)D concentrations (adjusted odds ratio (OR) per 50% increase 0.95, 95%CI 0.94–0.96). In MR inverse variance weighted (IVW) using the UK Biobank, there was no association between genetically determined serum 25(OH)D and depression (OR per 50% higher 0.97, 95%CI 0.90–1.05) with consistent null association across all MR approaches and in data from PGC consortium. In contrast, genetic liability to depression was associated with lower 25(OH)D concentrations (MR IVW −3.26%, −4.94%–−1.55%), with the estimates remaining generally consistent after meta-analysing with the consortia. In conclusion, we found genetic evidence for a causal effect of depression on lower 25(OH)D concentrations, however we could not confirm a beneficial effect of nutritional vitamin D status on depression risk.
Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet and Exercise: Effect of a 10-Week Intervention on Body Composition and CVD Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Women—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Valsdottir Thorhildur Ditta , Øvrebø Bente , Falck Thea Martine , Litleskare Sigbjørn , Johansen Egil Ivar , Henriksen Christine , Jensen Jørgen
Published: December 2020

We assessed the effect of weight-loss induced with a low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet with and without exercise, on body-composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 57 overweight and obese women (age 40 ± 3.5 years, body mass index 31.1 ± 2.6 kg∙m−2) completed a 10-week intervention using a low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet, with or without interval exercise. An equal deficit of 700 kcal∙day−1 was prescribed, restricting diet only, or moderately restricting diet and adding exercise, producing four groups; normal diet (NORM); low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet (LCHF); normal diet and exercise (NORM-EX); and low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet and exercise (LCHF-EX). Linear Mixed Models were used to assess between-group differences. The intervention resulted in an average 6.7 ± 2.5% weight-loss (p < 0.001). Post-intervention % fat was lower in NORM-EX than NORM (40.0 ± 4.2 vs. 43.5 ± 3.5%, p = 0.024). NORM-EX reached lower values in total cholesterol than NORM (3.9 ± 0.6 vs. 4.7 ± 0.7 mmol/L, p = 0.003), and LCHF-EX (3.9 ± 0.6 vs. 4.9 ± 1.1 mmol/L, p = 0.004). Post intervention triglycerides levels were lower in NORM-EX than NORM (0.87 ± 0.21 vs. 1.11 ± 0.34 mmol/L, p = 0.030). The low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet had no superior effect on body composition, V˙O2peak or cardiovascular risk factors compared to a normal diet, with or without exercise. In conclusion, the intervention decreased fat mass, but exercise improved body composition and caused the most favorable changes in total cholesterol and triglycerides in the NORM-EX. Exercise increased cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of diet.
Whether or Not the Effects of Curcuma longa Supplementation Are Associated with Physical Exercises in T1DM and T2DM: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sena-Júnior Ailton Santos , Aidar Felipe José , Oliveira e Silva Ana Mara de , Estevam Charles dos Santos , de Oliveira Carvalho Carla Roberta , Lima Fábio Bessa , dos Santos Jymmys Lopes , Marçal Anderson Carlos
Published: December 2020

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world; one of its main characteristics is chronic hyperglycemia. Pharmacotherapy and other alternatives such as regular exercise are among the therapeutic methods used to control this pathology and participate in glycemic control, as well as the ingestion of plant extracts with antioxidant effects. Among the different plants used for this purpose, curcumin has potential to be used to attenuate the hyperglycemic condition triggered by diabetes mellitus (DM). Some prior studies suggest that this plant has antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential. This review aims to evaluate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of curcumin supplementation in Type 1 DM (T1DM) and Type 2 DM (T2DM). The search considered articles published between 2010 and 2019 in English and Portuguese, and a theoretical survey of relevant information was conducted in the main databases of scientific publications, including the Virtual Health Library and its indexed databases, PubMed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences—Health Information for Latin America and the Caribbean—BIREME/PAHO/WHO), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The associated use of turmeric and physical exercise has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects, suggesting that these could be used as potential therapeutic methods to improve the quality of life and survival of diabetic patients.
Diet Quality of Elite Australian Athletes Evaluated Using the Athlete Diet Index
Authors: Capling Louise , Tam Ryan , Beck Kathryn L. , Slater Gary J. , Flood Victoria M. , O’Connor Helen T. , Gifford Janelle A.
Published: December 2020

While athletes’ nutrient intakes have been widely reported, few studies have assessed the diet quality of athletes. This is the first study to evaluate the diet quality of athletes using the purpose-built Athlete Diet Index (ADI). A convenience sample of 165 elite athletes from Australian sporting institutions completed the ADI online, with subsequent automated results provided to their respective accredited sports dietitians (ASDs). At the completion of athlete participation, ASDs (n = 12) responded to a range of survey items using a Likert scale (i.e., 1 = strongly agree to 5 = strongly disagree) to determine the suitability of the ADI in practice. Differences in ADI scores for demographics and sport-specific variables were investigated using independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni multiple comparisons. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess the association between total scores and demographics. The mean total ADI score was 91.4 ± 12.2 (range 53–117, out of a possible 125). While there was no difference in total scores based on demographics or sport-specific variables; team sport athletes scored higher than individual sport athletes (92.7 vs. 88.5, p < 0.05). Athletes training fewer hours (i.e., 0–11 h/week) scored higher on Dietary Habits sub-scores compared with athletes training more hours (≥12 h/week; p < 0.05), suggesting that athletes who train longer may be at risk of a compromised dietary pattern or less than optimal nutrition practices that support training. Most (75%) ASDs surveyed strongly agreed with the perceived utility of the ADI for screening athletes and identifying areas for nutrition support, confirming its suitability for use in practice.
Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Homocysteine at Birth and Fatty Acid Desaturase Gene Cluster Polymorphisms Are Associated with Children’s Processing Speed up to Age 9 Years
Authors: Campoy Cristina , Azaryah Hatim , Torres-Espínola Francisco J. , Martínez-Zaldívar Cristina , García-Santos José Antonio , Demmelmair Hans , Haile Gudrun , Rzehak Peter , Koletzko Berthold , Györei Eszter , Décsi Tamas , Ramírez-Tortosa María del Carmen , Reischl Eva , Molloy Anne M. , Luna Juan de Dios , Pérez-García Miguel
Published: December 2020

Both pre- and early postnatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA) and folate have been related to neural development, but their long-term effects on later neural function remain unclear. We evaluated the long-term effects of maternal prenatal supplementation with fish-oil (FO), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), placebo or FO + 5-MTHF, as well as the role of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster polymorphisms, on their offspring’s processing speed at later school age. This study was conducted in NUHEAL children at 7.5 (n = 143) and 9 years of age (n = 127). Processing speed tasks were assessed using Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Children Color Trails Test (CCTT) and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, folate and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels were determined at delivery from maternal and cord blood samples. FADS and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C > T genetic polymorphisms were analyzed. Mixed models (linear and logistic) were performed. There were significant differences in processing speed performance among children at different ages (p < 0.001). The type of prenatal supplementation had no effect on processing speed in children up to 9 years. Secondary exploratory analyses indicated that children born to mothers with higher AA/DHA ratio at delivery (p < 0.001) and heterozygotes for FADS1 rs174556 (p < 0.05) showed better performance in processing speed at 9 years. Negative associations between processing speed scores and maternal tHcy levels at delivery were found. Our findings suggest speed processing development in children up to 9 years could be related to maternal factors, including AA/DHA and tHcy levels, and their genetic background, mainly FADS polymorphism. These considerations support that maternal prenatal supplementation should be quantitatively adequate and individualized to obtain better brain development and mental performance in the offspring.
The Role of Diet in the Pathogenesis and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review
Authors: Wark Gabrielle , Samocha-Bonet Dorit , Ghaly Simon , Danta Mark
Published: December 2020

Inflammatory bowel diseases, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that are increasing in prevalence and incidence globally. They are associated with significant morbidity, reduced quality of life to individual sufferers and are an increasing burden on society through direct and indirect costs. Current treatment strategies rely on immunosuppression, which, while effective, is associated with adverse events. Epidemiological evidence suggests that diet impacts the risk of developing IBD and modulates disease activity. Using diet as a therapeutic option is attractive to patients and clinicians alike due to its availability, low cost and few side effects. Diet may influence IBD risk and disease behaviour through several mechanisms. Firstly, some components of the diet influence microbiota structure and function with downstream effects on immune activity. Secondly, dietary components act to alter the structure and permeability of the mucosal barrier, and lastly dietary elements may have direct interactions with components of the immune response. This review will summarise the mechanisms of diet–microbial–immune system interaction, outline key studies examining associations between diet and IBD and evidence demonstrating the impact of diet on disease control. Finally, this review will outline current prescribed dietary therapies for active CD.
Signal and Image Processing in Biomedical Photoacoustic Imaging: A Review
Authors: Manwar Rayyan , Zafar Mohsin , Xu Qiuyun
Published: December 2020

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a powerful imaging modality that relies on the PA effect. PAI works on the principle of electromagnetic energy absorption by the exogenous contrast agents and/or endogenous molecules present in the biological tissue, consequently generating ultrasound waves. PAI combines a high optical contrast with a high acoustic spatiotemporal resolution, allowing the non-invasive visualization of absorbers in deep structures. However, due to the optical diffusion and ultrasound attenuation in heterogeneous turbid biological tissue, the quality of the PA images deteriorates. Therefore, signal and image-processing techniques are imperative in PAI to provide high-quality images with detailed structural and functional information in deep tissues. Here, we review various signal and image processing techniques that have been developed/implemented in PAI. Our goal is to highlight the importance of image computing in photoacoustic imaging.
Optimising the AR Engraved Structure on Light-Guide Facets for a Wide Range of Wavelengths
Authors: Gurwich Ioseph , Greenberg Yakov , Harush Kobi , Tzabari Yarden
Published: December 2020

The present study is aimed at designing anti-reflective (AR) engraving on the input–output surfaces of a rectangular light-guide. We estimate AR efficiency, by the transmittance level in the angular range, determined by the light-guide. Using nano-engraving, we achieve a uniform high transmission over a wide range of wavelengths. In the past, we used smoothed conical pins or indentations on the faces of light-guide crystal as the engraved structure. Here, we widen the class of pins under consideration, following the physical model developed in the previous paper. We analyze the smoothed pyramidal pins with different base shapes. The possible effect of randomization of the pins parameters is also examined. The results obtained demonstrate optimized engraved structure with parameters depending on the required spectral range and facet format. The predicted level of transmittance is close to 99%, and its flatness (estimated by the standard deviation) in the required wavelengths range is 0.2%. The theoretical analysis and numerical calculations indicate that the obtained results demonstrate the best transmission (reflection) we can expect for a facet with the given shape and size for the required spectral band. The approach is equally useful for any other form and of the facet. We also discuss a simple way of comparing experimental and theoretical results for a light-guide with the designed input and output features. In this study, as well as in our previous work, we restrict ourselves to rectangular facets. We also consider the limitations on maximal transmission produced by the size and shape of the light-guide facets. The theoretical analysis is performed for an infinite structure and serves as an upper bound on the transmittance for smaller-size apertures.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Current Practice Management and Referral Trends in a Closed Healthcare System
Authors: Zale Connor , Hansen Joshua , Ryan Paul
Published: December 2020

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neurologic condition that can present with severe pain and dysfunction. Delay in treatment adversely affects outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient outcomes as they relate to the time from diagnosis to pain management referral once the diagnosis of CRPS has been made in a closed healthcare system. Methods: A retrospective record review from a closed healthcare system was utilized for CRPS cases from 2010–2019. Demographics, injury pattern, surgeries, pain score, treatment modalities, occupational outcomes, and time to pain management referral were recorded. Results: There were 26 cases of CRPS that met inclusion criteria. The mean time from diagnosis to treatment was 55 days. 16/26 (61.5%) were medically discharged from the military. 23/26 (88.5%) were unable to return to full duty due to CRPS. There was no significant difference in the reported pain scores over time regardless of treatment (p = 0.76). A linear regression demonstrated a significantly higher Visual Analog Scale Pain Score (VAS) over time in patients that were medically discharged (p = 0.022). Conclusions: The mean delay in referral to the pain service was 55 days. The majority of patients (88.5%) did not return to full duty secondary to the diagnosis of CRPS, and 61.5% of patients required medical separation from active duty. Due to the negative impact that the diagnosis of CRPS has on occupational outcomes with a mean delay in referral of 55 days, clinics and providers should set up referral criteria and establish early pain pathways for patients diagnosed with CRPS.
The Medication Experience: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Hillman Lisa A. , Peden-McAlpine Cynthia , Ramalho-de-Oliveira Djenane , Schommer Jon C.
Published: December 2020

This is a concept analysis of the medication experience with a focus on how it applies to the pharmaceutical care practice framework used by pharmacist practitioners. The medication experience is a vital component of pharmaceutical care practice and of patient-centered care. Although the experience of taking medication has been studied across disciplines for decades, a concept analysis of the medication experience is lacking. Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method was utilized. Ovid Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts and Google Scholar databases, references and hand searches were used to compile an international dataset of 66 papers published from 1982 to 2020. As a result of the available literature, the medication experience is defined as one of ambivalence and vulnerability in which the patient is actively engaged in an ongoing process or negotiation, which is pragmatic to the ways in which they live and experience life, contextualized and nuanced within the social construction of their individual realities. The concept of medication experience is an important addition to the scientific literature. The definition of medication experience from the perspective of the patient will help to better explain the concept for future research and theory development to move the discipline of pharmaceutical care practice forward.
Irradiation Hardening Behavior of He-Irradiated V–Cr–Ti Alloys with Low Ti Addition
Authors: Fukumoto Ken-ichi , Kitamura Yoshiki , Miura Shuichiro , Fujita Kouji , Ishigami Ryoya , Nagasaka Takuya
Published: December 2020

A set of V–(4–8)Cr–(0–4)Ti alloys was fabricated to survey an optimum composition to reduce the radioactivity of V–Cr–Ti alloys. These alloys were subjected to nano-indenter tests before and after 2-MeV He-ion irradiation at 500 °C and 700 °C with 0.5 dpa at peak damage to investigate the effect of Cr and Ti addition and gas impurities for irradiation hardening behavior in V–Cr–Ti alloys. Cr and Ti addition to V–Cr–Ti alloys for solid–solution hardening remains small in the unirradiated V–(4–8)Cr–(0–4)Ti alloys. Irradiation hardening occurred for all V–Cr–Ti alloys. The V–4Cr–1Ti alloy shows the highest irradiation hardening among all V–Cr–Ti alloys and the gas impurity was enhanced to increase the irradiation hardening. These results may arise from the formation of Ti(CON) precipitate that was produced by He-ion irradiation. Irradiation hardening of V–Cr–1Ti did not depend significantly on Cr addition. Consequently, for irradiation hardening and void-swelling suppression, the optimum composition of V–Cr–Ti alloys for structural materials of fusion reactor engineering is proposed to be a highly purified V–(6–8)Cr–2Ti alloy.
Dual Roles of Water Availability in Forest Vigor: A Multiperspective Analysis in China
Authors: Luo Hui , Zhou Tao , Liu Xia , Shi Peijun , Mao Rui , Zhao Xiang , Xu Peipei , Yu Peixin , Liu Jiajia
Published: December 2020

Water availability is one of the most important resources for forest growth. However, due to its complex spatio-temporal relationship with other climatic factors (e.g., temperature and solar radiation), it paradoxically shows both positive and negative correlations (i.e., dual roles) with forest vigor for unknown reasons. In this study, a multiperspective analysis that combined the deficit of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (dNDVI) and multitimescale Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was conducted for the forests in China, from which their correlation strengths and directions (positive or negative) were linked with spatio-temporal patterns of environmental temperature (T) and water balance (WB) (i.e., precipitation minus potential evapotranspiration). In this way, the reasons for the inconsistent roles of water were revealed. The results showed that the roles of water availability greatly depended on T, WB, and seasonality (i.e., growing or pregrowing season) for both planted and natural forests. Specifically, a negative role of water availability mainly occurred in regions of T below its specific threshold (i.e., T ≤ Tthreshold) during the pregrowing season. In contrast, a positive role was mainly observed in warm environments (T > Tthreshold) during the pregrowing season and in dry environments where WB was below its specific threshold (i.e., WB ≤ WBthreshold) during the growing season. The values of Tthreshold and WBthreshold were related to the vegetation type, with Tthreshold ranging from 1.3 to 4.7 °C and WBthreshold ranging from 129.1 to 238.8 mm/month, respectively. Our study revealed that the values of Tthreshold and WBthreshold for a specific forest were stable, and did not change with the SPEI time-scales. Our results reveal the dual roles of water availability in forest vigor and highlight the importance of environmental climate and seasonality, which jointly affect the roles of water availability in forest vigor. These should be considered when monitoring and/or predicting the impacts of drought on forests in the future.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Dead Sea Surface Temperature Associated with Inhomogeneity in Evaporation
Authors: Kishcha Pavel , Starobinets Boris
Published: December 2020

Spatial heterogeneity in Dead Sea surface temperature (SST) was pronounced throughout the daytime, based on METEOSAT geostationary satellite data (2005–2015). In summer, SST peaked at 13 LT (local time), when SST reached 38.1 °C, 34.1 °C, and 35.4 °C being averaged over the east, middle, and west parts of the lake, respectively. In winter, daytime SST heterogeneity was less pronounced than that in summer. As the characteristic feature of the diurnal cycle, the SST daily temperature range (the difference between daily maxima and minima) was equal to 7.2 °C, 2.5 °C, and 3.8 °C over the east, middle, and west parts of the Dead Sea, respectively, in summer, compared to 5.3 °C, 1.2 °C, and 2.3 °C in winter. In the presence of vertical water mixing, the maximum of SST should be observed several hours later than that of land surface temperature (LST) over surrounding land areas due to thermal inertia of bulk water. However, METEOSAT showed that, in summer, maxima of SST and LST were observed at the same time, 13 LT. This fact is evidence that there was no noticeable vertical water mixing. Our findings allowed us to consider that, in the absence of water mixing and under uniform solar radiation in the summer months, spatial heterogeneity in SST was associated with inhomogeneity in evaporation. Maximal evaporation (causing maximal surface water cooling) took place at the middle part of the Dead Sea, while minimum evaporation took place at the east side of the lake.
Satellite Multispectral and Hyperspectral Image De-Noising with Enhanced Adaptive Generalized Gaussian Distribution Threshold in the Wavelet Domain
Authors: Golilarz Noorbakhsh Amiri , Gao Hui , Pirasteh Saied , Yazdi Mohammad , Zhou Junlin , Fu Yan
Published: December 2020

The presence of noise in remote sensing satellite images may cause limitations in analysis and object recognition. Noise suppression based on thresholding neural network (TNN) and optimization algorithms perform well in de-noising. However, there are some problems that need to be addressed. Furthermore, finding the optimal threshold value is a challenging task for learning algorithms. Moreover, in an optimization-based noise removal technique, we must utilize the optimization algorithm to overcome the problem. These methods are effective at reducing noise but may blur some parts of an image, and they are time-consuming. This flaw motivated the authors to develop an efficient de-noising method to discard un-wanted noises from these images. This study presents a new enhanced adaptive generalized Gaussian distribution (AGGD) threshold for satellite and hyperspectral image (HSI) de-noising. This function is data-driven, non-linear, and it can be fitted to any image. Applying this function provides us with an optimum threshold value without using any least mean square (LMS) learning or optimization algorithms. Thus, it is possible to save the processing time as well. The proposed function contains two main parts. There is an AGGD threshold in the interval [−σn, σn], and a new non-linear function behind the interval. These combined functions can tune the wavelet coefficients properly. We applied the proposed technique to various satellite remote sensing images. We also used hyperspectral remote sensing images from AVIRIS, HYDICE, and ROSIS sensors for our experimental analysis and validation process. We applied peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and Mean Structural Similarity Index (MSSIM) to measure and evaluate the performance analysis of different de-noising techniques. Finally, this study shows the superiority of the developed method as compared with the previous TNN and optimization-based noise suppression methods. Moreover, as the results indicate, the proposed method improves PSNR values and visual inspection significantly when compared with various image de-noising methods.
Morphological Changes Detection of a Large Earthflow Using Archived Images, LiDAR-Derived DTM, and UAV-Based Remote Sensing
Authors: Conforti Massimo , Mercuri Michele , Borrelli Luigi
Published: December 2020

In mountainous landscapes, where strongly deformed pelitic sediments outcrop, earthflows can dominate denudation processes and landscape evolution. This paper investigated geological and geomorphological features and space-time evolution over a 65-year time span (1954–2019) of a large earthflow, representative of wide sectors of the Apennine chain of southern Italy. The landslide, with a maximum length of 1.85 × 103 m, affects an area of 4.21 × 105 m2 and exhibits two source zones: a narrow and elongated transport zone and a lobate accumulation zone. Spatial and temporal morphological changes of the earthflow were assessed, comparing multi-source and multi-temporal data (aerial photographs, Google Earth satellite images, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) system data). Geomorphic changes, quantified using Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) of differences, highlighted an extensive lowering of the topographic surface in the source area and a significant uplift at the landslide toe. Moreover, the multi-temporal analysis showed a high increase of landslide surface (more than 66%) during the last 65 years. The volumetric analyses showed that different sectors of the earthflow were active at different times, with different rates of topographic change. Overall, the used approach highlighted the great potentiality of the integration of multi-source and multi-temporal data for the diachronic reconstruction of morphological landslide evolution.
High-Order Polynomial Fitting Assistance for Fast Double-Peak Finding in Brillouin-Distributed Sensing
Authors: Soto Marcelo A. , Jderu Alin , Dorobantu Dorel , Enachescu Marius , Ziegler Dominik
Published: December 2020

A high-order polynomial fitting method is proposed to accelerate the computation of double-Gaussian fitting in the retrieval of the Brillouin frequency shifts (BFS) in optical fibers showing two local Brillouin peaks. The method is experimentally validated in a distributed Brillouin sensor under different signal-to noise ratios and realistic spectral scenarios. Results verify that a sixth-order polynomial fitting can provide a reliable initial estimation of the dual local BFS values, which can be subsequently used as initial parameters of a nonlinear double-Gaussian fitting. The method demonstrates a 4.9-fold reduction in the number of iterations required by double-Gaussian fitting and a 3.4-fold improvement in processing time.
Management of Fertigation in Horticultural Crops through Automation with Electrotensiometers: Effect on the Productivity of Water and Nutrients
Authors: Contreras Juana I. , Baeza Rafael , López José G. , Cánovas Gema , Alonso Francisca
Published: December 2020

Water and nutrient requirements of horticultural crops are influenced by different factors such as: Type of crop, stage of development and production system. Although greenhouse horticultural crops are more efficient in the use of water and fertilizers compared to other production systems, it is necessary increase efficiency for which individualized fertigation strategies must be designed for each greenhouse. The automation of fertigation based on the level of soil moisture allows optimization of management. The objective of this work was to determine the influence of the activation command of fertigation with electrotensiometers and the characteristics of the greenhouse on the productivity of the crop and the efficiency of use of water and nutrients in a sweet pepper crop. The trial was developed in two greenhouses. Four treatments were studied, combination of who two-factor: Soil matric potential (SMP) (SMP−10: Automatic activation of irrigation to −10 kPa and SMP−20: Automatic activation of irrigation to −20 kPa) and greenhouse characteristics (G1 and G2). The nutritive solution applied was the same in all treatments. The yield and volume of water and nutrients applied were determined, calculating the productivity of the water (WP), as well as productivity the nutrients. The fertigation activation threshold of −10 kPa presented the best results, increasing the yield and conserving WP and nutrient productivity with respect to −20 kPa in both greenhouses. The automation of irrigation with electrotensiometers allowed the application of different volume of fertigation demanded by the crop in each greenhouse, equalizing the WP and nutrient productivity without producing drainage. The pepper crop in the greenhouse G1 presented greater vegetative development, higher yield and demanded a greater volume of fertigation than G2 regardless of the activation threshold. This was due to the fact that the soil matric potential after irrigation in greenhouse G1 was closer to zero, being able to conclude that not only the soil matric potential threshold of irrigation activation has an influence on crop, but also the potential registered after irrigation. Soil matric potentials closer to zero are more productive.