bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Tacotron Based Synthesizers for Spanish and Basque
Authors: García Víctor , Hernáez Inma , Navas Eva
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we describe the implementation and evaluation of Text to Speech synthesizers based on neural networks for Spanish and Basque. Several voices were built, all of them using a limited number of data. The system applies Tacotron 2 to compute mel-spectrograms from the input sequence, followed by WaveGlow as neural vocoder to obtain the audio signals from the spectrograms. The limited number of data used for training the models leads to synthesis errors in some sentences. To automatically detect those errors, we developed a new method that is able to find the sentences that have lost the alignment during the inference process. To mitigate the problem, we implemented a guided attention providing the system with the explicit duration of the phonemes. The resulting system was evaluated to assess its robustness, quality and naturalness both with objective and subjective measures. The results reveal the capacity of the system to produce good quality and natural audios.
Hough Transform Sensitivity Factor Calculation Model Applied to the Analysis of Acne Vulgaris Skin Lesions
Authors: Moncho Santonja María , Micó-Vicent Bàrbara , Defez Beatriz , Jordán Jorge , Peris-Fajarnes Guillermo
Published: February 2022

The number of infectious spots or pathological structures recorded on dermatological images is a tool to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. Dermatological images for the detection and monitoring of the evolution of acne infections are evaluated globally, comparing whether the increase or decrease in infectious lesions appearing on an image is significant. This evaluation method is only indicative since its accuracy is low. The accuracy problem could be improved by an exact count of the number of structures and spots appearing on the image. The mathematical function circular Hough transform (CHT) function implemented in MATLAB is here applied to develop a procedure for counting these structures. CHT has been used in the recognition of benign and distorted red blood cells, in the detection of pellet sizes in industrial processes and in the automated detection and morphological characterization of breast tumor masses from infrared images, as well as for the detection of brain aneurysms and use in magnetic resonance imaging. The sensitivity factor is one of the many parameters required to feed the CHT algorithm. Its choice is unclear as there is no proper methodology to select an optimum value suitable for each image. In this work, a procedure for determining the optimal value of the sensitivity factor is proposed The approach is validated by comparison with the results of the manual counting of the points (ground truth).
Shot Put: Which Role for Kinematic Analysis?
Authors: Ciacci Simone , Merni Franco , Semprini Gabriele , Drusiani Giacomo , Cortesi Matteo , Bartolomei Sandro
Published: February 2022

Background: To understand the technical differences between shot putters of different ages, this study compared biomechanical parameters of the best senior and youth Italian athletes and then to world-class athletes (WC) assessed in previous investigations. Methods: The best throws of 16 shot putters [8 Senior (SG) and 8 Youth (YG)] were recorded by video cameras during the Italian Championships’ final and considered for 3D reconstruction. The following parameters were measured: time of the different throwing phases, shot trajectory, release angle, release velocity, and the force produced in the final phase. Results: Significant differences between SG and YG were detected in second single support time (p = 0.015), support time (p = 0.007), total time (p = 0.028) and in the force produced during the final phase (p < 0.001). A lower level of force, release speed, and a shorter shot trajectory during the double support were detected in SG compared to WC. Conclusions: The present study showed that, although the technical performance of all athletes was similar, some differences exist between YG and SG. The gap between the groups may be partially explained by the difference in force produced in the final phase of the throw and by a different interpretation of the technique.
Parametric Study of Three Types of Timber Connections with Metal Fasteners Using Eurocode 5
Authors: Fonseca Elza M. M. , Leite Pedro A. S. , Silva Lino D. S. , Silva Vânia S. B. , Lopes Hernâni M.
Published: February 2022

This work presents the results of three types of timber connections, in double-shear, with metal dowel-type fasteners, using the simplified equations from of Eurocode 5. All the design parameters were established and compared using three different properties of strength and density of the wood that represent the connecting members. A total of eighty-one connections were obtained, allowing for the determination of the number of fasteners needed for the applied tensile load. A large number and different types of connections allow the verification of the effect of the dowel parameters together with the wood characteristics. In all of the types of timber connections studied, the number of dowels increases with the applied tensile load, with lower dowel diameter, lower wood density, and strength. The design characteristic load-carrying capacity per shear plane and fastener also decreases with the previously considered parameters.
Transpiration of a Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest in Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Salas-Acosta Evelyn Raquel , Andrade José Luis , Perera-Burgos Jorge Adrián , Us-Santamaría Roberth , Figueroa-Espinoza Bernardo , Uuh-Sonda Jorge M. , Cejudo Eduardo
Published: February 2022

The study of forest hydrology and its relationships with climate requires accurate estimates of water inputs, outputs, and changes in reservoirs. Evapotranspiration is frequently the least studied component when addressing the water cycle; thus, it is important to obtain direct measurements of evaporation and transpiration. This study measured transpiration in a tropical dry deciduous forest in Yucatán (Mexico) using the thermal dissipation method (Granier-type sensors) in representative species of this vegetation type. We estimated stand transpiration and its relationship with allometry, diameter-at-breast-height categories, and previously published equations. We found that transpiration changes over time, being higher in the rainy season. Estimated daily transpiration ranged from 0.562 to 0.690 kg m–2 d–1 in the late dry season (April–May) and from 0.686 to 1.29 kg m–2 d–1 in the late rainy season (September–October), accounting for up to 51% of total evapotranspiration in the rainy season. These daily estimates are consistent with previous reports for tropical dry forests and other vegetation types. We found that transpiration was not species-specific; diameter at breast height (DBH) was a reliable way of estimating transpiration because water use was directly related to allometry. Direct measurement of transpiration would increase our ability to accurately estimate water availability and assess the responses of vegetation to climate change.
Products of K-Analytic Sets in Locally Compact Groups and Kuczma–Ger Classes
Authors: Banakh Taras , Banakh Iryna , Jabłońska Eliza
Published: February 2022

We prove that for any K-analytic subsets A,B of a locally compact group X if the product AB has empty interior (and is meager) in X, then one of the sets A or B can be covered by countably many closed nowhere dense subsets (of Haar measure zero) in X. This implies that a K-analytic subset A of X can be covered by countably many closed Haar-null sets if the set AAAA has an empty interior in X. It also implies that every non-open K-analytic subgroup of a locally compact group X can be covered by countably many closed Haar-null sets in X (for analytic subgroups of the real line this fact was proved by Laczkovich in 1998). Applying this result to the Kuczma–Ger classes, we prove that an additive function f:X→R on a locally compact topological group X is continuous if and only if f is upper bounded on some K-analytic subset A⊆X that cannot be covered by countably many closed Haar-null sets.
The Next-Generation NIDS Platform: Cloud-Based Snort NIDS Using Containers and Big Data
Authors: Saputra Ferry Astika , Salman Muhammad , Hasim Jauari Akhmad Nur , Nadhori Isbat Uzzin , Ramli Kalamullah
Published: February 2022

Snort is a well-known, signature-based network intrusion detection system (NIDS). The Snort sensor must be placed within the same physical network, and the defense centers in the typical NIDS architecture offer limited network coverage, especially for remote networks with a restricted bandwidth and network policy. Additionally, the growing number of sensor instances, followed by a quick increase in log data volume, has caused the present system to face big data challenges. This research paper proposes a novel design for a cloud-based Snort NIDS using containers and implementing big data in the defense center to overcome these problems. Our design consists of Docker as the sensor’s platform, Apache Kafka, as the distributed messaging system, and big data technology orchestrated on lambda architecture. We conducted experiments to measure sensor deployment, optimum message delivery from the sensors to the defense center, aggregation speed, and efficiency in the data-processing performance of the defense center. We successfully developed a cloud-based Snort NIDS and found the optimum method for message-delivery from the sensor to the defense center. We also succeeded in developing the dashboard and attack maps to display the attack statistics and visualize the attacks. Our first design is reported to implement the big data architecture, namely, lambda architecture, as the defense center and utilize rapid deployment of Snort NIDS using Docker technology as the network security monitoring platform.
Historical and Heritage Sustainability for the Revival of Ancient Wine-Making Techniques and Wine Styles
Authors: Harutyunyan Mkrtich , Malfeito-Ferreira Manuel
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this review is to provide a general description of ancient winemaking techniques and wine styles that were most lauded in antiquity, in support of their revival and dissemination today. From the first fully excavated winery, dating from the late fifth to the early fourth millennium BC, the gentle crushing of grapes by foot and the probable absence of maceration indicate that most wines were made with the aim of reducing astringency. The oxidative nature of winemaking would have resulted in rapid browning, so that wines made from red grapes would have had a similar color to those made from white grapes after being aged in clay vats for several years. The difficulty in preventing the wine surface contact with the air would have resulted in biological ageing under the yeast pellicle being a common occurrence. This phenomenon was not considered a flaw, but a characteristic feature of highly prized wines. Dried grapes were used to make sweet wines, which were also highly prized, therefore justifying the construction of dedicated facilities. The addition of boiled juices, salt, resins, mixtures of herbs, spices, fruit juices, flowers, or honey to the wines would have increased their taste pleasantness while improving their preservability and medicinal properties. Indeed, today’s preference for flavored wines with a soft mouthfeel seems to have been representative of the ancient elite consumers. Overall, the technical interpretation of winemaking described in this review will provide solid historical support for the current rebirth of ancient production methods, particularly those using pottery vessels.
N-Acetylglucosamine Sensing and Metabolic Engineering for Attenuating Human and Plant Pathogens
Authors: Ansari Sekhu , Kumar Vinay , Bhatt Dharmendra Nath , Irfan Mohammad , Datta Asis
Published: February 2022

During evolution, both human and plant pathogens have evolved to utilize a diverse range of carbon sources. N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), an amino sugar, is one of the major carbon sources utilized by several human and phytopathogens. GlcNAc regulates the expression of many virulence genes of pathogens. In fact, GlcNAc catabolism is also involved in the regulation of virulence and pathogenesis of various human pathogens, including Candida albicans, Vibrio cholerae, Leishmania donovani, Mycobacterium, and phytopathogens such as Magnaporthe oryzae. Moreover, GlcNAc is also a well-known structural component of many bacterial and fungal pathogen cell walls, suggesting its possible role in cell signaling. Over the last few decades, many studies have been performed to study GlcNAc sensing, signaling, and metabolism to better understand the GlcNAc roles in pathogenesis in order to identify new drug targets. In this review, we provide recent insights into GlcNAc-mediated cell signaling and pathogenesis. Further, we describe how the GlcNAc metabolic pathway can be targeted to reduce the pathogens’ virulence in order to control the disease prevalence and crop productivity.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Subacromial Syndrome
Authors: Blanco-Díaz María , Ruiz-Redondo Rubén , Escobio-Prieto Isabel , De la Fuente-Costa Marta , Albornoz-Cabello Manuel , Casaña José
Published: February 2022

Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) combined with conventional physiotherapy in the recovery of patients with subacromial syndrome (SAS). A search was made of the main open access health science databases. The publication date was not limited for systematic reviews but was for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), which were limited to the last five years (from 2016) in English or in Spanish. Ninety-four studies were selected. In order to assess the quality of the studies, the JADAD scale or Oxford quality scoring system was used. A total of 402 patients were analyzed in all the studies in which the application of conventional physiotherapy was compared to the DN, either in a combination or in isolation. Improvements were obtained in pain intensity (Visual Analogic Scale—VAS), Range of Movement (ROM), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), functionality with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and in the cost–benefit ratio. DN is effective and safe in reducing the pain and disability produced by SAS, with the best combination of treatment turning out to be conventional physiotherapy together with DN, obtaining more stable and longer-lasting benefits than merely applying the techniques in isolation.
Isolation of Bacillus sp. A5.3 Strain with Keratinolytic Activity
Authors: Aktayeva Saniya , Baltin Kairat , Kiribayeva Assel , Akishev Zhiger , Silayev Dmitriy , Ramankulov Yerlan , Khassenov Bekbolat
Published: February 2022

Environmental safety and economic factors necessitate a search for new ways of processing poultry farm feathers, which are 90% β-keratin and can be used as a cheap source of amino acids and peptones. In this study, feather-decomposing bacteria were isolated from a site of accumulation of rotten feathers and identified as Bacillus. Among them, the Bacillus sp. A5.3 isolate showed the best keratinolytic properties. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that Bacillus sp. A5.3 cells closely adhere to the feather surface while degrading the feather. It was found that Bacillus sp. A5.3 secretes thermostable alkaline proteolytic and keratinolytic enzymes. Zymographic analysis of the enzymatic extract toward bovine serum albumin, casein, gelatin, and β-keratin revealed the presence of proteases and keratinases with molecular weights 20–250 kDa. The proteolytic and keratinolytic enzymes predominantly belong to the serine protease family. Proteome analysis of the secreted proteins by nano-HPLC coupled with Q-TOF mass spectrometry identified 154 proteins, 13 of which are proteases and peptidases. Thus, strain Bacillus sp. A5.3 holds great promise for use in feather-processing technologies and as a source of proteases and keratinases.
The Role of TLR2 in Infectious Diseases Caused by Mycobacteria: From Cell Biology to Therapeutic Target
Authors: Hu Wanbin , Spaink Herman P.
Published: February 2022

Innate immunity is considered the first line of defense against microbial invasion, and its dysregulation can increase the susceptibility of hosts to infections by invading pathogens. Host cells rely on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to recognize invading pathogens and initiate protective innate immune responses. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is believed to be among the most important Toll-like receptors for defense against mycobacterial infection. TLR2 has been reported to have very broad functions in infectious diseases and also in other diseases, such as chronic and acute inflammatory diseases, cancers, and even metabolic disorders. However, TLR2 has an unclear dual role in both the activation and suppression of innate immune responses. Moreover, in some studies, the function of TLR2 was shown to be controversial, and therefore its role in several diseases is still inconclusive. Therefore, although TLR2 has been shown to have an important function in innate immunity, its usefulness as a therapeutic target in clinical application is still uncertain. In this literature review, we summarize the knowledge of the functions of TLR2 in host–mycobacterial interactions, discuss controversial results, and suggest possibilities for future research.
Review Update on the Life Cycle, Plant–Microbe Interaction, Genomics, Detection and Control Strategies of the Oil Palm Pathogen Ganoderma boninense
Authors: Bharudin Izwan , Ab Wahab Anis Farhan Fatimi , Abd Samad Muhammad Asyraff , Xin Yie Ng , Zairun Madihah Ahmad , Abu Bakar Farah Diba , Abdul Murad Abdul Munir
Published: February 2022

Plant pathogens are key threats to agriculture and global food security, causing various crop diseases that lead to massive economic losses. Palm oil is a commodity export of economic importance in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, the sustainability of oil palm plantations and production is threatened by basal stem rot (BSR), a devastating disease predominantly caused by the fungus Ganoderma boninense Pat. In Malaysia, infected trees have been reported in nearly 60% of plantation areas, and economic losses are estimated to reach up to ~USD500 million a year. This review covers the current knowledge of the mechanisms utilized by G. boninense during infection and the methods used in the disease management to reduce BSR, including cultural practices, chemical treatments and antagonistic microorganism manipulations. Newer developments arising from multi-omics technologies such as whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) are also reviewed. Future directions are proposed to increase the understanding of G. boninense invasion mechanisms against oil palm. It is hoped that this review can contribute towards an improved disease management and a sustainable oil palm production in this region.
New CTX-M Group Conferring β-Lactam Resistance: A Compendium of Phylogenetic Insights from Biochemical, Molecular, and Structural Biology
Authors: Mendonça Jacinta , Guedes Carla , Silva Carina , Sá Sara , Oliveira Marco , Accioly Gustavo , Baylina Pilar , Barata Pedro , Pereira Cláudia , Fernandes Ruben
Published: February 2022

The production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) is the main defense mechanism found in Gram negative bacteria. Among all the ESBLs, the CTX-M enzymes appear as the most efficient in terms of dissemination in different epidemiological contexts. CTX-M enzymes exhibit a striking plasticity, with a large number of allelic variants distributed in several sublineages, which can be associated with functional heterogeneity of clinical relevance. This observational analytical study provides an update of this family, currently with more than 200 variants described, from a phylogenetic, molecular, and structural point of view through homology in amino acid sequences. Our data, combined with described literature, provide phylogenetic and structural evidence of a new group. Thus, herein, we propose six groups among CTX-M enzymes: the already stablished CTX-M-1, CTX-M-2, CTX-M-8, CTX-M-9, and CTX-M-25 clusters, as well as CTX-M-151 as the new cluster.
Unlocking the Memory Component of Alzheimer’s Disease: Biological Processes and Pathways across Brain Regions
Authors: Dovrolis Nikolas , Nikou Maria , Gkrouzoudi Alexandra , Dimitriadis Nikolaos , Maroulakou Ioanna
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of memory and a general cognitive decline leading to dementia. AD is characterized by changes in the behavior of the genome and can be traced across multiple brain regions and cell types. It is mainly associated with β-amyloid deposits and tau protein misfolding, leading to neurofibrillary tangles. In recent years, however, research has shown that there is a high complexity of mechanisms involved in AD neurophysiology and functional decline enabling its diverse presentation and allowing more questions to arise. In this study, we present a computational approach to facilitate brain region-specific analysis of genes and biological processes involved in the memory process in AD. Utilizing current genetic knowledge we provide a gene set of 265 memory-associated genes in AD, combinations of which can be found co-expressed in 11 different brain regions along with their functional role. The identified genes participate in a spectrum of biological processes ranging from structural and neuronal communication to epigenetic alterations and immune system responses. These findings provide new insights into the molecular background of AD and can be used to bridge the genotype–phenotype gap and allow for new therapeutic hypotheses.
Human β-Defensin 2 (HBD-2) Displays Oncolytic Activity but Does Not Affect Tumour Cell Migration
Authors: Bindra Guneet K. , Williams Scott A. , Lay Fung T. , Baxter Amy A. , Poon Ivan K. H. , Hulett Mark D. , Phan Thanh Kha
Published: February 2022

Defensins form an integral part of the cationic host defence peptide (HDP) family, a key component of innate immunity. Apart from their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, many HDPs exert multifaceted effects on tumour cells, notably direct oncolysis and/or inhibition of tumour cell migration. Therefore, HDPs have been explored as promising anticancer therapeutics. Human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) represents a prominent member of human HDPs, being well-characterised for its potent pathogen-killing, wound-healing, cytokine-inducing and leukocyte-chemoattracting functions. However, its anticancer effects remain largely unknown. Recently, we demonstrated that HBD-2 binds strongly to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), a key mediator of defensin-induced cell death and an instructional messenger during cell migration. Hence, in this study, we sought to investigate the lytic and anti-migratory effects of HBD-2 on tumour cells. Using various cell biological assays and confocal microscopy, we showed that HBD-2 killed tumour cells via acute lytic cell death rather than apoptosis. In addition, our data suggested that, despite the reported PI(4,5)P2 interaction, HBD-2 does not affect cytoskeletal-dependent tumour cell migration. Together, our findings provide further insights into defensin biology and informs future defensin-based drug development.
Inflammation Status and Body Composition Predict Two-Year Mortality of Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma under Provision of Recommended Energy Intake during Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lin Yu-Ching , Wang Cheng-Hsu , Ling Hang Huong , Pan Yi-Ping , Chang Pei-Hung , Chou Wen-Chi , Chen Fang-Ping , Yeh Kun-Yun
Published: February 2022

Only few prospective cohort trials have evaluated the risk factors for the 2-year mortality rate between two patient subgroups with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC): oral cavity cancer with adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) (OCC) and non-oral cavity cancer with primary CCRT (NOCC), under the recommended calorie intake and investigated the interplay among calorie supply, nutrition–inflammation biomarkers (NIBs), and total body composition change (TBC), as assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Patients with LAHNSCC who consumed at least 25 kcal/kg/day during CCRT were prospectively recruited. Clinicopathological variables, blood NIBs, CCRT-related factors, and TBC data before and after treatment were collected. Factor analysis was performed to reduce the number of anthropometric and DXA-derived measurements. Cox proportional hazards models were used for analysis. We enrolled 123 patients with LAHNSCC (69 with OCC and 54 with NOCC). The mean daily calorie intake correlated with the treatment interval changes in total body muscle and fat. Patients consuming ≥30 kcal/kg/day had lower pretreatment levels but exhibited fewer treatment interval changes in anthropometric and DXA measurements than patients consuming <30 kcal/kg/day. In the multivariate analysis of the 2-year mortality rate, the prognostic influence of the recommended calorie intake could not be confirmed, but different risk factors (performance status, pretreatment platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and treatment interval body muscle changes in patients with OCC; age, pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and body fat storage in patients with NOCC) showed independent effects. Therefore, the inflammation status and body composition, but not the recommended calorie supply, contribute to the 2-year mortality rate for patients with LAHNSCC receiving CCRT.
Ceramic Stereolithography of Bioactive Glasses: Influence of Resin Composition on Curing Behavior and Green Body Properties
Authors: Chen Qirong , Schmidt Franziska , Görke Oliver , Asif Anila , Weinhold Joachim , Aghaei Erfan , Rehman Ihtesham ur , Gurlo Aleksander , Shah Asma Tufail
Published: February 2022

Herein we report on the preparation of a bioactive glass (BAG)-based photocurable resin for the additive manufacturing of BAG scaffolds with high filler loadings. The preparation of glass/ceramics resins for stereolithography with high filler loading is always a challenge, especially for fillers with a high refractive index variance. Various photocurable resin compositions with and without bioactive glass fillers have been investigated to see the influence of bioactive glass on physical properties of the resin and resulting green body. The effect of concentration of monomers, reactive diluent, light absorber (Sudan orange G dye), photoinitiator (PI), non-reactive diluent, and fillers (BAG) on rheology and photocuring behavior of the resin and tomography of the resulting 3D structures have been investigated. The BAG contents affect the rheology of resin and influence the rate of the polymerization reaction. The resin compositions with 55–60% BAG, 10% PEG-200 (diluent), 1% of PI and 0.015% of the dye were found to be suitable compositions for the stereolithographic fabrication. A higher percentage of PI caused over-curing, while a higher amount of dye decreased the cure depth of the resin. The micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of the resulting green bodies display a relatively dense glass scaffold without any visible cracks and good interlayer connection and surface finishing. These properties play an important role in the mechanical behavior of 3D scaffolds. This study will be helpful to prepare high density glass/ceramic slurries and optimize their printing properties.
NMDA Autoimmune Encephalitis and Severe Persistent Hypokalemia in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Reisz Daniela , Gramescu Iulia-Gabriela , Mihaicuta Stefan , Popescu Florina Georgeta , Georgescu Doina
Published: February 2022

Introduction: For more than a decade, NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis has been studied and treated as a neurological condition, and good results have been achieve through immune therapies. Apart from being well represented in the CNS, NMDA receptors are currently known of and being studied in multiple non-neuronal cells with potential clinical significance. The association of NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis with pregnancy is rare, and hypokalemia is not mentioned. Methods: We present the case of a 30-year-old woman with NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis in her 17th week of pregnancy associated with persistent hypokalemia that had no apparent cause and resisted Kalium chloride supplementation. A diagnostic work-up including clinical, laboratory, and imagistic examinations, was performed. The case was monitored between May and September 2016 at Neurology, SCJUT. Results: Severe hypokalemia with normal serum sodium levels persisted throughout the course of clinical manifestation of anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis. Conclusions: NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis is under-diagnosed in its atypical clinical variants, and this disease’s association with hypokalemia is not mentioned in the literature. Still, it is of clinical importance because it attests to the implications of other organs/systems in the general autoimmune process of NMDAR encephalitis, and it might change the way we address certain psychiatric disorders by searching underlying organic conditions.
Wilhelm von Waldeyer: Important Steps in Neural Theory, Anatomy and Citology
Authors: Saceleanu Vicentiu Mircea , Mohan Aurel George , Covache-Busuioc Razvan Adrian , Costin Horia Petre , Ciurea Alexandru Vlad
Published: February 2022

Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Harz is regarded as a significant anatomist who helped the entire medical world to discover and develop new techniques in order to improve patient treatment as well as decrease death rates. He discovered fascia propria recti in 1899, which is important in total mesorectal excision which improves cancer treatment as well as outcomes. He played an important role in developing the neuron theory which states that the nervous system consists of multiple individual cells, called neurons, which currently stands as the basis of the impulse transmission of neurons. Waldeyer was also interested in cytology, where he made a substantial contribution, being the first who adopted the name “Chromosome”. Therefore, he accelerated the progress of what it is now known as Genetics. In conclusion, starting from the Fascia propria recti and continuing with great discoveries in cytology and neuron theory, Wilhelm von Waldeyer represents a key person in what we today call medicine.
Environmental Factor Accelerate the Deterioration of Tuff Stone Heritage: A Case Study of a Stone House in Southeast China
Authors: Wu Yang , Shen Jian , Zhang Jianchao , Zhang Bingjian
Published: February 2022

Water plays an important role in the deterioration of rocks. Often, the condensation cannot be ignored in addition to the rain and seepage, especially for stone relics built with tuff in humid areas. As part of this study, a century-old stone house in southeastern China was investigated alongside the microclimate, including temperature, humidity, and rainfall in the study area. Results showed that the main types of deterioration in this house were detachment, with some areas exhibiting surface hardness decreased by more than 50%. This decay was caused in part by condensation on the inner walls of the stone house during the rainy season. According to statistics, more than two-thirds of the time the rainy season produces condensate on the inner wall, which is primarily found on the north side of the house because there is less solar radiation. Conversely, the stress caused by severe temperature differences on the south side contributes more to the deterioration of rock. Environmental conditions with high humidity and strong temperature differences will accelerate the deterioration process of tuff stone with high porosity. Consequently, it is recommended that stones built by tuff in such a humid environment take rainproof measures and maintain good air circulation to reduce the adverse effects of condensation.
Pharmacogenomics of Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: Cisplatin Treatment Worsened by a Ryanodine Receptor 2 Gene Mutation
Authors: Maggio Angela , Mastroianno Sandra , Di Stolfo Giuseppe , Castellana Stefano , Palumbo Pietro , Leone Maria Pia , Spirito Anita , Potenza Domenico Rosario , Ladogana Saverio , Castori Marco , Carella Massimo , Villella Massimo , Salvatori Mauro Pellegrino
Published: February 2022

In thelast few decades, the roles of cardio-oncology and cardiovascular geneticsgained more and more attention in research and daily clinical practice, shaping a new clinical approach and management of patients affected by cancer and cardiovascular disease. Genetic characterization of patients undergoing cancer treatment can support a better cardiovascular risk stratification beyond the typical risk factors, suchas contractile function and QT interval duration, uncovering a possible patient’s concealed predisposition to heart failure, life threatening arrhythmias and sudden death. Specifically, an integrated cardiogenetic approach in daily oncological clinical practice can ensure the best patient-centered healthcare model, suggesting, also the adequate cardiac monitoring timing and alternative cancer treatments, reducing drug-related complications. We report the case of a 14-month-old girl affected by neuroblastoma, treated by cisplatin, complicated by cardiac arrest. We described the genetic characterization of a Ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2) gene mutation and subsequent pharmacogenomic approach to better shape the cancer treatment.
Mechanistic Kinetic Modelling Framework for the Conversion of Waste Crude Glycerol to Value-Added Hydrogen-Rich Gas
Authors: Odoom Anita , Fabrik Michael , Salama Amgad , Shirif Ezeddin , Ibrahim Hussameldin
Published: February 2022

The kinetics for crude glycerol autothermal reforming was studied over S/C ratio of 2.6 and O2/C ratio of 0.125 using 5% Ni/CeZrCa catalyst. Both power law and mechanistic kinetic models were studied. The overall power law model for crude glycerol autothermal reforming was investigated with a pre-exponential factor of 4.3 × 1010 mol/gcat·min and activation energy of 8.78 × 104 J/mol. The reaction orders with respect to crude glycerol, water and oxygen are 1.04, 0.54 and 1.78 respectively. The power law model presented an absolute average deviation of 5.84%, which showed a good correlation between the predicted and experimental rate. Mechanistic models were developed for crude glycerol autothermal reforming. For steam reforming, the Eley–Rideal approach best described the reaction rate with the surface reaction being the rate-determining step (AAD < 10%). The kinetics of the total oxidation reaction was best described by the power law model with an AAD of less than 1%, whereas for the TOR process, the molecular adsorption of crude glycerol with an AAD of 14.6% via Langmuir Hinshelwood Hougen-Watson approach was best. CO2 methanation resulted in an AAD of 5.8% for the adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the Eley–Rideal mechanism.
Metabolomics: An Emerging Approach to Understand Pathogenesis and to Assess Diagnosis and Response to Treatment in Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Rizzo Chiara , Camarda Federica , Donzella Denise , La Barbera Lidia , Guggino Giuliana
Published: February 2022

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of rheumatic diseases whose pathogenesis relies on a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Over the last several years, the importance of the alteration of the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, and the interaction of bacterial products with host immunity have been highlighted as intriguing key players in SpA development. The recent advent of the so called “-omics” sciences, that include metabolomics, opened the way to a new approach to SpA through a deeper characterisation of the pathogenetic mechanisms behind the disease. In addition, metabolomics can reveal potential new biomarkers to diagnose and monitor SpA patients. The aim of this review is to highlight the most recent advances concerning the application of metabolomics to SpA, in particular focusing attention on Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis.
Deubiquitinases in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Bello Abudu I. , Goswami Rituparna , Brown Shelby L. , Costanzo Kara , Shores Taylor , Allan Shefaa , Odah Revan , Mohan Ryan D.
Published: February 2022

Ubiquitination refers to the conjugation of the ubiquitin protein (a small protein highly conserved among eukaryotes) to itself or to other proteins through differential use of ubiquitin’s seven internal linkage sites or the amino-terminal amino group. By creating different chain lengths, an enormous proteomic diversity may be formed. This creates a signaling system that is central to controlling almost every conceivable protein function, from proteostasis to regulating enzyme function and everything in between. Protein ubiquitination is reversed through the activity of deubiquitinases (DUBs), enzymes that function to deconjugate ubiquitin from itself and protein substrates. DUBs are regulated through several mechanisms, from controlled subcellular localization within cells to developmental and tissue specific expression. Misregulation of DUBs has been implicated in several diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration. Here we present a brief overview of the role of DUBs in neurodegeneration, and as potential therapeutic targets.
Dynamic Changes in miR-21 Regulate Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Congenital Heart Disease-Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Chang Wei-Ting , Wu Chia-Chun , Lin Yu-Wen , Shih Jhih-Yuan , Chen Zhih-Cherng , Wu Sheng-Nan , Wu Chia-Ching , Hsu Chih-Hsin
Published: February 2022

Right ventricular (RV) failure is a major cause of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but its mechanism remains largely unknown. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is involved in flow-mediated stress in the vasculature, but its effects on RV remodeling require investigations. Herein, we aim to study the mechanism of miR-21 in the early (compensated) and late (decompensated) phases of PAH-induced RV dysfunction. Using aorto-venous fistula (AVS) surgery, we established a rat model of PAH. To mimic the microenvironment of PAH, we treated cardiomyocytes with flow-mediated shear stress in 6 dyne for 3 and 8 h. To evaluate whether miR-21 could be a biomarker, we prospectively collected the sera of patients with congenital heart disease- (CHD) related PAH. Additionally, clinical, echocardiographic and right heart catheterization information was collected. The primary endpoint was hospitalization for decompensated heart failure (HF). It is of note that, despite an initial increase in miR-21 expression in hypertrophic RV post AVS, miR-21 expression decreased with RV dysfunction thereafter. Likewise, the activation of miR-21 in cardiomyocytes under shear stress at 3 h was downregulated at 6 h. The downregulated miR-21 at the late phase was associated with increased apoptosis in cardiomyocytes while miR-21 mimic rescued it. Among 76 CHD-induced PAH patients, 19 who were hospitalized for heart failure represented with a significantly lower expression of circulating miR-21. Collectively, our study revealed that the upregulation of miR-21 in the early phase (RV hypertrophy) and downregulation in the late phase (RV dysfunction) under PAH triggered a biphasic regulation of cardiac remodeling and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
Brite Adipocyte FGF21 Attenuates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rat Hearts by Modulating NRF2
Authors: Moon Hanbyeol , Choi Jung-Won , Song Byeong-Wook , Kim Il-Kwon , Lim Soyeon , Lee Seahyoung , Han Gyoonhee , Hwang Ki-Chul , Kim Sang Woo
Published: February 2022

Although the optimal therapy for myocardial infarction includes reperfusion to restore blood flow to the ischemic area, myocardial injury after ischemia/reperfusion usually leads to an inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In this study, rat adipose-derived stem cells were differentiated into low-thermogenic beige adipocytes (LBACs) and high-thermogenic beige adipocytes (HBACs) to study the different cardioprotective effects of heterogeneous expression of brown adipocytes. We found that antioxidant and antiapoptotic factors in H9c2 cardiomyocytes were upregulated by high levels of secreted FGF21 in HBAC conditioned medium (HBAC-CM), whereas FGF21 in HBAC-CM did not affect antioxidative or antiapoptotic cell death in H9c2 cardiomyocytes with Nrf2 knockdown. These results show that NRF2 mediates antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects through the HBAC-secreted factor FGF21. Consistent with this finding, the expression of antioxidant and antiapoptotic genes was upregulated by highly secreted FGF21 after HBAC-CM treatment compared to LBAC-CM treatment in H9c2 cardiomyocytes via NRF2 activation. Furthermore, HBAC-CM significantly attenuated ischemic rat heart tissue injury via NRF2 activation. Based on these findings, we propose that HBAC-CM exerts beneficial effects in rat cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating NRF2 and has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for myocardial infarction.
Carboxypeptidase A3—A Key Component of the Protease Phenotype of Mast Cells
Authors: Atiakshin Dmitri , Kostin Andrey , Trotsenko Ivan , Samoilova Vera , Buchwalow Igor , Tiemann Markus
Published: February 2022

Carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3) is a specific mast cell (MC) protease with variable expression. This protease is one of the preformed components of the secretome. During maturation of granules, CPA3 becomes an active enzyme with a characteristic localization determining the features of the cytological and ultrastructural phenotype of MC. CPA3 takes part in the regulation of a specific tissue microenvironment, affecting the implementation of innate immunity, the mechanisms of angiogenesis, the processes of remodeling of the extracellular matrix, etc. Characterization of CPA3 expression in MC can be used to refine the MC classification, help in a prognosis, and increase the effectiveness of targeted therapy.
The Biogenesis of miRNAs and Their Role in the Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Liu Jinmeng , Zhou Fenghua , Guan Yingjun , Meng Fandi , Zhao Zhenhan , Su Qi , Bao Weiwei , Wang Xuemei , Zhao Jiantao , Huo Zijun , Zhang Lingyun , Zhou Shuanhu , Chen Yanchun , Wang Xin
Published: February 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons. As there is no effective treatment for ALS, it is particularly important to screen key gene therapy targets. The identifications of microRNAs (miRNAs) have completely changed the traditional view of gene regulation. miRNAs are small noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent advances also indicate that miRNAs are biomarkers in many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in ALS pathogenesis and its application to gene therapy for ALS. The potential of miRNAs to target diverse pathways opens a new avenue for ALS therapy.
Chemical Model for Thermal Treatment of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Netzer Corinna , Løvås Terese
Published: February 2022

Sewage sludge is here studied as a valuable source for processing or energy conversation thanks to its high nutrition and energy content. However, various origins of the wastewater, different water cleaning technologies, and seasonal and regional dependencies lead to the high variability of the sewage sludge properties. In thermal treatment units, that is, incineration, gasification and pyrolysis, sewage sludge serves as feedstock or fuel, hence a proper characterization and a mathematical description of the sewage sludge are required to estimate product streams and to formulate numerical simulations and optimization methods. The presented work introduces a surrogate concept that allows replication of sewage sludge’s ultimate composition, moisture, and ash content. The surrogate approach aims to model the decomposition of any sewage sludge sample, opposite to the established determination of kinetic rates for individual samples. Based on chemical solid surrogate species and corresponding reaction mechanisms, the thermal decomposition path is described. Sewage sludge is represented by a combination of lignocellulosic species, proteins, sugars, lipids, and representative inorganic species. The devolatilization and heterogeneous reactions are formulated such that they can be used together with a detailed gas-phase model, including tar oxidation and emission models for nitrogen and sulfur oxides, recently proposed by the authors. The developed chemical model is applied using a zero-dimensional gasification reactor in order to model weight loss within the thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis, gasification and combustion conditions. Weight loss, the composition of product gases, and emission release (nitrogen and sulfur oxides) are captured well by the model. The flexible surrogate approach allows us to represent various sewage sludge samples.
Characteristics and Risk Factors for Ischemic Ovary Torsion in Children
Authors: Tsai Jason , Lai Jin-Yao , Lin Yi-Hao , Tsai Ming-Han , Yeh Pai-Jui , Chen Chyi-Liang , Chang Yi-Jung
Published: February 2022

Identifying ischemic ovary as a complication of ovary torsion (OT) is a significant challenge in children. This study identified risk factors for ischemic OT among pediatric OT patients to prevent delayed treatment. This retrospective study included pediatric inpatients who underwent operation for OT over 20 years. We employed multivariable logistic regression to find the risk factors associated with ischemic OT. Among the 118 patients included in this study, 78 (66.1%) had ischemic OT. Patients with ischemic OT tended to be younger; had more frequent vomiting; and had elevated White blood cell (WBC), C-Reactive protein (CRP), and segments in comparison with non-ischemic OT patients. Multivariable regression showed increased odds of ischemic ovary torsion, associated with higher WBC (12.3 × 103/mm3 vs. 8.7 × 103/mm3, p < 0.001), CRP (50.4 mg/L vs. 8.4 mg/L, p < 0.001), and vomiting (55.1% vs. 25%, p = 0.002) than in non-ischemic patients. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that patients with vomiting, leukocytosis, or CRP ≧ 40 mg/L were more likely to have ischemic OT (sensitivity, 92%; specificity, 54%; PPV, 79.6; NPV, 78.9%). Ischemic OT is common among pediatric OT patients. The presence of potential risk factors of vomiting, leukocytosis, and CRP more significant than 40 mg/L may assist clinicians in ensuring an expedited surgical treatment.
Catholic Perspective on Decision-Making for Critically Ill Newborns and Infants
Authors: Friedrich Annie B. , Eberl Jason T.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we discuss the foundational values informing the Catholic perspective on decision-making for critically ill newborns and infants, particularly focusing on the prudent use of medical technologies. Although the Church has consistently affirmed the general good of advances in scientific research and medicine, the technocratic paradigm of medicine may, particularly in cases with severely ill infants, lead to decision-making conflicts and breakdowns in communication between parents and providers. By exploring two paradigm cases, we offer specific practices in which providers can engage to connect with parents and avoid common technologically mediated decision-making conflicts. By focusing on the inherent relationality of all human persons, regardless of debility, and the Christian hope in the life to come, we can make decisions in the midst of the technocratic paradigm without succumbing to it.