bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moringa oleifera: An Unknown Crop in Developed Countries with Great Potential for Industry and Adapted to Climate Change
Authors: Trigo Carla , Castelló María Luisa , Ortolá María Dolores , García-Mares Francisco José , Desamparados Soriano María
Published: December 2020

Moringa oleifera is originally a tropical crop with a fast development, little known in developed countries but cultivated since ancient times. It can adapt to regions affected by climate change, such as the Mediterranean basin, since it is a crop with a great resistance to high temperatures. In this study an in-depth bibliographical review was carried out by consulting different databases (Science Direct, FSTA, Scielo, Riunet, and Google Scholar) in order to find published scientific studies on the characteristics of this crop and its agronomic requirements. According to the information found, all parts of the Moringa oleifera, namely the leaves, pods, seeds, roots and flowers, can be used in different industrial sectors such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic, human food, animal feed, and water treatment since they have a nutritional profile rich in high biological value proteins, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals: calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorous.
The Effect of Blanching on Phytochemical Content and Bioactivity of Hypochaeris and Hyoseris Species (Asteraceae), Vegetables Traditionally Used in Southern Italy
Authors: Sicari Vincenzo , Loizzo Monica R. , Sanches Silva Ana , Romeo Rosa , Spampinato Giovanni , Tundis Rosa , Leporini Mariarosaria , Musarella Carmelo M.
Published: December 2020

The impact of blanching on the phytochemical content and bioactivity of Hypochaeris laevigata (HL), Hypochaeris radicata (HR), Hyoseris radiata (HRA), and Hyoseris lucida subsp. taurina (HT) leaves was studied and compared to fresh plant materials and residual blanching water. For this purpose, total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll contents were quantified. The antioxidant effect was investigated by using different in vitro tests (β-carotene, ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), whereas the potential inhibitory activity of key enzymes linked to obesity was screened against lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Generally, the phytochemical content followed the trend: fresh > blanching water > blanched samples. The same trend was observed in the antioxidant activity independently of the applied test as well as in the inhibition of lipase and carbohydrates-hydrolysing enzymes. In particular, fresh Hypochaeris laevigata (HL1) showed the lowest inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values of 31.3 and 42.7 μg/mL, against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively, whereas fresh Hyoseris radiata (HRA1) showed the most promising hypolipidemic activity (IC50 value of 39.8 μg/mL). Collectively, these results support the health effect of these wild plants and demonstrated that blanching water should be reused in food preparation since it is a good source of bioactive compounds and its consumption should be recommended in order to increase the uptake of micronutrients.
Photographic Reportage on the Rebuilding after the Irpinia-Basilicata 1980 Earthquake (Southern Italy)
Authors: Porfido Sabina , Alessio Giuliana , Gaudiosi Germana , Nappi Rosa , Michetti Alessandro Maria , Spiga Efisio
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to present, through a photographic reportage, the current state of rebuilding of the most devastated villages by the earthquake that hit the Southern Italy on 23 November 1980, in Irpinia-Basilicata. The earthquake was characterized by magnitude Ml = 6.9 and epicentral intensity I0 = X MCS. It was felt throughout Italy with the epicenter in the Southern Apennines, between the regions of Campania and Basilicata that were the most damaged areas. About 800 localities were serious damaged; 7,500 houses were completely destroyed and 27,500 seriously damaged. The photographic survey has been done in 23 towns during the last five years: Castelnuovo di Conza, Conza della Campania, Laviano, Lioni, Santomenna, Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi, Balvano, Caposele, Calabritto and the hamlet of Quaglietta, San Mango sul Calore, San Michele di Serino, Pescopagano, Guardia dei Lombardi, Torella dei Lombardi, Colliano, Romagnano al Monte, Salvitelle, Senerchia, Teora, Bisaccia, Calitri and Avellino. Forty years after the 1980 earthquake, the photographs show villages almost completely rebuilt with modern techniques where reinforced concrete prevails. Only in few instances, the reconstruction was carried out trying to recover the pre-existing building heritage, without changing the original urban planning, or modifying it. We argue that this photography collection allows to assess the real understanding of the geological information for urban planning after a major destructive seismic event. Even more than this, documenting the rebuilding process in a large epicentral area reveals the human legacy to the natural landscape, and our ability, or failure, to properly interpret the environmental fate of a site.
Accuracy of Portable Face-Scanning Devices for Obtaining Three-Dimensional Face Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mai Hang-Nga , Kim Jaeil , Choi Youn-Hee , Lee Du-Hyeong
Published: December 2020

The use of three-dimensional face-scanning systems to obtain facial models is of increasing interest, however, systematic assessments of the reliability of portable face-scan devices have not been widely conducted. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed considering the accuracy of facial models obtained by portable face-scanners in comparison with that of those obtained by stationary face-scanning systems. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for articles published from 1 January 2009 to 18 March 2020. A total of 2806 articles were identified, with 21 articles available for the narrative review and nine studies available for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that the accuracy of the digital face models generated by the portable scanners was not significantly different from that of the stationary face-scanning systems (standard mean difference (95% confidence interval) = −0.325 mm (−1.186 to 0.536); z = −0.74; p = 0.459). Within the comparison of the portable systems, no statistically significant difference was found concerning the accuracy of the facial models among scanning methods (p = 0.063). Overall, portable face-scan devices can be considered reliable for obtaining facial models. However, caution is needed when applying face-scanners with respect to scanning device settings, control of involuntary facial movements, landmark and facial region identifications, and scanning protocols.
Indoor Floor Localization Based on Multi-Intelligent Sensors
Authors: Zhao Min , Qin Danyang , Guo Ruolin , Wang Xinxin
Published: December 2020

With the continuous expansion of the market of indoor localization, the requirements of indoor localization technology are becoming higher and higher. Existing indoor floor localization (IFL) systems based on Wi-Fi signal and barometer data are susceptible to external environment changes, resulting in large errors. A method for indoor floor localization using multiple intelligent sensors (MIS-IFL) is proposed to decrease the localization errors, which consists of a fingerprint database construction phase and a floor localization phase. In the fingerprint database construction phase, data acquisition is performed using magnetometer sensor, accelerator sensor and gyro sensor in the smartphone. In the floor localization phase, an active pattern recognition is performed through the collaborative work of multiple intelligent sensors and machine learning classifiers. Then floor localization is performed using magnetic data mapping, Euclidean closest approximation and majority principle. Finally, the inter-floor detection link based on machine learning is added to improve the overall localization accuracy of MIS-IFL. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed method is superior to the existing IFL.
Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath as Fingerprints of Lung Cancer, Asthma and COPD
Authors: Ratiu Ileana Andreea , Ligor Tomasz , Bocos-Bintintan Victor , Mayhew Chris A , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: December 2020

Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are inflammatory diseases that have risen worldwide, posing a major public health issue, encompassing not only physical and psychological morbidity and mortality, but also incurring significant societal costs. The leading cause of death worldwide by cancer is that of the lung, which, in large part, is a result of the disease often not being detected until a late stage. Although COPD and asthma are conditions with considerably lower mortality, they are extremely distressful to people and involve high healthcare overheads. Moreover, for these diseases, diagnostic methods are not only costly but are also invasive, thereby adding to people’s stress. It has been appreciated for many decades that the analysis of trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath could potentially provide cheaper, rapid, and non-invasive screening procedures to diagnose and monitor the above diseases of the lung. However, after decades of research associated with breath biomarker discovery, no breath VOC tests are clinically available. Reasons for this include the little consensus as to which breath volatiles (or pattern of volatiles) can be used to discriminate people with lung diseases, and our limited understanding of the biological origin of the identified VOCs. Lung disease diagnosis using breath VOCs is challenging. Nevertheless, the numerous studies of breath volatiles and lung disease provide guidance as to what volatiles need further investigation for use in differential diagnosis, highlight the urgent need for non-invasive clinical breath tests, illustrate the way forward for future studies, and provide significant guidance to achieve the goal of developing non-invasive diagnostic tests for lung disease. This review provides an overview of these issues from evaluating key studies that have been undertaken in the years 2010–2019, in order to present objective and comprehensive updated information that presents the progress that has been made in this field. The potential of this approach is highlighted, while strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are discussed. This review will be of interest to chemists, biologists, medical doctors and researchers involved in the development of analytical instruments for breath diagnosis.
Maternal Overweight vs. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Disentangling Their Impact on Insulin Action in Pregnancy—A Prospective Study
Authors: Feichtinger Michael , Linder Tina , Rosicky Ingo , Eppel Daniel , Schatten Christian , Eppel Wolfgang , Husslein Peter , Tura Andrea , Göbl Christian S.
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in pregnant lean and overweight polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients vs. lean and overweight controls without PCOS. Methods: Prospective cohort study on 67 pregnant women (31 with PCOS and 36 controls, subdivided into overweight or obese and normal weight). All women underwent a 2h-OGTT including glucose, insulin, and C-peptide in early- and mid-gestation and were followed-up until delivery. Results: Insulin sensitivity and glucometabolic parameters were comparable between PCOS patients and controls, whereas marked differences were observed between overweight/obese and lean mothers. Impaired whole-body insulin sensitivity at early pregnancy is mainly a consequence of higher BMI (body mass index; p < 0.001) compared to PCOS (p = 0.216), whereby no interaction between overweight/obesity and PCOS was observed (p = 0.194). Moreover, overweight was significantly associated with gestational diabetes (p = 0.0003), whereas there were no differences between women with and without PCOS (p = 0.51). Birth weight was inversely related to whole-body insulin sensitivity (rho = −0.33, p = 0.014) and positively associated with higher pregestational BMI (rho = 0.33, p = 0.012), whereas there was no association with PCOS. Conclusions: Impaired insulin action was mainly a consequence of overweight rather than PCOS. Our data suggest that overweight is more relevant than PCOS for the effects on insulin sensitivity and impaired glucose metabolism.
Effect of Sex on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Coronavirus Disease: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Cho Kyu Hyang , Kim Sang Won , Park Jong Won , Do Jun Young , Kang Seok Hui
Published: December 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between sex and clinical outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) using a population-based dataset. Methods: In this retrospective study, insurance claims data from the Korea database were used. Patients who tested positive for COVID-19 were included in the study. All diseases were defined according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision. During follow-up, the clinical outcomes, except mortality, were assessed using the electrical codes from the dataset. The clinical outcomes noted were: hospitalization, the use of inotropics, high flow nasal cannula, conventional oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, development of acute kidney injury, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and disseminated intravascular coagulation after the diagnosis of COVID-19. Results: A total of 7327 patients were included; of these, 2964 patients (40.5%) were men and 4363 patients (59.5%) were women. There were no significant differences in the Charlson comorbidity index score between men and women in the same age group. The incidence of mortality and clinical outcomes was higher among men than among women. The mortality rate was the highest for the populations aged 50–64 or ≥65 years. The subgroup analyses for age, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension showed favorable results for patient survival or clinical outcomes for women compared to men. Conclusion: Our population-based study showed that female patients with COVID-19 were associated with favorable outcomes. Furthermore, the impact of sex was more evident in patients aged 50–64 or ≥65 years.
D-Dimers Level as a Possible Marker of Extravascular Fibrinolysis in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Trimaille Antonin , Thachil Jecko , Marchandot Benjamin , Curtiaud Anaïs , Leonard-Lorant Ian , Carmona Adrien , Matsushita Kensuke , Sato Chisato , Sattler Laurent , Grunebaum Lelia , Hansmann Yves , Fafi-Kremer Samira , Jesel Laurence , Ohana Mickaël , Morel Olivier
Published: December 2020

Background and Objective: Host defence mechanisms to counter virus infection include the activation of the broncho-alveolar haemostasis. Fibrin degradation products secondary to extravascular fibrin breakdown could contribute to the marked increase in D-Dimers during COVID-19. We sought to examine the prognostic value on lung injury of D-Dimers in non-critically ill COVID-19 patients without thrombotic events. Methods: This study retrospectively analysed hospitalized COVID-19 patients classified according to a D-Dimers threshold following the COVID-19 associated haemostatic abnormalities (CAHA) classification at baseline and at peak (Stage 1: D-Dimers less than three-fold above normal; Stage 2: D-Dimers three- to six-fold above normal; Stage 3: D-Dimers six-fold above normal). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of critical lung injuries on chest computed tomography. The secondary outcome was the composite of in-hospital death or transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). Results: Among the 123 patients included, critical lung injuries were evidenced in 8 (11.9%) patients in Stage 1, 6 (20%) in Stage 2 and 15 (57.7%) in Stage 3 (p = 0.001). D-Dimers staging at peak was an independent predictor of critical lung injuries regardless of the inflammatory burden assessed by CRP levels (OR 2.70, 95% CI (1.50–4.86); p < 0.001) and was significantly associated with increased in-hospital death or ICU transfer (14.9 % in Stage 1, 50.0% in Stage 2 and 57.7% in Stage 3 (p < 0.001)). D-Dimers staging at peak was an independent predictor of in-hospital death or ICU transfer (OR 2.50, CI 95% (1.27–4.93); p = 0.008). Conclusions: In the absence of overt thrombotic events, D-Dimers quantification is a relevant marker of critical lung injuries and dismal patient outcome.
Identification of Immunological Parameters as Predictive Biomarkers of Relapse in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia on Treatment-Free Remission
Authors: Vigón Lorena , Luna Alejandro , Galán Miguel , Rodríguez-Mora Sara , Fuertes Daniel , Mateos Elena , Piris-Villaespesa Miguel , Bautista Guiomar , San José Esther , Rivera-Torres José , Steegmann Juan Luis , de Ory Fernando , Pérez-Olmeda Mayte , Alcamí José , Planelles Vicente , López-Huertas María Rosa , García-Gutiérrez Valentín , Coiras Mayte
Published: December 2020

BCR-ABL is an aberrant tyrosine kinase responsible for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) induce a potent antileukemic response mostly based on the inhibition of BCR-ABL, but they also increase the activity of Natural Killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells. After several years, patients may interrupt treatment due to sustained, deep molecular response. By unknown reasons, half of the patients relapse during treatment interruption, whereas others maintain a potent control of the residual leukemic cells for several years. In this study, several immunological parameters related to sustained antileukemic control were analyzed. According to our results, the features more related to poor antileukemic control were as follows: low levels of cytotoxic cells such as NK, (Natural Killer T) NKT and CD8±TCRγβ+ T cells; low expression of activating receptors on the surface of NK and NKT cells; impaired synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines or proteases from NK cells; and HLA-E*0103 homozygosis and KIR haplotype BX. A Random Forest algorithm predicted 90% of the accuracy for the classification of CML patients in groups of relapse or non-relapse according to these parameters. Consequently, these features may be useful as biomarkers predictive of CML relapse in patients that are candidates to initiate treatment discontinuation.
Urinary NGAL Measured after the First Year Post Kidney Transplantation Predicts Changes in Glomerular Filtration over One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Kielar Małgorzata , Dumnicka Paulina , Gala-Błądzińska Agnieszka , Będkowska-Prokop Alina , Ignacak Ewa , Maziarz Barbara , Ceranowicz Piotr , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata
Published: December 2020

Currently, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) together with albuminuria or proteinuria are laboratory markers used in long-term monitoring of kidney transplant recipients. There is a need for more sensitive markers that could serve as early warning signs of graft dysfunction. Our aim was to assess the urinary concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a predictor of changes in kidney transplant function after the first year post-transplantation. We prospectively recruited 109 patients with functioning graft at least one year after the transplantation, with no acute conditions over the past three months, during their control visits in kidney transplant ambulatory. Urinary NGAL measured on recruitment was twice higher in patients with at least 10% decrease in eGFR over 1-year follow-up compared to those with stable or improving transplant function. Baseline NGAL significantly predicted the relative and absolute changes in eGFR and the mean eGFR during the follow-up independently of baseline eGFR and albuminuria. Moreover, baseline NGAL significantly predicted urinary tract infections during the follow-up, although the infections were not associated with decreasing eGFR. Additionally, we assessed urinary concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9—NGAL complex in a subgroup of 77 patients and found higher levels in patients who developed urinary tract infections during the follow-up but not in those with decreasing eGFR. High urinary NGAL in clinically stable kidney transplant recipients beyond the first year after transplantation may be interpreted as a warning and trigger the search for transient or chronic causes of graft dysfunction, or urinary tract infection.
New Technologies in Knee Arthroplasty: Current Concepts
Authors: Batailler Cécile , Swan John , Sappey Marinier Elliot , Servien Elvire , Lustig Sébastien
Published: December 2020

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment for severe osteoarthritis. Despite good survival rates, up to 20% of TKA patients remain dissatisfied. Recently, promising new technologies have been developed in knee arthroplasty, and could improve the functional outcomes. The aim of this paper was to present some new technologies in TKA, their current concepts, their advantages, and limitations. The patient-specific instrumentations can allow an improvement of implant positioning and limb alignment, but no difference is found for functional outcomes. The customized implants are conceived to reproduce the native knee anatomy and to reproduce its biomechanics. The sensors have to aim to give objective data on ligaments balancing during TKA. Few studies are published on the results at mid-term of these two devices currently. The accelerometers are smart tools developed to improve the TKA alignment. Their benefits remain yet controversial. The robotic-assisted systems allow an accurate and reproducible bone preparation due to a robotic interface, with a 3D surgical planning, based on preoperative 3D imaging or not. This promising system, nevertheless, has some limits. The new technologies in TKA are very attractive and have constantly evolved. Nevertheless, some limitations persist and could be improved by artificial intelligence and predictive modeling.
The Role of Methemoglobin and Carboxyhemoglobin in COVID-19: A Review
Authors: Scholkmann Felix , Restin Tanja , Ferrari Marco , Quaresima Valentina
Published: December 2020

Following the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) associated with pneumonia in China (Corona Virus Disease 2019, COVID-19) at the end of 2019, the world is currently facing a global pandemic of infections with SARS-CoV-2 and cases of COVID-19. Since severely ill patients often show elevated methemoglobin (MetHb) and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentrations in their blood as a marker of disease severity, we aimed to summarize the currently available published study results (case reports and cross-sectional studies) on MetHb and COHb concentrations in the blood of COVID-19 patients. To this end, a systematic literature research was performed. For the case of MetHb, seven publications were identified (five case reports and two cross-sectional studies), and for the case of COHb, three studies were found (two cross-sectional studies and one case report). The findings reported in the publications show that an increase in MetHb and COHb can happen in COVID-19 patients, especially in critically ill ones, and that MetHb and COHb can increase to dangerously high levels during the course of the disease in some patients. The medications given to the patient and the patient’s glucose-6-phospate dehydrogenase (G6PD) status seem to be important factors determining the severity of the methemoglobinemia and carboxyhemoglobinemia. Therefore, G6PD status should be determined before medications such as hydroxychloroquine are administered. In conclusion, MetHb and COHb can be elevated in COVID-19 patients and should be checked routinely in order to provide adequate medical treatment as well as to avoid misinterpretation of fingertip pulse oximetry readings, which can be inaccurate and unreliable in case of elevated MetHb and COHb levels in the blood.
Mechanical Analysis of Flexible Riser with Carbon Fiber Composite Tension Armor
Authors: Zhang Haichen , Tong Lili , Addo Michael Anim
Published: December 2020

As oil and gas exploration moves to deeper areas of the ocean, the weight of flexible risers becomes an important factor in design. To reduce the weight of flexible risers and ease the load on the offshore platform, this paper present a cylindrical tensile armor layer made of composite materials that can replace the helical tensile armor layer made of carbon steel. The ACP (pre) of the workbench is used to model the composite tension armor. Firstly, the composite lamination of the tensile armor is discussed. Then, considering the progressive damage theory of composite material, the whole flexible riser is analyzed mechanically and compared with the original flexible riser. The weight of the flexible riser decreases by 9.73 kg/m, and the axial tensile stiffness decreases by 17.1%, while the axial tensile strength increases by 130%. At the same time, the flexible riser can meet the design strength requirements of torsion and bending.
Development of a Comparison Framework for Evaluating Environmental Contours of Extreme Sea States
Authors: Eckert Aubrey , Martin Nevin , G. Coe Ryan , Seng Bibiana , Stuart Zacharia , Morrell Zachary
Published: December 2020

Environmental contours of extreme sea states are often utilized for the purposes of reliability-based offshore design. Many methods have been proposed to estimate environmental contours of extreme sea states, including, but not limited to, the traditional inverse first-order reliability method (I-FORM) and subsequent modifications, copula methods, and Monte Carlo methods. These methods differ in terms of both the methodology selected for defining the joint distribution of sea state parameters and in the method used to construct the environmental contour from the joint distribution. It is often difficult to compare the results of proposed methods to determine which method should be used for a particular application or geographical region. The comparison of the predictions from various contour methods at a single site and across many sites is important to making environmental contours of extreme sea states useful in practice. The goal of this paper is to develop a comparison framework for evaluating methods for developing environmental contours of extreme sea states. This paper develops generalized metrics for comparing the performance of contour methods to one another across a collection of study sites, and applies these metrics and methods to develop conclusions about trends in the wave resource across geographic locations, as demonstrated for a pilot dataset. These proposed metrics and methods are intended to judge the environmental contours themselves relative to other contour methods, and are thus agnostic to a specific device, structure, or field of application. The metrics developed and applied in this paper include measures of predictive accuracy, physical validity, and aggregated temporal performance that can be used to both assess contour methods and provide recommendations for the use of certain methods in various geographical regions. The application and aggregation of the metrics proposed in this paper outline a comparison framework for environmental contour methods that can be applied to support design analysis workflows for offshore structures. This comparison framework could be extended in future work to include additional metrics of interest, potentially including those to address issues pertinent to a specific application area or analysis discipline, such as metrics related to structural response across contour methods or additional physics-based metrics based on wave dynamics.
Replicative Aging in Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Bhattacharya Somanon , Bouklas Tejas , Fries Bettina C.
Published: December 2020

Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans are pathogenic yeasts which can cause systemic infections in immune-compromised as well as immune-competent individuals. These yeasts undergo replicative aging analogous to a process first described in the nonpathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The hallmark of replicative aging is the asymmetric cell division of mother yeast cells that leads to the production of a phenotypically distinct daughter cell. Several techniques to study aging that have been pioneered in S. cerevisiae have been adapted to study aging in other pathogenic yeasts. The studies indicate that aging is relevant for virulence in pathogenic fungi. As the mother yeast cell progressively ages, every ensuing asymmetric cell division leads to striking phenotypic changes, which results in increased antifungal and antiphagocytic resistance. This review summarizes the various techniques that are used to study replicative aging in pathogenic fungi along with their limitations. Additionally, the review summarizes some key phenotypic variations that have been identified and are associated with changes in virulence or resistance and thus promote persistence of older cells.
Spatial Agglomeration Pattern and Driving Factors of Grain Production in China since the Reform and Opening Up
Authors: Hou Mengyang , Deng Yuanjie , Yao Shunbo
Published: December 2020

Since the reform and opening up, regional imbalances in the development of market economy and urbanization have significantly changed the spatial agglomeration pattern of grain production (GP) in China. To characterize GP by the yield, we used the gravity center (GC) and standard deviation ellipse (SDE) to investigate the evolution characteristics of the spatial agglomeration pattern of GP and its three major crops with wheat, maize and rice in China, then establish a spatial econometric model to explore the natural and socioeconomic drivers of GP at the national level, at different crops and at different regions. The research results indicate that the GC of GP gradually shifts and expands to the northeast and presents a spatial distribution pattern in a “northeast–southwest” direction. The GC of wheat production mainly expands upwards in the east–west direction. The GC of maize production shifts in a direction that is more consistent with grain production, and there is an expansion trend in the east–west direction, while the GC of rice production has the largest north–south span, and continues to expand upward to the north by the east. The status of grain production in Northeast China and Northwest China is rising and the importance of grain production in the Southeast coastal areas are decreasing. The importance of wheat and corn production in North China continues to strengthen, and Northeast China is becoming more important for rice production, but the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are still important rice producing regions. Changes in GP with significant spatial dependence are jointly affected by many factors, such as natural and socio-economic factors, and there are obvious differences among different food crops and different division regions, with the most prominent positive effects being the multiple crop index (MCI), arable land per capita (AL) and agricultural mechanization (MECH), while economic growth and urbanization are significantly negative.
Super-Earths, M Dwarfs, and Photosynthetic Organisms: Habitability in the Lab
Authors: Claudi Riccardo , Alei Eleonora , Battistuzzi Mariano , Cocola Lorenzo , Erculiani Marco Sergio , Pozzer Anna Caterina , Salasnich Bernardo , Simionato Diana , Squicciarini Vito , Poletto Luca , La Rocca Nicoletta
Published: December 2020

In a few years, space telescopes will investigate our Galaxy to detect evidence of life, mainly by observing rocky planets. In the last decade, the observation of exoplanet atmospheres and the theoretical works on biosignature gasses have experienced a considerable acceleration. The most attractive feature of the realm of exoplanets is that 40% of M dwarfs host super-Earths with a minimum mass between 1 and 30 Earth masses, orbital periods shorter than 50 days, and radii between those of the Earth and Neptune (1–3.8 R⊕). Moreover, the recent finding of cyanobacteria able to use far-red (FR) light for oxygenic photosynthesis due to the synthesis of chlorophylls d and f, extending in vivo light absorption up to 750 nm, suggests the possibility of exotic photosynthesis in planets around M dwarfs. Using innovative laboratory instrumentation, we exposed different cyanobacteria to an M dwarf star simulated irradiation, comparing their responses to those under solar and FR simulated lights. As expected, in FR light, only the cyanobacteria able to synthesize chlorophyll d and f could grow. Surprisingly, all strains, both able or unable to use FR light, grew and photosynthesized under the M dwarf generated spectrum in a similar way to the solar light and much more efficiently than under the FR one. Our findings highlight the importance of simulating both the visible and FR light components of an M dwarf spectrum to correctly evaluate the photosynthetic performances of oxygenic organisms exposed under such an exotic light condition.
On BC-Subtrees in Multi-Fan and Multi-Wheel Graphs
Authors: Yang Yu , Li Long , Wang Wenhu , Wang Hua
Published: December 2020

The BC-subtree (a subtree in which any two leaves are at even distance apart) number index is the total number of non-empty BC-subtrees of a graph, and is defined as a counting-based topological index that incorporates the leaf distance constraint. In this paper, we provide recursive formulas for computing the BC-subtree generating functions of multi-fan and multi-wheel graphs. As an application, we obtain the BC-subtree numbers of multi-fan graphs, r multi-fan graphs, multi-wheel (wheel) graphs, and discuss the change of the BC-subtree numbers between different multi-fan or multi-wheel graphs. We also consider the behavior of the BC-subtree number in these structures through the study of extremal problems and BC-subtree density. Our study offers a new perspective on understanding new structural properties of cyclic graphs.
Correlation of Computed Tomography Parameters with Histology, Stage and Prognosis in Surgically Treated Thymomas
Authors: Carretta Angelo , Viscardi Stefano , Muriana Piergiorgio , Ciriaco Paola , Bandiera Alessandro , Varagona Roberto , Colombo Michele , Negri Giampiero
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives: The histological classification and staging of thymic tumors remains a matter of debate. The correlation of computed tomography (CT) parameters with tumor histology and stage also still has to be completely assessed. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the correlation of radiological parameters with histological and staging classifications of thymomas evaluating their prognostic role. Materials and Methods: Data of 50 patients with thymoma submitted to a complete surgical treatment between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Tumors were classified according to the WHO and Suster and Moran (S&M) histological classifications and to the Masaoka–Koga and tumor, node and metastases (TNM) staging systems. The correlation of CT features with histology and stage and the prognostic role of histopathological and radiological features were assessed. Results: Five-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 90.3% and 81.1%, respectively. A significant correlation of DFS with the Masaoka–Koga (p = 0.001) and TNM staging systems (p = 0.002) and with the S&M (p = 0.02) and WHO histological classifications (p = 0.04) was observed. CT scan features correlated with tumor stage, histology and prognosis. Moderately differentiated tumors (WHO B3) had a significantly higher incidence of irregular shape and contours (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) and pericardial contact (p = 0.036). A larger tumor volume (p = 0.03) and a greater length of pleural contact (p = 0.04) adversely influenced DFS. The presence of pleural (p < 0.001) or lung invasion (p = 0.02) and of pleural effusion (p = 0.004) was associated with a significantly worse OS. Conclusions: Pre-operative CT scan parameters correlate with stage and histology, and have a prognostic role in surgically treated thymomas.
Non-Destructive Micromagnetic Determination of Hardness and Case Hardening Depth Using Linear Regression Analysis and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Jedamski Rahel , Epp Jérémy
Published: December 2020

Non-destructive determination of workpiece properties after heat treatment is of great interest in the context of quality control in production but also for prevention of damage in subsequent grinding process. Micromagnetic methods offer good possibilities, but must first be calibrated with reference analyses on known states. This work compares the accuracy and reliability of different calibration methods for non-destructive evaluation of carburizing depth and surface hardness of carburized steel. Linear regression analysis is used in comparison with new methods based on artificial neural networks. The comparison shows a slight advantage of neural network method and potential for further optimization of both approaches. The quality of the results can be influenced, among others, by the number of teaching steps for the neural network, whereas more teaching steps does not always lead to an improvement of accuracy for conditions not included in the initial calibration.
Using Out-of-Batch Reference Populations to Improve Untargeted Metabolomics for Screening Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Bongaerts Michiel , Bonte Ramon , Demirdas Serwet , Jacobs Edwin , Oussoren Esmee , van der Ploeg Ans , Wagenmakers Margreet , Hofstra Robert , Blom Henk , Reinders Marcel , Ruijter George
Published: December 2020

Untargeted metabolomics is an emerging technology in the laboratory diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Analysis of a large number of reference samples is crucial for correcting variations in metabolite concentrations that result from factors, such as diet, age, and gender in order to judge whether metabolite levels are abnormal. However, a large number of reference samples requires the use of out-of-batch samples, which is hampered by the semi-quantitative nature of untargeted metabolomics data, i.e., technical variations between batches. Methods to merge and accurately normalize data from multiple batches are urgently needed. Based on six metrics, we compared the existing normalization methods on their ability to reduce the batch effects from nine independently processed batches. Many of those showed marginal performances, which motivated us to develop Metchalizer, a normalization method that uses 10 stable isotope-labeled internal standards and a mixed effect model. In addition, we propose a regression model with age and sex as covariates fitted on reference samples that were obtained from all nine batches. Metchalizer applied on log-transformed data showed the most promising performance on batch effect removal, as well as in the detection of 195 known biomarkers across 49 IEM patient samples and performed at least similar to an approach utilizing 15 within-batch reference samples. Furthermore, our regression model indicates that 6.5–37% of the considered features showed significant age-dependent variations. Our comprehensive comparison of normalization methods showed that our Log-Metchalizer approach enables the use out-of-batch reference samples to establish clinically-relevant reference values for metabolite concentrations. These findings open the possibilities to use large scale out-of-batch reference samples in a clinical setting, increasing the throughput and detection accuracy.
Viral Vector Vaccines against Bluetongue Virus
Authors: Jiménez-Cabello Luis , Utrilla-Trigo Sergio , Calvo-Pinilla Eva , Moreno Sandra , Nogales Aitor , Ortego Javier , Marín-López Alejandro
Published: December 2020

Bluetongue virus (BTV), the prototype member of the genus Orbivirus (family Reoviridae), is the causative agent of an important livestock disease, bluetongue (BT), which is transmitted via biting midges of the genus Culicoides. To date, up to 29 serotypes of BTV have been described, which are classified as classical (BTV 1–24) or atypical (serotypes 25–27), and its distribution has been expanding since 1998, with important outbreaks in the Mediterranean Basin and devastating incursions in Northern and Western Europe. Classical vaccine approaches, such as live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines, have been used as prophylactic measures to control BT through the years. However, these vaccine approaches fail to address important matters like vaccine safety profile, effectiveness, induction of a cross-protective immune response among serotypes, and implementation of a DIVA (differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals) strategy. In this context, a wide range of recombinant vaccine prototypes against BTV, ranging from subunit vaccines to recombinant viral vector vaccines, have been investigated. This article offers a comprehensive outline of the live viral vectors used against BTV.
Complexation of Alkali and Alkaline-Earth Metal Cations at Spodumene-Saltwater Interfaces by Molecular Simulation: Impact on Oleate Adsorption
Authors: Quezada Gonzalo R. , Toledo Pedro G.
Published: December 2020

Spodumene, a lithium aluminum inosilicate, is recovered by froth flotation using surfactants, so-called collectors. Therefore, the behavior and properties of the water-mineral interface in saline solutions are central. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the adsorption of alkali and alkaline-earth metal cations from concentrated solutions on the weakest (110) surface plane of negatively-charged spodumene. Results include the envelope density function of inner-sphere complexes for each cation and the density of complexes according to their adsorption contacts. Visualization of complexes for each cation is also included. Once the structure of the cation layers adsorbed on the surface of spodumene is defined, its role as a catalyst or barrier for adsorption of the spodumene collector in flotation is evaluated. The collector studied is the typical sodium oleate. The results show that oleate adsorption is poor and that the few adsorption contacts are mainly via cation bridges. The findings here indicate that molecular simulation can facilitate the search for effective collectors for environmentally sustainable spodumene flotation processes in saltwater.
Sulfide Minerals as Potential Tracers of Isochemical Processes in Contact Metamorphism: Case Study of the Kochumdek Aureole, East Siberia
Authors: Sokol Ella V. , Deviatiiarova Anna S. , Kokh Svetlana N. , Reutsky Vadim N. , Abersteiner Adam , Philippova Kseniya A. , Artemyev Dmitry A.
Published: December 2020

Marly limestones from the Lower Silurian sedimentary units of the Tunguska basin (East Siberia, Russia) underwent metamorphism along the contact with the Early Triassic Kochumdek trap intrusion. At ≤ 2.5 m from the contact, the limestones were converted into ultrahigh-temperature marbles composed of pure calcite and sulfide-bearing calcsilicate layers. The sulfide assemblages in the gabbro and marbles were studied as potential tracers of spurrite-merwinite facies alteration. The gabbro-hosted sulfides show Fe-Ni-Cu-Co speciation (pyrrhotite and lesser amounts of chalcopyrite, pentlandite, and cobaltite) and positive δ34S values (+2.7 to +13.1‰). Both matrix and inclusion sulfide assemblages of prograde melilite, spurrite, and merwinite marbles consist dominantly of pyrrhotite and minor amounts of troilite, sphalerite, wurtzite, alabandite, acanthite, and galena. In contrast to its magmatic counterpart, metamorphic pyrrhotite is depleted in Cu (3–2000 times), Ni (7–800 times), Se (20–40 times), Co (12 times), and is isotopically light (about –25‰ δ34S). Broad solid solution series of (Zn,Fe,Mn)Scub, (Zn,Mn,Fe)Shex, and (Mn,Fe)Scub indicate that the temperature of contact metamorphism exceeded 850–900 °C. No metasomatism or S isotope resetting signatures were detected in the prograde mineral assemblages, but small-scale penetration of magma-derived K- and Cl-rich fluids through more permeable calcsilicate layers was documented based on the distribution of crack-filling Fe-K sulfides (rasvumite, djerfisherite, and bartonite).
Blocking Effect of Demethylzeylasteral on the Interaction between Human ACE2 Protein and SARS-CoV-2 RBD Protein Discovered Using SPR Technology
Authors: Zhu Zhi-Ling , Qiu Xiao-Dan , Wu Shuo , Liu Yi-Tong , Zhao Ting , Sun Zhong-Hao , Li Zhuo-Rong , Shan Guang-Zhi
Published: December 2020

The novel coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) has been affecting global health since the end of 2019, and there is no sign that the epidemic is abating. Targeting the interaction between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used as the primary method to screen a library of 960 compounds. A compound 02B05 (demethylzeylasteral, CAS number: 107316-88-1) that had high affinities for S-RBD and ACE2 was discovered, and binding affinities (KD, μM) of 02B05-ACE2 and 02B05-S-RBD were 1.736 and 1.039 μM, respectively. The results of a competition experiment showed that 02B05 could effectively block the binding of S-RBD to ACE2 protein. Furthermore, pseudovirus infection assay revealed that 02B05 could inhibit entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus into 293T cells to a certain extent at nontoxic concentration. The compoundobtained in this study serve as references for the design of drugs which have potential in the treatment of COVID-19 and can thus accelerate the process of developing effective drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Editorial to the Special Issue “Biological and Pharmacological Activity of Plant Natural Compounds”
Authors: Pezzani Raffaele , Vitalini Sara
Published: December 2020

Plant natural products are a valuable source of compounds with a healthy potential effect on living organisms, including animals and humans [...]
WE-ASCA: The Weighted-Effect ASCA for Analyzing Unbalanced Multifactorial Designs—A Raman Spectra-Based Example
Authors: Ali Nairveen , Jansen Jeroen , van den Doel André , Tinnevelt Gerjen Herman , Bocklitz Thomas
Published: December 2020

Analyses of multifactorial experimental designs are used as an explorative technique describing hypothesized multifactorial effects based on their variation. The procedure of analyzing multifactorial designs is well established for univariate data, and it is known as analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, whereas only a few methods have been developed for multivariate data. In this work, we present the weighted-effect ASCA, named WE-ASCA, as an enhanced version of ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) to deal with multivariate data in unbalanced multifactorial designs. The core of our work is to use general linear models (GLMs) in decomposing the response matrix into a design matrix and a parameter matrix, while the main improvement in WE-ASCA is to implement the weighted-effect (WE) coding in the design matrix. This WE-coding introduces a unique solution to solve GLMs and satisfies a constrain in which the sum of all level effects of a categorical variable equal to zero. To assess the WE-ASCA performance, two applications were demonstrated using a biomedical Raman spectral data set consisting of mice colorectal tissue. The results revealed that WE-ASCA is ideally suitable for analyzing unbalanced designs. Furthermore, if WE-ASCA is applied as a preprocessing tool, the classification performance and its reproducibility can significantly improve.