bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Structure of Pyrola chlorantha (Family Ericaceae) at the Southern Range Margin (Samara Region, Russia)
Authors: Ilyina Valentina , Senator Stepan , Mitroshenkova Anna , Kozlovskaya Olga , Kazantsev Ivan
Published: December 2022

The population structure of endangered species is one of the main criteria for assessing their state in their habitats. Representatives of the Ericaceae family are sensitive to environmental changes, including anthropogenic pressure; thus, they are considered the indicator species in assessing phytocenose stability. The population structure and density of the threatened species green-flowered wintergreen, Pyrola chlorantha Sw., have been described at the southern range margin (south-east of the European part of Russia, Samara Region). The observations were performed here in 2006–2021, and the main parameters of the age and spatial structure of P. chlorantha populations were revealed for the first time. Green-flowered wintergreen populations were studied at monitoring study sites and at temporarily established study plots. A bush part (ramet) was set as a counting unit. In total, 27 sub-populations were surveyed, with 1520 individuals registered. The age structure of populations was characterized using common demographic indicators: the recovery index and the population age index. The age structure of the population was associated with the efficiency of both vegetative and seed reproduction. Generally, the share of pre-generative individuals was 32.3%, generative, 66.9%, and senile, 1.8%. The studied populations were stable due to low anthropogenic impact at the growth sites.
Experimental Insight into the Containment of Plastic Waste in Cement-Stabilised Soil as a Road Pavement Layer Material
Authors: Akinwumi Isaac , Soladoye Oluwatomisin , Ajayi Victor , Epelle Promise
Published: December 2022

Plastic waste (PW) constitutes a nuisance to our environment despite several efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle it. This study experimentally explores the possibility of storing plastic waste within a cement-stabilised soil that can be used as a road pavement layer material without adversely affecting the geotechnical characteristics of the stabilised soil. The soil is an A-2-6 soil, according to classification by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Compaction characteristics, the California bearing ratio (CBR) and the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soil with 10% cement were determined for the 0, 2, 5, 10 and 15% addition of PW. The cementing of soil particles, which played a vital role in enhancing its strength on the addition of cement, may have been activated by the pozzolanic reaction between cement and soil particles. However, the addition of PW to this cement-stabilised mix led to a decrease in strength parameters at all variations. The soil with 10% cement and 2% PW yielded higher strength when compared to other mix ratios with PW and is suitable for use as a layer material in road pavement construction. As a sustainable strategy for PW management in developing nations, the usage of PW in cement-stabilised soil layer is recommended.
Marked Effects of Larval Salt Exposure on the Life History and Gut Microbiota of the Malaria Vector Anopheles merus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Singh Ashmika , Patel Nashrin F. , Allam Mushal , Chan Wai-Yin , Mohale Thabo , Ismail Arshad , Oliver Shüné V.
Published: December 2022

Anopheles merus can breed in a range of saltwater concentrations. The consequences of this ability on the life history of adult An. merus are poorly understood. This study examined the effects of exposure to 0, 2.1875, 4.375, 8.75, and 17.5 g/L of sodium chloride on An. merus. The effects on larval development, adult longevity, fertility, and fecundity, as well as deltamethrin tolerance were examined. The effect of larval salt exposure on the expression of defensin-1 in adults was examined by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Finally, the effect of the larval salt concentration on microbial dynamics was assessed by 16S Next Generation Sequencing. High concentrations of saltwater increased larval development time and number of eggs laid, as well as deltamethrin tolerance. Larval exposure to salt also reduced the expression of defensin-1. The exposure also had a significant effect on microbial diversity in larvae and adults. The diversity of larvae decreased once adults emerged. Salt-tolerant bacterial genera predominated in larvae but were absent in adults. High salt concentrations resulted in greater abundance of Plasmodium-protective genera in adults. Although this study was conducted on a laboratory strain of An. merus, these data suggest that osmoregulation has a significant effect on the life history of the species with potential epidemiological consequences.
New Approach to Hyponatremia: High Prevalence of Cerebral/Renal Salt Wasting, Identification of Natriuretic Protein That Causes Salt Wasting
Authors: Maesaka John K. , Imbriano Louis J. , Grant Candace , Miyawaki Nobuyuki
Published: December 2022

Our understanding of hyponatremic conditions has undergone major alterations. There is a tendency to treat all patients with hyponatremia because of common subtle symptoms that include unsteady gait that lead to increased falls and bone fractures and can progress to mental confusion, irritability, seizures, coma and even death. We describe a new approach that is superior to the ineffectual volume approach. Determination of fractional excretion (FE) of urate has simplified the diagnosis of a reset osmostat, Addison’s disease, edematous causes such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and nephrosis, volume depletion from extrarenal salt losses with normal renal tubular function and the difficult task of differentiating the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) from cerebral/renal salt wasting (C/RSW). SIADH and C/RSW have identical clinical and laboratory parameters but have diametrically opposite therapeutic goals of water-restricting water-loaded patients with SIADH or administering salt water to dehydrated patients with C/RSW. In a study of nonedematous patients with hyponatremia, we utilized FEurate and response to isotonic saline infusions to differentiate SIADH from C/RSW. Twenty-four (38%) of 62 hyponatremic patients had C/RSW with 21 having no clinical evidence of cerebral disease to support our important proposal to change cerebral to renal salt wasting (RSW). Seventeen (27%) had SIADH and 19 (31%) had a reset osmostat. One each from hydrochlorothiazide and Addison’s disease. We demonstrated natriuretic activity in the plasma of patients with neurosurgical and Alzheimer diseases (AD) in rat clearance studies and have now identified the natriuretic protein to be haptoglobin related protein without signal peptide (HPRWSP). We introduce a new syndrome of RSW in AD that needs further confirmation. Future studies intend to develop HPRWSP as a biomarker to simplify the diagnosis of RSW in hyponatremic and normonatremic patients and explore other clinical applications that can improve clinical outcomes.
Lactobacillus gasseri LA806 Supplementation in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Ait Abdellah Samira , Scanzi Julien , Gal Caroline , Martin Marc , Beck Marc , Ojetti Veronica
Published: December 2022

The potential benefits of Lactobacillus gasseri LA806 in IBS were previously identified in a comprehensive preclinical research program. The purpose of this multicenter study was to explore in real-life conditions changes in IBS symptoms and quality of life in patients receiving a 4-week supplementation with L. gasseri LA806. Altogether 119 patients meeting Rome IV criteria for IBS were included, of whom 118 received the supplement. The majority of patients (71.8% (95% CI 63.6−79.9%)) manifested a ≥30% decrease in abdominal pain at 4 weeks, the mean abdominal pain score diminishing by 54.2% (from 5.3 ± 2.2 to 2.2 ± 2.4, p < 0.0001). A statistically significant decrease in abdominal pain was seen as early as the first week. A decrease of ≥30% in both abdominal pain score and global IBS symptom score was attained in 61.5% of patients (95% CI 51.7−71.2%). The mean IBS-SSS score fell by 152 ± 112 points (p = 0.001), with symptoms being attenuated in 85% of patients (CGI-I). Supplementation led to a 10-fold decrease in the number of patients reporting severe IBS symptoms. The concomitant intake of antidiarrheals, antispasmodics and analgesics decreased and quality of life scores significantly improved. These preliminary results warrant confirmation by a randomized, placebo-controlled study that this study will allow a better design.
Extracellular Vesicles in Inner Ear Therapies—Pathophysiological, Manufacturing, and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Warnecke Athanasia , Staecker Hinrich , Rohde Eva , Gimona Mario , Giesemann Anja , Szczepek Agnieszka , Di Stadio Arianna , Hochmair Ingeborg , Lenarz Thomas
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Sensorineural hearing loss is a common and debilitating condition. To date, comprehensive pharmacologic interventions are not available. The complex and diverse molecular pathology that underlies hearing loss may limit our ability to intervene with small molecules. The current review foccusses on the potential for the use of extracellular vesicles in neurotology. (2) Methods: Narrative literature review. (3) Results: Extracellular vesicles provide an opportunity to modulate a wide range of pathologic and physiologic pathways and can be manufactured under GMP conditions allowing for their application in the human inner ear. The role of inflammation in hearing loss with a focus on cochlear implantation is shown. How extracellular vesicles may provide a therapeutic option for complex inflammatory disorders of the inner ear is discussed. Additionally, manufacturing and regulatory issues that need to be addressed to develop EVs as advanced therapy medicinal product for use in the inner ear are outlined. (4) Conclusion: Given the complexities of inner ear injury, novel therapeutics such as extracellular vesicles could provide a means to modulate inflammation, stress pathways and apoptosis in the inner ear.
Trends in Coronary and Structural Heart Interventions in Switzerland over the Last 16 Years and Impact of COVID-19: Insights from the National Swiss PCI Survey
Authors: Wagener Max , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Gaemperli Oliver , Räber Lorenz , Nietlispach Fabian , Meier Pascal , Muller Olivier , Weilenmann Daniel , Jeger Raban
Published: December 2022

Background: Considering the global burden of cardiovascular disease, we analysed trends in interventional coronary and structural procedures over the past 16 years (2005–2021), using continuous data from the Swiss national registry. Methods: Based on a standardised questionnaire, data on coronary and structural interventions in Switzerland were assessed by the Working Group Interventional Cardiology of the Swiss Society of Cardiology (SSC). Here, we analysed the trend of annually performed interventions from 2005 to 2021 in Switzerland and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: We observed a constant increase in the total number of cases (including coronary angiographies (CA) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI)) from 36,436 cases in 2005 to 56,555 cases in 2021 (+55%). With 18 cases in 2007, TAVI procedures have increased to 2004 cases in 2021. During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a slight decrease in CAs and PCIs of 9.15% was observed. In contrast, we did not observe an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of no TAVI procedures. Most importantly, all cause in-hospital mortality for coronary interventions before and during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic was comparable (1.4% vs. 1.3%). Conclusion: Over a 16-year period, we observed an upward trend in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for coronary as well as structural heart disease, with only a small short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventions and a similar procedure-related in-hospital-mortality in Switzerland.
Should Magnetic Resonance Angiography Be Used for Screening of Intracranial Aneurysm in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease?
Authors: Padilha Igor Gomes , Guilbert François , Létourneau-Guillon Laurent , Forté Stéphanie , Nelson Kristoff , Bélair Manon , Raymond Jean , Soulières Denis
Published: December 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) to detect silent cerebral infarcts. MR angiography (MRA) can identify arterial stenoses and intracranial aneurysms (ICANs) associated with SCD. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of ICANs in asymptomatic adult patients with SCD referred from the SCD clinic for routine screening by MRI/MRA using a 3T-MRI scanner. Findings were independently reviewed by two neuroradiologists. Between 2016 and 2020, 245 asymptomatic adults with SCD were stratified according to genotype (SS/S-β0thalassemia and SC/Sβ+). ICANs were found in 27 patients (11%; 0.95 CI: 8–16%). ICANs were more frequent in SS/S-β0thalassemia patients (20/118 or 17%; 0.95 CI: 11–25%) than in SC/βb+ patients (7/127 or 6%; 0.95 CI: 2–11%; p = 0.007). Individuals with SCD (particularly SS/S-β0thalassemia) have a higher prevalence of ICANs than the general population. We believe that MRA should be considered in the current American Society of Hematology guidelines, which already contain a recommendation for MRI at least once in adult SCD patients. However, the clinical significance of preventive treatment of unruptured aneurysms remains controversial.
Influence of Deposition Temperature and Compaction Force on the Infusion Properties of DFP Preforms
Authors: Hindersmann Arne , Bäns Constantin
Published: December 2022

The deposition of dry fiber materials in the dry fiber placement (DFP) process with subsequent impregnation is becoming increasingly widespread. The wing covers of the Irkut MS 21 are already being manufactured using the DFP process, and research projects at major aircraft manufacturers are increasingly incorporating the technology. In this process, the deposition speed depends on the temperature and the compaction force. However, it is not only the laying speed that counts during production, but also the impregnation afterwards. Thus, the effects of the depositing parameters on the infusion properties must be known. In this study, a two-step approach is used. Planar preforms (Hexcel HiTape) that have been deposited with different parameters are divided into four quadrants, and first samples are analyzed for isotropic properties in a two-dimensional infusion test. Then, one-dimensional infusion tests are performed so that infusion times can be compared. The tests show that the lowest infusion time can be obtained at low deposition temperature and high compression force. Additionally, using a comparable material (Solvay TX 1100), it is shown that increasing the gaps between the tows increases the permeability and homogeneity of the preform.
A High-Fidelity Artificial Urological System for the Quantitative Assessment of Endoscopic Skills
Authors: Kim Do Yeon , Tan Xiangzhou , Jeong Moonkwang , Li Dandan , Miernik Arkadiusz , Qiu Tian
Published: December 2022

Minimally-invasive surgery is rapidly growing and has become a standard approach for many operations. However, it requires intensive practice to achieve competency. The current training often relies on animal organ models or physical organ phantoms, which do not offer realistic surgical scenes or useful real-time feedback for surgeons to improve their skills. Furthermore, the objective quantitative assessment of endoscopic skills is also lacking. Here, we report a high-fidelity artificial urological system that allows realistic simulation of endourological procedures and offers a quantitative assessment of the surgical performance. The physical organ model was fabricated by 3D printing and two-step polymer molding with the use of human CT data. The system resembles the human upper urinary tract with a high-resolution anatomical shape and vascular patterns. During surgical simulation, endoscopic videos are acquired and analyzed to quantitatively evaluate performance skills by a customized computer algorithm. Experimental results show significant differences in the performance between professional surgeons and trainees. The surgical simulator offers a unique chance to train endourological procedures in a realistic and safe environment, and it may also lead to a quantitative standard to evaluate endoscopic skills.
Effect of Cell Geometry on the Mechanical Properties of 3D Voronoi Tessellation
Authors: Alknery Zainab , Sktani Zhwan Dilshad Ibrahim , Arab Ali
Published: December 2022

Irregular 3D biological scaffolds have been widely observed in nature. Therefore, in the current work, new designs are proposed for lightweight 3D scaffolds based on Voronoi tessellation with high porosity. The proposed designs are inspired by nature, which has undoubtedly proven to be the best designer. Thus, the Rhinoceros 7/Grasshopper software was used to design three geometric models for both normal and elongated Voronoi structures: homogeneous, gradient I, and gradient II. Then, stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing was utilized to fabricate biopolymeric materials. Finally, a compression test was carried out to study and compare the mechanical properties of the designed samples. The gradient I cylinder show the highest Young’s modulus. For the Homogeneous and gradient II cylinders, elongated Voronoi structures show superior mechanical properties and energy absorption compared to normal Voronoi designs. Hence, these designs are promising topologies for future applications.
Teaching Screenwriting as Translation and Adaptation: Critical Reflections on Definitions and Romanticism 2.0
Authors: Cattrysse Patrick
Published: December 2022

This essay discusses teaching screenwriting in terms of translation and adaptation. Realigning terminology with everyday language, translation is redefined as an invariance-based phenomenon while adaptation is reconceived as a variance-based phenomenon, which entails better fit. More specific working definitions follow specifying what one could be teaching or learning in more precise terms. The acceptance of these proposals remains a matter of contention. One major obstacle involves the current Western Romantic view on art and culture. Having driven a rift between art and craft, Romanticism 2.0 opposes the aforesaid working definitions and disparages screenwriting, translation, and adaptation, lest they comply with the Romantic rule. Suggestions follow to re-open the Romantic view to its pre-Romantic stance and to revalue both art and craft values in screenwriting, translation, and adaptation. Finally, conclusions highlight some caveats foreshadowing resistance also against nudging back Romanticism 2.0 to its pre-Romantic views.
Land Use Efficiency in the Yellow River Basin in the Background of China’s Economic Transformation: Spatial-Temporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors
Authors: Song Chengzhen , Liu Qingfang , Song Jinping , Jiang Zhengyun , Lu Zhilin , Chen Yueying
Published: December 2022

Rapid urbanization has led to the increasing scarcity of land resources in China. Exploring the spatial-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of urban land use efficiency (LUE) is of great significance for optimizing the allocation efficiency of land resources and promoting regional sustainable development. In this study, the Super-SBM model was used to calculate the urban LUE of the Yellow River Basin from 2009 to 2018. The regional differences and agglomeration characteristics of LUE in the Yellow River Basin were analyzed. Moreover, a panel regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of LUE. The results showed that the LUE in the Yellow River Basin experienced a process of fluctuation decline during the study period. The regional difference of LUE in the Yellow River Basin was as follows: upper reaches > middle reaches > lower reaches. The hot and cold spots of LUE were relatively stable in spatial distribution during the study period. The hot spots were mainly distributed in Ordos in the upper reaches and Yulin in the middle reaches, while the cold spots were mainly distributed in Henan Province in the lower reaches. Globalization had a positive impact on LUE in the lower reaches. Marketization had a positive impact on LUE in the whole basin and lower reaches, and a negative impact on LUE in the middle reaches. Decentralization had a positive impact on the LUE of the whole basin and the upper reaches, and a negative impact on the LUE of the lower reaches.
Regulating Façade Length for Streetscapes of Human Scale
Authors: Gatti Marianne , Nollert Markus , Pibernik Elena
Published: December 2022

This paper starts from the hypothesis that streetscapes with shorter façade lengths are more pleasant for pedestrians than long and monotonous façades. It analyses four case studies where short façade lengths were implemented by applying different means of regulation and gives insight into an experimental planning example from Schlieren, Switzerland. Through the investigation of these cases, different possibilities to regulate façade length were revealed and categorised. The applied comparative case study analysis and comparative approach showed that most case studies are project-based solutions, either by applying text-based regulations or by reducing parcel size. The experiment in Schlieren offered a possibility to reduce façade length to a maximum value within the standard building regulations (Rahmennutzungsplanung) and therefore make it applicable to more than just singular projects. This approach failed, since it falls into the category of form-based codes, which in the canton of Zurich are by law not allowed in all zones. The experiment showed, however, that form-based codes can act as a powerful alternative to reduce façade length if parcel size cannot be influenced and more than just one single project perimeter is to be regulated.
Recognizing the Importance of an Urban Soil in an Open-Air City Museum: An Opportunity in the City of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Jiménez-Ballesta Raimundo , De Soto-García Isabel S. , García-Navarro Francisco Jesús , García-Giménez Rosario
Published: December 2022

This article examines the presence of urban soil buried under anthropogenic debris in an air-museum park in the Madrid city center (Spain), and highlights the particularities of this singular urbanized setting to indicate ecological evaluation options for soils. The study of a soil profile (with a thickness of about 2.30 m), classified as Urbic Technosols, allowed us to devise that it is formed by a series of filled-in amounts of artifacts (construction debris and other anthropogenic waste) of about 10–30%, plus organic and mineral materials. These soils’ composition and morphology depend on the natural conditions of the territory and also on anthropogenic activities. The soil properties (analyzed by conventional techniques) are moderate in acidity reaction and have relatively higher organic matter content. The Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations in anthropogenic horizons do not exceed the approximate permissible concentrations by 1.5–10-fold. Over the course of time, the soil profile has been transformed as a result of the impact of pedogenetic processes developing under the Mediterranean climate and man’s hand. Although urban environments present a certain complexity, at least the role of soil should be recognized regarding flood mitigation, recycling of wastes and toxins, filtering of nutrients or carbon storage and GHG regulation. The analysis of our results concludes the need to better perceive this soil profile and its green space to improve the urban ecosystem and to ensure better citizen well-being.
Patterns of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3, Calcium Status, and Anemia in the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alfhili Mohammad A. , Basudan Ahmed M. , Alfaifi Mohammed , Awan Zuhier A. , Algethami Mohammed R. , Alsughayyir Jawaher
Published: December 2022

Background: Emerging evidence suggests an intricate relationship between vitamin D, Ca2+, and inflammation-driven anemia. We, thus, investigated the patterns of serum 25(OH)D3, Ca2+, ferritin, and iron in healthy and anemic members of the Saudi population. Methods: A population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study was designed to analyze data for 14,229 subjects, aged 3–110 years, obtained from Al-Borg Medical Laboratories, over a six-year period (2014–2020). Gender and age differences were analyzed for 25(OH)D3, Ca2+, hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was extremely prevalent (98.47%) irrespective of age or gender, despite an increasing trend with age, in clear contrast to serum Ca2+. Ferritin was significantly lower in young adult and adult females, compared to elderly females, whereas iron was significantly reduced in females; in particular, adult females compared to young adults or elderly adults. Only anemic adult males had significantly lower 25(OH)D3, while Ca2+ was consistently significantly diminished in anemics of all age groups, independent of gender. Notably, hypocalcemic subjects were 2.36 times more likely to be anemic. Moreover, ferritin, but not iron, was significantly diminished in anemics, which was only evident in young adults and adults. However, both ferritin and iron showed positive correlation with hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCH, MCHC, and MCV. Conclusions: Despite being significantly lower in anemics, 25(OH)D3 is not particularly associated with anemia, while hypocalcemia is associated with an increased risk for anemia. Assessment of vitamin D and Ca2+ status may be valuable in the clinical management of anemia in the Saudi population.
Effect of Inorganic and Organic Nitrogen Sources and Biofertilizer on Murcott Mandarin Fruit Quality
Authors: Fikry Ahmed M. , Radhi Khadija S. , Abourehab Mohammed A. S. , Abou Sayed-Ahmed Talaat A. M. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Mohsen Farid S. , Abdou Nour A. , Omar Ahmad A. , Elesawi Ibrahim Eid , El-Saadony Mohamed T.
Published: December 2022

Mandarin ‘Murcott’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees aged five years that were grafted onto lemon ‘Volkamer’ (Citrus volkameriana) rootstock and grown in sandy soil under a drip irrigation system were used in this study during the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019. Ten different fertilization treatments combining inorganic, organic, and biofertilization in a completely randomized block were performed. The results revealed that fertilizing ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees with 75% of the recommended dose (RD) of nitrogen as inorganic nitrogen (33.5% N) in the form of NH4NO3 + 25% of RD as organic nitrogen in the form of chicken manure (3% N) per tree per year without or with a biofertilizer (Effective Microorganisms, EM1) at 150 mL/tree increased the weight, size, pulp, and peels of mandarin fruit, as well as the fruit juice volume, juice volume/fruit, and vitamin C, but reduced the total acidity in both seasons. However, fertilizing ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees with 100% of RD as inorganic nitrogen increased the pulp/fruit ratio, and fertilizing with 25% of RD as inorganic nitrogen + 75% of RD as organic nitrogen + biofertilizer EM1 increased the peel/fruit ratio, peel thickness, and fruit firmness. Fertilizing ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees with 100% organic nitrogen + biofertilizer EM1 increased total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar contents while producing the lowest nitrate (NO3) percentage in ‘Murcott’ mandarin fruit compared with trees fertilized with inorganic nitrogen only. The fruit produced by ‘Murcott’ mandarin trees fertilized with 100% of RD as organic nitrogen with or without biofertilizer EM1 contained higher TSS, total carbohydrates, and sugars and lower nitrate percentages than those fertilized with inorganic nitrogen and biofertilizer EM1. This study contributes to reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers by adding a percentage of an organic fertilizer to obtain a healthy product that contains a lower percentage of NO3, which affects the health of the consumer, and is of high quality and suitable for export.
Vitamin C Levels in Different Organs of Bat Species from Different Food Groups
Authors: Mena Canata Diego Antonio , Benfato Mara Silveira , Pereira Francielly Dias , Pereira María João Ramos , Rampelotto Pabulo Henrique
Published: December 2022

Unlike most animals, most bats cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously. Consequently, this vitamin must be obtained from the diet. Among the bat species, there are several food groups, such as frugivorous, nectarivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous. In this work, we measured and compared vitamin C levels in different organs of four species of bats, all collected in southern Brazil. When analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four bat species, (regardless of the organ), no significant differences were observed. However, when analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four organs (regardless of the species), significant differences were observed, with the highest concentrations in the heart, followed by the liver and brain, while the lowest concentration was measured in the kidneys. Additional differences in the levels of Vitamin C were only observed when each organ was analyzed according to the species/diet. These results indicate a high degree of metabolic homeostasis in bats despite the marked difference in the type of diet.
Eco-Friendly Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Ability against Lung Cancer
Authors: Suseela Vivekananthan , Nirmaladevi Ramalingam , Pallikondaperumal Muthukrishnan , Priya Ramasamy Shanmuga , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Shaik Althaf Hussain , Khan Mujeeb , Shaik Baji
Published: December 2022

In the present study, the anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential of Tabebuia roseo-alba in lung cancer was assessed. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of T. roseo-alba were synthesized using an ethanolic extract and characterized by adopting various parameters. Herein, the eco-friendly, cost-effective, and green synthesis of AgNPs was evaluated using an ethanolic extract of T. roseo-alba. The as-synthesized AgNPs were then characterized using various characterization techniques, such as UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The AgNPs are crystalline, spherical, and highly stable AgNPs of varying sizes in the range of 5–20 nm. The anticancer activity of the ethanolic extract of T. roseo-alba and its AgNPs was determined using an MTT assay. The results indicated that, although both samples showed prominent anti-proliferative activity on lung cancer cell lines, the AgNPs of T. roseo-alba were found to be more potent than the ethanolic extract. Further, apoptosis induction ability was evaluated by FITC Annexin V and PI staining, the results of which demonstrated the efficiency of the ethanolic extract of T. roseo-alba and its AgNPs in causing oxidative stress and subsequent cellular death. This was subsequently further confirmed by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential after staining the cells with JC1. The apoptotic mode of cell death was further confirmed by DNA fragmentation and caspase assays using Western blot analysis.
Fuzzy Broad Learning System Combined with Feature-Engineering-Based Fault Diagnosis for Bearings
Authors: Zhou Jianmin , Yang Xiaotong , Liu Lulu , Wang Yunqing , Wang Junjie , Hou Guanghao
Published: December 2022

Bearings are essential components of rotating machinery used in mechanical systems, and fault diagnosis of bearings is of great significance to the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment. Deep learning is a popular method for bearing fault diagnosis, which can effectively extract the in-depth information of fault signals, thus achieving high fault diagnosis accuracy. However, due to the complex deep structure of deep learning, most deep learning methods require more time and resources for bearing fault diagnosis. This paper proposes a bearing fault diagnosis method combining feature engineering and fuzzy broad learning. First, time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain features are extracted from the bearing signals. Then the stability and robustness indexes of these features are evaluated to complete the feature engineering. The features obtained by feature engineering are used as the input of the fault diagnosis model, and three sets of experimental data validate the model. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve the bearing fault diagnosis accuracy of 96.43% on the experimental bench data, 100% on the Case Western Reserve University dataset, and 100% on the centrifugal pump bearing fault dataset, with a time of approximately 0.28 s. The results show that this method has the advantages of accuracy, rapidity, and stability of bearing fault diagnosis.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Model for Inferring and Decision Making in Multi-Dimensional Volatile Binary Environments
Authors: Zhu Changbo , Zhou Ke , Tang Fengzhen , Tang Yandong , Li Xiaoli , Si Bailu
Published: December 2022

The ability to track the changes of the surrounding environment is critical for humans and animals to adapt their behaviors. In high-dimensional environments, the interactions between each dimension need to be estimated for better perception and decision making, for example in volatile or social cognition tasks. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian model for inferring and decision making in multi-dimensional volatile environments. The hierarchical Bayesian model is composed of a hierarchical perceptual model and a response model. Using the variational Bayes method, we derived closed-form update rules. These update rules also constitute a complete predictive coding scheme. To validate the effectiveness of the model in multi-dimensional volatile environments, we defined a probabilistic gambling task modified from a two-armed bandit. Simulation results demonstrated that an agent endowed with the proposed hierarchical Bayesian model is able to infer and to update its internal belief on the tendency and volatility of the sensory inputs. Based on the internal belief of the sensory inputs, the agent yielded near-optimal behavior following its response model. Our results pointed this model a viable framework to explain the temporal dynamics of human decision behavior in complex and high dimensional environments.
Some Novel Estimates of Hermite–Hadamard and Jensen Type Inequalities for (h1,h2)-Convex Functions Pertaining to Total Order Relation
Authors: Saeed Tareq , Afzal Waqar , Shabbir Khurram , Treanţă Savin , De la Sen Manuel
Published: December 2022

There are different types of order relations that are associated with interval analysis for determining integral inequalities. The purpose of this paper is to connect the inequalities terms to total order relations, often called (CR)-order. In contrast to classical interval-order relations, total order relations are quite different and novel in the literature and are calculated as ω=⟨ωc,ωr⟩=⟨ω¯+ω̲2,ω¯−ω̲2⟩. A major benefit of total order relations is that they produce more efficient results than other order relations. This study introduces the notion of CR-(h1,h2)-convex function using total order relations. Center and Radius order relations are a powerful tool for studying inequalities based on their properties and widespread application. Using this novel notion, we first developed some variants of Hermite–Hadamard inequality and then constructed Jensen inequality. Based on the results, this new concept is extremely useful in connection with a variety of inequalities. There are many new and well-known convex functions unified by this type of convexity. These results will stimulate further research on inequalities for fractional interval-valued functions and fuzzy interval-valued functions, as well as the optimization problems associated with them. For the purpose of verifying our main findings, we provide some nontrivial examples.
Numerical Analysis of Fourier Finite Volume Element Method for Dirichlet Boundary Optimal Control Problems Governed by Elliptic PDEs on Complex Connected Domains
Authors: Su Mengya , Xie Liuqing , Zhang Zhiyue
Published: December 2022

In this research, we investigate an optimal control problem governed by elliptic PDEs with Dirichlet boundary conditions on complex connected domains, which can be utilized to model the cooling process of concrete dam pouring. A new convergence result for two-dimensional Dirichlet boundary control is proven with the Fourier finite volume element method. The Lagrange multiplier approach is employed to find the optimality systems of the Dirichlet boundary optimal control problem. The discrete optimal control problem is then obtained by applying the Fourier finite volume element method based on Galerkin variational formulation for optimality systems, that is, using Fourier expansion in the azimuthal direction and the finite volume element method in the radial direction, respectively. In this way, the original two-dimensional problem is reduced to a sequence of one-dimensional problems, with the Dirichlet boundary acting as an interval endpoint at which a quadratic interpolation scheme can be implemented. The convergence order of state, adjoint state, and Dirichlet boundary control are therefore proved. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated numerically, and numerical data is provided to support the theoretical analysis.
Developing a Spine Internal Rotation Angle Measurement System Based Machine Learning Using CT Reconstructed X-ray Anteroposterior Image
Authors: Kang Tae-Seok , Yu Seung-Man
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for estimating the rotation angle of the vertebral body on X-ray anteroposterior projection (AP) image by applying machine learning. This study is intended to replace internal/external rotation of the thoracic spine (T-spine), which can only be observed through computed tomography (CT), with an X-ray AP image. 3-dimension (3D) T-spine CT images were used to acquired reference spine axial angle and various internal rotation T-spine reconstructed X-ray AP image. Distance from the pedicle to the outside of the spine and change in distance between the periphery of the pedicle according to the rotation of the spine were designated as main variables using reconstructed X-ray AP image. The number of measured spines was 453 and the number of variables for each spine was 13, creating a total of 5889 data. We applied a total of 24 regression machine learning methods using MATLAB software, performed learning with the acquired data, and finally, the Gaussian regression method showed the lowest RMSE value. X-rays obtained with the phantom of the human body tilted by 16 degrees showed results with reproducibility within the RMSE range.
MLA-Net: Feature Pyramid Network with Multi-Level Local Attention for Object Detection
Authors: Yang Xiaobao , Wang Wentao , Wu Junsheng , Ding Chen , Ma Sugang , Hou Zhiqiang
Published: December 2022

Feature pyramid networks and attention mechanisms are the mainstream methods to improve the detection performance of many current models. However, when they are learned jointly, there is a lack of information association between multi-level features. Therefore, this paper proposes a feature pyramid of the multi-level local attention method, dubbed as MLA-Net (Feature Pyramid Network with Multi-Level Local Attention for Object Detection), which aims to establish a correlation mechanism for multi-level local information. First, the original multi-level features are deformed and rectified using the local pixel-rectification module, and global semantic enhancement is achieved through the multi-level spatial-attention module. After that, the original features are further fused through the residual connection to achieve the fusion of contextual features to enhance the feature representation. Extensive ablation experiments were conducted on the MS COCO (Microsoft Common Objects in Context) dataset, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method with a 0.5% enhancement. An improvement of 1.2% was obtained on the PASCAL VOC (Pattern Analysis Statistical Modelling and Computational Learning, Visual Object Classes) dataset, reaching 81.8%, thereby, indicating that the proposed method is robust and can compete with other advanced detection models.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Hospitalized Patients during SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Karlafti Eleni , Paramythiotis Daniel , Pantazi Konstantina , Georgakopoulou Vasiliki Epameinondas , Kaiafa Georgia , Papalexis Petros , Protopapas Adonis A. , Ztriva Eleftheria , Fyntanidou Varvara , Savopoulos Christos
Published: December 2022

In the last few years, the world has had to face the SARS-CoV-2 infection and its multiple effects. Even though COVID-19 was first considered to be a respiratory disease, it has an extended clinical spectrum with symptoms occurring in many tissues, and it is now identified as a systematic disease. Therefore, various drugs are used during the therapy of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Studies have shown that many of these drugs could have adverse side-effects, including drug-induced liver injury—also known as DILI—which is the focus of our review. Despite the consistent findings, the pathophysiological mechanism behind DILI in COVID-19 disease is still complex, and there are a few risk factors related to it. However, when it comes to the diagnosis, there are specific algorithms (including the RUCAM algorithm) and biomarkers that can assist in identifying DILI and which we will analyze in our review. As indicated by the title, a variety of drugs are associated with this COVID-19-related complication, including systemic corticosteroids, drugs used for the therapy of uncontrolled cytokine storm, as well as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant drugs. Bearing in mind that hepatotoxicity is very likely to occur during COVID-19, especially in patients treated with multiple medications, we will also refer to the use of other drugs used for DILI therapy in an effort to control and prevent a severe and long-term outcome.
Safety and Efficacy of the Transaxillary Access for Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery—A Propensity Matched Competitive Analysis
Authors: Taghizadeh-Waghefi Ali , Arzt Sebastian , De Angelis Veronica , Schiffarth Jana , Petrov Asen , Tomko Matuš , Alexiou Konstantin , Matschke Klaus , Kappert Utz , Wilbring Manuel
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Transaxillary access is a straightforward “single incision—direct vision” concept, based on a 5 cm skin incision in the right anterior axillary line. It is suitable for aortic, mitral and tricuspid surgery. The present study evaluates the hospital outcomes of the transaxillary access for isolated mitral valve surgery compared with full sternotomy. Patients and Methods: The final study group included 480 patients. A total of 160 consecutive transaxillary patients served as treatment group (MICS-MITRAL). Based on a multivariate logistic regression model including age, sex, body-mass-index, EuroScore II and LVEF, a 1:2 propensity matched control-group (n = 320) was generated out of 980 consecutive sternotomy patients. Redo surgeries, endocarditis or combined procedures were excluded. The mean age was 66.6 ± 10.6 years, 48.6% (n = 234) were female. EuroSCORE II averaged 1.98 ± 1.4%. Results: MICS-MITRAL had longer perfusion (88.7 ± 26.6 min vs. 68.7 ± 32.7 min; p < 0.01) and cross-clamp (64.4 ± 22.3 min vs. 49.7 ± 22.4 min; p < 0.01) times. This did not translate into longer procedure times (132 ± 31 min vs. 131 ± 46 min; p = 0.76). Both groups showed low rates of failed repair (MICS-MITRAL: n = 6/160; 3.75%; Sternotomy: n = 10/320; 3.1%; p = 0.31). MICS-MITRAL had lower transfusion rates (p ≤ 0.001), less re-exploration for bleeding (p = 0.04), shorter ventilation times (p = 0.02), shorter ICU-stay (p = 0.05), less postoperative hemofiltration (p < 0.01) compared to sternotomy patients. No difference was seen in the incidence of stroke (p = 0.47) and postoperative delirium (p = 0.89). Hospital mortality was significantly lower in MICS-MITRAL patients (0.0% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.02). Conclusions: The transaxillary access for MICS-MITRAL provides superior cosmetics and excellent clinical outcomes. It can be performed at least as safely and in the same time frame as conventional mitral surgery by sternotomy.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Original and Biosimilar Adalimumab in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Real-World National Cohort
Authors: Popescu Claudiu Costinel , Mogoșan Corina Delia , Enache Luminița , Codreanu Cătălin
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Real-world evidence should reflect the evidence obtained from controlled trials; therefore, the study aimed to compare biosimilar adalimumab (bADA) to original adalimumab (oADA) in terms of efficacy and safety in a real-life national cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Materials and Methods: The following study is a prospective observational study in which we analyzed patients treated with reimbursed biologics from the Romanian Registry of Rheumatic Diseases (RRBR). RA cases must fulfill the 2010 classification criteria, as well as specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The RRBR database was queried for all RA patients starting oADA or bADA (FKB327, GP2017, MSB11022, SB5 available) from 2 May 2019 (the first bADA initiation) until 26 March 2022 (study search date). Results: The study included 441 patients who started oADA (48.3%) or bADA (51.7%) in the same time period. At baseline, patients starting bADA had a significantly higher mean age and lower prevalence of women. After the first six months of treatment, there were no significant differences between the oADA and bADA regarding rates of Boolean (15.0% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.401), DAS28-CRP (32.4% vs. 34.2%, p = 0.686) and SDAI (16.4% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.483) remission rates. There were 107 cases of adverse events (AE): 81.3% on oADA and 18.7% on bADA. Notably, 51.4% of AE were infections. Regarding severity, 49.5% of AEs were mild, 34.6% were moderate, and 15.9% were severe. Conclusion: Biosimilar adalimumab showed similar efficacy and safety to original adalimumab after the first six months of treatment in RA patients from a national registry.