bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedentary Behavior among 6–14-Year-Old Children during the COVID-19 Lockdown and Its Relation to Physical and Mental Health
Authors: Breidokienė Rima , Jusienė Roma , Urbonas Vaidotas , Praninskienė Rūta , Girdzijauskienė Sigita
Published: June 2021

As a result of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and consequent restrictions in spring 2020, children in many countries might be engaged in more sedentary behavior and have limited possibilities to access the necessary level of physical activity to maintain their physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between child sedentary behavior, physical activity, mental and physical health, and parental distress in a sample of Lithuanian children aged 6–14 years during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in March–June 2020. Parents of 306 children (52.9% female) completed an online survey in May–June 2020 and reported on their children’s screen time for educational and recreational (leisure) purposes, the level of physical activity and time outdoors, somatic symptoms, and emotional well-being and behavior. Parents also reported on stressful life events in the family and personal distress. The results revealed that 57.5% of children exceeded the recommended maximum of 2 h of recreational screen time per day, and 33.6% of the children did not meet the recommended guidelines of 60 min of physical activity per day. Longer screen time for educational purposes and parental distress significantly predicted a higher prevalence of somatic symptoms in children and parental distress also served as a significant predictor of children’s decreased emotional well-being and behavior. These results highlight the importance of psychosocial support interventions for parents who experience distress when raising children at a stressful time, such as during a pandemic.
Health Literacy, Health Behavior and States of Health among Trainee Personnel in Northern Germany
Authors: Steinke Susanne , Koch Peter , Lietz Janna , Schillmöller Zita , Nienhaus Albert
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: The start of vocational education is a challenge for many people whose careers are just beginning. The working conditions exact new physical and mental tolls that can have an impact on their state of health and health behavior. Well-developed health literacy helps to encourage greater self-responsibility with respect to health and safety in the workplace. This study aimed to contribute to the evolution of health-related interventions in vocational training and instruction. (2) Methodology: This cross-sectional study examined health literacy, health behavior, and states of health among trainees engaged in work-and-study vocational training in 11 professions at the start of their education courses in northern Germany. The data were collected using a paper and pencil format. (3) Results: The survey was approved by 47 vocational schools (response rate 14%), with 1797 trainees returning their questionnaires (response rate 36%). The average age of the overall cohort was 21, and 70% of the trainees were female. A total of 47% of the participants began their careers with sufficient health literacy; health literacy was problematic in 40% of cases, and inadequate in 13% of cases. Around 50% of trainees exhibited poor dietary regime and risky alcohol intake, while 58% reported having a medical condition that had been previously formally diagnosed. (4) Conclusion: There is a need to provide support for developing a healthier approach to work at the start of vocational training.
TAT-Conjugated NDUFS8 Can Be Transduced into Mitochondria in a Membrane-Potential-Independent Manner and Rescue Complex I Deficiency
Authors: Lin Bo-Yu , Zheng Gui-Teng , Teng Kai-Wen , Chang Juan-Yu , Lee Chao-Chang , Liao Pin-Chao , Kao Mou-Chieh
Published: June 2021

NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 8 (NDUFS8) is a nuclear-encoded core subunit of human mitochondrial complex I. Defects in NDUFS8 are associated with Leigh syndrome and encephalomyopathy. Cell-penetrating peptide derived from the HIV-1 transactivator of transcription protein (TAT) has been successfully applied as a carrier to bring fusion proteins into cells without compromising the biological function of the cargoes. In this study, we developed a TAT-mediated protein transduction system to rescue complex I deficiency caused by NDUFS8 defects. Two fusion proteins (TAT-NDUFS8 and NDUFS8-TAT) were exogenously expressed and purified from Escherichia coli for transduction of human cells. In addition, similar constructs were generated and used in transfection studies for comparison. The results showed that both exogenous TAT-NDUFS8 and NDUFS8-TAT were delivered into mitochondria and correctly processed. Interestingly, the mitochondrial import of TAT-containing NDUFS8 was independent of mitochondrial membrane potential. Treatment with TAT-NDUFS8 not only significantly improved the assembly of complex I in an NDUFS8-deficient cell line, but also partially rescued complex I functions both in the in-gel activity assay and the oxygen consumption assay. Our current findings suggest the considerable potential of applying the TAT-mediated protein transduction system for treatment of complex I deficiency.
Evaluation of Haptoglobin and Its Proteoforms as Glioblastoma Markers
Authors: Naryzhny Stanislav , Ronzhina Natalia , Zorina Elena , Kabachenko Fedor , Zavialova Maria , Zgoda Viktor , Klopov Nikolai , Legina Olga , Pantina Rimma
Published: June 2021

Haptoglobin (Hp) is a blood plasma glycoprotein that plays a critical role in tissue protection and the prevention of oxidative damage. Haptoglobin is an acute-phase protein, its concentration in plasma changes in pathology, and the test for its concentration is part of normal clinical practice. Haptoglobin is a conservative protein and is the subject of research as a potential biomarker of many diseases, including malignant neoplasms. The Human Hp gene is polymorphic and controls the synthesis of three major phenotypes—homozygous Hp1-1 and Hp2-2, and heterozygous Hp2-1, determined by a combination of allelic variants that are inherited. Numerous studies indicate that the phenotype of haptoglobin can be used to judge the individual’s predisposition to various diseases. In addition, Hp undergoes various post-translational modifications (PTMs). Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor. In our study, we have analyzed the state of Hp proteoforms in plasma and cells using 1D (SDS-PAGE) and 2D electrophoresis (2DE) with the following mass spectrometry (LC ES-MS/MS) or Western blotting. We found that the levels of α2- and β-chain proteoforms are up-regulated in the plasma of GBM patients. An unprocessed form of Hp2-2 (PreHp2-2, zonulin) with unusual biophysical parameters (pI/Mw) was also detected in the plasma of GBM patients and glioblastoma cells. Altogether, this data shows the possibility to use proteoforms of haptoglobin as a potential GBM-specific plasma biomarker.
Epigenetic Regulation of Autophagy in Cardiovascular Pathobiology
Authors: Bu Shuhan , Singh Krishna K.
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of debilitation and mortality worldwide, with a need for cost-effective therapeutics. Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic recycling pathway triggered by various intra- or extracellular stimuli to play an essential role in development and pathologies, including CVDs. Accordingly, there is great interest in identifying mechanisms that govern autophagic regulation. Autophagic regulation is very complex and multifactorial that includes epigenetic pathways, such as histone modifications to regulate autophagy-related gene expression, decapping-associated mRNA degradation, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs; pathways are also known to play roles in CVDs. Molecular understanding of epigenetic-based pathways involved in autophagy and CVDs not only will enhance the understanding of CVDs, but may also provide novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for CVDs.
The Impact of the Tumor Microenvironment on Macrophage Polarization in Cancer Metastatic Progression
Authors: Wang Huogang , Yung Mingo M. H. , Ngan Hextan Y. S. , Chan Karen K. L. , Chan David W.
Published: June 2021

Rather than primary solid tumors, metastasis is one of the hallmarks of most cancer deaths. Metastasis is a multistage event in which cancer cells escape from the primary tumor survive in the circulation and disseminate to distant sites. According to Stephen Paget’s “Seed and Soil” hypothesis, metastatic capacity is determined not only by the internal oncogenic driving force but also by the external environment of tumor cells. Throughout the body, macrophages are required for maintaining tissue homeostasis, even in the tumor milieu. To fulfill these multiple functions, macrophages are polarized from the inflammation status (M1-like) to anti-inflammation status (M2-like) to maintain the balance between inflammation and regeneration. However, tumor cell-enforced tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) (a high M2/M1 ratio status) are associated with poor prognosis for most solid tumors, such as ovarian cancer. In fact, clinical evidence has verified that TAMs, representing up to 50% of the tumor mass, exert both protumor and immunosuppressive effects in promoting tumor metastasis through secretion of interleukin 10 (IL10), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), and VEGF, expression of PD-1 and consumption of arginine to inhibit T cell anti-tumor function. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment favors reprogramming of macrophages to TAMs to establish a premetastatic niche remain controversial. In this review, we examine the latest investigations of TAMs during tumor development, the microenvironmental factors involved in macrophage polarization, and the mechanisms of TAM-mediated tumor metastasis. We hope to dissect the critical roles of TAMs in tumor metastasis, and the potential applications of TAM-targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment are discussed.
The Hidden Role of Hydrogen Sulfide Metabolism in Cancer
Authors: Wang Rong-Hsuan , Chu Yu-Hsin , Lin Kai-Ti
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), an endogenously produced gasotransmitter, is involved in various important physiological and disease conditions, including vasodilation, stimulation of cellular bioenergetics, anti-inflammation, and pro-angiogenesis. In cancer, aberrant up-regulation of H2S-producing enzymes is frequently observed in different cancer types. The recognition that tumor-derived H2S plays various roles during cancer development reveals opportunities to target H2S-mediated signaling pathways in cancer therapy. In this review, we will focus on the mechanism of H2S-mediated protein persulfidation and the detailed information about the dysregulation of H2S-producing enzymes and metabolism in different cancer types. We will also provide an update on mechanisms of H2S-mediated cancer progression and summarize current options to modulate H2S production for cancer therapy.
Successful Implementation of Newborn Screening for Hemoglobin Disorders in the Philippines
Authors: Padilla Carmencita D. , Therrell Bradford L. , Alcausin Maria Melanie Liberty B. , de Castro Reynaldo C. , Gepte Maria Beatriz P. , Reyes Ma. Elouisa L. , Jomento Charity M. , Suarez Riza Concordia N. , Maceda Ebner Bon G. , Abarquez Conchita G. , Posecion J. Edgar Winston C. , Andal Alma P. , Elizaga Anna Lea G. , Halili-Mendoza Bernadette C. , Otayza Maria Paz Virginia K. , Hoppe Carolyn C.
Published: June 2021

The Philippine newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) program began in 1996 with 24 hospitals and was formalized by legislation in 2004. The NBS panel was recently expanded to include a number of additional hereditary congenital conditions. Expertise and experiences from other NBS programs already screening for hemoglobinopathies were essential to its successful integration into the ongoing dried bloodspot NBS program in the Philippines. Building on clinical experiences and population data from Filipinos born in California, USA, hemoglobinopathies (including thalassemias) were selected for inclusion in the expanded screening panel. Hemoglobinopathy NBS, using high performance liquid chromatography, was implemented in a stepwise manner into the seven regional NBS screening laboratories. A central university laboratory provides confirmatory testing using both capillary electrophoresis and molecular methodologies. NBS results indicating carriers are followed up with educational fact sheets, while results of presumptive disease are referred for confirmatory testing and follow-up with a hematologist. Long-term care is provided through newborn screening continuity clinics across the country. Hemoglobinopathy NBS is now included in the national insurance package and screening uptake continues to increase nationally, exceeding 90% of all newborns in 7400+ hospitals and birthing centers nationwide prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Editor’s Choice for Issue 1, Volume 7
Authors: Millington David S.
Published: June 2021

Dear Readers: welcome to the second issue of the Editor’s Choice, continuing the tradition started by Peter Schielen’s appraisal of Issue 4 of Volume 6 of IJNS, published in this issue [...]
Effect of Duration of Exposure to Males on Female Reproductive Performance of the Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla agilis (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Athanasiadis Konstantinos , Pappas Maria L. , Broufas George D.
Published: June 2021

Chrysoperla agilis Henry et al. is one of the five cryptic species of the carnea group found in Europe. They are known to widely occur in agricultural fields and survive and reproduce in a wide range of temperatures. The reproductive biology of the cryptic species is poorly known, especially regarding the number of matings required for the females’ maximum reproductive output. We recorded the egg production and longevity of virgin females, as well as of females that had access to males for 1 week or for their lifetime. Longevity of C. agilis females with access to males was similar whether these were present for 1 week or for their lifetime (64.8 and 66.1 days, respectively). On the other hand, oviposition was higher in the long-term exposure to males (302.1 vs. 421.1 eggs, respectively). Virgin females lived longer (94.1 days) than mated females and laid a low number (54.5) of (unfertile) eggs. Egg hatchability and progeny sex ratio were similar in treatments with males. Nevertheless, the highest value (0.1321) of intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was recorded when females were continuously exposed to males. These results are relevant to biological control and could be applicable in mass-rearing C. agilis and predicting its population dynamics in the field.
Reliability of Machine and Human Examiners for Detection of Laryngeal Penetration or Aspiration in Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies
Authors: Kim Yuna , Kim Hyun-Il , Park Geun Seok , Kim Seo Young , Choi Sang-Il , Lee Seong Jae
Published: June 2021

Computer-assisted analysis is expected to improve the reliability of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs), but its usefulness is limited. Previously, we proposed a deep learning model that can detect laryngeal penetration or aspiration fully automatically in VFSS video images, but the evidence for its reliability was insufficient. This study aims to compare the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the computer model and human raters. The test dataset consisted of 173 video files from which the existence of laryngeal penetration or aspiration was judged by the computer and three physicians in two sessions separated by a one-month interval. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using Cohen’s kappa coefficient, the positive reliability ratio (PRR) and the negative reliability ratio (NRR). Intrarater reliability was almost perfect for the computer and two experienced physicians. Interrater reliability was moderate to substantial between the model and each human rater and between the human raters. The average PRR and NRR between the model and the human raters were similar to those between the human raters. The results demonstrate that the deep learning model can detect laryngeal penetration or aspiration from VFSS video as reliably as human examiners.
Systematic Scoring of Tubular Injury Patterns Reveals Interplay between Distinct Tubular and Glomerular Lesions in ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Hakroush Samy , Tampe Désirée , Korsten Peter , Ströbel Philipp , Tampe Björn
Published: June 2021

Background: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a small vessel vasculitis, most frequently presenting as microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) or granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Acute tubular injury with the presence of tubulitis was previously reported to be of prognostic value in ANCA glomerulonephritis (GN). In particular, distinct tubular injury lesions were associated with the deterioration of kidney function at AAV disease onset, as well as renal resistance to treatment, and higher risk of progression to composite outcome in patients with AAV. To expand our knowledge regarding distinct tubular lesions in AAV, we aimed to describe acute tubular injury patterns in association with glomerular lesions in ANCA GN by systematic histological scoring. Methods: A total number of 48 renal biopsies with confirmed renal involvement of AAV admitted to the University Medical Center Göttingen from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively examined. By systematic scoring of tubular injury lesions, the association between clinical parameters, laboratory markers, and histopathological findings was explored. Results: We have shown that cellular casts in renal biopsies were frequently observed in the majority of cases with ANCA GN. Furthermore, we showed that tubular epithelial simplification with dilatation correlated with MPA and MPO subtypes, C3c hypocomplementemia, severe renal involvement, and uACR. Red blood cell (RBC) casts were associated with increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyturia, and hematuria. Finally, we found that hyaline casts were associated with an increased fraction of glomeruli with global glomerular sclerosis. Conclusions: Acute tubular injury patterns were correlated with active ANCA GN, whereas tubular injury lesions reflecting the later stages of kidney disease correlated with chronic glomerular lesions. These results suggest an interplay between different renal compartments.
A Retrospective Study of Herpetic Keratitis in Patients with Keratoconus after Crosslinking Surgery
Authors: Wróblewska-Czajka Ewa , Nowińska Anna , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Szkodny Dominika , Wylęgała Edward
Published: June 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent cross-linking for keratoconus, in the Department of Ophthalmology of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, between 2011 and 2020, regarding the occurrence of herpetic keratitis after the procedure. Methods: We analyzed the medical history of 543 patients who underwent cross-linking surgery. Results: In the analyzed group, there were nine cases of herpetic keratitis (six men and three women), aged from 16 to 40 years (mean 26.2 years). The mean follow-up period was 49.3 months (16–82 months). The average time from surgery to the manifestation of the first symptoms of keratitis was 4.3 days (2–6 days). In two cases, iritis was observed, and in one of them, iritis was the first symptom. After systemic and topical administration of acyclovir, ulceration healed in all patients. Corneal healing time ranged from 10 days to 3 weeks (average 13.7 days). In one patient, a recurrence of the inflammation was observed after 8 months. Conclusion: Patients should be carefully observed in the early post-CXL period. Herpetic keratitis could be induced by CXL even in patients with no history of herpetic disease.
Obesity and Multiple Sclerosis—A Multifaceted Association
Authors: Schreiner Thomas-Gabriel , Genes Tudor-Marcel
Published: June 2021

Background: Given the common elements in the pathophysiological theories that try to explain the appearance and evolution of obesity and multiple sclerosis, the association between the two pathologies has become an increasingly researched topic in recent years. On the one hand, there is the chronic demyelinating inflammation caused by the autoimmune cascade of multiple sclerosis, while on the other hand, according to the latest research, it has been shown that obesity shares an inflammatory component with most chronic diseases. Methods: The authors performed independent research of the available literature in the most important electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Science Direct) in February 2021. After applying the exclusion criteria, the reviewers focused on the most relevant articles published during the last 10 years with respect to epidemiology and pathophysiology. Results: The data presented are a step forward in trying to elucidate the intricate relationship between obesity and MS, especially the causal relationship between childhood and adolescent obesity and MS, focusing on the epidemiological associations observed in the most relevant observational studies conducted in recent years. In the second part, the authors comment on the latest findings related to the pathophysiological mechanisms that may explain the correlations between obesity and multiple sclerosis, focusing also on the role of adipokines. Conclusions: Based on available epidemiological data, obesity in early life appears to be strongly associated with a higher risk of MS development, independent of other risk factors. Although much research has been done on the pathophysiology of obesity, MS, their possible common mechanism, and the role of adipokines, further studies are needed in order to explain what remains unknown. No relevant data were found regarding the association between obesity, disability (high EDSS score), and mortality risk in MS patients. Thus, we consider that this topic should be elucidated in future research.
Predictors of Early-Recurrence Atrial Fibrillation after Catheter Ablation in Women and Men with Abnormal Body Weight
Authors: Budzianowski Jan , Hiczkiewicz Jarosław , Łojewska Katarzyna , Kawka Edyta , Rutkowski Rafał , Korybalska Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

Our study aimed to select factors that affect the rate of early recurrence (up to 3 months) of atrial fibrillation (AF) (ERAF) following pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) in obese women and men. The study comprised 114 patients: 54 women (age: 63.8 ± 6.3, BMI 31 ± 4 kg/m2), and 60 men (age: 60.7 ± 6.7; BMI 31 ± 3 kg/m2) with paroxysmal, persistent and long-standing persistent AF. They had been scheduled to undergo cryoballoon (men n = 30; women n = 30) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation (men n = 30; women n = 24) using the CARTO-mapping. The blood was collected at baseline and 24 h after ablation. The rate of ERAF was comparable after cryoballoon and RF ablation and constituted 18% in women and 22% in men. Almost 70 parameters were selected to perform univariate and multivariate analysis and to create a multivariate logistic regression (MLR) model of ERAF in the obese men and women. The MLR analysis was performed by forward stepwise logistic regression with three variables. It was only possible to create the MLR model for the group of obese men. It revealed a poor predictive value with an unsatisfactory sensitivity of 31%. Men with ERAF: smokers (OR 39.25, 95% CI 1.050–1467.8, p = 0.0021), with a higher ST2 elevation (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.115–2.536, p = 0.0021) who received dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (OR 0.042, 95% CI 0.002–1.071, p = 0.0021) less frequently. Our results indicate a complex pathogenesis of ERAF dependent on the patients’ gender.
Achilles Scraping and Plantaris Tendon Removal Improves Pain and Tendon Structure in Patients with Mid-Portion Achilles Tendinopathy—A 24 Month Follow-Up Case Series
Authors: Masci Lorenzo , Neal Bradley Stephen , Wynter Bee William , Spang Christoph , Alfredson Håkan
Published: June 2021

Background: Studies have demonstrated that a sub-group of patients with medial Achilles pain exhibit Achilles tendinopathy with plantaris tendon involvement. This clinical condition is characterised by structural relationships and functional interference between the two tendons, resulting in compressive or shearing forces. Surgical plantaris tendon removal together with an Achilles scraping procedure has demonstrated positive short-term clinical results. The aim of this case series was to determine the long-term outcomes on pain and Achilles tendon structure. Methods: 18 consecutive patients (13 males; 5 females; mean age 39 years; mean symptom duration 28 months), of which three were elites, were included. Clinical examination, b-mode ultrasound (US) and Ultrasound Tissue Characterisation (UTC) confirmed medial Achilles tendon pain and tenderness, medial Achilles tendinopathy plus a plantaris tendon located close to the medial side of the Achilles tendon. Patients underwent US-guided local Achilles scraping and plantaris tendon removal followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Outcomes were VISA-A score for pain and function and UTC for Achilles structure. Results: 16 of 18 patients completed the 24 months follow-up. Mean VISA-A scores increased from 58.2 (±15.9) to 92.0 (±9.2) (mean difference = 33.8, 95% CI 25.2, 42.8, p < 0.01). There was an improvement in Achilles structure with mean organised echo pixels (UTC type I+II, in %) increasing from 79.9 (±11.5) to 86.4 (±10.0) (mean difference = 6.5%, 95% CI 0.80, 13.80, p =0.01), exceeding the 3.4% minimum detectable change. All 16 patients reported satisfaction with the procedure and 14 returned to pre-injury activity levels. There were no reported complications. Conclusions: Improved pain, function and tendon structure were observed 24 months after treatment with Achilles scraping and plantaris excision. The improvement in structure on the medial side of the Achilles after plantaris removal indicates that compression from the plantaris tendon might be an important presenting factor in this sub-group.
Exhaled Breath Condensate—A Non-Invasive Approach for Diagnostic Methods in Asthma
Authors: Połomska Joanna , Bar Kamil , Sozańska Barbara
Published: June 2021

The pathophysiology of asthma has been intensively studied, but its underlying mechanisms such as airway inflammation, control of airway tone, and bronchial reactivity are still not completely explained. There is an urgent need to implement novel, non-invasive diagnostic tools that can help to investigate local airway inflammation and connect the molecular pathways with the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations of asthma. The new biomarkers of different asthma endotypes could be used to confirm diagnosis, predict asthma exacerbations, or evaluate treatment response. In this paper, we briefly describe the characteristics of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) that is considered to be an interesting source of biomarkers of lung disorders. We look at the composition of EBC, some aspects of the collection procedure, the proposed biomarkers for asthma, and its clinical implications. We also indicate the limitations of the method and potential strategies to standardize the procedure of EBC collection and analytical methods.
Extrahepatic Portal Vein Thrombosis, an Important Cause of Portal Hypertension in Children
Authors: Grama Alina , Pîrvan Alexandru , Sîrbe Claudia , Burac Lucia , Ştefănescu Horia , Fufezan Otilia , Bordea Mădălina Adriana , Pop Tudor Lucian
Published: June 2021

One of the most important causes of portal hypertension among children is extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVT). The most common risk factors for EHPVT are neonatal umbilical vein catheterization, transfusions, bacterial infections, dehydration, and thrombophilia. Our study aimed to describe the clinical manifestations, treatment, evolution, and risk factors of children with EHPVT. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively all children admitted and followed in our hospital with EHPVT between January 2011–December 2020. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound or contrast magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated the onset symptoms, complications, therapeutic methods, and risk factors. Results: A total of 63 children, mean age 5.14 ± 4.90 (33 boys, 52.38%), were evaluated for EHPVT during the study period. The first symptoms were upper gastrointestinal bleeding (31 children, 49.21%) and splenomegaly (22 children, 34.92%). Thrombocytopenia was present in 44 children (69.84%). The most frequent risk factors were umbilical vein catheterization (46 children, 73.02%) and bacterial infections during the neonatal period (30 children, 47.62%). Protein C, protein S, antithrombin III levels were decreased in 44 of the 48 patients tested. In 42 of these cases, mutations for thrombophilia were tested, and 37 were positive. Upper digestive endoscopy was performed in all cases, revealing esophageal varices in 56 children (88.89%). All children with gastrointestinal bleeding received an octreotide infusion. In 26 children (41.27%), variceal ligation was performed, and in 5 children (7.94%), sclerotherapy. Porto-systemic shunt was performed in 11 children (17.46%), and Meso-Rex shunt was done in 4 children (6.35%). The evolution was favorable in 62 cases (98.41%). Only one child died secondary to severe sepsis. Conclusions: EHPVT is frequently diagnosed in the last period in our region due to the increased use of umbilical vein catheterization. Furthermore, genetic predisposition, neonatal bacterial infections, and prematurity certainly play an important role in this condition. A proactive ultrasound assessment of children with risk factors for EHPVT should be encouraged for early diagnosis and treatment.
Prognostic and Pathophysiologic Significance of IL-8 (CXCL8) in Biliary Atresia
Authors: Godbole Nimish , Nyholm Iiris , Hukkinen Maria , Davidson Joseph R. , Tyraskis Athanasios , Eloranta Katja , Andersson Noora , Lohi Jouko , Heikkilä Päivi , Kyrönlahti Antti , Pihlajoki Marjut , Davenport Mark , Heikinheimo Markku , Pakarinen Mikko P.
Published: June 2021

Interleukin (IL)-8 (CXCL8), a chemokine involved in neutrophil recruitment, has been implicated in ductular reaction and liver fibrogenesis. We studied liver and serum IL-8 expression in a large biliary atresia (BA) cohort and explored its prognostic and pathophysiological potential. IL-8 expression was assessed in liver utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization and in serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, among 115 BA patients, 10 disease controls and 68 normal controls. Results were correlated to portoenterostomy (PE) outcomes, biochemical and histological liver injury, transcriptional markers of fibrosis and cholangiocytes, and expression of other related cytokines. IL-8 was markedly overexpressed in liver and serum of BA patients at PE (n = 88) and in serum samples obtained during postoperative follow-up (n = 40). IL-8 expression in the liver was predominantly in cholangiocytes within areas of ductular reaction. Liver IL-8 mRNA expression correlated positively with its serum concentration, bile ductular proliferation, Metavir fibrosis stage, and transcriptional markers of activated myofibroblasts (ACTA2) and cholangiocytes (KRT19). Taken together, IL-8 may mediate liver injury in BA by promoting ductular reaction and associated liver fibrogenesis. Prognostic value of serum IL-8 to predict native liver survival was limited and confined to the postoperative period after PE.
Effect of Welding Orientation in Angular Distortion in Multipass GMAW
Authors: Garcia Lucas Martins , Noronha Verônica Teixeira , Ribeiro João
Published: June 2021

The use of the welding process on an industrial scale has become significant over the years and is currently among the main processes for joining metallic materials. Along the weld, structural changes occur in the vicinity of the joint. These thermal stresses and geometric distortions are mostly undesirable and are complex to predict with precision. Using S235JR steel as the base material, laboratory experiments were carried out using the multipass GMAW process, with the aim of investigating the influence of the welding direction on angular distortion. To measure the distortions, a methodology was applied using equipment to identify the coordinates in the operational space with metrological precision. Through metrological and statistical analyses, we found that the orientation factor significantly influenced the final distortions and that the alternated orientation sequence resulted in less distortions.
Bridge Crack Semantic Segmentation Based on Improved Deeplabv3+
Authors: Fu Huixuan , Meng Dan , Li Wenhui , Wang Yuchao
Published: June 2021

Cracks are the main goal of bridge maintenance and accurate detection of cracks will help ensure their safe use. Aiming at the problem that traditional image processing methods are difficult to accurately detect cracks, deep learning technology was introduced and a crack detection method based on an improved DeepLabv3+ semantic segmentation algorithm was proposed. In the network structure, the densely connected atrous spatial pyramid pooling module was introduced into the DeepLabv3+ network, which enabled the network to obtain denser pixel sampling, thus enhancing the ability of the network to extract detail features. While obtaining a larger receptive field, the number of network parameters was consistent with the original algorithm. The images of bridge cracks under different environmental conditions were collected, and then a concrete bridge crack segmentation data set was established, and the segmentation model was obtained through end-to-end training of the network. The experimental results showed that the improved DeepLabv3+ algorithm had higher crack segmentation accuracy than the original DeepLabv3+ algorithm, with an average intersection ratio reaching 82.37%, and the segmentation of crack details was more accurate, which proved the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Research on the Wear Characteristics of a Bend Pipe with a Bump Based on the Coupled CFD-DEM
Authors: Li Yi , Cao Jianpeng , Xie Chaojie
Published: June 2021

In the process of hydraulic lifting of solid mineral particles on the seabed, the two-phase flow in the pipeline causes wall wear, which reduces the reliability of the hydraulic lifting system. In this research, based on the coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM), the numerical simulation of large particle solid–liquid two-phase flow and wall wear in a bend pipe with different wall shapes was conducted to provide solutions for reducing wall wear. By adding bumps to the bend pipe wall to change the shape of its inner wall, under the working conditions of particle concentrations of 1–10% and particle sizes of 1–3 mm, wear experiments and calculations for the bend pipe with bumps at different positions were performed. With comparative analysis, it was found that the location of the bump in the bend pipe had an important influence on the maximum wear rate. When the bump was located near the location where the particles collided with the prototype bend pipe for the first time, the maximum wear rate decreased the most significantly. The particle mass flow rate will also affect the wear reduction effect of the bump on the bend pipe wall.
News Values on Instagram: A Comparative Study of International News
Authors: Al-Rawi Ahmed , Al-Musalli Alaa , Fakida Abdelrahman
Published: June 2021

This study employs the news values theory and method in the examination of a large dataset of international news retrieved from Instagram. News values theory itself is subjected to critical examination, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Using a mixed method that includes content analysis and topic modeling, the study investigates the major news topics most ‘liked’ by Instagram audiences and compares them with the topics most reported on by news organizations. The findings suggest that Instagram audiences prefer to consume general news, human-interest stories and other stories that are mainly positive in nature, unlike news on politics and other topics on which traditional news organizations tend to focus. Finally, the paper addresses the implications of the above findings.
Influence of the FCGR2A rs1801274 and FCGR3A rs396991 Polymorphisms on Response to Abatacept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Márquez Pete Noelia , Maldonado Montoro María del Mar , Pérez Ramírez Cristina , Martínez Martínez Fernando , Martínez de la Plata Juan Enrique , Daddaoua Abdelali , Jiménez Morales Alberto
Published: June 2021

Abatacept (ABA) is an immunosuppressant indicated for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Effectiveness might be influenced by clinical RA variants and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding protein FCGR2A (His131Arg) and FCGR3A (Phe158Val) involved in pharmacokinetics of ABA. An observational cohort study was conducted in 120 RA Caucasian patients treated with ABA for 6 and 12 months. Patients with the FCGR2A rs1801274-AA genotype (FCGR2A-p.131His) showed a better EULAR response (OR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.01–5.92) at 12 months and low disease activity (LDA) at 6 months (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.19–8.66) and 12 months (OR = 6.62; 95% CI = 1.25–46.89) of treatment with ABA. A tendency was observed towards an association between the FCGR3A rs396991-A allele (FCGR3A-p.158Phe) and better therapeutic response to ABA after 12 months of treatment (p = 0.078). Moreover, we found a significant association between the low-affinity FCGR2A/FCGR3A haplotypes variable and LDA after 12 months of ABA treatment (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.01–2.58). The clinical variables associated with better response to ABA were lower age at starting ABA (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.02–1.11) and greater duration of ABA treatment (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01–1.04), lower duration of previous biological therapies (OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98–0.99), non-administration of concomitant disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (OR = 24.53; 95% CI = 3.46–523.80), non-use of concomitant glucocorticoids (OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.02–0.47), monotherapy (OR = 19.22; 95% CI = 2.05–343.00), lower initial patient’s visual analogue scale (PVAS) value (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.92–0.97), and lower baseline ESR (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.87–0.97). This study showed that high-affinity FCGR2A-p.131His variant, low-affinity FCGR3A-p.158Phe variant, and combined use of FCGR2A/FCGR3A genetic variations could affect ABA effectiveness. Further studies will be required to confirm these results.
Price Discovery and Learning during the German 5G Auction
Authors: Dimpfl Thomas , Reining Alexander
Published: June 2021

The auctioning of frequency has to comply with a multitude of requirements in order to guarantee a transparent and efficient process. The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has opted for a design that provides participants with information on the highest bid after each round for every band along with information on the bidder. We evaluate the price formation efficiency in this setup to see how fast prices become informative about the final auction value. We find that prices are partially informative right from the beginning which allows us to conclude that participants were able to learn fast from their competitors’ bidding behavior and validates the choice of the agency to implement the auction in the present format.
Due Diligence and Risk Alleviation in Innovative Ventures—An Alternative Investment Model from Islamic Finance
Authors: Jehan Shahzadah Nayyar
Published: June 2021

Risk is a big concern for anyone contemplating investing in new, especially innovative ventures. However, if successful, the returns can be extraordinary, serving as an impetus for many venture capitalists to provide greater funding. Still, many new ventures never see the end of the tunnel, and success stories are scant. The venture capital market is growing, yet many investors feel on edge when investing in new and innovative ventures. This paper is based on field survey data to evaluate the importance of risk and return components of an alternative venture investment approach called diminishing Musharakah (DM). DM has roots in Islamic modes of investment that are more suited for ventures with a higher risk profile. This paper focuses on four key ingredients, i.e., due diligence (DD), flexibility (Flex), moral hazard reduction (MHR), and risk reduction (RR) inherent in this mode of investment. All these components contribute towards the end goal of any investment, i.e., value enhancement (VE). DM is based on investment modes approved by Islamic law, called Shariah, and Islamic jurisprudence, called Fiqh. The analysis and the paper’s results show that the proposed model is perceived as flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of investment possibilities. The model carries the potential to encourage venture investment through various stages of growth of a venture. The findings are based on original perception data through a field survey across a broad spectrum of banking users who were interested in alternative and Islamic modes of investment. Findings and analysis of the survey data strongly support our connotations. We propose that the Shariah-based investment model presented in this paper will bring a vast new market into play, i.e., the Islamic money market, thus providing greater venture financing possibilities. As a result, we hope that the number of successful venture investment projects will significantly increase over time as we put the proposed investment model into use.
Determination of Heat Transfer Coefficient from Housing Surface of a Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled Machine during Passive Cooling
Authors: Shams Ghahfarokhi Payam , Podgornovs Andrejs , Kallaste Ants , Cardoso Antonio J. Marques , Belahcen Anouar , Vaimann Toomas , Asad Bilal , Tiismus Hans
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the analytical calculation of the heat transfer coefficient of a complex housing shape of a Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled (TEFC) industrial machine when it works below 20% of its nominal speed or close to stall. Therefore, passive cooling is dominant, and most of the heat is extracted by the combination of natural convection and radiation phenomena. Under these conditions, the area-based composite approach was used for the development of the analytical calculation method. A test rig using a TEFC Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) was constructed, and the collected experimental data was used to validate the proposed analytical method successfully.
Motion Planning and Control of Redundant Manipulators for Dynamical Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Palmieri Giacomo , Scoccia Cecilia
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a framework for the motion planning and control of redundant manipulators with the added task of collision avoidance. The algorithms that were previously studied and tested by the authors for planar cases are here extended to full mobility redundant manipulators operating in a three-dimensional workspace. The control strategy consists of a combination of off-line path planning algorithms with on-line motion control. The path planning algorithm is used to generate trajectories able to avoid fixed obstacles detected before the robot starts to move; this is based on the potential fields method combined with a smoothing interpolation that exploits Bézier curves. The on-line motion control is designed to compensate for the motion of the obstacles and to avoid collisions along the kinematic chain of the manipulator; this is realized using a velocity control law based on the null space method for redundancy control. Furthermore, an additional term of the control law is introduced which takes into account the speed of the obstacles, as well as their position. In order to test the algorithms, a set of simulations are presented: the redundant collaborative robot KUKA LBR iiwa is controlled in different cases, where fixed or dynamic obstacles interfere with its motion. The simulated data show that the proposed method for the smoothing of the trajectory can give a reduction of the angular accelerations of the motors of the order of 90%, with an increase of less than 15% of the calculation time. Furthermore, the dependence of the on-line control law on the speed of the obstacle can lead to reductions in the maximum speed and acceleration of the joints of approximately 50% and 80%, respectively, without significantly increasing the computational effort that is compatible for transferability to a real system.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of the Temperature Rise of Cutting Tools Caused by the Tool Deflection Energy
Authors: Guo Yunxia , Ye Wenhua , Xu Xiang
Published: June 2021

Tool temperature variation in flank milling usually causes excessive tool wear, shortens tool life, and reduces machining accuracy. The heat source is the primary factor of the machine thermal error in the process of cutting components. Moreover, the accuracy of the thermal error modeling is greatly influenced by the formation mechanism of the heat source. However, the tool heat caused by the potential energy of the tool bending and twisting has essentially not been taken into consideration in previous research. In this paper, a new heat source that causes the thermal error of the cutting tools is proposed. The potential energy of the tools’ bending and twisting is calculated using experimental data, and how tool potential energy is transformed into heat via friction is explored based on the energy conservation. The temperature rise of the cutting tool is simulated by a lattice-centered finite volume method. To verify the model, the temperature separation of a tool edge is measured experimentally under the given cutting load. The results of the numerical analysis show that the rise in tool temperature caused by the tool’s potential energy is related to the time and position of the cutting edge involved in milling. For the same conditions, the predicted results are consistent with the experimental results. The proportion of temperature rise due to tool potential energy is up to 6.57% of the total tool temperature rise. The results obtained lay the foundation for accurate thermal error modeling, and also provide a theoretical basis for the force–thermal coupling process.
Magnetotactic Bacteria and Magnetosomes: Basic Properties and Applications
Authors: Gareev Kamil G. , Grouzdev Denis S. , Kharitonskii Petr V. , Kosterov Andrei , Koziaeva Veronika V. , Sergienko Elena S. , Shevtsov Maxim A.
Published: June 2021

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) belong to several phyla. This class of microorganisms exhibits the ability of magneto-aerotaxis. MTB synthesize biominerals in organelle-like structures called magnetosomes, which contain single-domain crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) characterized by a high degree of structural and compositional perfection. Magnetosomes from dead MTB could be preserved in sediments (called fossil magnetosomes or magnetofossils). Under certain conditions, magnetofossils are capable of retaining their remanence for millions of years. This accounts for the growing interest in MTB and magnetofossils in paleo- and rock magnetism and in a wider field of biogeoscience. At the same time, high biocompatibility of magnetosomes makes possible their potential use in biomedical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia, magnetically guided drug delivery, and immunomagnetic analysis. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current state of the art in the field of MTB research and applications.
Impulsive Fractional Differential Inclusions and Almost Periodic Waves
Authors: Stamov Gani , Stamova Ivanka
Published: June 2021

In the present paper, the concept of almost periodic waves is introduced to discontinuous impulsive fractional inclusions involving Caputo fractional derivative. New results on the existence and uniqueness are established by using the theory of operator semigroups, Hausdorff measure of noncompactness, fixed point theorems and fractional calculus techniques. Applications to a class of fractional-order impulsive gene regulatory network (GRN) models are proposed to illustrate the results.