bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single, Double and Triple Blockade of RAAS in Alport Syndrome: Different Tools to Freeze the Evolution of the Disease
Authors: Mastrangelo Antonio , Brambilla Marta , Romano Giorgia , Serafinelli Jessica , Puccio Giuseppe , Giani Marisa , Montini Giovanni
Published: October 2021

Background: The goal of the treatment of Alport syndrome (AS) is to delay the progression of kidney damage. The current standard of care is the use of Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) blockers: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockade, and, recently, spironolactone (SP). Aim of the study: the purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy (reduction of proteinuria and changes of glomerular function) and safety of a sequential introduction of RAAS blockers up to a triple RAAS blockade in pediatric proteinuric patients with AS. Methods: in this retrospective study (1995 to 2019), we evaluated proteinuria values in AS patients, during the 12 months following the beginning of a new RAAS blocker, up to a triple blockade. ACEi was always the first line of treatment; then ARB and SP were sequentially added if uPCR increased by 50% from the basal level in 2 consecutive samples during a 3-months observation period, or when uPCR ratio was >2 mg/mg. Results: 26 patients (mean age at treatment onset was 10.55 ± 5.02 years) were enrolled. All patients were on ACEi, 14/26 were started on a second drug (6/14 ARB, 8/14 SP) after a mean time of 2.2 ± 1.7 years, 7/26 were on triple RAAS blockade after a further period of 5.5 ± 2.3 years from the introduction of a second drug. Repeated Measure Anova analysis of log-transformed data shows that the reduction of uPCR values after Time 0 from the introduction of the first, second and third drug is highly significant in all three cases (p values = 0.0016, 0.003, and 0.014, respectively). No significant changes in eGFR were recorded in any group, apart from a 15-year-old boy with X-linked AS, who developed kidney failure. One patient developed mild hyperkaliemia, and one gynecomastia and symptomatic hypotension. No life-threatening events were recorded. Conclusions: double and triple RAAS blockade is an effective and safe strategy to reduce proteinuria in children with AS. Nevertheless, we suggest monitoring eGFR and Kaliemia during follow-up.
Predicting Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Obstructive Chronic Coronary Syndrome: The Bialystok Coronary Project
Authors: Kuźma Łukasz , Tomaszuk-Kazberuk Anna , Kurasz Anna , Dobrzycki Sławomir , Koziński Marek , Sobkowicz Bożena , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: October 2021

Over the next decades, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is estimated to double. Our aim was to investigate the causes of the long-term mortality in relation to the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). The analysed population consisted of 7367 consecutive patients referred for elective coronary angiography enrolled in a large single-centre retrospective registry, out of whom 1484 had AF and 2881 were diagnosed with obstructive CCS. During follow-up (median = 2029 days), 1201 patients died. The highest all-cause death was seen in AF(+)/CCS(+) [194/527; 36.8%], followed by AF(+)/CCS(−) [210/957; 21.9%], AF(−)/CCS(+) [(459/2354; 19.5%)] subgroups. AF ([HR]AC = 1.48, 95%CI, 1.09–2.01; HRCV = 1.34, 95%CI, 1.07–1.68) and obstructive CCS (HRAC = 1.90, 95%CI, 1.56–2.31; HRCV = 2.27, 95%CI, 1.94–2.65) together with age, male gender, heart failure, obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes were predictors of both all-cause and CV mortality. The main findings are as follow among patients referred for elective coronary angiography, both AF and obstructive CCS are strong and independent predictors of the long-term mortality. Mortality of AF without CCS was at least as high as non-AF patients with CCS. CV deaths were more frequent than non-CV deaths in AF patients with CCS compared to those with either AF or CCS alone.
Skeletal Stability after Mandibular Setback via Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy Verse Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Chun-Ming , Hwang Dae-Seok , Hsiao Szu-Yu , Chen Han-Sheng , Hsu Kun-Jung
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The purpose of present study was to review the literature regarding the postoperative skeletal stability in the treatment of mandibular prognathism after isolated sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) or intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO). Materials and Methods: The articles were selected from 1980 to 2020 in the English published databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library). The articles meeting the searching strategy were evaluated based on the eligibility criteria, especially at least 30 patients. Results: Based on the eligibility criteria, 9 articles (5 in SSRO and 4 in IVRO) were examined. The amounts of mandibular setback (B point, Pog, and Me) were ranged from 5.53–9.07 mm in SSRO and 6.7–12.4 mm in IVRO, respectively. In 1-year follow-up, SSRO showed the relapse (anterior displacement: 0.2 to 2.26 mm) By contrast, IVRO revealed the posterior drift (posterior displacement: 0.1 to 1.2 mm). In 2-year follow-up, both of SSRO and IVRO presented the relapse with a range from 0.9 to 1.63 mm and 1 to 1.3 mm respectively. Conclusion: In 1-year follow-up, SSRO presented the relapse (anterior displacement) and IVRO posterior drift (posterior displacement). In 2-year follow-up, both of SSRO and IVRO showed the similar relapse distances.
Six-Month Results on Treatment Adherence, Physical Activity, Spinal Appearance, Spinal Deformity, and Quality of Life in an Ongoing Randomised Trial on Conservative Treatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (CONTRAIS)
Authors: Dufvenberg Marlene , Diarbakerli Elias , Charalampidis Anastasios , Öberg Birgitta , Tropp Hans , Aspberg Ahl Anna , Möller Hans , Gerdhem Paul , Abbott Allan
Published: October 2021

Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) often receive conservative treatments aiming to prevent progression of the spinal deformity during puberty. This study aimed to explore patient adherence and secondary outcomes during the first 6 months in an ongoing randomised controlled trial of three treatment interventions. Interventions consisted of physical activity combined with either hypercorrective Boston brace night shift (NB), scoliosis-specific exercise (SSE), or physical activity alone (PA). Measures at baseline and 6 months included angle of trunk rotation (ATR), Cobb angle, International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF), pictorial Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (pSAQ), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r), EuroQol 5-Dimensions Youth (EQ-5D-Y) and Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS). Patient adherence, motivation, and capability in performing the intervention were reported at 6 months. The study included 135 patients (111 females) with AIS and >1-year estimated remaining growth, mean age 12.7 (1.4) years, and mean Cobb angle 31 (±5.3). At 6 months, the proportion of patients in the groups reporting high to very high adherence ranged between 72 and 95%, while motivation ranged between 65 and 92%, with the highest proportion seen in the NB group (p = 0.014, p= 0.002). IPAQ-SF displayed significant between group main effects regarding moderate activity (F = 5.7; p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.10), with a medium-sized increase favouring the SSE group compared to NB. Walking showed significant between group main effects, as did metabolic equivalent (MET-min/week), with medium (F = 6.8, p = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.11, and large (F = 8.3, p = < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.14) increases, respectively, for the SSE and PA groups compared to NB. From baseline to 6 months, ATR showed significant between group medium-sized main effects (F = 1.2, p = 0.019, ηp2 = 0.007) favouring the NB group compared to PA, but not reaching a clinically relevant level. In conclusion, patients reported high adherence and motivation to treatment, especially in the NB group. Patients in the SSE and PA groups increased their physical activity levels without other clinically relevant differences between groups in other clinical measures or patient-reported outcomes. The results suggest that the prescribed treatments are viable first-step options during the first 6 months.
Neutron and Synchrotron Imaging Studies of Preservation State of Metal of Cultural Heritage Objects
Authors: Kovalenko Ekaterina , Murashev Mikhail , Podurets Konstantin , Tereschenko Elena , Yatsishina Ekaterina
Published: October 2021

This paper analyzes the results of studies carried out at the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, using the methods of neutron and X-ray synchrotron tomography from the point of view of the preservation state of metal objects. Objects damaged by corrosion and exposure to fire were the focus of this study. To identify regions of metal preservation, the diffraction contrast on grains of metal, observed in tomographic projections, was used. The simultaneous use of neutron and synchrotron imaging is shown to be a powerful tool for identification of the constituents of an object.
RANS Computation of the Mean Forces and Moments, and Wave-Induced Six Degrees of Freedom Motions for a Ship Moving Obliquely in Regular Head and Beam Waves
Authors: Yao Jianxi , Cheng Xide , Song Xuemin , Zhan Chengsheng , Liu Zuyuan
Published: October 2021

Ship maneuvering performance in waves has attracted much attention in recent years. One of main research efforts for this problem has been devoted to the high-accuracy computation of hydrodynamic forces and moments, as well as wave-induced motions, for ships performing maneuvering motions in waves. The objective of this article is to present a numerical study on the computation of the mean forces and moments, and wave-induced six degrees of freedom motions for a ship moving obliquely in regular head and beam waves. The RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) solver based on OpenFOAM is used for this purpose. The RANS computations herein are carried out in a horizontal coordinate system. The numerical wave maker with prescribing values of flow variables on the domain boundaries is applied for the wave generation in the computational domain. However, in order to prevent wave reflection, relaxed zones adjacent to the wave maker boundaries are set up. A new program module is inserted into OpenFOAM to update the flow velocity and wave evaluation on the wave-maker boundaries and in the relaxed zones during the RANS computation. The mesh deformation method is employed to allow the ship to perform motions in space. However, a virtual spring system is attached to the ship so as to restrain the surge, sway and yaw, while heave, pitch and roll are completely free, so that the ship is able to oscillate periodically around a certain position in space. The computed mean forces and moments with the inertia effects agree fairly well with the experimental data, and the computed wave-induced motions are also in quite reasonable agreement with the experimental data. This study shows a very successful computation, as well as the procedure of the RANS results processing.
Resistance to Aflatoxin Accumulation in Maize Mediated by Host-Induced Silencing of the Aspergillus flavus Alkaline Protease (alk) Gene
Authors: Omolehin Olanike , Raruang Yenjit , Hu Dongfang , Han Zhu-Qiang , Wei Qijian , Wang Kan , Rajasekaran Kanniah , Cary Jeffrey W. , Chen Zhi-Yuan
Published: October 2021

Aspergillus flavus is a fungal pathogen that infects maize and produces aflatoxins. Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) has been shown to reduce host infection by various fungal pathogens. Here, the A. flavus alkaline protease (alk) gene was targeted for silencing through HIGS. An RNAi vector carrying a portion of the alk gene was incorporated into the B104 maize genome. Four out of eight transformation events containing the alk gene, Alk-3, Alk-4, Alk-7 and Alk-9, were self-pollinated to T4/T6 generations. At T3, the Alk-transgenic lines showed up to 87% reduction in aflatoxin accumulation under laboratory conditions. T4 transgenic Alk-3 and Alk-7 lines, and T5 and T6 Alk-4 and Alk-9 showed an average of 84% reduction in aflatoxin accumulation compared to their null controls under field inoculations (p < 0.05). F1 hybrids of three elite maize inbred lines and the transgenic lines also showed significant improvement in aflatoxin resistance (p < 0.006 to p < 0.045). Reduced A. flavus growth and levels of fungal ß-tubulin DNA were observed in transgenic kernels during in vitro inoculation. Alk-4 transgenic leaf and immature kernel tissues also contained about 1000-fold higher levels of alk-specific small RNAs compared to null controls, indicating that the enhanced aflatoxin resistance in the transgenic maize kernels is due to suppression of A. flavus infection through HIGS of alk gene.
Recent Perspectives in the Management of Fungal Keratitis
Authors: Raj Nimmy , Vanathi Murugesan , Ahmed Nishat Hussain , Gupta Noopur , Lomi Neiwete , Tandon Radhika
Published: October 2021

Mycotic keratitis is common in warm, humid regions with a varying profile of pathogenic fungi according to geographical origin, socioeconomic status, and climatic condition. Clinical diagnosis can be challenging in difficult cases and those refractory to treatment. Fungal hyphae on microscopic examination and culture isolation have been the gold standard in the laboratory diagnosis of fungal keratitis. A culture isolate of the aetiological fungus is essential to perform antifungal susceptibility testing. As the culture isolation of fungi is time-consuming, causing delays in the initiation of treatment, newer investigative modalities such as in vivo confocal microscopy and molecular diagnostic methods have recently gained popularity. Molecular diagnostic techniques now help to obtain a rapid diagnosis of fungal keratitis. Genomic approaches are based on detecting amplicons of ribosomal RNA genes, with internal transcribed spacers being increasingly adopted. Metagenomic deep sequencing allows for rapid and accurate diagnosis without the need to wait for the fungus to grow. This is also helpful in identifying new emerging strains of fungi causing mycotic keratitis. A custom-tear proteomic approach will probably play an important diagnostic role in future in the management of mycotic keratitis. Positive repeat cultures are being suggested as an important gauge indicative of a poor prognosis. Positive repeat fungal cultures help to modify a treatment regimen by increasing its frequency, providing the addition of another topical and oral antifungal agent along with close follow-up for perforation and identifying need for early therapeutic keratoplasty. The role of collagen crosslinking in the treatment of fungal keratitis is not convincingly established. Rapid detection by multiplex PCR and antifungal susceptibility testing of the pathogenic fungi, adopted into a routine management protocol of fungal keratitis, will help to improve treatment outcome. Early therapy is essential in minimizing damage to the corneal tissue, thereby providing a better outcome. The role of conventional therapy with polyenes, systemic and targeted therapy of antifungal agents, newer azoles and echinocandins in fungal keratitis has been widely studied in recent times. Combination therapy can be more efficacious in comparison to monotherapy. Given the diversity of fungal aetiology, the emergence of new corneal pathogenic fungi with varying drug susceptibilities, increasing the drug resistance to antifungal agents in some genera and species, it is perhaps time to adopt recent molecular methods for precise identification and incorporate antifungal susceptibility testing as a routine.
Low Tumor-to-Stroma Ratio Reflects Protective Role of Stroma against Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Nastały Paulina , Smentoch Julia , Popęda Marta , Martini Emanuele , Maiuri Paolo , Żaczek Anna J. , Sowa Marek , Matuszewski Marcin , Szade Jolanta , Kalinowski Leszek , Niemira Magdalena , Brandt Burkhard , Eltze Elke , Semjonow Axel , Bednarz-Knoll Natalia
Published: October 2021

Tumor-to-stroma ratio (TSR) is a prognostic factor that expresses the relative amounts of tumor and intratumoral stroma. In this study, its clinical and molecular relevance was evaluated in prostate cancer (PCa). The feasibility of automated quantification was tested in digital scans of tissue microarrays containing 128 primary tumors from 72 PCa patients stained immunohistochemically for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), followed by validation in a cohort of 310 primary tumors from 209 PCa patients. In order to investigate the gene expression differences between tumors with low and high TSR, we applied multigene expression analysis (nCounter® PanCancer Progression Panel, NanoString) of 42 tissue samples. TSR scores were categorized into low (<1 TSR) and high (≥1 TSR). In the pilot cohort, 31 patients (43.1%) were categorized as low and 41 (56.9%) as high TSR score, whereas 48 (23.0%) patients from the validation cohort were classified as low TSR and 161 (77.0%) as high. In both cohorts, high TSR appeared to indicate the shorter time to biochemical recurrence in PCa patients (Log-rank test, p = 0.04 and p = 0.01 for the pilot and validation cohort, respectively). Additionally, in the multivariate analysis of the validation cohort, TSR predicted BR independent of other factors, i.e., pT, pN, and age (p = 0.04, HR 2.75, 95%CI 1.07–7.03). Our data revealed that tumors categorized into low and high TSR score show differential expression of various genes; the genes upregulated in tumors with low TSR score were mostly associated with extracellular matrix and cell adhesion regulation. Taken together, this study shows that high stroma content can play a protective role in PCa. Automatic EpCAM-based quantification of TSR might improve prognostication in personalized medicine for PCa.
The Effect of Bisphenol A on the IVF Outcomes Depending on the Polymorphism of the Detoxification System Genes
Authors: Syrkasheva Anastasiya , Frankevich Vladimir , Kindysheva Svetlana , Starodubtseva Nataliia , Donnikov Andrey , Dolgushina Nataliya
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between the level of bisphenol A (BPA) in the blood and follicular fluid, the polymorphism of the detoxification system genes, and the outcomes of IVF cycles. The data of 300 infertile patients with fresh IVF-ET cycles were analyzed. The level of BPA in the blood and follicular fluid was determined by HPLC-MRM-MS/MS. Determination of genotypes of the detoxification system genes was carried out by the real-time PCR. The threshold level for determining BPA was 0.1 ng/mL. BPA was detected in 92.3% (277/300) blood and in 16.8% (49/292) follicular fluid (FF) samples. There was no correlation between BPA level in the blood and FF. In patients with the absence of the A allele of the SULT1A1 gene, BPA was detected in FF significantly more often (22.6% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.0341). There was an association (not statistically significant) between the level of BPA in the blood and the presence of the G allele of the GSTP1 gene (rs1695) and the C allele in the GSTP1 gene (rs1138272). Our data suggests the role of detoxification system genes in the metabolism of BPA in the human body. The influence of BPA and detoxification system genes on the IVF outcomes requires further research.
Current Omics Trends in Personalised Head and Neck Cancer Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Marcu Loredana G. , Marcu David C.
Published: October 2021

Chemoradiotherapy remains the most common management of locally advanced head and neck cancer. While both treatment components have greatly developed over the years, the quality of life and long-term survival of patients undergoing treatment for head and neck malignancies are still poor. Research in head and neck oncology is equally focused on the improvement of tumour response to treatment and on the limitation of normal tissue toxicity. In this regard, personalised therapy through a multi-omics approach targeting patient management from diagnosis to treatment shows promising results. The aim of this paper is to discuss the latest results regarding the personalised approach to chemoradiotherapy of head and neck cancer by gathering the findings of the newest omics, involving radiotherapy (dosiomics), chemotherapy (pharmacomics), and medical imaging for treatment monitoring (radiomics). The incorporation of these omics into head and neck cancer management offers multiple viewpoints to treatment that represent the foundation of personalised therapy.
Challenges of Malware Detection in the IoT and a Review of Artificial Immune System Approaches
Authors: Alrubayyi Hadeel , Goteng Gokop , Jaber Mona , Kelly James
Published: October 2021

The fast growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its diverse applications increase the risk of cyberattacks, one type of which is malware attacks. Due to the IoT devices’ different capabilities and the dynamic and ever-evolving environment, applying complex security measures is challenging, and applying only basic security standards is risky. Artificial Immune Systems (AIS) are intrusion-detecting algorithms inspired by the human body’s adaptive immune system techniques. Most of these algorithms imitate the human’s body B-cell and T-cell defensive mechanisms. They are lightweight, adaptive, and able to detect malware attacks without prior knowledge. In this work, we review the recent advances in employing AIS for the improved detection of malware in IoT networks. We present a critical analysis that highlights the limitations of the state-of-the-art in AIS research and offer insights into promising new research directions.
‘In Ukrainian, Please!’: Language Ideologies in a Ukrainian Complementary School
Authors: Harrison Katie
Published: October 2021

This article examines the language practices of teachers and students in a Ukrainian complementary school, and the language ideologies influencing teachers’ responses to students’ language practices in a Ukrainian complementary school. The data presented in this analysis comprise a collection of fieldnotes collected over the course of one academic year in a Ukrainian complementary school located in the Midlands, England. The analysis of these data identifies the presence of two seemingly contradictory language ideologies—separate bilingualism and flexible bilingualism—seemingly coexist in the complementary school, implied through teachers’ and students’ language practices and teachers’ responses to students’ language choice. The analysis also considers the use of Russian in the Ukrainian complementary school, thus exploring the use of a language other than the heritage language (Ukrainian) and the societal majority language (English) in this setting, highlighting the linguistic diversity within this context.
Animal Models of LED-Induced Phototoxicity. Short- and Long-Term In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Alterations
Authors: Miralles de Imperial-Ollero Juan A. , Gallego-Ortega Alejandro , Ortín-Martínez Arturo , Villegas-Pérez María Paz , Valiente-Soriano Francisco J. , Vidal-Sanz Manuel
Published: October 2021

Phototoxicity animal models have been largely studied due to their degenerative communalities with human pathologies, e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies have documented not only the effects of white light exposure, but also other wavelengths using LEDs, such as blue or green light. Recently, a blue LED-induced phototoxicity (LIP) model has been developed that causes focal damage in the outer layers of the superior-temporal region of the retina in rodents. In vivo studies described a progressive reduction in retinal thickness that affected the most extensively the photoreceptor layer. Functionally, a transient reduction in a- and b-wave amplitude of the ERG response was observed. Ex vivo studies showed a progressive reduction of cones and an involvement of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the area of the lesion and, in parallel, an activation of microglial cells that perfectly circumscribe the damage in the outer retinal layer. The use of neuroprotective strategies such as intravitreal administration of trophic factors, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and topical administration of the selective alpha-2 agonist (Brimonidine) have demonstrated to increase the survival of the cone population after LIP.
Initial Screening of Poly(ethylene glycol) Amino Ligands for Affinity Purification of Plasmid DNA in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems
Authors: da Silva Nuno R. , Jorge Paula , Martins José A. , Teixeira José A. , Marcos João C.
Published: October 2021

Gene therapy and DNA vaccination are among the most expected biotechnological and medical advances for the coming years. However, the lack of cost-effective large-scale production and purification of pharmaceutical-grade plasmid DNA (pDNA) still hampers their wide application. Downstream processing, which is mainly chromatography-based, of pDNA remains the key manufacturing step. Despite its high resolution, the scaling-up of chromatography is usually difficult and presents low capacity, resulting in low yields. Alternative methods that are based on aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have been studied. Although higher yields may be obtained, its selectivity is often low. In this work, modified polymers based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatisation with amino groups (PEG–amine) or conjugation with positively charged amino acids (PEG–lysine, PEG–arginine, and PEG–histidine) were studied to increase the selectivity of PEG–dextran systems towards the partition of a model plasmid. A two-step strategy was employed to obtain suitable pure formulations of pDNA. In the first step, a PEG–dextran system with the addition of the affinity ligand was used with the recovery of the pDNA in the PEG-rich phase. Then, the pDNA was re-extracted to an ammonium-sulphate-rich phase in the second step. After removing the salt, this method yielded a purified preparation of pDNA without RNA and protein contamination.
High Risk for Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in Children with Strabismus: A Nationwide Cohort Study from the National Health Insurance Research Database
Authors: Tsai Chia-Ying , Su Chien-Chia , Liu Yao-Lin , Tsai I-Ju , Tsai Tzu-Hsun
Published: October 2021

Strabismus is associated with amblyopia and a lower quality of life. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among children and adolescents, and influences their academic, vocational, and social life. Previous studies have suggested an association between strabismus and ADHD. Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2010, we performed a large-scale cohort study comparing the incidence, risk factors, and severity of ADHD in children with and without strabismus. A total of 2049 patients <18 years old with newly diagnosed strabismus (esotropia: 404; exotropia: 1645) were identified, and 8196 age- and sex-matched controls without strabismus were also included. After an average of 6.5 ± 2.9 years of follow-up, the incidence of ADHD per 1000 person-years was 5.39 in the strabismus group (esotropia: 9.93; exotropia: 4.11) and 3.23 in the control group. The cumulative incidence of ADHD was significantly greater in the esotropia (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.36–3.06; p = 0.0007) and exotropia groups (HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.03–2.03; p = 0.038) than in the controls. Patients with strabismus had more comorbidities than those without (p < 0.05). In summary, this large-scale study found a higher cumulative incidence of ADHD in patients with strabismus, especially in those with esotropia.
Physiological Roles of Apoptotic Cell Clearance: Beyond Immune Functions
Authors: Han Minjoo , Ryu Gyoungah , Shin Seong-Ah , An Jangeun , Kim Huiji , Park Daeho , Lee Dae-Hee , Lee Chang Sup
Published: October 2021

The clearance of apoptotic cells is known to be a critical step in maintaining tissue and organism homeostasis. This process is rapidly/promptly mediated by recruited or resident phagocytes. Phagocytes that engulf apoptotic cells have been closely linked to the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines to eliminate inflammatory responses. Defective clearance of apoptotic cells can cause severe inflammation and autoimmune responses due to secondary necrosis of apoptotic cells. Recently accumulated evidence indicates that apoptotic cells and their clearance have important physiological roles in addition to immune-related functions. Herein, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms and fundamental roles of apoptotic cell clearance and the beneficial roles of apoptotic cells in physiological processes such as differentiation and development.
Was There Land on the Early Earth?
Authors: Korenaga Jun
Published: October 2021

The presence of exposed land on the early Earth is a prerequisite for a certain type of prebiotic chemical evolution in which the oscillating activity of water, driven by short-term, day–night, and seasonal cycles, facilitates the synthesis of proto-biopolymers. Exposed land is, however, not guaranteed to exist on the early Earth, which is likely to have been drastically different from the modern Earth. This mini-review attempts to provide an up-to-date account on the possibility of exposed land on the early Earth by integrating recent geological and geophysical findings. Owing to the competing effects of the growing ocean and continents in the Hadean, a substantial expanse of the Earth’s surface (∼20% or more) could have been covered by exposed continents in the mid-Hadean. In contrast, exposed land may have been limited to isolated ocean islands in the late Hadean and early Archean. The importance of exposed land during the origins of life remains an open question.
Graphene Nanoplatelets Hybrid Flame Retardant Containing Ionic Liquid and Ammonium Polyphosphate for Modified Bismaleimide Resin: Excellent Flame Retardancy, Thermal Stability, Water Resistance and Unique Dielectric Properties
Authors: Wang Yan , Jia Xining , Shi Hui , Hao Jianwei , Qu Hongqiang , Wang Jingyu
Published: October 2021

To achieve the requirements of modified bismaleimide resin composites in electronic industry and high energy storage devices, flame retardancy, water resistance and dielectric properties must be improved. Hence, a highly efficient multifunctional graphene nanoplatelets hybrid flame retardant is prepared by ionic liquid graphite and ammonium polyphosphate. The preparation processes of the flame retardants are simple, low energy consumption and follow the green chemical concept of 100% utilization of raw materials, compared with chemical stripping. The bismaleimide resin containing 10 wt.% of the flame retardant show good flame retardancy, resulting in the limiting oxygen index increases to above 43%, and the peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke release decrease by 41.8%, 47.8% and 52.3%, respectively. After soaking, mass loss percentage of the modified bismaleimide resin only decreases by 0.96%, the dielectric constant of the composite increases by 39.4%, and the dielectric loss decreases with the increase of frequency. The hybrid flame retardants show multifunctional effect in the modified bismaleimide resin, due to the physical barrier, the chemical char-formation, hydrophobicity and strong conductivity attributed to co-work of Graphene nanoplatelets, ammonium polyphosphate and ionic liquid.
Nanoparticles for Magnetic Heating: When Two (or More) Is Better Than One
Authors: Ovejero Jesus G. , Spizzo Federico , Morales M. Puerto , Del Bianco Lucia
Published: October 2021

The increasing use of magnetic nanoparticles as heating agents in biomedicine is driven by their proven utility in hyperthermia therapeutic treatments and heat-triggered drug delivery methods. The growing demand of efficient and versatile nanoheaters has prompted the creation of novel types of magnetic nanoparticle systems exploiting the magnetic interaction (exchange or dipolar in nature) between two or more constituent magnetic elements (magnetic phases, primary nanoparticles) to enhance and tune the heating power. This process occurred in parallel with the progress in the methods for the chemical synthesis of nanostructures and in the comprehension of magnetic phenomena at the nanoscale. Therefore, complex magnetic architectures have been realized that we classify as: (a) core/shell nanoparticles; (b) multicore nanoparticles; (c) linear aggregates; (d) hybrid systems; (e) mixed nanoparticle systems. After a general introduction to the magnetic heating phenomenology, we illustrate the different classes of nanoparticle systems and the strategic novelty they represent. We review some of the research works that have significantly contributed to clarify the relationship between the compositional and structural properties, as determined by the synthetic process, the magnetic properties and the heating mechanism.
Ultrawideband Terahertz Absorber with Dielectric Cylinders Loaded Patterned Graphene Structure
Authors: Liu Shuxiang , Li Shufang
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we theoretically designed and numerically analyzed an ultrabroadband meta-absorber with near unity absorptivity that works in terahertz spectrum. A wideband meta-absorber composed of bilayer patterned graphene and dielectric cylinder array with high symmetry was proposed. The wideband absorption mechanism benefited from two aspects. The first one was enhanced surface plasmons based on bilayer patterned graphene. And the second one was the coupling of continuous resonant modes within Fabry-Perot cavities to the enhanced surface plasmons in the graphene. An ultrawide bandwidth with absorptivity over 90% were obtained from 3.2 THz to 9.4 THz. Simulated results showed that the proposed ultra-wideband absorbing structure also possessed high performance of polarization independence, flexible tunability, large incident angle insensitivity, and compact fabrication.
Vibration Characteristics of a Dual-Rotor System with Non-Concentricity
Authors: Hou Shengliang , Hou Lei , Dun Shiwei , Cai Yufeng , Yang Yang , Chen Yushu
Published: October 2021

A finite element model of an aero-engine dual-rotor system with intermediate bearing supported by six bearings is set up. Three modes of non-concentricity caused by the assembly process are defined, namely parallel non-concentricity, front deflection angle non-concentricity and rear deflection angle non-concentricity. The influence of the non-concentricity on the vibration characteristics of the dual-rotor system is investigated in detail. The results show that the parallel non-concentricity and the front deflection angle non-concentricity have a significant influence on the bending vibration modals of the high-pressure rotor and the low-pressure rotor, but have little influence on the local vibration modals of the rotors. With the increase in the magnitude of the non-concentricity, the natural frequencies of the bending modals decrease continuously, and the mode shapes of bending modals and that of local modals may be interchanged, leading to the emergence of bending modals in advance. Therefore, the key parameters to be controlled in the assembly process are the parallel non-concentricity and the front deflection angle non-concentricity. In order to prevent the bending modal of the dual-rotor system from appearing in advance, it is necessary to control the parallel non-concentricity within 2 mm and the front deflection angle non-concentricity amount within 0.18°.
A Review of the Role of Machine Learning Techniques towards Brain–Computer Interface Applications
Authors: Rasheed Saim
Published: October 2021

This review article provides a deep insight into the Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) and the application of Machine Learning (ML) technology in BCIs. It investigates the various types of research undertaken in this realm and discusses the role played by ML in performing different BCI tasks. It also reviews the ML methods used for mental state detection, mental task categorization, emotion classification, electroencephalogram (EEG) signal classification, event-related potential (ERP) signal classification, motor imagery categorization, and limb movement classification. This work explores the various methods employed in BCI mechanisms for feature extraction, selection, and classification and provides a comparative study of reviewed methods. This paper assists the readers to gain information regarding the developments made in BCI and ML domains and future improvements needed for improving and designing better BCI applications.
Multimorbidity from Diabetes, Heart Failure, and Related Conditions: Assessing a Panel of Depressive Symptoms as Both Formative and Reflective Indicators of a Latent Trait
Authors: Francoeur Richard
Published: October 2021

Through exploring specific conditions (diabetes, heart failure, related vascular/metabolic diagnoses) and their multimorbidities, I develop a more thorough means to adjust confounders of clinical targets within main or interactive contexts in epidemiological panel studies. Regression-based multiple indicators-multiple causes (MIMIC) models combine multiple or moderated regression and confirmatory factor analysis. In a novel specification, each of twenty depressive symptoms is both a “formative” (causal) indicator and a “reflective” (effect) indicator of a latent trait (Depression). Although both indicators provide identical information (under different variable names), formative indicators provide “exogenous” information (outside the model) to estimate, within groups or subgroups, “endogenous” effects (recovered by the model) from the latent trait and its reflective indicators. Formative indicators within the multiple regressions constitute comprehensive proxies for unspecified confounders by completely mediating all unspecified confounder effects on the endogenous latent trait and its reflective indicators, the latter estimated through confirmatory factor analysis. Findings of symptom clusters of Depression in these specific conditions, and in subgroups that capture their synergies, corroborate parallel MIMIC models with instrumental variables that specify several known confounders, but suggest some confounding biases remain. All multimorbidities involve synergy from co-occurring diabetes and heart failure. There may be opportunities to target screening and optimize metformin treatment for these co-occurring conditions. This strategy avoids the need to specify all confounders, which may not be possible or verifiable.
Nonparametric Multivariate Density Estimation: Case Study of Cauchy Mixture Model
Authors: Ruzgas Tomas , Lukauskas Mantas , Čepkauskas Gedmantas
Published: October 2021

Estimation of probability density functions (pdf) is considered an essential part of statistical modelling. Heteroskedasticity and outliers are the problems that make data analysis harder. The Cauchy mixture model helps us to cover both of them. This paper studies five different significant types of non-parametric multivariate density estimation techniques algorithmically and empirically. At the same time, we do not make assumptions about the origin of data from any known parametric families of distribution. The method of the inversion formula is made when the cluster of noise is involved in the general mixture model. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through a simulation study. The relationship between the accuracy of evaluation and complicated multidimensional Cauchy mixture models (CMM) is analyzed using the Monte Carlo method. For larger dimensions (d ~ 5) and small samples (n ~ 50), the adaptive kernel method is recommended. If the sample is n ~ 100, it is recommended to use a modified inversion formula (MIDE). It is better for larger samples with overlapping distributions to use a semi-parametric kernel estimation and more isolated distribution-modified inversion methods. For the mean absolute percentage error, it is recommended to use a semi-parametric kernel estimation when the sample has overlapping distributions. In the smaller dimensions (d = 2) and a sample is with overlapping distributions, it is recommended to use the semi-parametric kernel method (SKDE) and for isolated distributions, it is recommended to use modified inversion formula (MIDE). The inversion formula algorithm shows that with noise cluster, the results of the inversion formula improved significantly.
Hidden Diversity in an Antarctic Algal Forest: Metabolomic Profiling Linked to Patterns of Genetic Diversification in the Antarctic Red Alga Plocamium sp.
Authors: Shilling Andrew J. , Heiser Sabrina , Amsler Charles D. , McClintock James B. , Baker Bill J.
Published: October 2021

The common Antarctic red alga Plocamium sp. is rich in halogenated monoterpenes with known anticancer and antimicrobial properties and extracts of Plocamium sp. have strong ecological activity in deterring feeding by sympatric herbivores. Plocamium sp. collected near Anvers Island, Antarctica showed a high degree of secondary metabolite diversity between separate individuals. GC/MS results revealed 15 different combinations of metabolites (chemogroups) across individuals, which were apparent at 50% or greater Bray–Curtis similarity and also clearly distinguishable by eye when comparing chromatographic profiles of the secondary metabolomes. Sequencing of the mitochondrial cox1 gene revealed six distinct haplotypes, of which the most common two had been previously reported (now referred to as Haplotypes 1 and 2). With the exception of one individual, three of the chemogroups were only produced by individuals in Haplotype 1. All the other 12 chemogroups were produced by individuals in Haplotype 2, with five of these chemogroups also present in one of the four new, less common haplotypes that only differed from Haplotype 2 by one base pair. The functional relevance of this metabolomic and genetic diversity is unknown, but they could have important ecological and evolutionary ramifications, thus potentially providing a foundation for differential selection.
Vaccine-Associated Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis: Venous Endotheliopathy Leading to Venous Combined Micro-Macrothrombosis
Authors: Chang Jae C. , Hawley H. Bradford
Published: October 2021

Serious vaccine-associated side effects are very rare. Major complications of vaccines are thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in which pathogenetic mechanism is consistent with endotheliopathy characterized by “attenuated” sepsis-like syndrome, leading to the activation of inflammatory and microthrombotic pathway. In the COVID-19 pandemic, acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by microthrombosis has been the major clinical phenotype from the viral sepsis in association with endotheliopathy-associated vascular microthrombotic disease (EA-VMTD), sometimes presenting with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)-like syndrome. Often, venous thromboembolism has coexisted due to additional vascular injury. In contrast, clinical phenotypes of vaccine complication have included “silent” immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP-like syndrome), multiorgan inflammatory syndrome, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in particular. These findings are consistent with venous (v) EA-VMTD. In vEA-VMTD promoted by activated complement system following vaccination, “consumptive” thrombocytopenia develops as ITP-like syndrome due to activated unusually large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) path of hemostasis via microthrombogenesis. Thus, the pathologic phenotype of ITP-like syndrome is venous microthrombosis. Myocarditis/pericarditis and other rare cases of inflammatory organ syndrome are promoted by inflammatory cytokines released from activated inflammatory pathway, leading to various organ endotheliitis. Vaccine-associated CVST is a form of venous combined “micro-macrothrombosis” composed of binary components of “microthrombi strings” from vEA-VMTD and “fibrin meshes” from vaccine-unrelated incidental vascular injury perhaps such as unreported head trauma. This mechanism is identified based on “two-path unifying theory” of in vivo hemostasis. Venous combined micro-macrothrombosis due to vaccine is much more serious thrombosis than isolated distal DVT made of macrothrombus. This paradigm changing novel concept of combined micro-macrothrombosis implies the need of combined therapy of a complement inhibitor and anticoagulant for CVST and other complex forms of DVT.
Environmental Performances of Various CCU Options in the Framework of an Integrated Chemical Plant
Authors: Mirgaux Olivier , Anselmi Hélène , Patisson Fabrice
Published: October 2021

Several carbon capture processes are investigated to separate a part of the CO2 contained in the flue gas of a coal-fired power plant located in a chemical integrated plant, with the objective of using it as a raw material in a production process. The expected results are to reduce the impact on global warming potential (GWP) and to increase the productivity of the plant. The study is based on the modelling of the combination of systems in the plant using a process simulation software and using life cycle assessment to evaluate both technical feasibility and environmental aspects. Models for the power plant, the production processes, amine chemical absorption, membrane separation and adsorption on activated coal are developed and validated against industrial and literature data. The life cycle inventory is obtained from the mass and energy balances given by the systems model. A first set of calculations is launched with a high purity requirement for the CO2 stream (95%) recycled into the process. Those calculations show a 12% increase in productivity for the chemical process considered, but result in no significant gain in terms of GWP. Conversely, scenarios with a lower CO2 purity (40%) show a drop around 9% of the impacts on GWP using membrane separation and activated coal adsorption, while keeping the other impacts at about the same level.
Ion-Exchange Membranes and Processes (Volume II)
Authors: Pismenskaya Natalia , Mareev Semyon
Published: October 2021

Ion exchange membranes (IEMs) and related processes have generated increased interest among researchers in the last few years, according to the analysis of publication activity in Scopus [...]
Synthetic Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Microvesicles as a Feasible Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Platform for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wang Wen-Jyun , Kan Chung-Dann , Chen Chih-Yen , Meng Yi-Yao , Wang Jieh-Neng , Chen Wei-Ling , Chen Chia-Hsiang , Li Wei-Peng
Published: October 2021

Biogenic microvesicles (MVs) play a pivotal role in intercellular signal communication, thus initiating critical biological responses such as the proliferation of cancer cells, gene and protein transport, and chemo-drug resistance. In addition, they have been recognized as having great potential in drug delivery applications. However, the productivity of biologically produced MVs is not sufficient for clinical applications. In this study, synthetic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) MVs were prepared via a double emulsion method. The PLGA MVs had a biogenic MV-mimic vesicular structure with a hydrophilic core/surface and hydrophobic interior of the shell, showing great potential for drug delivery. We successfully embedded hydrophobic iron carbonyl (IC), a carbon monoxide (CO) donor, in the PLGA shell region, enabling the delivery of IC in an aqueous solution. Because of the intrinsic properties of PLGA, it was susceptible to temperature, and the MVs could easily collapse in a warm environment, leading to the decomposition of IC into CO. The in vitro result indicated that the cell viability of A549 lung carcinoma cells significantly decreased to 14% after treatment with IC-loaded PLGA MVs for 24 h, suggesting that these synthetic PLGA MVs constitute an excellent drug delivery platform.