bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure Investigation, Hot Tensile and Hot Corrosion of IN600 to Nimonic 75 heterogeneous Connection in Spot Welding
Authors: Poor Morad Kaleybar Sepehr , Molla Safari Hami , Seyed Raoofi Zahra Sadat , Shajari Yazdan , Bakhtiari Hamid
Published: March 2021

Nimonic 75 and Inconel 600 alloys are the Nickel-based superalloys which are used in manufacturing gas turbine components. In the current research, a superalloy Ni-based Nimonic sheet and Inconel 600 were used, joint by resistant spot welded (RSW) machine at currents of 2, 4, and 6 kA, pressure of 5 and 7 bar, and times of 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2. Non- destructive inception methods and light and scanning electron method (SEM) and light optic microscope (LOM) were used to evaluate joints' quality. Shear and micro-hardness test was used to check the mechanical properties of the joint. The findings indicate that the most appropriate welding connection of inhomogeneous points at the current of 4 kA was the holding time 0.9 second and electrode force 7bar. The analysis of microstructure consisted of 3 welding zones which are affected by heat and the base metal. The warm corrosion scanning microscope test results at 600 °C and 800 hours confirmed that the existence of a chromium oxide layer on the surface of the superalloy, which has the main role in protecting the piece in the output temperature.
N6-Methyladenosine Induced miR-34a-5p Promotes TNF-α-Induced Nucleus Pulposus Cell Senescence by Targeting SIRT1
Authors: Zhu Hao , Sun Bao , Zhu Liang , Zou Guoyou , Shen Qiang
Published: March 2021

Low back pain is tightly associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and aberrant nucleus pulposus (NP) is a critical cause. miRNAs N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification accounts for the TNF-α-induced senescence of NP cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether m6A modification regulates TNF-α-mediated cell viability, cell cycle arrest, and cell senescence and how it works. The results showed that METTL14 expression positively correlated with m6A and TNF-α expression in HNPCs. The knockdown of METTL14 led to the inhibition of the TNF-α-induced cell senescence. METTL14 overexpression promoted cell senescence. METTL14 regulated the m6A modification of miR-34a-5p and interacted with DGCR8 to process miR-34a-5p. The miR-34a-5p inhibitor inhibited the cell cycle senescence of HNPCs. miR-34a-5p was predicted to interact with the SIRT1 mRNA. SIRT1 overexpression counteracted the miR-34a-5p-promoted cell senescence. METTL14 participates in the TNF-α-induced m6A modification of miR-34a-5p to promote cell senescence in HNPCs and NP cells of IVDD patients. Downregulation of either METTL14 expression or miR-34a-5p leads to the inhibition of cell cycle arrest and senescence. SIRT1 mRNA is an effective binding target of miR-34a-5p, and SIRT1 overexpression mitigates the cell cycle arrest and senescence caused by miR-34a-5p.
Microfluidic Flow Injection Immunoassay System for Algal Toxins Determination: A Case of Study
Authors: Celio Lorenzo , Ottaviani Matteo , Cancelliere Rocco , Di Tinno Alessio , Panjan Peter , Sesay Adama Marie , Micheli Laura
Published: March 2021

A novel flow injection microfluidic immunoassay system for continuous monitoring of saxitoxin, a lethal biotoxin, in seawater samples is presented in this article. The system consists of a preimmobilized G protein immunoaffinity column connected in line with a lab-on-chip setup. The detection of saxitoxin in seawater was carried out in two steps: an offline incubation step (competition reaction) performed between the analyte of interest (saxitoxin or Ag, as standard or seawater sample) and a tracer (an enzyme-conjugated antigen or Ag*) toward a specific polyclonal antibody. Then, the mixture was injected through a “loop” of a few μL using a six-way injection valve into a bioreactor, in line with the valve. The bioreactor consisted of a small glass column, manually filled with resin upon which G protein has been immobilized. When the mixture flowed through the bioreactor, all the antibody-antigen complex, formed during the competition step, is retained by the G protein. The tracer molecules that do not interact with the capture antibody and protein G are eluted out of the column, collected, and mixed with an enzymatic substrate directly within the microfluidic chip, via the use of two peristaltic pumps. When Ag* was present, a color change (absorbance variation, ΔAbs) of the solution is detected at a fixed wavelength (655 nm) by an optical chip docking system and registered by a computer. The amount of saxitoxin, present in the sample (or standard), that generates the variation of the intensity of the color, will be directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the analyzed solution. Indeed, the absorbance response increased proportionally to the enzymatic product and to the concentration of saxitoxin in the range of 3.5 × 10–7–2 × 10–5 ng ml−1 with a detection limit of 1 × 10–7 ng ml−1 (RSD% 15, S N−1 equal to 3). The immunoanalytical system has been characterized, optimized, and tested with seawater samples. This analytical approach, combined with the transportable and small-sized instrumentation, allows for easy in situ monitoring of marine water contaminations.
Endothelial Lipase Is Involved in Cold-Induced High-Density Lipoprotein Turnover and Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Mice
Authors: Schaltenberg Nicola , John Clara , Heine Markus , Haumann Friederike , Rinninger Franz , Scheja Ludger , Heeren Joerg , Worthmann Anna
Published: March 2021

The physiologic activation of thermogenic brown and white adipose tissues (BAT/WAT) by cold exposure triggers heat production by adaptive thermogenesis, a process known to ameliorate hyperlipidemia and protect from atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, it has been shown that thermogenic activation increases lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-dependent hydrolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) and accelerates the generation of cholesterol-enriched remnants and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which promotes cholesterol flux from the periphery to the liver. HDL is also subjected to hydrolysis by endothelial lipase (EL) (encoded by LIPG). Genome-wide association studies have identified various variants of EL that are associated with altered HDL cholesterol levels. However, a potential role of EL in BAT-mediated HDL metabolism has not been investigated so far. In the present study, we show that in mice, cold-stimulated activation of thermogenic adipocytes induced expression of Lipg in BAT and inguinal WAT but that loss of Lipg did not affect gene expression of thermogenic markers. Furthermore, in both wild type (WT) and Lipg-deficient mice, activation of thermogenesis resulted in a decline of HDL cholesterol levels. However, cold-induced remodeling of the HDL lipid composition was different between WT and Lipg-deficient mice. Notably, radioactive tracer studies with double-labeled HDL indicated that cold-induced hepatic HDL cholesterol clearance was lower in Lipg-deficient mice. Moreover, this reduced clearance was associated with impaired macrophage-to-feces cholesterol transport. Overall, these data indicate that EL is a determinant of HDL lipid composition, cholesterol flux, and HDL turnover in conditions of high thermogenic activity.
Advances of 2D MoS2 for High-Energy Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Cha Eunho , Kim Do Kyung , Choi Wonbong
Published: March 2021

Often touted as the most promising next-generation energy storage systems, lithium (Li) metal batteries have drawn extensive interest due to their energy densities beyond those of Li-ion batteries. The use of Li metal, however, presents a major hurdle since it is susceptible to Li dendrite growths, corrosive interfacial reactions, and uncontrolled volume changes. Li-metal protection is an important issue in overcoming those challenges. In particular, studies have shown that molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) can significantly improve the performance and safety of Li metal batteries when used as a protective coating for anodes, separator modification, and stable interfacial layer between solid-electrolytes and Li metal. Herein, we review the successful implementation of MoS2 for improved Li metal batteries including those of the liquid-type and the solid-state cells. We also provide opportunities and prospects of MoS2 applications for safe and practical Li metal batteries.
Multi-Modal Characterization of Monocytes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Reveals a Primed Type I Interferon Immune Phenotype
Authors: Fraser Emily , Denney Laura , Antanaviciute Agne , Blirando Karl , Vuppusetty Chaitanya , Zheng Yuejuan , Repapi Emmanouela , Iotchkova Valentina , Taylor Stephen , Ashley Neil , St Noble Victoria , Benamore Rachel , Hoyles Rachel , Clelland Colin , Rastrick Joseph M. D. , Hardman Clare S. , Alham Nasullah K. , Rigby Rachel E. , Simmons Alison , Rehwinkel Jan , Ho Ling-Pei
Published: March 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most severe form of chronic lung fibrosis. Circulating monocytes have been implicated in immune pathology in IPF but their phenotype is unknown. In this work, we determined the immune phenotype of monocytes in IPF using multi-colour flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and corresponding serum factors, and mapped the main findings to amount of lung fibrosis and single cell transcriptomic landscape of myeloid cells in IPF lungs. We show that monocytes from IPF patients displayed increased expression of CD64 (FcγR1) which correlated with amount of lung fibrosis, and an amplified type I IFN response ex vivo. These were accompanied by markedly raised CSF-1 levels, IL-6, and CCL-2 in serum of IPF patients. Interrogation of single cell transcriptomic data from human IPF lungs revealed increased proportion of CD64hi monocytes and “transitional macrophages” with higher expression of CCL-2 and type I IFN genes. Our study shows that monocytes in IPF patients are phenotypically distinct from age-matched controls, with a primed type I IFN pathway that may contribute to driving chronic inflammation and fibrosis. These findings strengthen the potential role of monocytes in the pathogenesis of IPF.
Mitochondrial C3a Receptor Activation in Oxidatively Stressed Epithelial Cells Reduces Mitochondrial Respiration and Metabolism
Authors: Ishii Masaaki , Beeson Gyda , Beeson Craig , Rohrer Bärbel
Published: March 2021

Complement component 3 fragment C3a is an anaphylatoxin involved in promoting cellular responses important in immune response and host defense. Its receptor (C3a receptor, C3aR) is distributed on the plasma membrane; however, lysosomal localization in immune cells has been reported. Oxidative stress increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS activate complement signaling in immune cells and metabolic reprogramming. Here we tested oxidative stress and intracellular complement in mitochondrial dysfunction in RPE cells using high resolution live-cell imaging, and metabolism analysis in isolated mitochondria using Seahorse technology. While C3aR levels were unaffected by oxidative stress, its cell membrane levels decreased and mitochondrial (mt) localization increased. Trafficking was dependent on endocytosis, utilizing endosomal-to-mitochondrial cargo transfer. H2O2-treatment also increased C3a-mtC3aR co-localization dose-dependently. In isolated mitochondria from H2O2-treated cells C3a increased mitochondrial Ca2+uptake, that could be inhibited by C3aR antagonism (SB290157), mitochondrial Ca2+uniporter blocker (Ru360), and Gαi-protein inhibition (pertussis toxin, PTX); and inhibited mitochondrial repiration in an SB290157- and PTX-dependent manner. Specifically, mtC3aR activation inhibited state III ADP-driven respiration and maximal respiratory capacity. Mitochondria from control cells did not respond to C3a. Furthermore, transmitochondrial cybrid ARPE-19 cells harboring J haplogroup mitochondria that confer risk for age-related macular degeneration, showed high levels of mtC3aR and reduced ATP production upon C3a stimulation. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress increases mtC3aR, leading to altered mitochondrial calcium uptake and ATP production. These studies will have important implication in our understanding on the balance of extra- and intracellular complement signaling in controlling cellular health and dysfunction.
What's New in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Liossis Stamatis Nick , Staveri Chrysanthi
Published: March 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune multisystem disease with a variable presentation and manifestations ranging from mild to severe or even life-threatening. There is an ongoing and unmet need for novel, disease-specific, effective and safe treatment modalities. The aim of this review is to summarize data on SLE treatment that have emerged over the last 3 years. We will put emphasis on studies evaluating potential treatments on severe lupus manifestations such as lupus nephritis. Despite the existence of several therapeutic agents in SLE, the disease keeps causing significant morbidity. It is encouraging that a variety of therapeutic options are currently under investigation, although there are occasional trial failures.
Prognostic Value of S100P Expression in Patients With Digestive System Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Bi-Xia , Tang Chao-Tao , Dai Xi-Jian , Zeng Ling , Cheng Fei , Chen Youxiang , Zeng Chunyan
Published: March 2021

Background

Digestive system cancers (DSCs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. S100P has been reported as a prognostic biomarker in DSCs, but its prognostic value remains controversial. Accordingly, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate whether S100P is correlated with overall survival (OS) of patients with DSCs. The relationship between S100P and clinicopathological features was also evaluated.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for eligible studies up to January 2020. In total, 16 publications with 1,925 patients were included.

Results

S100P overexpression was associated with poor OS of patient with DSCs (HR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.14–2.08, P=0.005). When stratified by anatomic structure, S100P overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in non-gastrointestinal tract cancers (HR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.44–2.72, P<0.001) but not in gastrointestinal tract cancers (HR=1.09, 95% CI: 0.66–1.81, P=0.727). When stratified by tumor type, S100P overexpression predicted poor OS in cholangiocarcinoma (HR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.30–3.50, P=0.003) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR=1.91, 95% CI: 1.22–2.99, P =0.005) but not in gastric cancer (HR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.65–1.45, P=0.872), colorectal cancer (HR=1.18, 95% CI: 0.32–4.41, P=0.807), gallbladder cancer (HR=1.40, 95% CI: 0.84-2.34, P=0.198), and pancreatic cancer (HR=1.92, 95% CI: 0.99–3.72, P=0.053). Furthermore, high S100P expression was significantly associated with distant metastasis (OR=3.58, P=0.044), advanced clinical stage (OR=2.03, P=0.041) and recurrence (OR=1.66, P=0.007).

Conclusion

S100P might act as a prognostic indicator of non-gastrointestinal tract cancers.
Immune Modeling Analysis Reveals Immunologic Signatures Associated With Improved Outcomes in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: James Nicole E. , Miller Katherine , LaFranzo Natalie , Lips Erin , Woodman Morgan , Ou Joyce , Ribeiro Jennifer R.
Published: March 2021

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide, as patients are typically diagnosed at a late stage and eventually develop chemoresistant disease following front-line platinum-taxane based therapy. Only modest results have been achieved with PD-1 based immunotherapy in ovarian cancer patients, despite the fact that immunological responses are observed in EOC patients. Therefore, the goal of this present study was to identify novel immune response genes and cell subsets significantly associated with improved high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patient prognosis. A transcriptomic-based immune modeling analysis was employed to determine levels of 8 immune cell subsets, 10 immune escape genes, and 22 co-inhibitory/co-stimulatory molecules in 26 HGSOC tumors. Multidimensional immune profiling analysis revealed CTLA-4, LAG-3, and Tregs as predictive for improved progression-free survival (PFS). Furthermore, the co-stimulatory receptor ICOS was also found to be significantly increased in patients with a longer PFS and positively correlated with levels of CTLA-4, PD-1, and infiltration of immune cell subsets. Both ICOS and LAG-3 were found to be significantly associated with improved overall survival in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ovarian cancer cohort. Finally, PVRL2 was identified as the most highly expressed transcript in our analysis, with immunohistochemistry results confirming its overexpression in HGSOC samples compared to normal/benign. Results were corroborated by parallel analyses of TCGA data. Overall, this multidimensional immune modeling analysis uncovers important prognostic immune factors that improve our understanding of the unique immune microenvironment of ovarian cancer.
l-Borneol Exerted the Neuroprotective Effect by Promoting Angiogenesis Coupled With Neurogenesis via Ang1-VEGF-BDNF Pathway
Authors: Ma Rong , Xie Qian , Li Hongyan , Guo Xiaoqing , Wang Jian , Li Yong , Ren Mihong , Gong Daoyin , Gao Tian
Published: March 2021

At present, Stroke is still one of the leading causes of population death worldwide and leads to disability. Traditional Chinese medicine plays an important role in the prevention or treatment of stroke. l-borneol, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used in China to treat stroke for thousands of years. However, its mechanism of action is unclear. After cerebral ischemia, promoting angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia and providing nutrition for the infarct area is an important strategy to improve the damage in the ischemic area, but it is also essential to promote neurogenesis and replenish new neurons. Here, our research shows that l-borneol can significantly improve the neurological deficits of pMCAO model rats, reduce cerebral infarction, and improve the pathological damage of cerebral ischemia. and significantly increase serum level of Ang-1 and VEGF, and significantly decrease level of ACE and Tie2 to promote angiogenesis. PCR and WB showed the same results. Immunohistochemistry also showed that l-borneol can increase the number of CD34 positive cells, further verifying that l-borneol can play a neuroprotective effect by promoting angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia injury. In addition, l-borneol can significantly promote the expression level of VEGF, BDNF and inhibit the expression levels of TGF-β1 and MMP9 to promote neurogenesis. The above suggests that l-borneol can promote angiogenesis coupled neurogenesis by regulating Ang1-VEGF-BDNF to play a neuroprotective effect. Molecular docking also shows that l-borneol has a very high binding rate with the above target, which further confirmed the target of l-borneol to improve cerebral ischemic injury. These results provide strong evidence for the treatment of cerebral ischemia with l-borneol and provide reference for future research.
Psychiatrists Report Praecox Feeling and Find It Reliable. A Cross-Cultural Comparison
Authors: Moskalewicz Marcin , Kordel Piotr , Brejwo Agnieszka , Schwartz Michael A. , Gozé Tudi
Published: March 2021

Background: The psychopathological notion of the Praecox Feeling (PF) refers to an experience of strangeness and bizarreness that arises in a clinician during contact with a patient with schizophrenia. There is evidence that psychiatrists take advantage of this feeling in their diagnostic decisions despite the domination of an operationalized diagnostic approach.

Methods: The article presents the results of a survey assessing the self-reported prevalence of the PF among psychiatrists in Poland and compares them with data from West Germany (1962), USA (1989), and France (2017) based on the same survey.

Results: The study finds a consistent prevalence of reported feelings suggestive of the diagnosis of schizophrenia among psychiatrists of different cultural backgrounds and times. These feelings are independent of variables such as attitude toward schizophrenia, professional orientation, and professional experience and are considered reliable, even if not the most reliable, by the psychiatrists who have them. The study also finds that intersubjective phenomena, such as problematic affective attunement, gestures, and body language, are considered core to these feelings by the psychiatrists.

Conclusions: The evidence confirms that psychiatrists' feelings about patients with schizophrenia are considered diagnostically relevant and calls for more deeply investigating the nature and diagnostic significance of these feelings. The article concludes with some speculations regarding the possible benefits of recognizing the PF in facilitating a psychotherapeutic encounter with psychotic patients.
Microbial-Based Technologies for Improving Smallholder Agriculture in the Ecuadorian Andes: Current Situation, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Yarzábal Luis Andrés , Chica Eduardo J.
Published: March 2021

As in other Andean countries, smallholder agriculture is the base that supports food and nutrient security in Ecuador. Ironically, in spite of their importance, the development of context-appropriate technologies for these farming systems remains still at its infancy. Today, most smallholders in the Ecuadorian Andes practice a type of hybrid agriculture that merges traditional local practices and modern technologies. This mixture of traditional and “modern” conventional technologies does not always result in resource-efficient sustainable practices. Although they represent only part of a global solution, microbial-based technologies offer a great potential to improve the functioning of smallholder farms in the Ecuadorian Andes. From nutrient cycling to biocontrol and plant growth promotion, microbial technology applications match existing needs for technology development in these systems; however, as in many cases, knowledge gaps and context-adapted implementation are some of the challenges that slow down the spreading and efficient use of these technologies. Here we offer a review of the efforts made as of today to characterize, develop and test microbial-based technologies that could boost smallholder Andean agriculture with a particular focus in the Ecuadorian context. We also propose potential lines of action to increase or accelerate the impact of these technologies.
Alpha-2-Macroglobulin as a New Promising Biomarker Improving the Diagnostic Sensitivity of Bovine Paratuberculosis
Authors: Park Hyun-Eui , Park Jin-Sik , Park Hong-Tae , Choi Jeong-Gyu , Shin Jeong-Ih , Jung Myunghwan , Kang Hyung-Lyun , Baik Seung-Chul , Lee Woo-Kon , Kim Donghyuk , Yoo Han Sang , Shin Min-Kyoung
Published: March 2021

Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic granulomatous enteritis of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), which induces persistent diarrhea and cachexia. JD causes huge economic losses to the dairy industry due to reduced milk production and premature culling. Infected animals excrete MAP via feces during the prolonged subclinical stage without exhibiting any clinical signs. Therefore, accurate detection of subclinical stage animals is crucial for successful eradication of JD in the herd. In the current study, we analyzed serum samples of MAP-infected and non-infected cattle to identify potential biomarker candidates. First, we identified 12 differentially expressed serum proteins in subclinical and clinical shedder groups compared to the healthy control group. Second, we conducted ELISA for three selected biomarkers (alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), alpha-1-beta glycoprotein, and transthyretin) and compared their diagnostic performance with that of two commercial ELISA diagnostic kits. Serum A2M levels were significantly higher in the MAP-exposed, subclinical shedder, subclinical non-shedder, and clinical shedder groups than in the healthy control group, suggesting its possible use as a diagnostic biomarker for MAP infection. Furthermore, A2M demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.4%, and a specificity of 100% while the two commercial ELISA kits demonstrated a sensitivity of 67.83 and 73.04% and a specificity of 100%, respectively. In conclusion, our results suggest that measuring A2M by ELISA can be used as a diagnostic tool to detect MAP infection, considerably improving the detection rate of subclinical shedders and MAP-exposed animals that are undetectable using current diagnostic tools.
The Evaluation of Equine Allogeneic Tenogenic Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Surgically Induced Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Lesion Model
Authors: Depuydt Eva , Broeckx Sarah Y. , Van Hecke Lore , Chiers Koen , Van Brantegem Leen , van Schie Hans , Beerts Charlotte , Spaas Jan H. , Pille Frederik , Martens Ann
Published: March 2021

Background: Tendon injuries are very common in horses and jeopardize the athletic performance, and due to the high risk of reinjury may lead to early retirement. The use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of equine tendon disease is widely investigated because of their regenerative potential. The objective of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of equine allogeneic tenogenic primed mesenchymal stem cells (tpMSCs) for the management of tendinitis in horses.

Methods: A core lesion was surgically induced in the superficial digital flexor tendon of both forelimbs of eight horses. After 7 days, one forelimb was treated with tpMSCs, while the contralateral forelimb served as an intra-individual control and was treated with saline. A prescribed exercise program was started. All horses underwent a daily clinical evaluation throughout the entire study period of 112 days. Blood samples were taken at different time points for hematological and biochemical analysis. Tendon assessment, lameness examination, ultrasound assessment and ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) were performed at regular time intervals. At the end of the study period, the superficial digital flexor tendons were evaluated macroscopically and histologically.

Results: No suspected or serious adverse events occurred during the entire study period. There was no difference in local effects including heat and pain to pressure between a single intralesional injection of allogeneic tpMSCs and a single intralesional injection with saline. A transient moderate local swelling was noted in the tpMSC treated limbs, which dissipated by day 11. Starting at a different time point depending on the parameter, a significant improvement was observed in the tpMSC treated limbs compared to the placebo for echogenicity score, fiber alignment score, anterior-posterior thickness of the tendon and echo type by UTC assessment. Immunohistochemistry 112 days post-injection revealed that the amount of collagen type I and Von Willebrand factor were significantly higher in the tendon tissue of the tpMSC group, while the amount of collagen type III and smooth muscle actin was significantly lower.

Conclusion: Equine allogeneic tenogenic primed mesenchymal stem cells were shown to be well-tolerated and may be effective for the management of tendon injuries.
Apple Detection in Complex Scene Using the Improved YOLOv4 Model
Authors: Wu Lin , Ma Jie , Zhao Yuehua , Liu Hong
Published: March 2021

To enable the apple picking robot to quickly and accurately detect apples under the complex background in orchards, we propose an improved You Only Look Once version 4 (YOLOv4) model and data augmentation methods. Firstly, the crawler technology is utilized to collect pertinent apple images from the Internet for labeling. For the problem of insufficient image data caused by the random occlusion between leaves, in addition to traditional data augmentation techniques, a leaf illustration data augmentation method is proposed in this paper to accomplish data augmentation. Secondly, due to the large size and calculation of the YOLOv4 model, the backbone network Cross Stage Partial Darknet53 (CSPDarknet53) of the YOLOv4 model is replaced by EfficientNet, and convolution layer (Conv2D) is added to the three outputs to further adjust and extract the features, which make the model lighter and reduce the computational complexity. Finally, the apple detection experiment is performed on 2670 expanded samples. The test results show that the EfficientNet-B0-YOLOv4 model proposed in this paper has better detection performance than YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and Faster R-CNN with ResNet, which are state-of-the-art apple detection model. The average values of Recall, Precision, and F1 reach 97.43%, 95.52%, and 96.54% respectively, the average detection time per frame of the model is 0.338 s, which proves that the proposed method can be well applied in the vision system of picking robots in the apple industry.
Structural Analysis of the cl-Par-4 Tumor Suppressor as a Function of Ionic Environment
Authors: Raut Krishna , Ponniah Komala , Pascal Steven
Published: March 2021

Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a proapoptotic tumor suppressor protein that has been linked to a large number of cancers. This 38 kilodalton (kDa) protein has been shown to be predominantly intrinsically disordered in vitro. In vivo, Par-4 is cleaved by caspase-3 at Asp-131 to generate the 25 kDa functionally active cleaved Par-4 protein (cl-Par-4) that inhibits NF-κB-mediated cell survival pathways and causes selective apoptosis in tumor cells. Here, we have employed circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess the effects of various monovalent and divalent salts upon the conformation of cl-Par-4 in vitro. We have previously shown that high levels of sodium can induce the cl-Par-4 fragment to form highly compact, highly helical tetramers in vitro. Spectral characteristics suggest that most or at least much of the helical content in these tetramers are non-coiled coils. Here, we have shown that potassium produces a similar effect as was previously reported for sodium and that magnesium salts also produce a similar conformation effect, but at an approximately five times lower ionic concentration. We have also shown that anion identity has far less influence than does cation identity. The degree of helicity induced by each of these salts suggests that the “Selective for Apoptosis in Cancer cells” (SAC) domain—the region of Par-4 that is most indispensable for its apoptotic function—is likely to be helical in cl-Par-4 under the studied high salt conditions. Furthermore, we have shown that under medium-strength ionic conditions, a combination of high molecular weight aggregates and smaller particles form and that the smaller particles are also highly helical, resembling at least in secondary structure, the tetramers found at high salt.
Evaluation of Polyurea-Crosslinked Alginate Aerogels for Seawater Decontamination
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Patrina , Raptopoulos Grigorios , Leontaridou Faidra , Papastergiou Maria , Sakellari Aikaterini , Karavoltsos Sotirios
Published: March 2021

Polyurea-crosslinked Ca-alginate (X-Ca-alginate) aerogel beads (diameter: 3.3 mm) were evaluated as adsorbents of metal ions, organic solvents, and oils. They were prepared via reaction of an aromatic triisocyanate (Desmodur RE) with pre-formed Ca-alginate wet gels and consisted of 54% polyurea and 2% calcium. X-Ca-alginate aerogels are hydrophobic nanoporous materials (90% v/v porosity), with a high BET surface area (459 m2/g−1), and adsorb PbII not only from ultrapure water (29 mg/g−1) but also from seawater (13 mg/g−1) with high selectivity. The adsorption mechanism involves replacement of CaII by PbII ions coordinated to the carboxylate groups of the alginate backbone. After treatment with a Na2EDTA solution, the beads can be reused, without significant loss of activity for at least two times. X-Ca-alginate aerogels can also uptake organic solvents and oil from seawater; the volume of the adsorbate can be as high as the total pore volume of the aerogel (6.0 mL/g−1), and the absorption is complete within seconds. X-Ca alginate aerogels are suitable for the decontamination of aquatic environments from a broader range of inorganic and organic pollutants.
Different Methods in HPV Genotyping of Anogenital and Oropharyngeal Lesions: Comparison between VisionArray® Technology, Next Generation Sequencing, and Hybrid Capture Assay
Authors: Acquaviva Giorgia , Visani Michela , Sanza Viviana , De Leo Antonio , Maloberti Thais , Pierotti Paola , Crucitti Paola , Collina Guido , Chiarelli Olivari Cecilia , Pession Annalisa , Tallini Giovanni , de Biase Dario
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are known to be related to the development of about 5% of all human cancers. The clinical relevance of HPV infection has been deeply investigated in carcinomas of the oropharyngeal area, uterine cervix, and anogenital area. To date, several different methods have been used for detecting HPV infection. The aim of the present study was to compare three different methods for the diagnosis of the presence of the HPV genome. (2) Methods: A total of 50 samples were analyzed. Twenty-five of them were tested using both next generation sequencing (NGS) and VisionArray® technology, the other 25 were tested using Hybrid Capture (HC) II assay and VisionArray® technology. (3) Results: A substantial agreement was obtained using NGS and VisionArray® (κ = 0.802), as well as between HC II and VisionArray® (κ = 0.606). In both analyses, the concordance increased if only high risk HPVs I(HR-HPVs) were considered as “positive”. (4) Conclusions: Our data highlighted the importance of technical choice in HPV characterization, which should be guided by the clinical aims, costs, starting material, and turnaround time for results.
Development of Digital Models of Interconnected Electrical Profiles for Rolling–Drawing Wire Mills
Authors: Karandaev Alexandr S. , Gasiyarov Vadim R. , Radionov Andrey A. , Loginov Boris M.
Published: March 2021

The latest development trend in rolling industry is the combination of various technological operations in continuous production lines. In the production of long products, the combination of rolling and drawing processes looks promising. A wire drawing mill developed by the team of authors of this work belongs to the conceptually new, integrated lines. The creation of new integrated rolling mills requires a research phase, where relevant concepts are scrutinized using the methods of mathematical modeling. This requires the development of digital (Digital Twin) models that reliably describe the technological processes. It seems efficient to create a Digital Twin for individual units, with their subsequent integration into a complex digital model. This approach was applied in the development of models of electrical systems for the new line. Such models should take into account a wide range of real-life physical relationships. At the same time, a three-high continuous train of stands with an idle inter-stand is the least studied technological unit of the new mill. The absence of an electric drive of the middle stand determines the particulars of deformation processes and the stands’ interconnections through the processed metal. To date, a comprehensive study of such objects has not been carried out. Therefore, the task of studying this technological unit is of immediate interest. The presented publication is devoted to the development of digital models of deformation zones of drive stands and idle stands, as well as of their relationship through the processed metal. The task is solved using the example of an operating pilot production line that implements rolling technology with an idle stand. The authors describe individual Digital Twins and present the structure of the complex model of the studied unit. The most important purpose of the model is to use it in the development of a control method for electric drives of stands to ensure the stability of the rolling process. The developed method should provide a reduction in energy consumption due to the use of friction force reserves present in the idle stand. The authors also substantiate the control principle based on continuous monitoring and alignment of critical angles in the deformation zones of the drive stands. The paper describes a structure of the control system and explains the technical implementation of this principle. The results of mathematical modeling and oscillograms of typical transient processes are presented. The advantages provided by implementing the proposed control method are shown. The work provides an indirect confirmation of the adequacy of the model to the physical object. Recommendations are given on the use of the developed Digital Twin in the study of rolling processes on sheet and sectional mills.
Low Sensitivity of Admission Lung US Compared to Chest CT for Diagnosis of Lung Involvement in a Cohort of 82 Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Quarato Carla Maria Irene , Mirijello Antonio , Lacedonia Donato , Russo Raffaele , Maggi Michele Maria , Rea Gaetano , Simeone Annalisa , Borelli Cristina , Feragalli Beatrice , Scioscia Giulia , Barbaro Maria Pia Foschino , Massa Valentina , De Cosmo Salvatore , Sperandeo Marco
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: The potential role of lung ultrasound (LUS) in characterizing lung involvement in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still debated. The aim of the study was to estimate sensitivity of admission LUS for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 lung involvement using Chest-CT (Computed Tomography) as reference standard in order to assess LUS usefulness in ruling out COVID-19 pneumonia in the Emergency Department (ED). Methods: Eighty-two patients with confirmed COVID-19 and signs of lung involvement on Chest-CT were consecutively admitted to our hospital and recruited in the study. Chest-CT and LUS examination were concurrently performed within the first 6–12h from admission. Sensitivity of LUS was calculated using CT findings as a reference standard. Results: Global LUS sensitivity in detecting COVID-19 pulmonary lesions was 52%. LUS sensitivity ranged from 8% in case of focal and sporadic ground-glass opacities (mild disease), to 52% for a crazy-paving pattern (moderate disease) and up to 100% in case of extensive subpleural consolidations (severe disease), although LUS was not always able to detect all the consolidations assessed at Chest-CT. LUS sensitivity was higher in detecting a typical Chest-CT pattern (60%) and abnormalities showing a middle-lower zone predominance (79%). Conclusions: As admission LUS may result falsely negative in most cases, it should not be considered as a reliable imaging tool in ruling out COVID-19 pneumonia in patients presenting in ED. It may at least represent an expanded clinical evaluation that needs integration with other diagnostic tests (e.g., nasopharyngeal swab, Chest-CT).
What We Should Consider in Point of Care Blood Glucose Test; Current Quality Management Status of a Single Institution
Authors: Choi Sooin , Choi Soo Jeong , Jeon Byung Ryul , Lee Yong-Wha , Oh Jongwon , Lee You Kyoung
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: Point of care test (POCT) is generally performed by non-laboratory staff who often lack an understanding on the quality control and quality assurance programs. The purpose of this study was to understand the current status of quality management of point of care (POC) blood glucose testing in a single institution where non-laboratory staff perform the tests. Materials and Methods: From July to August 2020, management status of glucometer, test strips, quality control (QC) materials, quality assurance program, and operators’ response to processing of displayed results was monitored in all Soonchunhyang University Bucheon hospital departments that performed POC blood glucose test. Results of the POC blood glucose test conducted from January 2019 to May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total 124 glucometers were monitored in 47 departments. Insufficient management of approximately 50% of blood sugar, test strips, and QC materials was observed. Although daily QC was conducted by 95.7% of the departments, the QC records were inaccurate. The method of recording test results varied with departments and operators. Various judgments and troubleshooting were performed on the unexpected or out of measurable range results, including some inappropriate processes. In POC blood glucose test results review, 4568 atypical results were identified from a total of 572,207 results. Conclusions: Sufficient training of the non-laboratory staff and ongoing assessment of competency through recertification is needed to maintain acceptable levels of POCT quality. In this study, various problems were identified in glucometer and reagent management, QC and post-analytic phase. We believe that these results provide meaningful basal information for planning effective operators’ training and competency evaluation, and the development of an efficient POCT quality management system.
Hypolipemiant Actions and Possible Cardioprotective Effects of Valine and Leucine: An Experimental Study
Authors: Cojocaru Elena , Magdalena Leon-Constantin Maria , Ungureanu Carmen , Trandafirescu Mioara Florentina , Maștaleru Alexandra , Mihaela Trandafir Laura , Dumitru Petrariu Florin , Viola Bădulescu Oana , Filip Nina
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: Considering atherosclerosis as one of the more challenging threats to healthcare worldwide, any novel therapy that counteracts the risks for developing it, provides new opportunities for the management of this process. Material and methods: We performed an experimental research in which we induced a hypercholesterolemia via a cholesterol-rich diet. Our aim was to demonstrate the antiatherogenic potential of two essential amino acids (valine and leucine). The experimental study was carried out over a period of 60 days. Male Wistar rats weighing between 250–280 g were used and divided into 4 groups, each group including 8 animals. Group I—control was fed with a standard diet. Group II received cholesterol, group III cholesterol and valine and group IV cholesterol and leucine. Blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital plexus, under anesthesia with 75 mg/kg of intraperitoneal ketamine, in three different moments (R0—1st day, R1—the 30th day, R2—the 60th day) in order to measure the levels of triglycerides. Results: In R0, there were no significant differences between the average levels of triglycerides across all the groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the group I, in R1 and R2, the average levels of triglycerides were significantly higher in all groups (p < 0.001). Also, in R1 and R2, the average triglycerides in group II receiving cholesterol (C) were significantly higher than those in group III receiving valine (C + V) as well as in group IV receiving leucine (C + L) (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). In R2, the average triglycerides in group III were significantly lower than in group IV (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data provides evidence that valine and leucine have a direct impact on the lipid metabolism parameters by lowering the level of triglycerides. The comparison of the two essential amino acids indicates that valine acts more promptly and rapidly than leucine.
SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnancy—The First Wave
Authors: de Vasconcelos Gaspar Andreia , Santos Silva Isabel
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a public health emergency. Data on the effect of the virus on pregnancy are limited. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective descriptive study, in order to evaluate the obstetric results on pregnant women in which SARS-CoV-2 was detected through RT-PCR of the nasopharyngeal swab, at admission to the maternity hospital. Results: From 16 March to 31 July 2020, 12 SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women have been hospitalized. Eleven were hospitalized for initiation or induction of labor, corresponding to 0.64% of deliveries in the maternity hospital. One pregnant woman was hospitalized for threatened abortion, culminating in a stillbirth at 20 weeks of gestation. Regarding the severity of the disease, nine women were asymptomatic and three had mild illness (two had associated cough and one headache). Three had relevant environmental exposure and a history of contact with infected persons. None had severe or critical illness due to SARS-CoV-2. There were no maternal deaths. The following gestational complications were observed: one stillbirth, one preterm labor, one preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, and one fetal growth restriction. Four deliveries were eutocic, two vacuum-assisted deliveries and five were cesarean sections. The indications for cesarean section were obstetric. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection was found in a minority of hospitalized pregnant women in this sample. Most are asymptomatic or have mild illness, from gestational complications to highlight stillbirth and preterm birth. There were no cases of vertical transmission by coronavirus.
Technical and Medical Aspects of Burn Size Assessment and Documentation
Authors: Giretzlehner Michael , Ganitzer Isabell , Haller Herbert
Published: March 2021

In burn medicine, the percentage of the burned body surface area (TBSA-B) to the total body surface area (TBSA) is a crucial parameter to ensure adequate treatment and therapy. Inaccurate estimations of the burn extent can lead to wrong medical decisions resulting in considerable consequences for patients. These include, for instance, over-resuscitation, complications due to fluid aggregation from burn edema, or non-optimal distribution of patients. Due to the frequent inaccurate TBSA-B estimation in practice, objective methods allowing for precise assessments are required. Over time, various methods have been established whose development has been influenced by contemporary technical standards. This article provides an overview of the history of burn size estimation and describes existing methods with a critical view of their benefits and limitations. Traditional methods that are still of great practical relevance were developed from the middle of the 20th century. These include the “Lund Browder Chart”, the “Rule of Nines”, and the “Rule of Palms”. These methods have in common that they assume specific values for different body parts’ surface as a proportion of the TBSA. Due to the missing consideration of differences regarding sex, age, weight, height, and body shape, these methods have practical limitations. Due to intensive medical research, it has been possible to develop three-dimensional computer-based systems that consider patients’ body characteristics and allow a very realistic burn size assessment. To ensure high-quality burn treatment, comprehensive documentation of the treatment process, and wound healing is essential. Although traditional paper-based documentation is still used in practice, it no longer meets modern requirements. Instead, adequate documentation is ensured by electronic documentation systems. An illustrative software already being used worldwide is “BurnCase 3D”. It allows for an accurate burn size assessment and a complete medical documentation.