bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Children With Tourette Syndrome: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhao Hui-Jun , Luo Xi , Shi Yi-Chao , Li Jian-Feng , Pan Fei , Ren Rong-Rong , Peng Li-Hua , Shi Xiu-Yu , Yang Guang , Wang Jing , Hu Lin-Yan , Zou Li-Ping , Yang Yun-Sheng
Published: December 2020

Therapies for Tourette syndrome (TS) are insufficient, and novel therapies are needed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been a potential therapy for several neurological diseases. Here, we report a preliminary study to investigate the effects of FMT on patients with TS. Five patients with TS received a single administration of FMT via endoscopy. Tic symptoms were assessed by Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-Total Tic Score (YGTSS-TTS) and adverse effects were recorded at week 8 following FMT. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and 14 cytokines levels were measured. The microbiota profile in feces were analyzed by shotgun metagenomics. Four patients (4/5) responded positively to FMT (YGTSS-TTS reduction rate >25%) at week 8 with high safety. The levels of LPS and cytokines varied after FMT. FMT shifted the composition of the gut microbiota in patients close to that of the donor and continuously changed the abundance of Bacteroides coprocola, Dialister succinatiphilus and Bacteroides vulgatus. The restoration of B.coprocola was correlated with the improvement in tic symptoms (Spearman R = −0.900, P = 0.037). In conclusion, FMT was indicated a potential effective and safe alternative for patients with TS. However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the influence of microbiota in TS.

Trial Registration:chictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR-IIR-17011871, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=19941.
Balance Problems, Paralysis, and Angina as Clinical Markers for Severity in Major Depression
Authors: Qi Bill , MacDonald Kellie , Berlim Marcelo T. , Fielding Allan , Lis Eric , Low Nancy , Richard-Devantoy Stéphane , Tourjman Valerie , Turecki Gustavo , Trakadis Yannis
Published: December 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous disorder. Our hypothesis is that neurological symptoms correlate with the severity of MDD symptoms. One hundred eighty-four outpatients with MDD completed a self-report questionnaire on past and present medical history. Patients were divided into three roughly equal depression severity levels based on scores from the APA Severity Measure for Depression—Adult (n = 66, 58, 60, for low, medium, high severity, respectively). We saw a significant and gradual increase in the frequency of “muscular paralysis” (1.5–5.2–16.7%) and “balance problems” (21.2–36.2–46.6%) from low to medium to high severity groups. We repeated the analysis using only the two most extreme severity categories: low severity (66 samples) vs. high severity (60 samples). High severity patients were also found to experience more “angina” symptoms than low severity patients (27.3 vs. 50%). The three significant clinical variables identified were introduced into a binary logistic regression model as the independent variables with high or low severity as the dependent variable. Both “muscular paralysis” and “balance problems” were significantly associated with increased severity of depression (odds ratio of 13.5 and 2.9, respectively), while “angina” was associated with an increase in severity with an odds ratio of 2.0, albeit not significantly. We show that neurological exam or clinical history could be useful biomarkers for depression severity. Our findings, if replicated, could lead to a simple clinical scale administered regularly for monitoring patients with MDD.
Are Changes in Personality Traits and Alcohol Use Associated? A Cohort Study Among Young Swiss Men
Authors: Gmel Gerhard , Marmet Simon , Studer Joseph , Wicki Matthias
Published: December 2020

Objective: It is well known that certain personality traits are associated with alcohol use. Because less is known about it, we wished to investigate whether changes in alcohol use were longitudinally associated with changes in personality and in which direction the influence or causation might flow.

Methods: Data came from the self-reported questionnaire answers of 5,125 young men at two time points during the Cohort study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF). Their average ages were 20.0 and 25.4 years old at the first and second wave assessments, respectively. Four personality traits were measured: (a) aggression–hostility; (b) sociability; (c) neuroticism–anxiety; and (d) sensation seeking. Alcohol use was measured by volume (drinks per week) and binge drinking (about 60+ grams per occasion). Cross-lagged panel models and two-wave latent change score models were used.

Results: Aggression–hostility, sensation seeking, and sociability were significantly and positively cross-sectionally associated with both alcohol use variables. Drinking volume and these three personality traits bidirectionally predicted each other. Binge drinking was bidirectionally associated with sensation-seeking only, whereas aggression–hostility and sociability only predicted binge drinking, but not vice versa. Changes in alcohol use were significantly positively associated with changes in aggression–hostility, sensation seeking, and sociability. Associations reached small Cohen's effect sizes for sociability and sensation seeking, but not for aggression–hostility. Associations with neuroticism–anxiety were mostly not significant.

Conclusion: The direction of effects confirmed findings from other studies, and the association between changes in personality and alcohol use support the idea that prevention programs should simultaneously target both.
Improved Rehabilitation Outcomes for Persons With and Without Problematic Substance Use After 2 Years With Assertive Community Treatment—A Prospective Study of Patients With Severe Mental Illness in 12 Norwegian ACT Teams
Authors: Clausen Hanne , Ruud Torleif , Odden Sigrun , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Heiervang Kristin Sverdvik , Stuen Hanne Kilen , Landheim Anne
Published: December 2020

Background: Persons with severe mental illness often face difficulties in accessing and receiving adequate services enabling them to live independently. Many have co-occurring substance use problems that increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Community-based service models have been implemented around the world, including assertive community treatment (ACT), but the knowledge of rehabilitation outcomes in different subgroups is limited. We aimed to explore rehabilitation outcomes among patients suffering severe mental illness with and without substance use problems who had received ACT services for at least 2 years. Additionally, we compared differences in changes between the two groups.

Methods: A total of 142 patients who received services for 2 years from the first 12 Norwegian ACT teams were included. Eighty-four (59%) had problematic substance use, while 58 (41%) did not. Data regarding housing, activity, symptoms, functioning, and subjective quality of life were collected upon enrollment into ACT and at 2 years of follow-up. Clinician-rated scales and self-report questionnaires were used. Changes within the two groups and differences in change between the groups were assessed using generalized linear mixed models.

Results: Both groups were more likely to have good housing, higher level of functioning, and less anxiety and depressive symptoms after 2 years. The odds of good housing among participants with problematic substance use increased only after adjusting for age and gender. Participants with problematic substance use had less severe symptoms, particularly negative and manic symptoms, while participants without problematic substance use reported improved satisfaction with life in general. Neither group experienced a change in having a meaningful daily activity, positive symptoms, practical and social functioning, or subjective quality of life. The reduction of manic symptoms in the substance use group was the only difference between the groups.

Conclusion: After 2 years, patients with and without problematic substance use experienced improvements in several important domains. Furthermore, the improvements were similar in both groups for most outcomes. This may suggest that ACT has a place in the continued effort toward integrated and comprehensive community services empowering patients with severe mental illness to achieve and sustain an independent life, including marginalized groups with severe substance use.
Phormica: Photochromic Pheromone Release and Detection System for Stigmergic Coordination in Robot Swarms
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Garzón Ramos David , Hasselmann Ken , Birattari Mauro
Published: December 2020

Stigmergy is a form of indirect communication and coordination in which agents modify the environment to pass information to their peers. In nature, animals use stigmergy by, for example, releasing pheromone that conveys information to other members of their species. A few systems in swarm robotics research have replicated this process by introducing the concept of artificial pheromone. In this paper, we presentPhormica, a system to conduct experiments in swarm robotics that enables a swarm of e-puck robots to release and detect artificial pheromone.Phormicaemulates pheromone-based stigmergy thanks to the ability of robots to project UV light on the ground, which has been previously covered with a photochromic material. As a proof of concept, we testPhormicaon three collective missions in which robots act collectively guided by the artificial pheromone they release and detect. Experimental results indicate that a robot swarm can effectively self-organize and act collectively by using stigmergic coordination based on the artificial pheromone provided byPhormica.
The Use of Virtual Reality to Influence Motivation, Affect, Enjoyment, and Engagement During Exercise: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mouatt Brendan , Smith Ashleigh E. , Mellow Maddison L. , Parfitt Gaynor , Smith Ross T. , Stanton Tasha R.
Published: December 2020

Many adults are physically inactive. While the reasons are complex, inactivity is, in part, influenced by the presence of negative feelings and low enjoyment during exercise. While virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as a way to improve engagement with exercise (e.g., choosing to undertake exercise), how VR is currently used to influence experiencesduringexercise is largely unknown. Here we aimed to summarize the existing literature evaluating the use of VR to influence motivation, affect, enjoyment, and engagement during exercise. A Population (clinical, and healthy), Concept (the extent and nature of research about VR in exercise, including underpinning theories), and Context (any setting, demographic, social context) framework was used. A systematic search of Medline, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was completed by two independent reviewers. Of 970 studies identified, 25 unique studies were included (n= 994 participants), with most (68%) evaluating VR influences on motivation, affect, enjoyment, and engagement during exercise in healthy populations (n= 8 studies evaluating clinical populations). Two VR strategies were prominent – the use of immersion and the use of virtual avatars and agents/trainers. All studies but one used virtual agents/trainers, suggesting that we know little about the influence of virtual avatars on experiences during exercise. Generally, highly immersive VR had more beneficial effects than low immersive VR or exercise without VR. The interaction between VR strategy and the specific exercise outcome appeared important (e.g., virtual avatars/agents were more influential in positively changing motivation and engagement during exercise, whereas immersion more positively influenced enjoyment during exercise). Presently, the knowledge base is insufficient to provide definitive recommendations for use of specific VR strategies to target specific exercise outcomes, particularly given the numerous null findings. Regardless, these preliminary findings support the idea that VR may influence experiences during exercise via multiple mechanistic pathways. Understanding these underlying mechanisms may be important to heighten effects targeted to specific exercise outcomes during exercise. Future research requires purposeful integration of exercise-relevant theories into VR investigation, and careful consideration of VR definitions (including delineation between virtual avatars and virtual agents), software possibilities, and nuanced extension to clinical populations.
Postural Activity During Use of a Head-Mounted Display: Sex Differences in the “Driver–Passenger” Effect
Authors: Curry Christopher , Peterson Nicolette , Li Ruixuan , Stoffregen Thomas A.
Published: December 2020

Motion sickness is common in virtual environments. The risk of motion sickness varies widely between individuals and across situations. The subjective experience of motion sickness often is preceded by distinctive patterns of movement in the control of head and body posture. Previous research has documented reliable sex differences in the kinematics of postural activity, as well as reliable differences in postural activity between participants who were in control of a virtual vehicle and participants who were not. We asked whether postural precursors of motion sickness would simultaneously be influenced by individual and situational factors. We analyzed movement of the head and torso while seated participants were exposed to a driving video game presented through a head-mounted display. Half of the participants were women, and half were men. Using a yoked-control design, half of the participants controlled the virtual vehicle (Drivers), whereas half watched previously recorded vehicle trajectories (Passengers). The maximum exposure duration was 15 min, but participants were instructed to discontinue participation immediately if they experienced any symptoms of motion sickness, however mild. We analyzed movement kinematics not only in terms of sex and vehicle control but also in terms of participants who did or did not report motion sickness. Movement differed between Drivers and Passengers, in terms of both the spatial magnitude and multifractality of movement. The spatial magnitude of movement was simultaneously influenced by sex (men vs. women) and vehicle control (Drivers vs. Passengers). In addition, in statistically significant interactions, we identified postural precursors of motion sickness that differed between Drivers and Passengers and, separately, between Drivers and Passengers as a function of sex. The results are consistent with a prediction of the postural instability theory of motion sickness etiology and shed new light on the multifactorial origins of postural precursors of motion sickness in virtual environments.
Total Intracorporeal Robot Kidney Autotransplantation: Case Report and Description of Surgical Technique
Authors: Van Praet Charles , Lambert Edward , Desender Liesbeth , Van Parys Benjamin , Vanpeteghem Caroline , Decaestecker Karel
Published: December 2020

Introduction and Objectives: Kidney autotransplantation can be performed in patients with complex renal or ureteral pathology not suitable for in situ reconstruction, such as renal vasculature anomalies, patients with proximal or long complex ureteral strictures, or complex oncological cases. Robot-assisted surgery allows for a high-quality vascular and ureteral anastomosis and faster patient recovery. Robot-assisted kidney autotransplantation (RAKAT) is performed in two phases: nephrectomy and pelvic transplantation. In-between, extraction of the kidney allows for vascular reconstruction or kidney modification on the bench and safe cold ischemia can be established. If no bench reconstruction is needed, total intracorporeal RAKAT (tiRAKAT) is feasible. One case report in Europe has been described; however, to our knowledge no surgical video is available.

Methods: A 58 year-old woman suffered from right mid- and distal ureteral stenosis following pelvic radiotherapy 10 years prior for cervical cancer. A JJ stent was placed, but she suffered from recurrent urinary tract infections, and ultimately a nephrostomy was placed. Renogram demonstrated 43% relative right kidney function. As her bladder volume was low following radiotherapy, no Boari flap was possible and the patient refused life-long nephrostomy or nephrectomy. Therefore, tiRAKAT was performed using the DaVinci Xi system.

Results: We describe our surgical technique including a video. Surgical time (skin-to-skin) was 5 h and 45 min. Warm ischemia time was 4 min, cold ischemia 55 min, and rewarming ischemia 15 min. The abdominal catheter and bladder catheter were removed on the first and second postoperative day, respectively. The JJ stent was removed after 4 weeks. The patient suffered from pulmonary embolism on the second postoperative day, for which therapeutic low molecular weight heparin was started. No further complications occurred during the first 90 postoperative days. After 7 months, overall kidney function remained stable, right kidney function dropped non-significantly from 27 to 25.2 mL/min (−6.7%) on renal scintigraphy.

Conclusion: We demonstrated feasibility and, for the first time, a surgical video of tiRAKAT highlighting patient positioning, trocar placement, and intracorporeal cold ischemia technique.
Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Infection in Zoo Animals: A Review of Susceptibility and Disease Process
Authors: Roller Marco , Hansen Sören , Knauf-Witzens Tobias , Oelemann Walter M. R. , Czerny Claus-Peter , Abd El Wahed Ahmed , Goethe Ralph
Published: December 2020

Mycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosis(MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis (ParaTB or Johne's disease), a contagious, chronic and typically fatal enteric disease of domestic and non-domestic ruminants. Clinically affected animals present wasting and emaciation. However, MAP can also infect non-ruminant animal species with less specific signs. Zoological gardens harbor various populations of diverse animal species, which are managed on limited space at higher than natural densities. Hence, they are predisposed to endemic trans-species pathogen distribution. Information about the incidence and prevalence of MAP infections in zoological gardens and the resulting potential threat to exotic and endangered species are rare. Due to unclear pathogenesis, chronicity of disease as well as the unknown cross-species accuracy of diagnostic tests, diagnosis and surveillance of MAP and ParaTB is challenging. Differentiation between uninfected shedders of ingested bacteria; subclinically infected individuals; and preclinically diseased animals, which may subsequently develop clinical signs after long incubation periods, is crucial for the interpretation of positive test results in animals and the resulting consequences in their management. This review summarizes published data from the current literature on occurrence of MAP infection and disease in susceptible and affected zoo animal species as well as the applied diagnostic methods and measures. Clinical signs indicative for ParaTB, pathological findings and reports on detection, transmission and epidemiology in zoo animals are included. Furthermore, case reports were re-evaluated for incorporation into accepted consistent terminologies and case definitions.
Effect of Meperidine on Equine Blood Histamine, Tryptase, and Immunoglobulin-E Concentrations
Authors: Trenholme H. Nicole , Sakai Daniel M. , Berghaus Londa J. , Hanafi Amanda L. , Knych Heather K. , Ryan Clare A. , McHale Brittany , Banovic Frane , Quandt Jane E. , Barletta Michele , Reed Rachel A.
Published: December 2020

Objectives:To evaluate changes in immunological parameters following subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) administration of meperidine in horses through quantitative analysis of plasma tryptase, histamine, and IgE levels.

Methods:Six adult horses were enrolled in a prospective randomized crossover design. Horses were administered one treatment per day, with a seven day washout period: (a) meperidine 1 mg/kg IM, saline 6 mL SC; (b) saline 6 mL IM, meperidine 1 mg/kg SC; (c) saline 6 mL SC, saline 6 mL IM. Blood samples were obtained for plasmatic histamine (baseline, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min) via LC-MS/MS and plasmatic tryptase (baseline, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min) quantification with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations prior to any meperidine treatment and 7–14 days following the first meperidine treatment were evaluated with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays. Histamine and tryptase concentrations were evaluated with a mixed-effect analysis of variance. The levels of IgE at baseline (before the administration of the first dose of meperidine) were compared with the IgE values at 60 min following the second meperidine administration with the Pairedttest. Biopsies of localized injection site reactions from subcutaneous meperidine administration were collected from two horses.

Results:No statistically significant elevations from baseline in histamine (p= 0.595), tryptase (p= 0.836), or IgE (p= 0.844) were found in any of the horses in this study. There were no differences between treatment groups. Administration of SC meperidine caused a localized vasculitis and thrombosis with regional edema and hemorrhage.

Conclusion:No evidence of anaphylactoid or anaphylactic type reactions occurred following IM or SC meperidine administration.
MicroRNAome: Potential and Veritable Immunomolecular Therapeutic and Diagnostic Baseline for Lingering Bovine Endometritis
Authors: Oladejo Ayodele Olaolu , Li Yajuan , Wu Xiaohu , Imam Bereket Habte , Shen Wenxiang , Ding Xue Zhi , Wang Shengyi , Yan Zuoting
Published: December 2020

The bovine endometrium is a natural pathogen invasion barrier of the uterine tissues' endometrial epithelial cells that can resist foreign pathogen invasion by controlling the inflammatory immune response. Some pathogens suppress the innate immune system of the endometrium, leading to prolonged systemic inflammatory response through the blood circulation or cellular degradation resulting in bovine endometritis by bacterial endotoxins. The microRNA (miRNA) typically involves gene expression in multicellular organisms in post-transcription regulation by affecting both the stability and the translation of messenger RNA. Accumulated evidence suggests that miRNAs are important regulators of genes in several cellular processes. They are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs, which play pivotal roles in the inflammatory response of reproductive diseases. Studies confirmed that miRNAs play a key regulatory role in various inflammatory diseases by mediating the molecular mechanism of inflammatory cytokinesviasignal pathways. It implicates some miRNAs in the occurrence of bovine endometritis, resorting to regulating the activities of some inflammatory cytokines, chemokine, differentially expressed genes, and protein through modulating of specific cellular signal pathways functions. This review dwells on improving the knowledge of the role of miRNAs involvement in inflammatory response as to early diagnosis, control, and prevention of bovine endometritis and consequently enlighten on the molecular improvement of the genes coded by various differentially expressed miRNA through the need to adopt recent genetic technologies and the development of new pharmaceutical preparations.
Sense–Analyze–Respond–Actuate (SARA) Paradigm: Proof of Concept System Spanning Nanoscale and Macroscale Actuation for Detection of Escherichia coli in Aqueous Media
Authors: Giacobassi Cassie A. , Oliveira Daniela A. , Pola Cicero C. , Xiang Dong , Tang Yifan , Datta Shoumen Palit Austin , McLamore Eric S. , Gomes Carmen L.
Published: December 2020

Foodborne pathogens are a major concern for public health. We demonstrate for the first time a partially automated sensing system for rapid (~17 min), label-free impedimetric detection of Escherichia coli spp. in food samples (vegetable broth) and hydroponic media (aeroponic lettuce system) based on temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) nanobrushes. This proof of concept (PoC) for the Sense-Analyze-Respond-Actuate (SARA) paradigm uses a biomimetic nanostructure that is analyzed and actuated with a smartphone. The bio-inspired soft material and sensing mechanism is inspired by binary symbiotic systems found in nature, where low concentrations of bacteria are captured from complex matrices by brush actuation driven by concentration gradients at the tissue surface. To mimic this natural actuation system, carbon-metal nanohybrid sensors were fabricated as the transducer layer, and coated with PNIPAAm nanobrushes. The most effective coating and actuation protocol for E. coli detection at various temperatures above/below the critical solution temperature of PNIPAAm was determined using a series of electrochemical experiments. After analyzing nanobrush actuation in stagnant media, we developed a flow through system using a series of pumps that are triggered by electrochemical events at the surface of the biosensor. SARA PoC may be viewed as a cyber-physical system that actuates nanomaterials using smartphone-based electroanalytical testing of samples. This study demonstrates thermal actuation of polymer nanobrushes to detect (sense) bacteria using a cyber-physical systems (CPS) approach. This PoC may catalyze the development of smart sensors capable of actuation at the nanoscale (stimulus-response polymer) and macroscale (non-microfluidic pumping).
LEO Object’s Light-Curve Acquisition System and Their Inversion for Attitude Reconstruction
Authors: Piergentili Fabrizio , Zarcone Gaetano , Parisi Leonardo , Mariani Lorenzo , Hossein Shariar Hadji , Santoni Fabio
Published: December 2020

In recent years, the increase in space activities has brought the space debris issue to the top of the list of all space agencies. The fact of there being uncontrolled objects is a problem both for the operational satellites in orbit (avoiding collisions) and for the safety of people on the ground (re-entry objects). Optical systems provide valuable assistance in identifying and monitoring such objects. The Sapienza Space System and Space Surveillance (S5Lab) has been working in this field for years, being able to take advantage of a network of telescopes spread over different continents. This article is focused on the re-entry phase of the object; indeed, the knowledge of the state of the object, in terms of position, velocity, and attitude during the descent, is crucial in order to predict as accurately as possible the impact point on the ground. A procedure to retrieve the light curves of orbiting objects by means of optical data will be shown and a method to obtain the attitude determination from their inversion based on a stochastic optimization (genetic algorithm) will be proposed.
Effect of Dietary Methionine Deficiency Followed by a Re-Feeding Phase on the Hepatic Antioxidant Activities of Lambs
Authors: Liu Rong , Diao Qiyu , Cui Kai
Published: December 2020

Our objective was to investigate the effect of methionine restriction and resuming supply on liver antioxidant response in lambs. The concentrations of methionine and its metabolites and the expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a redox sensitive factor, were detected after methionine restriction treatment for 50 days and methionine supply recovery for 29 days. The expression of glutathione (GSH) S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were characterized at the level of transcription and translation. Methionine restriction can directly change the content of methionine and its metabolites in plasma and liver, and affect the redox state of lambs by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Liver tissue can adapt to oxidative environment by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as GSH-Px and SOD. Moreover, it was found that there was a lag effect in the recovery of metabolism after methionine supplementation.
Triple-Phase Multidetector Computed Tomography in Distinguishing Canine Hepatic Lesions
Authors: Stehlík Ladislav , Di Tommaso Morena , Del Signore Francesca , Paninárová Michaela , Terragni Rossella , Magni Tommaso , Pontonutti Luisa , Carloni Andrea , Alberti Monica , De Magistris Angela V. , Vignoli Massimo
Published: December 2020

The liver has a unique vascular supply, and triple-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography examinations are being performed in order to characterize liver lesions. This study aimed to look for any associations between the attenuation values of liver lesions and their histological classification. The inclusion criteria for this retrospective study were focal or multifocal liver lesions and histological diagnosis. All of the dogs underwent pre-contrast and triple-phase postcontrast computed tomography (CT) examinations with identical timings of the postcontrast series. Thirty-one dogs were included in the study, and various benign and malignant pathologies were identified. The results did not identify any significant differences between the benign and malignant liver lesions, nor between the individual histological diagnoses. Inflammatory lesions were significantly different compared to the normal liver parenchyma, and significant hypoattenuation was found in the portal and delayed venous phases. Hemangiosarcomas were significantly hypoattenuating to the normal liver parenchyma in the pre-contrast and arterial phases, and also to all of the benign lesions in the arterial phase. The other pathologies showed variable attenuation patterns in the different postcontrast phases, and differentiation was not possible. On the basis of this study, triple-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography cannot differentiate between benign and malignant liver lesions, and biopsy and further histological analysis are necessary.
Characterization of Subcutaneous Fat of Toscano Dry-Cured Ham and Identification of Processing Stage by Multivariate Analysis Approach Based on Volatile Profile
Authors: Sirtori Francesco , Aquilani Chiara , Dimauro Corrado , Bozzi Riccardo , Franci Oreste , Calamai Luca , Pezzati Antonio , Pugliese Carolina
Published: December 2020

During ham processing the action of endogenous proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes leads to the development of volatile compounds (VOCs) responsible of typical aromas. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) of Toscano ham requires at least 12 months of ripening but extended seasoning might improve flavor and economic value. This study aimed at assessing the evolution of color, fatty acids, and VOCs profile in subcutaneous fat, and, among VOCs, at identifying possible markers characterizing different seasoning length. For this purpose, a reduced pool of VOCs was selected by 3 multivariate statistical techniques (stepwise discriminant analysis, canonical discriminant analysis and discriminant analysis) to classify hams according to ripening (<12 months) or seasoning (≥12 months) periods and also to seasoning length (S12, S14, S16, or S18 months). The main VOCs chemical families steadily increased along ripening. Aldehydes and hydrocarbons reached their peaks at S16, acids and ketones remained constant from R6 to S16, whereas esters started decreasing after 12 months of seasoning. Stepwise analysis selected 5 compounds able to discriminate between ripening and seasoning periods, with 1,1-diethoxyhexane and dodecanoic acid being the most powerful descriptors for ripening and seasoning period, respectively. Instead, 12 compounds were needed to correctly classify hams within seasoning. Among them, undecanoic acid methyl ester, formic acid ethyl ester, 2,4,4-trimethylhexane, and 6-methoxy-2-hexanone had a central role in differentiating the seasoning length.
Quantitative Behavioral Analysis and Qualitative Classification of Attachment Styles in Domestic Dogs: Are Dogs with a Secure and an Insecure-Avoidant Attachment Different?
Authors: Riggio Giacomo , Gazzano Angelo , Zsilák Borbála , Carlone Beatrice , Mariti Chiara
Published: December 2020

Since several modified Strange Situation Procedures (SSP) have been used to investigate dog-to-owner attachment, in this study two different samples of dog-owner dyads underwent two modified versions of the SSP. Dogs’ attachment style to the owner was assessed based on a novel adaptation of the attachment pattern classification used for infant-caregivers. Dogs’ behavioral data were collected using continuous sampling and, in the second protocol, also with a scoring system for greeting and social play. In both studies, secure and avoidant dogs’ behavior was compared using the Mann Whitney test, while differences within each group across episodes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon paired sample test. The classification seemed to be effective at identifying both avoidant and secure attachment patterns in dogs. As expected, differences in key attachment behaviors, such as proximity/contact seeking toward the caregiver, between secure and avoidant dogs were more evident in the final episodes of the test. Differently from secure dogs, avoidant dogs did not show an increase in proximity/contact seeking behavior with the caregiver in any of the procedures. Further studies with larger samples are needed to support the effectiveness of this classification and investigate on the remaining attachment styles.
Biofilms as Promoters of Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance and Tolerance
Authors: Uruén Cristina , Chopo-Escuin Gema , Tommassen Jan , Mainar-Jaime Raúl C. , Arenas Jesús
Published: December 2020

Multidrug resistant bacteria are a global threat for human and animal health. However, they are only part of the problem of antibiotic failure. Another bacterial strategy that contributes to their capacity to withstand antimicrobials is the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are associations of microorganisms embedded a self-produced extracellular matrix. They create particular environments that confer bacterial tolerance and resistance to antibiotics by different mechanisms that depend upon factors such as biofilm composition, architecture, the stage of biofilm development, and growth conditions. The biofilm structure hinders the penetration of antibiotics and may prevent the accumulation of bactericidal concentrations throughout the entire biofilm. In addition, gradients of dispersion of nutrients and oxygen within the biofilm generate different metabolic states of individual cells and favor the development of antibiotic tolerance and bacterial persistence. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance may develop within biofilms through a variety of mechanisms. The expression of efflux pumps may be induced in various parts of the biofilm and the mutation frequency is induced, while the presence of extracellular DNA and the close contact between cells favor horizontal gene transfer. A deep understanding of the mechanisms by which biofilms cause tolerance/resistance to antibiotics helps to develop novel strategies to fight these infections.
Quantitative Ultrasound Texture Analysis to Assess the Spastic Muscles in Stroke Patients
Authors: Liu Peng-Ta , Wei Ta-Sen , Ching Congo Tak-Shing
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of sonoelastography for determining echotexture in post-stroke patients. Moreover, the relationships of muscle echotexture features, muscle stiffness, and functional performance in spastic muscle were explored. The study population comprised 22 males with stroke. The echotexture features (entropy and energy) of the biceps brachii muscles (BBM) in both arms were extracted by local binary pattern (LBP) from ultrasound images, whereas the stiffness of BBM was assessed by shear wave velocity (SWV) in the transverse and longitudinal planes. The Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA) was used to assess the functional performance of the upper arm. The results showed that echotexture was more inhomogeneous in the paretic BBM than in the non-paretic BBM. SWV was significantly faster in paretic BBM than in non-paretic BBM. Both echotexture features were significantly correlated with SWV in the longitudinal plane. The feature of energy was significantly negatively correlated with FMA in the longitudinal plane and was significantly positively correlated with the duration from stroke onset in the transverse plane. The echotexture extracted by LBP may be a promising approach for quantitative assessment of the spastic BBM in post-stroke patients.
Traffic Simulation of Future Intelligent Vehicles in Duisburg City Inner Ring
Authors: Ma Xiaoyi , Hu Xiaowei , Weber Thomas , Schramm Dieter
Published: December 2020

Intelligent vehicles gradually enter the vehicular fleet with advanced driver-assistance technologies. Their impact on traffic should, therefore, be considered by transportation decision-makers. This paper examines the effect of vehicles with different levels of automation on traffic flow, such as non-assisted vehicles, vehicles with driver assistance systems, and fully autonomous vehicles. The accuracy of the examined traffic scenario is also an important factor in microscopic traffic simulation. In this paper, the central part of the city of Duisburg, Duisburg’s inner ring, is chosen for the traffic scenario. Through the cooperation with local government, official data of Origin/Destination matrices, induction loops, and traffic light plans are provided for this work. Thus, traffic demand from Origin/Destination matrices and induction loops are generated and compared, respectively. Finally, vehicles with different levels of automation are simulated in the Duisburg inner ring scenario.
Three-Dimensional Determination of the Fusion Zone between the Distal Maxilla and the Pterygoid Plate of the Sphenoid Bone and Considerations for Implant Treatment Procedure
Authors: Ihde Stefan , Pałka Łukasz , Jarząb Sławomir , Janeczek Maciej , Goździewska-Harłajczuk Karolina , Klećkowska-Nawrot Joanna , Janus Izabela , Dobrzyński Maciej
Published: December 2020

During pre-operation planning, an implantologist has to decide about the location of a dental implant based on the available bone, anatomical structures and future prosthetics. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the configurations of the junction zone of the pterygoid process, maxillary tuberosity and pyramidal process among the population and to determine the usefulness of 3D model visualization in regard to precision of anatomical structure projections for clinical planning. A total of 72 cases were analyzed for seven measurements (lateral, medial, rostral, caudal, area, line-1 longitudinal, line-2 transverse) on both body sides—right (R) and left (L). In 57 cases, age and sex of the patient were given. In 15 cases this information was missing. Among the group of 57 cases with complete data, there were 30 females (F) and 27 males (M). A total of 57 models of upper jaws including the adjacent pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone were taken for investigation. The results of the comparison between the right and left side showed no differences (p > 0.05) in values of the measured parameters. The results of the comparison between males and females showed a statistically significant difference when assessing the line-2 transverse (p < 0.05)—in the male group the average was 8.22 mm, in the female group the average was lower (7.83 mm). No statistically significant differences in values of the measured parameters for females and males were found for the left side nor for the right side. In all examined specimens there was enough bone surface in the fusion zone to allow for the stable placement of one tuberopterygoid implant.
Fleet Resilience: Evaluating Maintenance Strategies in Critical Equipment
Authors: Durán Orlando , Aguilar Javier , Capaldo Andrea , Arata Adolfo
Published: December 2020

Resilience is an intrinsic characteristic of systems. Through it, the capacity of a system to react to the existence of disruptive events is expressed. A series of metrics to represent systems’ resilience have been proposed, however, only one indicator relates the availability of the system to this characteristic. With such a metric, it is possible to relate the topological aspects of a system and the resources available in order to be able to promptly respond to the loss of performance as a result of unexpected events. This work proposes the adaptation and application of such a resilience index to assess the influence of different maintenance strategies and topologies in fleets’ resilience. In addition, an application study considering an actual mining fleet is provided. A set of critical assets was identified and represented using reliability block diagrams. Monte Carlo simulation experiments were conducted and the system availability data were extracted. Resilience indexes were obtained in order to carry out the definition of the best maintenance policies in critical equipment and the assessment of the impact of modifying system redundancies. The main results of this work lead to the overall conclusion that redundancy is an important system attribute in order to improve resiliency along time.
Alien Wood Species as a Resource for Wood-Plastic Composites
Authors: Medved Sergej , Tomec Daša Krapež , Balzano Angela , Merela Maks
Published: December 2020

Since invasive alien species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss in the region and thus of changes in ecosystem services, it is important to find the best possible solution for their removal from nature and the best practice for their usability. The aim of the study was to investigate their properties as components of wood-plastic composites and to investigate the properties of the wood-plastic composites produced. The overall objective was to test the potential of available alien plant species as raw material for the manufacture of products. This would contribute to sustainability and give them a better chance of ending their life cycle. One of the possible solutions on a large scale is to use alien wood species for the production of wood plastic composites (WPC). Five invasive alien hardwood species have been used in combination with polyethylene powder (PE) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to produce various flat pressed WPC boards. Microstructural analyses (confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and mechanical tests (flexural strength, tensile strength) were performed. Furthermore, measurements of density, thickness swelling, water absorption and dimensional stability during heating and cooling were carried out. Comparisons were made between the properties of six WPC boards (five alien wood species and mixed boards). The results showed that the differences between different invasive alien wood species were less obvious in mechanical properties, while the differences in sorption properties and dimensional stability were more significant. The analyses of the WPC structure showed a good penetration of the polymer into the lumens of the wood cells and a fine internal structure without voids. These are crucial conditions to obtain a good, mechanically strong and water-resistant material.
Effect of Inter-Repetition Rest vs. Traditional Strength Training on Lower Body Strength, Rate of Force Development, and Muscle Architecture
Authors: Zaras Nikolaos , Stasinaki Angeliki-Nikoletta , Spiliopoulou Polyxeni , Mpampoulis Thomas , Hadjicharalambous Marios , Terzis Gerasimos
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of seven weeks inter-repetition rest vs. traditional strength training on lower body strength, rate of force development (RFD), and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture. Sixteen male participants were assigned into two groups: the inter-repetition rest (IRRG) and the traditional (TG) group. Both groups performed the leg press exercise with four sets of six maximum repetitions (RM) for two training sessions per week. IRRG added a 20 s inter-repetition rest period between single repetitions. Before and after the training period, 1-RM in leg press, isometric leg press RFD, and peak force (PF), VL muscle architecture, vastus intermedius (VI) thickness, and quadriceps’ cross sectional area (CSA) with ultrasonography, were measured. Two way ANOVA for repeated measures was used for statistics. One-RM strength increased similarly for both groups (p < 0.05), while percentage increases in RFD were greater for IRRG compared to TG (p < 0.05). Isometric PF was increased similarly for both groups (p < 0.05). VL and VI thickness as well as CSA of the quadriceps increased similarly in both groups, while VL fascicle length increased more following IRRG compared to TG (IRRG: 4.8 ± 6.1% vs. TG: −3.9 ± 5.4%, p = 0.001). These results suggest that 20 s inter-repetition rest during strength training may effectively increase lower body explosive strength and muscle fascicle length without compromising muscle hypertrophy.
Electronically Tunable Mixed-Mode Universal Filter Employing a Single Active Block and a Minimum Number of Passive Components
Authors: Faseehuddin Mohammad , Herencsar Norbert , Albrni Musa Ali , Sampe Jahariah
Published: December 2020

A recently developed active building block, namely Voltage Differencing Extra X Current Conveyor (VD-EXCCII), is employed in the design of multi input single output (MISO), electronically tunable mixed-mode universal filter. The filter provides low pass (LP), high pass (HP), band pass (BP), band reject (BR) and all pass (AP) responses in current-mode (CM), voltage-mode (VM), trans-impedance-mode (TIM) and trans-admittance-mode (TAM). The filter employs a single VD-EXCCII, three resistors and two capacitors. Additionally, a CM single input multi output (SIMO) filter can be derived from the same circuit topology by only adding current output terminals. The attractive features of the filter include: (i) the ability to operate in all four modes, (ii) the tunability of the Q factor independent of pole frequency, (iii) the low output impedance for the VM filter, (iv) the high output impedance current output for CM and TAM filters and (v) no requirement for double/negative input signals (voltage/current) for response realization. The VD-EXCCII and its layout is designed and validated in Cadence Virtuoso using 0.18 µm pdk from Silterra Malaysia with a supply voltage of ±1.25 V. The operation of the filter is examined at the 8.0844 MHz characteristic frequency. A non-ideal parasitic and sensitivity analysis is also carried out to study the effect of process and components spread on the filter performance.
Bonding of Selected Hardwoods with PVAc Adhesive
Authors: Iždinský Ján , Reinprecht Ladislav , Sedliačik Ján , Kúdela Jozef , Kučerová Viera
Published: December 2020

The bonding of wood with assembly adhesives is crucial for manufacturing wood composites, such as solid wood panels, glulam, furniture parts, and sport and musical instruments. This work investigates 13 hardwoods—bangkirai, beech, black locust, bubinga, ipé, iroko, maçaranduba, meranti, oak, palisander, sapelli, wengé and zebrano—and analyzes the impact of their selected structural and physical characteristics (e.g., the density, cold water extract, pH value, roughness, and wettability) on the adhesion strength with the polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive Multibond SK8. The adhesion strength of the bonded hardwoods, determined by the standard EN 205, ranged in the dry state from 9.5 MPa to 17.2 MPa, from 0.6 MPa to 2.6 MPa in the wet state, and from 8.5 MPa to 19.2 MPa in the reconditioned state. The adhesion strength in the dry state of the bonded hardwoods was not influenced by their cold water extracts, pH values, or roughness parallel with the grain. On the contrary, the adhesion strength was significantly with positive tendency influenced by their higher densities, lower roughness parameters perpendicular to the grain, and lower water contact angles.