bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: A Case Series of Rare High-Type Anorectal Malformations With Perineal Fistula: Beware of Urethral Involvement
Authors: Jun Lim Hui , Jacobsen Anette , Rai Rambha
Published: July 2021

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are one of the more common congenital anomalies encountered in pediatric surgery where the majority are diagnosed in the early neonatal period. The etiology of ARM remains uncertain and is likely to be multifactorial. A majority of ARMs result from abnormal development of the urorectal septum in early fetal life. There can be a broad range of presentation features varying from low anomalies with perineal fistula to high anomalies mandating intricate management. To develop a standardized system for comparison in follow-up studies, the Krickenbeck classification was introduced according to the type of fistula. According to the Krickenbeck classification of ARM, those with a rectoperineal fistula are classified as low-type ARM and are usually managed with a perineal anoplasty without colostomy. In this case series, we describe two rare cases of distinct high and intermediate ARM with rectoperineal fistulas, which were thought to be low-type ARM but were subsequently found to have urethral involvement. Our cases consisted of high and intermediate ARMs, which were successfully treated with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty as described. These cases exemplified rare variants of ARM where rectoperineal fistulas can be associated with high-type anomalies. Rare-variant ARM with rectopenile or rectoscrotal fistula can be associated with high-type anomalies in contrast to classical rectoperineal fistulas. A high index of suspicion should remain in cases with previous urinary tract infection despite normal imaging. Careful planning is also needed with consideration of possible need for urethral repair during anoplasty, which was needed in both our cases.
Treatment of Chronic Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia Based on Laparoscopic Repair: Experiences From 23 Cases
Authors: Liu Qiaonan , Luan Li , Zhang Guangyong , Li Bo
Published: July 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic repair for treating chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (CTDH).

Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we included 23 cases with CTDH underwent laparoscopy in our hospital between June 2015 and October 2019 was performed. The patient characteristics were recorded. We compared the diameter of hernia ring, surgery duration, intraoperative bleeding volume, means of repairing, as well as the follow-up data.

Results: All the patients underwent laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair, without conversion to laparotomy or thoracotomy. The operation time ranged from 60 min to 200 min (mean, 108.04 ± 42.93 min). The blood loss volume ranged from 10 to 300 ml (mean volume, 63.48 ± 71.69 ml). The postoperative hospital stayed ranged from 5 to 15 days (mean, 6.22 ± 2.11 days). The patients were followed up for 1–50 months (mean, 17.5 ± 10.90 months). No recurrence of diaphragmatic hernia was found.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of CTDH is featured by fast recovery, high security, and effectiveness. Reducing the hernia contents and close of the hernia ring are crucial for the surgery that is performed based on the size and location of the diaphragmatic hernia.
Avian Paramyxovirus Type 1 in Egypt: Epidemiology, Evolutionary Perspective, and Vaccine Approach
Authors: Mansour Shimaa M. G. , ElBakrey Reham M. , Mohamed Fakry F. , Hamouda Esraa E. , Abdallah Mona S. , Elbestawy Ahmed R. , Ismail Mahmoud M. , Abdien Hanan M. F. , Eid Amal A. M.
Published: July 2021

Avian orthoavulavirus1, formerly known as avian paramyxovirus type-1 (APMV-1), infects more than 250 different species of birds. It causes a broad range of clinical diseases and results in devastating economic impact due to high morbidity and mortality in addition to trade restrictions. The ease of spread has allowed the virus to disseminate worldwide with subjective virulence, which depends on the virus strain and host species. The emergence of new virulent genotypes among global epizootics, including those from Egypt, illustrates the time-to-time genomic alterations that lead to simultaneous evolution of distinct APMV-1 genotypes at different geographic locations across the world. In Egypt, the Newcastle disease was firstly reported in 1947 and continued to occur, despite rigorous prophylactic vaccination, and remained a potential threat to commercial and backyard poultry production. Since 2005, many researchers have investigated the nature of APMV-1 in different outbreaks, as they found several APMV-1 genotypes circulating among various species. The unique intermingling of migratory, free-living, and domesticated birds besides the availability of frequently mobile wild birds in Egypt may facilitate the evolution power of APMV-1 in Egypt. Pigeons and waterfowls are of interest due to their inclusion in Egyptian poultry industry and their ability to spread the infection to other birds either by presence of different genotypes (as in pigeons) or by harboring a clinically silent disease (as in waterfowl). This review details (i) the genetic and pathobiologic features of APMV-1 infections in Egypt, (ii) the epidemiologic and evolutionary events in different avian species, and (iii) the vaccine applications and challenges in Egypt.
Performance, Serum Biochemical and Immunological Parameters, and Digestive Enzyme and Intestinal Barrier-Related Gene Expression of Broiler Chickens Fed Fermented Fava Bean By-Products as a Substitute for Conventional Feed
Authors: Omar Anaam E. , Al-Khalaifah Hanan S. , Ismail Tamer Ahmed , Abd El-Aziz Reda M. , El-Mandrawy Shefaa A. M. , Shalaby Shymaa I. , Ibrahim Doaa
Published: July 2021

Improving the nutritional quality of unconventional feed ingredients such as fava bean by-products can enhance their utilization by broiler chickens. Hence, the quality of fermented fava bean by-products (FFB), in addition to growth, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme, and intestinal barrier-related gene expression, and serum biochemical and immunological parameters were evaluated in response to different levels of FFB. A total of 500 1-day-old broiler chicks (46.00 ± 0.388 g) were allocated to five groups with 10 replicates each (100 chicks per treatment). The first group was fed a corn–soybean diet (control diet), and the other four groups were fed a diet containing 5, 15, 25, and 35% FFB for 38 days. Birds fed 25% FFB exhibited maximum body weight gain (increase by 12.5%, compared with the control group) and the most improved feed conversion ratio. Additionally, birds fed FFB at 15, 25, and 35% showed improved dry matter and crude protein digestibility. Moreover, birds fed FFB at 25 and 35% exhibited a decrease in ileal pH and an increase in fiber digestibility (p < 0.05). Upregulation of digestive enzyme genes (AMY2A, PNLIP, and CCK) was observed in groups fed with FFB. The most prominent upregulation of genes encoding tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and junctional adhesion molecules) in the duodenum was observed in chicks fed 25 and 35% FFB (increase of 0.66-, 0.31-, and 1.06-fold and 0.74-, 0.44-, and 0.92-fold, respectively). Additionally, the highest expression level of enterocyte protective genes [glucagon-like peptide (GLP-2), mucin-2 (MUC-2), and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP-6)] was detected in duodenum of chicks fed high levels of FFB. Substitution of corn–soybean diet with FFB had an inhibitory effect on cecal pathogenic microbes (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens) and increased beneficial microflora (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium), especially at high levels. Additionally, an increase was observed in IgM and lysozyme activity, with no effect on IgA in all groups fed FFB. All levels of FFB decreased cholesterol levels. Based on our results, we concluded that substitution of corn–soybean diet with FFB can improve the growth rate and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens, enhance their intestinal barrier functions, and increase the number of beneficial microorganisms. Using FFB at 25% had a positive effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens, and it could be utilized in poultry farms.
La necesidad evolutiva de la psicoterapia
Authors: Cozolino Louis J. , Sprokay Susan L.
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se exploran los aspectos históricos, científicos y teóricos de la emergencia de la psicoterapia desde sus raíces iniciales en la neurología. Ver el cerebro en su contexto evolutivo ayuda a entender su organización, sus vulnerabilidades y la necesidad emergente de la psicoterapia. Estos principios se ligan a cuestiones clínicas cotidianas para los terapeutas tales como el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la educación de los clientes sobre su funcionamiento cerebral.
Neurociencias y psicoterapia: retorno a lo básico
Authors: Gonçalves Óscar F. , Cerqueira João , Guimarães Cármen , Belpalme Jenniffer , Amorim Liliana , Peixoto Manuela , Sousa Nuno
Published: July 2021

La investigación en neurociencias cognitivas ha avanzado recientemente hasta alcanzar un lugar primordial en la búsqueda de un fundamento científico para el tratamiento psicoterapéutico. De hecho, la comprensión de cómo el mantenimiento, la supervivencia o el cambio neurológico están mediatizados por procesos psicológicos es fundamental para avanzar nuestro conocimiento sobre los mecanismos de la psicoterapia. Este estudio es un intento de aproximar la psicoterapia a la investigación neurocognitiva y tiene como objetivo fomentar la comprensión de los procesos neurobiológicos de reversión de los efectos del estrés crónico mediante tareas análogas a las terapéuticas. En concreto, sus objetivos son: (1) comparar la memoria de trabajo espacial y la flexibilidad conductual en la ejecución de tareas en un grupo de ratas adultas sometidas a estrés crónico impredecible y un grupo control de ratas de la misma edad; y (2) comprobar los efectos moduladores de una tarea análoga al tratamiento cognitivo que pretende contrarrestar los efectos del estrés crónico impredecible. Los resultados confirman que el estrés daña la memoria de referencia así como la memoria de trabajo espacial y las tareas de inversión de aprendizaje. Más aún, este estudio demuestra también que los efectos perjudiciales del estrés sobre la memoria de trabajo espacial pueden ser atenuados por una tarea análoga a un tratamiento cognitivo introducida en la última fase de la exposición al estrés, efecto que parece específico del grupo (animales estresados) y de la tarea (memoria de trabajo espacial).
Transferencia y ajuste de personalidad en la relación Sancho-Quijote
Authors: Ortiz Oria Vicente M.
Published: July 2021

Defendemos la hipótesis de que la aportación de Sancho es decisiva en el desarrollo de la progresiva «sensatez « y «cordura» que adquiere el caballero a lo largo de la novela. La sensatez filosófica de Sancho y su capacidad de «organizador psíquico» influye en D. Quijote reequilibrando su distorsión, hasta el punto de ser, con su elocuencia, artífice persuasivo de la adaptación que desarrolla el caballero. La relación transferencial y contratransferencial que acontecen en la relación Quijote-Sancho, caracteriza una «simbiosis discursiva» que determina el comportamiento de los personajes, sin cuyo análisis no se puede configurar la relación. Nos detendremos en los pasajes de la novela que reproducen algunas de estas situaciones y cambios de visión que denotan una realidad interna y narrativa diferente. D. Quijote se “organiza” y pierde atrevimientos en tanto se adhiere a las proposiciones de Sancho asumiéndolas. Para acabar, en una clarificación de la distorsión que le lleva a la «muerte», al verse Alonso Quijano sin posibilidad de ser y/o seguir siendo D. Quijote de la Mancha.
Relaciones de dependencia: ¿cómo llenar un vacio existencial?
Authors: Mallor Plou Pilar
Published: July 2021

Empieza el artículo comparando el vacío provocado por la dependencia en las relaciones afectivas de pareja al síndrome de abstinencia, propio de las adicciones a sustancias. Este símil se desarrolla a lo largo del artículo a través del análisis de casos, de testimonios en primera persona y de metáforas extraídas de relatos literarios. El proceso de recuperación de una relación de dependencia se asimila a un proceso de duelo que inicia con la rabia y la tristeza por una pérdida y termina con la aceptación tras un largo viaje interior hacia la esencia de la autonomía.
Un bastón en el que apoyarse: historia de superación de una relación de dependencia
Authors: Azorín Eva
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se presenta un caso de dependencia en la relación de pareja, acompañado de comorbilidad hipocondríaca y claustrofóbica. El caso se analiza en su contexto evolutivo y estructural. Se describen igualmente los pasos en su proceso de liberación terapéutica hasta la separación matrimonial en que culmina.
Psicoterapia desde la transculturalidad y la migración
Authors: Tseng Wen-Shing
Published: July 2021

La naturaleza de la psicoterapia para pacientes de diferente origen étnico y cultural, incluyendo inmigrantes y refugiados, se elabora a partir de: la orientación de la psicoterapia, la comunicación en la terapia, la utilización de un intérprete, la relación terapeuta-paciente, la comprensión de los problemas y el objetivo perseguido por la psicoterapia. El énfasis se pone en la necesidad de la terapia cultural competente para cada paciente pero se requiere particular atención y esfuerzo cuando existe una amplia distancia cultural con los terapeutas, tal como sucede con los inmigrantes o las minorías étnicas.
Terapia culturalmente sensible: un acercamiento antropológico
Authors: Gailly A.
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo ofrece un modelo a la terapia culturalmente sensible para responder a una diversidad cultural en el cuidado de la salud (mental)2. La terapia culturalmente sensible no puede basarse en datos etnográficos puramente comparativos o en el desarrollo de habilidades técnicas. Esto llevaría a demasiadas teorías étnicamente basadas y la importancia del multiculturalismo sería trivializada. La idea de una terapia sensible a la cultura, por tanto, afecta al potencial para una «crisis de relativismo». En nuestro acercamiento, la cultura ya no es considerada como un concepto estático y materializado, sino como un proceso, una creación contextual y la construcción social de significado. Esto implica una perspectiva inter-subjetiva en la cual los comportamientos, pensamientos y sentimientos del clínico y del paciente se convierten en campo de interacción que opera en niveles múltiples, dentro del cual el paciente y el clínico trabajan para construir un significado (cultural). En esta perspectiva los elementos culturales en los procesos de transferencia y contra-transferencia son muy importantes. También deberíamos aclarar que la salud mental, en modelos para diagnóstico y tratamiento, no deberían sólo buscar las dimensiones físicas, sociales y psicológicas, sino también las culturales.
Grupos de madres extranjeras en la migración
Authors: Chinosi Lia
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se consideran los problemas relacionados con el fenómeno de la inmigración, tales como la identidad personal y social. A través del trabajo con grupos homogéneos se intenta facilitar desde una perspectiva etnopsiquiátrica la integración y los cambios necesarios para introducirse en una nueva sociedad, salvando en la medida de los posible los valores de la cultura original.
Multi-Allelic Haplotype-Based Association Analysis Identifies Genomic Regions Controlling Domestication Traits in Intermediate Wheatgrass
Authors: Bajgain Prabin , Anderson James A.
Published: July 2021

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) is a perennial forage grass undergoing a rigorous domestication as a grain crop. As a young grain crop, several agronomic and domestication traits need improvement for IWG to be relevant in current agricultural landscapes. This study genetically maps six domestication traits in the fourth cycle IWG breeding population at the University of Minnesota: height, seed length, seed width, shattering, threshability, and seed mass. A weak population structure was observed and linkage disequilibrium (r2) declined rapidly: 0.23 mega base pairs at conventional r2 value of 0.2. Broad-sense heritabilities were overall high and ranged from 0.71–0.92. Association analysis was carried out using 25,909 single SNP markers and 5379 haplotype blocks. Thirty-one SNP markers and 17 haplotype blocks were significantly associated with the domestication traits. These associations were of moderate effect as they explained 4–6% of the observed phenotypic variation. Ten SNP markers were also detected by the haplotype association analysis. One SNP marker on Chromosome 8, also discovered in haplotype block analysis, was common between seed length and seed mass. Increasing the frequency of favorable alleles in IWG populations via marker-assisted selection and genomic selection is an effective approach to improve IWG’s domestication traits.
The Organisational Resilience (OR) of Rural Non-Profits (RNPOs) under Conditions of the COVID-19 Pandemic Global Uncertainty
Authors: Paluszak Grzegorz Tadeusz , Wiśniewska-Paluszak Joanna Alicja , Schmidt Joanna , Lira Jarosław
Published: July 2021

The study investigated the organisational resilience (OR) levels of rural non-profit organisations (RNPOs) in the areas of activity or non-activity to adapt under the global uncertainty conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, in April/May 2020, the managers of 35 RNPOs located in Poland were queried. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρS), the coefficient of determination (R2) and a transformation coefficient (d) were primarily used to verify the hypotheses and interpret the relationships studied. The study revealed four OR descriptive levels—progressive (PR), sustainable (SR), regressive (RR), and downward (DR). The findings also show that the undertaken activities are related to the OR descriptive levels. RNPOs realised one of two adaptations: passive adaptation aimed at returning to the pre-pandemic original state with no changes may lead to a bounce backwards and an uncertain survival, whilst active adaptation leads to a transformation process between OR levels to move forward and thrive in adapting to post-pandemic changes. This study confirmed that building OR requires understanding the ways of transformations among OR levels to undertake activities in strategic areas, i.e., activity scope (AS), cooperation (CO), and finance (FI), to adapt and transform RNPOs’ in an environment of post-pandemic uncertainty.
Soil Greenhouse Gas Responses to Biomass Removal in the Annual and Perennial Cropping Phases of an Integrated Crop Livestock System
Authors: Christenson Elizabeth , Jin Virginia L. , Schmer Marty R. , Mitchell Robert B. , Redfearn Daren D.
Published: July 2021

Diversifying agronomic production systems by combining crops and livestock (i.e., Integrated Crop Livestock systems; ICL) may help mitigate the environmental impacts of intensive single-commodity production. In addition, harvesting row-crop residues and/or perennial biomass could increase the multi-functionality of ICL systems as a potential source for second-generation bioenergy feedstock. Here, we evaluated non-CO2 soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from both row-crop and perennial grass phases of a field-scale model ICL system established on marginally productive, poorly drained cropland in the western US Corn Belt. Soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) were measured during the 2017–2019 growing seasons under continuous corn (Zea mays L.) and perennial grass treatments consisting of a common pasture species, ‘Newell’ smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.), and two cultivars of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), ‘Liberty’ and ‘Shawnee.’ In the continuous corn system, we evaluated the impact of stover removal by mechanical baling vs. livestock grazing for systems with and without winter cover crop, triticale (x Triticosecale neoblaringhemii A. Camus; hexaploid AABBRR). In perennial grasslands, we evaluated the effect of livestock grazing vs. no grazing. We found that (1) soil N2O emissions are generally higher in continuous corn systems than perennial grasslands due to synthetic N fertilizer use; (2) winter cover crop use had no effect on total soil GHG emissions regardless of stover management treatment; (3) stover baling decreased total soil GHG emissions, though grazing stover significantly increased emissions in one year; (4) grazing perennial grasslands tended to increase GHG emissions in pastures selected for forage quality, but were highly variable from year to year; (5) ICL systems that incorporate perennial grasses will provide the most effective GHG mitigation outcomes.
Antibacterial Potential of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Poultry-Associated Foodborne Pathogens: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mohd Yusof Hidayat , Abdul Rahman Nor’Aini , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Hasanah Zaidan Uswatun , Samsudin Anjas Asmara
Published: July 2021

Since the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the poultry industry is currently a serious threat, there is an urgent need to develop a more efficient and alternative antibacterial substance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have exhibited antibacterial efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms. Although the in vitro antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs has been studied, little is known about the antibacterial mechanisms of ZnO NPs against poultry-associated foodborne pathogens. In the present study, ZnO NPs were successfully synthesized using Lactobacillus plantarum TA4, characterized, and their antibacterial potential against common avian pathogens (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) was investigated. Confirmation of ZnO NPs by UV-Visual spectroscopy showed an absorption band center at 360 nm. Morphologically, the synthesized ZnO NPs were oval with an average particle size of 29.7 nm. Based on the dissolution study of Zn2+, ZnO NPs released more ions than their bulk counterparts. Results from the agar well diffusion assay indicated that ZnO NPs effectively inhibited the growth of the three poultry-associated foodborne pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were assessed using various concentrations of ZnO NPs, which resulted in excellent antibacterial activity as compared to their bulkier counterparts. S. aureus was more susceptible to ZnO NPs compared to the other tested bacteria. Furthermore, the ZnO NPs demonstrated substantial biofilm inhibition and eradication. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular material leakage was quantified to determine the underlying antibacterial mechanisms, whereas a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the morphological changes of tested bacteria treated with ZnO NPs. The findings suggested that ROS-induced oxidative stress caused membrane damage and bacterial cell death. Overall, the results demonstrated that ZnO NPs could be developed as an alternative antibiotic in poultry production and revealed new possibilities in combating pathogenic microorganisms.
A Fine-Tuned Lipophilicity/Hydrophilicity Ratio Governs Antibacterial Potency and Selectivity of Bifurcated Halogen Bond-Forming NBTIs
Authors: Kolarič Anja , Kokot Maja , Hrast Martina , Weiss Matjaž , Zdovc Irena , Trontelj Jurij , Žakelj Simon , Anderluh Marko , Minovski Nikola
Published: July 2021

Herein, we report the design of a focused library of novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) based on innovative mainly monocyclic right-hand side fragments active against DNA gyrase and Topo IV. They exhibit a very potent and wide range of antibacterial activity, even against some of the most concerning hard-to-treat pathogens for which new antibacterials are urgently needed, as reported by the WHO and CDC. NBTIs enzyme activity and whole cell potency seems to depend on the fine-tuned lipophilicity/hydrophilicity ratio that governs the permeability of those compounds through the bacterial membranes. Lipophilicity of NBTIs is apparently optimal for passing through the membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, but the higher, although not excessive lipophilicity and suitable hydrophilicity seems to determine the passage through Gram-negative bacterial membranes. However, due to the considerable hERG inhibition, which is still at least two orders of magnitude away from MICs, continued optimization is required to realize their full potential.
Hamstring Injury Prevention Program and Recommendation for Stride Frequency during Tow-Training Optimization
Authors: Sugiura Yusaku , Sakuma Kazuhiko , Fujita Shimpei , Sakuraba Keishoku
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: Although innovations and improvements in towing systems have been available, tow-training method has not been considered favored in the training context. Tow-training may enable high stride frequency if hamstring injuries do not occur. The purpose of this study was to prevent hamstring injuries during supramaximal running and to optimize tow-training. (2) Methods: We investigated the relationship between the number of hamstring injuries that occurred during supramaximal running and the contents of the prevention programs that have been implemented, i.e., 4 years of the baseline programs and 12 years of the intervention. (3) Results: The incidence of hamstring injuries per 1000 sprinters was 57.5 for baseline and 6.7 for intervention. A significant difference was observed in the incidence of hamstring injury between the different combinations of prevention programs (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Tow-training was optimized by (1) preventing hamstring injuries by combination of strength, agility, and flexibility training programs and (2) advising the sprinters to press the leg onto the ground as fast as possible to increase stride frequency and to prevent stride lengthening.
Investigation on the Effect of Femtosecond Laser Induced Spin Transfer Torque of GdFeCo Alloy
Authors: Huang Haozhe , Wang Haiwei , Zeng Zhihao , Wang Rongyao , Zhang Xinyu , Cheng Weiming , Xie Changsheng
Published: July 2021

All-optical magnetic switching (AOS) provides a novel approach to improve writing ability and energy efficiency compared to those utilized in the mainstream magnetic data storage products. Rare earth-transition metals (RE-TM) exhibit extremely fast magnetization switching induced by one single incident linearly polarized laser pulse; however, the mechanism is still ambiguous. Here, we show by atomistic spin simulation that the laser induced spin transfer torque dominates the magnetization reversal of Fe sublattice in Gd25Fe75 alloy, and that the switching speed of Gd25Fe75 alloy is relevant to the amount of spin current. This implies that a possible helicity independent mechanism underlies the RE-TM alloy AOS process. We also find that the greater the spin current density the faster the magnetization switching, and the time magnetization reversal of Gd and Fe takes is also affected by the spin current density.
Ultrasonic Array Imaging of Nuclear Austenitic V-Shape Welds with Inhomogeneous and Unknown Anisotropic Properties
Authors: Menard Corentin , Robert Sébastien , Lesselier Dominique
Published: July 2021

The quality of ultrasound images of welds is highly penalized by the dendritic structure of the material that forms during cooling. The image of a flaw is all the more degraded as a reliable description of such a medium is most of the time not possible, due to the poor knowledge on the weld at time of inspection. In a previous work, we demonstrated the efficiency of an optimization procedure to correct a degraded Total Focusing Method (TFM) image of a point-like reflector inside a homogeneous weld, with uniaxial grain orientation. In the present contribution, this procedure is extended to more realistic welds with a varying grain orientation, and it is evaluated with a 64-element array emitting at 5 MHz on stainless steel weld samples featuring side-drilled holes of 1 mm diameter. A first proof of concept with simulated echoes, and then two experiments show that defects that were hardly visible on TFM images before the optimization are now well reconstructed and with positioning errors inferior to 1 mm.
Dynamical Analysis of Biological Signals with the 0–1 Test: A Case Study of the PhotoPlethysmoGraphic (PPG) Signal
Authors: de Pedro-Carracedo Javier , Ugena Ana María , Gonzalez-Marcos Ana Pilar
Published: July 2021

The 0–1 test distinguishes between regular and chaotic dynamics for a deterministic system using a time series as a starting point without appealing to any state space reconstruction method. A modification of the 0–1 test allows for the determination of a more comprehensive range of signal dynamic behaviors, particularly in the field of biological signals. We report the results of applying the test and study with more details the PhotoPlethysmoGraphic (PPG) signal behavior from different healthy young subjects, although its use is extensible to other biological signals. While mainly used for heart rate and blood oxygen saturation monitoring, the PPG signal contains extensive physiological dynamics information. We show that the PPG signal, on a healthy young individual, is predominantly quasi-periodic on small timescales (short span of time concerning the dominant frequency). However, on large timescales, PPG signals yield an aperiodic behavior that can be firmly chaotic or a prior transition via an SNA (Strange Nonchaotic Attractor). The results are based on the behavior of well-known time series that are random, chaotic, aperiodic, periodic, and quasi-periodic.
Motion Planning of Nonholonomic Mobile Manipulators with Manipulability Maximization Considering Joints Physical Constraints and Self-Collision Avoidance
Authors: Leoro Josuet , Hsiao Tesheng
Published: July 2021

The motion of nonholonomic mobile manipulators (NMMs) is inherently constrained by joint limits, joint velocity limits, self-collisions and singularities. Most motion planning algorithms consider some of the aforementioned constraints, however, a unified framework to deal with all of them is lacking. This paper proposes a motion planning solution for the kinematic trajectory tracking of redundant NMMs that include all the constraints needed for practical implementation, which improves the manipulability of both the entire system and the manipulator to prevent singularities. Experiments using a 10-DOF NMM demonstrate the good performance of the proposed method for executing 6-DOF trajectories while satisfying all the constraints and simultaneously maximizing manipulability.
Rosmarinic Acid, a Bioactive Phenolic Compound, Inhibits Glutamate Release from Rat Cerebrocortical Synaptosomes through GABAA Receptor Activation
Authors: Wang Che-Chuan , Hsieh Pei-Wen , Kuo Jinn-Rung , Wang Su-Jane
Published: July 2021

Rosmarinic acid, a major component of rosemary, is a polyphenolic compound with potential neuroprotective effects. Asreducing the synaptic release of glutamate is crucial to achieving neuroprotectant’s pharmacotherapeutic effects, the effect of rosmarinic acid on glutamate release was investigated in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Rosmarinic acid depressed the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-induced glutamate release in a concentration-dependent manner. The removal of extracellular calcium and the blockade of vesicular transporters prevented the inhibition of glutamate release by rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid reduced 4-AP-induced intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ elevation. The inhibition of N-, P/Q-type Ca2+ channels and the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) prevented rosmarinic acid from having effects on glutamate release. Rosmarinic acid also reduced the 4-AP-induced activation of CaMKII and the subsequent phosphorylation of synapsin I, the main presynaptic target of CaMKII. In addition, immunocytochemistry confirmed the presence of GABAA receptors. GABAA receptor agonist and antagonist blocked the inhibitory effect of rosmarinic acid on 4-AP-evoked glutamate release. Docking data also revealed that rosmarinic acid formed a hydrogen bond with the amino acid residues of GABAA receptor. These results suggested that rosmarinic acid activates GABAA receptors in cerebrocortical synaptosomes to decrease Ca2+ influx and CaMKII/synapsin I pathway to inhibit the evoked glutamate release.
Hypoxia-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells through miR-545-3p–TNFSF10
Authors: Kuo Mei-Chuan , Chang Wei-An , Wu Ling-Yu , Tsai Yi-Chun , Hsu Ya-Ling
Published: July 2021

Hypoxia is regarded as one of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of kidney injury and further progression to kidney failure. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in kidney tubules is a critical process of kidney fibrosis. This study utilized transcriptome analysis to investigate hypoxia-induced EMT through microRNA (miRNA)-modulated EMT in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). RNA sequencing revealed eight miRNAs were upregulated and three miRNAs were downregulated in PTECs cultured under hypoxia compared with normoxia. Among the 11 miRNAs, miR-545-3p has the highest expression in PTECs exposed to hypoxia, and miR-545-3p suppressed tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/TNFSF10) expression. Hypoxia induced EMT in PTECs through miR-545-3p–TNFSF10 modulation, and TNFSF10-attenuated EMT resulted from hypoxia or miR-545-3p mimic transfection. These findings provided new perceptions of the unique regulation of the miR-545-3p–TNFSF10 interaction and their potential therapeutic effect in kidney injury induced by hypoxia.
Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine: A Legal Insight
Authors: Vidalis Takis
Published: July 2021

The involvement of artificial intelligence in biomedicine promises better support for decision-making both in conventional and research medical practice. Yet two important issues emerge in relation to personal data handling, and the influence of AI on patient/doctor relationships. The development of AI algorithms presupposes extensive processing of big data in biobanks, for which procedures of compliance with data protection need to be ensured. This article addresses this problem in the framework of the EU legislation (GDPR) and explains the legal prerequisites pertinent to various categories of health data. Furthermore, the self-learning systems of AI may affect the fulfillment of medical duties, particularly if the attending physicians rely on unsupervised applications operating beyond their direct control. The article argues that the patient informed consent prerequisite plays a key role here, not only in conventional medical acts but also in clinical research procedures.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Brain -Microvascular Endothelial Cell Driven Changes in -Vascular Pericytes
Authors: Kurmann Lisa , Okoniewski Michal , Dubey Raghvendra
Published: July 2021

Many pathological conditions of the brain are associated with structural abnormalities within the neurovascular system and linked to pericyte (PC) loss and/or dysfunction. Since crosstalk between endothelial cells (ECs) and PCs greatly impacts the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), effects of PCs on endothelial integrity and function have been investigated extensively. However, the impact of ECs on the function and activity of PCs remains largely unknown. Hence, using co-cultures of human brain vascular PCs with human cerebral microvascular ECs on opposite sides of porous Transwell inserts which facilitates direct EC–PC contact and improves EC barrier function, we analyzed EC-driven transcriptomic changes in PCs using microarrays and changes in cytokines/chemokines using proteome arrays. Gene expression analysis (GEA) in PCs co-cultured with ECs versus PCs cultured alone showed significant upregulation of 1′334 genes and downregulation of 964 genes. GEA in co-cultured PCs revealed increased expression of five prominent PC markers as well as soluble factors, such as transforming growth factor beta, fibroblast growth factor, angiopoietin 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, all of which are involved in EC–PC crosstalk and BBB induction. Pathway enrichment analysis of modulated genes showed a strong impact on many inflammatory and extracellular matrix (ECM) pathways including interferon and interleukin signaling, TGF-β and interleukin-1 regulation of ECM, as well as on the mRNA processing pathway. Interestingly, while co-culture induced the mRNA expression of many chemokines and cytokines, including several CCL- and CXC-motif ligands and interleukins, we observed a decreased expression of the same inflammatory mediators on the protein level. Importantly, in PCs, ECs significantly induced interferon associated proteins (IFIT1, IFI44L, IF127, IFIT3, IFI6, IFI44) with anti-viral actions; downregulated prostaglandin E receptor 2 (prevent COX-2 mediated BBB damage); upregulated fibulin-3 and connective tissue growth factor essential for BBB integrity; and multiple ECMs (collagens and integrins) that inhibit cell migration. Our findings suggest that via direct contact, ECs prime PCs to induce molecules to promote BBB integrity and cell survival during infection and inflammatory insult. Taken together, we provide first evidence that interaction with ECs though porous membranes induces major changes in the transcriptomic and proteomic profile of PCs. ECs influence genes involved in diverse aspects of PC function including PC maturation, cell survival, anti-viral defense, blood flow regulation, immuno-modulation and ECM deposition.
Cerebral Organoids—Challenges to Establish a Brain Prototype
Authors: Eremeev Artem V. , Lebedeva Olga S. , Bogomiakova Margarita E. , Lagarkova Maria A. , Bogomazova Alexandra N.
Published: July 2021

The new cellular models based on neural cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells have greatly enhanced our understanding of human nervous system development. Highly efficient protocols for the differentiation of iPSCs into different types of neural cells have allowed the creation of 2D models of many neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system development. However, the 2D culture of neurons is an imperfect model of the 3D brain tissue architecture represented by many functionally active cell types. The development of protocols for the differentiation of iPSCs into 3D cerebral organoids made it possible to establish a cellular model closest to native human brain tissue. Cerebral organoids are equally suitable for modeling various CNS pathologies, testing pharmacologically active substances, and utilization in regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, this technology is still at the initial stage of development.
Implant Fibrosis and the Underappreciated Role of Myofibroblasts in the Foreign Body Reaction
Authors: Noskovicova Nina , Hinz Boris , Pakshir Pardis
Published: July 2021

Body implants and implantable medical devices have dramatically improved and prolonged the life of countless patients. However, our body repair mechanisms have evolved to isolate, reject, or destroy any object that is recognized as foreign to the organism and inevitably mounts a foreign body reaction (FBR). Depending on its severity and chronicity, the FBR can impair implant performance or create severe clinical complications that will require surgical removal and/or replacement of the faulty device. The number of review articles discussing the FBR seems to be proportional to the number of different implant materials and clinical applications and one wonders, what else is there to tell? We will here take the position of a fibrosis researcher (which, coincidentally, we are) to elaborate similarities and differences between the FBR, normal wound healing, and chronic healing conditions that result in the development of peri-implant fibrosis. After giving credit to macrophages in the inflammatory phase of the FBR, we will mainly focus on the activation of fibroblastic cells into matrix-producing and highly contractile myofibroblasts. While fibrosis has been discussed to be a consequence of the disturbed and chronic inflammatory milieu in the FBR, direct activation of myofibroblasts at the implant surface is less commonly considered. Thus, we will provide a perspective how physical properties of the implant surface control myofibroblast actions and accumulation of stiff scar tissue. Because formation of scar tissue at the surface and around implant materials is a major reason for device failure and extraction surgeries, providing implant surfaces with myofibroblast-suppressing features is a first step to enhance implant acceptance and functional lifetime. Alternative therapeutic targets are elements of the myofibroblast mechanotransduction and contractile machinery and we will end with a brief overview on such targets that are considered for the treatment of other organ fibroses.
Current Evidence for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Lung Metastases
Authors: Gutiérrez Enrique , Sánchez Irving , Díaz Omar , Valles Adrián , Balderrama Ricardo , Fuentes Jesús , Lara Brenda , Olimón Cipatli , Ruiz Víctor , Rodríguez José , Bayardo Luis H. , Chan Matthew , Villafuerte Conrad J. , Padayachee Jerusha , Sun Alexander
Published: July 2021

Lung metastases are the second most common malignant neoplasms of the lung. It is estimated that 20–54% of cancer patients have lung metastases at some point during their disease course, and at least 50% of cancer-related deaths occur at this stage. Lung metastases are widely accepted to be oligometastatic when five lesions or less occur separately in up to three organs. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a noninvasive, safe, and effective treatment for metastatic lung disease in carefully selected patients. There is no current consensus on the ideal dose and fractionation for SBRT in lung metastases, and it is the subject of study in ongoing clinical trials, which examines different locations in the lung (central and peripheral). This review discusses current indications, fractionations, challenges, and technical requirements for lung SBRT.
Brain Tissue Low-Level Mosaicism for MTOR Mutation Causes Smith–Kingsmore Phenotype with Recurrent Hypoglycemia—A Novel Phenotype and a Further Proof for Testing of an Affected Tissue
Authors: Szczałuba Krzysztof , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Walczak Anna , Kosińska Joanna , Koppolu Agnieszka , Biernacka Anna , Iwanicka-Pronicka Katarzyna , Grajkowska Wiesława , Jurkiewicz Elżbieta , Kowalczyk Paweł , Płoski Rafał
Published: July 2021

De novo somatic variants in genes encoding components of the PI3K–AKT3–mTOR pathway, including MTOR, have been linked to hemimegalencephaly or focal cortical dysplasia. Similarly to other malformations of cortical development, this condition presents with developmental delay and intractable epilepsy, often necessitating surgical treatment. We describe a first patient with the Smith–Kingsmore syndrome phenotype with recurrent hypoglycemia caused by low-level mosaic MTOR mutation restricted to the brain. We provide discussion on different aspects of somatic mosaicism. Deep exome sequencing combined with a variant search in multiple tissues and careful phenotyping may constitute a key to the diagnosis of the causes of rare brain anomalies.
A Range Resolution Enhancement Algorithm for Active Millimeter Wave Based on Phase Unwrapping Mechanism
Authors: Zhang He , Zong Hua , Qiu Jinghui
Published: July 2021

Traditional security check technology is mainly based on metal detection by manual inspection. This method is simple and convenient, can detect a few different kinds of contrabands, and also takes into account the safety of inspectors. Because of its strong penetration characteristics, millimeter waves make up for the deficiency of existing security check technologies. Therefore, it is urgent to research and develop millimeter wave holographic imaging technology for human security inspection. In traditional imaging methods, the azimuthal resolution can be improved through various methods of image processing, but the traditional way to improve the range direction resolution is to increase the system bandwidth. However, improvements of the system bandwidth will greatly increase the cost. The bandwidth improvement space is also limited, so it cannot be expanded indefinitely in practical applications. In this study, the interferometric synthetic aperture theory was used to improve the range direction resolution of 3D millimeter wave holographic images without improving the system bandwidth. Phase unwrapping was used to reconstruct the phase information of complex images and restore the continuous phase distribution of the target object so as to achieve improvement of the range direction resolution without increasing the system bandwidth. This work has theoretical guiding significance to improve the range resolution of millimeter wave imaging.
Primary Research of a New Zero-Liquid-Discharge Technology of Wet Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewater by Low-Rank Heat from Flue Gas
Authors: Yao Xuan , Zhang Man , Deng Boyu , Yang Xinhua , Yang Hairui
Published: July 2021

Wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) wastewater treatment is a key problem in coal-fired plants. Traditional chemical precipitation methods cannot reach zero-liquid discharge (ZLD). In this paper, a new technology using the low-rank heat from flue gas to concentrate the wastewater for ZLD is proposed. A scrubber was built to verify the concentrating process, and the characteristics of the concentrated water were analyzed. The concentrated water was neutralized by adding Ca(OH)2 to raise the pH value. The wastewater can be concentrated 10~25 times to reduce the flow rate. The characteristics of the concentrated wastewater were studied by dosing lime. Then, liquid and solids were separated by filter pressing, the liquid was mainly composed of CaCl2, which accounts for 73.6%. The sludge is composed of CaSO4 and Mg(OH)2, depending on the lime consumption of the dosing process. Finally, the filter liquor after the filter press was mixed with ash to reach zero liquid discharge, and the sludge could be burnt after mixing with the coal or disposed by third-part vendor. This technology is demonstrated in one 600 MW unit and shows a high system reliability. The clean water is recycled by the WFGD wastewater during the evaporation. Binding on the environmental policies and large market demand of the WFGD wastewater, this technology shows a great application prospect in the future.
Research on Improved Seismic Instrumentation System for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Li Liang , Du Xiuli , Pan Rong , Zhu Xiuyun , Luan Haiyan
Published: July 2021

According to the requirements of nuclear safety regulations, nuclear power plants must be equipped with seismic instrumentation systems, which are mainly used for monitoring alarm and automatic shutdown alarm during an earthquake. Both the second and third generation NPPs adopt Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). However, among the seismic acceleration characteristics, isolated and prominent single high frequency acceleration peaks have no decisive influence on the seismic response. Especially when the earthquake monitoring alarm is at 1 out of 7, it is likely to cause a false alarm or false shutdown. In addition, it usually takes one month or more for the NPPs to restart after the shutdown. In this paper, an improved seismic instrumentation system based on the existing system is proposed. For high intensity areas, three components resultant acceleration is used to judge the 2 out of 4 logic of the automatic seismic trip system(ASTS). For low intensity areas, the seismic failure level is evaluated quickly by using three components resultant acceleration, seismic instrument intensity, cumulative absolute velocity, floor response spectrum and other multi-parameters, avoiding unnecessary and long-term shutdown inspection.