bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Honeybee Drone Activity during the Mating Season in Northwestern Argentina
Authors: Ayup Maria Marta , Gärtner Philipp , Agosto-Rivera José L. , Marendy Peter , de Souza Paulo , Galindo-Cardona Alberto
Published: June 2021

Males in Hymenopteran societies are understudied in many aspects and it is assumed that they only have a reproductive function. We studied the time budget of male honey bees, drones, using multiple methods. Changes in the activities of animals provide important information on biological clocks and their health. Yet, in nature, these changes are subtle and often unobservable without the development and use of modern technology. During the spring and summer mating season, drones emerge from the hive, perform orientation flights, and search for drone congregation areas for mating. This search may lead drones to return to their colony, drift to other colonies (vectoring diseases and parasites), or simply get lost to predation. In a low percentage of cases, the search is successful, and drones mate and die. Our objective was to describe the activity of Apis mellifera drones during the mating season in Northwestern Argentina using three methods: direct observation, video recording, and radio frequency identification (RFID). The use of RFID tagging allows the tracking of a bee for 24 h but does not reveal the detailed activity of drones. We quantified the average number of drones’ departure and arrival flights and the time outside the hive. All three methods confirmed that drones were mostly active in the afternoon. We found no differences in results between those obtained by direct observation and by video recording. RFID technology enabled us to discover previously unknown drone behavior such as activity at dawn and during the morning. We also discovered that drones may stay inside the hive for many days, even after initiation of search flights (up to four days). Likewise, we observed drones to leave the hive for several days to return later (up to three days). The three methods were complementary and should be considered for the study of bee drone activity, which may be associated with the diverse factors influencing hive health.
Phenotypic Features and Genetic Findings in a Cohort of Italian Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum Patients and Update of the Ophthalmologic Evaluation Score
Authors: Boraldi Federica , Murro Vittoria , Lofaro Francesco Demetrio , Mucciolo Dario Pasquale , Costa Sonia , Pavese Laura , Quaglino Daniela
Published: June 2021

Background: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare ectopic calcification genetic disease mainly caused by ABCC6 rare sequence variants. The clinical phenotype is characterized by typical dermatological, ophthalmological and cardiovascular manifestations, whose frequency and severity are differently reported in the literature. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 377 PXE patients of Italian origin, clinically evaluated according to the Phenodex Index, who underwent ABCC6 biomolecular analyses. Moreover, 53 PXE patients were further characterized by in-depth ophthalmological examinations. Results: A total of 117 different ABCC6 rare sequence variants were detected as being spread through the whole gene. The severity of the clinical phenotype was dependent on age, but it was not influenced by gender or by the type of sequence variants. In-depth ophthalmological examinations focused on the incidences of coquille d’oeuf, comet lesions, pattern dystrophy-like lesions, optic disk drusen and posterior-pole atrophy. Conclusion: Given the large number of patients analyzed, we were able to better evaluate the occurrence of less frequent alterations (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction, nephrolithiasis). A more detailed description of ophthalmological abnormalities allowed us to stratify patients and better evaluate disease progression, thus suggesting a further update of the PXE score system.
Chemokine/Cytokine Levels Correlate with Organ Involvement in PR3-ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Müller-Deile Janina , Jaremenko Christian , Haller Hermann , Schiffer Mario , Haubitz Marion , Christiansen Silke , Falk Christine , Schiffer Lena
Published: June 2021

Background: ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare small vessel disease characterized by multi-organ involvement. Biomarkers that can measure specific organ involvement are missing. Here, we ask whether certain circulating cytokines and chemokines correlate with renal involvement and if distinct cytokine/chemokine patterns can differentiate between renal, ear/nose/throat, joints, and lung involvement of AAV. Methods: Thirty-two sets of Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), PR3-ANCA titers, laboratory marker, and different cytokines were obtained from 17 different patients with AAV. BVAS, PR3-ANCA titers, laboratory marker, and cytokine concentrations were correlated to different organ involvements in active AAV. Results: Among patients with active PR3-AAV (BVAS > 0) and kidney involvement we found significant higher concentrations of chemokine ligand (CCL)-1, interleukin (IL)-6, IL21, IL23, IL-28A, IL33, monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (MCP2), stem cell factor (SCF), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and thrombopoietin (TPO) compared to patients without PR3-ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. Patients with ear, nose, and throat involvement expressed higher concentrations of MCP2 and of the (C-X-C motif) ligand-12 (CXCL-12) compared to patients with active AAV and no involvement of these organs. Conclusion: We identified distinct cytokine patterns for renal manifestation and for ear, nose and throat involvement of PR3-AAV. Distinct plasma cytokines might be used as non-invasive biomarkers of organ involvement in AAV.
Carboxyhemoglobinemia in Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients
Authors: Faisal Hina , Ali Syeda T. , Xu Jiaqiong , Nisar Tariq , Sabawi Mahmoud , Salazar Eric , Masud Faisal N.
Published: June 2021

Carboxyhemoglobinemia is a common but a serious disorder, defined as an increase in carboxyhemoglobin level. Unfortunately, there are few data on carboxyhemoglobinemia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the incidence and etiologies of carboxyhemoglobinemia in COVID-19 patients and determine any association between carboxyhemoglobinemia and novel coronavirus infection. A retrospective chart review was performed at an academic medical center for all inpatient COVID-19 cases with either single or serial carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels from March 2020 through August 2020.Our study demonstrates that carboxyhemoglobinemia in COVID-19 patients is due to sepsis, hemolysis, and cytokine storm, triggered by the novel coronavirus infection sequela and is not directly from the virulence of novel coronavirus. Given the coexisting illnesses in critically ill COVID-19 patients, it is impossible to establish if coronavirus virulence was the culprit of elevated COHb levels. Moreover, our study found a high incidence of carboxyhemoglobinemia in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry can be inaccurate and unreliable; however, our study could not demonstrate any uniform results on the discrepancy between oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas. In this study, COHb levels were measured using a CO-oximeter. Therefore, we recommend monitoring the COHb level routinely in critically ill COVID-19 patients to allow more effective and prompt treatment.
The Addition of Transarterial Chemoembolization to Palliative Chemotherapy Extends Survival in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Gairing Simon Johannes , Thol Felix , Müller Lukas , Hahn Felix , Thomaidis Thomas , Czauderna Carolin , Bartsch Fabian , Pitton Michael Bernhard , Marquardt Jens Uwe , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Galle Peter Robert , Moehler Markus , Weinmann Arndt , Kloeckner Roman , Foerster Friedrich
Published: June 2021

Incidence and mortality of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) have been increasing continuously. Recent studies suggest that the combination of palliative chemotherapy (pCTX) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) improves overall survival (OS). This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients treated with TACE and pCTX in unresectable iCCA at our tertiary care center. A group of 14 patients was treated with both pCTX and TACE. The non-randomized control group of 59 patients received pCTX alone. Patients received a median of two pCTX lines in both groups. Those treated with TACE underwent a median number of 3.5 sessions. Median OS from the time of unresectability was 26.2 months in the pCTX + TACE group versus 13.1 months in the pCTX group (p = 0.008). Controlling for albumin, bilirubin, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status, and UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) stage, the addition of TACE still conferred an OS benefit of 12.95 months (p = 0.014). A propensity score matching analysis yielded an OS benefit of 14 months from the time of unresectability for the pCTX + TACE group (p = 0.020). The addition of TACE to pCTX may provide an OS benefit for patients with unresectable iCCA. Thus, patients with liver-dominant iCCA undergoing standard-of-care pCTX should be considered for additional treatment with TACE.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 in the Vaginal Secretions of Women with COVID-19: A Prospective Study
Authors: Barber Elad , Kovo Michal , Leytes Sophia , Sagiv Ron , Weiner Eran , Schwartz Orna , Mashavi Margarita , Holtzman Keren , Bar Jacob , Engel Anat , Ginath Shimon
Published: June 2021

Objective: We aimed to investigate the likelihood of vaginal colonization with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in pregnant and non-pregnant women with Coronavrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: Vaginal swabs were taken from women diagnosed with mild to moderately acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, at Wolfson Medical Center, Israel, from March 2020 through October 2020. COVID-19 was diagnosed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on nasopharyngeal swabs. Vaginal swabs were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In total, 51 women diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. Of the 51 women with COVID-19 enrolled in this study, 16 (31.4%) were pregnant at enrollment and 35 (68.6%) were non-pregnant. Mean age was 43.5 ± 15.3 years (range 21–74 years). Compared to the non-pregnant group, the pregnant group was characterized by a higher white blood cell and absolute neutrophil count (p = 0.02 and p = 0.027, respectively). The non-pregnant patients were more likely to have chronic diseases (p = 0.035) and to be hospitalized (p < 0.001). Only one patient (1.9%) aged 60 years tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in vaginal secretions. Mean gestational age at the diagnosis of COVID-19 of the pregnant group was 32.3 ± 7.8 weeks. Thirteen patients delivered during the study period; all delivered at term without obstetric complications and all neonates were healthy. Conclusions: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the vaginal secretions of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is rare. Vaginal colonization may occur during the viremia phase of the disease, although infectivity from vaginal colonization needs to be proven.
Computed Tomography in Adults with Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: Typical Imaging Findings
Authors: Dettmer Sabine , Ringshausen Felix C. , Fuge Jan , Maske Hannah Louise , Welte Tobias , Wacker Frank , Rademacher Jessica
Published: June 2021

Among patients with bronchiectasis, nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) ranged between 1 and 6% and it is suspected that its prevalence is underestimated. Our aim was to evaluate differences in computed tomography (CT) features in patients with bronchiectasis, with and without NTM-PD, in order to facilitate earlier diagnosis in the future. In addition, we evaluated longitudinal changes after successful NTM-PD treatment. One hundred and twenty-eight CTs performed in adults with bronchiectasis were scored for the involvement, type, and lobar distribution of bronchiectasis, bronchial dilatation, and bronchial wall thickening according to Reiff. In addition, associated findings, such as mucus plugging, tree-in-bud, consolidations, ground-glass opacities, interlobular thickening, intralobular lines, cavities, and atelectasis, were registered. Patients with NTM-PD (n = 36), as defined by ATS/IDSA diagnostic criteria, were compared to bronchiectasis patients without NTM-PD (n = 92). In twelve patients with an available consecutive CT scan after microbiological cure of NTM-PD imaging findings were also scored according to Kim and compared in the course. In patients with NTM-PD, there was a higher prevalence of bronchiectasis in the middle lobes (p < 0.001), extended bronchiolitis (p = 0.032) and more small and large nodules (p < 0.001). Furthermore, cavities turned out to be larger (p = 0.038), and walls thickened (p = 0.019) and extended (p = 0.016). Patients without NTM more often showed peripheral ground-glass opacities (0.003) and interstitial changes (p = 0.001). CT findings decreased after successful NTM-PD treatment in the follow-up CT; however, without statistical significance for most features (p = 0.056), but bronchiolitis was the only significantly reduced score item (p = 0.043). CT patterns in patients with bronchiectasis and NTM-PD differ from those of patients with bronchiectasis without NTM-PD, although the findings are non-specific radiological features. Follow-up CT findings after microbiological cure differed interindividual regarding the decline in imaging features. Our findings may help practitioners to identify NTM-PD in patients with bronchiectasis. Further research is needed regarding the use of CT as a potential imaging biomarker for the evaluation of treatment response.
Super Resolution of Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Sao Anil Kumar , Ahuja Chirag Kamal
Published: June 2021

In this work, novel denoising and super resolution (SR) approaches for magnetic resonance (MR) images are addressed, and are integrated in a unified framework, which do not require example low resolution (LR)/high resolution (HR)/cross-modality/noise-free images and prior information of noise–noise variance. The proposed method categorizes the patches as either smooth or textured and then denoises them by deploying different denoising strategies for efficient denoising. The denoising algorithm is integrated into the SR approach, which uses a gradient profile-based constraint in a sparse representation-based framework to improve the resolution of MR images with reduced smearing of image details. This constraint regularizes the estimation of HR images such that the estimated HR image has gradient profiles similar to the gradient profiles of the original HR image. For this, the gradient profile sharpness (GPS) values of an unknown HR image are estimated using an approximated piece-wise linear relation among GPS values of LR and upsampled LR images. The experiments are performed on three different publicly available datasets. The proposed SR approach outperforms the existing unsupervised SR approach addressed for real MR images that exploits low rank and total variation (LRTV) regularization, by an average peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) of 0.73 dB and 0.38 dB for upsampling factors 2 and 3, respectively. For the super resolution of noisy real MR images (degraded with 2% noise), the proposed approach outperforms the LRTV approach by an average PSNR of 0.54 dB and 0.46 dB for upsampling factors 2 and 3, respectively. The qualitative analysis is shown for real MR images from healthy subjects and subjects with Alzheimer’s disease and structural deformity, i.e., cavernoma.
Underwater Power Tools for In Situ Preservation, Cleaning and Consolidation of Submerged Archaeological Remains
Authors: Scalercio Emiliano , Sangiovanni Francesco , Gallo Alessandro , Barbieri Loris
Published: June 2021

In situ protection and conservation of the Underwater Cultural Heritage are now considered a primary choice by the scientific community to be preferred, when possible, over the practice of recovery. The conservation of the artefacts within their environmental context is essential in fact for a correct interpretation of archaeological presences and to preserve their true value intact for future generations. However, this is not an easy task because modern technological equipment is necessary to make the work carried out by underwater restorers and archaeologists faster and more efficient. To this end, the paper presents three innovative underwater power tools for the cleaning, conservation, and consolidation activities to be performed in submerged archaeological sites. The first one is an underwater cleaning brush tool for a soft cleaning of the underwater archaeological structures and artefacts; the second one is a multifunctional underwater hammer drill suitable to be used as a corer sampler, chisel, or drill; the last one is an injection tool specifically designed to dispense mortar underwater for consolidation techniques of submerged structures.
Green Strategies of Powdery Mildew Control in Hop: From Organic Products to Nanoscale Carriers
Authors: Porteous-Álvarez Alejandra J. , Maldonado-González M. Mercedes , Mayo-Prieto Sara , Lorenzana Alicia , Paniagua-García Ana I. , Casquero Pedro A.
Published: June 2021

Humulus lupulus L. is a long-lived, perennial, herbaceous, and dioecious climbing plant. The foremost producers in the European Union are Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain. The Spanish cultivated area is concentrated in the province of León. Powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaera macularis, menaces hop production and quality in all hop growing regions located in the Northern hemisphere, colonizing leaves, petioles, inflorescences, and finally cones. In this work, powdery mildew control was monitored, comparing nine fungicide strategies: five organics, two integrated disease management (IDM)-based, with and without Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier, and two conventional treatments (CON) with and without Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier. The organic treatments were able to diminish P. macularis on leaves, but no effect was observed in cones. CON treatments reduced the infection on leaves and cones and increased the cone quantity and quality. Likewise, IDM-based treatments provided satisfactory results as they diminished powdery mildew on leaves and cones. Finally, dose reduction using a Nutragreen® nanoscale carrier showed beneficial effects in the control of powdery mildew compared to the commercial dose. Hence, the use of nanoscale carries permits a 30% reduction in pesticide dose, which optimizes yield and hop quality, reduces risks linked to pesticides, and aids in compliance with public and international policy demands.
The Downregulation of LSAMP Expression Promotes Lung Cancer Progression and Is Associated with Poor Survival Prognosis
Authors: Chang Chao-Yuan , Wu Kuan-Li , Chang Yung-Yun , Liu Yu-Wei , Huang Yung-Chi , Jian Shu-Fang , Lin Yi-Shiuan , Tsai Pei-Hsun , Hung Jen-Yu , Tsai Ying-Ming , Hsu Ya-Ling
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer has been a leading cause of cancer-related death for decades and therapeutic strategies for non-driver mutation lung cancer are still lacking. A novel approach for this type of lung cancer is an emergent requirement. Here we find that loss of LSAMP (Limbic System Associated Membrane Protein), compared to other IgLON family of proteins NTM (Neurotrimin) and OPCML (OPioid-binding Cell adhesion MoLecule), exhibits the strongest prognostic and therapeutic significance in predicting lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. Lower expression of LSAMP and NTM, but not OPCML, were found in tumor parts compared with normal parts in six LUAD patients, and this was validated by public datasets, Oncomine® and TCGA. The lower expression of LSAMP, but not NTM, was correlated to shorter overall survival. Two epigenetic regulations, including hypermethylation and miR-143-3p upregulation but not copy number variation, were associated with downregulation of LSAMP in LUAD patients. Pathway network analysis showed that NEGR1 (Neuronal Growth Regulator 1) was involved in the regulatory loop of LSAMP. The biologic functions by LSMAP knockdown in lung cancer cells revealed LSMAP was linked to cancer cell migration via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but not proliferation nor stemness of LUAD. Our result showed for the first time that LSAMP acts as a potential tumor suppressor in regulating lung cancer. A further deep investigation into the role of LSAMP in lung cancer tumorigenesis would provide therapeutic hope for such affected patients.
A Personalized Approach to Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in the Left Main Coronary Artery—Is the Female Gender Associated with Worse Outcomes?
Authors: Kałużna-Oleksy Marta , Skorupski Wojciech Jan , Grygier Marek , Araszkiewicz Aleksander , Skorupski Włodzimierz , Grajek Stefan , Mitkowski Przemysław , Pyda Małgorzata , Lesiak Maciej
Published: June 2021

There is still controversy whether the female gender is associated with worse outcomes after the percutaneous coronary intervention within the left main (LM PCI). This study aimed to examine gender-based differences in real-life LM PCI patients and present a gender-personalized LM PCI approach. Consecutively, 613 patients underwent LM PCI in our department from January 2015 to June 2019. Five hundred and thirty-three patients, with at least a one-year follow-up, were included in the study. There were 130 (24.4%) women and 403 (75.6%) men. Compared with men, women were older (70.0 ± 9.4 vs. 67.7 ± 9.2; p = 0.006) and had higher diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease rates. Left ventricle ejection fraction was higher in women (53.5 ± 9.4 vs. 49.5 ± 11.2; p = 0.001). Euroscore II and SYNTAX scores did not differ between the genders. However, we observed a trend towards more frequent use of complex PCI techniques in women (26.2% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.098). The overall periprocedural complication rates (10.0% vs. 7.7%; p = 0.406) and the periprocedural myocardial infarction rates did not differ. Contrast-induced nephropathy was more frequent in women (6.9% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.044). Long-term all-cause mortality did not differ (20% vs. 22.5%; p = 0.069). Both genders presented similar rates of periprocedural complications, and no significant differences in long-term all-cause mortality were revealed. Our results suggest that the female gender in LM PCI is not a predictor of adverse outcomes. Further studies are required to determine the optimal revascularization strategy in women.
The Potential Role of Sildenafil in Cancer Management through EPR Augmentation
Authors: Haider Mohamed , Elsherbeny Amr , Pittalà Valeria , Fallica Antonino N. , Alghamdi Maha Ali , Greish Khaled
Published: June 2021

Enhanced permeation retention (EPR) was a significant milestone discovery by Maeda et al. paving the path for the emerging field of nanomedicine to become a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. Sildenafil is a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) through the relaxation of smooth muscles and the modulation of vascular endothelial permeability. Overexpression of PDE-5 has been reported in lung, colon, metastatic breast cancers, and bladder squamous carcinoma. Moreover, sildenafil has been reported to increase the sensitivity of tumor cells of different origins to the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents with augmented apoptosis mediated through inducing the downregulation of Bcl-xL and FAP-1 expression, enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, phosphorylating BAD and Bcl-2, upregulating caspase-3,8,9 activities, and blocking cells at G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Sildenafil has also demonstrated inhibitory effects on the efflux activity of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters such as ABCC4, ABCC5, ABCB1, and ABCG2, ultimately reversing multidrug resistance. Accordingly, there has been a growing interest in using sildenafil as monotherapy or chemoadjuvant in EPR augmentation and management of different types of cancer. In this review, we critically examine the basic molecular mechanism of sildenafil related to cancer biology and discuss the overall potential of sildenafil in enhancing EPR-based anticancer drug delivery, pointing to the outcomes of the most important related preclinical and clinical studies.
Acceptability, Appropriateness, and Feasibility of Automated Screening Approaches and Family Communication Methods for Identification of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Stakeholder Engagement Results from the IMPACT-FH Study
Authors: Jones Laney , Walters Nicole , Brangan Andrew , Ahmed Catherine , Gatusky Michael , Campbell-Salome Gemme , Ladd Ilene , Sheldon Amanda , Gidding Samuel , McGowan Mary , Rahm Alanna , Sturm Amy
Published: June 2021

Guided by the Conceptual Model of Implementation Research, we explored the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of: (1) automated screening approaches utilizing existing health data to identify those who require subsequent diagnostic evaluation for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and (2) family communication methods including chatbots and direct contact to communicate information about inherited risk for FH. Focus groups were conducted with 22 individuals with FH (2 groups) and 20 clinicians (3 groups). These were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using deductive (coded to implementation outcomes) and inductive (themes based on focus group discussions) methods. All stakeholders described these initiatives as: (1) acceptable and appropriate to identify individuals with FH and communicate risk with at-risk relatives; and (2) feasible to implement in current practice. Stakeholders cited current initiatives, outside of FH (e.g., pneumonia protocols, colon cancer and breast cancer screenings), that gave them confidence for successful implementation. Stakeholders described perceived obstacles, such as nonfamiliarity with FH, that could hinder implementation and potential solutions to improve systematic uptake of these initiatives. Automated health data screening, chatbots, and direct contact approaches may be useful for patients and clinicians to improve FH diagnosis and cascade screening.
Gender-Specific Risk Factors for the Development of Retinal Changes in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wysocka-Mincewicz Marta , Gołębiewska Joanna , Baszyńska-Wilk Marta , Olechowski Andrzej
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to determine gender-specific risk factor sets which could influence optical coherence tomography (OCT) results in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Material and Methods: 175 children with T1D without symptoms of diabetic retinopathy were enrolled, but 330 eyes were used for the final analysis (168 children, mean age 12.81 ± 3.63 years, diabetes duration 4.59 ± 3.71 years). The multivariate regression models for retinal thickness (foveal FT, and parafoveal PFT) and vascular densities (superficial and deep) were carried out separately for both genders using all metabolic and demographic parameters. Results: In the statistically significant multiple regression models for all analyzed OCT parameters for both genders, pH at the onset of diabetes were in existence, as well as for retinal thickness current HbA1c. Duration of continuous insulin infusion (CSII) was an important factor in all parameters, except PFT. For the girls, the most significant factors were daily insulin dose, uric acid, and triglycerides, but for the boys, it was serum creatinine, systolic pressure, and free thyroxine level. Conclusions: We detected significant risk factors set for development of OCT parameters changes, and they were not identical for both genders. Current metabolic control, diabetic ketoacidosis at the disease onset, serum creatinine and longer use of CSII are the most important factors for retinal thickness and vessel densities in both genders in children with type 1 diabetes. For the girls, elements of metabolic syndrome (uric acid and triglycerides) and parameters of insulin amount were more pronounced.
The Effect of Bank Levy Introduction on Commercial Banks in Europe
Authors: Puławska Karolina
Published: June 2021

We evaluated the effects of the bank levy (BL) on the profitability of commercial banks and the balance sheet reconstruction, and the shifting of banks’ activities into countries with lower BL rates after BL introduction. Moreover, we investigated the effects of the Basel III and Single Resolution Fund (SRF) introduction on the amount of BL payment. We compared two different BL designs: the Hungarian and the German versions. The results clearly pointed to the negative effect of BL introduction on the ROA of larger Hungarian commercial banks and of smaller commercial banks in Germany. Moreover, the results showed that the introduction of the BL did not influence loan activity in Hungary. However, it decreased the value of the loans from German commercial banks. The results showed that commercial banks in Hungary prefer to restructure their balance or shift assets among different locations or entities to decrease the bank levy. The research findings also showed that Hungarian commercial banks decreased the value of paid BL after the Basel III introduction. On the other hand, the results also showed that the value of paid BL in German commercial banks increased after the Basel III and SRF introduction, especially in larger banks.
Comparative Physiological and Transcriptomic Profiling Offers Insight into the Sexual Dimorphism of Hepatic Metabolism in Size-Dimorphic Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus)
Authors: Chen Huapu , Jiang Dongneng , Li Zhiyuan , Wang Yaorong , Yang Xuewei , Li Shuangfei , Li Shuisheng , Yang Wei , Li Guangli
Published: June 2021

The spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) is an economically important cultured marine fish that exhibits a typical sexual size dimorphism (SSD). SSD has captivated considerable curiosity for farmed fish production; however, up till now the exact underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. As an important digestive and metabolic organ, the liver plays key roles in the regulation of fish growth. It is necessary to elucidate its significance as a downstream component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-liver axis in the formation of SSD. In this study, the liver physiological differences between the sexes were evaluated in S. argus, and the activity of several digestive and metabolic enzymes were affected by sex. Females had higher amylase, protease, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, while males exhibited markedly higher hepatic lipase and antioxidant enzymes activities. A comparative transcriptomics was then performed to characterize the responsive genes. Illumina sequencing generated 272.6 million clean reads, which were assembled into 79,115 unigenes. A total of 259 differentially expressed genes were identified and a few growth-controlling genes such as igf1 and igfbp1 exhibited female-biased expression. Further analyses showed that several GO terms and pathways associated with metabolic process, particularly lipid and energy metabolisms, were significantly enriched. The male liver showed a more active mitochondrial energy metabolism, implicating an increased energy expenditure associated with reproduction. Collectively, the female-biased growth dimorphism of S. argus may be partially attributed to sexually dimorphic metabolism in the liver. These findings would facilitate further understanding of the nature of SSD in teleost fish.
Pro-Oxidative Effect of KIO3 and Protective Effect of Melatonin in the Thyroid—Comparison to Other Tissues
Authors: Iwan Paulina , Stepniak Jan , Karbownik-Lewinska Malgorzata
Published: June 2021

Not only iodine deficiency, but also its excess may contribute to thyroid cancer. Potassium iodate (KIO3), which is broadly used in the salt iodization program, can increase oxidative damage to membrane lipids (lipid peroxidation, LPO) under experimental conditions, with the strongest damaging effect at KIO3 concentration of ~10 mM (corresponding to physiological iodine concentration in the thyroid). Melatonin is an effective antioxidant, which protects against KIO3-induced LPO in the thyroid. This study aimed to compare the protective effects of melatonin, used in the highest achievable in vitro concentration, against KIO3-induced oxidative damage to membrane lipids in various porcine tissues (thyroid, ovary, liver, kidney, brain, spleen, and small intestine). Homogenates were incubated in the presence of KIO3 (20; 15; 10; 7.5; 5.0; 0.0 mM) without/with melatonin (5 mM). The malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxyalkenals (MDA + 4-HDA) concentration (LPO index) was measured spectrophotometrically. KIO3 increased the LPO in all examined tissues; in the thyroid, the damaging effect of KIO3 (10; and 7.5 mM) was lower than in other tissues and was not observed for the lowest concentration of 5 mM. Melatonin reduced LPO induced by KIO3 (10, 7.5, and 5 mM) in all tissues, and in the thyroid it was also protective against as high a concentration of KIO3 as 15 mM; the LPO level resulting from KIO3 + melatonin treatment was lower in the thyroid than in other tissues. In conclusion, the thyroid is less sensitive tothe pro-oxidative effects of KIO3 compared to other tissues. The strongest protective effect of melatonin was observed in the thyroid, but beneficial effects were significant also in other tissues. Melatonin should be considered to avoid the potential damaging effects of iodine compounds applied in iodine prophylaxis.
Chiral Radical Cation Salts of Me-EDT-TTF and DM-EDT-TTF with Octahedral, Linear and Tetrahedral Monoanions
Authors: Mroweh Nabil , Bogdan Alexandra , Pop Flavia , Auban-Senzier Pascale , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Lopes Elsa B. , Almeida Manuel , Avarvari Narcis
Published: June 2021

Methyl-ethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene (Me-EDT-TTF (1) and dimethyl-ethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene (DM-EDT-TTF (2) are valuable precursors for chiral molecular conductors, which are generally obtained by electrocrystallization in the presence of various counter-ions. The number of the stereogenic centers, their relative location on the molecule, the nature of the counter-ion and the electrocrystallization conditions play a paramount role in the crystal structures and conducting properties of the resulting materials. Here, we report the preparation and detailed structural characterization of the following series of radical cation salts: (i) mixed valence (1)2AsF6 as racemic, and (S) and (R) enantiomers; (ii) [(S)-1]AsF6·C4H8O and [(R)-1]AsF6·C4H8O where a strong dimerization of the donors is observed; (iii) (1)I3 and (2)I3 as racemic and enantiopure forms and (iv) [(meso)-2]PF6 and [(meso)-2]XO4 (X = Cl, Re), based on the new donor (meso)-2. In the latter, the two methyl substituents necessarily adopt axial and equatorial conformations, thus leading to a completely different packing of the donors when compared to the chiral form (S,S)/(R,R) of 2 in its radical cation salts. Single crystal resistivity measurements, complemented by thermoelectric power measurements in the case of (1)2AsF6, suggest quasi-metallic conductivity for the latter in the high temperature regime, with σRT ≈ 1–10 S cm–1, while semiconducting behavior is observed for the (meso)-2 based salts.
A Multispecies Cross-Diffusion Model for Territorial Development
Authors: Alsenafi Abdulaziz , Barbaro Alethea
Published: June 2021

We develop an agent-based model on a lattice to investigate territorial development motivated by markings such as graffiti, generalizing a previously-published model to account for K groups instead of two groups. We then analyze this model and present two novel variations. Our model assumes that agents’ movement is a biased random walk away from rival groups’ markings. All interactions between agents are indirect, mediated through the markings. We numerically demonstrate that in a system of three groups, the groups segregate in certain parameter regimes. Starting from the discrete model, we formally derive the continuum system of 2K convection–diffusion equations for our model. These equations exhibit cross-diffusion due to the avoidance of the rival groups’ markings. Both through numerical simulations and through a linear stability analysis of the continuum system, we find that many of the same properties hold for the K-group model as for the two-group model. We then introduce two novel variations of the agent-based model, one corresponding to some groups being more timid than others, and the other corresponding to some groups being more threatening than others. These variations present different territorial patterns than those found in the original model. We derive corresponding systems of convection–diffusion equations for each of these variations, finding both numerically and through linear stability analysis that each variation exhibits a phase transition.
Aggregation of Indistinguishability Fuzzy Relations Revisited
Authors: González-Hedström Juan-De-Dios , Miñana Juan-José , Valero Oscar
Published: June 2021

Indistinguishability fuzzy relations were introduced with the aim of providing a fuzzy notion of equivalence relation. Many works have explored their relation to metrics, since they can be interpreted as a kind of measure of similarity and this is, in fact, a dual notion to dissimilarity. Moreover, the problem of how to construct new indistinguishability fuzzy relations by means of aggregation has been explored in the literature. In this paper, we provide new characterizations of those functions that allow us to merge a collection of indistinguishability fuzzy relations into a new one in terms of triangular triplets and, in addition, we explore the relationship between such functions and those that aggregate extended pseudo-metrics, which are the natural distances associated to indistinguishability fuzzy relations. Our new results extend some already known characterizations which involve only bounded pseudo-metrics. In addition, we provide a completely new description of those indistinguishability fuzzy relations that separate points, and we show that both differ a lot.
Variable Selection for the Spatial Autoregressive Model with Autoregressive Disturbances
Authors: Liu Xuan , Chen Jianbao
Published: June 2021

Along with the rapid development of the geographic information system, high-dimensional spatial heterogeneous data has emerged bringing theoretical and computational challenges to statistical modeling and analysis. As a result, effective dimensionality reduction and spatial effect recognition has become very important. This paper focuses on variable selection in the spatial autoregressive model with autoregressive disturbances (SARAR) which contains a more comprehensive spatial effect. The variable selection procedure is presented by using the so-called penalized quasi-likelihood approach. Under suitable regular conditions, we obtain the rate of convergence and the asymptotic normality of the estimators. The theoretical results ensure that the proposed method can effectively identify spatial effects of dependent variables, find spatial heterogeneity in error terms, reduce the dimension, and estimate unknown parameters simultaneously. Based on step-by-step transformation, a feasible iterative algorithm is developed to realize spatial effect identification, variable selection, and parameter estimation. In the setting of finite samples, Monte Carlo studies and real data analysis demonstrate that the proposed penalized method performs well and is consistent with the theoretical results.
Application of Hyperelastic Nodal Force Method to Evaluation of Aortic Valve Cusps Coaptation: Thin Shell vs. Membrane Formulations
Authors: Vassilevski Yuri , Liogky Alexey , Salamatova Victoria
Published: June 2021

Coaptation characteristics are crucial in an assessment of the competence of reconstructed aortic valves. Shell or membrane formulations can be used to model the valve cusps coaptation. In this paper we compare both formulations in terms of their coaptation characteristics for the first time. Our numerical thin shell model is based on a combination of the hyperelastic nodal forces method and the rotation-free finite elements. The shell model is verified on several popular benchmarks for thin-shell analysis. The relative error with respect to reference solutions does not exceed 1–2%. We apply our numerical shell and membrane formulations to model the closure of an idealized aortic valve varying hyperelasticity models and their shear moduli. The coaptation characteristics become almost insensitive to elastic potentials and sensitive to bending stiffness, which reduces the coaptation zone.
Ionic Transport Properties of Cation-Exchange Membranes Prepared from Poly(vinyl alcohol-b-sodium Styrene Sulfonate)
Authors: Kakihana Yuriko , Hashim N. Awanis , Mizuno Taiko , Anno Marika , Higa Mitsuru
Published: June 2021

Membrane resistance and permselectivity for counter-ions have important roles in determining the performance of cation-exchange membranes (CEMs). In this study, PVA-based polyanions—poly(vinyl alcohol-b-sodium styrene sulfonate)—were synthesized, changing the molar percentages CCEG of the cation-exchange groups with respect to the vinyl alcohol groups. From the block copolymer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based CEMs, hereafter called “B-CEMs”, were prepared by crosslinking the PVA chains with glutaraldehyde (GA) solution at various GA concentrations CGA. The ionic transport properties of the B-CEMs were compared with those previously reported for the CEMs prepared using a random copolymer—poly(vinyl alcohol-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid)—hereafter called ”R-CEMs”. The B-CEMs had lower water content than the R-CEMs at equal molar percentages of the cation-exchange groups. The charge density of the B-CEMs increased as CCEG increased, and reached a maximum value, which increased with increasing CGA. A maximum charge density of 1.47 mol/dm3 was obtained for a B-CEM with CCEG = 2.9 mol% and CGA = 0.10 vol.%, indicating that the B-CEM had almost two-thirds of the permselectivity of a commercial CEM (CMX: ASTOM Corp. Japan). The dynamic transport number and membrane resistance of a B-CEM with CCEG = 8.3 mol% and CGA = 0.10 vol.% were 0.99 and 1.6 Ωcm2, respectively. The B-CEM showed higher dynamic transport numbers than those of the R-CEMs with similar membrane resistances.
Treatment of Wastewater from a Food and Beverage Industry Using Conventional Wastewater Treatment Integrated with Membrane Bioreactor System: A Pilot-Scale Case Study
Authors: Muhamad Ng Sabrina Ng , Idrus Syazwani , Ahsan Amimul , Tuan Mohd Marzuki Tuan Nurfarhana , Mahat Siti Baizura
Published: June 2021

This study compares the performance of the Hollow Fiber (HF) and Flat Sheet (FS) types of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for the treatment of food and beverage (F&B) industry wastewater in a pilot-scale study of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). HF and FS membrane configurations were evaluated at two different Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid (MLSS) levels: 6000 mg/L and 12,000 mg/L. The performance of each configuration was evaluated in terms of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Suspended Solid (TSS) removals for effluent quality measurement. The transmembrane pressure (TMP), flux rate, and silt density index (SDI) were monitored and calculated for membrane fouling assessment. The results show that the rejection rates of COD and TSS for HF and FS membrane types were more than 84% for the two different MLSS levels. During the study, the HF membrane recorded 0.3 bar transmembrane pressure, which complies with the recommended range (i.e., two to three times of chemical cleaning). On the other hand, the FS membrane operates without chemical cleaning, and the TMP value was below the recommended range at 0.2 bar. It was found that the flux values recorded for both the HF and FS systems were within the recommended range of 40 L/m2/h. Analysis of SDI revealed that the calculated index ranged between 1 and 2.38 and was within the allowable limit of 3. Both types of MBR consistently achieved an 80% to 95% rejection rate of COD and TSS. Effluent quality measurement of treated F&B wastewater in this pilot-scale study using a WWTP integrated with an MBR indicated a good achievement with compliance with the Malaysia industrial effluent discharge standards.
Structural Characterization, Global and Local Electrochemical Activity of Electroless Ni–P-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite Coatings on Pipeline Steel
Authors: de Oliveira Mara Cristina Lopes , Correa Olandir Vercino , da Silva Rejane Maria Pereira , de Lima Nelson Batista , de Oliveira Jefferson Thadeu Dias , de Oliveira Leandro Antônio , Antunes Renato Altobelli
Published: June 2021

In this work, composite Ni–P-multiwalled carbon nanotube films were produced by electroless deposition. The main goal was to investigate the influence of multiwalled carbon nanotube loading on the local electrochemical behavior of the composite films, as probed by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The coatings were also characterized with respect to their crystalline structure, surface, and cross-section morphologies. Adhesion strength was examined by scratch tests. The global electrochemical behavior was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization. The local electrochemical activity was investigated by probing the Fe2+ oxidation in the surface generation/tip collection mode of the SECM. The results revealed that multiwalled carbon nanotubes increased the adhesion strength and reduced the electrochemical activity on the surface of the coated samples.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of TiNb2O7 and Ti2Nb10O29 Anodes under Various Annealing Atmospheres
Authors: Adhami Touraj , Ebrahimi-Kahrizsangi Reza , Bakhsheshi-Rad Hamid Reza , Majidi Somayeh , Ghorbanzadeh Milad , Berto Filippo
Published: June 2021

In this study, two compounds of TiNb2O7 and Ti2Nb10O29 were successfully synthesized by mechanochemical method and post-annealing as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The effect of annealing atmosphere on the morphology, particle size, and electrochemical characteristics of two compounds was investigated. For these purposes, the reactive materials were milled under an argon atmosphere with a certain mole ratio. Subsequently, each sample was subjected to annealing treatment in two different atmospheres, namely argon and oxygen. Phase and morphology identifications were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to identify the phases and evaluate the morphology of the synthesized samples. The charging and discharging tests were conducted using a battery-analyzing device to evaluate the electrochemical properties of the fabricated anodes. Annealing in different atmospheres resulted in variable discharge capacities so that the two compounds of TiNb2O7 and Ti2Nb10O29 annealed under the argon atmosphere showed a capacity of 60 and 66 mAh/g after 179 cycles, respectively, which had a lower capacity than their counterpart under the oxygen atmosphere. The final capacity of the annealed samples in the oxygen atmosphere is 72 and 74 mAh/g, respectively.
Effect of Boron Carbide Addition on Wear Resistance of Aluminum Matrix Composites Fabricated by Stir Casting and Hot Rolling Processes
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Kim Junghwan , Lee Sang-Kwan , Kim Yangdo , Lee Sang-Bok , Cho Seungchan
Published: June 2021

In this study, to evaluate the effect of boron carbide (B4C) addition on the wear performance of aluminum (Al), Al6061 and 5, 10, and 20 vol.% B4C/Al6061 composites were manufactured using the stir casting and hot rolling processes. B4C particles were randomly dispersed during the stir casting process; then, B4C particles were arranged in the rolling direction using a hot rolling process to further improve the B4C dispersion and wear resistance of the composites. Furthermore, a continuous interfacial layer between B4C and the Al6061 matrix was generated by diffusion of titanium (Ti) and chromium (Cr) atoms contained in the Al6061 alloy. Wear depth and width of the composites decreased with increasing B4C content. Furthermore, with B4C addition, coefficient of friction (COF) improved as compared with that of Al6061. The results indicate that interface-controlled, well-aligned B4C particles in the friction direction can effectively increase the wear properties of Al alloys and improve their hardness.