bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Late-Onset Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Interplay Between Pre-existing Cortical Development Abnormality and Tissue Damage
Authors: Ikawa Anna , Fujimoto Ayataka , Arai Yoshifumi , Otsuki Yoshiro , Nozaki Toshiki , Baba Shimpei , Sato Keishiro , Enoki Hideo
Published: February 2021

Epileptogenicity following brain insult depends on various factors including severity of the resulting lesion and extent of brain damage. We report a 54-year-old female patient who developed medically refractory epilepsy resulting from the interplay of pre-existing and post-insult pathologies. She presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to a ruptured aneurysm and underwent clipping surgery. Seizures started 3 months post-operatively. MRI revealed cerebral ischemia and hemosiderin deposits in the left temporal lobes, and left hippocampal atrophy was suspected. As anti-seizure medications and vagus nerve stimulation failed to control her seizures, she underwent left temporal lobe resection and placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the post-operative complication of hydrocephalus. She remains seizure-free to date. Neuropathology revealed a previously undiagnosed focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 1a. Brain insult likely had a second hit effect in the late onset of epilepsy in this patient with pre-existing mild MCD, in whom secondary epilepsy can be attributed to the interplay of multiple underlying pathologies.
Assessment of Neuroprotective Effects of Low-Intensity Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation in a Parkinson’s Disease Rat Model by Fractional Anisotropy and Relaxation Time T2∗ Value
Authors: Dong Yanchao , Liu Defeng , Zhao Yuemei , Yuan Yi , Wang Wenxi , Wu Shuo , Liang Xin , Wang Zhanqiu , Liu Lanxiang
Published: February 2021

Background: Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound (LITUS) may have a therapeutic effect on Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients to some extent. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and relaxation time T2∗ that indicate the integrity of fiber tracts and iron concentrations in brain tissue have been used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of LITUS.

Purpose: This study aims to use FA and T2∗ values to evaluate the therapeutic effects of LITUS in a PD rat model.

Materials and Methods: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a hemi-PD group (n = 10) and a LITUS group (n = 10). Single-shot spin echo echo-planar imaging and fast low-angle shot T2WI sequences at 3.0 T were used. The FA and T2∗ values on the right side of the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effect of LITUS in the rats.

Results: One week after PD-like signs were induced in the rats, the FA value in the LITUS group was significantly larger compared with the PD group (0.214 ± 0.027 vs. 0.340 ± 0.032, t = 2.864, P = 0.011). At the 5th and 6th weeks, the FA values in the LITUS group were significantly smaller compared with the PD group (5th week: 0.290 ± 0.037 vs. 0.405 ± 0.027, t = 2.385, P = 0.030; 6th week: 0.299 ± 0.021 vs. 0.525 ± 0.028, t = 6.620, P < 0.0001). In the 5th and 6th weeks, the T2∗ values in the injected right SN of the LITUS group were significantly higher compared with the PD group (5th week, 12.169 ± 0.826 in the LITUS group vs. 7.550 ± 0.824 in the PD group; 6th week, 11.749 ± 0.615 in the LITUS group vs. 7.550 ± 0.849 in the PD group).

Conclusion: LITUS had neuroprotective effects and can reduce the damage of 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in hemi-PD rats. The combination of FA and T2∗ assessments can potentially serve as a new and effective method to evaluate the therapeutic effects of LITUS.
Overweight in Rural Quilombola and Non-quilombola Adolescents From the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Cairo Stefanie M. C. , Teixeira Camila S. S. , da Silva Tainan O. , da Silva Etna K. P. , Martins Poliana C. , Bezerra Vanessa M. , de Medeiros Danielle S.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Overweight is an emerging problem among children and adolescents that leads to the development of several morbidities and health risks. Overweight occurs differently in different populations, especially in vulnerable groups like the rural and quilombola communities (an African-descendant population). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and to investigate the possible associated factors in rural adolescents living in both quilombola and non-quilombola communities in Northeast Brazil.

Methods: This study is a population-based cross-sectional study with a household approach carried out in 2015 with 390 adolescents (age 10–19 years) living in rural quilombola and non-quilombola communities. The nutritional status was gauged using z-scores calculated for body mass index (BMI) and varies with gender and age. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to establish associations between the results and explained variables. The multivariate analysis followed a model with a hierarchical entry of covariables controlled by gender and age.

Results: The study showed that 18.5% of rural adolescents were overweight, of which 17.9% were quilombolas and 19.0% were non-quilombolas. A significant difference in overweight between the samples was not found. In the multivariate-adjusted model, age ≥16 years (PR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28–0.95), the habit of having regular breakfast (PR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35–0.98), and process of attending school (PR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17–0.71) were associated with a lower prevalence of overweight. Stationary screen time, in contrast, was associated with a higher prevalence (PR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.05–2.46). The process of attending school was associated with a lower prevalence of overweight (PR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09–0.69), even for the quilombolas.

Conclusions: A low prevalence of overweight was identified in rural adolescents. Overweight was significantly associated with the habit of having regular breakfast, older age, stationary screen time, and the process of attending school. The results reveal that school is a potential space for health promotion interventions, specifically in the most vulnerable rural regions, such as the quilombola communities. Besides, the study emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle early in life, including cultivating the habit of having regular breakfast and reducing stationary screen time.
Carbon Dioxide vs. Air Insufflation for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ji Chunwang , Liu Xue , Huang Peng
Published: February 2021

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures has gained popularity in adults. However, its utility in pediatric patients is not known. The current review aimed to compare the efficacy of CO2 vs. air insufflation for GI endoscopic procedures in pediatric patients.

Methods: The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched from the inception of databases to 15th August 2020.

Results: All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CO2 vs. air insufflation for GI endoscopic procedures in pediatric patients were eligible for inclusion. Five RCTs were identified. Pooled analysis of data from 226 patients in the CO2 group and 224 patients in the air group revealed that patients receiving CO2 insufflation were at a lower odds of experiencing postoperative pain as compared to those undergoing the procedure with air (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.87; I2 = 62%; p = 0.02). Descriptive analysis indicated no difference in the two groups for abdominal distention after the procedure. Two trials reported elevated CO2 in the study group but without any pulmonary complications. Bloating was reported by two studies and both reported significantly less bloating in the CO2 group.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that the incidence of pain may be reduced with the use of CO2 insufflation in pediatric GI endoscopies without a significant risk of adverse events. However, current evidence is from a limited number of trials and not strong to recommend a routine of CO2 in pediatric gastroenterology practice. Further high-quality RCTs are required to supplement current evidence.
Antinociceptive Effects of Sinomenine Combined With Ligustrazine or Paracetamol in Animal Models of Incisional and Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Gao Tianle , Li Tao , Jiang Wei , Fan Weiming , Xu Xiao-Jun , Zhao Xiaoliang , Yin Zhenming , Guo Huihui , Wang Lulu , Gao Jun , Han Yanxing , Jiang Jian-Dong , Wang Danqiao
Published: February 2021

The management of postoperative and inflammatory pain has been a pressing challenge in clinical settings. Sinomenine (SN) is a morphinan derived alkaloid with remarkable analgesic properties in various kinds of pain models. The aim of the current study is to investigate if SN can enhance the effect of ligustrazine hydrochloride (LGZ) or paracetamol (PCM) in animal models of postoperative and inflammatory pain. And to determine if the combined therapeutic efficacies can be explained by pharmacokinetics changes. Pharmacological studies were performed using a rat model of incisional pain, and a mouse model of carrageenan induced inflammatory pain. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed using a microdialysis sampling and HPLC-MS/MS assay method to quantify SN, LGZ, and PCM levels in blood and extracellular fluid in brain. We found that SN plus LGZ or SN plus PCM produced marked synergistic analgesic effects. However, such synergy was subjected to pain modalities, and differed among pain models. Pharmacological discoveries could be partially linked to pharmacokinetic alterations in SN combinations. Though further evaluation is needed, our findings advocate the potential benefits of SN plus LGZ for postoperative pain management, and SN plus PCM for controlling inflammatory pain.
Higher Circulating miR-199a-5p Indicates Poor Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Associates With Cardiovascular Dysfunction During Chronic Exposure to High Altitude
Authors: Huang He , Xie Shenwei , Gu Xiaolan , Xiang Bin , Zhong Zhifeng , Huang Pei , Gao Yuqi , Li Peng
Published: February 2021

Background

Hypoxia-induced decline in exercise capacity is ubiquitous among lowlanders who immigrated to high altitudes, which severely reduces their work efficiency and quality of life. Although studies have revealed that hypoxia-induced cardiovascular dysfunction limits exercise capacity at high altitudes, the mechanisms have not been well explored at the molecular level. miR-199a-5p is hypoxia-sensitive and serves as an important regulator in cardiovascular pathophysiology. However, whether miR-199a-5p is involved in cardiovascular dysfunction at high altitudes and contributes to subsequent reductions in exercise capacity remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed at exploring these relationships in a high altitude population.

Methods

A total of 175 lowlanders who had immigrated to an altitude of 3,800 m 2 years previously participated in the present study. The level of plasma miR-199a-5p and the concentration of serum myocardial enzymes were detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Indices of cardiovascular function were examined by echocardiography. The exercise capacity was evaluated by Cooper’s 12-min run test and the Harvard Step Test. Furthermore, we explored the biological functions of miR-199a-5p with silico analysis and a biochemical test.

Results

The level of miR-199a-5p was significantly higher in individuals with poor exercise capacity at 3,800 m, compared with those with good exercise capacity (p < 0.001). miR-199a-5p accurately identified individuals with poor exercise capacity (AUC = 0.752, p < 0.001). The level of miR-199a-5p was positively correlated with cardiovascular dysfunction indices (all, p < 0.001). Furthermore, miR-199a-5p was involved in the oxidative stress process.

Conclusion

In this study, we reported for the first time that the level of circulating miR-199a-5p was positively associated with exercise capacity during chronic hypoxia at high altitudes. Moreover, higher miR-199a-5p was involved in hypoxia-induced cardiovascular dysfunctions, thus contributing to poorer exercise endurance at high altitudes.
Integrating a Statistical Topic Model and a Diagnostic Classification Model for Analyzing Items in a Mixed Format Assessment
Authors: Choi Hye-Jeong , Kim Seohyun , Cohen Allan S. , Templin Jonathan , Copur-Gencturk Yasemin
Published: February 2021

Selected response items and constructed response (CR) items are often found in the same test. Conventional psychometric models for these two types of items typically focus on using the scores for correctness of the responses. Recent research suggests, however, that more information may be available from the CR items than just scores for correctness. In this study, we describe an approach in which a statistical topic model along with a diagnostic classification model (DCM) was applied to a mixed item format formative test of English and Language Arts. The DCM was used to estimate students’ mastery status of reading skills. These mastery statuses were then included in a topic model as covariates to predict students’ use of each of the latent topics in their written answers to a CR item. This approach enabled investigation of the effects of mastery status of reading skills on writing patterns. Results indicated that one of the skills, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, helped detect and explain students’ writing patterns with respect to students’ use of individual topics.
Mediating Effect of Hope on the Relationship Between Depression and Recovery in Persons With Schizophrenia
Authors: Sari Sri Padma , Agustin Murti , Wijayanti Diyan Yuli , Sarjana Widodo , Afrikhah Umi , Choe Kwisoon
Published: February 2021

Background: Depression and hope are considered pivotal variables in the recovery process of people with schizophrenia.

Aim: This study examined the moderating effect of depression on the relationship between hope and recovery, and the mediating effect of hope on the relationship between depression and recovery in persons with schizophrenia.

Methods: The model was tested empirically using the data of 115 persons with schizophrenia from Central Java Province, Indonesia. The Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia Hope Scale-9, and Recovery Assessment Scale were used to measure participants' depression, hope, and recovery, respectively.

Results: The findings supported the hypothesis that depression moderates the relationship between hope and recovery, and hope mediates the relationship between depression and recovery.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that mental health professionals need to focus on instilling hope and reducing depression to help improve the recovery of persons with schizophrenia. Furthermore, mental health professionals should actively develop and implement programs to instill hope and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions, particularly in community-based and in-patient mental health settings.
Clinical Characteristics and CT Findings in 148 Non-COVID-19 Influenza-Like Illness Cases: A Retrospective Control Study
Authors: Shuai Weizheng , Chen Xuxin , Shan Yi , Li Wenping , Ma Wei , Lu Qiaohui , Li Dawei
Published: February 2021

Background: This study was to collect clinical features and computed tomography (CT) findings of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases, and to evaluate the correlation between clinical data and the abnormal chest CT in patients with the Influenza-Like Illness symptoms.

Methods: Patients with the Influenza-Like Illness symptoms who attended the emergency department of The Six Medical Center of The PLA General Hospital from February 10 to April 1, 2020 were enrolled. Clinical and imaging data of the enrolled patients were collected and analyzed. The association between clinical characteristics and abnormal chest CT was also analyzed.

Results: A total of 148 cases were enrolled in this study. Abnormalities on chest CT were detected in 61/148 (41.2%) patients. The most common abnormal CT features were as follows: patchy consolidation 22/61(36.1%), ground-glass opacities 21/61(34.4%), multifocal consolidations 17/61(27.9%). The advanced age and underlying diseases were significantly associated with abnormal chest CT.

Conclusions: Abnormal chest CT is a common condition in Influenza-Like Illness cases. The presence of advanced age and concurrent underlying diseases is significantly associated with abnormal chest CT findings in patients with ILI symptoms. The chest CT characteristic of ILI is different from the manifestation of COVID-19 infection, which is helpful for differential diagnosis.
The Influence of Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays on Balance Outcomes and Training Paradigms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Soltani Pooya , Andrade Renato
Published: February 2021

Background: Falls are the leading causes of (non)fatal injuries in older adults. Recent research has developed interventions that aim to improve balance in older adults using virtual reality (VR).

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the validity, reliability, safety, feasibility, and efficacy of head mounted display (HMD) systems for assessing and training balance in older adults.

Methods: We searched EBSCOhost, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases until 1 September 2020 to find studies that used HMD systems for assessing or training balance. The methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of Downs and Black. We also appraised the risk of bias using Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS).

Results: A total of 19 articles (637 participants) were included for review. Despite heterogenous age ranges and clinical conditions across studies, VR HMD systems were valid to assess balance and could be useful for fall prevention and for improving postural control and gait patterns. These systems also have the capacity to differentiate healthy and balance-impaired individuals. During VR versions of traditional balance tests, older adults generally acquire a cautious behavior and take more time to complete the tasks.

Conclusion: VR HMD systems can offer ecologically valid scenarios to assess and train functional balance and can be used alone or in addition to other interventions. New norms and protocols should be defined according to participants' age, health status, and severity of their illness when using VR HMD systems for balance assessment and training. For safe and feasible training, attention must be given to display type, VR elements and scenarios, duration of exposure, and system usability. Due to high risk of bias and overall poor quality of the studies, further research is needed on the effectiveness of HMD VR training in older adults.
Physics Guided Deep Learning for Data-Driven Aircraft Fuel Consumption Modeling
Authors: Uzun Mevlut , Demirezen Mustafa Umut , Inalhan Gokhan
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a physics-guided deep neural network framework to estimate fuel consumption of an aircraft. The framework aims to improve data-driven models’ consistency in flight regimes that are not covered by data. In particular, we guide the neural network with the equations that represent fuel flow dynamics. In addition to the empirical error, we embed this physical knowledge as several extra loss terms. Results show that our proposed model accomplishes correct predictions on the labeled test set, as well as assuring physical consistency in unseen flight regimes. The results indicate that our model, while being applicable to the aircraft’s complete flight envelope, yields lower fuel consumption error measures compared to the model-based approaches and other supervised learning techniques utilizing the same training data sets. In addition, our deep learning model produces fuel consumption trends similar to the BADA4 aircraft performance model, which is widely utilized in real-world operations, in unseen and untrained flight regimes. In contrast, the other supervised learning techniques fail to produce meaningful results. Overall, the proposed methodology enhances the explainability of data-driven models without deteriorating accuracy.
Impacts of Root-Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) on Plant Nutrition, Biomass, Grain Yield and Yield Components of Susceptible/Intolerant Wheat Cultivars Determined by Nematicide Applications
Authors: Thompson John P. , Clewett Timothy G.
Published: February 2021

Field experiments testing rates of various nematicides, with and without NPZn fertiliser, were analysed to investigate how root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) affects growth and yield components of susceptible/intolerant wheat cultivars in a subtropical environment. Plant response to nematode attack was assessed by regression and principal components analyses of various plant parameters at different crop development stages, in relation to different nematode population densities in the roots and root-zone soil. Reduction in P. thornei population densities by nematicides resulted in increased numbers of tillers, plant biomass, N and P concentrations and uptakes, numbers of spikes and kernels, and grain yield. Grain yield was strongly correlated with number of kernels, biomass and number of spikes, and negatively correlated with number of P. thornei in the root-zone soil at stem elongation. This study showed that P. thornei damage to roots decreased wheat yield through limiting N and P concentrations and uptakes in plant tops causing poor growth that commenced early and continued through the life of the crop. Genetic, environmental and management factors that reduce population densities of P. thornei, and decrease the impact of the nematodes starting in early crop growth, will greatly increase spike and kernel numbers and grain yield.
Advantages and Constraints of Eco-Efficiency Measures: The Case of the Polish Food Industry
Authors: Zielińska-Chmielewska Anna , Olszańska Anna , Kaźmierczyk Jerzy , Andrianova Elena Vladimirovna
Published: February 2021

The issue of the efficiency of food processing enterprises is ever-present because of the continuous process of improving the quality standards of raw materials, complying with the procedures in food production, introducing modern production technology, and, above all, due to the large number of actors who are competing for customers in the domestic and foreign food market. In the coming years, the Polish food processing sector will be facing significant challenges with the inevitable slow and gradual decrease in the cost advantages of raw material prices as well as ready-to-eat products. Manufacturing businesses, in the long run, will need to determine the efficiency, and hence the competitiveness of the Polish food processing sector. The aim of this paper was to review the domestic and foreign literature in terms of the classification and systematization of the concept of eco-efficiency and to find the most optimal set of eco-efficiency measures based on the research in chosen food processing enterprises in Poland. In the theoretical part of the study, methods of descriptive, comparative, deductive, and synthetic analysis were used. In the practical part of the study, appropriately selected qualitative methods, such as a questionnaire, were presented. The results of the analysis were based on the results of the authors’ own calculations, as well specific findings from business practice, both from inland and abroad.
The Growth Response of Pasture Brome (Bromus valdivianus Phil.) to Defoliation Frequency under Two Soil-Water Restriction Levels
Authors: García-Favre Javier , López Ignacio F. , Cranston Lydia M. , Donaghy Daniel J. , Kemp Peter D.
Published: February 2021

Pasture brome (Bromus valdivianus Phil.) has the potential to increase current levels of herbage production and pasture persistence in New Zealand dryland, well-drained soils. However, there is little literature on the effect of defoliation management on growth of this grass under contrasting soil-water restriction levels. The growth physiology and performance of pasture brome were evaluated in pots in a glasshouse. Defoliation frequency (DF) treatments were applied based on three different accumulated growing degree-days (AGDD): 250, 500 and 1000 AGDD (high, medium, and low DF). At end of the first growing cycle (1000 AGDD), water availability was restricted to 20–25% of field capacity (FC) in half of the pots, while the other pots were maintained between 80–85% FC. Total accumulated herbage mass was positively related with the low DF and well-watered conditions (p < 0.05). At the final harvest, plants subjected to low DF had greater root mass than high and medium DF (p < 0.05). At each harvest, the leaf regrowth stage (LS) for low DF was 3.5, while for high and medium DF, the LS was 1.5 and 2.0; respectively. Tiller water-soluble carbohydrates were highest at the low DF and under 20–25% FC. Regardless of soil-water conditions, defoliation at 3.5 LS supports production, enhancing survival during a drought.
Nigellothionins from Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Demonstrate Strong Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Barashkova Anna S. , Sadykova Vera S. , Salo Victoria A. , Zavriev Sergey K. , Rogozhin Eugene A.
Published: February 2021

High-cationic biologically active peptides of the thionins family were isolated from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds. According to their physicochemical characteristics, they were classified as representatives of the class I thionin subfamily. Novel peptides were called “Nigellothionins”, so-called because of their source plant. Thionins are described as components of plant innate immunity to environmental stress factors. Nine nigellothionins were identified in the plant in different amounts. Complete amino acid sequences were determined for three of them, and a high degree of similarity was detected. Three nigellothionins were examined for antifungal properties against collection strains. The dominant peptide, NsW2, was also examined for activity against clinical isolates of fungi. Cytotoxic activity was determined for NsW2. Nigellothionins activity against all collection strains and clinical isolates varied from absence to a value comparable to amphotericin B, which can be explained by the presence of amino acid substitutions in their sequences. Cytotoxic activity in vitro for NsW2 was detected at sub-micromolar concentrations. This has allowed us to propose an alteration of the molecular mechanism of action at different concentrations. The results obtained suggest that nigellothionins are natural compounds that can be used as antimycotic and anti-proliferative agents.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Rifamycin SV after Single and Multiple Doses of MMX® Modified Release Tablets in Healthy Male and Female Volunteers
Authors: Di Stefano Andrea Francesco Daniele , Radicioni Milko Massimiliano , Vaccani Angelo , Mazzetti Alessandro , Longo Luigi Maria , Moro Luigi
Published: February 2021

The primary objective of this single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic study was the investigation of rifamycin SV’s pharmacokinetic profile in plasma and urine. All the 18 enrolled healthy men and post-menopausal women received modified release tablets containing 600 mg of the oral non-absorbable antibiotic, rifamycin SV, according to a multiple dose regimen: one tablet three times a day (daily intake: 1800 mg) for 14 consecutive days. Blood sampling and urine collection were performed up to 24 h post-dose after the first dose on Days 1 and 7. On average, on Day 1, Cmax,0–24 was 5.79 ± 4.24 ng/mL and was attained in a median time of 9 h. On Day 7, all the subjects had quantifiable levels of rifamycin SV in plasma at each sampling time. After a peak concentration attained 2 h post-dose (mean ± SD concentration: 10.94 ± 16.41 ng/mL), rifamycin SV decreased in plasma to levels similar to those of Day 1. The amounts of rifamycin SV excreted in urine paralleled the plasma concentration at the corresponding times. On Day 1, the total amount excreted in urine was 0.0013%, and was 0.0029% on Day 7. The study results confirmed those of the previous Phase I study: the systemic absorption of rifamycin SV was also proved negligible after 7 days of the 600 mg t.i.d. dose regimen of the newly formulated tablets, currently under development for the treatment of several small and large intestinal pathologies, including diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, and others. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT02969252, last updated on 26JAN18.
The Application of Nanobody in CAR-T Therapy
Authors: Bao Chaolemeng , Gao Quanli , Li Lin-Lin , Han Lu , Zhang Bingxiang , Ding Yijin , Song Zongpei , Zhang Ruining , Zhang Jishuai , Wu Xian-Hui
Published: February 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy represents a form of immune cellular therapy with clinical efficacy and a specific target. A typical chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct consists of an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. Nanobodies have been widely applied as the antigen binding domain of CAR-T due to their small size, optimal stability, high affinity, and manufacturing feasibility. The nanobody-based CAR structure has shown a proven function in more than ten different tumor-specific targets. After being transduced in Jurkat cells, natural killer cells, or primary T cells, the resulting nanobody-based CAR-T or CAR-NK cells demonstrate anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, anti-BCMA CAR-T modulated by a single nanobody or bi-valent nanobody displays comparable clinical effects with that of single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-modulated CAR-T. The application of nanobodies in CAR-T therapy has been well demonstrated from bench to bedside and displays great potential in forming advanced CAR-T for more challenging tasks.
Molecular Aspects of the Isolated Limb Infusion Procedure
Authors: Teras Jüri , Carr Michael J. , Zager Jonathan S. , Kroon Hidde M.
Published: February 2021

For decades, isolated limb infusion (ILI) and hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) have been used to treat melanoma in-transit metastases and unresectable sarcoma confined to the limb utilizing the effect of loco-regional high-dose chemotherapy to the isolated limb. Both procedures are able to provide high response rates in patients with numerous or bulky lesions in whom other loco-regional treatments are becoming ineffective. In comparison to systemic therapies, on the other hand, ILI and HILP have the advantage of not being associated with systemic side-effects. Although in principle ILI and HILP are similar procedures, ILI is technically simpler to perform and differs from HILP in that it takes advantage of the hypoxic and acidotic environment that develops in the isolated limb, potentiating anti-tumour activity of the cytotoxic agents melphalan +/− actinomycin-D. Due to its simplicity, ILI can be used in both preclinical and clinical studies to test new cytotoxic regimens and combinations with the aim to overcome tumour resistance. In the future, administration of cytotoxic agents by ILI, in combination with systemic treatments such as BRAF/MEK/KIT inhibitors, immunotherapy (CTLA-4 blockade), and/or programmed death (PD-1) pathway inhibitors, has the potential to improve responses further by inducing increased tumour cell death while limiting the ability of the tumour to suppress the immune response.
Pursuing Orally Bioavailable Hepcidin Analogues via Cyclic N-Methylated Mini-Hepcidins
Authors: Goncalves Monteiro Daniela , van Dijk Johannes W. A. , Aliyanto Randy , Fung Eileen , Nemeth Elizabeta , Ganz Tomas , Rosengren Johan , Clark Richard J.
Published: February 2021

The peptide hormone hepcidin is one of the key regulators of iron absorption, plasma iron levels, and tissue iron distribution. Hepcidin functions by binding to and inducing the internalisation and subsequent lysosomal degradation of ferroportin, which reduces both iron absorption in the gut and export of iron from storage to ultimately decrease systemic iron levels. The key interaction motif in hepcidin has been localised to the highly conserved N-terminal region, comprising the first nine amino acid residues, and has led to the development of mini-hepcidin analogs that induce ferroportin internalisation and have improved drug-like properties. In this work, we have investigated the use of head-to-tail cyclisation and N-methylation of mini-hepcidin as a strategy to increase oral bioavailability by reducing proteolytic degradation and enhancing membrane permeability. We found that backbone cyclisation and N-methylation was well-tolerated in the mini-hepcidin analogues, with the macrocylic analogues often surpassing their linear counterparts in potency. Both macrocyclisation and backbone N-methylation were found to improve the stability of the mini-hepcidins, however, there was no effect on membrane-permeabilizing activity.
Embryonic Onset of Sexually Dimorphic Heart Rates in the Viviparous Fish, Gambusia holbrooki
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Purser G. John , Patil Jawahar G.
Published: February 2021

In fish, little is known about sex-specific differences in physiology and performance of the heart and whether these differences manifest during development. Here for the first time, the sex-specific heart rates during embryogenesis of Gambusia holbrooki, from the onset of the heart rates (HRs) to just prior to parturition, was investigated using light cardiogram. The genetic sex of the embryos was post-verified using a sex-specific genetic marker. Results reveal that heart rates and resting time significantly increase (p < 0.05) with progressive embryonic development. Furthermore, both ventricular and atrial frequencies of female embryos were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of their male sibs at the corresponding developmental stages and remained so at all later developmental stages (p < 0.05). In concurrence, the heart rate and ventricular size of the adult females were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher and larger respectively than those of males. Collectively, the results suggest that the cardiac sex-dimorphism manifests as early as late-organogenesis and persists through adulthood in this species. These findings suggest that the cardiac measurements can be employed to non-invasively sex the developing embryos, well in advance of when their phenotypic sex is discernible. In addition, G. holbrooki could serve as a better model to study comparative vertebrate cardiovascular development as well as to investigate anthropogenic and climatic impacts on heart physiology of this species, that may be sex influenced.
Ocean Literacy to Promote Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 in Coastal Communities
Authors: Ferreira José Carlos , Vasconcelos Lia , Monteiro Renato , Silva Flávia Zurga , Duarte Cláudio Macedo , Ferreira Filipa
Published: February 2021

Ambassadors for Biodiversity (EmBio) is an ocean literacy research project that contributes to the improvement of literacy on marine and coastal biodiversity, namely encompassing the areas covered by the Natura 2000 Network, by promoting coastal and oceanic resources conservation and natural and cultural values preservation of the Portuguese western Atlantic coast. This project directly promotes the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of 2030 Agenda developed by the United Nations and adopted by most countries in the world, which define the priorities and aspirations for global sustainable development until the year of 2030, mobilizing a world-wide effort to meet a common set of goals and objectives. This paper contributes to understanding how ocean literacy, and specifically the EmBio research project, fits into the international agenda for sustainable development and the SDGs and its targets. Through an analysis and a comparison between the project EmBio and the SDGs, it was possible to identify connections on 11 out of 17 goals and 31 out of 169 targets, with a special emphasis on the SDG 14—Life Below Water. The results highlight the relevance of this project and, especially, ocean literacy for the accomplishment of the SDGs.
Measuring the Implementation of the Agenda 2030 Vision in Its Comprehensive Sense: Methodology and Tool
Authors: Karnitis Edvins , Bicevskis Janis , Karnitis Girts
Published: February 2021

The contribution of the energy sector to human development (HD) is one of the aspects that requires measuring growth of the overall sustainability of HD. The UN program, Agenda 2030, has defined the vision of advanced development by introducing a sustainable HD paradigm, the balanced integrated development paradigm, in three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. The overall performance of countries is not currently assessed; there are several proposals for measuring sustainable HD level, but none have become widely accepted due to their weaknesses. The selected indirect measurement method reflects the interlinkage of development dimensions in real cases of low data availability. By combining the strengths of existing proposals and eliminating their weaknesses, the measuring methodology has been created and an appropriate tool—the Advanced Human Development Index (AHDI)—has been designed, which ensures unity and concordance of all included comprehensive dimension indices. The calculations confirm the accuracy and simplicity of the measurement. The proposed methodology and AHDI, as a simple, balanced index that is based on result-oriented headline indices, provide the big picture, which will be transparent, acceptable and usable for experts, politicians and the global community to assess the achieved development levels and to make strategic decisions for the coming period.
A Modified Niching Crow Search Approach to Well Placement Optimization
Authors: Islam Jahedul , Rahaman Md Shokor A. , Vasant Pandian M. , Negash Berihun Mamo , Hoqe Ahshanul , Khalifa Alhitmi Hitmi , Watada Junzo
Published: February 2021

Well placement optimization is considered a non-convex and highly multimodal optimization problem. In this article, a modified crow search algorithm is proposed to tackle the well placement optimization problem. This article proposes modifications based on local search and niching techniques in the crow search algorithm (CSA). At first, the suggested approach is verified by experimenting with the benchmark functions. For test functions, the results of the proposed approach demonstrated a higher convergence rate and a better solution. Again, the performance of the proposed technique is evaluated with well placement optimization problem and compared with particle swarm optimization (PSO), the Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), and the Crow search algorithm (CSA). The outcomes of the study revealed that the niching crow search algorithm is the most efficient and effective compared to the other techniques.
Data-Driven Evaluation for Demand Flexibility of Segmented Electric Vehicle Chargers in the Korean Residential Sector
Authors: Baek Keon , Kim Sehyun , Lee Eunjung , Cho Yongjun , Kim Jinho
Published: February 2021

The rapid spread of renewable energy resources has increased need for demand flexibility as one of the solutions to power system imbalance. However, to properly estimate the demand flexibility, demand characteristics must be analyzed first and the corresponding flexibility measures must be validated. Thus, in this study, a novel approach is proposed to evaluate the demand flexibility provided by Electric Vehicle Chargers (EVC) in the residential sector based upon a new process of electric charging demand characteristic data analysis. The proposed model estimates the frequency, consistency, and operation scores of the flexible demand resource (FDR) during identified ramp-up/down intervals presented in our previous work. The scores are included in the components that calculate the flexibility score referring that the closer it is to 1, the higher utilization as an FDR. A case study was conducted by considering EV user segmentation based on their demand characteristic analysis. The results confirm that flexibility scores of segmented EVC groups are about 0.0273 in ramp-up and ramp-down intervals. Based on the experimental results, the flexibility score can be utilized for multi-dimensional analysis and verification in perspectives of seasonality, participation time interval, customer group classification, and evaluation. Thus, the proposed method can be used as an indicator to determine how a segmented EVC group is adequate to participate as an FDR while suggesting meaningful implications through EVC demand data analysis.
Green Energy in Central and Eastern European (CEE) Countries: New Challenges on the Path to Sustainable Development
Authors: Pakulska Teresa
Published: February 2021

In the conditions of climate change and the scarcity of natural resources, the future of energy is increasingly associated with the development of the so-called green energy. Its development is reflected in the European Commission strategic vision to transition to a climate-neutral economy. This is a challenge that the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, members of the EU, are also trying to meet. In recent years, these countries have seen an increase in the share of renewable energy and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GGE). On the other hand, basing the energy sector on unstable energy sources (photovoltaics and wind technologies) may imply new challenges on the way to sustainable development. These are old problems in a new version (ecology, diversification of supplies) and new ones related to the features of renewable energy sources (RES; instability, dispersion). The aim of the article was to classify, on the basis of taxonomic methods, the CEE countries from the point of view of green energy transformation (original indicator) and to predict new threats to Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria, the countries representing different groups according to the applied classification. The issues presented are part of a holistic view of RES and can be useful in energy policy.
Design of a High Power, LCC-Compensated, Dynamic, Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging System with Improved Misalignment Tolerance
Authors: ElGhanam Eiman , Hassan Mohamed , Osman Ahmed
Published: February 2021

Dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems are becoming increasingly important for on-the-move electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, to overcome range anxiety and compensate for the consumed energy while the EV is in motion. In this work, a DWPT EV charging system is proposed to be implemented on a straight road stretch such that it provides the moving EV with energy at a rate of 308 Wh/km. This rate is expected to compensate for the vehicle’s average energy consumption and allow for additional energy storage in the EV battery. The proposed charging system operates at an average power transfer efficiency that is higher than 90% and provides good lateral misalignment tolerance up to ±200 mm. Details of the proposed system’s design are presented in this paper, including EV specifications, inductive link and compensation network design and power electronic circuitry.
Numerical Modeling of Sperm Swimming
Authors: Tian Fang-Bao , Wang Li
Published: February 2021

Due to rising human infertility, sperm motility has been an important subject. Among the hundreds of millions of sperms on the journey up the oviducts, only a few excellent travelers will reach the eggs. This journey is affected by many factors, some of which include sperm quality, sperm density, fluid rheology and chemotaxis. In addition, the sperm swimming through different body tracks and fluids involves complex sperm flagellar, complex fluid environment, and multi-sperm and sperm-wall interactions. Therefore, this topic has generated substantial research interest. In this paper, we present a review of computational studies on sperm swimming from an engineering perspective with focus on both simplified theoretical methods and fluid–structure interaction methods. Several open issues in this field are highlighted.
Characterization of Bacterial Communities of Cold-Smoked Salmon during Storage
Authors: Maillet Aurélien , Denojean Pauline , Bouju-Albert Agnès , Scaon Erwann , Leuillet Sébastien , Dousset Xavier , Jaffrès Emmanuel , Combrisson Jérôme , Prévost Hervé
Published: February 2021

Cold-smoked salmon is a widely consumed ready-to-eat seafood product that is a fragile commodity with a long shelf-life. The microbial ecology of cold-smoked salmon during its shelf-life is well known. However, to our knowledge, no study on the microbial ecology of cold-smoked salmon using next-generation sequencing has yet been undertaken. In this study, cold-smoked salmon microbiotas were investigated using a polyphasic approach composed of cultivable methods, V3—V4 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and chemical analyses. Forty-five cold-smoked salmon products processed in three different factories were analyzed. The metabarcoding approach highlighted 12 dominant genera previously reported as fish spoilers: Firmicutes Staphylococcus, Carnobacterium, Lactobacillus, β-Proteobacteria Photobacterium, Vibrio, Aliivibrio, Salinivibrio, Enterobacteriaceae Serratia,Pantoea, γ-Proteobacteria Psychrobacter, Shewanella and Pseudomonas. Specific operational taxonomic units were identified during the 28-day storage study period. Operational taxonomic units specific to the processing environment were also identified. Although the 45 cold-smoked salmon products shared a core microbiota, a processing plant signature was found. This suggest that the bacterial communities of cold-smoked salmon products are impacted by the processing environment, and this environment could have a negative effect on product quality. The use of a polyphasic approach for seafood products and food processing environments could provide better insights into residential bacteria dynamics and their impact on food safety and quality.
Food Innovation Adoption and Organic Food Consumerism—A Cross National Study between Malaysia and Hungary
Authors: Jeyakumar Nathan Robert , Soekmawati  , Victor Vijay , Popp József , Fekete-Farkas Mária , Oláh Judit
Published: February 2021

In order to meet the rising global demand for food and to ensure food security in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 2, technological advances have been introduced in the food production industry. The organic food industry has benefitted from advances in food technology and innovation. However, there remains skepticism regarding organic foods on the part of consumers, specifically on consumers’ acceptance of food innovation technologies used in the production of organic foods. This study measured factors that influence consumers’ food innovation adoption and subsequently their intention to purchase organic foods. We compared the organic foods purchase behavior of Malaysian and Hungarian consumers to examine differences between Asian and European consumers. The findings show food innovation adoption as the most crucial predictor for the intention to purchase organic foods in Hungary, while social lifestyle factor was the most influential in Malaysia. Other factors such as environmental concerns and health consciousness were also examined in relation to food innovation adoption and organic food consumerism. This paper discusses differences between European and Asian organic foods consumers and provides recommendations for stakeholders.