bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Links between the Endocannabinoid System and the Kynurenine Pathway in Depression
Authors: Zádor Ferenc , Joca Sâmia , Nagy-Grócz Gábor , Dvorácskó Szabolcs , Szűcs Edina , Tömböly Csaba , Benyhe Sándor , Vécsei László
Published: May 2021

Substance use/abuse is one of the main causes of depressive symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in particular gained significant popularity in the past years. There is an increasing amount of clinical data associating such compounds with the inflammatory component of depression, indicated by the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also well-known to regulate the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which is responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, a precursor in serotonin synthesis. Enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels may over-activate the KP, leading to tryptophan depletion and reduced serotonin levels, which can subsequently precipitate depressive symptoms. Therefore, such mechanism might represent a possible link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the KP in depression, via the inflammatory and dysregulated serotonergic component of the disorder. This review will summarize the data regarding those natural and synthetic cannabinoids that increase pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the data on such cytokines associated with KP activation will be further reviewed accordingly. The interaction of the ECS and the KP has been postulated and demonstrated in some studies previously. This review will further contribute to this yet less explored connection and propose the KP to be the missing link between cannabinoid-induced inflammation and depressive symptoms.
Astrocytes in Multiple Sclerosis—Essential Constituents with Diverse Multifaceted Functions
Authors: Aharoni Rina , Eilam Raya , Arnon Ruth
Published: May 2021

In multiple sclerosis (MS), astrocytes respond to the inflammatory stimulation with an early robust process of morphological, transcriptional, biochemical, and functional remodeling. Recent studies utilizing novel technologies in samples from MS patients, and in an animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), exposed the detrimental and the beneficial, in part contradictory, functions of this heterogeneous cell population. In this review, we summarize the various roles of astrocytes in recruiting immune cells to lesion sites, engendering the inflammatory loop, and inflicting tissue damage. The roles of astrocytes in suppressing excessive inflammation and promoting neuroprotection and repair processes is also discussed. The pivotal roles played by astrocytes make them an attractive therapeutic target. Improved understanding of astrocyte function and diversity, and the mechanisms by which they are regulated may lead to the development of novel approaches to selectively block astrocytic detrimental responses and/or enhance their protective properties.
Numerical Investigation of the Performance Impact of Stator Tilting Endwall Designs on a Mixed Flow Turbine
Authors: Gao Yang , Fridh Jens , Morrison Richard , Ren Pangbo , Spence Stephen
Published: May 2021

This paper numerically investigates stator endwall designs for a mixed flow turbine. One key design parameter studied is the tilting angle of the stator endwall. By examining stator designs with different tilting angles, the aim of this paper is to improve the efficiency of the studied mixed flow turbine at low velocity ratio working conditions. The performance curve at the design speed was chosen for the comparison between the baseline design and the tilted endwall designs. First, the numerical predictions for the baseline design were validated with experimental data. Then, to understand the mechanism of the performance variation between the different designs, the internal flow field was analyzed in detail. It was found that the tilting stator endwall could form a geometric “kink” in the endwall profiles. On the shroud side, certain designs with such kink caused local flow separations upstream the rotor leading edge. This separation could have the effect of reducing the intensity of the tip leakage vortex and the exit kinetic energy losses at the rotor outlet and may also improve the performance of the exhaust diffuser. As a result, the peak of the efficiency curve shifted toward lower velocity ratio. If the turbine stage incorporated a downstream exhaust diffuser, the optimal design in this study showed a shift of the velocity ratio of the peak efficiency point from 0.62 to 0.60 compared with the baseline. The maximum efficiency improvement was 1.3% points, which occurred at low velocity ratio. Meanwhile, the peak efficiency was 0.2% points higher than the baseline. If the exhaust diffuser was removed, a similar shift of the efficiency curve was observed but less efficiency gain was achieved at the low velocity ratio condition. A preliminary unsteady simulation was also conducted for the optimal design in this study.
Joint Subtitle Extraction and Frame Inpainting for Videos with Burned-In Subtitles
Authors: Xu Haoran , He Yanbai , Li Xinya , Hu Xiaoying , Hao Chuanyan , Jiang Bo
Published: May 2021

Subtitles are crucial for video content understanding. However, a large amount of videos have only burned-in, hardcoded subtitles that prevent video re-editing, translation, etc. In this paper, we construct a deep-learning-based system for the inverse conversion of a burned-in subtitle video to a subtitle file and an inpainted video, by coupling three deep neural networks (CTPN, CRNN, and EdgeConnect). We evaluated the performance of the proposed method and found that the deep learning method achieved high-precision separation of the subtitles and video frames and significantly improved the video inpainting results compared to the existing methods. This research fills a gap in the application of deep learning to burned-in subtitle video reconstruction and is expected to be widely applied in the reconstruction and re-editing of videos with subtitles, advertisements, logos, and other occlusions.
Soft Computing of a Medically Important Arthropod Vector with Autoregressive Recurrent and Focused Time Delay Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Damos Petros , Tuells José , Caballero Pablo
Published: May 2021

A central issue of public health strategies is the availability of decision tools to be used in the preventive management of the transmission cycle of vector-borne diseases. In this work, we present, for the first time, a soft system computing modeling approach using two dynamic artificial neural network (ANNs) models to describe and predict the non-linear incidence and time evolution of a medically important mosquito species, Culex sp., in Northern Greece. The first model is an exogenous non-linear autoregressive recurrent neural network (NARX), which is designed to take as inputs the temperature as an exogenous variable and mosquito abundance as endogenous variable. The second model is a focused time-delay neural network (FTD), which takes into account only the temperature variable as input to provide forecasts of the mosquito abundance as the target variable. Both models behaved well considering the non-linear nature of the adult mosquito abundance data. Although, the NARX model predicted slightly better (R = 0.623) compared to the FTD model (R = 0.534), the advantage of the FTD over the NARX neural network model is that it can be applied in the case where past values of the population system, here mosquito abundance, are not available for their forecasting.
Elucidating the Fitness of a Dead-End Trap Crop Strategy against the Tomato Fruitworm, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Gyawali Purushottam , Hwang Shaw-Yhi , Sotelo-Cardona Paola , Srinivasan Ramasamy
Published: May 2021

Solanum viarum has been proposed as a potential dead-end trap crop for the management of Helicoverpa armigera because of its unsuitability for larval growth and survival despite being overwhelmingly preferred for oviposition. This study delved into the different S. viarum accessions for ovipositional preference and non-suitability for larval growth and survival of H. armigera. Besides, foliage trichomes, acylsugars, and phenolic content of S. viarum plants were assessed and compared with tomato. Since there is no significant variation in the ovipositional preference and larval performance of H. armigera, our result revealed that all those evaluated accessions of S. viarum have the potential to be used as a dead-end trap crop for the management of H. armigera. However, significant variation among the S. viarum accessions in terms of H. armigera oviposition was also evident in a no-choice experiment. Because of high-density glandular trichomes, acylsugars, and phenolic content, S. viarum significantly impaired H. armigera larval growth and survival compared to the tomato. Hence, our study elucidated that the S. viarum plant fits with the criteria for dead-end trap crop, and has the potential as a dead-end trap crop for the H. armigera, which needs to be tested under large, open-field conditions.
Mitochondrial DNA Instability Is Common in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Newborns
Authors: Monnin Audrey , Desquiret-Dumas Valérie , Méda Nicolas , Goudenège David , Bris Céline , Kankasa Chipepo , Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Tylleskar Thorkild , Procaccio Vincent , Nagot Nicolas , Van de Perre Philippe , Reynier Pascal , Molès Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2021

Worldwide, one million HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children are born yearly, and chronic health impairments have been reported in these children. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) instability and altered mtDNA content have been evidenced in these children, but an exhaustive characterization of altered mitochondrial genomes has never been reported. We applied deep mtDNA sequencing coupled to the deletion identification algorithm eKLIPse to the blood of HEU neonates (n = 32), which was compared with healthy controls (n = 15). Dried blood spots (DBS) from African HEU children were collected seven days after birth between November 2009 and May 2012. DBS from French healthy controls were collected at birth (or <3 days of life) in 2012 and in 2019. In contrast to the absence of mtDNA instability observed at the nucleotide level, we identified significant amounts of heteroplasmic mtDNA deletions in 75% of HEU children and in none of controls. The heteroplasmy rate of the 62 mtDNA deletions identified varied from 0.01% to up to 50%, the highest rates being broadly compatible with bioenergetic defect and clinical expression. mtDNA integrity is commonly affected in HEU neonates. The nature of the deletions suggests a mechanism related to aging or tumor-associated mtDNA instability. This child population may be at risk of additional mtDNA genetic alterations considering that they will be exposed to other mitotoxic drugs including antiretroviral or anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Perinatal Mental Health during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Suwalska Julia , Napierała Maria , Bogdański Paweł , Łojko Dorota , Wszołek Katarzyna , Suchowiak Sara , Suwalska Aleksandra
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented to decelerate its spread have consequences for mental health of societies. The aim of our review was to analyze depressive and anxiety symptoms in perinatal women. The search used PubMed and Web of Science databases. Most studies showed an increase in the prevalence of depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Risk factors identified in our study were mainly related to the possibility of COVID-19 infection, changes in the organization of perinatal care, social isolation and financial problems. Protective factors included social support, the woman’s own activity and knowledge about COVID-19. The results of our study point to the importance of the mental health screening including suicide risk assessment in perinatal women. Much of the mental health needs of perinatal women can be met in primary or perinatal care services; however, women with mental health issues should be offered psychiatric consultations and psychological support, and sometimes urgent psychiatric hospitalization is necessary. Healthcare professionals should provide information addressing uncertainty about COVID-19, organization of midwifery and medical care as well as mental health problems and how to get help. Mental health interventions in pregnant women may involve planning physical activity and encouraging to engage in online social activities.
Metabolic Alterations in Sepsis
Authors: Wasyluk Weronika , Zwolak Agnieszka
Published: May 2021

Sepsis is defined as “life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection”. Contrary to the older definitions, the current one not only focuses on inflammation, but points to systemic disturbances in homeostasis, including metabolism. Sepsis leads to sepsis-induced dysfunction and mitochondrial damage, which is suggested as a major cause of cell metabolism disorders in these patients. The changes affect the metabolism of all macronutrients. The metabolism of all macronutrients is altered. A characteristic change in carbohydrate metabolism is the intensification of glycolysis, which in combination with the failure of entering pyruvate to the tricarboxylic acid cycle increases the formation of lactate. Sepsis also affects lipid metabolism—lipolysis in adipose tissue is upregulated, which leads to an increase in the level of fatty acids and triglycerides in the blood. At the same time, their use is disturbed, which may result in the accumulation of lipids and their toxic metabolites. Changes in the metabolism of ketone bodies and amino acids have also been described. Metabolic disorders in sepsis are an important area of research, both for their potential role as a target for future therapies (metabolic resuscitation) and for optimizing the current treatment, such as clinical nutrition.
Can a Difference in Gestational Age According to Biparietal Diameter and Abdominal Circumference Predict Intrapartum Placental Abruption?
Authors: Hong Jee-Youn , Kim Jin-Ha , Kim Seo-yeon , Sung Ji-Hee , Choi Suk-Joo , Oh Soo-young , Roh Cheong-Rae
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate whether a difference in gestational age according to biparietal diameter (BPD) and abdominal circumference (AC) could be a clinically useful predictor of placental abruption during the intrapartum period. This retrospective cohort study was based on singletons who were delivered after 32 + 0 weeks between July 2015 and July 2020. We only included cases with at least two antepartum sonographies available within 4 weeks of delivery (n = 2790). We divided the study population into two groups according to the presence or absence of placental abruption and compared the clinical variables. The incidence of placental abruption was 2.0% (56/2790) and was associated with an older maternal age, a higher rate of preeclampsia, and being small for the gestational age. A difference of >2 weeks in gestational age according to BPD and AC occurred at a higher rate in the placental abruption group compared to the no abruption group (>2 weeks, 21.4% (12/56) vs. 7.5% (205/2734), p < 0.001; >3 weeks, 12.5% (7/56) vs. 2.0% (56/2734), p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the differences of >2 weeks and >3 weeks were both independent risk factors for placental abruption (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval), 2.289 (1.140–4.600) and 3.918 (1.517–9.771), respectively) after adjusting for maternal age, preeclampsia, and small for gestational age births. We identified that a difference in gestational age of >2 weeks between BPD and AC could be an independent predictor of placental abruption.
60-S Retrogated Compressed Sensing 2D Cine of the Heart: Sharper Borders and Accurate Quantification
Authors: Longère Benjamin , Gkizas Christos V. , Coisne Augustin , Grenier Lucas , Silvestri Valentina , Pagniez Julien , Simeone Arianna , Hennicaux Justin , Schmidt Michaela , Forman Christoph , Toupin Solenn , Montaigne David , Pontana François
Published: May 2021

Background and objective: Real-time compressed sensing cine (CSrt) provides reliable quantification for both ventricles but may alter image quality. The aim of this study was to assess image quality and the accuracy of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, ejection fraction and mass quantifications based on a retrogated segmented compressed sensing 2D cine sequence (CSrg). Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled. Each patient underwent the reference retrogated segmented steady-state free precession cine sequence (SSFPref), the real-time CSrt cine and the segmented retrogated prototype CSrg sequence providing the same slices. Functional parameters quantification and image quality rating were performed on SSFPref and CSrg images sets. The edge sharpness, which is an estimate of the edge spread function, was assessed for the three sequences. Results: The mean scan time was: SSFPref = 485.4 ± 83.3 (SD) s (95% CI: 454.3–516.5) and CSrg = 58.3 ± 15.1 (SD) s (95% CI: 53.7–64.2) (p < 0.0001). CSrg subjective image quality score (median: 4; range: 2–4) was higher than the one provided by CSrt (median: 3; range: 2–4; p = 0.0008) and not different from SSFPref overall quality score (median: 4; range: 2–4; p = 0.31). CSrg provided similar LV and RV functional parameters to those assessed with SSFPref (p > 0.05). Edge sharpness was significantly better with CSrg (0.083 ± 0.013 (SD) pixel−1; 95% CI: 0.078–0.087) than with CSrt (0.070 ± 0.011 (SD) pixel−1; 95% CI: 0.066–0.074; p = 0.0004) and not different from the reference technique (0.075 ± 0.016 (SD) pixel−1; 95% CI: 0.069–0.081; p = 0.0516). Conclusions: CSrg cine provides in one minute an accurate quantification of LV and RV functional parameters without compromising subjective and objective image quality.
Clinically Significant High-Grade AV Block as a Reversible Cause for Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Patients—A Propensity Score Matched Cohort
Authors: Hochstadt Aviram , Avivi Ido , Ingbir Merav , Shacham Yacov , Merdler Ilan , Granot Yoav , Viskin Sami , Rosso Raphael , Banai Shmuel , Konigstein Maayan
Published: May 2021

Background. High-grade AV block (HGAVB) is a life-threatening condition. Acute kidney injury (AKI) which is usually caused by renal hypo-perfusion is associated with adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between AKI and HGAVB. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort comparing the incidence of AKI among patients with HGAVB requiring pacemaker implantation compared with propensity score matched controls. Primary outcome was the incidence of AKI at admission. Secondary outcomes were change in creatinine levels, AKI during stay, recovery from AKI, mortality and major adverse kidney events (MAKE). Results. In total, 80 HGAVB patients were compared to 400 controls. HGAVB patients had a higher proportion of admission AKI compared to controls (36.2% versus 21.1%, RR = 1.71 [1.21–2.41], p = 0.004). Creatinine changes from baseline to admission and to maximum during hospitalization, were also higher in HGAVB (p = 0.042 and p = 0.033). Recovery from AKI was more frequent among HGAVB patients (55.2% vs. 25.9%, RR = 2.13 [1.31–3.47], p = 0.004) with hospitalization time, MAKE and crude mortality similar (p > 0.158). Conclusions. AKI occurs in about one third of patients admitted with HGAVB, more frequent compared to controls. Patients with AKI accompanying HGAVB were likelier to recover from AKI. Further studies to explore this relationship could aid in clinical decision making for HGAVB patients.
Influence of Lymphangio (L), Vascular (V), and Perineural (Pn) Invasion on Recurrence and Survival of Resected Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Bartsch Fabian , Heuft Lisa-Katharina , Baumgart Janine , Hoppe-Lotichius Maria , Margies Rabea , Gerber Tiemo S. , Foerster Friedrich , Weinmann Arndt , Straub Beate K. , Mittler Jens , Heinrich Stefan , Lang Hauke
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare malignancy. Besides tumor, nodal, and metastatic status, the UICC TNM classification describes further parameters such as lymphangio- (L0/L1), vascular (V0/V1/V2), and perineural invasion (Pn0/Pn1). The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of these parameters on recurrence and survival. (2) Methods: All surgical explorations for patients with ICC between January 2008 and June 2018 were collected and further analyzed in our institutional database. Statistical analyses focused on perineural, lymphangio-, and vascular invasion examined histologically and their influence on tumor recurrence and survival. (3) Results: Of 210 patients who underwent surgical exploration, 150 underwent curative-intended resection. Perineural invasion was present in 41, lymphangioinvasion in 21, and vascular invasion in 37 patients (V1 n = 34, V2 n = 3). Presence of P1, V+ and L1 was significantly associated with positivity of each other of these factors (p < 0.001, each). None of the three parameters showed direct influence on tumor recurrence in general, but perineural invasion influenced extrahepatic recurrence significantly (p = 0.019). Whereas lymphangio and vascular invasion was neither associated with overall nor recurrence-free survival, perineural invasion was significantly associated with a poor 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) of 80%, 35%, and 23% for Pn0 versus 75%, 23%, and 0% for Pn1 (p = 0.027). Concerning recurrence-free survival (RFS), Pn0 showed a 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS of 42%, 18%, and 16% versus 28%, 11%, and 0% for Pn1, but no significance was reached (p = 0.091). (4) Conclusions: Whereas lymphangio- and vascular invasion showed no significant influence in several analyses, the presence of perineural invasion was associated with a significantly higher risk of extrahepatic tumor recurrence and worse overall survival.
Isolated Lumbar Extension Resistance Exercise in Limited Range of Motion for Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy and Disk Herniation—Clinical Outcome and Influencing Factors
Authors: Golonka Witold , Raschka Christoph , Harandi Vahid M. , Domokos Bruno , Alfredson Håkan , Alfen Florian Maria , Spang Christoph
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Reconditioning of the paraspinal lumbar extensor muscles by isolated lumbar extension resistance exercises (ILEX) has shown good clinical results for patients with chronic unspecific low back pain. However, the clinical value and safety for patients with specific spine pathologies is unclear. In this study, clinical outcome and influencing factors were retrospectively analyzed for patients with lumbar disk herniation (LDH) and radiculopathy. (2) Methods: 189 consecutive patients (123 men and 66 women; mean age, 36 years) with clinically diagnosed LDH and relative indications for surgery started a 9-week rehabilitation program (2x/week) including ILEX in limited range of motion (ROM) adjusted to patients’ symptoms. Patients diagnosed with advanced levels of spine degeneration were excluded. Pain/radiculopathy (PR), influence on mental health (IOMH), satisfaction rates were measured via Numeric Rating Scales (NRS, 0–10), and overall clinical outcome was stated in % (100% = full recovery). Isometric extension strength was tested before and after the program. (3) Results: 168 patients (88.9%) completed the program. For 162 out of 168 patients (96.4%) there was a significant reduction of clinical symptoms, whereas 6 patients reported no changes in symptoms. Scores (mean) for symptom intensity decreased from 4.2 (±1.5) to 1.9 (±1.5) (p < 0.001), the impact on mental health decreased from 5.9 (±2.3) to 2.4 (±2.0) (p < 0.001). There was a (weak) correlation between lower scores for PR and IOMH before the study and better clinical outcomes; PR also weakly correlated with satisfaction. Other factors such as age, strength increase, level/location and number of LDH did not have a significant impact on the clinical results. (4) Conclusion: The results indicate that ILEX in limited ROM can be an effective treatment for the majority of patients with LDH. For patients with high pain levels, the results are less consistent, and surgery may be considered.
When the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma Challenges Textbooks and Guidelines
Authors: Rossi Giulio , Davoli Fabio , Poletti Venerino , Cavazza Alberto , Lococo Filippo
Published: May 2021

The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MPM) does not pose difficulties when presenting with usual clinico-radiologic features and morphology. Pathology textbooks and national/international guidelines generally describe the findings of classic MPM, underlining common clinical presentation, the gold standard of sampling techniques, usual morphologic variants, immunohistochemical results of several positive and negative primary antibodies in the differential diagnosis, and the role of novel molecular markers. Nevertheless, MPM often does not follow the golden rules in routine practice, while the literature generally does not sufficiently emphasize unusual features of its manifestation. This gap may potentially create problems for patients in sustaining a difficult diagnosis of MPM in clinical practice and during legal disputes. Indeed, the guidelines accidentally tend to favor the job of lawyers and pathologists defending asbestos-producing industries against patients suffering from MPM characterized by uncommon features. The current review is aimed at underlining the wide spectrum of clinical and radiological presentation of MPM, the possibility to consistently use cytology for diagnostic intent, the aberrant immunohistochemical expression using so-called specific negative and positive primary antibodies, and finally proposing some alternative and more unbiased approaches to the diagnosis of MPM.
Subclinical Cardiac Organ Damage in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Authors: Linde Anja , Gerdts Eva , Tveit Kåre Steinar , Kringeland Ester , Midtbø Helga
Published: May 2021

We explored the association between subclinical cardiac organ damage (OD) with comorbidities and psoriasis severity in 53 psoriasis patients on infliximab treatment (age 47 ± 15 years, 30% women) and 99 controls without psoriasis (age 47 ± 11 years, 28% women). Cardiac OD was assessed by echocardiography as the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) relative wall thickness (RWT), LV hypertrophy or dilated left atrium. Psoriasis severity was graded using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The prevalence of hypertension was 66% in psoriasis vs. 61% in controls (p = 0.54) and cardiac OD seen in 51 and 73%, respectively (p = 0.007). Psoriasis was associated with a lower prevalence of cardiac OD (odds ratio (OR) 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.77, p = 0.01) independent of age, sex, smoking, body mass index, and hypertension. Among psoriasis patients, hypertension was associated with increased risk of subclinical cardiac OD (OR 6.88, 95% CI 1.32–35.98, p = 0.02) independent of age, sex, and body mass index. PASI at treatment initiation was associated with a higher RWT at follow-up, independent of sex, age, and hypertension (β 0.36, p = 0.006) while no association with current PASI was found. In conclusion, cardiac OD was less prevalent in psoriasis patients on infliximab treatment than controls. Hypertension was the major covariable for subclinical cardiac OD in psoriasis.
Artificial Intelligence Application in Solid State Mg-Based Hydrogen Energy Storage
Authors: Huang Song-Jeng , Mose Matoke Peter , Kannaiyan Sathiyalingam
Published: May 2021

The use of Mg-based compounds in solid-state hydrogen energy storage has a very high prospect due to its high potential, low-cost, and ease of availability. Today, solid-state hydrogen storage science is concerned with understanding the material behavior of different compositions and structure when interacting with hydrogen. Finding a suitable material has remained an elusive idea, and therefore, this review summarizes works by various groups, the milestones they have achieved, and the roadmap to be taken on the study of hydrogen storage using low-cost magnesium composites. Mg-based compounds are further examined from the perspective of artificial intelligence studies, which helps to improve prediction of their properties and hydrogen storage performance. There exist several techniques to improve the performance of Mg-based compounds: microstructure modification, use of catalytic additives, and composition regulation. Microstructure modification is usually achieved by employing different synthetic techniques like severe plastic deformation, high energy ball milling, and cold rolling, among others. These synthetic approaches are discussed herein. In this review, a discussion of key parameters and operating conditions are highlighted in a view to finding high storage capacity and faster kinetics. Furthermore, recent approaches like machine learning have found application in guiding the experimental design. Hence, this review paper also explores how machine learning techniques have been utilized to fasten the materials research. It is however noted that this study is not exhaustive in itself.
Workload Accomplished in Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Schultz Katrina L. , Foster Carl , Radtke Kimberley , Bramwell Susan , Cortis Cristina , Fusco Andrea , Porcari John P.
Published: May 2021

Exercise training is an important component of clinical exercise programs. Although there are recognized guidelines for the amount of exercise to be accomplished (≥70,000 steps per week or ≥150 min per week at moderate intensity), there is virtually no documentation of how much exercise is actually accomplished in contemporary exercise programs. Having guidelines without evidence of whether they are being met is of limited value. We analyzed both the weekly step count and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) of patients (n = 26) enrolled in a community clinical exercise (e.g., Phase III) program over a 3-week reference period. Step counts averaged 39,818 ± 18,612 per week, with 18% of the steps accomplished in the program and 82% of steps accomplished outside the program. Using the sRPE method, inside the program, the patients averaged 162.4 ± 93.1 min per week, at a sRPE of 12.5 ± 1.9 and a frequency of 1.8 ± 0.7 times per week, for a calculated exercise load of 2042.5 ± 1244.9 AU. Outside the program, the patients averaged 144.9 ± 126.4 min, at a sRPE of 11.8 ± 5.8 and a frequency of 2.4 ± 1.5 times per week, for a calculated exercise load of 1723.9 ± 1526.2 AU. The total exercise load using sRPE was 266.4 ± 170.8 min per week, at a sRPE of 12.6 ± 3.8, and frequency of 4.2 ± 1.1 times per week, for a calculated exercise load of 3359.8 ± 2145.9 AU. There was a non-linear relationship between steps per week and the sRPE derived training load, apparently attributable to the amount of non-walking exercise accomplished in the program. The results suggest that patients in a community clinical exercise program are achieving American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, based on the sRPE method, but are accomplishing less steps than recommended by guidelines.
PageRank Implemented with the MPI Paradigm Running on a Many-Core Neuromorphic Platform
Authors: Forno Evelina , Salvato Alessandro , Macii Enrico , Urgese Gianvito
Published: May 2021

SpiNNaker is a neuromorphic hardware platform, especially designed for the simulation of Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). To this end, the platform features massively parallel computation and an efficient communication infrastructure based on the transmission of small packets. The effectiveness of SpiNNaker in the parallel execution of the PageRank (PR) algorithm has been tested by the realization of a custom SNN implementation. In this work, we propose a PageRank implementation fully realized with the MPI programming paradigm ported to the SpiNNaker platform. We compare the scalability of the proposed program with the equivalent SNN implementation, and we leverage the characteristics of the PageRank algorithm to benchmark our implementation of MPI on SpiNNaker when faced with massive communication requirements. Experimental results show that the algorithm exhibits favorable scaling for a mid-sized execution context, while highlighting that the performance of MPI-PageRank on SpiNNaker is bounded by memory size and speed limitations on the current version of the hardware.
Physical Modelling of Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations for TRL (Technology Readiness Level) Studies
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhamoy , Lombardi Domenico , Amani Sadra , Aleem Muhammad , Prakhya Ganga , Adhikari Sondipon , Aliyu Abdullahi , Alexander Nicholas , Wang Ying , Cui Liang , Jalbi Saleh , Pakrashi Vikram , Li Wei , Mendoza Jorge , Vimalan Nathan
Published: May 2021

Offshore wind turbines are a complex, dynamically sensitive structure due to their irregular mass and stiffness distribution, and complexity of the loading conditions they need to withstand. There are other challenges in particular locations such as typhoons, hurricanes, earthquakes, sea-bed currents, and tsunami. Because offshore wind turbines have stringent Serviceability Limit State (SLS) requirements and need to be installed in variable and often complex ground conditions, their foundation design is challenging. Foundation design must be robust due to the enormous cost of retrofitting in a challenging environment should any problem occur during the design lifetime. Traditionally, engineers use conventional types of foundation systems, such as shallow gravity-based foundations (GBF), suction caissons, or slender piles or monopiles, based on prior experience with designing such foundations for the oil and gas industry. For offshore wind turbines, however, new types of foundations are being considered for which neither prior experience nor guidelines exist. One of the major challenges is to develop a method to de-risk the life cycle of offshore wind turbines in diverse metocean and geological conditions. The paper, therefore, has the following aims: (a) provide an overview of the complexities and the common SLS performance requirements for offshore wind turbine; (b) discuss the use of physical modelling for verification and validation of innovative design concepts, taking into account all possible angles to de-risk the project; and (c) provide examples of applications in scaled model tests.
A Phenomenological Study of Lab-Scale Tidal Turbine Loading under Combined Irregular Wave and Shear Flow Conditions
Authors: Allmark Matthew , Martinez Rodrigo , Ordonez-Sanchez Stephanie , Lloyd Catherine , O’Doherty Tim , Germain Grégory , Gaurier Benoît , Johnstone Cameron
Published: May 2021

Tidal devices are likely to faced with shear flows and subjected to various wave climates. The paper presents an experimental study of the combined impacts of shear profile and irregular waves on the loading of a 1/20th scale device operating at peak power extraction. The experiments presented were conducted at various depths to facilitate analysis of the effects of the shear flow and wave impact on the device at various positions in the water column. The fluid field was measured at three different upstream positions and at three depths (top, middle and bottom of the rotor) for each experiment; in doing so, data from the device were captured three times. The fluid measurements were of a high quality and were analysed to present the structure flow upstream of the device, which contained velocity and turbulence profiles. The upstream measurement was utilised to understand the development of flow structures in the approach to the device, and the impact of the flow structures measured was confirmed via cross-covariance calculations. The long datasets gathered were used to produce full rotational probability density functions for the blade-root-bending moments for three blades. The spectral characteristics were also considered, and showed that rotor loading quantities are less reactive to smaller scale flow structures.
Asset Tracking Whales—First Deployment of a Custom-Made GPS/GSM Suction Cup Tag on Migrating Humpback Whales
Authors: Meynecke Jan-Olaf , Liebsch Nikolai
Published: May 2021

The study of marine mammals is greatly enhanced through fine scale data on habitat use. Here we used a commonly available asset tracker Global Positioning System/Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GPS/GSM) integrated into a CATS suction cup tag to test its feasibility in providing real time location position on migrating humpback whales in coastal waters of eastern Australia. During two deployments—one on a suspected male and another on a female humpback whale—the tags provided location points with relatively high accuracy for both individuals albeit different swim behavior and surface intervals. In combination with an integrated archival data logger, the tag also provided detailed information on fine scale habitat use such as dive profiles. However, surface intervals were too short to allow for an upload of location data during deployment. Further improvements of the tag design will allow remote access to location data after deployment. Preliminary results suggested location acquisition was better when the tag was positioned well above the midline of the whale body. The technology promises less expensive, more reliable and more accurate short-term tracking of humpback whales compared to satellite relay tags, and it has the potential to be deployed on other marine mammals in coastal waters.
Effect of Roughness of Mussels on Cylinder Forces from a Realistic Shape Modelling
Authors: Marty Antoine , Schoefs Franck , Soulard Thomas , Berhault Christian , Facq Jean-Valery , Gaurier Benoît , Germain Gregory
Published: May 2021

After a few weeks, underwater components of offshore structures are colonized by marine species and after few years this marine growth can be significant. It has been shown that it affects the hydrodynamic loading of cylinder components such as legs and braces for jackets, risers and mooring lines for floating units. Over a decade, the development of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines highlighted specific effects due to the smaller size of their components. The effect of the roughness of hard marine growth on cylinders with smaller diameter increased and the shape should be representative of a real pattern. This paper first describes the two realistic shapes of a mature colonization by mussels and then presents the tests of these roughnesses in a hydrodynamic tank where three conditions are analyzed: current, wave and current with wave. Results are compared to the literature with a similar roughness and other shapes. The results highlight the fact that, for these realistic roughnesses, the behavior of the rough cylinders is mainly governed by the flow and not by their motions.
Characterization of the Highly Efficient Acid-Stable Xylanase and β-Xylosidase System from the Fungus Byssochlamys spectabilis ATHUM 8891 (Paecilomyces variotii ATHUM 8891)
Authors: Galanopoulou Anastasia P. , Haimala Irini , Georgiadou Daphne N. , Mamma Diomi , Hatzinikolaou Dimitris G.
Published: May 2021

Two novel xylanolytic enzymes, a xylanase and a β-xylosidase, were simultaneously isolated and characterized from the extracellular medium of Byssochlamys spectabilis ATHUM 8891 (anamorph Paecilomyces variotii ATHUM 8891), grown on Brewer’s Spent Grain as a sole carbon source. They represent the first pair of characterized xylanolytic enzymes of the genus Byssochlamys and the first extensively characterized xylanolytic enzymes of the family Thermoascaceae. In contrast to other xylanolytic enzymes isolated from the same family, both enzymes are characterized by exceptional thermostability and stability at low pH values, in addition to activity optima at temperatures around 65 °C and acidic pH values. Applying nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the purified SDS-PAGE bands, we sequenced fragments of both proteins. Based on sequence-comparison methods, both proteins appeared conserved within the genus Byssochlamys. Xylanase was classified within Glycoside Hydrolase family 11 (GH 11), while β-xylosidase in Glycoside Hydrolase family 3 (GH 3). The two enzymes showed a synergistic action against xylan by rapidly transforming almost 40% of birchwood xylan to xylose. The biochemical profile of both enzymes renders them an efficient set of biocatalysts for the hydrolysis of xylan in demanding biorefinery applications.
SCA Medium: A New Culture Medium for the Isolation of All Candida auris Clades
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad , Peyclit Lucie , Abdallah Rim , Khelaifia Saber , Chamieh Amanda , Rolain Jean-Marc , Bittar Fadi
Published: May 2021

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast causing nosocomial infections and associated with high mortality in immunocompromised patients. Rapid identification and characterisation are necessary for diagnosis and containing its spread. In this study, we present a selective culture medium for all C. auris clades. This medium is sensitive with a limit of detection ranging between 101 and 102 CFU/mL. The 100% specificity of SCA (specific C. auris) medium is confirmed on a set of 135 Candida strains, 50 bacterial species and 200 human stool samples. Thus, this medium specifically selects for C. auris isolation from clinical samples, allowing the latter to study its phenotypic profile.
Mercury Content in Three Edible Wild-Growing Mushroom Species from Different Environmentally Loaded Areas in Slovakia: An Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Demková Lenka , Árvay Július , Hauptvogl Martin , Michalková Jana , Šnirc Marek , Harangozo Ľuboš , Bobuľská Lenka , Bajčan Daniel , Kunca Vladimír
Published: May 2021

Three edible mushroom species (Imlera badia, Boletus subtomentosus, Xerocomellus chrysenteron) sampled in 60 different localities of Slovakia were evaluated to determine health risks (associated with mercury content) arising from their consumption. Total content of mercury in soil and mushroom samples was determined by an AMA-254 analyzer. Soil pollution by mercury was evaluated by contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). Bioaccumulation factor (BAF), translocation factor (Qc/s), provisional tolerably weekly intake (%PTWI), estimated daily intake (EDI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) were used to describe and compare uptake and transition abilities of mushrooms, and the health risk arising from mushroom consumption. Mercury content in soil significantly influences the content of mercury in mushroom fruiting body parts. Caps and stipes of Boletus subtomentosus were found to be the best mercury accumulator. According to the EDI, consumption of the evaluated mushroom species represents a serious threat for adults and children. The lowest values of THQ were found for Xerocomellus chysenteron.
Potential of Anti-Cancer Activity of Secondary Metabolic Products from Marine Fungi
Authors: Noman Efaq , Al-Shaibani Muhanna Mohammed , Bakhrebah Muhammed Adnan , Almoheer Reyad , Al-Sahari Mohammed , Al-Gheethi Adel , Radin Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira , Almulaiky Yaaser Qaeed , Abdulaal Wesam Hussain
Published: May 2021

The promising feature of the fungi from the marine environment as a source for anticancer agents belongs to the fungal ability to produce several compounds and enzymes which contribute effectively against the cancer cells growth. L-asparaginase acts by degrading the asparagine which is the main substance of cancer cells. Moreover, the compounds produced during the secondary metabolic process acts by changing the cell morphology and DNA fragmentation leading to apoptosis of the cancer cells. The current review has analyed the available information on the anticancer activity of the fungi based on the data extracted from the Scopus database. The systematic and bibliometric analysis revealed many of the properties available for the fungi to be the best candidate as a source of anticancer drugs. Doxorubicin, actinomycin, and flavonoids are among the primary chemical drug used for cancer treatment. In comparison, the most anticancer compounds producing fungi are Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus A. oryzae, A. flavus, A. versicolor, A. terreus, Penicillium citrinum, P. chrysogenum, and P. polonicum and have been used for investigating the anticancer activity against the uterine cervix, pancreatic cancer, ovary, breast, colon, and colorectal cancer.
Taurine Augments Telomerase Activity and Promotes Chondrogenesis in Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Mashyakhy Mohammed , Alkahtani Ahmed , Abumelha Abdulaziz S. , Sharroufna Reham Jamal , Alkahtany Mazen F. , Jamal Mohamed , Robaian Ali , Binalrimal Sultan , Chohan Hitesh , Patil Vikrant R. , Raj A. Thirumal , Bhandi Shilpa , Reda Rodolfo , Testarelli Luca , Patil Shankargouda
Published: May 2021

Background: Stem cell therapy has become an advanced and state-of-the-art procedure to regenerate lost tissues of the human body. Cartilage repair is a challenging task in which stem cells find potential application. One of the important biologic modifiers that can cause chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells is taurine. However, taurine has not been investigated for its effects on dental pulp derived stem cell (DPSC) chondrogenic differentiation. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate if taurine administration to DPSCs heralds chondrogenic differentiation as ascertained by expression of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, ELN, and COMP. The study also investigated if the differentiated cells synthesized glycosaminoglycans, a marker of cartilage formation. The study also aimed to assess proliferative activity of the cells after taurine administration by measuring the hTERT gene and protein expression. Materials and methods: DPSCs were obtained from a molecular biology laboratory and characterization of stem cell markers was done by flow cytometry. The cells were subjected to a MTT assay using various concentrations of taurine. Following this, hTERT gene and protein estimation was done in the control, telomerase inhibitor treated DPSC (TI-III), 10 μM taurine treated DPSC, and TI-III + 10 μM taurine treated DPSCs. A polymerase chain reaction was done to assess gene expression of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, ELN, and COMP genes and glycosaminoglycans were estimated in control cells, Induced DPSCs, induced and TI-III treated DPSCs, and 10 μM taurine treated DPSCs. Results: DPSCs expressed CD73, CD90, and CD105 and did not express CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR, which demonstrated that they were mesenchymal stem cells. The MTT assay revealed that various concentrations of taurine did not affect the cell viability of DPSCs. A concentration of 10 μM of taurine was used for further assays. With regard to the hTERT gene and protein expression, the taurine treated cells expressed the highest levels that were statistically significant compared to the other groups. Taurine was also found to restore hTERT expression in telomerase inhibitor treated cells. With regard to chondrogenesis related genes, taurine administration significantly increased the expression of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, and ELN genes in DPSCs and caused a significant increase in glycosaminoglycan production by the cells. Conclusions: Taurine can be regarded a biologic modifier that can significantly augment chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs and can find potential applications in regenerative medicine in the area of cartilage regeneration.