bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Therapeutic Approach Based on Understanding of Aberrant Molecular Pathways Leading to Leukemic Proliferation in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Song Moo-Kon , Park Byeong-Bae , Uhm Ji-Eun
Published: May 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous hematopoietic neoplasm with various genetic abnormalities in myeloid stem cells leading to differentiation arrest and accumulation of leukemic cells in bone marrow (BM). The multiple genetic alterations identified in leukemic cells at diagnosis are the mainstay of World Health Organization classification for AML and have important prognostic implications. Recently, understanding of heterogeneous and complicated molecular abnormalities of the disease could lead to the development of novel targeted therapeutic agents. In the past years, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, BCL-2 inhibitors (venetovlax), IDH 1/2 inhibitors (ivosidenib and enasidenib) FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, gilteritinib, and enasidenib), and hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors (gladegib) have received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of AML. Especially, AML patients with elderly age and/or significant comorbidities are not currently suitable for intensive chemotherapy. Thus, novel therapeutic planning including the abovementioned target therapies could lead to improve clinical outcomes in the patients. In the review, we will present various important and frequent molecular abnormalities of AML and introduce the targeted agents of AML that received FDA approval based on the previous studies.
Influence of Pre-Harvest Bagging on the Incidence of Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and Fruit Quality in Mango
Authors: del Pino Modesto , Bienvenido Claudia , Wong María Eva , Rodríguez María del Carmen , Boyero Juan Ramón , Vela José Miguel
Published: May 2021

Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is the main pest of mango, Mangifera indica L., in Spain, causing significant economic losses by aesthetic damage that reduce the commercial value of fruit. Bagging fruit with two commercial bags (a yellow satin paper and a white muslin cloth bag) was evaluated for control of A. tubercularis in two organic mango orchards during the 2020 cropping season in pursuit of the development of a mango IPM program to produce pest-free and residue-free fruits. Results from fruit damage evaluations at harvest showed that bagging significantly reduced pest incidence and fruit damage compared with non-bagged plots. Of the two bags evaluated, white muslin cloth bag provided higher levels of fruit protection from A. tubercularis damage, reducing the non-commercial fruit percentage by up to 93.42%. Fruit quality assessment indicated that weight and size of bagged fruit were significantly higher than the non-bagged. Paper-bagged mangoes showed higher whiteness and yellowness compared to the other treatments. Soluble solids content (ºBrix) was higher in paper-bagged fruit than all other treatment plots. The results from this study indicate that pre-harvest fruit bagging is effective at controlling A. tubercularis and should be integrated into an IPM program for Spanish mango production.
Mini-Invasive, Ultrasound Guided Repair of the Achilles Tendon Rupture—A Pilot Study
Authors: Paczesny Łukasz , Zabrzyński Jan , Domżalski Marcin , Gagat Maciej , Termanowski Miron , Szwedowski Dawid , Łapaj Łukasz , Kruczyński Jacek
Published: May 2021

Percutaneous acute Achilles tendon rupture suturing has become a leading treatment option in recent years. A common complication after this mini-invasive procedure is sural nerve injury, which can reduce the patients’ satisfaction and final outcomes. High-resolution ultrasound is a reliable method for localizing the sural nerve, and it can be performed intra-operatively; however, the long-term results are yet unknown. The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term results of percutaneous Achilles tendon repair supported with real-time ultrasound imaging. We conducted 57 percutaneous sutures of acute Achilles tendon rupture between 2005 and 2015; 30 were sutured under sonographic guidance, while 27 were performed without sonographic assistance. The inclusion criteria were acute (less than 7 days) full tendon rupture, treatment with the percutaneous technique, age between 18 and 65 years, and a body mass index (BMI) below 35. The operative procedure was carried out by two surgeons, according to the surgical technique reported by Maffulli et al. In total, 35 patients were available for this retrospective assessment; 20 (16 men and 4 women) were treated with sonographic guidance, while 15 (12 men and 3 women) underwent the procedure without it. The mean follow-up was 8 years (range, 3–13 years). The sural nerve was localized 10 mm to 20 mm (mean, 15.8; SD, 3.02) laterally from the scar of the Achilles tendon tear. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to the FAOQ score (P < 0.05). High-resolution ultrasounds performed intra-operatively can minimize the risk of sural nerve injury during percutaneous Achilles tendon repair.
Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
Authors: Ko Dayoung , Yang Hee-Beom , Youn Joong , Kim Hyun-Young
Published: May 2021

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is an extremely rare condition with symptoms of recurrent intestinal obstruction without any lesions. The outcomes of pediatric CIPO and predictors for the outcomes have not yet been well established. We analyzed the clinical outcomes and associated factors for the outcomes of pediatric CIPO. We retrospectively reviewed 66 primary CIPO patients diagnosed between January 1985 and December 2017. We evaluated parenteral nutrition (PN) factors such as PN duration, PN use over 6 months, home PN, and mortality as outcomes. We selected onset age, presence of urologic symptoms, pathologic type, and involvement extent as predictors. The early-onset CIPO was found in 63.6%, and 21.2% of the patients presenting with urologic symptoms. Of the 66 patients, 47 and 11 had neuropathy and myopathy, respectively. The generalized involvement type accounted for 83.3% of the cases. At the last follow-up, 24.2% of the patients required home PN management. The mean duration of PN was 11.8 ± 21.0 months. The overall mortality rate of primary CIPO was 18.2%. PN factors were predicted by the urologic symptoms and extent of involvement. However, mortality was predicted by pathologic type. The onset age was not significantly associated with the outcomes. CIPO with urologic symptoms and generalized CIPO had poor PN outcomes. Myopathy is suggested as a predictor of mortality in children with primary CIPO.
Assessment of EULAR/ACR-2019, SLICC-2012 and ACR-1997 Classification Criteria in SLE with Longstanding Disease
Authors: Magallares Berta , Lobo-Prat David , Castellví Ivan , Moya Patricia , Gich Ignasi , Martinez-Martinez Laura , Park Hye , Millán Ana Milena , Laiz Ana , Díaz-Torné César , Fernandez Susana , Corominas Hèctor
Published: May 2021

Background: Different classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been launched over the years. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of the EULAR/ACR-2019, SLICC-2012 and ACR-1997 classification criteria in a cohort of SLE patients with longstanding disease. Methods: Descriptive observational study in 79 patients with established and longstanding SLE. The three classification criteria sets were applied to those patients. Results: Of the 79 patients, 70 were women (88.6%), with a mean age of 51.8 ± 14 years and a mean disease duration of 15.2 ± 11.5 years. The sensitivity of the different criteria were: 51.9%, 87.3% and 86.1% for ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019, respectively. In total, 68 out of 79 patients (53.7%) met all three classification criteria; 11.4% did not meet any classification criteria and were characterized by low SLEDAI (0.6 ± 0.9), low SLICC/ACR Damage Index (0.88 ± 0.56) and fulfilling only skin domains, antiphospholipid antibodies or hypocomplementemia. To fulfill EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria was associated with low complement levels (p < 0.04), high anti-dsDNA levels (p < 0.001), presence of lupus nephritis III-IV (p < 0.05) and arthritis (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The EULAR/ACR-2019 classification criteria showed high sensitivity, similar to SLICC-2012, in SLE patients with longstanding disease. Patients with serological, articular or renal involvement are more likely to fulfill SLICC-2012 or EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria.
Prenatal Screening of Trisomy 21: Could Oxidative Stress Markers Play a Role?
Authors: Buczyńska Angelika , Sidorkiewicz Iwona , Ławicki Sławomir , Krętowski Adam Jacek , Zbucka-Krętowska Monika
Published: May 2021

Despite significant progress in trisomy 21 (T21) diagnostic tools, amniocentesis is still used for the confirmation of an abnormal fetal karyotype. Invasive tests carry the potential risk of miscarriage; thus, screening biomarkers are commonly used before undergoing invasive procedures. In our study, we investigated the possible application of oxidative stress markers in the prenatal screening of trisomy 21. The DNA/RNA oxidative stress damage products (OSDPs), advanced glycation end (AGE) products, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), alfa-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), asprosin, and vitamin D concentrations were measured in both maternal plasma and amniotic fluid in trisomy 21 (T21) and euploid pregnancies. The obtained results indicated increased levels of DNA/RNA OSDPs and asprosin with simultaneous decreased levels of vitamin D and A1AT in the study group. The diagnostic utility of the plasma measurement based on the area under the received operative characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) calculation of asprosin (AUC = 0.965), IMA (AUC = 0.880), AGE (AUC = 0.846) and DNA/RNA OSDPs (AUC = 0.506) in T21 screening was demonstrated. The obtained results indicate a potential role for the application of oxidative stress markers in the prenatal screening of T21 with the highest screening utility of plasma asprosin.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Atrial Fibrillation—Mechanisms and Pharmacological Interventions
Authors: Muszyński Paweł , Bonda Tomasz A.
Published: May 2021

Despite the enormous progress in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, mainly with the use of invasive techniques, many questions remain unanswered regarding the pathomechanism of the arrhythmia and its prevention methods. The development of atrial fibrillation requires functional changes in the myocardium that result from disturbed ionic fluxes and altered electrophysiology of the cardiomyocyte. Electrical instability and electrical remodeling underlying the arrhythmia may result from a cellular energy deficit and oxidative stress, which are caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. The significance of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation remains not fully elucidated; however, it is emphasized by the reduction of atrial fibrillation burden after therapeutic interventions improving the mitochondrial welfare. This review summarizes the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction related to atrial fibrillation and current pharmacological treatment options targeting mitochondria to prevent or improve the outcome of atrial fibrillation.
Estimation of the Actual Incidence of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Emergent Hotspots: The Example of Hokkaido, Japan during February–March 2020
Authors: Akhmetzhanov Andrei R. , Mizumoto Kenji , Jung Sung-Mok , Linton Natalie M. , Omori Ryosuke , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Following the first report of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Sapporo city, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, on 14 February 2020, a surge of cases was observed in Hokkaido during February and March. As of 6 March, 90 cases were diagnosed in Hokkaido. Unfortunately, many infected persons may not have been recognized due to having mild or no symptoms during the initial months of the outbreak. We therefore aimed to predict the actual number of COVID-19 cases in (i) Hokkaido Prefecture and (ii) Sapporo city using data on cases diagnosed outside these areas. Two statistical frameworks involving a balance equation and an extrapolated linear regression model with a negative binomial link were used for deriving both estimates, respectively. The estimated cumulative incidence in Hokkaido as of 27 February was 2,297 cases (95% confidence interval (CI): 382–7091) based on data on travelers outbound from Hokkaido. The cumulative incidence in Sapporo city as of 28 February was estimated at 2233 cases (95% CI: 0–4893) based on the count of confirmed cases within Hokkaido. Both approaches resulted in similar estimates, indicating a higher incidence of infections in Hokkaido than were detected by the surveillance system. This quantification of the gap between detected and estimated cases helped to inform the public health response at the beginning of the pandemic and provided insight into the possible scope of undetected transmission for future assessments.
Modelling Cross-Shore Shoreline Change on Multiple Timescales and Their Interactions
Authors: Schepper Rob , Almar Rafael , Bergsma Erwin , de Vries Sierd , Reniers Ad , Davidson Mark , Splinter Kristen
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a new approach to model wave-driven, cross-shore shoreline change incorporating multiple timescales is introduced. As a base, we use the equilibrium shoreline prediction model ShoreFor that accounts for a single timescale only. High-resolution shoreline data collected at three distinctly different study sites is used to train the new data-driven model. In addition to the direct forcing approach used in most models, here two additional terms are introduced: a time-upscaling and a time-downscaling term. The upscaling term accounts for the persistent effect of short-term events, such as storms, on the shoreline position. The downscaling term accounts for the effect of long-term shoreline modulations, caused by, for example, climate variability, on shorter event impacts. The multi-timescale model shows improvement compared to the original ShoreFor model (a normalized mean square error improvement during validation of 18 to 59%) at the three contrasted sandy beaches. Moreover, it gains insight in the various timescales (storms to inter-annual) and reveals their interactions that cause shoreline change. We find that extreme forcing events have a persistent shoreline impact and cause 57–73% of the shoreline variability at the three sites. Moreover, long-term shoreline trends affect short-term forcing event impacts and determine 20–27% of the shoreline variability.
The Comparative Study of Adaptation Measure to Sea Level Rise in Thailand
Authors: Ritphring Sompratana , Nidhinarangkoon Pattrakorn , Udo Keiko , Shirakawa Hiroaki
Published: May 2021

In the 21st century, global sea level rise associated with climate change will affect beach areas, which provide a number of benefits that include benefits to the recreational sector of the economy. In Thailand, the adoption of structural measures in order to slow down beach erosion and handle the impact of sea level rise is commonly implemented. However, structural measures often bring about negative effects on nearby coastal areas. For this reason, suitable adaptation measures should be determined, in order to protect beach areas and to sustain the tourism carrying capacity of the beach. This study analyzed historical shoreline changes using satellite images, and assessed beach value with the hedonic pricing method. We used a benefit–cost ratio analysis to evaluate the economic valuation assessment of Pattaya beach and Chalatat beach. The results showed that the beach values of Pattaya beach and Chalatat beach were 1,072,250 and 92,092 USD, respectively. The benefit–cost ratio analysis proposed that it is worth implementing beach nourishment for the adaptation measure to address all climate change scenarios. In response to climate change, recommendations could be applied to support beach tourism.
Transcriptional Responses of Fusarium graminearum Interacted with Soybean to Cause Root Rot
Authors: Naeem Muhammd , Munir Maira , Li Hongju , Raza Muhammad Ali , Song Chun , Wu Xiaoling , Irshad Gulshan , Khalid Muhammad Hyder Bin , Yang Wenyu , Chang Xiaoli
Published: May 2021

Fusarium graminearum is the most devastating pathogen of Fusarium head blight of cereals, stalk and ear of maize, and it has recently become a potential threat for soybean as maize-soybean strip relay intercropping is widely practiced in China. To elucidate the pathogenesis mechanism of F. graminearum on intercropped soybean which causes root rot, transcriptional profiling of F. graminearum at 12, 24, and 48 h post-inoculation (hpi) on soybean hypocotyl tissues was conducted. In total, 2313 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of F. graminearum were annotated by both KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Among them, 128 DEGs were commonly expressed at three inoculation time points while the maximum DEGs were induced at 24 hpi. In addition, DEGs were also rich in carbon metabolism, ribosome and peroxisome pathways which might contribute to carbon source utilization, sexual reproduction, virulence and survival of F. graminearum when infected on soybean. Hence, this study will provide some basis for the deep understanding the pathogenesis mechanism of F. graminearum on different hosts and its effective control in maize-soybean strip relay intercropping systems.
Treatment and Prevention of Histoplasmosis in Adults Living with HIV
Authors: McKinsey David S.
Published: May 2021

Histoplasmosis causes life-threatening disseminated infection in adult patients living with untreated HIV. Although disease incidence has declined dramatically in countries with access to antiretroviral therapy, histoplasmosis remains prevalent in many resource-limited regions. A high index of suspicion for histoplasmosis should be maintained in the setting of a febrile multisystem illness in severely immunosuppressed patients, particularly in persons with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Preferred treatment regimens for initial therapy include liposomal amphotericin B for severe disease, or itraconazole for mild to moderate disease. Subsequently, itraconazole maintenance therapy should be administered for at least one year and then discontinued if CD4 count increases to ≥150 cells/µL. Antiretroviral therapy, which improves outcome when administered together with an antifungal agent, should be instituted immediately, as the risk of triggering Immune Reconstitution Syndrome is low. The major risk factor for relapsed infection is nonadherence. Itraconazole prophylaxis reduces risk for histoplasmosis in patients with CD4 counts <100/µL but is not associated with survival benefit and is primarily reserved for use in outbreaks. Although most patients with histoplasmosis have not had recognized high-risk exposures, avoidance of contact with bird or bat guano or inhalation of aerosolized soil in endemic regions may reduce risk. Adherence to effective antiretroviral therapy is the most important strategy for reducing the incidence of life-threatening histoplasmosis.
Improving the Pharmacological Properties of Ciclopirox for Its Use in Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria
Authors: Bernardo-Seisdedos Ganeko , Charco Jorge M. , SanJuan Itxaso , García-Martínez Sandra , Urquiza Pedro , Eraña Hasier , Castilla Joaquín , Millet Oscar
Published: May 2021

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), also known as Günther’s disease, results from a deficient activity in the fourth enzyme, uroporphyrinogen III synthase (UROIIIS), of the heme pathway. Ciclopirox (CPX) is an off-label drug, topically prescribed as an antifungal. It has been recently shown that it also acts as a pharmacological chaperone in CEP, presenting a specific activity in deleterious mutations in UROIIIS. Despite CPX is active at subtoxic concentrations, acute gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was found due to the precipitation in the stomach of the active compound and subsequent accumulation in the intestine. To increase its systemic availability, we carried out pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies using alternative formulations for CPX. Such strategy effectively suppressed GI toxicity in WT mice and in a mouse model of the CEP disease (UROIIISP248Q/P248Q). In terms of activity, phosphorylation of CPX yielded good results in CEP cellular models but showed limited activity when administered to the CEP mouse model. These results highlight the need of a proper formulation for pharmacological chaperones used in the treatment of rare diseases.
Does Governance Affect Compliance with IFRS 7?
Authors: Yamani Amal , Hussainey Khaled , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: May 2021

Although there has been considerable research on the impact of corporate governance on corporate voluntary disclosure, empirical evidence on how governance affects compliance with mandatory disclosure requirements is limited. We contribute to governance and disclosure literature by examining the impact of corporate governance on compliance with IFRS 7 for the banking sector in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). We use a self-constructed disclosure index to measure compliance with IFRS 7. We use regression analyses to examine the impact of board characteristics, audit committee characteristics and ownership structure on compliance with IFRS 7. Using a sample of 335 bank-year observations for GCC listed banks over the period 2011–2017, we report evidence that corporate governance variables affect compliance with IFRS 7. However, the significance of these variables depends on the type of the regression model used. Our findings suggest that governance matters for mandatory disclosure requirements. So to improve the level of compliance, regulators, official authorities, and policymakers should intensify their efforts toward improving corporate governance codes, following up their implementation and enhancing the enforcement mechanisms.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Quantitative Research on the Living Protection of Traditional Villages from the Perspective of “Production–Living–Ecology”
Authors: Kong Lingyu , Xu Xiaodong , Wang Wei , Wu Jinxiu , Zhang Meiying
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the current isolated, static protection method of traditional villages, a comprehensive evaluation system for the living protection of traditional villages has been constructed based on the land use function integration concept in “Production–Living–Ecology” (PLE). By combining the “horizontal” PLE coupling coordination analysis with the “vertical” correlation analysis of the elements at each layer, the comprehensive evaluation and quantitative analysis of six traditional villages of different types and grades in the Taihu Lake area are carried out to quantitatively reflect the interactive relationship and integration mechanism of PLE in traditional villages. The results show that: (1) The PLE development of traditional villages is a dynamic process. Even if the villages are close in the PLE score, they may be in different stages of PLE development and coupling coordination type. (2) The “living” function has the highest correlation with the coupling coordination degree of PLE, and it acts as the engine and bridge of benign interaction between the PLE. (3) Even if the national traditional villages have a favorable ecology background, they may not get high scores, or even fail in the PLE score. (4) Among the sub-indicators, the natural environmental characteristics, the ecological vitality of political organizations, and the level of human settlement facilities show a significant linear correlation with the PLE score. Additionally, the ecological vitality of political organizations is the strongest. It can be therefore concluded that a positive policy organization is an important guarantee for realizing the PLE integration of traditional villages.
Single-Core Multiscale Residual Network for the Super Resolution of Liquid Metal Specimen Images
Authors: Ning Keqing , Zhang Zhihao , Han Kai , Han Siyu , Zhang Xiqing
Published: May 2021

In a gravity-free or microgravity environment, liquid metals without crystalline nuclei achieve a deep undercooling state. The resulting melts exhibit unique properties, and the research of this phenomenon is critical for exploring new metastable materials. Owing to the rapid crystallization rates of deeply undercooled liquid metal droplets, as well as cost concerns, experimental systems meant for the study of liquid metal specimens usually use low-resolution, high-framerate, high-speed cameras, which result in low-resolution photographs. To facilitate subsequent studies by material scientists, it is necessary to use super-resolution techniques to increase the resolution of these photographs. However, existing super-resolution algorithms cannot quickly and accurately restore the details contained in images of deeply undercooled liquid metal specimens. To address this problem, we propose the single-core multiscale residual network (SCMSRN) algorithm for photographic images of liquid metal specimens. In this model, multiple cascaded filters are used to obtain feature information, and the multiscale features are then fused by a residual network. Compared to existing state-of-the-art artificial neural network super-resolution algorithms, such as SRCNN, VDSR and MSRN, our model was able to achieve higher PSNR and SSIM scores and reduce network size and training time.
Using Higher-Order Constructs to Estimate Health-Disease Status: The Effect of Health System Performance and Sustainability
Authors: Ramírez-Orellana Alicia , del Carmen Valls Martínez María , Grasso Mayra Soledad
Published: May 2021

This article aims to provide information to public agencies and policymakers on the determinants of health systems and their relationships that influence citizens’ health–disease status. A total of 61 indicators for each of 17 Spanish autonomous communities were collected from the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services, and Equality between 2008 and 2017. The applied technique was partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Concerning health–disease status, an influence of sustainability and performance on the health system was hypothesized. The findings revealed that health system sustainability had a negative effect on health–disease status, measured in terms of disease incidence. However, the relationship between health system performance and health–disease status is positive. Furthermore, health system performance mediates the relationship between sustainability and health–disease status. According to our study, if we consider the opposite poles that make up the definition of health–disease status (well-being and disease), this concept is defined more by the incidence of the negative aspect.
Robust Passivity Cascade Technique-Based Control Using RBFN Approximators for the Stabilization of a Cart Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Rahmani Reza , Mobayen Saleh , Fekih Afef , Ro Jong-Suk
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a novel passivity cascade technique (PCT)-based control for nonlinear inverted pendulum systems. Its main objective is to stabilize the pendulum’s upward states despite uncertainties and exogenous disturbances. The proposed framework combines the estimation properties of radial basis function neural networks (RBFNs) with the passivity attributes of the cascade control framework. The unknown terms of the nonlinear system are estimated using an RBFN approximator. The performance of the closed-loop system is further enhanced by using the integral of angular position as a virtual state variable. The lumped uncertainties (NN—Neural Network approximation, external disturbances and parametric uncertainty) are compensated for by adding a robustifying adaptive rule-based signal to the PCT-based control. The boundedness of the states is confirmed using the passivity theorem. The performance of the proposed approach was assessed using a nonlinear inverted pendulum system under both nominal and disturbed conditions.
Local Antimagic Chromatic Number for Copies of Graphs
Authors: Bača Martin , Semaničová-Feňovčíková Andrea , Wang Tao-Ming
Published: May 2021

An edge labeling of a graph G=(V,E) using every label from the set {1,2,⋯,|E(G)|} exactly once is a local antimagic labeling if the vertex-weights are distinct for every pair of neighboring vertices, where a vertex-weight is the sum of labels of all edges incident with that vertex. Any local antimagic labeling induces a proper vertex coloring of G where the color of a vertex is its vertex-weight. This naturally leads to the concept of a local antimagic chromatic number. The local antimagic chromatic number is defined to be the minimum number of colors taken over all colorings of G induced by local antimagic labelings of G. In this paper, we estimate the bounds of the local antimagic chromatic number for disjoint union of multiple copies of a graph.
Nebulized Colistin in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Tracheobronchitis: Historical Background, Pharmacokinetics and Perspectives
Authors: Zhu Yinggang , Monsel Antoine , Roberts Jason , Pontikis Konstantinos , Mimoz Olivier , Rello Jordi , Qu Jieming , Rouby Jean-Jacques ,   on behalf of the European Investigator Network for Nebulized Antibiotics in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (ENAVAP)
Published: May 2021

Clinical evidence suggests that nebulized colistimethate sodium (CMS) has benefits for treating lower respiratory tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Colistin is positively charged, while CMS is negatively charged, and both have a high molecular mass and are hydrophilic. These physico-chemical characteristics impair crossing of the alveolo-capillary membrane but enable the disruption of the bacterial wall of GNB and the aggregation of the circulating lipopolysaccharide. Intravenous CMS is rapidly cleared by glomerular filtration and tubular excretion, and 20–25% is spontaneously hydrolyzed to colistin. Urine colistin is substantially reabsorbed by tubular cells and eliminated by biliary excretion. Colistin is a concentration-dependent antibiotic with post-antibiotic and inoculum effects. As CMS conversion to colistin is slower than its renal clearance, intravenous administration can lead to low plasma and lung colistin concentrations that risk treatment failure. Following nebulization of high doses, colistin (200,000 international units/24h) lung tissue concentrations are > five times minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of GNB in regions with multiple foci of bronchopneumonia and in the range of MIC breakpoints in regions with confluent pneumonia. Future research should include: (1) experimental studies using lung microdialysis to assess the PK/PD in the interstitial fluid of the lung following nebulization of high doses of colistin; (2) superiority multicenter randomized controlled trials comparing nebulized and intravenous CMS in patients with pandrug-resistant GNB ventilator-associated pneumonia and ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis; (3) non-inferiority multicenter randomized controlled trials comparing nebulized CMS to intravenous new cephalosporines/ß-lactamase inhibitors in patients with extensive drug-resistant GNB ventilator-associated pneumonia and ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis.
The Miocene Lacustrine Chalk from Lignite Bełchatów Deposit (Poland)—Structural and Textural Character and SO2 Sorption Properties in the Fluid Combustion Conditions
Authors: Hycnar Elżbieta , Ratajczak Tadeusz , Sęk Magdalena
Published: May 2021

The Miocene lacustrine chalk in the Bełchatów lignite deposit is one of the most important accompanying minerals. It is found in three lithological varieties: white, dark and silicified. It is selectively operated and stored on anthropogenic deposits, representing the mineral resource base. The article presents the results of research on lacustrine chalk from the Szczerców mine excavation and accumulated on the anthropogenic deposit (the Szczerców field external landfill) regarding the possibility of using SO2 sorbent in the fluid combustion technology. It has been shown that primarily the structural and textural parameters of the rock, and to a lesser extent, the CaCO3 content, are responsible for the high efficiency of SO2 sorption. It has been proven that in this type of technology, the presence of carbonised plant matter only seemingly lowers the quality parameters of the raw material. It has a significant impact on the sorption properties, effectively influencing the expansion of porosity and specific surface during thermal decomposition. The expansion of the surface is mainly based on the pores on the border of mesopores and macropores, i.e., pores considered to be sorptive towards SO2. These pores, because they are formed in a lower temperature range than the calcite thermal dissociation process and are connected together to form a system, act as diffusion channels of CO2 from inside and SO2 into the inside of the sorbent grains, intensifying the decarbonisation and SO2 sorption processes.
Development of a New DNA Marker for Fusarium Yellows Resistance in Brassica rapa Vegetables
Authors: Miyaji Naomi , Akter Mst Arjina , Suzukamo Chizuko , Mehraj Hasan , Shindo Tomoe , Itabashi Takeru , Okazaki Keiichi , Shimizu Motoki , Kaji Makoto , Katsumata Masahiko , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Fujimoto Ryo
Published: May 2021

In vegetables of Brassica rapa L., Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. rapae (For) or F. oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans (Foc) cause Fusarium yellows. A resistance gene against Foc (FocBr1) has been identified, and deletion of this gene results in susceptibility (focbr1-1). In contrast, a resistance gene against For has not been identified. Inoculation tests showed that lines resistant to Foc were also resistant to For, and lines susceptible to Foc were susceptible to For. However, prediction of disease resistance by a dominant DNA marker on FocBr1 (Bra012688m) was not associated with disease resistance of For in some komatsuna lines using an inoculation test. QTL-seq using four F2 populations derived from For susceptible and resistant lines showed one causative locus on chromosome A03, which covers FocBr1. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of FocBr1 between susceptible and resistant alleles (FocBr1 and FocBo1) showed that six amino acid differences were specific to susceptible lines. The presence and absence of FocBr1 is consistent with For resistance in F2 populations. These results indicate that FocBr1 is essential for For resistance, and changed amino acid sequences result in susceptibility to For. This susceptible allele is termed focbr1-2, and a new DNA marker (focbr1-2m) for detection of the focbr1-2 allele was developed.
Edible Films and Coatings Formulated with Arrowroot Starch as a Non-Conventional Starch Source for Plums Packaging
Authors: Nogueira Gislaine Ferreira , Leme Bianca de Oliveira , Santos Gabriela Ragazzi Santana dos , Silva Juliana Viegas da , Nascimento Patrícia Barbosa , Soares Cyntia Trevisan , Fakhouri Farayde Matta , de Oliveira Rafael Augustus
Published: May 2021

Increasing environmental awareness has promoted an interest in alternative strategies to common plastics obtained from fossil sources, stimulating research on the use of biodegradable and edible films/coatings obtained from renewable sources such as arrowroot starch. This research work aimed to evaluate the use of arrowroot starch on the formation of edible films and coatings. Increasing the concentration of arrowroot starch (from 1% to 5%, mass/mass) in the film produced by casting resulted in increased water vapor permeability (from 2.20 to 3.68 g mm/m2 day kPa), moisture content (3.22% to 7.95%), increased thickness (from 0.029 to 0.101 mm), and decreased solubility in water (from 22.45% to 13.89%). The films were homogeneous, transparent and manageable, with the exception of the film with 1% starch. Film-forming solutions at concentrations of 0%, 2%, and 4% (mass/mass) of arrowroot starch were prepared and applied to plums to evaluate post-harvest behavior when stored at 25 and 5 °C for 35 days. The 2% coating adhered well to the plums’ surfaces, was bright and was effective in reducing mass loss and respiratory rate, associated with storage temperature of 5 °C. The 4% coating presented an opaque and flocculated appearance.
Improved Performances of SiBCN Powders Modified Phenolic Resins-Carbon Fiber Composites
Authors: Yuan Wenjie , Wang Yang , Luo Zhenhua , Chen Fenghua , Li Hao , Zhao Tong
Published: May 2021

The effect of SiBCN powder on properties of phenolic resins and composites was analyzed. Compared with phenolic resins, the thermal stability of SiBCN powder modified phenolic resins (the SiBCN phenolic resins) by characterization of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) improved clearly. It was found by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that reactions between SiBCN powder and the pyrolysis product of phenolic resins were the main factor of the increased residual weight. TGA and static ablation of a muffle furnace were used to illustrate the roles of SiBCN powder on increasing oxidation resistance of SiBCN powder-modified phenolic resin–carbon fiber composites (SiBCN–phenolic/C composites), and the oxidative product was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For SiBCN–phenolic/C composites, the occurrence of oxidation reaction and the formation of protective crust contributed to improving oxidative resistance. The result of the oxygen-acetylene test showed that the linear ablation rate (LAR) and mass ablation rate (MAR) of phenolic resin–carbon fiber composites reduced from 0.052 ± 0.005 mm/s to 0.038 ± 0.004 mm/s and from 0.050 ± 0.004 g/s to 0.043 ± 0.001 g/s by introducing SiBCN powder, respectively. The mechanism of ablation resistance after the introduction of SiBCN powder was investigated. The high melt-viscosity of SiBCN powder caused SiBCN powder to remain on the surface of composites and protect the internal resins and carbon fibers. The oxidation of SiBCN powder and volatilization of oxide can consume energy and oxygen, thus the ablation resistance of SiBCN–Ph composite was improved.
Empagliflozin Use and Fournier’s Gangrene: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Antunes Mario , de León Antonio Cabrera , Pizzol Damiano , Seni Amir Hussein Abubacar , Trott Mike , Carrie Anne Marie , Ilie Petre-Cristian , Veronese Nicola , Smith Lee
Published: May 2021

Background: Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a rare necrotising soft tissue infection localised in the genital areas with possible dramatic outcomes. Recently, sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were identified as a risk factor. Methods: We present a case report of a 57-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in treatment with empagliflozin which led to the development of FG. Moreover, we performed a systematic review assessing the association between empagliflozin use and FG. Results: The female patient with 15-years treated diabetes presented a massive FG after 6 months from starting empagliflozin. Over the period of two months, she was successfully treated in a low-income setting. The systematic review included two studies with a total of 9915 participants. Although no participant had FG, there was an increased rate of urinary and genital infection in patients treated with empagliflozin compared to those treated with other antidiabetics or placebo. Conclusions: FG should be considered as a possible complication in patients using SGLT2. Patients should be educated to report early signs of genital infection and healthy behaviours as well as a balanced diet should be promoted to aid in the prevention of FG.
Factors Predicting Acute Brain Injury in Cases of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Prospective Registry-Based Study
Authors: Lim Hoon , Lee Young Hwan , Nah Sangun , Choi Sungwoo , Cho Young Soon , Kim Gi Woon , Moon Ji Eun , Han Sangsoo
Published: May 2021

Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most common poisoning substances worldwide. Since acute brain injury (ABI) is an important determinant of the neurological outcome in CO poisoning, screening for patients at a high risk of developing ABI is essential for the proper treatment. This study identified predictors of ABI in patients with CO poisoning. This prospective registry-based study was conducted in patients who visited a tertiary care hospital for CO poisoning from August 2016 to June 2020. ABI was defined as the presence of acute hypoxic lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of ABI. Of 231 patients, 64 (27.7%) showed ABI. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <9 at presentation (odds ratio [OR] 3.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–10.01), creatinine level >1.2 mg/dL (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.16–8.01), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level >9.2 mg/L (OR 4.38, 95% CI 1.41–13.65) predicted ABI in cases of acute CO poisoning. In CO poisoning, the GCS score at presentation, and serum creatinine and CRP levels, were useful predictors of ABI, and may help clinicians identify high-risk patients for whom treatment should be prioritized.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia after COVID-19 Vaccination: In Search of the Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Perek Bartłomiej , Flisiak Robert
Published: May 2021

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines brings hope for successful pandemic mitigation and getting the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 under control. The vaccines authorized in Europe displayed a good safety profile in the clinical trials. However, during their post-authorization use, unusual thrombotic events associated with thrombocytopenia have rarely been reported for vector vaccines. This led to the temporary suspension of the AZD1222 vaccine (Oxford/AstraZeneca) in various European countries and the Ad26.COV2 vaccine (Janssen/Johnson&Johnson) in the United States, with regulatory bodies launching investigations into potential causal associations. The thromboembolic reactions were also rarely reported after mRNA vaccines. The exact cause of these adverse effects remains to be elucidated. The present paper outlines the hypotheses on the mechanisms behind the very rare thrombotic thrombocytopenia reported after the COVID-19 vaccination, along with currently existing evidence and future research prospects. The following are discussed: (i) the role of antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4), (ii) the direct interaction between adenoviral vector and platelets, (iii) the cross-reactivity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with PF4, (iv) cross-reactivity of anti-adenovirus antibodies and PF4, (v) interaction between spike protein and platelets, (vi) the platelet expression of spike protein and subsequent immune response, and (vii) the platelet expression of other adenoviral proteins and subsequent reactions. It is also plausible that thrombotic thrombocytopenia after the COVID-19 vaccine is multifactorial. The elucidation of the causes of these adverse events is pivotal in taking precautionary measures and managing vaccine hesitancy. It needs to be stressed, however, that the reported cases are currently sporadic and that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines vastly outweigh their potential risks.
Biplanar High-Speed Fluoroscopy of Pony Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT)—An In Vivo Pilot Study
Authors: Wagner Franziska C. , Gerlach Kerstin , Geiger Sandra M. , Gittel Claudia , Böttcher Peter , Mülling Christoph K. W.
Published: May 2021

The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is the most frequently injured structure of the musculoskeletal system in sport horses and a common cause for early retirement. This project’s aim was to visualize and measure the strain of the sound, injured, and healing SDFTs in a pony during walk and trot. For this purpose, biplanar high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography (FluoKin), as a high precision X-ray movement analysis tool, was used for the first time in vivo with equine tendons. The strain in the metacarpal region of the sound SDFT was 2.86% during walk and 6.78% during trot. When injured, the strain increased to 3.38% during walk and decreased to 5.96% during trot. The baseline strain in the mid-metacarpal region was 3.13% during walk and 6.06% during trot and, when injured, decreased to 2.98% and increased to 7.61%, respectively. Following tendon injury, the mid-metacarpal region contributed less to the overall strain during walk but showed increased contribution during trot. Using this marker-based FluoKin technique, direct, high-precision, and long-term strain measurements in the same individual are possible. We conclude that FluoKin is a powerful tool for gaining deeper insight into equine tendon biomechanics.
Prognostic Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Obstructing Colorectal Cancer Treated by Endoscopic Stenting as a Bridge to Surgery
Authors: Guo Jiwei , Chok Aik Yong , Lim Hui Jun , Tay Wei Xuan , Lye Weng Kit , Samarakoon Lasitha Bhagya , Tan Emile John , Mathew Ronnie
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to predict adverse survival outcomes among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study evaluates the prognostic value of NLR among patients with obstructing CRC who successfully underwent stenting before curative surgery.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent stenting before surgery. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, perioperative outcomes, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. NLR was calculated from the differential white blood cell counts at least 4 days after successful stenting, before elective surgery. Optimal cutoff to dichotomize NLR was obtained by maximizing log-rank test statistic with recursive partitioning of KaplanMeier RFS and OS curves. The optimal cutoff for high NLR was ≥ 5 at presentation before stenting, and ≥ 4 after stenting.Results: Fifty-seven patients with localized obstructing CRC underwent successful endoscopic stenting before curative surgery. High NLR was associated with lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.006) and apical lymph node involvement (P = 0.034). Major perioperative complication(s) (hazard ratio [HR], 11.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.49 to 51.56; P < 0.01) and high NLR (HR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.46 to 9.35; P < 0.01) negatively impacted OS on univariate and multivariate analyses. High NLR negatively impacted RFS on univariate analysis (HR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.29 to 6.60; P = 0.01).Conclusion: NLR of ≥ 4 after stenting is an independent prognostic factor among patients with obstructing localized CRC who are successfully decompressed by endoscopic stenting before curative surgery.