bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid MultiLayer Perceptron Under-Sampling with Bagging Dealing with a Real-Life Imbalanced Rice Dataset
Authors: Diallo Moussa , Xiong Shengwu , Emiru Eshete Derb , Fesseha Awet , Abdulsalami Aminu Onimisi , Elaziz Mohamed Abd
Published: July 2021

Classification algorithms have shown exceptional prediction results in the supervised learning area. These classification algorithms are not always efficient when it comes to real-life datasets due to class distributions. As a result, datasets for real-life applications are generally imbalanced. Several methods have been proposed to solve the problem of class imbalance. In this paper, we propose a hybrid method combining the preprocessing techniques and those of ensemble learning. The original training set is undersampled by evaluating the samples by stochastic measurement (SM) and then training these samples selected by Multilayer Perceptron to return a balanced training set. The MLPUS (Multilayer perceptron undersampling) balanced training set is aggregated using the bagging ensemble method. We applied our method to the real-life Niger_Rice dataset and forty-four other imbalanced datasets from the KEEL repository in this study. We also compared our method with six other existing methods in the literature, such as the MLP classifier on the original imbalance dataset, MLPUS, UnderBagging (combining random under-sampling and bagging), RUSBoost, SMOTEBagging (Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique and bagging), SMOTEBoost. The results show that our method is competitive compared to other methods. The Niger_Rice real-life dataset results are 75.6, 0.73, 0.76, and 0.86, respectively, for accuracy, F-measure, G-mean, and ROC with our proposed method. In contrast, the MLP classifier on the original imbalance Niger_Rice dataset gives results 72.44, 0.82, 0.59, and 0.76 respectively for accuracy, F-measure, G-mean, and ROC.
Biology and Management of Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Nishio Jun , Nakayama Shizuhide , Nabeshima Kazuki , Yamamoto Takuaki
Published: July 2021

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL) is defined as the transition from well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDL)/atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) to non-lipogenic sarcoma, which arises mostly in the retroperitoneum and deep soft tissue of proximal extremities. It is characterized by a supernumerary ring and giant marker chromosomes, both of which contain amplified sequences of 12q13-15 including murinedouble minute 2 (MDM2) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) cell cycle oncogenes. Detection of MDM2 (and/or CDK4) amplification serves to distinguish DDL from other undifferentiated sarcomas. Recently, CTDSP1/2-DNM3OS fusion genes have been identified in a subset of DDL. However, the genetic events associated with dedifferentiation of WDL/ALT remain to be clarified. The standard treatment for localized DDL is surgery, with or without radiotherapy. In advanced disease, the standard first-line therapy is an anthracycline-based regimen, with either single-agent anthracycline or anthracycline in combination with the alkylating agent ifosfamide. Unfortunately, this regimen has not necessarily led to a satisfactory clinical outcome. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of DDL may allow for the development of more-effective innovative therapeutic strategies. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, histopathology and treatment of DDL.
Benefits of Steroid Therapy in COVID-19 Patients with Different PaO2/FiO2 Ratio at Admission
Authors: Vita Serena , Centanni Daniele , Lanini Simone , Piselli Pierluca , Rosati Silvia , Giancola Maria , Mondi Annalisa , Pinnetti Carmela , Topino Simone , Chinello Pierangelo , Mosti Silvia , Gualano Gina , Faraglia Francesca , Iacomi Fabio , Marchioni Luisa , Maritti Micaela , Girardi Enrico , Ippolito Giuseppe , Nicastri Emanuele ,   on behalf of the ReCOVeRI Study Group
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The use of steroid therapy in patients within the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection is still a matter of debate. This study aimed to evaluate if potential steroid benefits could be predicted by the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2 in mmHg) to fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) (P/F) in COVID-19 patients at admission. Materials and Methods: Medical records were retrospectively collected from all adult patients admitted because of COVID-19 from 29 January to 31 July 2020. The association of steroid therapy with 28-day all-cause mortality outcome was analysed in a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for confounding factors. Results: Overall, 511 patients were analysed, of which 39.1% underwent steroid therapy. Steroid treated patients were mostly male, older, and more frequently treated with antiviral drugs and aminoquinolines; the most common comorbidities were hypertension, followed by cardiovascular disease. Overall, 51 patients died within 28-days, and overall 28-days mortality was 19.5% in the cohort of patients exposed to steroids versus 3.9% mortality in unexposed patients (p < 0.001). Steroid therapy on patients with P/F ratio of 235 mmHg or higher at admission can be considered as detrimental, with an 8% increased probability of death. Conclusions: Steroid therapy is associated with increased 28-day mortality in COVID-19 in patients with mild or no ARDS.
Whether a Gluten-Free Diet Should Be Recommended in Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis or Not?—A 12-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Pobłocki Jakub , Pańka Tamara , Szczuko Małgorzata , Telesiński Arkadiusz , Syrenicz Anhelli
Published: July 2021

Elimination diets have recently become extremely popular among people with autoimmune diseases. A gluten-free diet is indicated in celiac disease (CD), but some studies show its effectiveness in cases of autoimmunity. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of a gluten-free diet is also effective in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease (cAITD), which is the most common thyroid autoimmune pathology associated with chronic inflammation, over-reactivity of the immune system, auto-destruction of thyrocytes and hypothyroidism. The final analysis of the study included 62 Caucasian women randomized into a control group (CG: n = 31) and an experimental group on a gluten-free diet (GFDG: n = 31), were subject to a 12-month follow-up, during which the concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months. During the 12-month follow-up between the CG and the GFDG, no differences were found in anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies, fT3 or fT4 levels, except a significant reduction in TSH levels in the GFDG. Additionally, performed analysis between individual appointments presented no significant differences in changes in the median concentrations of anti-TPO, anti-TG or fT3, but confirmed a significant decrease in TSH and showed accessory an increase in fT4 after 12 months in GFDG. Statistical analyses performed separately for both groups indicated a constant reduction of anti-TG concentrations in the GFDG. In conclusion, a GFD may be administered in cAITD after ruling out celiac disease, but it is necessary to perform more studies to assess if cAITD patients achieve the benefits of following a GFD. Patients with cAITD should be offered proper nutrition education combined with a healthy lifestyle promotion.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries: New Evidence and Perspectives
Authors: Spinelli Antonino , Laurenti Virginia , Carrano Francesco Maria , Gonzalez-Díaz Enrique , Borycka-Kiciak Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

Perineal injury during childbirth is a common event with important morbidity associated in particular with third-and-fourth degree perineal tears (also referred to as obstetric anal sphincter injuries—OASIS). Early diagnosis of these damages is mandatory to define a prompt therapeutic strategy and thus avoid the development of late-onset consequences, such as faecal incontinence. For this purpose, various diagnostic exams can be performed after a thorough clinical examination. The management of OASIS includes several measures and should be individualized according to the timing and features of the clinical presentation.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes, Visual Quality and Visual Function of Two Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses Made from the Same Material, but with Different Design and Optics
Authors: Nováček Ladislav Viktor , Němcová Marie , Tyx Kateřina , Lahodová Kristýna , Rejmont Leoš , Rozsíval Pavel , Studený Pavel
Published: July 2021

This semi-prospective, parallel, comparative investigation evaluated the clinical outcomes and quality of vision (contrast sensitivity, visual function, dysphotopsia, spectacle use, overall satisfaction) after mono- or bilateral implantation of two presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOL)—the Liberty® 677MY or the AT LISA® tri 839M—in 50 eyes of 25 cataract patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Eighty-nine percent of eyes implanted with the Liberty IOL and 59% of eyes implanted with the AT LISA IOL achieved a refractive outcome ±0.5 diopters of the target (emmetropia). Refractive outcomes were stable with both lenses. The proportions of eyes with 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and 20/20 uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) were higher in the Liberty group than in the AT LISA group (UDVA: 56% vs. 41%; UNVA: 83% vs. 66%). Optical quality assessment results were comparable for the two IOLs. Superior photopic contrast sensitivity was found with the Liberty lens. The rate of Nd:YAG capsulotomy at the 12-month follow-up was 16.7% in the Liberty group and 40.6% for the AT LISA IOL. Considering that both lenses are made from the same material, we propose that the noted differences in clinical outcomes may derive from differences in design and optical surface between the two IOLs.
Fibromyalgia Detection Based on EEG Connectivity Patterns
Authors: Martín-Brufau Ramón , Gómez Manuel Nombela , Sanchez-Sanchez-Rojas Leyre , Nombela Cristina
Published: July 2021

Objective: The identification of a complementary test to confirm the diagnosis of FM. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) is based on clinical features, but there is still no consensus, so patients and clinicians might benefit from such a test. Recent findings showed that pain lies in neuronal bases (pain matrices) and, in the long term, chronic pain modifies the activity and dynamics of brain structures. Our hypothesis is that patients with FM present lower levels of brain activity and therefore less connectivity than controls. Methods: We registered the resting state EEG of 23 patients with FM and compared them with 23 control subjects’ resting state recordings from the PhysioBank database. We measured frequency, amplitude, and functional connectivity, and conducted source localization (sLORETA). ROC analysis was performed on the resulting data. Results: We found significant differences in brain bioelectrical activity at rest in all analyzed bands between patients and controls, except for Delta. Subsequent source analysis provided connectivity values that depicted a distinct profile, with high discriminative capacity (between 91.3–100%) between the two groups. Conclusions: Patients with FM show a distinct neurophysiological pattern that fits with the clinical features of the disease.
Association of Low Alanine Aminotransferase Values with Extubation Failure in Adult Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Weber Yoav , Epstein Danny , Miller Asaf , Segal Gad , Berger Gidon
Published: July 2021

Background: Liberation from mechanical ventilation is a cardinal landmark during hospitalization of ventilated patients. Decreased muscle mass and sarcopenia are associated with a high risk of extubation failure. A low level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a known biomarker of sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine whether low levels of ALT are associated with increased risk of extubation failure among critically ill patients. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center cohort study of mechanically ventilated patients undergoing their first extubation. The study’s outcome was extubation failure within 48 h and 7 days. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were performed to determine whether ALT was an independent predictor of these outcomes. Results: The study included 329 patients with a median age of 62.4 years (IQR 48.1–71.2); 210 (63.8%) patients were at high risk for extubation failure. 66 (20.1%) and 83 (25.2%) failed the extubation attempt after 48 h and 7 days, respectively. Low ALT values were more common among patients requiring reintubation (80.3–61.5% vs. 58.6–58.9%, p < 0.002). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified ALT as an independent predictor of extubation failure at 48 h and 7 days. ALT ≤ 21 IU/L had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.41 (95% CI 1.31–4.42, p < 0.001) for extubation failure at 48 h and ALT ≤ 16 IU/L had adjusted HR of 1.94 (95% CI 1.25–3.02, p < 0.001) for failure after 7 days. Conclusions: Low ALT, an established biomarker of sarcopenia and frailty, is an independent risk factor for extubation failure among hospitalized patients. This simple laboratory parameter can be used as an effective adjunct predictor, along with other weaning parameters, and thereby facilitate the identification of high-risk patients.
Admission Hydration Status and Ischemic Stroke Outcome—Experience from a National Registry of Hospitalized Stroke Patients
Authors: Eizenberg Yoav , Grossman Ehud , Tanne David , Koton Silvia
Published: July 2021

Reduced intravascular volume upon ischemic stroke (IS) admission has been associated with in-hospital complications, disability, and reduced survival. We aimed to evaluate the association of the urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) with disability or death at discharge, length of stay, in-hospital complications, and mortality during the first year. Using a national registry, we identified hospitalized IS patients without renal failure. Disability or death at discharge, length of stay, in-hospital complications, and mortality during the first year were studied by UCR, and associations between UCR levels and each outcome were assessed adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, comorbidities, use of statins, and use of diuretics. In total, 2212 patients were included. Levels (median (25–75%)) for the main study variables were: urea 5.16 (3.66–6.83) mmol/L; creatinine 80 (64–92) µmol/L; and UCR 65 (58–74). Levels of UCR were significantly higher in patients with disability or death at discharge (p < 0.0001), those with complications during hospitalization (p = 0.03), those with infection during hospitalization (p = 0.0003), and those dead at 1 year (p < 0.0001). Analysis by UCR quartile showed that rates of disability or death at discharge, infections, complications overall, and death at 1 year in patients with UCR in the 4th quartile were significantly higher than in others. Risk-factor-adjusted analysis by UCR quartiles demonstrated an inconsistent independent association between UCR and disability or death after ischemic stroke. A high 1-year mortality rate was observed in IS patients with elevated UCR, yet this finding was not statistically significant after controlling for risk factors. Our study shows inconsistent associations between hydration status and poor functional status at discharge, and no association with length of stay, in-hospital complications (infectious and overall), and 1-year mortality.
Evaluation of Demarcation Line after Epithelium-Off Iontophoresis Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Progressive Keratoconus
Authors: D’Oria Francesco , Puzo Pasquale , Incandela Cosimo , Sborgia Alessandra , Gigliola Samuele , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to visualize and evaluate the characteristics and depth of the demarcation line with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) after epithelium-off iontophoresis corneal collagen cross-linking (epi-off I-CXL). In this prospective, consecutive, single center study 18 eyes of 18 patients with keratoconus were involved. One month after epi-off I-CXL, all the patients underwent an AS-OCT scan to search for a demarcation line and its characteristics. The corneal stromal demarcation line was identified in all the eyes. Mean depth of the corneal stromal demarcation line was 261.8 ± 46.7 μm (range: 184 to 362 μm), at 56.7 ± 12% corneal depth. In conclusion, epi-off I-CXL determines a demarcation line that can be visualized with AS-OCT, which seems clearly distinguishable and similar to that created in standard CXL.
Stress-Function Variational Method for Accurate Free-Edge Interfacial Stress Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Single-Lap Joints and Single-Sided Joints
Authors: Wu Xiang-Fa , Zhao Youhao , Zholobko Oksana
Published: July 2021

Large free-edge interfacial stresses induced in adhesively bonded joints (ABJs) are responsible for the commonly observed debonding failure in ABJs. Accurate and efficient stress analysis of ABJs is important to the design, structural optimization, and failure analysis of ABJs subjected to external mechanical and thermomechanical loads. This paper generalizes the high-efficiency semi-analytic stress-function variational methods developed by the authors for accurate free-edge interfacial stress analysis of ABJs of various geometrical configurations. Numerical results of the interfacial stresses of two types of common ABJs, i.e., adhesively bonded single-lap joints and adhesively single-sided joints, are demonstrated by using the present method, which are further validated by finite element analysis (FEA). The numerical procedure formulated in this study indicates that the present semi-analytic stress-function variational method can be conveniently implemented for accurate free-edge interfacial stress analysis of various type of ABJs by only slightly modifying the force boundary conditions. This method is applicable for strength analysis and structural design of broad ABJs made of multi-materials such as composite laminates, smart materials, etc.
A Methodology for Semantic Enrichment of Cultural Heritage Images Using Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Authors: Abgaz Yalemisew , Rocha Souza Renato , Methuku Japesh , Koch Gerda , Dorn Amelie
Published: July 2021

Cultural heritage images are among the primary media for communicating and preserving the cultural values of a society. The images represent concrete and abstract content and symbolise the social, economic, political, and cultural values of the society. However, an enormous amount of such values embedded in the images is left unexploited partly due to the absence of methodological and technical solutions to capture, represent, and exploit the latent information. With the emergence of new technologies and availability of cultural heritage images in digital formats, the methodology followed to semantically enrich and utilise such resources become a vital factor in supporting users need. This paper presents a methodology proposed to unearth the cultural information communicated via cultural digital images by applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies (such as Computer Vision (CV) and semantic web technologies). To this end, the paper presents a methodology that enables efficient analysis and enrichment of a large collection of cultural images covering all the major phases and tasks. The proposed method is applied and tested using a case study on cultural image collections from the Europeana platform. The paper further presents the analysis of the case study, the challenges, the lessons learned, and promising future research areas on the topic.
Effects of Ecological Restoration Using Non-Native Mangrove Kandelia obovata to Replace Invasive Spartina alterniflora on Intertidal Macrobenthos Community in Maoyan Island (Zhejiang, China)
Authors: Wang Qiuxuan , Duarte Carlos , Song Li , Christakos George , Agusti Susana , Wu Jiaping
Published: July 2021

Spartina alterniflora has extensively invaded the coastline of China, including in Maoyan Island of Zhejiang Province. Ecological restoration has been conducted using non-native mangrove Kandelia obovata to replace S. alterniflora in an attempt to restore the impacted intertidal zones. To illustrate the ecological effectiveness of the restoration projects, macrobenthos communities were studied among different habitats within the restored areas, including one non-restored S. alterniflora marsh (SA) and three differently-aged restored K. obovata stands planted in 2003, 2009, and 2011 respectively (KF14, KF8, and KF6). Besides, one unvegetated mudflat (MF) adjacent to the non-restored S. alterniflora marsh and one K. obovata forest transplanted in 2006 (RKF) at a previously barren mudflat without invasion history of S. alterniflora were set as reference sites. A total of 69 species of macrobenthos were collected from Maoyan Island, and the species richness was dominated by gastropoda (23 species), polychaeta (18 species), and malacostraca (16 species). There was no significant difference between the six sites in terms of the abundance of macrobenthos, with the average values of abundance peaking in KF6 (734.7 ind m−2) and being lowest in RKF (341.3 ind m−2). The six sites had significant differences in terms of the biomass of macrobenthos. The KF8 site contained the highest average biomass (168.3 g m−2), whereas the MF site had the lowest (54.3 g m−2). The Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou’s evenness index of the macrobenthos did not exhibit significant differences among the six sites. However, the results of permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant spatial differences in the macrobenthos community structure between the sites. Since KF14 shared a similar macrobenthos community structure with RKF, while representing a strikingly different structure from SA, we infer that ecological restoration using K. obovata can restore the macrobenthos community to resemble to a normally planted K. obovata forest about 15 years after restoration.
Factors Influencing Habitat Selection of Three Cryptobenthic Clingfish Species in the Shallow North Adriatic Sea
Authors: Trkov Domen , Ivajnšič Danijel , Kovačić Marcelo , Lipej Lovrenc
Published: July 2021

Cryptobenthic fishes were often overlooked in the past due to their cryptic lifestyle, so knowledge of their ecology is still incomplete. One of the most poorly studied taxa of fishes in the Mediterranean Sea is clingfish. In this paper we examine the habitat preferences of three clingfish species (Lepadogaster lepadogaster, L. candolii, and Apletodon incognitus) occurring in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic). The results show that all three species have a cryptic lifestyle and are well-segregated based on their depth distribution and macro- and microhabitat preferences. L. lepadogaster inhabits shallow waters of the lower mediolittoral and upper infralittoral, where it occurs on rocky bottoms under stones. L. candolii similarly occurs in the rocky infralittoral under stones, but below the lower distribution limit of L. lepadogaster, and in seagrass meadows, where it occupies empty seashells. Such hiding places in seagrass meadows are also occupied by A. incognitus, which mostly occurs below the lower distribution limit of L. candolii. Despite the overlap of depth and macrohabitat, the probability of individuals of two species encountering each other or competing in the same habitat is low when the depth range is combined with the microhabitat preferences of these species.
Culture Growth of the Cyanobacterium Phormidium sp. in Various Salinity and Light Regimes and Their Influence on Its Phycocyanin and Other Pigments Content
Authors: Hotos George N.
Published: July 2021

A strain of the filamentous non N-fixing cyanobacterium Phormidium sp. isolated from the Messolonghi (W. Greece) saltworks, was cultured in the laboratory at six different combinations of salinity (20-40-60 ppt) and illumination (low-2000 lux and high-8000 lux). At salinities of 60 and 40 ppt and in high illumination (XL-8000 lux), the growth rate (μmax) presented the highest values (0.491 and 0.401, respectively) compared to the corresponding at 20 ppt (0.203). In general and at all salinities, the higher illumination (XL) gave the highest growth rates and shorter duplication time (tg) in comparison to the lower illumination (L). On the contrary, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin and allophycocyanin production was extremely increased in the lower illumination (L) in all salinities, from ~14 fold at 40 and 60 ppt to 269 fold at 20 ppt of those corresponding to higher illumination (XL). Similar analogies were also recorded for the other two billiproteins. Chlorophyll-a content was also higher in lower illumination at all salinities in contrast to total carotenoids that did not exhibit such a pattern. The high growth rate and high phycocyanin content along with the rapid sedimentation of its cultured biomass can set this marine Phormidium species as a promising candidate for mass culture.
Analysis of Underwater Acoustic Propagation under the Influence of Mesoscale Ocean Vortices
Authors: Khan Sartaj , Song Yang , Huang Jian , Piao Shengchun
Published: July 2021

Mesoscale ocean vortices are common phenomenon and fairly distributed over the global oceans. In this study, mesoscale vortex in the South China Sea is identified by processing of AIPOcean data. The characteristic parameters of the identified vortex are extracted by using Okubo-Weiss (OW) method. The empirical sound velocity formula and interpolation method are used to obtain the spatial characteristics of temperature and sound velocity of the mesoscale vortex. After this, a theoretical model based on the Gaussian method is established to fit and simulate the vortex parameters. Using this model, the influence of mesoscale vortex strength, cold and warm vortex, vortex center position and sound source frequency on sound propagation are analyzed in COMSOL software. Finally, the actual parameters of the identified vortex are compared with the ideal Gaussian vortex model. It is found that different types of mesoscale vortices have different effects on the underwater sound propagation characteristics. Cold vortices, for example, cause the sound energy convergence zone to move toward the sound source, reducing the convergence zone’s span, whereas warm vortices cause the sound energy convergence zone to move away from the sound source, increasing the convergence zone’s span. Furthermore, the stronger the mesoscale vortices, the greater the impact on the sound field. Our COMSOL-based results are consistent with previous research, indicating that this model could be useful for studying underwater acoustic propagation in vortices.
Visible-Light-Driven Ag-Modified TiO2 Thin Films Anchored on Bamboo Material with Antifungal Memory Activity against Aspergillus niger
Authors: Li Jingpeng , Ma Rumin , Wu Zaixing , He Sheng , Chen Yuhe , Bai Ruihua , Wang Jin
Published: July 2021

A round-the-clock photocatalyst with energy-storage ability has piqued the interest of researchers for removing microbial contaminants from indoor environments. This work presents a moderate round-the-clock method for inhibiting the growth of fungus spores on bamboo materials using Ag-modified TiO2 thin films. Photoactivated antifungal coating with catalytic memory activity was assembled on a hydrophilic bamboo by first anchoring anatase TiO2 thin films (TB) via hydrogen bonding and then decorating them with Ag nanoparticles (ATB) via electrostatic interactions. Antifungal test results show that the Ag/TiO2 composite films grown on the bamboo surface produced a synergistic antifungal mechanism under both light and dark conditions. Interestingly, post-illumination catalytic memory was observed for ATB, as demonstrated by the inhibition of Aspergillus niger (A. niger) spores, in the dark after visible light was removed, which could be attributed to the transfer of photoexcited electrons from TiO2 to Ag, their trapping on Ag under visible-light illumination, and their release in the dark after visible light was removed. The mechanism study revealed that the immobilized Ag nanoparticles served the role of “killing two birds with one stone”: increasing visible-light absorption through surface plasmon resonance, preventing photogenerated electron–hole recombination by trapping electrons, and contributing to the generation of ●O2−and ●OH. This discovery creates a pathway for the continuous removal of indoor air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, bacteria, and fungus in the day and night time.
Transcription Factors in the Fungus Aspergillus nidulans: Markers of Genetic Innovation, Network Rewiring and Conflict between Genomics and Transcriptomics
Authors: Etxebeste Oier
Published: July 2021

Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) are shaped by the democratic/hierarchical relationships among transcription factors (TFs) and associated proteins, together with the cis-regulatory sequences (CRSs) bound by these TFs at target promoters. GRNs control all cellular processes, including metabolism, stress response, growth and development. Due to the ability to modify morphogenetic and developmental patterns, there is the consensus view that the reorganization of GRNs is a driving force of species evolution and differentiation. GRNs are rewired through events including the duplication of TF-coding genes, their divergent sequence evolution and the gain/loss/modification of CRSs. Fungi (mainly Saccharomycotina) have served as a reference kingdom for the study of GRN evolution. Here, I studied the genes predicted to encode TFs in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans (Pezizomycotina). The analysis of the expansion of different families of TFs suggests that the duplication of TFs impacts the species level, and that the expansion in Zn2Cys6 TFs is mainly due to dispersed duplication events. Comparison of genomic annotation and transcriptomic data suggest that a significant percentage of genes should be re-annotated, while many others remain silent. Finally, a new regulator of growth and development is identified and characterized. Overall, this study establishes a novel theoretical framework in synthetic biology, as the overexpression of silent TF forms would provide additional tools to assess how GRNs are rewired.
Functional Characterization of 21 Rare Allelic CYP1A2 Variants Identified in a Population of 4773 Japanese Individuals by Assessing Phenacetin O-Deethylation
Authors: Kumondai Masaki , Gutiérrez Rico Evelyn , Hishinuma Eiji , Nakanishi Yuya , Yamazaki Shuki , Ueda Akiko , Saito Sakae , Tadaka Shu , Kinoshita Kengo , Saigusa Daisuke , Nakayoshi Tomoki , Oda Akifumi , Hirasawa Noriyasu , Hiratsuka Masahiro
Published: July 2021

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), which accounts for approximately 13% of the total hepatic cytochrome content, catalyzes the metabolic reactions of approximately 9% of frequently used drugs, including theophylline and olanzapine. Substantial inter-individual differences in enzymatic activity have been observed among patients, which could be caused by genetic polymorphisms. Therefore, we functionally characterized 21 novel CYP1A2 variants identified in 4773 Japanese individuals by determining the kinetic parameters of phenacetin O-deethylation. Our results showed that most of the evaluated variants exhibited decreased or no enzymatic activity, which may be attributed to potential structural alterations. Notably, the Leu98Gln, Gly233Arg, Ser380del Gly454Asp, and Arg457Trp variants did not exhibit quantifiable enzymatic activity. Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) docking analyses were performed to further understand the underlying mechanisms behind variant pharmacokinetics. Our data further suggest that despite mutations occurring on the protein surface, accumulating interactions could result in the impairment of protein function through the destabilization of binding regions and changes in protein folding. Therefore, our findings provide additional information regarding rare CYP1A2 genetic variants and how their underlying effects could clarify discrepancies noted in previous phenotypical studies. This would allow the improvement of personalized therapeutics and highlight the importance of identifying and characterizing rare variants.
Cellular Response against Oxidative Stress, a Novel Insight into Lupus Nephritis Pathogenesis
Authors: Ene Corina Daniela , Georgescu Simona Roxana , Tampa Mircea , Matei Clara , Mitran Cristina Iulia , Mitran Madalina Irina , Penescu Mircea Nicolae , Nicolae Ilinca
Published: July 2021

The interaction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and hydrocarbonates promotes acute and chronic tissue damage, mediates immunomodulation and triggers autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients. The aim of the study was to determine the pathophysiological mechanisms of the oxidative stress-related damage and molecular mechanisms to counteract oxidative stimuli in lupus nephritis. Our study included 38 SLE patients with lupus nephritis (LN group), 44 SLE patients without renal impairment (non-LN group) and 40 healthy volunteers as control group. In the present paper, we evaluated serum lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation, oxidized proteins, carbohydrate oxidation, and endogenous protective systems. We detected defective DNA repair mechanisms via 8-oxoguanine-DNA-glycosylase (OGG1), the reduced regulatory effect of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in the activation of AGE-RAGE axis, low levels of thiols, disulphide bonds formation and high nitrotyrosination in lupus nephritis. All these data help us to identify more molecular mechanisms to counteract oxidative stress in LN that could permit a more precise assessment of disease prognosis, as well as developing new therapeutic targets.
The Gaze Fixation Assessed by Microperimetry: A Useful Tool for the Monitoring of the Cognitive Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ortiz-Zúñiga Ángel Michael , Simó-Servat Olga , Rojano-Toimil Alba , Vázquez-de Sebastian Julia , Castellano-Tejedor Carmina , Hernández Cristina , Simó Rafael , Ciudin Andreea
Published: July 2021

Current guidelines recommend annual screening for cognitive impairment in patients > 65 years with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The most used tool is the mini-mental state evaluation (MMSE). Retinal microperimetry is useful for detecting cognitive impairment in these patients, but there is no information regarding its usefulness as a monitoring tool. We aimed to explore the role of retinal microperimetry in the annual follow-up of the cognitive function of patients with T2D older than 65 years. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study, comprising patients > 65 years with T2D, attended at our center between March–October 2019. A complete neuropsychological evaluation assessed the baseline cognitive status (mild cognitive impairment, MCI, or normal, NC). Retinal microperimetry (sensitivity, gaze fixation) and MMSE were performed at baseline and after 12 months. Results: Fifty-nine patients with MCI and 22 NC were identified. A significant decline in the MMSE score was observed after 12 months in the MCI group (25.74 ± 0.9 vs. 24.71 ± 1.4; p = 0.001). While no significant changes in retinal sensitivity were seen, all gaze-fixation parameters worsened at 12 months and significantly correlated with a decrease in the MMSE scores. Conclusion: Retinal microperimetry is useful for the monitoring of cognitive decline in patients > 65 years with T2D. Gaze fixation seems a more sensitive parameter for follow-up after 12 months than retinal sensitivity.
Pros and Cons for Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS): A Narrative Review
Authors: Boca (Bene) Ioana , Ciurea Anca Ileana , Ciortea Cristiana Augusta , Dudea Sorin Marian
Published: July 2021

Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is an ultrasound technique that tends to be increasingly used as a supplementary technique in the evaluation of patients with dense glandular breasts. Patients with dense breasts have an increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to patients with fatty breasts. Furthermore, for this group of patients, mammography has a low sensitivity in detecting breast cancers, especially if it is not associated with architectural distortion or calcifications. ABUS is a standardized examination with many advantages in both screening and diagnostic settings: it increases the detection rate of breast cancer, improves the workflow, and reduces the examination time. On the other hand, like any imaging technique, ABUS has disadvantages and even some limitations. Many disadvantages can be diminished by additional attention and training. Disadvantages regarding image acquisition are the inability to assess the axilla, the vascularization, and the elasticity of a lesion, while concerning the interpretation, the disadvantages are the artifacts due to poor positioning, lack of contact, motion or lesion related. This article reviews and discusses the indications, the advantages, and disadvantages of the method and also the sources of error in the ABUS examination.
Outpatient Management of COVID-19 Disease: A Holistic Patient-Centered Proposal Based on the Greek Experience
Authors: Liapikou Adamantia , Tzortzaki Eleni , Hillas Georgios , Markatos Miltiadis , Papanikolaou Ilias C. , Kostikas Konstantinos
Published: July 2021

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a worldwide pandemic and affected more than 227 countries or territories, resulting in more than 179 million cases with over 3.890.00 deaths, as of June 25, 2021. The Hellenic Thoracic Society (HTS) during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic released a guidance document for the management of patients with COVID-19 in the community and in hospital setting. In this review, with guidance the HTS document, we are discussing the outpatient management of COVID-19 patients, including the preventive measures, the patients’ isolation and quarantine criteria of close contacts, the severity and risk stratification, including the decisions for advanced hospitalization, and the disease management at home in patients with mild disease and after hospital discharge for those with more severe disease.
Vitamin D Levels in Asymptomatic Children and Adolescents with Atopy during the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Feketea Gavriela , Vlacha Vasiliki , Tsiros Georgios , Voila Panagiota , Pop Raluca Maria , Bocsan Ioana Corina , Stanciu Luminita Aurelia , Zdrenghea Mihnea
Published: July 2021

This study assessed vitamin D status in asymptomatic children and adolescents in Greece, with and without atopy, and possible changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophil count were measured in 340 asymptomatic children and adolescents (155 males, 185 females), mean age 8.6 ± 4.6 years, recruited over a period of 24 months (February 2019–January 2021). Atopy, defined by high level of IgE for age, was associated with vitamin D deficient status (p = 0.041). Subjects with and without atopy showed similar rates of insufficient and normal levels of 25(OH)D. The median level of 25(OH)D was significantly higher in subjects recruited during the pandemic, when home confinement rules were observed, than before the pandemic, and significantly more children had normal levels of 25(OH)D (p < 0.001), but no differences were noticed for IgE levels or eosinophil count. These results support a link between vitamin D and allergic and infectious inflammations, and specifically the association of vitamin D deficiency with asymptomatic atopy, defined as increased IgE level for age.
The New Era of Three-Dimensional Histoarchitecture of the Human Endometrium
Authors: Yamaguchi Manako , Yoshihara Kosuke , Yachida Nozomi , Suda Kazuaki , Tamura Ryo , Ishiguro Tatsuya , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: July 2021

The histology of the endometrium has traditionally been established by observation of two-dimensional (2D) pathological sections. However, because human endometrial glands exhibit coiling and branching morphology, it is extremely difficult to obtain an entire image of the glands by 2D observation. In recent years, the development of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of serial pathological sections by computer and whole-mount imaging technology using tissue clearing methods with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy has enabled us to observe the 3D histoarchitecture of tissues. As a result, 3D imaging has revealed that human endometrial glands form a plexus network in the basalis, similar to the rhizome of grass, whereas mouse uterine glands are single branched tubular glands. This review summarizes the relevant literature on the 3D structure of mouse and human endometrium and discusses the significance of the rhizome structure in the human endometrium and the expected role of understanding the 3D tissue structure in future applications to systems biology.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Cordycepin on Viability, Proliferation, Cell Cycle, and Migration in Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Boreak Nezar , Alkahtani Ahmed , Alzahrani Khalid , Kenani Amani Hassan , Faqehi Wafa Hussain , Faqehi Hadeel Hussain , Ageeli Raghad Essa , Moafa Wafa Nasser , Baeshen Hosam Ali , Bhandi Shilpa , Khurshid Zohaib , Patil Vikrant R. , Testarelli Luca , Patil Shankargouda
Published: July 2021

Objective: To examine the effect of Cordycepin on the viability, proliferation, and migratory properties of dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Materials and methods: The pulp was derived from human premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes after obtaining informed consent. The samples were transferred to the laboratory for processing. DPSCs were expanded and characterized using flow cytometry and differentiation to the bone, adipose, and cartilage cells was examined. MTT Assay was performed using various concentrations of Cordycepin. The growth curve was plotted for 13 days. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Migratory ability was assessed by wound healing assay. ROS generation was detected by flow cytometry. Gene expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. Statistical analysis was performed. p < 0.05 was considered as significant and p < 0.01 was considered as highly significant (* p < 0.05, and ** p < 0.01). Results: DPSCs expressed characteristic MSC-specific markers and trilineage differentiation. Cordycepin at lower concentrations did not affect the viability of DPSCs. The growth curve of cells showed a dose-dependent increase in cell numbers till the maximum dose. DPSCs treated with 2.5 µM Cordycepin was found to have a reduced G1 phase cell percentage. DPSCs treated with 2.5 µM and 5 µM Cordycepin showed a significant decrease in G2 phase cells. No significant difference was observed for S phase cells. Cordycepin treatment affected the migratory ability in DPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: Cordycepin can be used at therapeutic doses to maintain stem cells.
Landscape Pattern and Ecological Network Structure in Urban Green Space Planning: A Case Study of Fuzhou City
Authors: Huang Bo-Xun , Chiou Shang-Chia , Li Wen-Ying
Published: July 2021

During the process of urbanization, many green spaces are fragmented for other uses. The key problems for researchers and planners are reducing the fragmentation of green spaces, constructing urban ecological networks, and maintaining sustainable environments to cope with the rapid urbanization process. This paper analyzes Fuzhou, China as a case study of the effects of urbanization, and reviews three epochs in Fuzhou: 2000, 2010, and 2021. First, the integration degree of landscape pattern index and spatial syntactic attribute value is used to quantify the urbanization situation of Fuzhou and the degree of green space fragmentation in the process of urbanization. Second, it adopts the network analysis method to construct an urban ecological network featuring “one city and two rings”. Finally, urban green spaces are assessed by the corridor structure analysis, and the improvement of the urban green space ecological network is quantitatively evaluated by comparing the green space ecological network with the green space planning system. The results show that the urbanization of Fuzhou city center is apparent and the fragmentation of urban green space is a serious issue from 2000 to 2021. The green space planning in Fuzhou is ineffective in improving the existing green space. According to the results, the street integration of space syntax aptly reflects the process of urbanization. In conclusion, the planned ecological network increases the shape complexity of green patches and landscape connectivity and reduces landscape fragmentation, thus improving the urban ecological environment quality and facilitating the sustainability of urban green spaces.
Agroforestry-Based Ecosystem Services
Authors: van Noordwijk Meine
Published: July 2021

Agroforestry, land use at the agriculture-forestry interface that implies the presence of trees on farms and/or farmers in forests, has a history that may be as old as agriculture, but as an overarching label and topic of formal scientific analysis, it is in its fifth decade [...]
Evolution of Agricultural Production in Portugal during 1850–2018: A Geographical and Historical Perspective
Authors: Viana Cláudia M. , Freire Dulce , Abrantes Patrícia , Rocha Jorge
Published: July 2021

Agricultural statistical data enable the detection and interpretation of the development of agriculture and the food supply situation over time, which is essential for food security evaluation in any country. Based on the historical agricultural statistics, this study produces a long spatial time-series with annual production values of three cereals relevant to global food security—wheat, maize, and rice, aiming to provide geographical and historical perspectives. Therefore, we reconstructed past and current production patterns and trends at the district level over 169 years, which supported a space–time cross-reading of the general characteristics of the regional agricultural production value distributions and relative densities in Portugal. Particularly, the production trends of wheat, maize, and rice showed three different situations: growth (maize), stability (rice), and decline (wheat). For decades, maize and wheat production alternated, depending on agricultural years and political aspects, such as the Wheat Campaign (1929–1938). The changes over time presented a pattern that, in the case of these three cereals, enabled a clear division of the country into major regions according to cereal production. Overall, maize and rice, both grown on irrigated croplands, presented a similar pattern in some regions of Portugal, mainly the central region. In this study, a preliminary analysis was presented and related to successive public policies; however, notably, there are more lessons to be learned from this long spatial time-series.