bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Light-Chain Amyloidosis: In Vitro Expansion and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Valsecchi Chiara , Croce Stefania , Maltese Alice , Montagna Lorenza , Lenta Elisa , Nevone Alice , Girelli Maria , Milani Paolo , Bosoni Tiziana , Massa Margherita , Abbà Carlotta , Campanelli Rita , Ripepi Jessica , De Silvestri Annalisa , Carolei Adriana , Palladini Giovanni , Zecca Marco , Nuvolone Mario , Avanzini Maria Antonietta
Published: October 2021

Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is caused by misfolded light chains produced by a small B cell clone. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been reported to affect plasma cell behavior. We aimed to characterize bone marrow (BM)-MSCs from AL patients, considering functional aspects, such as proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacities. MSCs were in vitro expanded from the BM of 57 AL patients and 14 healthy donors (HDs). MSC surface markers were analyzed by flow cytometry, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacities were in vitro evaluated, and co-culture experiments were performed in order to investigate MSC immunomodulatory properties towards the ALMC-2 cell line and HD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). AL-MSCs were comparable to HD-MSCs for morphology, immune-phenotype, and differentiation capacities. AL-MSCs showed a reduced proliferation rate, entering senescence at earlier passages than HD-MSCs. The AL-MSC modulatory effect on the plasma-cell line or circulating plasma cells was comparable to that of HD-MSCs. To our knowledge, this is the first study providing a comprehensive characterization of AL-MSCs. It remains to be defined if the observed abnormalities are the consequence of or are involved in the disease pathogenesis. BM microenvironment components in AL may represent the targets for the prevention/treatment of the disease in personalized therapies.
A Review of Advanced Impedance Biosensors with Microfluidic Chips for Single-Cell Analysis
Authors: Kim Soojung , Song Hyerin , Ahn Heesang , Kim Taeyeon , Jung Jihyun , Cho Soo Kyung , Shin Dong-Myeong , Choi Jong-ryul , Hwang Yoon-Hwae , Kim Kyujung
Published: October 2021

Electrical impedance biosensors combined with microfluidic devices can be used to analyze fundamental biological processes for high-throughput analysis at the single-cell scale. These specialized analytical tools can determine the effectiveness and toxicity of drugs with high sensitivity and demonstrate biological functions on a single-cell scale. Because the various parameters of the cells can be measured depending on methods of single-cell trapping, technological development ultimately determine the efficiency and performance of the sensors. Identifying the latest trends in single-cell trapping technologies afford opportunities such as new structural design and combination with other technologies. This will lead to more advanced applications towards improving measurement sensitivity to the desired target. In this review, we examined the basic principles of impedance sensors and their applications in various biological fields. In the next step, we introduced the latest trend of microfluidic chip technology for trapping single cells and summarized the important findings on the characteristics of single cells in impedance biosensor systems that successfully trapped single cells. This is expected to be used as a leading technology in cell biology, pathology, and pharmacological fields, promoting the further understanding of complex functions and mechanisms within individual cells with numerous data sampling and accurate analysis capabilities.
Recent Studies of Rat Ultrasonic Vocalizations—Editorial
Authors: Brudzynski Stefan M. , Burgdorf Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2021

Since the realization that human emotional experiences and behavior evolved from mammalian ancestors and are evolutionary continuations of animal emotional behavior [...]
Fostering the Aesthetic Pleasure: The Effect of Verbal Description on Aesthetic Appreciation of Ambiguous and Unambiguous Artworks
Authors: Mari Emanuela , Quaglieri Alessandro , Lausi Giulia , Boccia Maddalena , Pizzo Alessandra , Baldi Michela , Barchielli Benedetta , Burrai Jessica , Piccardi Laura , Giannini Anna Maria
Published: October 2021

Background: Aesthetic experience begins through an intentional shift from automatic visual perceptual processing to an aesthetic state of mind that is evidently directed towards sensory experience. In the present study, we investigated whether portrait descriptions affect the aesthetic pleasure of both ambiguous (i.e., Arcimboldo’s portraits) and unambiguous portraits (i.e., Renaissance portraits). Method: A total sample of 86 participants were recruited and completed both a baseline and a retest session. In the retest session, we implemented a sample audio description for each portrait. The portraits were described by three types of treatment, namely global, local, and historical descriptions. Results: During the retest session, aesthetic pleasure was higher than the baseline. Both the local and the historical treatments improved the aesthetic appreciation of ambiguous portraits; instead, the global and the historical treatment improved aesthetic appreciation of Renaissance portraits during the retest session. Additionally, we found that the response times were slower in the retest session. Conclusion: taken together, these findings suggest that aesthetic preference was affected by the description of an artwork, likely due to a better knowledge of the painting, which prompts a more accurate (and slower) reading of the artwork.
Communication Apprehension and Psychological Well-Being of Students in Online Learning
Authors: Agrawal Somya , Krishna Shwetha M.
Published: October 2021

The current pandemic has modified how education, learning, and technology interact with one another inside universities. The usage of technology for instructional purposes raises the question of whether learning that happens in an online environment is as effective as traditional classroom models. Within this context, this study explores the psychological well-being of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, using an online cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from 246 university students currently studying at a private university in India. Hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modelling were used to study the mediating effects between communication apprehension, perceived learning, and psychological well-being under the moderating effects of intention to use social media and psychological stress. Results show that higher intentions to use social media alleviated the negative effects of communication apprehension on perceived learning. Interestingly, it was also found that perceived learning had a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being when students experienced higher levels of psychological stress (eustress). Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the transactional theory of stress and coping, we attempt to integrate the findings related to these theories, which can be considered distinct to previous studies. Implications, limitations, and future directions for research and practice have also been discussed.
Potential of Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitors in Combination Regimens in Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Kessler Linda , Malik Shivani , Leoni Mollie , Burrows Francis
Published: October 2021

Current therapies for recurrent and metastatic SCC are associated with poor outcomes, and options for later lines of treatment are limited. Insights into potential therapeutic targets, as well as mechanisms of resistance to available therapies, have begun to be elucidated, creating the basis for exploration of combination approaches to drive better patient outcomes. Tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI), is a small molecule drug that has demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in a genetically-defined subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)–specifically, tumors that express a mutation in the HRAS protooncogene. More recently, bioinformatic analyses and results from patient-derived xenograft modeling indicate that HRAS pathway dependency may extend to a broader subpopulation of SCCs beyond HRAS mutants in the context of combination with agents such as cisplatin, cetuximab, or alpelisib. In addition, tipifarnib can also inactivate additional farnesylated proteins implicated in resistance to approved therapies, including immunotherapies, through a variety of distinct mechanisms, suggesting that tipifarnib could serve as an anchor for combination regimens in SCCs and other tumor types.
Circulating Tissue Polypeptide-Specific Antigen in Pre-Diagnostic Pancreatic Cancer Samples
Authors: Borgmästars Emmy , Lundberg Erik , Öhlund Daniel , Nyström Hanna , Franklin Oskar , Lundin Christina , Jonsson Pär , Sund Malin
Published: October 2021

Early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is challenging, and late diagnosis partly explains the low 5-year survival. Novel and sensitive biomarkers are needed to enable early PDAC detection and improve patient outcomes. Tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS) has been studied as a biomarker in PDAC diagnostics, and it has previously been shown to reflect clinical status better than the ‘golden standard’ biomarker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) that is most widely used in the clinical setting. In this cross-sectional case-control study using pre-diagnostic plasma samples, we aim to evaluate the potential of TPS as a biomarker for early PDAC detection. Furthermore, in a subset of individuals with multiple samples available at different time points before diagnosis, a longitudinal analysis was used. We assessed plasma TPS levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 267 pre-diagnostic PDAC plasma samples taken up to 18.8 years before clinical PDAC diagnosis and in 320 matched healthy controls. TPS levels were also assessed in 25 samples at PDAC diagnosis. Circulating TPS levels were low both in pre-diagnostic samples of future PDAC patients and in healthy controls, whereas TPS levels at PDAC diagnosis were significantly increased (odds ratio 1.03; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.05) in a logistic regression model adjusted for age. In conclusion, TPS levels increase late in PDAC progression and hold no potential as a biomarker for early detection.
Photocatalytic Activity of n-Alkylamine and n-Alkoxy Derivatives of Layered Perovskite-like Titanates H2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = La, Nd) in the Reaction of Hydrogen Production from an Aqueous Solution of Methanol
Authors: Kurnosenko Sergei A. , Voytovich Vladimir V. , Silyukov Oleg I. , Rodionov Ivan A. , Kirichenko Sergei O. , Minich Iana A. , Malygina Ekaterina N. , Khramova Alina D. , Zvereva Irina A.
Published: October 2021

Two series of hybrid inorganic-organic derivatives, obtained via the modification of protonated Ruddlesden–Popper phases H2Ln2Ti3O10 (Ln = La, Nd) with intercalated n-alkylamines and grafted n-alkoxy groups, have been systematically investigated in relation to photocatalytic hydrogen production from a model of 1 mol % aqueous solution of methanol for the first time. Photocatalytic measurements were performed both for bare samples and for their composites with Pt nanoparticles as a cocatalyst using an advanced scheme, including dark stages, monitoring of the volume concentration of the sample in the reaction suspension during the experiment, shifts of its pH and possible exfoliation of layered compounds into nanolayers. It was found that the incorporation of organic components into the interlayer space of the titanates increases their photocatalytic activity up to 117 times compared with that of the initial compounds. Additional platinization of the hybrid samples’ surface allowed for achieving apparent quantum efficiency of hydrogen evolution of more than 40%. It was established that the photocatalytic activity of the hybrid samples correlates with the hydration degree of their interlayer space, which is considered a separate reaction zone in photocatalysis, and that hydrogen indeed generates from the aqueous methanol solution rather than from organic components of the derivatives.
Inflammatory Modulation of Polyethylene Glycol-AuNP for Regulation of the Neural Differentiation Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Hung Huey-Shan , Kao Wei-Chien , Shen Chiung-Chyi , Chang Kai-Bo , Tang Cheng-Ming , Yang Meng-Yin , Yang Yi-Chin , Yeh Chun-An , Li Jia-Jhan , Hsieh Hsien-Hsu
Published: October 2021

A nanocomposite composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) incorporated with various concentrations (~17.4, ~43.5, ~174 ppm) of gold nanoparticles (Au) was created to investigate its biocompatibility and biological performance in vitro and in vivo. First, surface topography and chemical composition was determined through UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), free radical scavenging ability, and water contact angle measurement. Additionally, the diameters of the PEG-Au nanocomposites were also evaluated through dynamic light scattering (DLS) assay. According to the results, PEG containing 43.5 ppm of Au demonstrated superior biocompatibility and biological properties for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as well as superior osteogenic differentiation, adipocyte differentiation, and, particularly, neuronal differentiation. Indeed, PEG-Au 43.5 ppm induced better cell adhesion, proliferation and migration in MSCs. The higher expression of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis may be associated with MMPs activation and may have also promoted the differentiation capacity of MSCs. Moreover, it also prevented MSCs from apoptosis and inhibited macrophage and platelet activation, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory, biocompatibility, and endothelialization capacity of PEG-Au was measured in a rat model. After implanting the nanocomposites into rats subcutaneously for 4 weeks, PEG-Au 43.5 ppm was able to enhance the anti-immune response through inhibiting CD86 expression (M1 polarization), while also reducing leukocyte infiltration (CD45). Moreover, PEG-Au 43.5 ppm facilitated CD31 expression and anti-fibrosis ability. Above all, the PEG-Au nanocomposite was evidenced to strengthen the differentiation of MSCs into various cells, including fat, vessel, and bone tissue and, particularly, nerve cells. This research has elucidated that PEG combined with the appropriate amount of Au nanoparticles could become a potential biomaterial able to cooperate with MSCs for tissue regeneration engineering.
Changes in Cell Morphology and Actin Organization in Embryonic Stem Cells Cultured under Different Conditions
Authors: Barooji Younes F. , Hvid Kasper G. , Petitjean Irene Istúriz , Brickman Joshua M. , Oddershede Lene B. , Bendix Poul M.
Published: October 2021

The cellular cytoskeleton provides the cell with a mechanical rigidity that allows mechanical interaction between cells and the extracellular environment. The actin structure plays a key role in mechanical events such as motility or the establishment of cell polarity. From the earliest stages of development, as represented by the ex vivo expansion of naïve embryonic stem cells (ESCs), the critical mechanical role of the actin structure is becoming recognized as a vital cue for correct segregation and lineage control of cells and as a regulatory structure that controls several transcription factors. Naïve ESCs have a characteristic morphology, and the ultrastructure that underlies this condition remains to be further investigated. Here, we investigate the 3D actin cytoskeleton of naïve mouse ESCs using super-resolution optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). We investigate the morphological, cytoskeletal, and mechanical changes in cells cultured in 2i or Serum/LIF media reflecting, respectively, a homogeneous preimplantation cell state and a state that is closer to embarking on differentiation. STORM imaging showed that the peripheral actin structure undergoes a dramatic change between the two culturing conditions. We also detected micro-rheological differences in the cell periphery between the cells cultured in these two media correlating well with the observed nano-architecture of the ESCs in the two different culture conditions. These results pave the way for linking physical properties and cytoskeletal architecture to cell morphology during early development.
Differential Stimulation of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Human Microglia Leads to Exosomal Proteomic Changes Affecting Neurons
Authors: Mallach Anna , Gobom Johan , Arber Charles , Piers Thomas M. , Hardy John , Wray Selina , Zetterberg Henrik , Pocock Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Microglial exosomes are an emerging communication pathway, implicated in fulfilling homeostatic microglial functions and transmitting neurodegenerative signals. Gene variants of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. We investigated the influence of the TREM2 Alzheimer’s disease risk variant, R47Hhet, on the microglial exosomal proteome consisting of 3019 proteins secreted from human iPS-derived microglia (iPS-Mg). Exosomal protein content changed according to how the iPS-Mg were stimulated. Thus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced microglial exosomes to contain more inflammatory signals, whilst stimulation with the TREM2 ligand phosphatidylserine (PS+) increased metabolic signals within the microglial exosomes. We tested the effect of these exosomes on neurons and found that the exosomal protein changes were functionally relevant and influenced downstream functions in both neurons and microglia. Exosomes from R47Hhet iPS-Mg contained disease-associated microglial (DAM) signature proteins and were less able to promote the outgrowth of neuronal processes and increase mitochondrial metabolism in neurons compared with exosomes from the common TREM2 variant iPS-Mg. Taken together, these data highlight the importance of microglial exosomes in fulfilling microglial functions. Additionally, variations in the exosomal proteome influenced by the R47Hhet TREM2 variant may underlie the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease associated with this variant.
Neuropsychological Development and New Criteria for Extrauterine Growth Restriction in Very Low-Birth-Weight Children
Authors: Alcántara Leticia , Fernández-Baizán Cristina , González-García Lara , García-López Enrique , González-López Clara , Arias Jorge Luis , Méndez Marta , Sánchez Gonzalo Solís
Published: October 2021

Background: Controversy between short-term neonatal growth of very low birth-weight preterm (VLBW) and neurodevelopment may be affected by criteria changes of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR). Objective: to determine if new EUGR criteria imply modifications in the relationship between old criteria and results of neuropsychological tests in preterm children. Patients and methods: 87 VLBW at 5–7 years of age were studied. Neuropsychological assessment included RIST test (Reynolds Intellectual Sctreening Test) and NEPSY-II (NE neuro, PSY psycolgy assessment) tests. The relationships between these tests and the different growth parameters were analyzed. Results: RIST index was correlated with z-score Fenton’s weight (p = 0.004) and length (p = 0.003) and with z-score IGW-21’s (INTERGRWTH-21 Project) weight (p = 0.004) and length (p = 0.003) at neonatal discharge, but not with z-score difference between birth and neonatal discharge in weight, length, and HC for both. We did not find a statistically significant correlation between Fenton or IGW-21 z-scores and scalar data of NEPSY-II subtasks. Conclusion: In our series, neonatal growth influence on neuropsychological tests at the beginning of primary school does not seem robust, except for RIST test. New EUGR criteria do not improve the predictive ability of the old ones.
Associations between Neighborhood Deprivation Index, Parent Perceptions and Preschooler Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: Bassul Carolina , Corish Clare A. , Kearney John M.
Published: October 2021

Parental perceptions and use of neighborhood facilities are important factors that are related to children’s dietary intake and physical activity. The aim of this study was to examine the association between neighborhood deprivation index, parents’ perceptions of their neighborhood environment, and healthy/unhealthy markers of child dietary intake, physical activity, and TV screen time. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dublin, Ireland. The lifestyle behaviors among children and parental perceptions of their neighborhood environment were reported by the parents of 276 children aged 3–5 years by using parent-completed questionnaires. Deprivation index was assessed using the geographic information system (GIS). Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. In adjusted models, high deprivation index was associated with parental perception of the neighborhood as unsafe for walking and cycling due to crime (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.04–2.43, p = 0.031) and children’s low engagement in structured physical activity (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.72, p = 0.004). Parental perceptions of an unsafe neighborhood due to heavy traffic were negatively correlated with children’s active play (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.95, p = 0.022). Children whose parents reported high satisfaction with the number of local sit-in and takeaway restaurants were 41% more likely to consume confectionary/sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) weekly. In this age group, parents play an important role in children’s lifestyle behaviors; therefore, a better understanding of parents’ perceptions and their use of neighborhood facilities could contribute to creating a healthy environment for this age group.
Revision of the Subgenus Burlinius Lopatin (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae) from China and Description of Four New Species
Authors: Duan Wenyuan , Zhou Hongzhang
Published: October 2021

This study revised the subgenus Burlinius Lopatin, 1965, of the genus Cryptocephalus Geoffroy, 1762 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cryptocephalinae, Cryptocephalini), and describes four new species, namely, Cryptocephalus (Burlinius) longchiensis sp. nov., C. (Burlinius) baowenzhengi sp. nov., C. (Burlinius) tomurensis sp. nov., and C. (Burlinius) glabrelegantulus sp. nov. The species C. (Burlinius) turpis Chen, 1942, and C. (Burlinius) yangweii Chen, 1942, were revalidated and treated as distinct species. Another four species were transferred into this subgenus from the subgenus Cryptocephalus, namely, C. (Burlinius) flavolimbatus Pic, 1920 (stat. nov.), C. (Burlinius) pusus Schöller, 2009 (stat. nov.), C. (Burlinius) scutemaculatus Tan, 1992 (stat. nov.), and C. (Burlinius) shaowuanus Gressitt & Kimoto, 1961 (stat. nov.). Two species (including one more subspecies) were removed out of this subgenus, namely, C. (Burlinius) nigrolimbatus Jacoby, 1890, C. (Burlinius) pallidipes Pic, 1927, and C. (Burlinius) pallidipes nakatae Gressitt & Kimoto, 1961; they were transferred into the subgenus Cryptocephalus. Thus, the subgenus Burlinius Lopatin includes now a total of 26 species in China according to our revision. A key to all the Chinese species of this subgenus is provided as well as color illustrations and line drawings for the general habitus and genital structures.
Spatial Diversity in Bacterial Communities across Barren and Vegetated, Native and Invasive, Coastal Dune Microhabitats
Authors: Boss Brianna L. , Charbonneau Bianca R. , Izquierdo Javier A.
Published: October 2021

The microbial community composition of coastal dunes can vary across environmental gradients, with the potential to impact erosion and deposition processes. In coastal foredunes, invasive plant species establishment can create and alter environmental gradients, thereby altering microbial communities and other ecogeomorphic processes with implications for storm response and management and conservation efforts. However, the mechanisms of these processes are poorly understood. To understand how changing microbial communities can alter these ecogeomorphic dynamics, one must first understand how soil microbial communities vary as a result of invasion. Towards this goal, bacterial communities were assessed spatially along foredune microhabitats, specifically in barren foredune toe and blowout microhabitats and in surrounding vegetated monocultures of native Ammophila breviligulata and invasive Carex kobomugi. Across dune microhabitats, microbial composition was more dissimilar in barren dune toe and blowout microhabitats than among the two plant species, but it did not appear that it would favor the establishment of one plant species over the other. However, the subtle differences between the microbial community composition of two species could ultimately aid in the success of the invasive species by reducing the proportions of bacterial genera associated exclusively with A. breviligulata. These results suggest that arrival time may be crucial in fostering microbiomes that would further the continued establishment and spread of either plant species.
Mutational Analysis and mtDNA Haplogroup Characterization in Three Serbian Cases of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies and Literature Review
Authors: Dawod Phepy G. A. , Jancic Jasna , Marjanovic Ana , Brankovic Marija , Jankovic Milena , Samardzic Janko , Gamil Anwar Dawod Ayman , Novakovic Ivana , Abdel Motaleb Fayda I. , Radlovic Vladimir , Kostic Vladimir S. , Nikolic Dejan
Published: October 2021

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies (MEMP) are heterogeneous multisystem disorders frequently associated with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. Clinical presentation varies considerably in age of onset, course, and severity up to death in early childhood. In this study, we performed molecular genetic analysis for mtDNA pathogenic mutation detection in Serbian children, preliminary diagnosed clinically, biochemically and by brain imaging for mitochondrial encephalomyopathies disorders. Sanger sequencing analysis in three Serbian probands revealed two known pathogenic mutations. Two probands had a heteroplasmic point mutation m.3243A>G in the MT-TL1 gene, which confirmed mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episode syndrome (MELAS), while a single case clinically manifested for Leigh syndrome had an almost homoplasmic (close to 100%) m.8993T>G mutation in the MT-ATP6 gene. After full mtDNA MITOMASTER analysis and PhyloTree build 17, we report MELAS’ association with haplogroups U and H (U2e and H15 subclades); likewise, the mtDNA-associated Leigh syndrome proband shows a preference for haplogroup H (H34 subclade). Based on clinical–genetic correlation, we suggest that haplogroup H may contribute to the mitochondrial encephalomyopathies’ phenotypic variability of the patients in our study. We conclude that genetic studies for the distinctive mitochondrial encephalomyopathies should be well-considered for realizing clinical severity and possible outcomes.
Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Accurate and Prompt Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Diagnosis Using the Rational Selection of Serological Biomarkers
Authors: Lagousi Theano , Routsias John , Spoulou Vana
Published: October 2021

Prompt COVID-19 diagnosis is urgently required to support infection control measures. Currently available serological tests for measuring SARS-CoV-2 antibodies use different target antigens, although their sensitivity and specificity presents a challenge. We aimed to develop an “in-house” serological ELISA to measure antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by combining different protein antigens. Sera (n = 44) from COVID-19-confirmed patients were evaluated against different SARS-CoV-2 protein antigens and all potential combinations using ELISA. Patients’ sera were also evaluated against commercially available ELISA diagnostic kits. The mixture containing RBD 2.5 μg/mL, S2 1 μg/mL and N 1.5 μg/mL was found to be the most potent. Plates were incubated with patients’ sera (1:100), and goat anti-human alkaline phosphatase-conjugated IgG, ΙgM and IgA antibody was added. The cut-off value for each assay was determined using the mean optical density plus two standard deviations of pre-pandemic controls. The “in-house” ELISA displayed 91% sensitivity and 97% specificity for IgG antibodies, whereas its sensitivity and specificity for IgM and IgA were 75% and 95% and 73% and 91%, respectively. The “in-house” ELISA developed here combined three SARS-CoV-2 antigens (RBD, S2 and N) as capture antigens and displayed comparable and even higher sensitivity and specificity than otherwise quite reliable commercially available ELISA diagnostic kits.
Duodenal Pseudomelanosis: A Literature Review
Authors: Lopez Gianluca , D’Ercole Marianna , Ferrero Stefano , Croci Giorgio Alberto
Published: October 2021

Duodenal pseudomelanosis (also known as pseudomelanosis duodeni) is a rare endoscopic incidental finding defined by a pigmentation limited to the apex of the intestinal villi, which requires histological confirmation. While its exact pathogenesis is still poorly understood, it appears free from clinical consequences. This condition is believed to be associated with oral iron intake, antihypertensive drugs containing a sulfur moiety (i.e., hydralazine, furosemide), and several chronic diseases (i.e., hypertension, end-stage renal disease, diabetes). However, the exact prevalence of these treatments and comorbidities among patients with duodenal pseudomelanosis is not clearly defined. Several case reports and case series about duodenal pseudomelanosis have been published in recent years. In this review, we aimed to clearly define its endoscopic and microscopic presentation; its epidemiology, associated comorbidities, and drugs; the most useful special histochemical techniques used to classify the nature of the pigmentation; and the most relevant differential diagnoses. In addition, by considering our findings, we also formulated a number of hypotheses about its pathogenesis.
Fungal Septic Knee Arthritis Caused by Aspergillus fumigatus following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Samonis George , Koutserimpas Christos , Vrioni Georgia , Kampos Martinez Elsa , Kouloumentas Panagiotis , Alpantaki Kalliopi , Saroglou George
Published: October 2021

Postoperative infections after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) represent a rare but severe complication. An extremely rare case of Aspergillus septic arthritis in a 27-year-old patient following arthroscopic ACLR is reported. The patient presented with signs of knee infection 14 days after ACLR. Two consecutive arthroscopic debridements were performed, while eventually histopathology, cultures and multiplex PCR test revealed Aspergillus identified as A. fumigatus by mass spectrometry. The patient commenced long-term treatment with voriconazole. Fungal arthritis or osteomyelitis following ACLR has a mild local and general inflammatory reaction when compared to the bacterial ones. Nevertheless, such infections may lead to aggressive osseous destruction and necrosis. A high index of suspicion is of utmost importance for early detection, while microscopic, histological examination and multiplex PCR may be more helpful for the diagnosis than cultures since cultures are more time-consuming and may vary depending on different factors.
Economic Emission Load Dispatch Problem with Valve-Point Loading Using a Novel Quasi-Oppositional-Based Political Optimizer
Authors: Basetti Vedik , Rangarajan Shriram S. , Shiva Chandan Kumar , Pulluri Harish , Kumar Ritesh , Collins Randolph E. , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: October 2021

In the present paper, a novel meta-heuristic algorithm, namely quasi-oppositional search-based political optimizer (QOPO), is proposed to solve a non-convex single and bi-objective economic and emission load dispatch problem (EELDP). In the proposed QOPO technique, an opposite estimate candidate solution is performed simultaneously on each candidate solution of the political optimizer to find a better solution of EELDP. In the bi-objective EELDP, QOPSO is applied to simultaneously minimize fuel costs and emissions by considering various constraints such as the valve-point loading effect (VPLE) and generator limits for a generation. The effectiveness of the proposed QOPO technique has been applied on three units, six units, 10-units, 11-units, 13-units, and 40-unit systems by considering the VPLE, transmission line losses, and generator limits. The results obtained using the proposed QOPO are compared with those obtained by other techniques reported in the literature. The relative results divulge that the proposed QOPO technique has a good exploration and exploitation capability to determine the optimal global solution compared to the other methods provided in the literature without violation of any constraints and bounded limits.
A Novel Key Generation Method for Group-Based Physically Unclonable Function Designs
Authors: Abdolinezhad Saeed , Zimmermann Lukas , Sikora Axel
Published: October 2021

In recent years, physically unclonable functions (PUFs) have gained significant attraction in IoT security applications, such as cryptographic key generation and entity authentication. PUFs extract the uncontrollable production characteristics of different devices to generate unique fingerprints for security applications. When generating PUF-based secret keys, the reliability and entropy of the keys are vital factors. This study proposes a novel method for generating PUF-based keys from a set of measurements. Firstly, it formulates the group-based key generation problem as an optimization problem and solves it using integer linear programming (ILP), which guarantees finding the optimum solution. Then, a novel scheme for the extraction of keys from groups is proposed, which we call positioning syndrome coding (PSC). The use of ILP as well as the introduction of PSC facilitates the generation of high-entropy keys with low error correction costs. These new methods have been tested by applying them on the output of a capacitor network PUF. The results confirm the application of ILP and PSC in generating high-quality keys.
Audio Feature Engineering for Occupancy and Activity Estimation in Smart Buildings
Authors: Santiago Gabriela , Jiménez Marvin , Aguilar Jose , Montoya Edwin
Published: October 2021

The occupancy and activity estimation are fields that have been severally researched in the past few years. However, the different techniques used include a mixture of atmospheric features such as humidity and temperature, many devices such as cameras and audio sensors, or they are limited to speech recognition. In this work is proposed that the occupancy and activity can be estimated only from the audio information using an automatic approach of audio feature engineering to extract, analyze and select descriptors/variables. This scheme of extraction of audio descriptors is used to determine the occupation and activity in specific smart environments, such that our approach can differentiate between academic, administrative or commercial environments. Our approach from the audio feature engineering is compared to previous similar works on occupancy estimation and/or activity estimation in smart buildings (most of them including other features, such as atmospherics and visuals). In general, the results obtained are very encouraging compared to previous studies.
Withdrawal Interval Estimation of Doxycycline in Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) Using an LC-MS/MS Method Based upon QuEChERS Sampling Preparation
Authors: Xu Ning , Cheng Bo , Li Miao , Lin Zhoumeng , Ai Xiaohui
Published: October 2021

Limited information on residue depletion of doxycycline (DC) is available in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) using the determination of LC-MS/MS based upon a rapid and simple method of sample preparation. This study collected plasma and tissue samples of yellow catfish at pre-determined time points following 3-day consecutive oral administration of DC at 20 mg/kg. The samples were prepared using a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) approach. The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation were 2.5 and 5 µg/kg or µg/L, respectively, for DC in plasma and tissues (e.g., muscle + skin, liver, kidney, and gill). The recoveries of DC ranged from 67.2% to 86.2%. The decision limit (CCα) and the detection capability (CCβ) were from 106.2 to 127.8 μg/kg or μg/L. The withdrawal times of DC in muscle + skin were estimated to be 22 d based on the guidelines in China and Europe and 27 d based on Japan’s standard. Overall, this study not only provides an efficient method to rapidly determine the DC concentrations in fish-derived tissues but also provides important information on the safety assessment of DC in aquatic animal-derived food products.
Multiblock Analysis Applied to Fluorescence and Absorbance Spectra to Estimate Total Polyphenol Content in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Hernández-Sánchez Natalia , Lleó Lourdes , Diezma Belén , Correa Eva Cristina , Sastre Blanca , Roger Jean-Michel
Published: October 2021

A fast and easy methodology to estimate total polyphenol content in extra virgin olive oil was developed by applying the chemometric multiblock method sequential and orthogonalized partial least squares (SO-PLS) in order to combine front-face emission fluorescence spectra (270 nm excitation wavelength) and absorbance spectra. The hypothesis of this work stated that inner-filter effects in fluorescence spectra that would reduce the estimation performance of a single block model could be overcome by incorporating the absorbance spectral information of the compounds causing them. Different spectral preprocessing algorithms were applied. Double cross-validation with 50 iterations was implemented to improve the robustness of the obtained results. The PLSR model on the single block of fluorescence raw spectra achieved an RMSEP of 177.11 mg·kg−1 as the median value, and the complexity of the model was high, as the median value of latent variables (LVs) was eight. Multiblock SO-PLS models with pretreated fluorescence and absorbance spectra provided better performance, although artefacts could be introduced by transformation. The combination of fluorescence and absorbance raw data decreased the RMSEP median to 134.45 mg·kg−1. Moreover, the complexity of the model was greatly reduced, which contributed to an increase in robustness. The median value of LVs was three for fluorescence data and only one for absorbance data. Validation of the methodology could be addressed by further work considering a higher number of samples and a detailed composition of polyphenols.
Street Food in Maputo, Mozambique: The Coexistence of Minimally Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods in a Country under Nutrition Transition
Authors: Sousa Sofia , Gelormini Marcello , Damasceno Albertino , Lopes Simão A. , Maló Sérgio , Chongole Célia , Muholove Paulino , Moreira Pedro , Lunet Nuno , Padrão Patrícia
Published: October 2021

The aim was to characterise the extent of processing and nutritional composition of the street foods offered in Maputo, Mozambique. A cross-sectional study was conducted in October–November 2014 in the urban district of KaMpfumu. Twenty public transport stops were randomly selected, around which 500 meters buffers were drawn. All streets within these buffers were canvassed to identify all street food vending sites. Street food offer was assessed through interviews. Nutritional composition was estimated using standardised recipes (for homemade foods), food labels (for industrial products) and food composition tables (for in natura foods). The processing extent was classified using the “NOVA” food classification. A total of 810 vending sites were assessed. Unprocessed/minimally processed foods were available at 70.5% of vending sites (mainly fruit, water, and tea) and ultra-processed foods at 59.0% (mostly cakes, cookies, confectionery, and soft drinks). Energy content per 100 g of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was significantly lower than in all other food groups. In all food groups, contribution to total energy value was highest for carbohydrates (range: 33.1–51.2%), followed by fats (range: 29.3–36.0%) and protein (range: 6.8–18.6%). Public health policies targeting the improvement of this urban food environment should consider not only the nutritional composition but also the processing extent of the foods and beverages available.
The Perspective of Nectarine Fruit as a Sugar Substituent in Puddings Prepared with Corn and Rice Starch
Authors: Mihaylova Dasha , Popova Aneta , Goranova Zhivka , Petkova Dorina , Doykina Pavlina , Lante Anna
Published: October 2021

It has been long recognized that fruits are healthy diet compounds as they are excellent sources of health-beneficial bioactive components (polyphenols, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, etc.). The diversification of the consumer’s taste calls for an expansion of food options and novel ingredients. Puddings are a well-known food choice introduced in the human diet at a very early age because of their easy and high digestion. Four formulations with two types of starch (corn and rice) were selected as object of analysis. Nectarines were incorporated as a purée, and lyophilized powder. The nectarine variety “Gergana”, used for the preparations, is a local variety with proven beneficial properties. The study aimed at analyzing the physical (moisture, ash, color, water-holding capacity, water activity, density and syneresis), textural (firmness, gumminess, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness), nutritional, and sensory characteristics of the nectarine-enriched puddings. The outcomes obtained from this study provided significant information about the possible application of the formulations in the children’s daily menus. All four formulations had distinct peachy aroma. The formulations prepared with nectarine purée resulted in a better sensory perception about their texture, and better water-holding capacity. At this point, the formulation prepared with lyophilized fruit and rice starch has the most promising results. Sufficient evidence leads to further exploration of the perspective of fruit-enriched puddings in order to improve their technological and health-promoting properties.
An Updated PAH Mutational Spectrum of Phenylketonuria in Mexican Patients Attending a Single Center: Biochemical, Clinical-Genotyping Correlations
Authors: Vela-Amieva Marcela , Alcántara-Ortigoza Miguel Angel , Ibarra-González Isabel , González-del Angel Ariadna , Fernández-Hernández Liliana , Guillén-López Sara , López-Mejía Lizbeth , Carrillo-Nieto Rosa Itzel , Belmont-Martínez Leticia , Fernández-Lainez Cynthia
Published: October 2021

Establishing the genotypes of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA)/phenylketonuria (PKU, MIM#261600) has been considered a cornerstone for rational medical management. However, knowledge of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene (PAH) mutational spectrum in Latin American populations is still limited. Herein, we aim to update the mutational PAH spectrum in the largest cohort of HPA/PKU Mexican patients (N = 124) reported to date. The biallelic PAH genotype was investigated by Sanger automated sequencing, and genotypes were correlated with documented biochemical phenotypes and theoretical tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) responsiveness. Patients were biochemically classified as having classic PKU (50%, 62/124), mild PKU (20.2%, 25/124) and mild HPA (29.8%, 37/124). Furthermore, 78.2% of the included patients (97/124) were identified by newborn screening. A total of 60 different pathogenic variants were identified, including three novel ones (c. 23del, c. 625_626insC and c. 1315 + 5_1315 + 6insGTGTAACAG), the main categories being missense changes (58%, 35/60) and those affecting the catalytic domain (56.6%, 34/60), and c. 60 + 5G > T was the most frequent variant (14.5%, 36/248) mainly restricted (69.2%) to patients from the central and western parts of Mexico. These 60 types of variants constituted 100 different biallelic PAH genotypes, with the predominance of compound-heterozygous ones (96/124, 77%). The expected BH4 responsiveness based on the PAH genotype was estimated in 52% of patients (65/124), mainly due to the p. (Val388Met) (rs62516101) allele. Instead, our study identified 27 null variants with an allelic phenotype value of zero, with a predominance of c. 60 + 5G > T, which predicts the absence of BH4 responsiveness. An identical genotype reported in BIOPKUdb was found in 92/124 (74%) of our patients, leading to a genotype–phenotype concordance in 80/92 (86.9%) of them. The high number of variants found confirms the heterogeneous and complex mutational landscape of HPA/PKU in Mexico.
Innovative Clinical-Organizational Model to Ensure Appropriateness and Quality in the Management of Medical Cannabis: An Italian Regional Case
Authors: Russo Eleonora , Cannas Clara , Rivetti Maria Susanna , Villa Carla , Rebesco Barbara
Published: October 2021

This work focuses on the clinical-organizational model implemented in an Italian region (Liguria) to streamline the access procedures to galenic cannabis preparations. The competent local health care authority that takes care of tracing a virtuous path to obtain common, uniform and shared protocols and ensure high standards of care is A.Li.Sa. (Azienda Ligure Sanitaria), a public organization with the function of coordination, direction and governance of the health care in the regional hospitals and health facilities. To this purpose, different working groups and a board meeting have been set up with the main role to define and develop technical standards to be applied to the prescription, preparation and dispensing of pharmaceutical forms based on therapeutic cannabis. In particular, the galenic preparations provided by the Italian Ministry of Health, described in detail in the regional standard operating protocols, are described and discussed. Moreover, the most significant data monitored from 2018 to 2020 and collected by hospitals and the evaluation of those derived from local pharmacies and health facilities are presented, discussed and compared in regards to their adherence and coherence with the Italian Institute of Health (ISS) data.
A Machine Learning Framework for Predicting Bridge Defect Detection Cost
Authors: Wang Chongjiao , Yao Changrong , Qiang Bin , Zhao Siguang , Li Yadong
Published: October 2021

Evaluating the cost of detecting bridge defects is a difficult task, but one that is vital to the lifecycle cost analysis of bridges. In this study, a detection cost sample database was established based on practical engineering data, and a bridge defect detection cost prediction model and software were developed using machine learning. First, the random forest method was adopted to evaluate the importance of the seven main factors affecting the detection cost. The most important indicators were selected, and the recent GDP growth rate was employed to account for the impact of social and economic developments on the detection cost. Combining a genetic algorithm with a multilayer neural network, a detection cost prediction model was established. The predictions given by this model were found to have an average relative error of 3.41%. Finally, an intelligent prediction software for bridge defect detection costs was established, providing a reliable reference for bridge lifecycle cost analysis and the evaluation of defect detection costs during the operation period.