bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and Display of Glycoengineered Antibodies and Antibody Fragments with an Engineered Yeast Strain
Authors: Shenoy Anjali , Yalamanchili Srisaimaneesh , Davis Alexander R. , Barb Adam W.
Published: September 2021

Interactions with cell surface receptors enhance the therapeutic properties of many important antibodies, including the low-affinity Fc γ Receptors (FcγRs). These interactions require proper processing of the immunoglobulin G Fc N-glycan, and eliminating the N-glycan abolishes binding, restricting antibody production to mammalian expression platforms. Yeasts, for example, generate extensively mannosylated N-glycans that are unsuitable for therapeutics. However, Fc with a specifically truncated N-glycan still engages receptors with considerable affinity. Here we describe the creation and applications of a novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that specifically modifies the IgG1 Fc domain with an N-glycan consisting of a single N-acetylglucosamine residue. This strain displayed glycoengineered Fc on its surface for screening yeast surface display libraries and also served as an alternative platform to produce glycoengineered Rituximab. An IgG-specific endoglycosidase (EndoS2) truncates the IgG1 Fc N-glycan. EndoS2 was targeted to the yeast ER using the signal peptide from the yeast protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and a yeast ER retention signal (HDEL). Furthermore, >99% of the yeast expressed Rituximab displayed the truncated glycoform as determined by SDS-PAGE and ESI-MS analyses. Lastly, the yeast expressed Rituximab engaged the FcγRIIIa with the expected affinity (KD = 2.0 ± 0.5 μM) and bound CD20 on Raji B cells.
An Enzybiotic Regimen for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Orthopaedic Device-Related Infection
Authors: Sumrall Eric T. , Hofstee Marloes I. , Arens Daniel , Röhrig Christian , Baertl Susanne , Gehweiler Dominic , Schmelcher Mathias , Loessner Martin J. , Zeiter Stephan , Richards R. Geoff , Moriarty T. Fintan
Published: September 2021

Orthopaedic device-related infection (ODRI) presents a significant challenge to the field of orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Despite extensive treatment involving surgical debridement and prolonged antibiotic therapy, outcomes remain poor. This is largely due to the unique abilities of Staphylococcus aureus, the most common causative agent of ODRI, to establish and protect itself within the host by forming biofilms on implanted devices and staphylococcal abscess communities (SACs). There is a need for novel antimicrobials that can readily target such features. Enzybiotics are a class of antimicrobial enzymes derived from bacteria and bacteriophages, which function by enzymatically degrading bacterial polymers essential to bacterial survival or biofilm formation. Here, we apply an enzybiotic-based combination regimen to a set of in vitro models as well as in a murine ODRI model to evaluate their usefulness in eradicating established S. aureus infection, compared to classical antibiotics. We show that two chimeric endolysins previously selected for their functional efficacy in human serum in combination with a polysaccharide depolymerase reduce bacterial CFU numbers 10,000-fold in a peg model and in an implant model of biofilm. The enzyme combination also completely eradicates S. aureus in a SAC in vitro model where classical antibiotics are ineffective. In an in vivo ODRI model in mice, the antibiofilm effects of this enzyme regimen are further enhanced when combined with a classical gentamicin/vancomycin treatment. In a mouse model of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ODRI following a fracture repair, a combined local enzybiotic/antibiotic treatment regimen showed a significant CFU reduction in the device and the surrounding soft tissue, as well as significant prevention of weight loss. These outcomes were superior to treatment with antibiotics alone. Overall, this study demonstrates that the addition of enzybiotics, which are distinguished by their extremely rapid killing efficacy and antibiofilm activities, can enhance the treatment of severe MRSA ODRI.
Hsp22 Deficiency Induces Age-Dependent Cardiac Dilation and Dysfunction by Impairing Autophagy, Metabolism, and Oxidative Response
Authors: Wu Wenqian , Sun Xiaonan , Shi Xiaomeng , Lai Lo , Wang Charles , Xie Mingxin , Qin Gangjian , Qiu Hongyu
Published: September 2021

Heat shock protein 22 (Hsp22) is a small heat shock protein predominantly expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Previous studies indicate that Hsp22 plays a vital role in protecting the heart against cardiac stress. However, the essential role of Hsp22 in the heart under physiological conditions remains largely unknown. In this study, we used an Hsp22 knockout (KO) mouse model to determine whether loss of Hsp22 impairs cardiac growth and function with increasing age under physiological conditions. Cardiac structural and functional alterations at baseline were measured using echocardiography and invasive catheterization in Hsp22 KO mice during aging transition compared to their age-matched wild-type (WT) littermates. Our results showed that Hsp22 deletion induced progressive cardiac dilation along with declined function during the aging transition. Mechanistically, the loss of Hsp22 impaired BCL-2–associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) expression and its associated cardiac autophagy, undermined cardiac energy metabolism homeostasis and increased oxidative damage. This study showed that Hsp22 played an essential role in the non-stressed heart during the early stage of aging, which may bring new insight into understanding the pathogenesis of age-related dilated cardiomyopathy.
The Influence of Rice Protein, Hemp Protein and Transglutaminase Addition on the Quality of Instant Fried Noodles
Authors: Marciniak-Lukasiak Katarzyna , Zbikowska Anna , Kupiec Milena , Brzezinska Monika , Szymanska Iwona , Lukasiak Piotr
Published: September 2021

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of rice and hemp protein addition together with transglutaminase on the quality and fat content of fried instant noodles. The following parameters have been analyzed during this research: the amount of water, fat content, hydration time, color and texture parameters. The evaluation of sensory parameters before and after cooking of instant noodles has been performed. It can be concluded that the addition of TGase significantly decreased the fat content; the recipe with a 3% hemp protein addition with TGase in an amount of 2% was the most promising solution to obtain a low-fat product. On the other hand, the better consumer acceptance levels were observed for the rice protein addition (1%) with 2% TGase. It seems that the most promising product is the sample with a 5% addition of rice protein with 2% TGase-a reduction in the fat content by 30% (from 25% to 16%). The addition of rice protein, hemp protein and TGase reduced the fat content of the instant noodles in comparison to the control sample. The additives used had an impact on the L*, a* and b* color parameters. All instant noodles obtained during the research process were characterized by a short hydration time, which did not exceed 5 min. During the sensory evaluation, analyzed samples of the instant noodles obtained scores higher than 4.2 points on a five-point scale.
In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of Preventive Activity of Inflammation and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Plant Extracts from Oldenlandia corymbosa L.
Authors: Al Bashera Mahci , Mosaddik Ashik , El-Saber Batiha Gaber , Alqarni Mohammed , Islam Md. Ashraful , Zouganelis George D. , Alexiou Athanasios , Zahan Ronok
Published: September 2021

Aims: The present study evaluates the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the crude dichloromethane (CDCME), ethyl acetate (CEAE), and methanol (CMeE) extracts from the plant Oldenlandia corymbosa L. Background:Oldenlandia species have been popular among the people of the Indian subcontinent to treat several types of internal and external inflammation for a long time. Plant decoctions have been used to battle inflammation in cases of tonsilitis, pneumonia and cholecystitis, among others. Objective: The present work designed to demonstrate the properties of the previously mentioned plant extracts to prevent inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. This work is the first investigation of such extracts from this species and their relationship with anti-inflammatory activity. Method: The anti-inflammatory properties of the Oldenlandia corymbosa L. extracts were evaluated in vitro with the Red Blood Cell (RBC) membrane stabilization method and the protein denaturation method and in vivo with the carrageenan-induced paw oedema method. Furthermore, the free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was carried out with the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical oxidation, total antioxidant capacity and iron reduction assay. Result: Both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that CDCME had the most predominant effects with the value of 80.5% for RBC membrane stabilization, 60% for inhibition of protein denaturation at the concentration of 1000 µg/mL and 63.28% (after 3 h, * p < 0.05) for inhibition of paw oedema (300 mg/kg bwt) compared to carrageenan-induced mice. The free radical scavenging activity was studied by DPPH, total antioxidant and reducing activity assay. CDCME showed scavenging activity in all the methods and an IC50 value of 473.86 µg/mL for DPPH method. Conclusions: The findings of the study remarked that CDCME of the plant has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that validate the traditional use of the plant to get remedy from pain. Other: The plants Oldenlandia corymbosa L. were provided by the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratory campus, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Experiments on animals were conducted by ethical permission of Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh (license no: 225/320-IAMEBBC/IBSc).
A Study of a Gain Based Approach for Query Aspects in Recall Oriented Tasks
Authors: Di Nunzio Giorgio Maria , Faggioli Guglielmo
Published: September 2021

Evidence-based healthcare integrates the best research evidence with clinical expertise in order to make decisions based on the best practices available. In this context, the task of collecting all the relevant information, a recall oriented task, in order to take the right decision within a reasonable time frame has become an important issue. In this paper, we investigate the problem of building effective Consumer Health Search (CHS) systems that use query variations to achieve high recall and fulfill the information needs of health consumers. In particular, we study an intent-aware gain metric used to estimate the amount of missing information and make a prediction about the achievable recall for each query reformulation during a search session. We evaluate and propose alternative formulations of this metric using standard test collections of the CLEF 2018 eHealth Evaluation Lab CHS.
The Role and Molecular Mechanism of P2Y12 Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Jinxuan , Xu Jianxiong , Qin Weixi , Wang Yuming , Luo Shisui , Wang Guixue
Published: September 2021

The P2Y receptor family is a class of G protein-coupled receptors activated primarily by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), uridine triphosphate (UTP) and uridine diphosphate (UDP). The P2Y12 receptor is expressed on platelets which mediates platelet aggregation and morphological changes. At the same time, during the process of vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis, ADP can also promote the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells through P2Y12 receptor activating. Furthermore, P2Y12 is involved in many signal transductions processes, such as intimal hyperplasia, monocyte infiltration and so on, which play an important role in immune inflammation and brain injury. In order to solve the diseases induced by P2Y12 receptor, inhibitors such as ticagrelor, clopidogrel were widely used for cardiovascular diseases. However, there were some problems, such as limited antithrombotic effect, remain unsolved. This article summarizes the role and molecular mechanism of P2Y12 receptors in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular-related diseases, providing in-depth expounding on the molecular mechanism of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors and contributing to the treatment of diseases based on P2Y12 receptors.
Fibers by Electrospinning and Their Emerging Applications in Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yang Chuqun , Shao Qi , Han Yulai , Liu Qingxia , He Liang , Sun Qian , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: September 2021

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an optimized approach for bone regeneration to overcome the disadvantages of lacking donors. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, simulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and excellent mechanical properties are essential characteristics of BTE scaffold, sometimes including drug loading capacity. Electrospinning is a simple technique to prepare fibrous scaffolds because of its efficiency, adaptability, and flexible preparation of electrospinning solution. Recent studies about electrospinning in BTE are summarized in this review. First, we summarized various types of polymers used in electrospinning and methods of electrospinning in recent work. Then, we divided them into three parts according to their main role in BTE, (1) ECM simulation, (2) mechanical support, and (3) drug delivery system.
A Mamdani Type Fuzzy Inference System to Calculate Employee Susceptibility to Phishing Attacks
Authors: Lambat Yahya , Ayres Nick , Maglaras Leandros , Ferrag Mohamed Amine
Published: September 2021

It is a well known fact that the weakest link in a cyber secure system is the people who configure, manage or use it. Security breaches are persistently being attributed to human error. Social engineered based attacks are becoming more sophisticated to such an extent where they are becoming increasingly more difficult to detect. Companies implement strong security policies as well as provide specific training for employees to minimise phishing attacks, however these practices rely on the individual adhering to them. This paper explores fuzzy logic and in particular a Mamdani type fuzzy inference system to determine an employees susceptibility to phishing attacks. To negate and identify the susceptibility levels of employees to social engineering attacks a Fuzzy Inference System FIS was created through the use of fuzzy logic. The utilisation of fuzzy logic is a novel way in determining susceptibility due to its ability to resemble human reasoning in order to solve complex inputs, or its Interpretability and simplicity to be able to compute with words. This proposed fuzzy inference system is based on a number of criteria which focuses on attributes relating to the individual employee as well as a companies practices and procedures and through this an extensive rule base was designed. The proposed scoring mechanism is a first attempt towards a holistic solution. To accurately predict an employees susceptibility to phishing attacks will in any future system require a more robust and relatable set of human characteristics in relation to the employee and the employer.
Obesity–An Update on the Basic Pathophysiology and Review of Recent Therapeutic Advances
Authors: Gjermeni Erind , Kirstein Anna S. , Kolbig Florentien , Kirchhof Michael , Bundalian Linnaeus , Katzmann Julius L. , Laufs Ulrich , Blüher Matthias , Garten Antje , Le Duc Diana
Published: September 2021

Obesity represents a major public health problem with a prevalence increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Continuous intensive efforts to elucidate the complex pathophysiology and improve clinical management have led to a better understanding of biomolecules like gut hormones, antagonists of orexigenic signals, stimulants of fat utilization, and/or inhibitors of fat absorption. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of obesity including intersection points to the new generation of antidiabetic drugs. We provide insight into the effectiveness of currently approved anti-obesity drugs and other therapeutic avenues that can be explored.
Live Birth Rates after Active Immunization with Partner Lymphocytes
Authors: Günther Veronika , Alkatout Ibrahim , Meyerholz Lisa , Maass Nicolai , Görg Siegfried , von Otte Sören , Ziemann Malte
Published: September 2021

Although many potential causes have been established for recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM), about 50% of these remain idiopathic. Scientific research is focused on immunological risk factors. In the present study, we aim to evaluate live birth rates after immunization with paternal lymphocytes (lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT)). This retrospective study consisted of 148 couples with a history of RM and/or RIF. The women underwent immunization with lymphocytes of their respective partners from November 2017 to August 2019. Fifty-five patients (43%) had live births. Stratified by indication (RM, RIF, combined), live birth rates in the RM and the combined group were significantly higher than that in the RIF group (53%, 59% and 33%, respectively, p = 0.02). The difference was especially noticeable during the first 90 days after immunization (conception rate leading to live births: 31%, 23% and 8% for RM, the combined group and RIF, respectively; p = 0.005), while there was no difference between groups during the later follow-up. LIT was associated with high live birth rates, especially in women with recurrent miscarriage. In view of the limited data from randomized studies, LIT cannot be recommended as routine therapy. However, it may be considered in individual cases.
The Role of Heterogeneous Catalytic Processes in the Green Hydrogen Economy
Authors: Díaz Eva , Ordóñez Salvador
Published: September 2021

In a recent United Nations draft report (August 2021), a large number of scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change described the climate change over the past century as “unprecedented” and warned that the world will warm at an increasing rate, with unpredictable results, unless aggressive action to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases is taken [...]
Engineering Pt-Bi2O3 Interface to Boost Cyclohexanone Selectivity in Oxidative Dehydrogenation of KA-Oil
Authors: Zhou Qiuyue , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Hong Wei , Lou Baohui , Zou Shihui
Published: September 2021

Oxidative dehydrogenation of KA-oil (a mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol) is an economically attractive process to produce cyclohexanone because it provides a chance to avoid the energy-intensive alcohol-ketone separation process. The application of this process, however, is hampered by the low cyclohexanone selectivity which results from the competitive adsorption of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone on the catalyst surface. Herein, by engineering Pt-Bi2O3 interface to tune the geometric and electronic structure of Pt, we successfully weaken the cyclohexanone adsorption without compromising the oxidation of cyclohexanol. As a result, Bi2O3-Pt/SiO2 with Bi-to-Pd ratio of 0.2 exhibits a 5 times higher cyclohexanone selectivity than Pt/SiO2 at the same conversion of KA oil. Long term test suggests that the Pt-Bi2O3 interface is stable in the oxidative dehydrogenation of KA-oil.
Lipid Profiling of Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Highlights Enrichment in Glycerol(phospho)lipid, and Sphingolipid Metabolism
Authors: Akyol Sumeyya , Ugur Zafer , Yilmaz Ali , Ustun Ilyas , Gorti Santosh Kapil Kumar , Oh Kyungjoon , McGuinness Bernadette , Passmore Peter , Kehoe Patrick G. , Maddens Michael E. , Green Brian D. , Graham Stewart F.
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is reported to be closely linked with abnormal lipid metabolism. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of what causes AD and its subsequent development, we profiled the lipidome of postmortem (PM) human brains (neocortex) of people with a range of AD pathology (Braak 0–6). Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we employed a semi-targeted, fully quantitative lipidomics profiling method (Lipidyzer) to compare the biochemical profiles of brain tissues from persons with mild AD (n = 15) and severe AD (AD; n = 16), and compared them with age-matched, cognitively normal controls (n = 16). Univariate analysis revealed that the concentrations of 420 lipid metabolites significantly (p < 0.05; q < 0.05) differed between AD and controls. A total of 49 lipid metabolites differed between mild AD and controls, and 439 differed between severe AD and mild AD. Interestingly, 13 different subclasses of lipids were significantly perturbed, including neutral lipids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids. Diacylglycerol (DAG) (14:0/14:0), triacylglycerol (TAG) (58:10/FA20:5), and TAG (48:4/FA18:3) were the most notably altered lipids when AD and control brains were compared (p < 0.05). When we compare mild AD and control brains, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (p-18:0/18:1), phosphatidylserine (PS) (18:1/18:2), and PS (14:0/22:6) differed the most (p < 0.05). PE (p-18:0/18:1), DAG (14:0/14:0), and PS (18:1/20:4) were identified as the most significantly perturbed lipids when AD and mild AD brains were compared (p < 0.05). Our analysis provides the most extensive lipid profiling yet undertaken in AD brain tissue and reveals the cumulative perturbation of several lipid pathways with progressive disease pathology. Lipidomics has considerable potential for studying AD etiology and identifying early diagnostic biomarkers.
Nasopharyngeal Meningococcal Carriage among Children and Adolescents in Turkey in 2018: An Unexpected High Serogroup X Carriage
Authors: Kizil Mahmut Can , Kilic Omer , Ceyhan Mehmet , Iseri Nepesov Merve , Karbuz Adem , Kurugol Zafer , Hacimustafaoglu Mustafa , Celebi Solmaz , Dinleyici Meltem , Carman Kursat Bora , Bayhan Cihangul , Balliel Yasemin , Sutcu Murat , Kuyucu Necdet , Kondolot Meda , Kara Soner Sertan , Ocal Demir Sevliya , Cay Ummuhan , Gayretli Aydin Zeynep Gokce , Kaya Mucahit , Dinleyici Ener Cagri
Published: September 2021

Meningococcal carriage studies and transmission modeling can predict IMD epidemiology and used to define invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) control strategies. In this multicenter study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of nasopharyngeal Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) carriage, serogroup distribution, and related risk factors in Turkey. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from a total of 1267 children and adolescents and were tested with rt-PCR. Nm carriage was detected in 96 participants (7.5%, 95% CI 6.1–9.0), with the peak age at 13 years (12.5%). Regarding age groups, Nm carriage rate was 7% in the 0–5 age group, was 6.9%in the 6–10 age group, was 7.9% in the 11–14 age group, and was 9.3% in the 15–18 age group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The serogroup distribution was as follows: 25% MenX, 9.4% MenA, 9.4% MenB, 2.1% MenC, 3.1% MenW, 2.1% for MenY, and 48.9% for non-groupable. The Nm carriage rate was higher in children with previous upper respiratory tract infections and with a high number of household members, whereas it was lower in children with antibiotic use in the last month (p < 0.05 for all). In this study, MenX is the predominant carriage strain. The geographical distribution of Nm strains varies, but serogroup distribution in the same country might change in a matter of years. Adequate surveillance and/or a proper carriage study is paramount for accurate/dynamic serogroup distribution and the impact of the proposed vaccination.
A Case Report of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum with Rare Sequence Variants in Genes Related to Inherited Retinal Diseases
Authors: Lofaro Francesco Demetrio , Mucciolo Dario Pasquale , Murro Vittoria , Pavese Laura , Quaglino Daniela , Boraldi Federica
Published: September 2021

A case of a patient with an early and severe visual impairment is described. Due to the occurrence of skin papules a suspect of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) was posed. PXE is a rare autosomal recessive disease clinically characterized by skin, cardiovascular and ocular manifestations, these last being those that most severely affect patients’ quality of life. A whole exome sequencing approach focusing on 340 genes related to the calcification process and/or to inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) was performed. Rare monoallelic sequence variants in ABCA4, ABCC6, IMPG1, POC1B and RAX2 were found. The presence of calcified elastic fibers was assessed by ultrastructural analysis on a skin biopsy. Diagnosis of PXE was based on clinical, biomolecular and morphological results, although the additional involvement of several IRD genes is important to explain the unexpectedly severe ophthalmological phenotype of the patient also in prognostic and therapeutic perspectives. Data indicate that genetic screening using a wide-spectrum analysis approach is essential to assist ophthalmologists in improving patient counseling.
AI-Aided Individual Emergency Detection System in Edge-Internet of Things Environments
Authors: Yang Taehun , Lee Sang-Hoon , Park Soochang
Published: September 2021

Recently, many disasters have occurred in indoor places. In order to rescue or detect victims within disaster scenes, vital information regarding their existence and location is needed. To provide such information, some studies simply employ indoor positioning systems to identify each mobile device of victims. However, their schemes may be unreliable, since people sometimes drop their mobile devices or put them on a desk. In other words, their methods may find a mobile device, not a victim. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a novel individual monitoring system based on edge intelligence. The proposed system monitors coexisting states with a user and a smart mobile device through a user state detection mechanism, which could allow tracking through the monitoring of continuous user state switching. Then, a fine-grained localization scheme is employed to perceive the precise location of a user who is with a mobile device. Hence, the proposed system is developed as a proof-of-concept relying on off-the-shelf WiFi devices and reusing pervasive signals. The smart mobile devices of users interact with hierarchical edge computing resources to quickly and safely collect and manage sensing data of user behaviors with encryption by cipher-block chaining, and user behaviors are analyzed via the ensemble paradigm of three machine learning technologies. The proposed system shows 98.82% prevision for user activity recognition, and 96.5% accuracy for user localization accuracy is achieved.
A Five-Level Converter in a Three-Level Mode for Common-Mode Leakage Current Suppression in PV-Generation Systems
Authors: Udovichenko Aleksey V. , Brovanov Sergey V. , Grishanov Evgeny V. , Stennikova Svetlana M.
Published: September 2021

Power generation systems (PGSs) based on renewable energy sources are finding ever-widening applications, and many researchers work on this problem. Many papers address the problem of transformerless PGSs, but few of them aimed at conducting research on structures with multilevel converter topologies as part of a PGS. In this paper a grid-tied transformerless PV-generation system based on a multilevel converter is discussed. There are common-mode leakage currents (CMLCs), which act as a parasitic factor. It is also known that common-mode voltage is the main cause of the common-mode leakage current in grid-tied PV-generation systems. This paper considers the space vector pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique, which is used to suppress or reduce common-mode leakage current. The proposed PWM technique with the reduction of common-mode leakage current for a generation system based on the multilevel converter controlled with a PWM technique was verified experimentally. The experimental results accurately confirmed the mathematical model and the compensation achieved without errors. In the experiment, there was an approximately six-fold decrease in the common-mode leakage current (10.3 mA in rejection mode and 61 mA in non-rejection current). This can lead to the elimination of CMLC in a multilevel semiconductor converter only by changing the modulation mode. This suggests the possibility of using these devices as part of transformerless generation systems. Suppression of CMLC can only be carried out by changing the PWM algorithm. Both considered topologies can implement this mode of operation. The proposed converter has a higher efficiency up to a frequency multiplicity of 2000.
A Novel Zero Watermarking Based on DT-CWT and Quaternion for HDR Image
Authors: Huang Jiangtao , Shi Shanshan , He Zhouyan , Luo Ting
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a high dynamic range (HDR) image zero watermarking method based on dual tree complex wavelet transform (DT-CWT) and quaternion. In order to be against tone mapping (TM), DT-CWT is used to transform the three RGB color channels of the HDR image for obtaining the low-pass sub-bands, respectively, since DT-CWT can extract the contour of the HDR image and the contour change of the HDR image is small after TM. The HDR image provides a wide dynamic range, and thus, three-color channel correlations are higher than inner-relationships and the quaternion is used to consider three color channels as a whole to be transformed. Quaternion fast Fourier transform (QFFT) and quaternion singular value decomposition (QSVD) are utilized to decompose the HDR image for obtaining robust features, which is fused with a binary watermark to generate a zero watermark for copyright protection. Furthermore, the binary watermark is scrambled for the security by using the Arnold transform. Experimental results denote that the proposed zero-watermarking method is robust to TM and other image processing attacks, and can protect the HDR image efficiently.
GicoFace: A Deep Face Recognition Model Based on Global-Information Loss Function
Authors: Wei Xin , Du Wei , Hu Xiaoping , Huang Jie , Min Weidong
Published: September 2021

As CNNs have a strong capacity to learn discriminative facial features, CNNs have greatly promoted the development of face recognition, where the loss function plays a key role in this process. Nonetheless, most of the existing loss functions do not simultaneously apply weight normalization, apply feature normalization and follow the two goals of enhancing the discriminative capacity (optimizing intra-class/inter-class variance). In addition, they are updated by only considering the feedback information of each mini-batch, but ignore the information from the entire training set. This paper presents a new loss function called Gico loss. The deep model trained with Gico loss in this paper is then called GicoFace. Gico loss satisfies the four aforementioned key points, and is calculated with the global information extracted from the entire training set. The experiments are carried out on five benchmark datasets including LFW, SLLFW, YTF, MegaFace and FaceScrub. Experimental results confirm the efficacy of the proposed method and show the state-of-the-art performance of the method.
The Meat Quality Characteristics of Holstein Calves: The Story of Israeli ‘Dairy Beef’
Authors: Shabtay Ariel , Shor-Shimoni Einav , Orlov Ala , Agmon Rotem , Trofimyuk Olena , Tal Ofir , Cohen-Zinder Miri
Published: September 2021

Global animal production systems are often criticized for their lack of sustainability and insufficient resilience to ensure food security. The ‘farm-to-fork’ approach aims at orienting food systems towards the creation of a positive environmental impact, nutritious, healthy, safe and sufficient foods, and fairer economic returns for primary producers. Many countries rely on an imported supply of live animals to fulfill their needs for fresh meat. In Israel, ~60% of the sources of fresh beef come from the import of live animals. In order to encourage sustainable beef production in Israel, the proportion of local beef should be raised at the expense of imported animals. However, for this to be achieved, the superior performance of local beef should be justified. The current study was conducted to compare between the meat quality characteristics of local (Israeli Holstein; N = 205) vs. imported (Australian; N = 169) animals. Generally, while the imported calves presented a higher dressing percentage (p < 0.0001), the local animals were characterized by tenderer meat (p < 0.0001), longer sarcomeres (p < 0.0001), higher a* color attributes and pH (p < 0.001), superior cooking (p = 0.002) and thawing loss (p < 0.0001), higher intra-muscular fat (IMF) content, and a higher PUFA proportion (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and PUFA:SFA ratio. The findings shown herein may provide sound arguments for stakeholders and policy makers to facilitate sustainable local beef production in Israel.
Describing Unmet Supportive Care Needs among Young Adults with Cancer (25–39 Years) and the Relationship with Health-Related Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Illness Cognitions
Authors: Lidington Emma , Darlington Anne-Sophie , Din Amy , Stanway Susannah , Banerjee Susana , Szucs Zoltan , Gonzalez Michael , Sharma Anand , Sirohi Bhawna , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Husson Olga
Published: September 2021

Few studies describe supportive care needs among young adults (YAs) with cancer ages 25 to 39 using validated questionnaires. Previous findings identified the need for psychological and information support and suggest that gender, age, psychological distress, and coping may be associated with greater need for this support. To substantiate these findings, this study aimed to (1) describe the supportive care needs of YAs in each domain of the Supportive Care Needs Survey and (2) explore the relationship between unmet supportive care needs and clinical and demographic factors, health-related quality of life, psychological distress, illness cognitions, and service needs using latent class analysis. Clinical teams from six hospitals in England invited eligible patients to a cross-sectional survey by post. A total of 317 participants completed the survey online or on paper. YAs expressed the most need in the psychological and sexuality domains. Using latent class analysis, we identified three classes of YAs based on level of supportive care need: no need (53.3%), low need (28.3%), and moderate need (18.4%). In each class, median domain scores in each domain were similar. Low and moderate need classes were associated with worse health-related quality of life and greater helplessness. Unmet service needs were associated with the moderate-need class only. Patients with unmet supportive care needs should be offered holistic care across supportive care domains.
Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors in Children with Thyroid Nodules: A One-Center Study
Authors: Ben-Skowronek Iwona , Sieniawska Joanna , Pach Emilia , Wrobel Wiktoria , Skowronek Anna , Tomczyk Zaklina , Mlodawska Anna , Makuch Magdalena , Malka Magdalena , Cielecki Czeslaw , Nachulewicz Pawel
Published: September 2021

Thyroid nodules are common in the adult population (13%), but in childhood, they are relatively rarely diagnosed (0.2–5%). The risk factors and diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms are well-known and effectively used in adults, but no clear procedures supported by scientific research are available in the pediatric population. Our aim in this study was to identify predictive factors for thyroid cancer in a pediatric population. We retrospectively analyzed 112 children (80 girls and 32 boys, aged 0.6–18 years, with an average group age of 13.4 ± 4.5 years) with thyroid nodules who presented or were referred between 2010 and 2021. A total of 37 children qualified for partial or total thyroidectomy. After histopathological nodule examination, the most common cases were benign lesions in 23 patients (57.5%) and malignant lesions in 14 children (32.5%). Solitary benign thyroid nodules were found in 16 children (40%). Malignancy risk was higher in children with increased nodule diameter (greater than 7 mm; p = 0.018) or hypoechogenic lesions in ultrasound (p = 0.010), with no correlation between increased blood flow in the vessels and tumor diagnosis. The relative risk of developing thyroid cancer for class III was found to be higher in comparison to adults and 11.1 times higher than for classes I and II combined.
High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment of Skin and Oral Mucosa in Metabolic Syndrome Patients—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Băbțan Anida Maria , Vesa Ștefan Cristian , Boșca Bianca Adina , Crișan Maria , Mihu Carmen Mihaela , Băciuț Mihaela Felicia , Dinu Cristian , Crișan Bogdan , Câmpian Radu Septimiu , Feurdean Claudia Nicoleta , Ionel Anca , Bezugly Artur , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Ilea Aranka
Published: September 2021

Background: Exogenous factors (such as sun exposure, smoking habits, and diet) and endogenous (inflammatory status, general diseases) have a direct influence on skin and soft tissue characteristics. The study’s objective was to assess the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) on characteristics of skin layers in sun-exposed and non-exposed maxillofacial tissues evaluated by high-frequency ultrasound (HFU), as a potential diagnosis and monitoring tool for the aging process. Material and methods: The present study included 102 subjects (24 with MS; 78 without MS). Anthropometric parameters and disease history were recorded, and blood samples were harvested in order to assess biochemical parameters of MS. Sun-exposed skin (zygomatic region) and non-exposed oral mucosa of the lower lip were assessed using HFU (DUB® cutis, Taberna Pro Medicum) with a 22 MHz probe. Results: Patients with cardiac disease had significantly lower values for epidermis density (p = 0.002). Gender was independently linked to the aged dermis depth (p < 0.001), aged dermis no. of px (pixels) (p < 0.001), dermis depth (p < 0.001), dermis no. of px (p < 0.001), and subcutaneous tissue density (p < 0.001). Patients with MS had thinner epidermis (p = 0.008) and thinner aged dermis (p = 0.037) when compared to non-MS subjects. Conclusion: Patients with MS had thinner epidermis and a lower epidermis number of pixels in sun-exposed skin. Women had lower epidermis density and thicker dermis in sun-exposed skin. Our study showed that HFU, as a non-invasive investigation approach, is useful to diagnose and monitor the aging process in skin and oral mucosa, correlated with skin phenotype pathological conditions.
The Effect of Anakinra in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Kollias Anastasios , Poulakou Garyphallia , Kyriakoulis Ioannis G. , Trontzas Ioannis P. , Charpidou Andriani , Syrigos Konstantinos
Published: September 2021

The role of immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 has been of increasing interest. Anakinra, an interleukin-1 inhibitor, has been shown to offer significant clinical benefits in patients with COVID-19 and hyperinflammation. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the impact of anakinra on the outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was conducted. Studies, randomized or non-randomized with adjustment for confounders, reporting on the adjusted risk of death in patients treated with anakinra versus those not treated with anakinra were deemed eligible. A search was performed in PubMed/EMBASE databases, as well as in relevant websites, until 1 August 2021. The meta-analysis of six studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n = 1553 patients with moderate to severe pneumonia, weighted age 64 years, men 66%, treated with anakinra 50%, intubated 3%) showed a pooled hazard ratio for death in patients treated with anakinra at 0.47 (95% confidence intervals 0.34, 0.65). A meta-regression analysis did not reveal any significant associations between the mean age, percentage of males, mean baseline C-reactive protein levels, mean time of administration since symptoms onset among the included studies and the hazard ratios for death. All studies were considered as low risk of bias. The current evidence, although derived mainly from observational studies, supports a beneficial role of anakinra in the treatment of selected patients with COVID-19.
High-Dose Methylprednisolone Pulses for 3 Days vs. Low-Dose Dexamethasone for 10 Days in Severe, Non-Critical COVID-19: A Retrospective Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Mora-Luján José María , Tuells Manel , Montero Abelardo , Formiga Francesc , Homs Narcís A. , Albà-Albalate Joan , Corbella Xavier , Rubio-Rivas Manuel
Published: September 2021

Corticosteroids are largely recommended in patients with severe COVID-19. However, evidence to support high-dose methylprednisolone (MP) pulses is not as robust as that demonstrated for low-dose dexamethasone (DXM) in the RECOVERY trial. This is a retrospective cohort study on severe, non-critically ill patients with COVID-19, comparing 3-day MP pulses ≥ 100 mg/day vs. DXM 6 mg/day for 10 days. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were need of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Propensity-score matching (PSM) analysis was applied. From March 2020 to April 2021, a total of 2,284 patients were admitted to our hospital due to severe, non-critically ill COVID-19, and of these, 189 (8.3%) were treated with MP, and 493 (21.6%) with DXM. The results showed that patients receiving MP showed higher in-hospital mortality (31.2% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.001), need of ICU admission (29.1% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.017), need of IMV (25.9% vs. 13.8, p < 0.001), and median hospital length of stay (14 days vs. 11 days, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that treatment with low-dose DXM for 10 days is superior to 3 days of high-dose MP pulses in preventing in-hospital mortality and need for ICU admission or IMV in severe, non-critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Association of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) with Peripheral Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Greco Carla , Nascimbeni Fabio , Carubbi Francesca , Andreone Pietro , Simoni Manuela , Santi Daniele
Published: September 2021

Aims. The relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) has been demonstrated in many studies, although results were conflicting. This meta-analysis aims to summarize available data and to estimate the DPN risk among NAFLD patients. Materials and methods. We performed a comprehensive literature review until 4 June 2021. Clinical trials analyzing the association between NAFLD and DPN were included. Results. Thirteen studies (9614 participants) were included. DPN prevalence was significantly higher in patients with NALFD, compared to patients without NAFLD (OR (95%CI) 2.48 (1.42–4.34), p = 0.001; I2 96%). This finding was confirmed in type 2 diabetes (OR (95%CI) 2.51 (1.33–4.74), p = 0.005; I2 97%), but not in type 1 diabetes (OR (95%CI) 2.44 (0.85–6.99), p = 0.100; I2 77%). Also, body mass index and diabetes duration were higher in NAFLD subjects compared to those without NAFLD (p < 0.001), considering both type 2 and type 1 diabetes. Conclusion. Despite a high heterogeneity among studies, a significantly increased DPN prevalence among type 2 diabetes subjects with NAFLD was observed. This result was not found in type 1 diabetes, probably due to the longer duration of disease. Physicians should pay more attention to the early detection of DPN, especially in patients with NAFLD.
Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease and Associated Vascular Risk Factors in 65-Years-Old People of Northern Barcelona
Authors: Gonçalves-Martins Gabriela , Gil-Sala Daniel , Tello-Díaz Cristina , Tenezaca-Sari Xavier , Marrero Carlos , Puig Teresa , Gayarre Raquel , Fité Joan , Bellmunt-Montoya Sergi
Published: September 2021

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Northern Barcelona at 65 years of age. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional study, including males and females 65 years of age, health care cardholders of Barcelona Nord. PAD was defined as an ankle–brachial index (ABI) < 0.9. Attending subjects were evaluated for a history of common cardiovascular risk factors. A REGICOR score was obtained, as well as a physical examination and anthropometric measurements. Results: From November 2017 to December 2018, 1174 subjects were included: 479 (40.8%) female and 695 (59.2%) male. Overall prevalence of PAD was 6.2% (95% CI: 4.8–7.6%), being 7.9% (95% CI: 5.9–9.9%) in males and 3.8% (95% CI: 2.1–5.5%) in females. An independent strong association was seen in male smokers and diabetes, with ORs pf 7.2 (95% CI: 2.8–18.6) and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0–3.3), respectively, and in female smokers and hypertension, with ORs of 5.2 (95% CI: 1.6–17.3) and 3.3 (95% CI: 1.2–9.0). Male subjects presented with higher REGICOR scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher-risk groups are seen in male subjects with a history of smoking and diabetes and female smokers and arterial hypertension, becoming important subgroups for our primary healthcare centers and should be considered for ABI screening programs.
Coping Strategies, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Ośmiałowska Edyta , Misiąg Weronika , Chabowski Mariusz , Jankowska-Polańska Beata
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Each year, around 16,500 women in Poland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the second most common cause of death in women. In Poland, nearly 70,000 women live with breast cancer diagnosed within the last 5 years. Quality of life (QoL) research is particularly important in cancer patients, as it provides knowledge on their psychological and physical health, as well as the environment in which the patients function, all of which is essential to implementing multidisciplinary care involving the best use of the appropriate methods. Carrying the burden of cancer is a major challenge for patients. The strategy that patients use to cope with breast cancer significantly affects their quality of life. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of coping strategies on the QoL in breast cancer patients. Material and Methods: The prospective study included a group of 202 women who had undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer at the Lower Silesian Cancer Center and who reported for follow-up appointments at the Oncology Clinic and the Surgical Oncology Clinic. For the study, we used the: EORTC QLQ-C30 cancer questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-BR23 module, Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC) scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, as well as the patients’ medical records, hospital records, and our own survey form. Results: The mean patient age was 53 years. Most patients had been diagnosed with cancer between one and two years before. In the women studied, there was a negative association between QoL and the choice of a destructive strategy for coping with cancer, and a positive one between QoL and a constructive coping strategy. Severe pain caused by the disease and its treatment significantly decreased the patients’ QoL in multiple domains. Conclusions: Patients choosing constructive strategies obtained higher QoL scores, while greater reliance on destructive coping strategies was associated with significantly worse QoL. In all functioning domains, higher levels of pain were associated with poorer QoL and more severe symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment.