bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Patients Suggests Less Clinical Impact Than in the General Population
Authors: Marcos Sol , Albiñana Virginia , Recio-Poveda Lucia , Tarazona Belisa , Verde-González María Patrocinio , Ojeda-Fernández Luisa , Botella Luisa-María
Published: April 2021

At the moment of writing this communication, the health crisis derived from the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 120 million cases, with 40 million corresponding to Europe. In total, the number of deaths is almost 3 million, but continuously rising. Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, SARS-CoV-2 infects also endothelial cells in the pulmonary capillaries. This affects the integrity of the endothelium and increases vascular permeability. In addition, there are serious indirect consequences, like disruption of endothelial cells’ junctions leading to micro-bleeds and uncontrolled blood clotting. The impact of COVID-19 in people with rare chronic cardiovascular diseases is unknown so far, and interesting to assess, because the virus may cause additional complications in these patients. The aim of the present work was to study the COVID-19 infection among the patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). A retrospective study was carried out in a 138 HHT patients’ sample attending an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) reference consult. The evaluation of the COVID-19 infection in them reveals milder symptoms; among the 25 HHT patients who were infected, only 3 cases were hospitalized, and none of them required ICU or ventilation assistance. The results are discussed in the light of macrophage immune response.
Chronic Breast Pain Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery Is Associated with Worse Acute Postoperative Pain Outcomes
Authors: Raza Marium M. , Zaslansky Ruth , Gordon Debra B. , Wildisen Jeanne M. , Komann Marcus , Stamer Ulrike M. , Langford Dale J.
Published: April 2021

Acute postoperative pain is associated with adverse short and long-term outcomes among women undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Previous studies identified preexisting pain as a predictor of postoperative pain, but rarely accounted for pain location or chronicity. This study leveraged a multinational pain registry, PAIN OUT, to: (1) characterize patient subgroups based on preexisting chronic breast pain status and (2) determine the association of preexisting chronic pain with acute postoperative pain-related patient-reported outcomes and opioid consumption following breast cancer surgery. The primary outcome was a composite score comprising the mean of pain intensity and pain interference items from the International Pain Outcomes Questionnaire. The secondary outcome was opioid consumption in the recovery room and ward. Among 1889 patients, we characterized three subgroups: no preexisting chronic pain (n = 1600); chronic preexisting pain elsewhere (n = 128) and; chronic preexisting pain in the breast with/without pain elsewhere (n = 161). Controlling for covariates, women with preexisting chronic breast pain experienced more severe acute postoperative pain and pain interference (β = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.7-1.3, p < 0.001), and required higher doses of opioids postoperatively (β = 2.7, 95% CI = 0.6–4.8, p = 0.013). Preexisting chronic breast pain may be an important risk factor for poor pain-related postoperative outcomes. Targeted intervention of this subgroup may improve recovery.
Reducing Postpartum Weight Retention: A Review of the Implementation Challenges of Postpartum Lifestyle Interventions
Authors: Makama Maureen , Skouteris Helen , Moran Lisa J. , Lim Siew
Published: April 2021

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is a strong predictor of obesity in later life with long term health consequences in women. Suboptimal lifestyle behaviours (e.g., diet and physical activity) contribute to PPWR. Postpartum lifestyle interventions are known to be efficacious in reducing PPWR; however, there are challenges to their successful implementation. To inform implementation, this narrative review provides an overview of the factors that contribute to PPWR, the efficacy of existing postpartum lifestyle interventions and key determinants of effective implementation using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) across intervention characteristics, implementation process, individual characteristics and outer and inner setting. We then suggest strategies to improve the translation of evidence into large-scale interventions that deliver on health impact in postpartum women. We have identified gaps that need to be addressed to advance postpartum lifestyle research, including the involvement of postpartum women and community members as key stakeholders for optimal reach and engagement, more complete reporting of intervention characteristics to optimize translation of evidence into practice, capacity building of health professionals and guidelines for postpartum lifestyle management.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit Following Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation in Children: Establishing Accuracy of the Dexcom G6 Model
Authors: Segev Natalie , Hornung Lindsey N. , Tellez Siobhan E. , Courter Joshua D. , Lawson Sarah A. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Abu-El-Haija Maisam , Elder Deborah A.
Published: April 2021

Hyperglycemia is detrimental to postoperative islet cell survival in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). This makes continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) a useful management tool. We evaluated the accuracy of the Dexcom G6 CGM in pediatric intensive care unit patients following TPIAT. Twenty-five patients who underwent TPIAT had Dexcom G6 glucose values compared to paired serum glucose values. All paired glucose samples were obtained within 5 minutes of each other during the first seven days post TPIAT. Data were evaluated using mean absolute difference (MAD), mean absolute relative difference (MARD), %20/20, %15/15 accuracy, and Clarke Error Grid analysis. Exclusions included analysis during the CGM “warm-up” period and hydroxyurea administration (known drug interference). A total of 183 time-matched samples were reviewed during postoperative days 2–7. MAD was 14.7 mg/dL and MARD was 13.4%, with values of 15.2%, 14.0%, 12.1%, 11.4%, 13.2% and 14.1% at days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Dexcom G6 had a %20/20 accuracy of 78%, and a %15/15 accuracy of 64%. Clarke Error Grid analysis showed that 77% of time-matched values were clinically accurate, and 100% were clinically acceptable. The Dexcom G6 CGM may be an accurate tool producing clinically acceptable values to make reliable clinical decisions in the immediate post-TPIAT period.
Morbid Obesity and Thyroid Cancer Rate. A Review of Literature
Authors: Masone Stefania , Velotti Nunzio , Savastano Silvia , Filice Emanuele , Serao Rossana , Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Schiavone Vincenzo , Musella Mario
Published: April 2021

In the past three decades, several recent studies have analyzed the alarming increase of obesity worldwide, and it has been well established that the risk of many types of malignancies is increased in obese individuals; in the same period, thyroid cancer has become the fastest growing cancer of all malignancies. We investigated the current literature to underline the presence of a connection between excess body weight or Body Mass Index (BMI) and risk of thyroid cancer. Previous studies stated that the contraposition between adipocytes and adipose-resident immune cells enhances immune cell production of multiple pro-inflammatory factors with subsequent induction of hyperlipidemia and vascular injury; these factors are all associated with oxidative stress and cancer development and/or progression. Moreover, recent studies made clear the mitogenic and tumorigenic action of insulin, carried out through the stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide-3 kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT) pathways, which is correlated to the hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia found in obese population. Our findings suggest that obesity and excess body weight are related to an increased risk of thyroid cancer and that the mechanisms that combine overweight with this cancer should be searched for in the adipokine pathways and chronic inflammation onset.
Osteoporosis Detection by Physical Function Tests in Resident Health Exams: A Japanese Cohort Survey Randomly Sampled from a Basic Resident Registry
Authors: Osawa Ryuji , Ikegami Shota , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Tokida Ryosuke , Kato Hiroyuki , Takahashi Jun
Published: April 2021

Osteoporosis may increase fracture risk and reduce healthy quality of life in older adults. This study aimed to identify an assessment method using physical performance tests to screen for osteoporosis in community dwelling individuals. A total of 168 women aged 50–89 years without diagnosed osteoporosis were randomly selected from the resident registry of a cooperating town for the evaluation of physical characteristics, muscle strength, and several physical performance tests. The most effective combinations of evaluation items to detect osteoporosis (i.e., T-score ≤ −2.5 at the spine or hip) were selected by multivariate analysis and cutoff values were determined by likelihood ratio matrices. Thirty-six women (21.4%) were classified as having osteoporosis. By analyzing combinations of two-step test (TST) score and body mass index (BMI), osteoporosis could be reliably suspected in individuals with TST ≤ 1.30 and BMI ≤ 23.4, TST ≤ 1.32 and BMI ≤ 22.4, TST ≤ 1.34 and BMI ≤ 21.6, or TST < 1.24 and any BMI. Setting cut-off values for TST in combination with BMI represents an easy and possibly effective screening tool for osteoporosis detection in resident health exams.
Dravet Syndrome—The Polish Family’s Perspective Study
Authors: Paprocka Justyna , Lewandowska Anita , Zieliński Piotr , Kurczab Bartłomiej , Emich-Widera Ewa , Mazurczak Tomasz
Published: April 2021

Aim: The aim of the paper is to study the prevalence of Dravet Syndrome (DS) in the Polish population and indicate different factors other than seizures reducing the quality of life in such patients. Method: A survey was conducted among caregivers of patients with DS by the members of the Polish support group of the Association for People with Severe Refractory Epilepsy DRAVET.PL. It included their experience of the diagnosis, seizures, and treatment-related adverse effects. The caregivers also completed the PedsQL survey, which showed the most important problems. The survey received 55 responses from caregivers of patients with DS (aged 2–25 years). Results: Prior to the diagnosis of DS, 85% of patients presented with status epilepticus lasting more than 30 min, and the frequency of seizures (mostly tonic-clonic or hemiconvulsions) ranged from 2 per week to hundreds per day. After the diagnosis of DS, patients remained on polytherapy (drugs recommended in DS). Before diagnosis, some of them had been on sodium channel blockers. Most patients experienced many adverse effects, including aggression and loss of appetite. The frequency of adverse effects was related to the number of drugs used in this therapy, which had an impact on the results of the PedsQL form, particularly in terms of the physical and social spheres. Intensive care unit stays due to severe status epilepticus also had an influence on the results of the PedsQL form. Conclusions: Families must be counseled on non-pharmacologic strategies to reduce seizure risk, including avoidance of triggers that commonly induce seizures (including hyperthermia, flashing lights and patterns, sleep abnormalities). In addition to addressing seizures, holistic care for a patient with Dravet syndrome must involve a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists in physical, occupational and speech therapy, neuropsychology, social work.
Evaluation of Intraocular Pressure and Other Biomechanical Parameters to Distinguish between Subclinical Keratoconus and Healthy Corneas
Authors: Peris-Martínez Cristina , Díez-Ajenjo María Amparo , García-Domene María Carmen , Pinazo-Durán María Dolores , Luque-Cobija María José , del Buey-Sayas María Ángeles , Ortí-Navarro Susana
Published: April 2021

(1) Purpose: To assess the main corneal response differences between normal and subclinical keratoconus (SCKC) with a Corvis® ST device. (2) Material and Methods: We selected 183 eyes of normal patients, of a mean age of 33 ± 9 years and 16 eyes of patients with SCKC of a similar mean age. We measured best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and corneal topography with a Pentacam HD device to select the SCKC group. Biomechanical measurements were performed using the Corvis® ST device. We carried out a non-parametric analysis of the data with SPSS software (Wilcoxon signed rank-test). (3) Results: We found statistically significant differences between the control and SCKC groups in some corneal biomechanical parameters: first and second applanation time (p = 0.05 and p = 0.02), maximum deformation amplitude (p = 0.016), highest concavity radius (p = 0.007), and second applanation length and corneal velocity ((p = 0.039 and p = 0.016). (4) Conclusions: Our results show that the use of normalised biomechanical parameters provided by noncontact tonometry, combined with a discriminant function theory, is a useful tool for detecting subclinical keratoconus.
Screening and Confirmatory Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: Comparison of Health and Non-Health Workers in a Nationwide Healthcare Organization in Central Europe
Authors: Bartko Johann , Zehetmayer Sonja , Weseslindtner Lukas , Stiasny Karin , Schloegl Andrea , Forjan Ernst , Zwettler Elisabeth , Krauter Andreas , Keil Felix , Sédille-Mostafaie Nazanin
Published: April 2021

Despite being located close to the European epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Austria has managed to control the first wave. In Austria, the largest health insurance fund covers 7 million people and has 12,000 employees, including 3700 healthcare workers (HCW). For patient and staff safety, transmission control measures were implemented and mass testing of employees for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was conducted. An IgG SARS-CoV-2 rapid test on fingerstick blood was used as a screening test (ST), followed by serologic studies with 3 different immunoassays and confirmatory testing by a neutralization test (NT). Among 7858 employees, 144 had a positive ST and 88 were confirmed by a NT (1.12%, CI: 0.9–1.38%). The positive predictive value (PPV) of the ST was 69.3% (CI: 60.5–77.2). Interestingly, 40% of the NT positive serum samples were tested negative in all 3 immunoassays. Of the total sample, 2242 HCW (28.5%) were identified. Unexpectedly, there was no difference in the prevalence of NT positives in HCW compared to non-HCW (23/2242 vs. 65/5301, p = 0.53). SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence was not increased among HCW. Although HCW are at potentially increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, transmission control measures in healthcare facilities appear sufficient to limit transmission of infection.
Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV) and High Oncogenic Risk Genotypes among Women Living with HIV in Asia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Verrier Florian , Le Coeur Sophie , Delory Tristan
Published: April 2021

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are prone to harbor several high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotypes and to develop cervical cancerous lesions. Data on HPV prevalence in these women are needed to inform immunization programs, especially in Asia where few data are available. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of HPV and HR-HPV cervical infection in WLHIV in Asia and identify possible sources of heterogeneity for HR-HPV carriage. Pooled prevalence and its 95% confidence interval (95CI) were estimated using the inverse-variance weighting method. Linear regression weighted on study size was used to identify sources of heterogeneity. Among 7834 WLHIV (40 studies), the prevalence of HPV infection was 42.6% (95CI, 38.2% to 47.1%), and 34.6% (95CI, 30.3% to 39.1%) harbored HR-HPV genotypes, with significant heterogeneity across countries. In India, Thailand, and China, HPV-16 was the most frequent genotype (10.3%), followed by HPV-52 (5.4%), HPV-58 (5.0%), HPV-18 (4.1%), and HPV-33 (3.3%). In these women, most of whom were receiving antiretroviral therapy, we did not identify determinants of heterogeneity for HR-HPV infection. Our results underline the need for immunization programs based on nonavalent or new generation vaccines to prevent cervical cancer in WLHIV in Asia.
Diagnostic Performance of the Fujifilm SILVAMP TB-LAM in Children with Presumptive Tuberculosis
Authors: Comella-del-Barrio Patricia , Molina-Moya Bárbara , Gautier Jacqueline , Villar-Hernández Raquel , Doresca Mariette Jean Coute , Sallés-Mingels Beatriz , Canales-Aliaga Lydia , Narcisse Margareth , Pérez-Porcuna Tomás M. , Creswell Jacob , Cuevas Luis E. , Domínguez José
Published: April 2021

Current diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB) only manage to confirm a small proportion of children with TB and require respiratory samples, which are difficult to obtain. There is a need for non-invasive biomarker-based tests as an alternative to sputum testing. Fujifilm SILVAMP TB lipoarabinomannan (FujiLAM), a lateral-flow test to detect lipoarabinomannan in urine, is a novel non-sputum-based point-of-care diagnostic reported to have increased sensitivity for the diagnosis of TB among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults. We evaluate the performance of FujiLAM in children with presumptive TB. Fifty-nine children attending a paediatric hospital in Haiti with compatible signs and symptoms of TB were examined using Xpert MTB/RIF, smear microscopy and X-rays, and classified according to the certainty of diagnosis into bacteriologically confirmed TB (n = 5), unconfirmed TB (bacteriologically negative, n = 50) and unlikely TB (n = 4). Healthy children (n = 20) were enrolled as controls. FujiLAM sensitivity and specificity were 60% and 95% among children with confirmed TB. FujiLAM’s high specificity and its characteristics as a point-of-care indicate the test has a good potential for the diagnosis of TB in children.
Performance of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Authors: Kim Dong-Ki , Lee Dong-Hun , Lee Byung-Kook , Cho Yong-Soo , Ryu Seok-Jin , Jung Yong-Hun , Lee Ji-Ho , Han Jun-Ho
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed to analyze and compare the prognostic performances of the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Shock Index (SI), and Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) for in-hospital mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This retrospective observational study included severe trauma patients with TBI who visited the emergency department between January 2018 and December 2020. TBI was considered when the Abbreviated Injury Scale was 3 or higher. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. In total, 1108 patients were included, and the in-hospital mortality was 183 patients (16.3% of the cohort). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed for the ISS, RTS, SI, and MEWS with respect to the prediction of in-hospital mortality. The area under the curves (AUCs) of the ISS, RTS, SI, and MEWS were 0.638 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.603–0.672), 0.742 (95% CI, 0.709–0.772), 0.524 (95% CI, 0.489–0.560), and 0.799 (95% CI, 0.769–0.827), respectively. The AUC of MEWS was significantly different from the AUCs of ISS, RTS, and SI. In multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio (OR), 1.012; 95% CI, 1.000–1.023), the ISS (OR, 1.040; 95% CI, 1.013–1.069), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (OR, 0.793; 95% CI, 0.761–0.826), and body temperature (BT) (OR, 0.465; 95% CI, 0.329–0.655) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality after adjustment for confounders. In the present study, the MEWS showed fair performance for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with TBI. The GCS score and BT seemed to have a significant role in the discrimination ability of the MEWS. The MEWS may be a useful tool for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with TBI.
Clinical, Laboratory and Histological Features of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Related Noninflammatory Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Kinyó Ágnes , Hanyecz Anita , Lengyel Zsuzsanna , Várszegi Dalma , Oláh Péter , Gyömörei Csaba , Kálmán Endre , Berki Tímea , Gyulai Rolland
Published: April 2021

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease of elderly patients that has shown increasing incidence in the last decades. Higher prevalence of BP may be due to more frequent use of provoking agents, such as antidiabetic dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) drugs. Our aim was to assess DPP4i-induced bullous pemphigoid among our BP patients and characterize the clinical, laboratory and histological features of this drug-induced disease form. In our patient cohort, out of 127 BP patients (79 females (62.2%), 48 males (37.7%)), 14 (9 females and 5 males) were treated with DPP4i at the time of BP diagnosis. The Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI) urticaria/erythema score was significantly lower, and the BPDAI damage score was significantly higher in DPP4i-BP patients compared to the nonDPP4i group. Both the mean absolute eosinophil number and the mean periblister eosinophil number was significantly lower in DPP4i-BP patients than in nonDPP4i cases (317.7 ± 0.204 vs. 894.0 ± 1.171 cells/μL, p < 0.0001; 6.75 ± 1.72 vs. 19.09 ± 3.1, p = 0.0012, respectively). Our results provide further evidence that DPP4i-associated BP differs significantly from classical BP, and presents with less distributed skin symptoms, mild erythema, normal or slightly elevated peripheral eosinophil count, and lower titers of BP180 autoantibodies. To our knowledge, this is the first case series of DPP4i-related BP with a non-inflammatory phenotype in European patients.
From IR Images to Point Clouds to Pose: Point Cloud-Based AR Glasses Pose Estimation
Authors: Firintepe Ahmet , Vey Carolin , Asteriadis Stylianos , Pagani Alain , Stricker Didier
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we propose two novel AR glasses pose estimation algorithms from single infrared images by using 3D point clouds as an intermediate representation. Our first approach “PointsToRotation” is based on a Deep Neural Network alone, whereas our second approach “PointsToPose” is a hybrid model combining Deep Learning and a voting-based mechanism. Our methods utilize a point cloud estimator, which we trained on multi-view infrared images in a semi-supervised manner, generating point clouds based on one image only. We generate a point cloud dataset with our point cloud estimator using the HMDPose dataset, consisting of multi-view infrared images of various AR glasses with the corresponding 6-DoF poses. In comparison to another point cloud-based 6-DoF pose estimation named CloudPose, we achieve an error reduction of around 50%. Compared to a state-of-the-art image-based method, we reduce the pose estimation error by around 96%.
Genotype, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Virulence of Clinical South African Cryptococcus neoformans Strains from National Surveillance, 2005–2009
Authors: Naicker Serisha D. , Magobo Rindidzani E. , Maphanga Tsidiso G. , Firacative Carolina , van Schalkwyk Erika , Monroy-Nieto Juan , Bowers Jolene , Engelthaler David M. , Shuping Liliwe , Meyer Wieland , Govender Nelesh P.
Published: April 2021

In South Africa, Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of adult meningitis. We performed multi locus sequence typing and fluconazole susceptibility testing of clinical C. neoformans isolates collected from 251 South African patients with cryptococcosis through national surveillance from 2005 to 2009. We examined the association between clinical characteristics of patients and genotype, and the effect of genotype on in-hospital mortality. We performed whole genome phylogenetic analysis of fifteen C. neoformans isolates with the molecular type VNB and tested their virulence in a Galleria mellonella model. Most isolates had the molecular type VNI (206/251, 82%), followed by VNII (25/251, 10%), VNB (15/251, 6%), and VNIV (5/251, 2%); 67 sequence types were identified. There were no differences in fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values among molecular types and the majority of strains had low MIC values (MIC50 of 1 µg/mL and MIC90 of 4 µg/mL). Males were almost twice as likely of being infected with a non-VNI genotype (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25–10.99; p = 0.61). Compared to patients infected with a VNI genotype, those with a non-VNI genotype had a 50% reduced adjusted odds of dying in hospital (95% CI: 0.03–7.57; p = 0.62). However, for both these analyses, our estimates had wide confidence intervals spanning 1 with large p-values. Fifteen VNB strains were not as virulent in a G. mellonella larval model as the H99 reference strain. A majority of these VNB strains belonged to the VNBII clade and were very closely related by phylogenetic analysis.
Temporal Patterns and Inter-Correlations among Physical and Antioxidant Attributes and Enzyme Activities of Apricot Fruit Inoculated with Monilinia laxa under Salicylic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate Treatments under Shelf-Life Conditions
Authors: Ezzat Ahmed , Szabó Szilárd , Szabó Zoltán , Hegedűs Attila , Berényi Dorina , Holb Imre J.
Published: April 2021

Monilinia laxa causes serious postharvest damage on apricot fruits under shelf-life storage conditions. Plant elicitors of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) can reduce this damage, and their research can explain the background of the plant defense physiological processes in M. laxa-infected fruits. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of MeJA and SA on brown rot incidence (BRI) and lesion diameter (LD) of apricot fruits; (ii) to measure the temporal patterns for the effect of 0.4 mmol L−1 MeJA and 2 mmol L−1 SA treatments on BRI, LD and seven fruit measures (fruit firmness (FF), lignin content (LC), total soluble phenol content (TSPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and enzyme activities of PAL, POD and SOD) in treatments of M. laxa-inoculated versus (vs.) non-inoculated fruits over an eight-day shelf-life storage period; and (iii) to determine inter-correlations among the seven fruit measures for MeJA and SA treatments. Both MeJA and SA significantly reduced BRI and LD. LC, FF, TAC, TSPC, as well as SOD and PAL activities in the MeJA and SA treatments were higher than the water-treated control in most assessment days and both inoculation treatments. In both inoculation treatments, the activity of POD in the SA-treated fruits was higher than MeJA-treated and control fruits at all dates. In MeJA vs. SA and inoculated vs. non-inoculated treatments, six variable pairs (FF vs. TSPC, FF vs. TAC, TAC vs. PAL, PAL vs. POD, PAL vs. SOD, and POD vs. SOD) showed significant inter-correlation values. Principal component analyses explained 96% and 93% of the total variance for inoculated and non-inoculated treatments, respectively. In inoculated treatments, both PC1 and PC2 explained 41% of the total variance and correlated with FF, TSPC and TAC and with PAL, SOD and POD, respectively. In non-inoculated treatments, PC1 and PC2 explained 49% and 44% of the total variance and correlated with LC, PAL, POD and SOD and with FF, TSPC and TAC, respectively. It can be concluded that MeJA and SA are useful in the practice to enhance the plant defense system against brown rot by reducing fungal growth and by improving physical and antioxidant attributes (FF, LC, TAC and TSPC) and the activity of defense-related enzymes (PAL, POD and SOD) in apricot fruits during shelf-life storage conditions.
Toxicity Bioassay and Cytotoxic Effects of the Benthic Marine Dinoflagellate Amphidinium operculatum
Authors: Mejía-Camacho Ana Luisa , Durán-Riveroll Lorena María , Cembella Allan Douglas
Published: April 2021

Benthic dinoflagellates produce a wide array of bioactive compounds, primarily polyketides, that cause toxic effects on human consumers of seafood and perhaps mediate species interactions in the benthic microenvironment. This study assesses toxic and other bioactive effects of the benthic dinoflagellate Amphidinium operculatum (strain AA60) in two targeted bioassays. The brine shrimp (Artemia salina) bioassay revealed lethal effects of direct exposure to live dinoflagellate cells (Treatment A) and even higher potency with ethanolic extracts of lysed cells (Treatment D). There were no inimical bioactive effects of components released to the aqueous growth medium (Treatment B) or from aqueous cell lysates (Treatment C). The hypothesis that released bioactive compounds provide a chemical defense against metazoan grazers is therefore not supported by these results. The cytotoxic effect of ethanolic crude extracts of this dinoflagellate exhibited mild to high growth reduction effects on six human cancer cell lines. In particular, crude cell-free extracts proved highly growth-inhibitory activity towards breast and lung cancer cell lines MCF-7 and SKLU-1, respectively. Preliminary anti-cancer results indicate that natural bioactive compounds from Amphidinium are worthy of structural characterization and further toxicological investigation as potential therapeutants.
Different Chronic Disorders That Fall within the Term Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Sur Lucia M. , Gaga Remus , Duca Emanuela , Sur Genel , Lupan Iulia , Sur Daniel , Samasca Gabriel , Lazea Cecilia , Lazar Calin
Published: April 2021

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represents a significant challenge for pediatricians who intend to diagnose and treat this pathology. The classification criteria for JIA subtypes are rigid and often do not fully satisfy the possibilities of classification in the subtype. The objective of this study was to identify clearer criteria for classifying JIA subtypes. The 2019 expert committee meeting (PRINTO) shows the difficulties of this classification and proposes new research directions for the identification of disease subtypes. Four different chronic disorders are used to define JIA in a concise and easy to follow classification system. However, dates from the literature suggest that at least 10% of cases are still difficult to classify. Possibly in the future, different classifications of JIA based on pathophysiological and genetic criteria would be necessary.
Sarcopenia and Frailty in Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Fukunishi Shinya , Asai Akira , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: April 2021

Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body, and skeletal muscle atrophy results from a shift in the balance of protein synthesis and degradation toward protein breakdown. Primary sarcopenia is defined as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or physical function due to aging, and secondary sarcopenia is defined as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or physical function due to underlying diseases. Liver cirrhosis (LC) is one of the representative diseases which can be complicated with secondary sarcopenia. Muscle mass loss becomes more pronounced with worsening liver reserve in LC patients. While frailty encompasses a state of increased vulnerability to environmental factors, there is also the reversibility of returning to a healthy state with appropriate intervention. Several assessment criteria for sarcopenia and frailty were proposed in recent years. In 2016, the Japan Society of Hepatology created assessment criteria for sarcopenia in liver disease. In Japan, health checkups for frailty in the elderly aged 75 years or more started in April 2020. Both sarcopenia and frailty can be adverse predictors for cirrhotic patients. In this review article, we will summarize the current knowledge of sarcopenia and frailty in LC patients.
Tensile Deformation and Fracture Behavior of Nickel-Based Superalloy DZ951G
Authors: Guo Chenhao , Yu Jinjiang , Liu Jinlai , Sun Xiaofeng , Zhou Yizhou
Published: April 2021

DZ951G is a novel developed nickel-based directional solidified superalloy with an incipient high melting point and low density. Compared with DZ417G superalloy, DZ951G superalloy has a higher ultimate tensile strength. At intermediate temperatures, the plasticity and strength were both markedly improved, and an obviously anomalous yield behavior could be observed where the yield strength reached its maximum at 760 °C. Below 600 °C, two competitive modes of dislocations shearing γ′ particles existed, in which one was the formation of stacking faults and another was a/2<101> dislocations shearing. At intermediate temperatures, a transitional phase between shearing γ′ particles and bypassing appeared, and the fracture translated from brittle fracture into ductile fracture. Exceeding 900 °C, bypassing of dislocations was operated under thermal activation. Moreover, short continuous stacking faults still existed at 760 °C. Finally, the various dislocation configurations were rationally illuminated and explained with the intrinsic connection of mechanical properties.
Nano Selenium—Enriched Probiotics as Functional Food Products against Cadmium Liver Toxicity
Authors: Vicas Simona Ioana , Laslo Vasile , Timar Adrian Vasile , Balta Cornel , Herman Hildegard , Ciceu Alina , Gharbia Sami , Rosu Marcel , Mladin Bianca , Chiana Laurentiu , Prokisch József , Puschita Maria , Miutescu Eftimie , Cavalu Simona , Cotoraci Coralia , Hermenean Anca
Published: April 2021

Since cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems for humans, it is necessary to find bioremediation solutions to reduce its harmful effects. The main goal of our work was to develop a functional food based on elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) obtained by green synthesis using Lactobacillus casei and to validate their ability to annihilate the hepatic toxic effects induced by cadmium. The characterization of SeNPs was assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM. In order to investigate the dose-dependent protective effects of SeNPs on Cd liver toxicity, mice were assigned to eight experimental groups and fed by gavage, with 5 mg/kg b.w. cadmium, respectively, with co-administration with SeNPs or lacto-SeNPs (LSeNPs) in 3 doses (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days. The protective effect was demonstrated by the restoration of blood hepatic markers (AST, ALT, GGT and total bilirubin) and antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of mice plasma by the FRAP assay, revealed the highest antioxidant capacity for the 0.2 mg/kg LSeNPs group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated the morphological alteration in the group that received only cadmium and was restored after the administration of SeNPs or LSeNPs, while the immunohistochemical analysis of the bcl family revealed anti-apoptotic effects; the Q-PCR analysis showed an upregulation of hepatic inflammatory markers for the group exposed to Cd and a decreased value for the groups receiving oral SeNPs/ LSeNPs in a dose-dependent manner. The best protective effects were obtained for LSeNPs. A functional food that includes both probiotic bacteria and elemental SeNPs could be successfully used to annihilate Cd-induced liver toxicity, and to improve both nutritional values and health benefits.
The Impact of Nandrolone Decanoate in the Osseointegration of Dental Implants in a Rabbit Model: Histological and Micro-Radiographic Results
Authors: Lupi Saturnino Marco , Sassi Alessandra Nicole , Addis Alessandro , Rodriguez y Baena Ruggero
Published: April 2021

Despite high rates of osseointegration in healthy patients, complex cases present an increased risk of osseointegration failure when treated with dental implants. Furthermore, if immediate loading of the implants is used, maximizing the response of the host organism would be desirable. Anabolic steroids, such as Nandrolone Decanoate (ND), are reported to have beneficial clinical effects on various bone issues such as osteoporosis and bone fractures. However, their beneficial effects in promoting osseointegration in dental implant placement have not been documented. The study aimed to examine histological changes induced by ND in experimental dental implants in rabbit models. Two dental implants were placed in the tibias of 24 adult rabbits. Rabbits were allocated to one of two groups: control group or test group. Rabbits in the latter group were given nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg, immediately after implant placement and after 1 week). Micro-radiographic and histological analyses were assessed to characterize the morphological changes promoted by the nandrolone decanoate use. Total bone volume and fluorescence were significantly higher in the control group after 2 weeks. Such a difference between the two groups might indicate that, initially, nandrolone lengthens the non-specific healing period characteristic of all bone surgeries. However, after the beginning of the reparative processes, the quantity of newly formed bone appears to be significantly higher, indicating a positive stimulation of the androgen molecule on bone metabolism. Based on micro-radiology and fluorescence microscopy, nandrolone decanoate influenced bone regeneration in the implant site. The anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate affects the healing processes of the peri-implant bone and therefore has the potential to improve the outcomes of implant treatment in medically complex patients.
Modeling and Experimental Characterization of Bonding Delaminations in Single-Element Ultrasonic Transducer
Authors: Ding Wenxiang , Bavencoffe Maxime , Lethiecq Marc
Published: April 2021

Ultrasonic transducers performance can be seriously deteriorated by loss of adhesion between some constitutive elements such as the active element, the backing, or the matching layer. In the present work, the influence of bonding delaminations on the performance of a single-element ultrasonic transducer, which is composed of a piezoelectric disk, a backing, and a matching layer, is studied numerically and experimentally. Based on the positions between layers, two cases, i.e., delaminations between ceramic and backing or between ceramic and matching layer, are considered. Each case involves three different types of delaminations, which are marked as delamination type (DT)-I, II, and III. DT-I, a circular shape delamination, starts from the center and expands towards the peripheric zone; DT-II, an annular shape delamination, starts from the peripheric zone and expands towards the center; DT-III is a sector shape delamination with a given angle. The numerical simulations are performed by the finite element method and the influence of delaminations on the electromechanical admittance (EMA) of the transducer is investigated. 3D printed backings and matching layers are mounted on a PZT sample to assemble delaminated single-element transducers. An impedance analyzer is used for experimental measurements. Comparison between numerical and experimental results shows a reasonable agreement making changes in EMA an interesting indicator to inform about the occurrence and severity of delaminations in a single-element ultrasonic transducer.
Graphene/PVDF Composites for Ni-rich Oxide Cathodes toward High-Energy Density Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Park Chang Won , Lee Jung-Hun , Seo Jae Kwon , Ran Weerawat To A , Whang Dongmok , Hwang Soo Min , Kim Young-Jun
Published: April 2021

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) employ porous, composite-type electrodes, where few weight percentages of carbonaceous conducting agents and polymeric binders are required to bestow electrodes with electrical conductivity and mechanical robustness. However, the use of such inactive materials has limited enhancements of battery performance in terms of energy density and safety. In this study, we introduced graphene/polyvinylidene fluoride (Gr/PVdF) composites in Ni-rich oxide cathodes for LIBs, replacing conventional conducting agents, carbon black (CB) nanoparticles. By using Gr/PVdF suspensions, we fabricated highly dense LiNi0.85Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) cathodes having a uniform distribution of conductive Gr sheets without CB nanoparticles, which was confirmed by scanning spreading resistance microscopy mode using atomic force microscopy. At a high content of 99 wt.% NCA, good cycling stability was shown with significantly improved areal capacity (Qareal) and volumetric capacity (Qvol), relative to the CB/PVdF-containing NCA electrode with a commercial-level of electrode parameters. The NCA electrodes using 1 wt.% Gr/PVdF (0.9:0.1) delivered a high Qareal of ~3.7 mAh cm−2 (~19% increment) and a high Qvol of ~774 mAh cm−3 (~18% increment) at a current rate of 0.2 C, as compared to the conventional NCA electrode. Our results suggest a viable strategy for superseding conventional conducting agents (CB) and improving the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathodes for advanced LIBs.
Numerical Investigation on the Transverse Vibration of Prestressed Large-Span Beams with Unbonded Internal Straight Tendon
Authors: Ghaemdoust Mohammad Reza , Wang Feiliang , Li Siping , Yang Jian
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with the effect of the prestress load on the free and forced dynamic behavior and vertical vibration of the prestressed beams. The analysis applies both the analytical frequency equation and the finite element method (FEM) using ABAQUS software to predict the fundamental natural frequency (FNF) of the simply supported unbonded prestressed beams. The energy method has been employed to derive the effective prestressing load to determine the eccentricity effect. In regard to the forced response of the prestressed beam, a moving point load with a constant value and various velocities and excitation frequencies is applied. Extensive parametric studies are carried out taking into account different factors including prestress load, eccentricity, concrete ratio, span-to-depth ratio, velocity, and frequency of the moving load. The comparison of the FNFs obtained by the formula with those obtained from FEM models indicates that the results are in a good agreement. This convergence demonstrates that the proposed formulation can predict the FNF of the eccentrically prestressed beams with high reliability. The time-histories curves for midspan displacement of the unbonded prestressed beams and the dynamic magnification factors are also evaluated. The results illustrate that the aforementioned factors have an indispensable contribution to the beam dynamic behavior.
Catalytic Reduction of Organic Dyes by Multilayered Graphene Platelets and Silver Nanoparticles in Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogel
Authors: Ding Hanyuan , Nie Dexi , Cui Naiyuan , Li Kaili , Zhang Xiaojing , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2021

Graphene oxide has been widely used in the oxidative degradation of environmental pollutants. However, its catalytic role can be questioned as graphene oxide with oxygen-containing functional groups may also act as reactant in oxidative reactions. Herein, hydrogel composites loaded with multilayered graphene platelets showed excellent catalytic performance for the reduction of a wastewater organic pollutant (methylene blue) under NaBH4, which proved the catalytic role of multilayered graphene platelets. The liquid-based direct exfoliation method was used to prepare two-dimensional materials, which is compatible with other liquid phase methods to prepare nanomaterials. Hydrogel composites composed of multilayered graphene platelets, silver nanoparticles, and polyacrylic acid hydrogels were synthesized in water solution under irradiation with ultraviolet light, demonstrating the advantages of synthesizing nanocomposites using the liquid-based direct exfoliation method.
Interfacial Failure in Stitched Foam Sandwich Composites
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhu Jun , Wang Jihui , Wu Yibo
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the use of a customized automatic reinforcement stitching equipment was demonstrated. The stitching of foam sandwich composite preforms was achieved to obtain structures with improved interfacial properties. The effect of different stitching spacings on the crack propagation process in glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)/foam sandwich composite interfaces was examined by Mode-I Cracked Sandwich Beam (CSB) fracture tests. The load–displacement curve, the crack propagation process, and the release rate of critical strain energy were analyzed. The CSB fracture test results show that the stitching treatment with different stitching spacings increase the peak load and fracture displacement. Furthermore, it was found that the mechanism of crack propagation is changed by the stitching process. The release rates of the critical strain energy in specimens with 0- and 10-mm stitch spacings were evenly distributed, with an average of 0.961 kJ/m2 and 1.667 kJ/m2, respectively, while the release rates of critical strain energy in specimens with 6-mm and 8-mm stitch spacings were linearly distributed. The CSB fracture tests confirmed that the best suture spacing was 8 mm. Based on these results, the mechanism of crack propagation and the toughening mechanism of the resin column could be revealed.
Recycled Materials for Concrete and Other Composites
Authors: Ulewicz Malgorzata
Published: April 2021

In recent years, industry, including the construction sector, has been focused on effectively reducing the consumption of natural resources, in compliance with the idea of sustainable development [...]
Modeling of the Kinetics of Polyoxymethylene Decomposition under Oxidative and Non-Oxidative Conditions
Authors: Majka Tomasz M. , Berkowicz-Płatek Gabriela , Żukowski Witold
Published: April 2021

Research on the thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of polyacetals allows for the development of effective methods of utilization of the waste of these polymers towards the recovery of monomers. For this purpose, in addition to qualitative analysis, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of chemical reactions accompanying the decomposition process under the influence of temperature. Therefore, in this article, with the experimental results from the thermal analysis of the POM homopolymer of three various stages of life—POM-P—unprocessed sample; POM-R—recycled sample, and POM-O—sample waste—we took steps to determine the basic kinetic parameters using two well-known and commonly used kinetic models: Friedman and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW). Knowing the values of the course of changes in apparent activation energy as a function of partial mass loss, theoretical curves were fitted to the experimental data. The applied calculation models turned out to be consistent in terms of the nature of the curve changes and similar in terms of Ea in the entire range of mass loss. Both kinetic models showed a very similar course of the Ea curves. The samples that decompose under oxidative conditions obtained the best fit for the reaction of nth order with autocatalysis by product B model and the samples that decompose under inert conditions for the n-dimensional nucleation according to the Avrami–Erofeev model.