bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Immediate Loaded Mini Dental Implants for Retaining Mandibular Overdenture Prosthesis in Edentulous Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: AlHelal Abdulaziz A.
Published: November 2021

The aim was to systematically review the efficacy of immediate loaded mini dental implants (MDIs) to retain mandibular overdentures in regards to survival rates of MDIs, peri-implant clinical and radiographic tissue response and associated factors. A literature search of English literature was performed using Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, and PubMed using predetermined inclusion criteria. Specific terms were utilized in searching from the inception of the respective databases up to April 2021. The focused question was: Do immediate loaded MDIs supporting mandibular overdentures present favorable treatment options for prosthetic rehabilitation? The 11 articles included in the present review examined 349 patients (198 males + 171 females [66.65 ± 6.28 years]) in which 1190 MDIs were placed to retain mandibular overdentures. The mean follow-up duration was 24.5 months. The cumulative survival rate of MDIs was 97.3%. The mean scores of plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing ranged between 0–3, 0–3, and 1.203–1.76 respectively, whereas the mean marginal bone loss values ranged from 0.42 ± 0.56 mm to 1.26 ± 0.64 mm. The results identified that the application of immediate loaded MDIs to retain mandibular overdentures are a potential treatment modality for edentulous patients.
Variation in the Polarization Loss Factor in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Jamming Link Due to the Attitude Change
Authors: Kim Kiin , Lee Chiho , Kim Hojun , Park Kyungtae , Kim Kangwook
Published: November 2021

A method to analyze the variation of the jamming power received by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) receiver according to the change in the attitude of the small UAV is presented. The main interest of the study is in the variation of the polarization loss factor (PLF) in the UAV jamming link due to attitude change, which may be caused by the wind or intended movement. The attitude change is modeled by a combination of three successive rotations using roll, pitch, and yaw, which are defined as UAV rotations. The proposed method is applied to a jamming link, where a small UAV with an omnidirectional antenna is jammed by a jammer antenna on the ground. The method is applied to a plane ground and over a simulated terrain. The variation of the PLF according to the change of UAV attitude may be higher than the generally expected PLF at locations where the height difference between the UAV and the jammer is large, and near the locations where the jammer is located close to the vertical plane containing the rotation axis when the attitude change is represented by one rotation.
Levodopa-Loaded 3D-Printed Poly (Lactic) Acid/Chitosan Neural Tissue Scaffold as a Promising Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Saylam Ezgi , Akkaya Yigit , Ilhan Elif , Cesur Sumeyye , Guler Ece , Sahin Ali , Cam Muhammmet Emin , Ekren Nazmi , Oktar Faik Nuzhet , Gunduz Oguzhan , Ficai Denisa , Ficai Anton
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, develops due to decreased dopamine levels in the basal ganglia. Levodopa, a dopamine precursor used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, can be used as a drug delivery system. This study presents an approach to the use of 3D-printed levodopa-loaded neural tissue scaffolds produced with polylactic acid (PLA) and chitosan (CS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Surface morphology and pore sizes were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Average pore sizes of 100–200 µm were found to be ideal for tissue engineering scaffolds, allowing cell penetration but not drastically altering the mechanical properties. It was observed that the swelling and weight loss behaviors of the scaffolds increased after the addition of CS to the PLA. Levodopa was released from the 3D-printed scaffolds in a controlled manner for 14 days, according to a Fickian diffusion mechanism. Mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) derived from human adipose tissue were used in MTT analysis, fluorescence microscopy and SEM studies and confirmed adequate biocompatibility. Overall, the obtained results show that PLA/CS 3D-printed scaffolds have an alternative use for the levodopa delivery system for Parkinson’s disease in neural tissue engineering applications.
Cutting Force Prediction Model for Elliptical Vibration Cutting SiCp/Al Based on Three-Phase Friction Theory
Authors: Li Yucheng , Zhang Xu , Wang Cui
Published: November 2021

The friction behavior in the tool-chip interface is an essential issue in aluminum matrix composite material (AMCM) turning operations. Compared with conventional cutting, the elliptical vibration (EVC) cutting AMCM has attractive advantages, such as low friction, small cutting forces, etc. However, the friction mechanism of the EVC cutting AMCM is still inadequate, especially the model for cutting forces analyzing and predicting, which hinders the application of EVC in the processing of AMCM. In this paper, a cutting force prediction model for EVC cutting SiCp/Al is established, which is based on the three-phase friction (TPF) theory. The friction components are evaluated and predicted at the tool-chip interface (TCI), tool-particle interface (TPI) and tool-matrix (TMI), respectively. In addition, the tool-chip contact length and SiC particle volume fraction were defined strictly and the coefficient of friction was predicted. Based on the Johnson-Cook constitutive model, the experiment was conducted on SiCp/Al. The cutting speed and tool-chip contact length were used as input parameters of the friction model, and the dynamic changes of cutting force and stress distribution were analyzed. The results shown that when cutting speed reaches 574 m/min, the tool-chip contact length decreases to 0.378 mm. When the cutting speed exceeds 658 m/min, the cutting force decreases to a minimum of 214.9 N and remains stable. In addition, compared with conventional cutting, the proposed prediction model can effectively reduce the cutting force.
Radiation Dose Assessment of the Fog Lead Acrylic Shields during Coronary Angiography: A Phantom Study
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hon , Lai Lu-Han , Tang Kuo-Ting , Ting Chien-Yi , Lai Cheng-Shih
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fogging on the effectiveness of a lead glass shield in protecting an operator from radiation exposure during conventional coronary angiography (CAG). Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) were used to measure the effects of fogged lead glass shields (FLSs) and clear lead glass shields (CLSs) on the radiation doses of a cardiac catheterization surgeon. We simulated the scatter radiation incident on the operator with five angiographic projections with 10-s exposures. Experiments were conducted with a field of view of 25 cm, maximum of 100 cm between the X-ray tube and image intensifier, and 80 cm between the image intensifier and operator. Lead glass fogging had no significant effect at any angiographic projection. The average dose at the lens of the eye, thyroid glands, and gonads did not differ significantly between FLS and CLS. Although most surgeons view ceiling-suspended shields as hindrances during surgical procedures, the radiation dose at the operator’s eyes and thyroid glands increased by 13 and 10 times without the shield. The fogging of the shield is probably caused by post-surgery UV decontamination or detergents. An operator has no cause for concern regarding the radiation protection afforded by an FLS during CAG procedures.
Spectral Characteristics of the Double-Folded Slot Antennas with Cold-Electron Bolometers for the 220/240 GHz Channels of the LSPE Instrument
Authors: Revin Leonid S. , Pimanov Dmitry A. , Blagodatkin Anton V. , Gordeeva Anna V. , Pankratov Andrey L. , Chiginev Alexander V. , Rakut’ Igor V. , Zbrozhek Viktor O. , Kuzmin Leonid S. , Masi Silvia , de Bernardis Paolo
Published: November 2021

We present the results of the experimental and theoretical study of the resonant properties and noise of a single cell of a receiving system based on cold-electron bolometers (CEB) with a double-folded slot antenna and coplanar lines. The system was designed to receive signals at 220/240 GHz frequencies with a 5% bandwidth. In measurements, we used the samples of the double-folded slot antennas with slot lengths of 162 um and coplanar line lengths from 185 to 360 um. Measurements of the resonance properties of CEB located at 0.3 K cryostat plate were carried out using a generator based on a high-temperature YBCO Josephson junction located inside the same cryostat at 4 K plate. This arrangement made it possible to obtain smooth amplitude-frequency characteristics with a clearly defined peak of a 15–21 GHz bandwidth at different frequencies. Based on these results, 2-D array of double-folded slot antennas with CEBs as 220/240 GHz LSPE channel prototype was calculated.The absorption efficiency of the array has reached 81% and 77% for 220 and 240 GHz channels, respectively.
Existing and Emerging Breast Cancer Detection Technologies and Its Challenges: A Review
Authors: Abdul Halim Ahmad Ashraf , Andrew Allan Melvin , Mohd Yasin Mohd Najib , Abd Rahman Mohd Amiruddin , Jusoh Muzammil , Veeraperumal Vijayasarveswari , Rahim Hasliza A , Illahi Usman , Abdul Karim Muhammad Khalis , Scavino Edgar
Published: November 2021

Breast cancer is the most leading cancer occurring in women and is a significant factor in female mortality. Early diagnosis of breast cancer with Artificial Intelligent (AI) developments for breast cancer detection can lead to a proper treatment to affected patients as early as possible that eventually help reduce the women mortality rate. Reliability issues limit the current clinical detection techniques, such as Ultra-Sound, Mammography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) from screening images for precise elucidation. The capability to detect a tumor in early diagnosis, expensive, relatively long waiting time due to pandemic and painful procedure for a patient to perform. This article aims to review breast cancer screening methods and recent technological advancements systematically. In addition, this paper intends to explore the progression and challenges of AI in breast cancer detection. The next state of the art between image and signal processing will be presented, and their performance is compared. This review will facilitate the researcher to insight the view of breast cancer detection technologies advancement and its challenges.
Experimental Study of the Thermal and Dynamic Behaviors of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Lei Liu , Dong Lizhe , An Huaming , Fan Yuqing , Wang Ya
Published: November 2021

The wide use of high-performance concrete (HPC) makes it essential to study its dynamic and thermal behavior. In this study, polypropylene fiber-reinforced high-performance concrete was developed and a series of tests were carried out to obtain its mechanical and thermal properties. Since high-strength HPC has previously been studied intensively, only low-strength HPC—i.e., C30, C40, and C50—was studied in this research. The split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was employed to carry out the dynamic tests of the HPC under various loading rates and the principles of the SHPB were introduced in detail. Then, the polypropylene fiber-reinforced HPCs were heated to various high temperatures and measures were taken to keep the temperatures relatively constant. It was found that at temperatures lower than 100 °C, the specimen could still be kept in its entirety, although many fractures were produced in the HPC specimen under dynamic loading conditions. However, it was found that at temperatures higher than 200 °C, all the HPC samples were smashed into fragments. In addition, the HPC’s compressive strength was found to be significantly influenced by the temperature. At temperatures lower than 300 °C, the HPC’s compressive strength was found to increase with increases in temperature. At temperatures higher than 300 °C, the HPC’s compressive strength was found to decrease with increases in temperature.
Effect of a Geothermal Heat Pump in Cooling Mode on the Housing Environment and Swine Productivity Traits
Authors: Mun Hong-Seok , Dilawar Muhammad Ammar , Rathnayake Dhanushka , Chung Il-Byung , Kim Chong-Dae , Ryu Sang-Bum , Park Kwang-Woo , Lee Sang-Ro , Yang Chul-Ju
Published: November 2021

This study compared the effects of the cooling mode of a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system with those of a traditional cooling system (ventilation fans) inside a pig house on the internal house temperature, harmful gas emissions, and the growth performance of the pigs. During the 19-week experimental period, the temperature inside the house connected to the GHP cooling system was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of a house with a conventional cooling system. Similarly, the temperature–humidity index (THI) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the GHP cooling system-connected pig house. Furthermore, the concentrations of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) were also decreased significantly in the GHP-installed pig house (p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in the concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and formaldehyde (p > 0.05). The pigs reared in the GHP-equipped pig house gained significantly more weight (p < 0.05) by the end of the experiment. The GHP cooling system can therefore be implemented as a renewable, environmentally friendly energy source in pig farms for sustainable swine production without adversely affecting the productivity parameters.
A Two-Echelon Electric Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows and Battery Swapping Stations
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhou Hong
Published: November 2021

Driven by the new laws and regulations concerning the emission of greenhouse gases, it is becoming more and more popular for enterprises to adopt cleaner energy. This research proposes a novel two-echelon vehicle routing problem consisting of mixed vehicles considering battery swapping stations, which includes one depot, multiple satellites with unilateral time windows, and customers with given demands. The fossil fuel-based internal combustion vehicles are employed in the first echelon, while the electric vehicles are used in the second echelon. A mixed integer programming model for this proposed problem is established in which the total cost, including transportation cost, handling cost, fixed cost of two kinds of vehicles, and recharging cost, is minimized. Moreover, based on the variable neighborhood search, a metaheuristic procedure is developed to solve the problem. To validate its effectiveness, extensive numerical experiments are conducted over the randomly generated instances of different sizes. The computational results show that the proposed metaheuristic can produce a good logistics scheme with high efficiency.
Spiking Neural Networks for Computational Intelligence: An Overview
Authors: Dora Shirin , Kasabov Nikola
Published: November 2021

Deep neural networks with rate-based neurons have exhibited tremendous progress in the last decade. However, the same level of progress has not been observed in research on spiking neural networks (SNN), despite their capability to handle temporal data, energy-efficiency and low latency. This could be because the benchmarking techniques for SNNs are based on the methods used for evaluating deep neural networks, which do not provide a clear evaluation of the capabilities of SNNs. Particularly, the benchmarking of SNN approaches with regards to energy efficiency and latency requires realization in suitable hardware, which imposes additional temporal and resource constraints upon ongoing projects. This review aims to provide an overview of the current real-world applications of SNNs and identifies steps to accelerate research involving SNNs in the future.
1-Formyl-β-carboline Derivatives Block Newcastle Disease Virus Proliferation through Suppressing Viral Adsorption and Entry Processes
Authors: Wang Chongyang , Wang Ting , Dai Jiangkun , An Zhiyuan , Hu Ruochen , Duan Liuyuan , Chen Hui , Wang Xiangwei , Chu Zhili , Liu Haijin , Wang Juan , Li Na , Yang Zengqi , Wang Junru
Published: November 2021

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the highly contagious pathogens causing devastating economic effects on the global poultry industry. In the present study, three 1-formyl-β-carboline derivatives (compounds 6, 7, and 9) were found to be potent inhibitors of different genotypes of NDV with IC50 values within 10 μM, which are similar to ribavirin. The virus titers were decreased by the presence of 1-formyl-β-carboline derivatives in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibition rate was found to exceed 90% at the concentration of 20 μM. These compounds mainly suppressed the adsorption and entry processes of NDV lifecycle. Through DARTS, CETSA, and RBC binding assay, these compounds were identified as novel HN inhibitors, which could directly interact with the NDV HN protein to affect the adsorption of NDV. Furthermore, they could inhibit the entry of NDV through suppressing the PI3K/Akt pathway rather than the ERK pathway. The PI3K/Akt pathway was proved to be involved in NDV entry. Our findings reveal a unique mechanism through which 1-formyl-β-carboline derivatives restrain NDV infection. Moreover, these compounds represent suitable scaffolds for designing novel HN inhibitors.
Gastric Microbiota beyond H. pylori: An Emerging Critical Character in Gastric Carcinogenesis
Authors: Wen Jun , Lau Harry Cheuk-Hay , Peppelenbosch Maikel , Yu Jun
Published: November 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the global leading causes of cancer death. The association between Helicobacter pylori, which is a predominant risk factor for GC, with GC development has been well-studied. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the presence of a large population of microorganisms other than H. pylori in the human stomach. Existing sequencing studies have revealed microbial compositional and functional alterations in patients with GC and highlighted a progressive shift in the gastric microbiota in gastric carcinogenesis with marked enrichments of oral or intestinal commensals. Moreover, using a combination of gastric bacterial signatures, GC patients could be significantly distinguished from patients with gastritis. These findings, therefore, emphasize the importance of a collective microbial community in gastric carcinogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of non-H. pylori gastric microbes in gastric carcinogenesis. The molecular mechanisms of gastric microbes-related carcinogenesis and potential clinical applications of gastric microbiota as biomarkers of GC are also explored.
Exploring Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Signals in Endometriosis Diagnosis and In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes
Authors: Cela Vito , Malacarne Elisa , Obino Maria Elena Rosa , Marzi Ilaria , Papini Francesca , Vergine Francesca , Pisacreta Elena , Zappelli Elisa , Pietrobono Deborah , Scarfò Giorgia , Daniele Simona , Franzoni Ferdinando , Martini Claudia , Artini Paolo Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Endometriosis (EMS) pathogenesis has been related to the release of inflammatory mediators in peritoneal fluid, creating an altered microenvironment that leads to low-grade oocyte/embryos and to the reduction of implantation rates. The Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), an inflammation-related process, can be a further contributing factor to EMS. This study aimed to investigate, among various cytokines and EMT markers (Cadherins, TGF-β, HIF-1α), diagnostic markers of EMS and prognostic factors of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Herein, EMS patients manifested higher serum levels of the inflammatory molecules IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12 and a decrease in the concentrations of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. Moreover, biochemical markers associated with the EMT process were more elevated in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of EMS patients than in controls. At the end, the number of good-quality embryos was inversely related to serum IL-6 and EMT markers. Interestingly, serum IL-6 and FF IL-10 concentrations differentiated EMS patients from controls. Finally, serum IL-8 and E-Cadherin levels, as well as FF IL-10, predicted positive IVF outcome with great accuracy. Our data confirm the pivotal role of inflammatory mediators (i.e., IL-6 and IL-10) in EMS pathogenesis and suggest that EMT-related markers are elevated in EMS patients and can be predictive of IVF outcome.
Molecular Docking Simulation Studies Identifies Potential Natural Product Derived-Antiwolbachial Compounds as Filaricides against Onchocerciasis
Authors: Kwofie Samuel , Broni Emmanuel , Yunus Faruk , Nsoh John , Adoboe Dela , Miller Whelton , Wilson Michael
Published: November 2021

Onchocerciasis is the leading cause of blindness and severe skin lesions which remain a major public health problem, especially in tropical areas. The widespread use of antibiotics and the long duration required for effective treatment continues to add to the increasing global menace of multi-resistant pathogens. Onchocerca volvulus harbors the endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia, essential for the normal development of embryos, larvae and long-term survival of the adult worm, O. volvulus. We report here results of using structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach aimed at identifying potential novel Wolbachia inhibitors from natural products against the Wolbachia surface protein (WSP). The protein sequence of the WSP with UniProtKB identifier Q0RAI4 was used to model the three-dimensional (3D) structure via homology modelling techniques using three different structure-building algorithms implemented in Modeller, I-TASSER and Robetta. Out of the 15 generated models of WSP, one was selected as the most reasonable quality model which had 82, 15.5, 1.9 and 0.5% of the amino acid residues in the most favored regions, additionally allowed regions, generously allowed regions and disallowed regions, respectively, based on the Ramachandran plot. High throughput virtual screening was performed via Autodock Vina with a library comprising 42,883 natural products from African and Chinese databases, including 23 identified anti-Onchocerca inhibitors. The top six compounds comprising ZINC000095913861, ZINC000095486235, ZINC000035941652, NANPDB4566, acetylaleuritolic acid and rhemannic acid had binding energies of −12.7, −11.1, −11.0, −11, −10.3 and −9.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations including molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann (MMPBSA) calculations reinforced the stability of the ligand-WSP complexes and plausible binding mechanisms. The residues Arg45, Tyr135, Tyr148 and Phe195 were predicted as potential novel critical residues required for ligand binding in pocket 1. Acetylaleuritolic acid and rhemannic acid (lantedene A) have previously been shown to possess anti-onchocercal activity. This warrants the need to evaluate the anti-WSP activity of the identified molecules. The study suggests the exploitation of compounds which target both pockets 1 and 2, by investigating their potential for effective depletion of Wolbachia. These compounds were predicted to possess reasonably good pharmacological profiles with insignificant toxicity and as drug-like. The compounds were computed to possess biological activity including antibacterial, antiparasitic, anthelmintic and anti-rickettsials. The six natural products are potential novel antiwolbachial agents with insignificant toxicities which can be explored further as filaricides for onchocerciasis.
SARS-CoV-2: Overview and Its Impact on Oral Health
Authors: Ting Miriam , Suzuki Jon B.
Published: November 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its virulent variants causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide, and is highly contagious. A comprehensive search was conducted for the most current published information about SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and oral health. Clinical studies, case reports, in vivo studies, and any current published evidence on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 were included in this review. Survival against SARS-CoV-2 infection may be partially dependent on periodontal health, good oral hygiene, and access to dental care. Optimum oral health, maintaining good systemic health, and elimination of smoking habits may be beneficial for the prevention and management of COVID-19 infections.
Effects of Night Illumination on Behavior, Body Mass and Learning in Male Zebra Finches
Authors: Prabhat Abhilash , Kumar Mayank , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Vinod , Bhardwaj Sanjay K.
Published: November 2021

An increase in artificial night lighting has blurred the boundaries of day and night and transformed the natural day-night environment with alteration in the temporal niche of the animals. Male zebra finches were exposed to a dim light at night (dLAN) protocol (Light: dLAN, 12L = 200 lux: 12dLAN = 5 lux) with controls on darkness at night (Light: dark, 12L = 200 lux: 12D = 0 lux) for six weeks. We assayed sleep-wake, daily behaviors, mood, and cognition, as well as changes in physiological parameters. Dim light at night increased sleep frequency, delayed sleep onset, advanced awakening latency, and caused a reduction in total sleep duration. dLAN birds did not associate (physical association) with novel object and birds spent significantly lesser time on perch with novel object as compared to LD. In colour learning task, night illuminated birds took more time to learn and made more error, compared to LD. dLAN significantly altered the 24-h daily behavioral rhythm (amplitude and acrophase) of feeding, drinking, preening, and perch-hopping behavior. In particular, birds extended their feeding hours in the nighttime under dLAN, with no difference in total food intake. Birds under dLAN increased fattening and hence significantly increased body mass. Our results show that dim light at night altered feeding rhythm, caused decrease in sleep behavior, and negatively affected learning and memory performance in male zebra finches.
Strong Pyro-Electro-Chemical Coupling of Elbaite/H2O2 System for Pyrocatalysis Dye Wastewater
Authors: Chen Fei , Guo Jiesen , Meng Dezhong , Wu Yuetong , Sun Ruijin , Zhao Changchun
Published: November 2021

Elbaite is a natural silicate mineral with a spontaneous electric field. In the current study, it was selected as a pyroelectric catalyst to promote hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for dye decomposition due to its pyro-electro-chemical coupling. The behaviors and efficiency of the elbaite/H2O2 system in rhodamine B (RhB) degradation were systematically investigated. The results indicate that the optimal effective degradability of RhB reaches 100.0% at 4.0 g/L elbaite, 7.0 mL/L H2O2, and pH = 2.0 in the elbaite/H2O2 system. The elbaite/H2O2 system exhibits high recyclability and stability after recycling three times, reaching 94.5% of the degradation rate. The mechanisms of RhB degradation clarified that the hydroxyl radical (·OH) is the main active specie involved in catalytic degradation in the elbaite/H2O2 system. Moreover, not only does elbaite act as a pyroelectric catalyst to activate H2O2 in order to generate the primary ·OH for subsequent advanced oxidation reactions, but it also has the role of a dye sorbent. The elbaite/H2O2 system shows excellent application potential for the degradation of RhB.
Neuromolecular Underpinnings of Negative Cognitive Bias in Depression
Authors: Noworyta Karolina , Cieslik Agata , Rygula Rafal
Published: November 2021

This selective review aims to summarize the recent advances in understanding the neuromolecular underpinnings of biased cognition in depressive disorder. We begin by considering the cognitive correlates of depressed mood and the key brain systems implicated in its development. We then review the core findings across two domains of biased cognitive function in depression: pessimistic judgment bias and abnormal response to negative feedback. In considering their underlying substrates, we focus on the neurochemical mechanisms identified by genetic, molecular and pharmacological challenge studies. We conclude by discussing experimental approaches to the treatment of depression, which are derived largely from an improved understanding of its cognitive substrates.
Modeling Rare Human Disorders in Mice: The Finnish Disease Heritage
Authors: Zárybnický Tomáš , Heikkinen Anne , Kangas Salla M. , Karikoski Marika , Martínez-Nieto Guillermo Antonio , Salo Miia H. , Uusimaa Johanna , Vuolteenaho Reetta , Hinttala Reetta , Sipilä Petra , Kuure Satu
Published: November 2021

The modification of genes in animal models has evidently and comprehensively improved our knowledge on proteins and signaling pathways in human physiology and pathology. In this review, we discuss almost 40 monogenic rare diseases that are enriched in the Finnish population and defined as the Finnish disease heritage (FDH). We will highlight how gene-modified mouse models have greatly facilitated the understanding of the pathological manifestations of these diseases and how some of the diseases still lack proper models. We urge the establishment of subsequent international consortiums to cooperatively plan and carry out future human disease modeling strategies. Detailed information on disease mechanisms brings along broader understanding of the molecular pathways they act along both parallel and transverse to the proteins affected in rare diseases, therefore also aiding understanding of common disease pathologies.
Knockout of the KH-Type Splicing Regulatory Protein Drives Glomerulonephritis in MRL-Faslpr Mice
Authors: Schmidtke Lisa , Meineck Myriam , Saurin Sabrina , Otten Svenja , Gather Fabian , Schrick Katharina , Käfer Rudolf , Roth Wilfried , Kleinert Hartmut , Weinmann-Menke Julia , Pautz Andrea
Published: November 2021

KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) is an RNA-binding protein that promotes mRNA decay and thereby negatively regulates cytokine expression at the post-transcriptional level. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysregulated cytokine expression causing multiple organ manifestations; MRL-Faslpr mice are an established mouse model to study lupus disease pathogenesis. To investigate the impact of KSRP on lupus disease progression, we generated KSRP-deficient MRL-Faslpr mice (MRL-Faslpr/KSRP−/− mice). In line with the predicted role of KSRP as a negative regulator of cytokine expression, lupus nephritis was augmented in MRL-Faslpr/KSRP−/− mice. Increased infiltration of immune cells, especially of IFN-γ producing T cells and macrophages, driven by enhanced expression of T cell-attracting chemokines and adhesion molecules, seems to be responsible for worsened kidney morphology. Reduced expression of the anti-inflammatory interleukin-1 receptor antagonist may be another reason for severe inflammation. The increase of FoxP3+ T cells detected in the kidney seems unable to dampen the massive kidney inflammation. Interestingly, lymphadenopathy was reduced in MRL-Faslpr/KSRP−/− mice. Altogether, KSRP appears to have a complex role in immune regulation; however, it is clearly able to ameliorate lupus nephritis.
Lymphocyte Counts and Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics: Between Mechanisms of Action and Treatment-Limiting Side Effects
Authors: Fischer Stefanie , Proschmann Undine , Akgün Katja , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: November 2021

Although the detailed pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not completely understood, a broad range of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are available. A common side effect of nearly every MS therapeutic agent is lymphopenia, which can be both beneficial and, in some cases, treatment-limiting. A sound knowledge of the underlying mechanism of action of the selected agent is required in order to understand treatment-associated changes in white blood cell counts, as well as monitoring consequences. This review is a comprehensive summary of the currently available DMTs with regard to their effects on lymphocyte count. In the first part, we describe important general information about the role of lymphocytes in the course of MS and the essentials of lymphopenic states. In the second part, we introduce the different DMTs according to their underlying mechanism of action, summarizing recommendations for lymphocyte monitoring and definitions of lymphocyte thresholds for different therapeutic regimens.
Colorimetric Sensing of Benzoyl Peroxide Based on the Emission Wavelength-Shift of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhu Yimeng , Li Feiming , Zhang Linchun , You Longjie , Guo Zhiyong , Huang Yaning , Zhao Li , Chen Xi
Published: November 2021

Using the ionic salt characteristics of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbBr3 NCs), the fluorescence wavelength of CsPbBr3−xIx NCs could be changed by the halogen exchange reaction between CsPbBr3 NCs and oleylammonium iodide (OLAM-I). Under the excitation of a 365 nm UV lamp and the increase of OLAM-I concentration, the content of iodine in CsPbBr3−xIx NCs increased, and the fluorescence emission wavelength showed a redshift from 511.6 nm to 593.4 nm, resulting in the fluorescence color change of CsPbBr3 NCs from green to orange-red. Since OLAM-I is a mild reducing agent and easily oxidized by benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a novel colorimetric sensing approach for BPO based on the fluorescence wavelength shift was established in this study. The linear relationship between the different wavelength shifts (Δλ) and the concentration of BPO (CBPO) is found to be in the range of 0 to 120 μmol L−1. The coefficient of alteration (R2) and the detection limit are 0.9933 and 0.13 μmol L−1 BPO, respectively. With this approach, the determination procedure of BPO in flour and noodle samples can be achieved in only a few minutes and exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 Edition: A Study with Children Aged 12 to 48 Months
Authors: Rebelo Miguel , Serrano João , Duarte-Mendes Pedro , Monteiro Diogo , Paulo Rui , Marinho Daniel Almeida
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales II (PDMS-2-Folio and Fewell, 2000) using a Portuguese sample. The validation of the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 was applied according to the manual, for 392 children, from two institutions, from 12 to 48 months, with an analysis of the internal consistency (α Cronbach), of test–retest reliability (ICC) and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis). The results of the confirmatory factorial analysis (χ2 = 55.614; df = 4; p = 0.06; χ2/df =13.904; SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) = 0.065; CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) = 0.068) of two factors (Gross Motor and Fine Motor) as the original version but correlated. Most of the subtests had good internal consistency (α = 0.85) and good test–retest stability (ICC = 0.98 to 0.99). The results indicated that the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 is adequate and valid for assessing global and fine motor skills in children aged 12 to 48 months, and can be used as a reference tool by health and education professionals to assess motor skills and, thus, allowing to detect maladjustments, deficiencies or precocity, so that children can later receive appropriate intervention.
Oral Narrative Intervention by Tele-Practice in a Case with Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Iuliu Irina , Martínez Verónica
Published: November 2021

Background: A narrative requires the integration and management of linguistic and cognitive skills. It has been observed that children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) have difficulties in narrating stories. This research proposes an intervention in a case of a child 9 years and 2 months old with DLD, with the aim of improving his oral narrative skills through a retelling task via telepractice. Methods: In the evaluation, standardized tests have been used and a ‘remembering a story’ task, with a story titled The Lost Backpack, elaborated by one of the authors. Narratives were elicited in two sessions, and were transcribed, coded, and analysed using the Child Language Data Exchange System CHILDES Project tool. The participant received a total of 10 sessions through the Skype platform, which included intervention-addressed explicit instruction about the narrative structure and the use of discourse markers to improve cohesion in story retelling. Results: Significant changes were observed in the retelling of the story at microstructure and macrostructure levels: an increase of the Mean Length of Utterance (MLU), Types and Tokens, specific vocabulary, discourse markers and the recall of events. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the effectiveness of intervention in narrative skills through the oral retelling of a story with visual support via tele-practice.
The Impact of Clinical Atropine Use in Taiwanese Schoolchildren: Changes in Physiological Characteristics and Visual Functions
Authors: Kuo Hui-Ying , Ke Ching-Hsiu , Chen Shyan-Tarng , Sun Han-Yin
Published: November 2021

Taiwan is commonly noted for its high prevalence of myopia, as well as a long history of more than 20 years of using atropine to control myopia. However, the clinical implications are rarely discussed. This is a cross-sectional study investigating the influence of topical atropine instillation on ocular physiology, visual function, and visual discomfort in children. Aged 7 to 12 years, 212 schoolchildren were recruited and divided into the atropine group and the non-atropine group. Physiological characteristics such as pupil size and intraocular pressure were measured, and a variety of visual functions was also evaluated. A questionnaire was used to investigate the side effects and visual complaints caused by atropine treatment. There was a significant difference in pupil size (OD: 5.40 ± 0.90 vs. 6.60 ± 1.01 mm; OS: 5.42 ± 0.87 vs. 6.64 ± 1.00 mm, p < 0.001) between the two groups. Reductions in near visual acuity, accommodation, convergence ability, and stereopsis were observed in the atropine group. The horizontal pupil diameter enlarged, and visual functions were greatly affected after administration of topical atropine. The changes in visual function during atropine therapy need to be carefully monitored by clinicians, while patient compliance is usually the key to success.
Repetitive Treatment with Volatile Anesthetics Does Not Affect the In Vivo Plasma Concentration and Composition of Extracellular Vesicles in Rats
Authors: Bleilevens Christian , Beckers Christian , Theissen Alexander , Fechter Tamara , Buhl Eva Miriam , Greven Johannes , Kraemer Sandra , Wendt Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Background: Anesthetic-induced preconditioning (AIP) with volatile anesthetics is a well-known experimental technique to protect tissues from ischemic injury or oxidative stress. Additionally, plasmatic extracellular vesicle (EV) populations and their cargo are known to be affected by AIP in vitro, and to provide organ protective properties via their cargo. We investigated whether AIP would affect the generation of EVs in an in vivo rat model. Methods: Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats received a repetitive treatment with either isoflurane or with sevoflurane for a duration of 4 or 8 weeks. EVs from blood plasma were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Western blot. A scratch assay (H9C2 cardiomyoblast cell line) was performed to investigate the protective capabilities of the isolated EVs. Results: TEM images as well as Western blot analysis indicated that EVs were successfully isolated. The AIP changed the flotillin and CD63 expression on the EV surface, but not the EV concentration. The scratch assay did not show increased cell migration and/or proliferation after EV treatment. Conclusion: AIP in rats changed the cargo of EVs but had no effect on EV concentration or cell migration/proliferation. Future studies are needed to investigate the cargo on a miRNA level and to investigate the properties of these EVs in additional functional experiments.
Effect of 6-Aminohexanoic Acid Released from Its Aluminum Tri-Polyphosphate Intercalate (ATP-6-AHA) on the Corrosion Protection Mechanism of Steel in 3.5% Sodium Chloride Solution
Authors: Hejjaj Chaymae , Aghzzaf Ahmed , Scharnagl Nico , Makha Mohammed , Dahbi Mouad , Zheludkevich Mikhail , Hakkou Rachid , Fischer Christian
Published: November 2021

A new corrosion inhibitor called ATP-6-AHA was elaborated, and its inhibition action on S235 low carbon steel in 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) was investigated using gravimetry, potentiodynamic polarization (PP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The release of ecofriendly 6-aminohexanoic acid (6-AHA) from its established aluminum tri-polyphosphate intercalate (ATP-6-AHA) is investigated using electrochemical and surface characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results revealed that ATP-6-AHA is a good inhibitor, with an inhibition efficiency of approximately 70%. The efficiency is related to the passivation of a steel surface by a phosphate protective layer due to the synergistic effect of 6-AHA, as confirmed by a steel surface analysis conducted using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study suggests that the intercalation of 6-AHA as a sustainable organic molecule within the interlayer spaces of aluminum tri-polyphosphate can well serve as a good flaky inhibitor for protecting S235 low-carbon steel from corrosion in 3.5% NaCl.
Direct Sampling for Recovering Sound Soft Scatterers from Point Source Measurements
Authors: Harris Isaac
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we consider the inverse problem of recovering a sound soft scatterer from the measured scattered field. The scattered field is assumed to be induced by a point source on a curve/surface that is known. Here, we propose and analyze new direct sampling methods for this problem. The first method we consider uses a far-field transformation of the near-field data, which allows us to derive explicit bounds in the resolution analysis for the direct sampling method’s imaging functional. Two direct sampling methods are studied, using the far-field transformation. For these imaging functionals, we use the Funk–Hecke identities to study the resolution analysis. We also study a direct sampling method for the case of the given Cauchy data. Numerical examples are given to show the applicability of the new imaging functionals for recovering a sound soft scatterer with full and partial aperture data.
Enhancing Robots Navigation in Internet of Things Indoor Systems
Authors: Tashtoush Yahya , Haj-Mahmoud Israa , Darwish Omar , Maabreh Majdi , Alsinglawi Belal , Elkhodr Mahmoud , Alsaedi Nasser
Published: November 2021

In this study, an effective local minima detection and definition algorithm is introduced for a mobile robot navigating through unknown static environments. Furthermore, five approaches are presented and compared with the popular approach wall-following to pull the robot out of the local minima enclosure namely; Random Virtual Target, Reflected Virtual Target, Global Path Backtracking, Half Path Backtracking, and Local Path Backtracking. The proposed approaches mainly depend on changing the target location temporarily to avoid the original target’s attraction force effect on the robot. Moreover, to avoid getting trapped in the same location, a virtual obstacle is placed to cover the local minima enclosure. To include the most common shapes of deadlock situations, the proposed approaches were evaluated in four different environments; V-shaped, double U-shaped, C-shaped, and cluttered environments. The results reveal that the robot, using any of the proposed approaches, requires fewer steps to reach the destination, ranging from 59 to 73 m on average, as opposed to the wall-following strategy, which requires an average of 732 m. On average, the robot with a constant speed and reflected virtual target approach takes 103 s, whereas the identical robot with a wall-following approach takes 907 s to complete the tasks. Using a fuzzy-speed robot, the duration for the wall-following approach is greatly reduced to 507 s, while the reflected virtual target may only need up to 20% of that time. More results and detailed comparisons are embedded in the subsequent sections.
Anti-Acne Vulgaris Potential of the Ethanolic Extract of Mesua ferrea L. Flowers
Authors: Nakyai Wongnapa , Pabuprapap Wachirachai , Sroimee Wichuda , Ajavakom Vachiraporn , Yingyongnarongkul Boon-ek , Suksamrarn Apichart
Published: November 2021

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. In the present study, we reported the anti-acne vulgaris effect of the Mesua ferrea (M. ferrea) flower extract. The extract was evaluated for three anti-acne-causing bacteria properties including Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results indicated that the M. ferrea flower extract could be considered as the bactericidal agent against S. epidermidis and S. aureus with MIC values of 0.78 and 6.25 mg mL−1 and MBC values of 1.56 and 12.50 mg mL−1 and the bacteriostatic agent against C. acnes with MIC and MBC values of 3.12 and 25.00 mg mL−1, respectively. The extract at a concentration of 25 µg mL−1 also presented potent anti-inflammatory activity with a significant decrease of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α productions in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated by LPS. In addition, the extract showed moderate to weak anti-oxidative capacities against DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and NO assays and also showed weak anti-tyrosinase activity. M. ferrea flower extract may serve as the alternative natural anti-acne formulations.
Prevention of Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by UV-C Illumination of Airflow
Authors: Bowen Richard A. , Gilgunn Peter , Hartwig Airn E. , Mullen Jeff
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is frequently transmitted by aerosol, and the sterilization of the virus in airflows has numerous potential applications. We evaluated a UV-C illuminator similar to what might be incorporated into tubing of a mechanical ventilator for its ability to block transmission of the airborne virus from infected to naïve hamsters. Hamsters protected by the UV system were consistently protected from infection, whereas non-protected hamsters uniformly became infected and displayed virus shedding and high burdens of virus in respiratory tissues. The efficiency and speed with which the virus in flowing air was inactivated using this system suggests several applications for mitigating transmission of this virus.