bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the SARS-CoV-19 Pandemic on the Global Gross Domestic Product
Authors: Korneta Piotr , Rostek Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

The rapid, unexpected, and large-scale expansion of the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic has led to a global health and economy crisis. However, although the crisis itself is a worldwide phenomenon, there have been considerable differences between respective countries in terms of SARS-CoV-19 morbidities and fatalities as well as the GDP impact. The object of this paper was to study the influence of the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic on global gross domestic product. We analyzed data relating to 176 countries in the 11-month period from February 2020 to December 2020. We employed SARS-CoV-19 morbidity and fatality rates reported by different countries as proxies for the development of the pandemic. The analysis employed in our study was based on moving median and quartiles, Kendall tau-b coefficients, and multi-segment piecewise-linear approximation with Theil–Sen trend lines. In the study, we empirically confirmed and measured the negative impact of the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic on the respective national economies. The relationship between the pandemic and the economy is not uniform and depends on the extent of the pandemic’s development. The more intense the pandemic, the more adaptive the economies of specific countries become.
Monitoring Road Accidents and Injuries Using Variance Chart under Resampling and Having Indeterminacy
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Albassam Mohammed
Published: May 2021

The current manuscript proposes a SN2−NEWMA control chart for monitoring road accidents and injuries using repetitive sampling. The proposed chart helps in identifying the shifts in accidents and injuries more quickly than existing charts. The application of the proposed chart will help in reducing and identifying the reasons for road accidents and road injuries efficiently.
Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Due to Enforced COVID-19-Related Lockdown and Movement Restrictions: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kite Chris , Lagojda Lukasz , Clark Cain C. T. , Uthman Olalekan , Denton Francesca , McGregor Gordon , Harwood Amy E. , Atkinson Lou , Broom David R. , Kyrou Ioannis , Randeva Harpal S.
Published: May 2021

Prolonged lockdown/restriction measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reportedly impacted opportunities to be physically active for a large proportion of the population in affected countries globally. The exact changes to physical activity and sedentary behaviours due to these measures have not been fully studied. Accordingly, the objective of this PROSPERO-registered systematic review is to evaluate the available evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviours in the general population during COVID-19-related lockdown/restriction measures, compared to prior to restrictions being in place. Defined searches to identify eligible studies published in English, from November 2019 up to the date of submission, will be conducted using the following databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PSYCinfo, Coronavirus Research Database, Public Health Database, Publicly Available Content Database, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. The applied inclusion criteria were selected to identify observational studies with no restrictions placed on participants, with outcomes regarding physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour during lockdown/restriction measures, and with comparisons for these outcomes to a time when no such measures were in place. Where appropriate, results from included studies will be pooled and effect estimates will be presented in random effects meta-analyses. To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first systematic review to evaluate one complete year of published data on the impact of COVID-19-related lockdown/restriction measures on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis will constitute the most up-to-date synthesis of published evidence on any such documented changes, and so will comprehensively inform clinical practitioners, public health agencies, researchers, policymakers and the general public regarding the effects of lockdown/restriction measures on both physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
Inhibition of Lysine 63 Ubiquitination Prevents the Progression of Renal Fibrosis in Diabetic DBA/2J Mice
Authors: Pontrelli Paola , Conserva Francesca , Menghini Rossella , Rossini Michele , Stasi Alessandra , Divella Chiara , Casagrande Viviana , Cinefra Claudia , Barozzino Mariagrazia , Simone Simona , Pesce Francesco , Castellano Giuseppe , Stallone Giovanni , Gallone Anna , Giorgino Francesco , Federici Massimo , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: May 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most frequent cause of end-stage renal disease. Tubulointerstitial accumulation of lysine 63 (K63)-ubiquitinated (Ub) proteins is involved in the progression of DN fibrosis and correlates with urinary miR-27b-3p downregulation. We explored the renoprotective effect of an inhibitor of K63-Ub (NSC697923), alone or in combination with the ACE-inhibitor ramipril, in vitro and in vivo. Proximal tubular epithelial cells and diabetic DBA/2J mice were treated with NSC697923 and/or ramipril. K63-Ub protein accumulation along with α-SMA, collagen I and III, FSP-1, vimentin, p16INK4A expression, SA-α Gal staining, Sirius Red, and PAS staining were measured. Finally, we measured the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR), and urinary miR-27b-3p expression in mice. NSC697923, both alone and in association with ramipril, in vitro and in vivo inhibited hyperglycemia-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition by significantly reducing K63-Ub proteins, α-SMA, collagen I, vimentin, FSP-1 expression, and collagen III along with tubulointerstitial and glomerular fibrosis. Treated mice also showed recovery of urinary miR-27b-3p and restored expression of p16INK4A. Moreover, NSC697923 in combination with ramipril demonstrated a trend in the reduction of uACR. In conclusion, we suggest that selective inhibition of K63-Ub, when combined with the conventional treatment with ACE inhibitors, might represent a novel treatment strategy to prevent the progression of fibrosis and proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy and we propose miR-27b-3p as a biomarker of treatment efficacy.
Structural Plasticity of LL-37 Indicates Elaborate Functional Adaptation Mechanisms to Bacterial Target Structures
Authors: Zeth Kornelius , Sancho-Vaello Enea
Published: May 2021

The human cathelicidin LL-37 is a multifunctional peptide of the human innate immune system. Among the various functions of LL-37, its antimicrobial activity is important in controlling the microorganisms of the human body. The target molecules of LL-37 in bacteria include membrane lipids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), proteins, DNA and RNA. In this mini-review, we summarize the entity of LL-37 structural data determined over the last 15 years and specifically discuss features implicated in the interactions with lipid-like molecules. For this purpose, we discuss partial and full-length structures of LL-37 determined in the presence of membrane-mimicking detergents. This constantly growing structural database is now composed of monomers, dimers, tetramers, and fiber-like structures. The diversity of these structures underlines an unexpected plasticity and highlights the conformational and oligomeric adaptability of LL-37 necessary to target different molecular scaffolds. The recent co-crystal structures of LL-37 in complex with detergents are particularly useful to understand how these molecules mimic lipids and LPS to induce oligomerization and fibrillation. Defined detergent binding sites provide deep insights into a new class of peptide scaffolds, widening our view on the fascinating world of the LL-37 structural factotum. Together, the new structures in their evolutionary context allow for the assignment of functionally conserved residues in oligomerization and target interactions. Conserved phenylalanine and arginine residues primarily mediate those interactions with lipids and LPS. The interactions with macromolecules such as proteins or DNA remain largely unexplored and open a field for future studies aimed at structures of LL-37 complexes. These complexes will then allow for the structure-based rational design of LL-37-derived peptides with improved antibiotic properties.
MAGEA4 Coated Extracellular Vesicles Are Stable and Can Be Assembled In Vitro
Authors: Reinsalu Olavi , Samel Anneli , Niemeister Elen , Kurg Reet
Published: May 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are valued candidates for the development of new tools for medical applications. Vesicles carrying melanoma-associated antigen A (MAGEA) proteins, a subfamily of cancer-testis antigens, are particularly promising tools in the fight against cancer. Here, we have studied the biophysical and chemical properties of MAGEA4-EVs and show that they are stable under common storage conditions such as keeping at +4 °C and −80 °C for at least 3 weeks after purification. The MAGEA4-EVs can be freeze-thawed two times without losing MAGEA4 in detectable quantities. The attachment of MAGEA4 to the surface of EVs cannot be disrupted by high salt concentrations or chelators, but the vesicles are sensitive to high pH. The MAGEA4 protein can bind to the surface of EVs in vitro, using robust passive incubation. In addition, EVs can be loaded with recombinant proteins fused to the MAGEA4 open reading frame within the cells and also in vitro. The high stability of MAGEA4-EVs ensures their potential for the development of EV-based anti-cancer applications.
Convolutional Extreme Learning Machines: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodrigues Iago Richard , da Silva Neto Sebastião Rogério , Kelner Judith , Sadok Djamel , Endo Patricia Takako
Published: May 2021

Much work has recently identified the need to combine deep learning with extreme learning in order to strike a performance balance with accuracy, especially in the domain of multimedia applications. When considering this new paradigm—namely, the convolutional extreme learning machine (CELM)—we present a systematic review that investigates alternative deep learning architectures that use the extreme learning machine (ELM) for faster training to solve problems that are based on image analysis. We detail each of the architectures that are found in the literature along with their application scenarios, benchmark datasets, main results, and advantages, and then present the open challenges for CELM. We followed a well-structured methodology and established relevant research questions that guided our findings. Based on 81 primary studies, we found that object recognition is the most common problem that is solved by CELM, and CCN with predefined kernels is the most common CELM architecture proposed in the literature. The results from experiments show that CELM models present good precision, convergence, and computational performance, and they are able to decrease the total processing time that is required by the learning process. The results presented in this systematic review are expected to contribute to the research area of CELM, providing a good starting point for dealing with some of the current problems in the analysis of computer vision based on images.
Susceptibility of the Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) to Nosema pyrausta (Microsporidia: Nosematidae)
Authors: Kononchuk Anastasia G. , Martemyanov Vyacheslav V. , Ignatieva Anastasia N. , Belousova Irina A. , Inoue Maki N. , Tokarev Yuri S.
Published: May 2021

The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a notorious forest defoliator, and various pathogens are known to act as natural regulators of its population density. As a widespread herbivore with a broad range of inhabited areas and host plants, it is potentially exposed to parasitic microorganisms from other insect hosts. In the present paper, we determined the susceptibility of gypsy moth larvae to the microsporidium Nosema pyrausta from the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. Gypsy moth samples from two localities of Western Siberia were used. N. pyrausta developed infections in the salivary gland and adipose tissue of gypsy moth prepupae and pupae, forming spore masses after 30 days of alimentary exposure to the second instar larvae. Among the experimental groups, the infection levels ranged from 0 to 9.5%. Effects of a covert baculovirus infection, phenylthiourea pretreatment and feeding insects on an artificial diet versus natural foliage were not significant in terms of microsporidia prevalence levels. Thus, L. dispar showed a low level of susceptibility to a non-specific microsporidium. It can be referred to as a resistant model host and not an appropriate substitute host for laboratory propagation of the microsporidium.
Mining the Species Diversity of Lacewings: New Species of the Pleasing Lacewing Genus Dilar Rambur, 1838 (Neuroptera, Dilaridae) from the Oriental Region
Authors: Li Di , Aspöck Horst , Aspöck Ulrike , Liu Xingyue
Published: May 2021

The species diversity of insects is extraordinarily rich, but still has been insufficiently explored or underestimated particularly for uncommon groups. The pleasing lacewings (Dilaridae) are a little known family of Neuroptera with distinct sexually dimorphic antennae. The species diversity of pleasing lacewings was recently found to be severely underestimated and requires a comprehensive investigation, as well as systematic reviews. Here, we report on 12 new species of the pleasing lacewing genus Dilar Rambur, 1838, from the Oriental region, namely D. forcipatus sp. nov. and D. laoticus sp. nov. from Laos (new country record of Dilar); D. malickyi sp. nov., D. phraenus sp. nov. and D. rauschorum sp. nov. from northern Thailand; D. striatus sp. nov. from northern Vietnam; D. cangyuanensis sp. nov., D. daweishanensis sp. nov., D. nujianganus sp. nov., D. weibaoshanensis sp. nov., D. yucheni sp. nov., and D. zhangweiae sp. nov. from Yunnan and Tibet, both in southwestern China. The new species of Dilar display several types of wing marking patterns, and the morphology of the male genitalia is highly diverse. A comprehensive examination of the species diversity and distribution of Dilar concluded that Yunnan (southwestern China) represents a biogeographic region with high endemism and the richest species diversity. The potential correlation between vertical distribution and geographical latitude in Dilar was also analyzed.
Plasma Exosomal miRNA Levels after Radiotherapy Are Associated with Early Progression and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cho Oyeon , Kim Do-Wan , Cheong Jae-Youn
Published: May 2021

Plasma exosomal miRNAs are key regulators of cell-cell interactions associated with several biological functions in patients with cancer. This pilot study aimed to investigate the log2 fold change (log2FC) of the expression of exosomal miRNAs and related mRNAs in the blood of patients with cervical cancer to identify prognostic markers better than those currently available. We sequenced plasma exosomal RNA from 56 blood samples collected from 28 patients with cervical cancer, who had been treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Changes in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs before and after CCRT were represented as log2FC. Their biological functions were studied by miRNA-mRNA network analysis, using ingenuity pathway analysis, after the selection of two groups of miRNAs, each associated with early progression (EP) and metastasis, also described as initial stage. Seven patients experienced EP, three of whom died within four months after progression. Reduced levels of miR-1228-5p, miR-33a-5p, miR-3200-3p, and miR-6815-5p and increased levels of miR-146a-3p in patients with EP revealed unresolved inflammation, with accompanying increased expression of PCK1 and decreased expression of FCGR1A. Increased levels of miR-605-5p, miR-6791-5p, miR-6780a-5p, and miR-6826-5p and decreased levels of miR-16-1-3p (or 15a-3p) were associated with the degree of metastasis and led to the systemic activation of myeloid, endothelial, and epithelial cells, as well as neurons, phagocytes, and platelets. Log2FCs in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs from plasma exosomes after CCRT are associated with EP and metastasis, reflecting unresolved inflammation and systemic microenvironmental factors, respectively. However, this study, supported by preliminary data insufficient to reach clear conclusions, should be verified in larger prospective cohorts.
Validation of a Visual-Based Analytics Tool for Outcome Prediction in Polytrauma Patients (WATSON Trauma Pathway Explorer) and Comparison with the Predictive Values of TRISS
Authors: Niggli Cédric , Pape Hans-Christoph , Niggli Philipp , Mica Ladislav
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Big data-based artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly important in medicine and may be helpful in the future to predict diseases and outcomes. For severely injured patients, a new analytics tool has recently been developed (WATSON Trauma Pathway Explorer) to assess individual risk profiles early after trauma. We performed a validation of this tool and a comparison with the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), an established trauma survival estimation score. Methods: Prospective data collection, level I trauma centre, 1 January 2018–31 December 2019. Inclusion criteria: Primary admission for trauma, injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16, age ≥ 16. Parameters: Age, ISS, temperature, presence of head injury by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Outcomes: SIRS and sepsis within 21 days and early death within 72 h after hospitalisation. Statistics: Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predictive quality, calibration plots for graphical goodness of fit, Brier score for overall performance of WATSON and TRISS. Results: Between 2018 and 2019, 107 patients were included (33 female, 74 male; mean age 48.3 ± 19.7; mean temperature 35.9 ± 1.3; median ISS 30, IQR 23–36). The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.77 (95% CI 0.68–0.85) for SIRS and 0.71 (95% CI 0.58–0.83) for sepsis. WATSON and TRISS showed similar AUCs to predict early death (AUC 0.90, 95% CI 0.79–0.99 vs. AUC 0.88, 95% CI 0.77–0.97; p = 0.75). The goodness of fit of WATSON (X2 = 8.19, Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.42) was superior to that of TRISS (X2 = 31.93, Hosmer–Lemeshow p < 0.05), as was the overall performance based on Brier score (0.06 vs. 0.11 points). Discussion: The validation supports previous reports in terms of feasibility of the WATSON Trauma Pathway Explorer and emphasises its relevance to predict SIRS, sepsis, and early death when compared with the TRISS method.
Proposal for Tier-Based Resumption of Dental Practice Determined by COVID-19 Rate, Testing and COVID-19 Vaccination: A Narrative Perspective
Authors: Farshidfar Nima , Jafarpour Dana , Hamedani Shahram , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Tanasiewicz Marta
Published: May 2021

Since the emergence of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), profound alterations in general and specialist dental practice have been imposed to provide safe dental care. The guidelines introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate healthcare disruption are inconsistent regarding the dental practice re-installation, particularly during a transitional time. Despite the successful mass vaccination campaigns rolled out in 2021, the presence of more than 80 genotypes of COVID-19, rapid neutralisation of antibodies within a short period of seropositivity, and the likelihood of recurrent infection raise some doubts on whether vaccination alone will provide long-term immunity against COVID-19 and its variants. Here, from this perspective, we aim to provide an initial proposal for dental services reinstallation, easily applicable in various care settings. We discuss the potential options for the transition of dental services, as well as challenges and opportunities to adapt to new circumstances after mass COVID-19 vaccination. The proposal of the universal three-tier system of dental services resumption, determined by regional COVID-19 rates, testing accessibility, and vaccination rollout has been presented. Following herd COVID-19 immunity enhancement, it would be prudent to confer various preventative measures until virus spread naturally diminishes or becomes less virulent. Based on modelling data, dental practices may not return to normal, routine operation even after global vaccination as there would still be a significant risk of outbreaks of infection. Variable, multi-level measures will still be required, depending on the local COVID-19 cases rate, to secure safe dental care provision, despite predicted success of vaccination agendas. This approach can be implemented by achievable, practical means as a part of risk assessment, altered work pattern, and re-arrange of dental surgery facilities. The adequate standard operating procedure, with the support of rapid point-of-care testing at workplace, would vastly intensify the uninterrupted recovery of the dental care sector.
Alterations in Respiratory Function Test Three Months after Hospitalisation for COVID-19 Pneumonia: Value of Determining Nitric Oxide Diffusion
Authors: Núñez-Fernández Marta , Ramos-Hernández Cristina , García-Río Francisco , Torres-Durán María , Nodar-Germiñas Andrés , Tilve-Gómez Amara , Rodríguez-Fernández Paula , Valverde-Pérez Diana , Ruano-Raviña Alberto , Fernández-Villar Alberto
Published: May 2021

Three to four months after hospitalisation for COVID-19 pneumonia, the most frequently described alteration in respiratory function tests (RFTs) is decreased carbon monoxide transfer capacity (DLCO). Methods: This is a prospective cohort study that included patients hospitalised because of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, three months after their discharge. A clinical evaluation, analytical parameters, chest X-ray, six-minute walk test, spirometry and DLCO–DLNO analysis were performed. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and variables related to the severity of the admission were recorded. Results: Two hundred patients completed the study; 59.5% men, age 62 years, 15.5% admitted to the intensive care unit. The most frequent functional alteration, in 27% of patients, was in the DLCO–DLNO combination. This alteration was associated with age, male sex, degree of dyspnoea, poorer perception of health, and limited ability for physical effort. These patients also presented higher levels of D-Dimer and more residual radiological alterations. In 42% of the patients with diffusion alterations, only reduced DLNO was presented, along with lower D-Dimer levels and less capillary volume involvement. The severity of the process was associated with the reduction in DLCO–DLNO. Conclusions: The most sensitive RFT for the detection of the sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia was the combined measurement of DLCO–DLNO and this factor was related to patient health status and their capacity for physical exertion. In 40% of these cases, there was only a reduction in DLNO, a finding that may indicate less pulmonary vascular involvement.
Stay Home! Stay Safe! First Post-Discharge Cardiologic Evaluation of Low-Risk–Low-BNP Heart Failure Patients in COVID-19 Era
Authors: Aspromonte Nadia , Cappannoli Luigi , Scicchitano Pietro , Massari Francesco , Pantano Ivan , Massetti Massimo , Crea Filippo , Valle Roberto
Published: May 2021

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep impact on periodic outpatient evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of low brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) values in predicting adverse events in heart failure (HF) patients in order to evaluate implications for safe delay of outpatient visits. Methods. This was a retrospective study. One-thousand patients (mean age: 72 ± 10 years, 561 women) with HF and BNP values <250 pg/mL at discharge were included. A 6-month follow-up was performed. The primary endpoint was a combination of deaths and readmissions for HF within 6-month after discharge. Results. At 6-month follow-up, 104 events (10.4%) were recorded (65 HF readmissions and 39 all-cause deaths). Univariate Cox analysis identified as significant predictors of outcome were age (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.044), creatinine (p = 0.001, HR = 1.411), and BNP (p < 0.001, HR = 1.010). Multivariate Cox regression confirmed that BNP (p < 0.001, HR = 1.009), creatinine (p = 0.016, HR = 1.247), and age (p = 0.013, HR = 1.027) were independent predictors of events in HF patients with BNP values <250 pg/mL at discharge. Patients with BNP values >100 pg/mL and creatinine >1.0 mg/dL showed increased events rates (from 4.3% to 19.0%) as compared to those with lower values (p < 0.000, HR = 4.014). Conclusions. Low pre-discharge BNP levels were associated with low rates of cardiovascular events in HF patients, independently of the frequency of follow-up.
Microcirculation in Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome—The Prospective CIRCUS-TTS Study
Authors: Möller Christian , Stiermaier Thomas , Meusel Moritz , Jung Christian , Graf Tobias , Eitel Ingo
Published: May 2021

The pathophysiology of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is incompletely understood. A sympathetic overdrive with coronary microvascular dysfunction might play a central role. The aim of our study was to assess the status of the systemic microcirculation (MC) of patients with TTS, compared to patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and healthy subjects. The systemic microvascular function of 22 TTS patients, 20 patients with MI and 20 healthy subjects was assessed via sublingual sidestream dark-field imaging. In TTS and MI patients, measurements were performed during the acute phase (day 1, 3 and 5) and after 3 months. The measurement in healthy subjects was performed once. The assessed parameters were number of vessel crossings, number of perfused vessel crossings, proportion of perfused vessels, total vessel density and perfused vessel density. The results did not show relevant differences between the investigated groups. Some minor, albeit statistically significant, differences occurred rather randomly. The MC parameters of the TTS group did not show any relevant changes in the temporal course. A systemic microvascular dysfunction could not be identified as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of TTS. A possible microvascular dysfunction might instead be caused by a local effect restricted to the coronary microvascular bed.
Fellow-Eye Comparison between Phaco-Microhook Ab-Interno Trabeculotomy and Phaco-iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent
Authors: Takayanagi Yuji , Ichioka Sho , Ishida Akiko , Tsutsui Aika , Tanito Masaki
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to compare the surgical efficacy and safety between microhook ab-interno trabeculotomy (µLOT) and iStent trabecular micro-bypass stent implantation when both were combined with cataract surgery in both eyes of patients. Sixty-four glaucomatous eyes (32 participants; mean age, 75.9 ± 7.6 years; 15 men, 17 women) were included retrospectively. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber flare (ACF) and corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) were evaluated preoperatively, as well as 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Surgical complications and interventions were compared between the procedures. The preoperative IOP and medications with µLOT (18.8 ± 5.7 mmHg and 3.0 ± 1.2, respectively) were higher than with the iStent (15.5 ± 3.4 mmHg and 2.7 ± 1.2, respectively) (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0437, respectively). At 12 months, the µLOT values (12.6 ± 2.3 mmHg and 2.3 ± 0.9, respectively) were identical to iStent (12.8 ± 2.5 mmHg and 2.3 ± 0.9, respectively) (p = 0.0934 and p = 0.3251, respectively). At 12 months, the IOP decreased more with µLOT (6.2 mmHg, 29.5%) than iStent (2.7 mmHg, 15.6%) (p = 0.0003). The decrease in medications was greater with µLOT (0.7) than iStent (0.4) (p = 0.0437). Survival rate of IOP control ≤15 mmHg and IOP reduction ≥20% was significantly higher after µLOT (40.6% at 12 months) than iStent (18.8%) (p = 0.0277). The frequency of layered hyphema was significantly greater with µLOT (8 eyes, 25%) than iStent (0 eyes, 0%) (p = 0.0048). The increase in the ACF at 2 weeks postoperatively was significantly greater with µLOT than iStent (p = 0.0156), while changes in the BCVA and CECD were identical between groups. The fellow-eye comparison showed that the IOP reduction was greater with µLOT than iStent when combined with cataract surgery.
A Nonlinear Backstepping Controller Design for High-Precision Tracking Applications with Input-Delay Gimbal Systems
Authors: Park Hwan-Cheol , Chakir Soumayya , Kim Young-Bok , Huynh Thinh
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a novel nonlinear control approach for a two-axis gimbal to achieve accurate real-time tracking performance in maritime surveillance applications. For this objective, the control system must overcome system complexities and limitations, including nonlinear dynamics, coupled Euler angle-based measurements, and delay time constraints. The nonlinear backstepping controller was designed, taking into consideration the nonlinearities and system couplings to preserve the system stability. Then, an extra backstep was incorporated to minimize the control errors due to the delay time. The proposed control scheme enhances the tracking performances and expands the system’s bandwidth, which is validated in the simulations and experimental studies in comparison with a super-twisting sliding mode controller introduced in a previous study.
Colombian Essential Oil of Ruta graveolens against Nosocomial Antifungal Resistant Candida Strains
Authors: Donadu Matthew Gavino , Peralta-Ruiz Yeimmy , Usai Donatella , Maggio Francesca , Molina-Hernandez Junior Bernando , Rizzo Davide , Bussu Francesco , Rubino Salvatore , Zanetti Stefania , Paparella Antonello , Chaves-Lopez Clemencia
Published: May 2021

Drug resistance in antifungal therapy, a problem unknown until a few years ago, is increasingly assuming importance especially in immunosuppressed patients and patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the past years, the use of essential oils as an approach to improve the effectiveness of antifungal agents and to reduce antifungal resistance levels has been proposed. Our research aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of Colombian rue, Ruta graveolens, essential oil (REO) against clinical strains of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilopsis, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. Data obtained showed that C. tropicalis and C. albicans were the most sensitive strains showing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 4.1 and 8.2 µg/mL of REO. Time–kill kinetics assay demonstrated that REO showed a fungicidal effect against C. tropicalis and a fungistatic effect against C. albicans. In addition, an amount of 40% of the biofilm formed by C. albicans was eradicated using 8.2 µg/mL of REO after 1 h of exposure. The synergistic effect of REO together with some antifungal compounds was also investigated. Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) showed synergic effects of REO combined with amphotericin B. REO Lead a disruption in the cellular membrane integrity, consequently resulting in increased intracellular leakage of the macromolecules, thus confirming that the plasma membrane is a target of the mode of action of REO against C. albicans and C. tropicalis.
Quantifying the Relative Contribution of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activities on Runoff Variations in the Central Part of Tajikistan in Central Asia
Authors: Gulahmadov Nekruz , Chen Yaning , Gulakhmadov Aminjon , Rakhimova Moldir , Gulakhmadov Manuchekhr
Published: May 2021

Quantifying the relative contribution of climate change and anthropogenic activities to runoff alterations are essential for the sustainable management of water resources in Central Asian countries. In the Kofarnihon River Basin (KRB) in Central Asia, both changing climate conditions and anthropogenic activities are known to have caused changes to the hydrological cycle. Therefore, quantifying the net influence of anthropogenic contribution to the runoff changes is a challenge. This study applied the original and modified Mann–Kendall trend test, including the Sen’s slope test, Pettitt’s test, double cumulative curve, and elasticity methods. These methods were applied to determine the historical trends, magnitude changes and change points of the temperature, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and runoff from 1950 to 2016. In addition, the contributions of climate change and anthropogenic activities to runoff changes in the KRB were evaluated. The trend analysis showed a significant increasing trend in annual temperature and potential evapotranspiration, while the annual precipitation trend showed an insignificant decreasing trend during the 1950–2016 time period. The change point in runoff occurred in 1986 in the upstream region and 1991 in the downstream region. Further, the time series (1950–2016) is separated into the prior impacted period (1950–1986 and 1950–1991) and post impacted period (1987–2016 and 1992–2016) for the upstream and downstream regions, respectively. During the post impacted period, climate change and anthropogenic activities contributed to 87.96% and 12.04% in the upstream region and 7.53% and 92.47% in the downstream region of the KRB. The results showed that in runoff changes, the anthropogenic activities played a dominant role in the downstream (97.78%) and the climate change impacts played a dominant factor in the upstream region (87.96%). In the land-use type changes, the dominant role was played by construction land, which showed that the area from 248.63 km2 in 1990 increased to 685.45 km2 (175.69%) in 2015. These findings suggest that it is essential to adopt effective steps for the sustainable development of the ecological, hydrological, and social order in the KRB in Central Asia.
Adult New Speakers of Welsh: Accent, Pronunciation and Language Experience in South Wales
Authors: Williams Meinir , Cooper Sarah
Published: May 2021

This study examines the experiences of adult new speakers of Welsh in Wales, UK with learning pronunciation in Welsh. Questionnaire data were collected from 115 adult L2 speakers with English as an L1 located in South Wales. We investigated self-reported perceptions of accent and pronunciation as well as exploring which speech sounds were reported to be challenging for the participants. We also asked participants how traditional native speakers responded to them in the community. Perceptions of own accent and pronunciation were not rated highly for the participants. We found that speaker origin affected responses to perceptions of accent and pronunciation, as well as speaker learning level. In terms of speech sounds that are challenging, the results show that vowel length as well as the consonants absent in the L1 (English) were the most common issues reported. A range of responses from traditional native speakers were reported, including speaking more slowly, switching to English, correcting pronunciation or not responding at all. It is suggested that these results indicate that adult new speakers of Welsh face challenges with accent and pronunciation, and we discuss the implications of this for language teaching and for integration into the community.
A Novel, Easy Assay Method for Human Cysteine Sulfinic Acid Decarboxylase
Authors: Tramonti Angela , Contestabile Roberto , Florio Rita , Nardella Caterina , Barile Anna , Di Salvo Martino L.
Published: May 2021

Cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase catalyzes the last step of taurine biosynthesis in mammals, and belongs to the fold type I superfamily of pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes. Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is the most abundant free amino acid in animal tissues; it is highly present in liver, kidney, muscle, and brain, and plays numerous biological and physiological roles. Despite the importance of taurine in human health, human cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase has been poorly characterized at the biochemical level, although its three-dimensional structure has been solved. In the present work, we have recombinantly expressed and purified human cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase, and applied a simple spectroscopic direct method based on circular dichroism to measure its enzymatic activity. This method gives a significant advantage in terms of simplicity and reduction of execution time with respect to previously used assays, and will facilitate future studies on the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme. We determined the kinetic constants using L-cysteine sulfinic acid as substrate, and also showed that human cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase is capable to catalyze the decarboxylation—besides its natural substrates L-cysteine sulfinic acid and L-cysteic acid—of L-aspartate and L-glutamate, although with much lower efficiency.
Nutritional Characteristics, Sites of Origin, and Cost of Foods Consumed during School Hours and Their Relationship to Nutritional Status of Schoolchildren in Mexico City
Authors: Martínez-Andrade Gloria , González-Unzaga Marco , Romero-Quechol Guillermina , Mendoza Eugenia , Vilchis-Gil Jenny , Duque Ximena
Published: May 2021

Access, nutritional characteristics, preferences, and cost can affect food intake at school. A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the nutritional characteristics, sites of origin, and cost of foods consumed during school hours. Three hundred and sixty-nine children from five public elementary schools in Mexico City participated. The children gave information about the foods that they consumed five days out of the week during school hours, including the place of acquisition, cost of the food, and portion size. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight of the children were taken. Caloric consumption and percentage of recommended daily energy intake from food during school hours was determined. Children were 10.9 ± 0.9 years old; 55.6% were girls, 26% were overweight, 23% were obese, and 3.3% were of low height for age. The average calorie intake was 515 kilocalories (kcal) (boys, 535 kcal; girls, 476 kcal, p = 0.051); calorie intake was higher when school meal intakes included foods from home, school, and outside of school. No significant differences were found in calorie intake by children’s nutritional status. The cost in Mexican pesos per 100 kcal consumed showed differences according to the nutritional status of the children; it was 4.0 Mexican pesos for children with normal weight and 4.2 and 3.8 pesos in children who were overweight or obese, respectively. The information obtained in this study should be used to provide nutritional guidance. The food portion size intake during school hours should be reduced, and the food should come from one or at most two sites, because each extra food represents an increase in the total kilocalorie intake.
Sugar Intake: Are All Children Made of Sugar?
Authors: Diani Lucia , Forchielli Maria Luisa
Published: May 2021

Introduction: A healthy diet is characterized by a variety of food and a balanced energy intake, which should accompany every human being since early childhood. Unfortunately, excessive consumption of protein, fat, and lately sugar are very common in developed countries. Sugar intakes are not easily quantifiable and comparable among subjects. Therefore, we decide to analyze dietary patterns in children of different ages and diets (with and without gluten) using a food and nutrient database and a new application called the “Zuccherometro”. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive observational study conducted among children that are recruited consecutively either during a pediatric evaluation or through a school survey. Sociodemographic, nutritional and anthropometric data, degree of physical activity, and presence of medical conditions are collected. Dietary intake data are obtained by a 24 h recall diet. Results: The study analyzes 400 children: 213 girls and 187 boys. The majority of children (70.7%) are in normal weight range with similar extreme values (6.5% obese and 6.7% underweight). Celiac disease is diagnosed in 186 children. Caloric intakes are in line with the recommendations in all age-distributed groups with the exception of adolescents (11–17 years old), whose caloric intake is lower than recommendations. Protein intakes, on the contrary, are always exceeding recommendations and are significantly elevated in preschool children, (more than three times the population reference intakes). As for sugar intakes, all the children except the 11–17 years adolescents exceed the recommended cut off of 15% of daily calories. The same trend is obtained using the “Zuccherometro” that shows different percentages of age-stratified children exceeding the reference values: 1–3 years, 59% of children; 4–6 years, 68%; 7–10 years, 39.8%; 11–14 years, 25.5%; 15–17 years, 24.5%. The sugar load consists of both natural or added sugars (fructose and lactose) in food or beverages. Sugar intakes are more generously consumed by all age-stratified controls than by celiac children with the exception of the youngest ones (1–3 years old) and male adolescents. Conclusion: Since high sugar intakes are constantly accompanying children during their growth, important dietary education and coordination between families and institutions are mandatory.
A Novel Multiaxial Strain-Based Criterion Considering Additional Cyclic Hardening
Authors: Vantadori Sabrina
Published: May 2021

The present paper is dedicated to the theoretical evaluation of a loading feature, that may have a significant influence on fatigue phenomenon: non-proportionality. As a matter of fact, considerable interactions between dislocations, leading to the formation of dislocation cells, cause additional cyclic hardening of material. Such a phenomenon is experimentally observed for materials sensitive to non-proportionality. In such a context, the present paper is aimed to propose a novel multiaxial strain-based criterion, the refined equivalent deformation (RED) criterion, which allows to take into account, in fatigue life estimation, both strain amplitude and additional cyclic hardening. The accuracy of the novel criterion is evaluated by considering experimental tests, performed on Ti-6Al-4V specimens, subjected to multiaxial LCF loading.
Foundation Piles—A New Feature for Concrete 3D Printers
Authors: Hoffmann Marcin , Żarkiewicz Krzysztof , Zieliński Adam , Skibicki Szymon , Marchewka Łukasz
Published: May 2021

Foundation piles that are made by concrete 3D printers constitute a new alternative way of founding buildings constructed using incremental technology. We are currently observing very rapid development of incremental technology for the construction industry. The systems that are used for 3D printing with the application of construction materials make it possible to form permanent formwork for strip foundations, construct load-bearing walls and partition walls, and prefabricate elements, such as stairs, lintels, and ceilings. 3D printing systems do not offer soil reinforcement by making piles. The paper presents the possibility of making concrete foundation piles in laboratory conditions using a concrete 3D printer. The paper shows the tools and procedure for pile pumping. An experiment for measuring pile bearing capacity is described and an example of a pile deployment model under a foundation is described. The results of the tests and analytical calculations have shown that the displacement piles demonstrate less settlement when compared to the analysed shallow foundation. The authors indicate that it is possible to replace the shallow foundation with a series of piles combined with a printed wall without locally widening it. This type of foundation can be used for the foundation of low-rise buildings, such as detached houses. Estimated calculations have shown that the possibility of making foundation piles by a 3D printer will reduce the cost of making foundations by shortening the time of execution of works and reducing the consumption of construction materials.
Molecular Dynamics Investigation of the Deformation Mechanism of Gold with Variations in Mold Profiles during Nanoimprinting
Authors: Gaikwad Abhaysinh , Desai Salil
Published: May 2021

Understanding the deformation behavior during nanoimprint lithography is crucial for high resolution patterning. Molecular dynamics modeling was implemented to investigate the effect of different mold profiles (cylindrical, rectangular, and spherical) on the von Mises stress, lattice dislocations, and material deformation. Relatively higher von Mises stress (1.08 × 107 Pa) was observed for the spherical mold profile compared to the rectangular and cylindrical profiles due to the larger surface area of contact during the mold penetration stage of NIL. Substantial increases in the von Mises stress were observed for all the mold geometries during the mold penetration stage. The von Mises stresses had a reduction in the relaxation and mold retrieval stages based on the rearrangement of the gold atoms. The lattice dislocation during the deformation process revealed the formation of the BCC structure which further reverted to the FCC structure after the mold retrieval. The polyhedral template matching (PTM) method was used to explain the retention of the FCC structure and subsequent ductile behavior of the substrate. The cylindrical mold had the lowest percentage spring back in both of the orthogonal directions and thus replicated the mold profile with high-fidelity as compared to the spherical and rectangular molds. The findings of this research can aid the design of molds for several applications.
Effects of Yttrium Addition on the Microstructure Evolution and Electrochemical Corrosion of SN-9Zn Lead-Free Solders Alloy
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Mao Jun , Ma Yueyuan , Yu Shuyuan , He Hongping , Qi Da , Zhan Yongzhong
Published: May 2021

Electrochemical corrosion behavior of ternary tin-zinc-yttrium (Sn-9Zn-xY) solder alloys were investigated in aerated 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization techniques, and the microstructure evolution was obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Eight different compositions of Sn-9Zn-xY (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 wt.%) were compared by melting. The experimental results show that when the content of Y reached 0.06 wt.%, the grain size of Zn-rich phase became the smallest and the effect of grain refinement was the best, but there was no significant effect on the melting point. With the increases of Y content, the spreading ratio first increased and then decreased. When the content of Y was 0.06 wt.%, the Sn-9Zn-0.06Y solder alloy had the best wettability on the Cu substrate, which was increased by approximately 20% compared with Sn-9Zn. Besides, the electrochemical corrosion experimental shows that the Y can improve the corrosion resistance of Sn-9Zn system in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, and the corrosion resistance of the alloy is better when the amount of Y added is larger within 0.02–0.30 wt.%. Overall considering all performances, the optimal performance can be obtained when the addition amount of Y is 0.06.