bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Marine Debris and Plastic Polymer Types Along the Panvel Creek, Navi Mumbai, West Coast of India
Authors: S Naik Mayur , P Supnekar Santosh , R Pawar Prabhakar
Published: September 2021

Marine debris was collected monthly from substations along Panvel creek from May 2020 to April 2021
and was analyzed for types of non-plastic debris and plastic debris. Plastic debris was assessed for % composition
of a type of plastic, plastic polymer and further categorized according to plastic code, acronym, full name and
common examples. Non-plastic debris of 8 types representing 38 items were recorded. Consumer and
manufactured items like glass and plastic bottles, cans, bags, rubber, metal, fiberglass, cigarettes, fishing gears etc.
were observed. 8 types of polymers representing 65 items were recorded along Panvel creek. Plastic polymers like
Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE/PET), High density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Low density
polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PE), Polystyrene (PS), Polyamide/Nylon, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(ABS) and Polyurethane (PU) were recorded. 13 items belongs to Plastic code 2:HDPE, 12 to 3:PVC, 11 to 5:PP, 9 to
6:PS, 8 to 4:LDPE, 6 to 1:PETE/PET and 3 each to 7:PA and Other and 8:PU, respectively, were documented.
Maximum % composition (20.00%) of HDPE, and minimum (4.61%) of PA and Other and PU, respectively was
recorded. Higher content of debris recorded is attributed to the disposal of domestic wastes intentionally or unintentionally into the creek and also for disposal of scrap materials from the fishing crafts. Higher HDPE content is
attributed to the wastes released from the fishing vessels and also to the domestic and municipal wastes. At present
the Panvel creek is moderately polluted and 3R i.e. reduce, reuse and recycling is the current solution to the overuse
of plastics.
Antibacterial Effect of Vernonia anthelmentica (Kattu Seeragam) on Bovine Mastitis
Authors: G Sandhiya , Fauzia Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Bovine mastitis is the common disease of mammary glands of dairy cows, caused by pathogenic bacteria,
such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococccus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus etc. The
disease severely impacts the quality of milk and associated milk products. Three different bacterial species
Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Klebsiella were isolated, identified and later treated with the seed extract of Vernonia
anthelmentica. Well diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial effect of ethanol seed extract of Vernonia
anthelmentica. Results showed that Vernonia anthelmentica was most effective against Staphylococcus compared to
other two bacterial species. Phytochemical analysis of Vernonia anthelmentica revealed the presence of tannins,
saponins, terpenoids etc. Present study suggests that seeds of Vernonia anthelmentica can be an effective
antibacterial against bovine mastitis, which might be due to thepresence of tannins, and terpenoids in the extract.
A New Species of Sympiesis Förster, 1856 (Hymenoptera: Eulophinae) Parasitizing Lepidopteran Pest Feeding on Dioscorea bulbifera in Almora, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Puja Pant , Sandeep Kumar
Published: September 2021

In the present study, a new species of eulophid parasitoid i.e. Sympiesis almorensis (Hymenoptera:
Eulophidae: Eulophinae) is described which was parasitizing to a larval host, most probably larval stage of a
Lepidopteran insect.
Dukungan Keluarga dan Petugas Kesehatan Berhubungan dengan Pemberian ASI Eksklusif
Authors: Eksadela Monika , Syukri Muhammad , Fitri Adelina
Published: September 2021

Background: The coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in Hiang Health Center Working Area in 2019 was 49.1%. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between family and health worker support with exclusive breastfeeding at the Hiang Health Center, Kerinci Regency Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 165 people. Samples were taken using proportional random sampling technique. The samples taken were mothers who had children aged 6-23 months with the mother's condition physically healthy, able to read, write and speak Indonesian, did not suffer from serious diseases that harm the baby when breastfeeding, such as HIV, Active TB, and Hepatitis. Data collection was carried out from April to May 2021 with the interview method using a structured questionnaire. Data processing was carried out univariate and bivariate using chi-square test. Results: The proportion of children who did not get exclusive breastfeeding was 45.5%. Bivariate analysis showed that family support (p=0.004 OR= 1.68 95%CI 1.2-2.3), and support from health workers (p=0.000 OR=2.42 95% CI 1.73 - 3.37) were associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: Family and the health workers support were associated with exclusive breastfeeding.
Hubungan Karakteristik Balita dan Kebiasaan Merokok Anggota Keluarga di Rumah dengan Kejadian ISPA
Authors: Manalu Gumanti , Nurmaini  , Gerry Silaban
Published: September 2021

Penyakit Infeksi saluran pernapasan akut berada diurutan pertama dari sepuluh penyakit terbanyak di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Terjun, dimana balita merupakan penderita ISPA terbanyak yang mendapat pelayanan kesehatan. Tujuan penelitian untuk menganalisis hubungan karakteristik balita (umur, status ASI serta status Immunisasi) dan kebiasaan merokok angota keluarga di rumah dengan kejadian ISPA pada balita. Jenis penelitian observasional analitik dengan desain Cross Sectional. Besar sampel 100 anak balita yang berumur < 5 tahun, distribusi sampel secara proposional, cara pengambilan data purposive sampling. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah uji che square. Hasil penelitian yaitu kelompok umur balita ≥ 12 Bulan (12 – 59 bulan) sebesar 78%, Mendapat ASI sebesar 71%, status imunisasi tidak lengkap sebesar 59%, terdapat Kebiasaan Merokok Anggota Keluarga di rumah sebesar 51%, dan ISPA sebesar 34%. Uji Chi-square menunjukkan faktor yang berhubungan signifikan terhadap kejadian ISPA yaitu umur balita p value= 0,041 dengan PR=2,329 (95% CI = 1,122 – 4,834) dan kebiasaan merokok anggota keluarga di rumah p value=0,029, dengan PR = 1,595 (95% CI = 1,107-2,296). Kesimpulan yaitu ada hubungan signifikan antara umur balita dan kebiasaan merokok anggota keluarga di rumah dengan kejadian ISPA pada balita di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Terjun
Komposisi Nilai Gizi Pempek Ikan Tenggiri (Scomberomorus Commersonii) Dengan Penambahan Wortel (Daucus Carota)
Authors: Saputri Nur Endah , Hidayah Nurul , Muttalib Yuges Saputri
Published: September 2021

Asupan serat pangan pada anak-anak di Indonesia cukup rendah. Modifikasi kudapan atau makanan sepinggan dengan penambahan sayur dapat menjadi salah satu upaya peningkatan asupan serat pangan. Penelitian ini mengkaji karakteristik nilai gizi serta penerimaan sensori pempek ikan tenggiri dengan penambahan wortel. Studi eksperimental dengan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Terdapat empat formulasi pempek, yaitu F1 (0% wortel), F2 (20% wortel), F3 (40% wortel), dan F4 (60% wortel). Penambahan 40% wortel mampu meningkatkan nilai penerimaan sensori terbaik pada warna (6,7±1,7), aroma (5,8±2,4), tekstur (6,7±1,7), dan rasa (6,8±1,6). Kemudian, komposisi nilai gizi pempek dengan penambahan 40% wortel yaitu air (66,52±0,57%), abu (1,77±0,05%), lemak (<0,02%), protein (7,43±0,01%), karbohidrat (24,25±0,63%), dan serat pangan (2,42±0,01%). Penambahan wortel dapat meningkatkan penerimaan sensori serta kadar air dan serat pangan.
Presbifagia: Una Mirada a los Procesos de Alimentación y Deglución en los Adultos Mayores
Authors: Ambiado Lillo Manuel matias , Borjas Galvis Jennifer , Borjas Galvis Jennifer
Published: September 2021

El proceso de envejecimiento, al igual que en todo el organismo, genera una serie de cambios en las estructuras estomatognáticas, y estos cambios morfológicos, característicos en el mecanismo de la deglución en sujetos sanos de edad avanzada caracterizan a la Presbifagia. Una interesante discusión se genera en torno a la presbifagia y los parámetros de seguridad, efectividad, competencia y confortabilidad, dado que los cambios neurológicos-estructurales son frecuentes en la tercera edad, los cuales acarrean diversas consecuencias, desde grados leves a severos, que impactan de forma diferenciada en los indicadores que habitualmente se describen en la clínica. Sin embargo, la conceptualización utilizada no es clara al realizar una distinción entre un estado transicional o de afección. Por este motivo, se analiza si existen factores claves que permitan dilucidar la concepción contemporánea para crear un lenguaje unificado en pro de dirigir las acciones fonoaudiológicas hacia las áreas de promoción de la salud de la función deglutoria y prevención de la disfagia esta población.
PhP.B Enhanced Adeno-Associated Virus Mediated-Expression Following Systemic Delivery or Direct Brain Administration
Authors: Pietersz Kimberly L. , Plessis Francois Du , Pouw Stephan M. , Liefhebber Jolanda M. , van Deventer Sander J. , Martens Gerard J. M. , Konstantinova Pavlina S. , Blits Bas
Published: September 2021

Graphical Abstract

Comparison of AAV5 vs. AAV9-PhP.B delivered intravenous or intrastriatal. Irrespective of the two delivery methods, similar transduction in the cortex and striatum is achieved with AAV9-PhP.B. In contrast, AAV5—when injected directly into the striatum—obtains high transduction levels in the cortex and striatum.
Atypical Antipsychotic Lumateperone Effects on the Adrenal Gland With Possible Beneficial Effect of Quercetin Co-administration
Authors: El-Haroun Hala , Ewida Suzy Fayez , Mohamed Wael M. Y. , Bashandy Manar Ali
Published: September 2021

Schizophrenia remains one of the most chronic and highly disabling mental disorders. Lumateperone is a recent FDA-approved atypical antipsychotic drug for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the internal FDA pathologist raised concerns regarding pigment deposition associated with degeneration in different tissue in animal studies with lumateperone treatment. The adrenal gland may be implicated in lumateperone side effects, and quercetin may have the ability to fulfill this treatment gap. To prove this hypothesis, 40 male guinea pigs were used and divided into four groups; control, quercetin-treated, lumateperone-treated, and quercetin/lumateperone cotreated orally for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral forced swim (FST) and open field (OF) tests were done at the end of treatment. Retro-orbital blood samples were taken to assess hormones: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHEA), and aldosterone, along with an assessment of oxidative stress parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Adrenal glands were extracted for histopathological assessment with H&E, Mallory trichome staining, immunostaining, and electron microscopy studies. Lumateperone-treated group showed a significant reduction in the activity in FST and OF with histopathological deterioration in adrenal secretory function and structure and increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), CASPASE-3, collagen deposition, and decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Cytoplasmic vacuolation, pyknosis of the nuclei, increase in the lysosome, lipofuscin pigment, and cellular infiltration with diminishing in the number of secretory granules could all be observed in lumateperone-treated group. Coadministration of quercetin and lumateperone showed improvement of the previously deteriorated parameters. Quercetin had a prophylactic effect against lumateperone depressive-like effect on animal behavior and its possible adrenal damage.

Graphical Abstract

Conceptual framework for the proposed mechanism of action of coadministration of quercetin and lumateperone.
Mental Health and Wellbeing of 9–12-year-old Children in Northern Canada Before the COVID-19 Pandemic and After the First Lockdown
Authors: Dabravolskaj Julia , Khan Mohammed K. A. , Veugelers Paul J. , Maximova Katerina
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Children’s mental health and wellbeing declined during the first COVID-19 lockdown (Spring 2020), particularly among those from disadvantaged settings. We compared mental health and wellbeing of school-aged children observed pre-pandemic in 2018 and after the first lockdown was lifted and schools reopened in Fall 2020.

Methods: In 2018, we surveyed 476 grade 4–6 students (9–12 years old) from 11 schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in Northern Canada that participate in a school-based health promotion program targeting healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental wellbeing. In November-December 2020, we surveyed 467 grade 4–6 students in the same schools. The 12 questions in the mental health and wellbeing domain were grouped based on correlation and examined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: There were no notable changes pre-pandemic vs. post-lockdown in responses to each of the 12 questions or any of the sub-groupings.

Conclusion: Supporting schools to implement health promotion programs may help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on children’s mental health and wellbeing. The findings align with recent calls for schools to remain open as long as possible during the pandemic response.
The Role of Gender and Institutional Dynamics in Adapting Seed Systems to Climate Change: Case Studies from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Authors: Marimo Pricilla , Otieno Gloria , Njuguna-Mungai Esther , Vernooy Ronnie , Halewood Michael , Fadda Carlo , Mulumba John Wasswa , Nyamongo Desterio Ondieki , Mollel Margaret
Published: September 2021

We explore how seed systems enhance access to seeds, and information for climate-change adaptation in farming communities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as how gender-driven roles and institutional dynamics influence the process. Men and women farmers equally experience climate-change related effects, including drought, short rainy seasons and increased pest and disease incidence. Our study relies on exploratory data analysis of 1001 households surveyed in four sites in 2016. Farmers surveyed preferred early-maturing, heat-tolerant, high-yielding, and pest- and disease-resistant varieties, all important climate-adaptive traits. Seed systems of the focus crops studied are largely informal—overall, 68% women and 62% men use their own seed, indicating women’s higher reliance on ‘informal’ seed and information sources. Only 21% of respondents reported interacting with seed experts who are affiliated with formal organizations. Both formal and informal organizations play a key role in providing access to climate-adapted seed/information, with access for men and women varying across the countries studied. There is a need to support further development of those connections, building on existing social networks. We conclude that inclusive and gender-responsive context- and country-specific seed interventions will ensure equitable outcomes, increase women’s empowerment and strengthen both formal and informal seed systems for more effective climate-change adaptation.
Overview of the Role of Rhizobacteria in Plant Salt Stress Tolerance
Authors: Ayuso-Calles Miguel , Flores-Félix José David , Rivas Raúl
Published: September 2021

Salinity is one of the main causes of abiotic stress in plants, resulting in negative effects on crop growth and yield, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The effects of salinity on plant growth mainly generate osmotic stress, ion toxicity, nutrient deficiency, and oxidative stress. Traditional approaches for the development of salt-tolerant crops are expensive and time-consuming, as well as not always being easy to implement. Thus, the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) has been reported as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to enhance plant tolerance to salt stress. In this sense, this review aims to understand the mechanisms by which PGPB help plants to alleviate saline stress, including: (i) changes in the plant hormonal balance; (ii) release of extracellular compounds acting as chemical signals for the plant or enhancing soil conditions for plant development; (iii) regulation of the internal ionic content of the plant; or iv) aiding in the synthesis of osmoprotectant compounds (which reduce osmotic stress). The potential provided by PGPB is therefore an invaluable resource for improving plant tolerance to salinity, thereby facilitating an increase in global food production and unravelling prospects for sustainable agricultural productivity.
Genotype by Environment Interaction Effect on Grain Iron and Zinc Concentration of Indian and Mediterranean Lentil Genotypes
Authors: Gupta Soma , Das Shouvik , Dikshit Harsh Kumar , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Aski Muraleedhar S. , Bansal Ruchi , Tripathi Kuldeep , Bhowmik Arpan , Kumar Shiv
Published: September 2021

Lentil grains with high nutritional value qualify as a promising candidate for alleviation of micronutrient malnutrition in South Asia and North Africa. Genetic variation for micronutrient concentration in germplasm is prerequisite for biofortification of this crop. In the present study, ninety-six lentil genotypes consisting of Indian (released varieties, advanced breeding lines and germplasm lines) and Mediterranean (germplasm lines and landraces) lines were evaluated for grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations and the stability of these traits was studied across three different locations in India. The pooled analysis of variance revealed significant genotype, environment and genotype by environment interaction (GEI) mean squares for both the micronutrients. Stability analysis employing the AMMI model elucidated the first two interaction principal components as significant and cumulatively explained 100% of GEI variation. The first two components explained 55.9% and 44.1% of the GEI sum of squares for grain iron and 50.8% and 49.2% for grain zinc concentration, respectively. No correlation between grain iron and zinc concentration was observed. Among 96 lines, genotypes IG 49, P 16214, ILL 147 and P 2118 were found to be relatively stable, having higher mean iron and zinc concentrations with low modified AMMI stability value (MASV), modified AMMI stability index (MASI) and genotype selection index (GSI). The identified promising genotypes (high Fe: P 16214, IG 115, P 2127 and IC 560812 and high Zn: P 8115, P 3234, LL 461 and IC 560812) can be utilized for studying the genetics of grain Fe and Zn concentration by developing mapping populations and for biofortification of Indian lentil.
Supplementing Colostrum from Multiparous Sows: Effects on Performance and Health in Piglets from Gilts in Farm Conditions
Authors: Miguel Joaquin , Mitjana Olga , Tejedor María Teresa , Martínez Antonio , Falceto María Victoria
Published: September 2021

Gilts produce less colostrum with lower immunoglobulin G concentration than multiparous sows do. An extra dose of colostrum (30 mL) from multiparous sows was administered to piglets from gilts to ascertain its effects on performance and health in farm conditions, especially in the smallest piglets (birth weight < 1.100 kg; Q1). The control group (CON) consisted of 200 piglets from 18 gilts (50 smallest piglets) and 201 piglets from 16 gilts (52 smallest piglets) formed the supplemented group (SUP). Colostrum supplementation increased the homogeneity of weight (days 21 and 60) and average daily gain (ADG; days 0–10, 0–21, and 0–60) and a decreased use of antibiotics and mortality by diarrhoea (p < 0.05). SUP piglets showed better immune response (presence of antibodies, p = 0.033) against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (day 21), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS; day 60), and influenza (day 60). In the smallest piglets, colostrum supplementation had important effects on mean weight in the first day of life (p = 0.009) and ADG until day 21 (p < 0.05). The smallest piglets had decreased the use of antibiotic treatment use when supplemented (p < 0.05). Colostrum supplementation can improve piglets´ performance and health, although doing so requires increased time and labour in maternity.
Antibiotic Resistance Prevalence and Trends in Patients Infected with Helicobacter pylori in the Period 2013–2020: Results of the European Registry on H. pylori Management (Hp-EuReg)
Authors: Bujanda Luis , Nyssen Olga P. , Vaira Dino , Saracino Ilaria M. , Fiorini Giulia , Lerang Frode , Georgopoulos Sotirios , Tepes Bojan , Heluwaert Frederic , Gasbarrini Antonio , Rokkas Theodore , Bordin Dmitry , Smith Sinead , Lamy Vincent , Caldas María , Resina Elena , Muñoz Raquel , Cosme Ángel , Puig Ignasi , Megraud Francis , O’Morain Colm , Gisbert Javier P. ,   on behalf of the Hp-EuReg Investigators
Published: September 2021

Background: Bacterial antibiotic resistance changes over time depending on multiple factors; therefore, it is essential to monitor the susceptibility trends to reduce the resistance impact on the effectiveness of various treatments. Objective: To conduct a time-trend analysis of Helicobacter pylori resistance to antibiotics in Europe. Methods: The international prospective European Registry on Helicobacter pylori Management (Hp-EuReg) collected data on all infected adult patients diagnosed with culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing positive results that were registered at AEG-REDCap e-CRF until December 2020. Results: Overall, 41,562 patients were included in the Hp-EuReg. Culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed on gastric biopsies of 3974 (9.5%) patients, of whom 2852 (7%) were naive cases included for analysis. The number of positive cultures decreased by 35% from the period 2013–2016 to 2017–2020. Concerning naïve patients, no antibiotic resistance was found in 48% of the cases. The most frequent resistances were reported against metronidazole (30%), clarithromycin (25%), and levofloxacin (20%), whereas resistances to tetracycline and amoxicillin were below 1%. Dual and triple resistances were found in 13% and 6% of the cases, respectively. A decrease (p < 0.001) in the metronidazole resistance rate was observed between the 2013–2016 (33%) and 2017–2020 (24%) periods. Conclusion: Culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Helicobacter pylori are scarcely performed (<10%) in Europe. In naïve patients, Helicobacter pylori resistance to clarithromycin remained above 15% throughout the period 2013–2020 and resistance to levofloxacin, as well as dual or triple resistances, were high. A progressive decrease in metronidazole resistance was observed.
Bilirubin Links HO-1 and UGT1A1*28 Gene Polymorphisms to Predict Cardiovascular Outcome in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Ho Yang , Chen Tzen-Wen , Huang Tung-Po , Chen Ying-Hwa , Tarng Der-Cherng
Published: September 2021

Serum bilirubin levels, which are determined by a complex interplay of various enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and uridine diphosphate–glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1), may be protective against progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis patients. However, the combined effect of HO-1 and UGT1A1*28 gene polymorphisms on CVD outcomes among hemodialysis patients is still unknown. This retrospective study enrolled 1080 prevalent hemodialysis patients and the combined genetic polymorphisms of HO-1 and UGT1A1 on serum bilirubin were analyzed. Endpoints were CVD events and all-cause mortality. Mean serum bilirubin was highest in patients with S/S + S/L of the HO-1 promoter and UGT1A1 7/7 genotypes (Group 1), intermediate in those with S/S + S/L of the HO-1 promoter and UGT1A1 7/6 + 6/6 genotypes (Group 2), and lowest in the carriers with the L/L HO-1 promoter and UGT1A1 7/6 + 6/6 genotypes (Group 3) (p < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 50 months, 433 patients developed CVD. Compared with patients in Group 3, individuals among Groups 1 and 2 had significantly lower risks for CVD events (adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of 0.35 for Group 1 and 0.63 for Group 2), respectively. Compared with the lower bilirubin tertile, the aHRs were 0.72 for the middle tertile and 0.40 for the upper tertile for CVD events. We summarized that serum bilirubin as well as HO-1 and UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms were associated with CVD among patients receiving chronic hemodialysis.
Soil-Cement Mixtures Reinforced with Fibers: A Data-Driven Approach for Mechanical Properties Prediction
Authors: Tinoco Joaquim , Correia António Alberto S. , Venda Oliveira Paulo J.
Published: September 2021

The reinforcement of stabilized soils with fibers arises as an interesting technique to overcome the two main limitations of the stabilized soils: the weak tensile/flexural strength and the higher brittleness of the behavior. These types of mixtures require extensive laboratory characterization since they entail the study of a great number of parameters, which consumes time and resources. Thus, this work presents an alternative approach to predict the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and the tensile strength of soil-binder-water mixtures reinforced with short fibers, following a Machine Learning (ML) approach. Four ML algorithms (Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest and Multiple Regression) are explored for mechanical prediction of reinforced soil-binder-water mixtures with fibers. The proposed models are supported on representative databases with approximately 100 records for each type of test (UCS and splitting tensile strength tests) and on the consideration of sixteen properties of the composite material (soil, fibers and binder). The predictive models provide an accurate estimation (R2 higher than 0.95 for Artificial Neuronal Networks algorithm) of the compressive and the tensile strength of the soil-water-binder-fiber mixtures. Additionally, the results of the proposed models are in line with the main experimental findings, i.e., the great effect of the binder content in compressive and tensile strength, and the significant effect of the type and the fiber properties in the assessment of the tensile strength.
Improvement of the Zienkiewicz–Zhu Error Recovery Technique Using a Patch Configuration
Authors: Ahmed Mohd. , Singh Devinder , AlQadhi Saeed , Alrefae Majed A.
Published: September 2021

The Zienkiewicz–Zhu (ZZ) super-convergent patch recovery technique based on a node neighborhood patch configuration is used most widely for recovery of the stress field of a finite element analysis. In this study, an improved ZZ recovery technique using element neighborhood patch configuration is proposed. The improved recovery procedure is based on recovery of the stress field in the least-squares sense over an element patch that consists of the union of the elements surrounding the element under consideration. The proposed patch configuration provides more sampling points and improves the performance of the standard ZZ recovery technique. The effectiveness and reliability of the improved ZZ recovery approach is demonstrated through plane elastic and plastic plate problems. The problem domain is discretized with triangular and quadrilateral elements of different sizes. A comparison of the quality of error estimation using the ZZ recovery of derivative field and recovery of the displacement field using similar element neighborhood patch configurations is also presented. The numerical results show that the ZZ recovery technique and the displacement recovery technique, using a modified patch configuration, yield better results, convergence rate, and effectivity as compared with the standard ZZ super-convergent patch recovery technique. It is concluded that the improved ZZ recovery technique-based adaptive finite element analysis is very effective for converging a predefined accuracy with a significantly smaller number of degrees of freedom, especially in an elastic problem. It is also concluded that the improved ZZ recovery technique captures the plastic deformation problem solution errors more reliably than the standard ZZ recovery technique.
Modeling of Vessel Traffic Flow for Waterway Design–Port of Świnoujście Case Study
Authors: Nowy Agnieszka , Łazuga Kinga , Gucma Lucjan , Androjna Andrej , Perkovič Marko , Srše Jure
Published: September 2021

The paper presents an analysis of ship traffic using the port of Świnoujście and the problems associated with modelling vessel traffic flows. Navigation patterns were studied using the Automatic Identification System (AIS); an analysis of vessel traffic was performed with statistical methods using historical data; and the paper presents probabilistic models of the spatial distribution of vessel traffic and its parameters. The factors that influence the spatial distribution were considered to be the types of vessels, dimensions, and distances to hazards. The results show a correlation between the standard deviation of the traffic flow, the vessel sizes, and the distance to the hazard. These can be used in practice to determine the safety of navigation and the design of non-existing waterways and to create a general model of vessel traffic flow. The creation of the practical applications is intended to improve navigation efficiency, safety, and risk analysis in any particular area.
Colors Inspired by Nature Analyzed in Two Residential Buildings Designed by Victor Horta
Authors: Widera Barbara
Published: September 2021

The aim of the article is to present the results of research on colors carried out in two residential buildings in Brussels, designed by Victor Horta: The Tassel House (1893–1894) and The Horta House (1898–1901), representing the Art Nouveau style for which the main source of inspiration was nature. The purpose of the research was to check whether the selection of colors in the buildings was also inspired by nature. The investigation applied methods of archive studies, literature review, field survey and comparative analysis of 251 color samples taken in the interiors and façades of the two houses, compared to the 307 color samples collected in the natural environment within the radius of 700 m from the two locations. The samples were described using the Natural Colour System® chart. The research results revealed that the value of the color-matching indicator for the comparison of the color samples collected in the two examined buildings and the samples of predominant colors observed in the natural environment was determined at the average level of 92.5%. The conclusions from the study confirmed the significance of drawing inspiration from nature in the field of colors selection in the two analyzed buildings designed by Victor Horta.
Study of a Gas Disturbance Mode Content Based on the Measurement of Atmospheric Parameters at the Heights of the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere
Authors: Leble Sergey , Vereshchagin Sergey , Bakhmetieva Nataliya V. , Grigoriev Gennadiy I.
Published: September 2021

The main result of this work is the estimation of the entropy mode accompanying a wave disturbance, observed at the atmosphere heights range of 90–120 km. The study is the direct continuation and development of recent results on diagnosis of the acoustic wave with the separation on direction of propagation. The estimation of the entropy mode contribution relies upon the measurements of the three dynamic variables (the temperature, density, and vertical velocity perturbations) of the neutral atmosphere measured by the method of the resonant scattering of radio waves on the artificial periodic irregularities of the ionospheric plasma. The measurement of the atmosphere dynamic parameters was carried out on the SURA heating facility. The mathematical foundation of the mode separation algorithm is based on the dynamic projection operators technique. The operators are constructed via the eigenvectors of the coordinate evolution operator of the transformed system of balance equations of the hydro-thermodynamics.
Environmental Effects on Normalized Gross Primary Productivity in Beech and Norway Spruce Forests
Authors: Mensah Caleb , Šigut Ladislav , Fischer Milan , Foltýnová Lenka , Jocher Georg , Urban Otmar , Wemegah Cosmos Senyo , Nyantakyi Emmanuel K. , Chawla Shilpi , Pavelka Marian , Marek Michal V.
Published: September 2021

The strong effects of climate change are expected to negatively impact the long-term resilience and function of forest ecosystems, which could lead to changes in forest carbon balance and productivity. However, these forest responses may vary with local conditions and forest types. Accordingly, this study was carried out to determine gross primary productivity (GPP) sensitivity to changes in environmental parameters. Central European beech (at Štítná) and spruce species (at Bílý Kr̆íz̆ and Rájec), growing under contrasting climatic conditions, were studied. The comparative analyses of GPP were based on a five-year-long dataset of eddy covariance fluxes during the main growing season (2012–2016). Results of forest GPP responses with changes in environmental factors from a traditional Stepwise multiple linear regression model (SMLR) were used and compared with Random forest (RF) analyses. To demonstrate how actual GPP trends compare to potential GPP (GPPpot) courses expected under near-optimal environmental conditions, we computed normalized GPP (GPPnorm) with values between 0 and 1 as the ratio of the estimated daily sum of GPP to GPPpot. The study confirmed the well-known effect of total intensity of the photosynthetically active radiation and its diffuse fraction on GPPnorm across all the forest types. However, the study also showed the secondary effects of other environmental variables on forest productivity depending on the species and local climatic conditions. The reduction in forest productivity at the beech forest in Štítná was presumed to be mainly induced by edaphic drought (anisohydric behaviour). In contrast, reduced forest productivity at the spruce forest sites was presumably induced by both meteorological and hydrological drought events, especially at the moderately dry climate in Rájec. Overall, our analyses call for more studies on forest productivity across different forest types and contrasting climatic conditions, as this productivity is strongly dependent on species type and site-specific environmental conditions.
An Alignment-Independent Approach for the Study of Viral Sequence Diversity at Any Given Rank of Taxonomy Lineage
Authors: Chong Li Chuin , Lim Wei Lun , Ban Kenneth Hon Kim , Khan Asif M.
Published: September 2021

The study of viral diversity is imperative in understanding sequence change and its implications for intervention strategies. The widely used alignment-dependent approaches to study viral diversity are limited in their utility as sequence dissimilarity increases, particularly when expanded to the genus or higher ranks of viral species lineage. Herein, we present an alignment-independent algorithm, implemented as a tool, UNIQmin, to determine the effective viral sequence diversity at any rank of the viral taxonomy lineage. This is done by performing an exhaustive search to generate the minimal set of sequences for a given viral non-redundant sequence dataset. The minimal set is comprised of the smallest possible number of unique sequences required to capture the diversity inherent in the complete set of overlapping k-mers encoded by all the unique sequences in the given dataset. Such dataset compression is possible through the removal of unique sequences, whose entire repertoire of overlapping k-mers can be represented by other sequences, thus rendering them redundant to the collective pool of sequence diversity. A significant reduction, namely ~44%, ~45%, and ~53%, was observed for all reported unique sequences of species Dengue virus, genus Flavivirus, and family Flaviviridae, respectively, while still capturing the entire repertoire of nonamer (9-mer) viral peptidome diversity present in the initial input dataset. The algorithm is scalable for big data as it was applied to ~2.2 million non-redundant sequences of all reported viruses. UNIQmin is open source and publicly available on GitHub. The concept of a minimal set is generic and, thus, potentially applicable to other pathogenic microorganisms of non-viral origin, such as bacteria.
Retinol-Binding Protein-4—A Predictor of Insulin Resistance and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Perumalsamy Sangeetha , Ahmad Wan Azman Wan , Huri Hasniza Zaman
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is the fundamental cause of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which leads to endothelial dysfunction and alters systemic lipid metabolism. The changes in the endothelium and lipid metabolism result in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). In insulin-resistant and atherosclerotic CAD states, serum cytokine retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4) levels are elevated. The adipocyte-specific deletion of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) results in higher RBP-4 expression and IR and atherosclerotic CAD progression. (2) Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association of RBP-4 and clinical factors with IR and the severity of CAD. (3) Methods: Patients were recruited from diabetes and cardiology clinics and divided into three subgroups, namely (i) T2D patients with CAD, (ii) T2D-only patients, and (iii) CAD-only patients. The severity of CAD was classified as either single-vessel disease (SVD), double-vessel disease (DVD), or triple-vessel disease (TVD). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to assess the concentration of serum RBP-4. Univariate (preliminary analysis) and multivariate (secondary analysis) logistic regressions were applied to assess the associations of RBP-4 and clinical factors with IR and the severity of CAD. (4) Results: Serum RBP-4 levels were associated with IR and the severity of CAD in all the three groups (all p-values are less than 0.05). Specifically, serum RBP-4 levels were associated with IR (p = 0.030) and the severity of CAD (SVD vs. DVD, p = 0.044; SVD vs. TVD, p = 0.036) in T2D patients with CAD. The clinical factors fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) were also associated with both IR and the severity of CAD in T2D patients with CAD. (5) Conclusion: RBP-4, FPG, and ACEI are predictors of IR and severity of CAD in T2D patients with CAD.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry as Strategy for the Selective Identification and Quantification of the Amyloid Precursor Protein Tyr682 Residue Phosphorylation Status in Human Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Reveglia Pierluigi , Nasso Rosarita , Angiolillo Antonella , Lecce Lucia , Paolillo Carmela , De Tullio Samantha , Gelzo Monica , Di Costanzo Alfonso , Matrone Carmela , Corso Gaetano
Published: September 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease without guidelines for early diagnosis or personalized treatment. Previous studies have highlighted a crucial role of increasing phosphorylation levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) Tyr682 residue in predicting neuronal deficits in AD patients. However, the lack of a method for the identification and quantification of Tyr682 phosphorylation levels prevents its potential clinical applications. Methods: Here we report a method to identify and quantify APP Tyr682 phosphorylation levels in blood mononuclear cells of AD patients by tandem mass spectrometry (tMS). Results: This method showed excellent sensitivity with detection and quantification limits set respectively at 0.035 and 0.082 ng injected for the phosphorylated peptide and at 0.02 and 0.215 ng injected for the non-phosphorylated peptide. The average levels of both peptides were quantified in transfected HELA cells (2.48 and 3.53 ng/μg of protein, respectively). Preliminary data on 3 AD patients showed quantifiable levels of phosphorylated peptide (0.10–0.15 ng/μg of protein) and below the LOQ level of non-phosphorylated peptide (0.13 ng/μg of protein). Conclusion: This method could allow the identification of patients with increased APP Tyr682 phosphorylation and allow early characterization of molecular changes prior to the appearance of clinical signs.
MoS2/PPy Nanocomposite as a Transducer for Electrochemical Aptasensor of Ampicillin in River Water
Authors: Hamami Maroua , Bouaziz Meryem , Raouafi Noureddine , Bendounan Azzedine , Korri-Youssoufi Hafsa
Published: September 2021

We report the design of an electrochemical aptasensor for ampicillin detection, which is an antibiotic widely used in agriculture and considered to be a water contaminant. We studied the transducing potential of nanostructure composed of MoS2 nanosheets and conductive polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPyNPs) cast on a screen-printed electrode. Fine chemistry is developed to build the biosensors entirely based on robust covalent immobilizations of naphthoquinone as a redox marker and the aptamer. The structural and morphological properties of the nanocomposite were studied by SEM, AFM, and FT-IR. High-resolution XPS measurements demonstrated the formation of a binding between the two nanomaterials and energy transfer affording the formation of heterostructure. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to analyze their electrocatalytic properties. We demonstrated that the nanocomposite formed with PPyNPs and MoS2 nanosheets has electro-catalytic properties and conductivity leading to a synergetic effect on the electrochemical redox process of the redox marker. Thus, a highly sensitive redox process was obtained that could follow the recognition process between the apatamer and the target. An amperometric variation of the naphthoquinone response was obtained regarding the ampicillin concentration with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 pg/L (0.28 pM). A high selectivity towards other contaminants was demonstrated with this biosensor and the analysis of real river water samples without any treatment showed good recovery results thanks to the antifouling properties. This biosensor can be considered a promising device for the detection of antibiotics in the environment as a point-of-use system.
Risk Score Model for Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of Tumor Burden and Alpha-Fetoprotein
Authors: Lee Jin-Chiao , Hung Hao-Chien , Wang Yu-Chao , Cheng Chih-Hsien , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chen-Fang , Wu Ting-Jung , Chou Hong-Shiue , Chan Kun-Ming , Lee Wei-Chen
Published: September 2021

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a significant risk factor for the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, but it is a histological feature that needs to be confirmed after hepatectomy or liver transplantation. The preoperative prediction of MVI can optimize the treatment plan of HCC, but an easy and widely applicable model is still lacking. The aim of our study was to predict the risk of MVI using objective preoperative factors. We retrospectively collected 1153 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC, and MVI was found to be associated with significantly poor disease-free survival. The patients were randomly split in a 3:1 ratio into training (n = 864) and validation (n = 289) datasets. The multivariate analysis of the training dataset found preoperative total tumor volume (TTV) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to be independent risk factors for MVI. We built a risk score model with cutoff points of TTV at 30, 60, and 300 cm3 and AFP at 160 and 2000 ng/mL, and the model stratified the risk of MVI into low risk (14.1%), intermediate risk (36.4%), and high risk (60.5%). The validation of the risk score model with the validation dataset showed moderate performance (the concordance statistic: 0.731). The model comprised simple and objective preoperative factors with good applicability, which can help to guide treatment plans for HCC and future study design.
Intra-Tumour Heterogeneity Is One of the Main Sources of Inter-Observer Variation in Scoring Stromal Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Kilmartin Darren , O’Loughlin Mark , Andreu Xavier , Bagó-Horváth Zsuzsanna , Bianchi Simonetta , Chmielik Ewa , Cserni Gábor , Figueiredo Paulo , Floris Giuseppe , Foschini Maria Pia , Kovács Anikó , Heikkilä Päivi , Kulka Janina , Laenkholm Anne-Vibeke , Liepniece-Karele Inta , Marchiò Caterina , Provenzano Elena , Regitnig Peter , Reiner Angelika , Ryška Aleš , Sapino Anna , Specht Stovgaard Elisabeth , Quinn Cecily , Zolota Vasiliki , Webber Mark , Roshan Davood , Glynn Sharon A. , Callagy Grace
Published: September 2021

Stromal tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) are a strong prognostic marker in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Consistency scoring sTILs is good and was excellent when an internet-based scoring aid developed by the TIL-WG was used to score cases in a reproducibility study. This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of sTILs assessment using this scoring aid in cases from routine practice and to explore the potential of the tool to overcome variability in scoring. Twenty-three breast pathologists scored sTILs in digitized slides of 49 TNBC biopsies using the scoring aid. Subsequently, fields of view (FOV) from each case were selected by one pathologist and scored by the group using the tool. Inter-observer agreement was good for absolute sTILs (ICC 0.634, 95% CI 0.539–0.735, p < 0.001) but was poor to fair using binary cutpoints. sTILs heterogeneity was the main contributor to disagreement. When pathologists scored the same FOV from each case, inter-observer agreement was excellent for absolute sTILs (ICC 0.798, 95% CI 0.727–0.864, p < 0.001) and good for the 20% (ICC 0.657, 95% CI 0.561–0.756, p < 0.001) and 40% (ICC 0.644, 95% CI 0.546–0.745, p < 0.001) cutpoints. However, there was a wide range of scores for many cases. Reproducibility scoring sTILs is good when the scoring aid is used. Heterogeneity is the main contributor to variance and will need to be overcome for analytic validity to be achieved.
Pediatric Thyroid Cancer: To Whom Do You Send the Referral?
Authors: Keane Allison , Bann Darrin V. , Wilson Meghan N. , Goldenberg David
Published: September 2021

Pediatric thyroid cancer is rare, but increasing in annual incidence. Differentiated thyroid cancer in pediatric patients is treated surgically. Pediatric thyroidectomies are performed by general surgeons, otolaryngologists, general pediatric surgeons, and pediatric otolaryngologists. In a comprehensive literature review, we discuss the evidence supporting the importance of surgeon subspecialty and surgeon volume on outcomes for pediatric thyroid cancer patients. Pediatric general surgeons and pediatric otolaryngologists perform most pediatric thyroidectomies. Certain subpopulations specifically benefit from a combined approach of a pediatric surgeon and a high-volume thyroid surgeon. The correlation between high-volume surgeons and lower complication rates in adult thyroid surgery applies to the pediatric population; however, the definition of high-volume for pediatric thyroidectomies requires further investigation. The development of dedicated pediatric thyroid malignancy centers and multidisciplinary or dual-surgeon approaches are advantageous.