bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of COVID-19, a Promising Future
Authors: Beghini Daniela Gois , Horita Samuel Iwao , Henriques-Pons Andrea
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells present in virtually all tissues; they have a potent self-renewal capacity and can differentiate into multiple cell types. They also affect the ambient tissue by the paracrine secretion of numerous factors in vivo, including the induction of other stem cells’ differentiation. In vitro, the culture media supernatant is named secretome and contains soluble molecules and extracellular vesicles that retain potent biological function in tissue regeneration. MSCs are considered safe for human treatment; their use does not involve ethical issues, as embryonic stem cells do not require genetic manipulation as induced pluripotent stem cells, and after intravenous injection, they are mainly found in the lugs. Therefore, these cells are currently being tested in various preclinical and clinical trials for several diseases, including COVID-19. Several affected COVID-19 patients develop induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with an uncontrolled inflammatory response. This condition causes extensive damage to the lungs and may leave serious post-COVID-19 sequelae. As the disease may cause systemic alterations, such as thromboembolism and compromised renal and cardiac function, the intravenous injection of MSCs may be a therapeutic alternative against multiple pathological manifestations. In this work, we reviewed the literature about MSCs biology, focusing on their function in pulmonary regeneration and their use in COVID-19 treatment.
Targeting Chaperone/Co-Chaperone Interactions with Small Molecules: A Novel Approach to Tackle Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wang Lisha , Bergkvist Liza , Kumar Rajnish , Winblad Bengt , Pavlov Pavel F.
Published: September 2021

The dysfunction of the proteostasis network is a molecular hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Molecular chaperones are a major component of the proteostasis network and maintain cellular homeostasis by folding client proteins, assisting with intracellular transport, and interfering with protein aggregation or degradation. Heat shock protein 70 kDa (Hsp70) and 90 kDa (Hsp90) are two of the most important chaperones whose functions are dependent on ATP hydrolysis and collaboration with their co-chaperones. Numerous studies implicate Hsp70, Hsp90, and their co-chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting the specific protein–protein interactions between chaperones and their particular partner co-chaperones with small molecules provides an opportunity to specifically modulate Hsp70 or Hsp90 function for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review the roles of co-chaperones in Hsp70 or Hsp90 chaperone cycles, the impacts of co-chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases, and the development of small molecules modulating chaperone/co-chaperone interactions. We also provide a future perspective of drug development targeting chaperone/co-chaperone interactions for neurodegenerative diseases.
Thiourea Organocatalysts as Emerging Chiral Pollutants: En Route to Porphyrin-Based (Chir)Optical Sensing
Authors: Konrad Nele , Horetski Matvey , Sihtmäe Mariliis , Truong Khai-Nghi , Osadchuk Irina , Burankova Tatsiana , Kielmann Marc , Adamson Jasper , Kahru Anne , Rissanen Kari , Senge Mathias O. , Borovkov Victor , Aav Riina , Kananovich Dzmitry
Published: September 2021

Environmental pollution with chiral organic compounds is an emerging problem requiring innovative sensing methods. Amino-functionalized thioureas, such as 2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thiourea (Takemoto’s catalyst), are widely used organocatalysts with virtually unknown environmental safety data. Ecotoxicity studies based on the Vibrio fischeri luminescence inhibition test reveal significant toxicity of Takemoto’s catalyst (EC50 = 7.9 mg/L) and its NH2-substituted analog (EC50 = 7.2–7.4 mg/L). The observed toxic effect was pronounced by the influence of the trifluoromethyl moiety. En route to the porphyrin-based chemosensing of Takemoto-type thioureas, their supramolecular binding to a series of zinc porphyrins was studied with UV-Vis and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, computational analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The association constant values generally increased with the increasing electron-withdrawing properties of the porphyrins and electron-donating ability of the thioureas, a result of the predominant Zn⋯N cation–dipole (Lewis acid–base) interaction. The binding event induced a CD signal in the Soret band region of the porphyrin hosts—a crucial property for chirality sensing of Takemoto-type thioureas.
Effects of the Combination of Music Therapy and Physiotherapy in the Improvement of Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy: A Challenge for Research
Authors: Vinolo-Gil Maria Jesus , Casado-Fernández Esteban , Perez-Cabezas Veronica , Gonzalez-Medina Gloria , Martín-Vega Francisco Javier , Martín-Valero Rocío
Published: September 2021

Background: There are different therapeutic strategies such as physiotherapy and music therapy for the treatment of cerebral palsy. Intervention protocols using both therapies to unify the measurement of motor function have not been investigated. Aims and scope: To summarize the effects of the treatment of cerebral palsy through the use of both for the improvement of motor function, analyse the challenges encountered, and submit proposals for improving them. Methods: The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020162493). Clinical trials that described the results obtained in terms of motor function through physiotherapy and music therapy were included. Results: Eight clinical trials with 234 participants were considered with a significant improvement in motor function. Results of meta-analysis suggested improvements in gait velocity in favour of the control group for cerebral palsy (mean differences = 0.03; 95% confidence interval = 0.01, 0.04, p = 0.001; I2 = 97%). However, high heterogeneity was identified in the meta-analysis due to the small number of studies included. Conclusions: The combination can be effective in subjects with cerebral palsy to improve motor function, although due to the diversity of studies analysed, it is complex to extrapolate results.
Reflections on Early Stages of Environmentally Assisted Cracking from Corrosion Pits
Authors: Turnbull Alan
Published: September 2021

A perspective is presented on the evolution of damage due to environmentally assisted cracking (EAC), from crack precursor development through to long crack growth. The variable nature of crack precursors is highlighted with an observation that uncontrolled chemistry excursions or fabrication defects could eliminate any significant delay associated with that step in the damage evolution process. Specimen preparation by machining and grinding can be critical in determining the apparent susceptibility of the metal to EAC and corrosion, and an example for 316L stainless steel is given to show how physical defects generated by the grinding wheel can become the dominant site for pitting attack relative to MnS inclusions. Corrosion pits are the most commonly observed precursor to cracks in aqueous chloride environments. The loci of sites of crack initiation around a pit are discussed and the inherent challenges in quantifying the growth of cracks smaller than the pit depth described with implications for modelling of the pit-to-crack transition. The remarkably enhanced stress corrosion crack growth rate data for short and small cracks in a 12Cr steam turbine blade in a simulated condensate environment are discussed in the context of crack electrochemistry modelling and the implications for engineering integrity.
Application of Fragrance Microcapsules onto Cotton Fabric after Treatment with Oxygen and Nitrogen Plasma
Authors: Kert Mateja , Forte Tavčer Petra , Hladnik Aleš , Spasić Kosta , Puač Nevena , Petrović Zoran Lj. , Gorjanc Marija
Published: September 2021

Cotton fabric was exposed to low-pressure capacitively coupled plasma to enhance the adsorption and adhesion of fragrance microcapsules (FCM). Two plasma-forming gases, namely oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2), were investigated. The untreated and plasma-treated samples were investigated for their morphological changes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical properties (breaking force, elongation, and flexural rigidity), and wicking properties. The cotton samples were functionalized with FCM and the effect of plasma pretreatment on the adsorption and adhesion of FCM was evaluated using SEM, air permeability, fragrance intensity of unwashed and washed cotton fabrics, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the plasma containing either of the two gases increased the wicking of the cotton fabric and that the O2 plasma caused a slight etching of the fibers, which increased the tensile strength of the cotton fabric. Both plasma gases caused changes that allowed higher adsorption of FCM. However, the adhesion of FCM was higher on the cotton treated with N2 plasma, as evidenced by a strong fragrance of the functionalized fabric after repeated washing.
Biocompatibility and Antibiofilm Properties of Samarium Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Nica Ionela Cristina , Popa Marcela , Marutescu Luminita , Dinischiotu Anca , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Ciobanu Steluta Carmen , Predoi Daniela
Published: September 2021

The implant-related infection as a consequence of bacterial adherence and biofilm formation remains one of the main causes of implant failure. Grace to recent advances in materials science, their great mechanical properties and their biocompatibility (both in vitro and in vivo), antibacterial coatings have gradually become a primary component of the global strategy for preventing microbial colonization. In the present work, novel antibacterial coatings containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles doped with two different concentrations of samarium (5SmHAp and 10SmHAp) were obtained on Si substrates using the dip coating method. The morphology and physicochemical properties of these modified surfaces were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, their antimicrobial effects and biocompatibility were assessed. The results showed a continuous and homogeneous layer, uniformly deposited, with no cracks or impurities. 5SmHAp and 10SmHAp surfaces exhibited significant antibiofilm activity and good biocompatibility without inducing cytotoxic effects in human gingival fibroblasts. All these findings indicate that samarium doped hydroxyapatite coatings could be great candidates for the development of new antimicrobial strategies.
Preparation and Thermal Shock Resistance of Gd2O3 Doped La2Ce2O7 Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Gao Lihua , Jia Fang , Lu Xiaoliang
Published: September 2021

As one of the promising thermal barrier coating (TBC) candidates, stoichiometric (La0.8Gd0.2)2Ce2O7 (LGC) coatings were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), using (La0.8Gd0.2)2Ce2.5O8 as a spray powder and optimized spray parameters. It was found that spray distance and spray power both play an important role in the phase composition and microstructure of the coating. The LGC coating exhibited lower thermal conductivities than that of La2Ce2O7 (LC) coating, which is ~0.67 W/m·K at 1200 °C. Double-ceramic-layer (DCL) optimum (La0.8Gd0.2)2Ce2O7/YSZ (LGC/YSZ) thermal barrier coating was prepared and its thermal shock behavior was investigated. The LGC/YSZ DCL TBCs had better thermal shock resistance ability than that of LC/YSZ TBCs, which was around 109 cycles at 1100 °C. However, the failure mode was similar to that of LC/YSZ DCL TBCs, which was still layer-by-layer spallation in the top ceramic layer due to the sintering of the ceramic coating.
Porous Carbonated Hydroxyapatite-Based Paraffin Wax Nanocomposite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Physicochemical Properties and Cell Viability Assay Analysis
Authors: Sari Mona , Aminatun  , Suciati Tri , Sari Yessie Widya , Yusuf Yusril
Published: September 2021

Porosity is one of the parameters of scaffold pore structure that must be developed using paraffin wax as a synthetic polymer for making porous bioceramics carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA). This study fabricated CHA based on abalone mussel shells (Halioitis asinina); CHA/paraffin wax nanocomposite scaffolds were synthesized using paraffin wax with concentration variations of 10, 20, and 30 wt.%. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results showed that the Ca/P molar ratio of CHA was 1.72, which approaches the natural bone. The addition of paraffin wax in all concentration variation treatments caused the crystallographic properties of the CHA/paraffin wax nanocomposite scaffolds to decrease. The results of pore analysis suggest that the high concentration of paraffin wax in the CHA suspension is involved in the formation of more pores on the surface of the scaffold, but only CHA/paraffin wax 30 wt.% had a scaffold with potential to be used in media with a cellular growth orientation. The micropore analysis was also supported by the cell viability assay results for CHA/paraffin wax 30 wt.% nanocomposite scaffold, where serial doses of scaffold concentrations to mouse osteoblast cells were secure. Overall, based on this analysis, the CHA/paraffin wax scaffold can be a candidate for bone tissue engineering.
Self-Assembled PHMB Titanium Coating Enables Anti-Fusobacterium nucleatum Strategy
Authors: Zhao Jiangyuan , Jin Shixin , Delgado António HS , Chen Zhuofan , Matinlinna Jukka Pekka , Tsoi James Kit-Hon
Published: September 2021

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a gram-negative obligate anaerobe bacterium that threatens human periodontal health. It can cause many oral diseases, including periodontitis, gingivitis and peri-implantitis, and even some diseases such as colorectal cancer are related to it. This paper aims to develop a novel and simple surface modification method for anti-Fusobacterium nucleatum on titanium, i.e., the material for implants. In this study, different concentrations (0.0–1.0%) of PHMB were dip-coated on the titanium surface. The surface properties were examined with the aid of Scanning electron microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the antibacterial property against F. nucleatum was investigated using colony-forming unit. It was found that the PHMB successfully formed a self-assembled coating on the titanium surface and the PHMB-coated titanium had a strong capability of inhibiting F. nucleatum. Even though differences were found among the several concentrations, PHMB exhibited promising results as a simple coating strategy for dental implants.
Comprehensive Study and Optimization of Implementing p-NiO in β-Ga2O3 Based Diodes via TCAD Simulation
Authors: Zhou Hong , Zeng Shifan , Zhang Jincheng , Liu Zhihong , Feng Qian , Xu Shengrui , Zhang Jinfeng , Hao Yue
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we carried out a comprehensive study and optimization of implementing p-NiO in the β-Ga2O3 based diodes, including Schottky barrier diode (SBD) with p-NiO guard ring (GR), p-NiO/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction (HJ) barrier Schottky (HJBS) diode, and HJ-PN diode through the TCAD simulation. In particular, we provide design guidelines for future p-NiO-related Ga2O3 diodes with material doping concentrations and dimensions to be taken into account. Although HJ-PN has a ~1 V higher turn-on voltage (Von), its breakdown voltage (BV) is the highest among all diodes. We found that for SBD with p-NiO GRs and HJBS, their forward electrical characteristics and reverse leakage current are related to the total width and the doping concentration of p-NiO, the BV is only related to the doping concentration of p-NiO, and the optimal doping concentration of p-NiO is found to be 4 × 1017 cm−3. Compared with the SBD without p-NiO, the BV of the SBD with p-NiO and HJBS diode can be essentially improved by 3 times. As a result, HJ-PN diode, SBD with p-NiO GRs, and HJ-BS diode achieve a BV/specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) of 5705 V/4.3 mΩ·cm2, 3006 V/3.07 mΩ·cm2, and 3004 V/3.06 mΩ·cm2, respectively. Based on different application requirements, this work provides a useful insight about the diode selection with various structures.
Overview of Gemstone Resources in China
Authors: Yu Xiao-Yan , Long Zheng-Yu , Zhang Yi , Qin Li-Jie , Zhang Cun , Xie Zhi-Rong , Wu Yu-Rui , Yan Ying , Wu Ming-Ke , Wan Jia-Xin
Published: September 2021

Gemstones are minerals of gem qualities used for adornment and decoration with the attributes of beauty, durability and rarity. Traditionally, although China has been regarded as the most important source for nephrite, over the past decades, a large variety of gemstone resources have been newly discovered in China owing to continuous exploration works. The vast land with various geological and geochemical backgrounds is rich in gemstone resources with potential for new deposits discoveries. In pegmatites, gemstones are related to granitic magma events and mainly occur in pegmatitic cavities, such as tourmaline, aquamarine, spodumene, spessartine, moonstone, quartz, apatite, and topaz. The eruption of Tertiary basaltic magma provides gem-quality sapphire, spinel, olivine, garnet, and zircon. The supergene oxidation zones of some copper and iron deposits in Hubei and Anhui province host gem-quality turquoise and malachite. Moreover, the formation of the nephrite deposit in China is mostly related to the carbonatite and serpentinite rocks involved in the metamorphic-metasomatic processes. This paper comprehensively introduces the distribution of gemstones deposits, as well as the gemological and mineralogical characteristics of gemstones in China. Our present investigation provides insights into the gemstone potential of China for further exploitation.
Relationship between the Microbiome and Indoor Temperature/Humidity in a Traditional Japanese House with a Thatched Roof in Kyoto, Japan
Authors: Kokubo Makoto , Fujiyoshi So , Ogura Daisuke , Nakajima Makiko , Fujieda Ayako , Noda Jun , Maruyama Fumito
Published: September 2021

In our living environment, there are various microorganisms that are thought to affect human health. It is expected that excessive microbial suppression can have a negative effect on human health and that the appropriate control of the microbiome is beneficial to health. To understand how the physical environment, such as temperature and relative humidity, or housing itself affects the microbiome in a rural house, we measured temperature and humidity and collected microbial samples in a traditional Japanese house with a thatched roof. The relative humidity of outdoor air was over 60% most of the day throughout the year. Indoor and outdoor air temperature and humidity were closer to each other in summer than in winter. The DNA concentration of indoor surfaces correlated with the relative humidity, especially with the lowest annual relative humidity. In the thatched roof, outside surface relative humidity often reached 100%, and the occurrence of condensation can affect the DNA concentrations. A high percentage of archaea were detected in the house, which is not a common characteristic in houses. In addition, the microbial community was similar outdoors and indoors or in each room. These characteristics reflect the occupants’ behaviour, including opening the windows and partitions in summer. In the future, it will be necessary to conduct continuous surveys in various houses, including traditional and modern houses, in Japan.
Predicting the Potential Distribution of Non-Native Mammalian Species Sold in the South African Pet Trade
Authors: Shivambu Ndivhuwo , Shivambu Tinyiko C. , Downs Colleen T.
Published: September 2021

The pet trade is one of the main pathways of introduction of several mammals worldwide. In South Africa, non-native mammalian species are traded as pets, and so far, only four of these species are considered invasive. We used a list of 24 companion mammalian species compiled from a previous study. We selected a subset of 14 species for species distribution modeling (SDM) based on their trade popularity, invasion history and potential economic and socio-economic impacts. We aimed to estimate their potential distribution using their distribution records. Our SDM indicated that climate in South Africa was suitable for most traded species. However, commonly and easily available species had the broadest areas of suitable climates, such as house mice (Mus musculus) and Norwegian rats (Rattus norvegicus). In addition, the model with a human footprint suggested a high risk of invasion for Norwegian rats but less for house mice distribution. This assessment suggests the need of strict trade regulations and management strategies for pet mammals with broader suitability, which are already invasive, and most available for sale. In addition, our results provide a baseline approach that can be used to identify mammalian pet species with a potential risk of invasion so that urgent preventive measures can be implemented.
Porphyrias in the Age of Targeted Therapies
Authors: Erwin Angelika L. , Balwani Manisha
Published: September 2021

The porphyrias are a group of eight rare genetic disorders, each caused by the deficiency of one of the enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway, resulting in the excess accumulation of heme precursors and porphyrins. Depending on the tissue site as well as the chemical characteristics of the accumulating substances, the clinical features of different porphyrias vary substantially. Heme precursors are neurotoxic, and their accumulation results in acute hepatic porphyria, while porphyrins are photoactive, and excess amounts cause cutaneous porphyrias, which present with photosensitivity. These disorders are clinically heterogeneous but can result in severe clinical manifestations, long-term complications and a significantly diminished quality of life. Medical management consists mostly of the avoidance of triggering factors and symptomatic treatment. With an improved understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and disease mechanisms, new treatment approaches have become available, which address the underlying defects at a molecular or cellular level, and promise significant improvement, symptom prevention and more effective treatment of acute and chronic disease manifestations.
Radiomics as a New Frontier of Imaging for Cancer Prognosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Reginelli Alfonso , Nardone Valerio , Giacobbe Giuliana , Belfiore Maria Paola , Grassi Roberta , Schettino Ferdinando , Del Canto Mariateresa , Grassi Roberto , Cappabianca Salvatore
Published: September 2021

The evaluation of the efficacy of different therapies is of paramount importance for the patients and the clinicians in oncology, and it is usually possible by performing imaging investigations that are interpreted, taking in consideration different response evaluation criteria. In the last decade, texture analysis (TA) has been developed in order to help the radiologist to quantify and identify parameters related to tumor heterogeneity, which cannot be appreciated by the naked eye, that can be correlated with different endpoints, including cancer prognosis. The aim of this work is to analyze the impact of texture in the prediction of response and in prognosis stratification in oncology, taking into consideration different pathologies (lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, hepatic cancer, rectal cancer). Key references were derived from a PubMed query. Hand searching and clinicaltrials.gov were also used. This paper contains a narrative report and a critical discussion of radiomics approaches related to cancer prognosis in different fields of diseases.
Feasibility and Diagnostic Accuracy of Saliva-Based SARS-CoV-2 Screening in Educational Settings and Children Aged <12 Years
Authors: Hoch Martin , Vogel Sebastian , Eberle Ute , Kolberg Laura , Gruenthaler Valerie , Fingerle Volker , Ackermann Nikolaus , Sing Andreas , Liebl Bernhard , Huebner Johannes , Kuttiadan Simone , Rack-Hoch Anita , Meyer-Buehn Melanie , Schober Tilmann , von Both Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Children have been disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess a saliva-based algorithm for SARS-CoV-2 testing to be used in schools and childcare institutions under pandemic conditions. A weekly SARS-CoV-2 sentinel study in primary schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities was conducted over a 12-week-period. In a sub-study covering 7 weeks, 1895 paired oropharyngeal and saliva samples were processed for SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR testing in both asymptomatic children (n = 1243) and staff (n = 652). Forty-nine additional concurrent swab and saliva samples were collected from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (patient cohort). The Salivette® system was used for saliva collection and assessed for feasibility and diagnostic performance. For children, a mean of 1.18 mL saliva could be obtained. Based on results from both cohorts, the Salivette® testing algorithm demonstrated the specificity of 100% (95% CI 99.7–100) and sensitivity of 94.9% (95% CI 81.4–99.1) with oropharyngeal swabs as reference. Agreement between sampling systems was 100% for moderate to high viral load situations (defined as Ct-values <33 from oropharyngeal swabs). Comparative analysis of Ct-values derived from saliva vs. oropharyngeal swabs demonstrated a significant difference (mean 4.23; 95% CI 2.48–6.00). In conclusion, the Salivette® system proved to be an easy-to-use, safe and feasible saliva collection method and a more pleasant alternative to oropharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing in children aged 3 years and above.
Application of Peak Glucose Range and Diabetes Status in Mortality Risk Stratification in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Hung Kai-Yin , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Lin Chiung-Yu , Chang Ya-Chun , Wang Yi-Hsi , Lin Meng-Chih , Fang Wen-Feng
Published: September 2021

The effects of diabetes and glucose on the outcomes of patients with sepsis are somewhat conflicting. This retrospective study enrolled 1214 consecutive patients with sepsis, including a subpopulation of 148 patients with immune profiles. The septic patients were stratified according to their Diabetes mellitus (DM) status or peak glucose level (three-group tool; P1: ≤140 mg/dL, P2: 141–220 mg/dL, P3: >220 mg/dL) on day 1. Although the DM group had a lower hazard ratio (HR) for 90-day mortality compared to non-DM patients, the adjusted HRs were insignificant. The modified sequential organ failure assessment-glucose (mSOFA-g) score can predict 90-day survival in patients with and without diabetes (β = 1.098, p < 0.001; β = 1.202, p < 0.001). The goodness of fit of the mSOFA-g score was 5% higher than the SOFA score of the subgroup without diabetes. The SOFA score and human leukocyte antigen-D-related (HLA-DR) expression were comparable between the groups. The P3 group had lower HLA-DR expression on days 1 and 3 and a higher 90-day mortality. The three-group tool was useful for predicting 90-day mortality in patients with separate Kaplan-Meier survival curves and mortality HRs in the construction and validation cohorts. The peak glucose level, instead of diabetes status, can be used as an easy adjunctive tool for mortality risk stratification in critically ill septic patients.
Relations between Subdomains of Home Math Activities and Corresponding Math Skills in 4-Year-Old Children
Authors: Leyva Diana , Libertus Melissa E. , McGregor Rebecca
Published: September 2021

Most studies on the subject have investigated relations between home math activities and child math skills, without paying much attention to the specific skills that such activities foster and their alignment with children’s math assessments. The present study examined specific relations between subdomains of home math activities and children’s corresponding math skills (e.g., home counting/cardinality activities related to children’s counting/cardinality skills). Participants were 78 mostly middle-income, White parents and their four-year-old children (M age = 53.19 months; 45% girls). Parents completed a 24-item survey about the frequency of home activities supporting five subdomains of math: counting/cardinality, set comparison, number identification, adding/subtracting, and patterning. Children’s skills in these same five subdomains were assessed using the Preschool Early Numeracy Scale (PENS) and the Early Patterning Assessment. Specific relations were observed in set comparison, adding/subtracting, and patterning, such that higher frequency of home activities in these subdomains related to advanced child math skills in the corresponding subdomains. No specific relations were found in counting/cardinality and number identification. Overall home math activities averaged across the five math subdomains positively related to children’s overall math skills. Findings highlight the importance of engagement in specific math activities in the home environment and their significance for corresponding child math development.
Analysis of Benford’s Law for No-Reference Quality Assessment of Natural, Screen-Content, and Synthetic Images
Authors: Varga Domonkos
Published: September 2021

With the tremendous growth and usage of digital images, no-reference image quality assessment is becoming increasingly important. This paper presents in-depth analysis of Benford’s law inspired first digit distribution feature vectors for no-reference quality assessment of natural, screen-content, and synthetic images in various viewpoints. Benford’s law makes a prediction for the probability distribution of first digits in natural datasets. It has been applied among others for detecting fraudulent income tax returns, detecting scientific fraud, election forensics, and image forensics. In particular, our analysis is based on first digit distributions in multiple domains (wavelet coefficients, DCT coefficients, singular values, etc.) as feature vectors and the extracted features are mapped onto image quality scores. Extensive experiments have been carried out on seven large image quality benchmark databases. It has been demonstrated that first digit distributions are quality-aware features, and it is possible to reach or outperform the state-of-the-art with them.
Cascaded Voltage and Current Control for a Dual Active Bridge Converter with Current Filters
Authors: Gierczynski Michal , Grzesiak Lech M. , Kaszewski Arkadiusz
Published: September 2021

The paper describes the cascaded voltage and current control for a bidirectional DC/DC converter in Dual Active Bridge (DAB) topology. The typical DAB converter circuit was extended by additional current filters, which allow it to operate in application fields with high requirements on current ripples. The core concept of the presented solution is usage of the modified Single Phase Shift (SPS) modulation, which allows to compensate for the DC-bias current occurring in dynamic states and provides a settling time of half switching cycle during transients. Its features were utilized to build a simplified dynamic model of the converter. The linear Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers are used in both voltage and current control loops. Based on the developed dynamic models, the tuning rules for both controllers were derived. In both cases, a number of the tuned parameters were reduced from two to one (which can present a great practical value for application engineers). The proposed solutions are validated based on a laboratory prototype. An important part of the experiments was devoted to non-linear effects occurring near the current limitation boundary of the system. The paper ends with a brief discussion regarding the future research directions.
A Review of the Performance of Minewater Heating and Cooling Systems
Authors: Walls David B. , Banks David , Boyce Adrian J. , Burnside Neil M.
Published: September 2021

As the decarbonisation of heating and cooling becomes a matter of critical importance, it has been shown that flooded mines can provide a reliable source of low-carbon thermal energy production and storage when coupled with appropriate demand via an appropriate heat transfer technology. This paper summarises the potential resource represented by a long legacy of mining operations, the means heat can be extracted from (or rejected to) flooded mine workings, and then considers the risks and challenges faced by minewater geothermal energy (MWG) schemes in the planning, construction, and operational phases. A combination of site visits, interviews and literature reviews has informed concise, updated accounts for many of the minewater geothermal energy systems installed across the world, including accounts of hitherto unpublished systems. The paper has found that a number of previously reported MWG schemes are now non-operational. Key risks encountered by MWG schemes (which in some cases have led to decommissioning) include clogging of system components with mineral precipitates (e.g., ochre), uncertainty in targeting open mine voids and their hydraulic behaviour, uncertainty regarding longevity of access to minewater resource, and accumulated ongoing monitoring and maintenance burdens.
Characterisation of Moisture in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Sapwood Modified with Maleic Anhydride and Sodium Hypophosphite
Authors: Kim Injeong , Thybring Emil Engelund , Karlsson Olov , Jones Dennis , Mantanis George I. , Sandberg Dick
Published: September 2021

In this study, the wood–water interactions in Scots pine sapwood modified with maleic anhydride (MA) and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) was studied in the water-saturated state. The water in wood was studied with low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LFNMR) and the hydrophilicity of cell walls was studied by infrared spectroscopy after deuteration using liquid D2O. The results of LFNMR showed that the spin–spin relaxation (T2) time of cell wall water decreased by modification, while T2 of capillary water increased. Furthermore, the moisture content and the amount of water in cell walls of modified wood were lower than for unmodified samples at the water-saturated state. Although the amount of accessible hydroxyl groups in modified wood did not show any significant difference compared with unmodified wood, the increase in T2 of capillary water indicates a decreased affinity of the wood cell wall to water. However, for the cell wall water, the physical confinement within the cell walls seemed to overrule the weaker wood–water interactions.
Designing a Collaborative Virtual Conference Application: Challenges, Requirements and Guidelines
Authors: Ming Teo Rhun , Norowi Noris Mohd , Wirza Rahmita , Kamaruddin Azrina
Published: September 2021

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the globe, more people are working from home. People use synchronous applications to communicate remotely because they are not able to meet face-to-face. However, few research studies on the issues surrounding the virtual conference application, particularly those that include collaborative activities, have been conducted. The usability study recruited 16 participants (in four groups of four) to communicate synchronously while performing collaborative activities, such as drawing together on a shared screen. According to the findings of the usability study, users do not often use the collaborative tools provided by the current virtual conference application. This is due to low exposure and unfamiliarity with the use of collaborative tools. The findings also show that users frequently do not turn on the web camera due to several reasons, including privacy, connectivity issues, the environment, and background distraction. Turning on the web camera can also cause anxiety due to shyness in front of the camera. However, some participants prefer to turn on the web camera so that they can see each other’s reactions when performing collaborative activities. The article provides several guidelines to assist in the design of virtual conference applications, including a simple familiar intuitive interface to encourage the use of collaborative tools and also introduces the use of virtual avatars as a way to represent oneself during online meetings to allow affective sharing while respecting the privacy of its users.
In Vitro Study of Cricket Chitosan’s Potential as a Prebiotic and a Promoter of Probiotic Microorganisms to Control Pathogenic Bacteria in the Human Gut
Authors: Kipkoech Carolyne , Kinyuru John N. , Imathiu Samuel , Meyer-Rochow Victor Benno , Roos Nanna
Published: September 2021

In this study, cricket chitosan was used as a prebiotic. Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis were identified as probiotic bacteria. Cricket chitin was deacetylated to chitosan and added to either De Man Rogosa and Sharpe or Salmonella/Shigella bacterial growth media at the rates of 1%, 5%, 10%, or 20% to obtain chitosan-supplemented media. The growth of the probiotic bacteria was monitored on chitosan-supplemented media after 6, 12, 24, and 48 h upon incubation at 37 °C. Growth of Salmonella typhi in the presence of probiotic bacteria in chitosan-supplemented media was evaluated under similar conditions to those of the growth of probiotic bacteria by measuring growth inhibition zones (in mm) around the bacterial colonies. All chitosan concentrations significantly increased the populations of probiotic bacteria and decreased the populations of pathogenic bacteria. During growth, there was a significant pH change in the media with all probiotic bacteria. Inhibition zones from probiotic bacteria growth supernatant against Salmonella typhi were most apparent at 16 mm and statistically significant in connection with a 10% chitosan concentration. This study suggests cricket-derived chitosan can function as a prebiotic, with an ability to eliminate pathogenic bacteria in the presence of probiotic bacteria.
Element Contents in Three Commercially Important Edible Mollusks Harvested off the Southwestern Coast of Crimea (Black Sea) and Assessment of Human Health Risks from Their Consumption
Authors: Kapranov Sergey V. , Karavantseva Nadezhda V. , Bobko Nikolay I. , Ryabushko Vitaliy I. , Kapranova Larisa L.
Published: September 2021

Mollusks are a prospective food for the world’s growing population, but the contents of toxic and essential trace elements in them have not been studied comprehensively. In this work, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the contents of 72 elements in soft tissues of the edible mollusks Mytilus galloprovincialis, Rapana venosa, and Crassostrea gigas from the coastal area of the southwestern Crimea were estimated and compared with the maximum permissible levels. Element accumulation similarities were observed in the two bivalve species. Cluster analysis applied to the non-normalized contents allowed finding an optimal number of non-overlapping element clusters: 1 group of macroelements, 1–2 groups of trace elements, and 1–2 groups of ultratrace elements. As an outcome of this analysis, the element accumulation universality index was introduced, which demonstrated the accumulation universality decrease in the order: mussel > sea snail > oyster. An original approach to estimating the mollusk consumption rate was proposed to assess human health risks. Two possible consumption scenarios were identified for Crimean residents. From the expected consumption of all species in both scenarios, there are no health risks, but they are not excluded, within the 95% probability, from high consumption of mussels and sea snails in the pessimistic scenario.
Study on Periodic Pulsation Characteristics of Corn Grain in a Grain Cylinder during the Unloading Stage
Authors: Tang Han , Xu Changsu , Qi Xin , Wang Ziming , Wang Jinfeng , Zhou Wenqi , Wang Qi , Wang Jinwu
Published: September 2021

The fluctuation effect of corn grain often occurs during the unloading stage. To accurately explore the periodic pulsation characteristics of corn grain during the unloading stage, a discrete model of corn grain was established, and the effectiveness of the discrete element method in simulating the corn grain unloading stage was verified by a 3D laser scanner and the “spherical particle filling method”. The grain cylinder was divided into six areas, and the periodic pulsation characteristics at different heights were explored through simulation tests. The results showed that the faster the average speed of corn grain changes in unit time, the more significant the periodic pulsation characteristics were as the height of grain unloading increased. The corn grain pulsateon in the grain cylinder exhibited gradual upward transmission and gradual amplification in the process of transmission. The average velocity decreased with increasing height. The direct cause of pulsation was the variation in the average stress between grain layers. Simulation analysis of grain unloading for different half cone angles of the grain cylinder was carried out. The change in corn grain average velocity over time in the area below 20 mm of the upper free surface was extracted. The results showed that the speed of the top corn grain increased with increasing the half cone angle, and the periodic pulsation phenomenon became more obvious with increasing the half cone angle at half cone angles of 30–65°. A half cone angle of 65–70° marked the critical state of corn grain flow changing from funnel flow to overall flow in the grain cylinder. This study provides a method for studying the periodic pulsation characteristics of different crops during the grain unloading stage and provides a technical reference for the safe design of grain unloading equipment.
Physicochemical Characterization of an Exopolysaccharide Produced by Lipomyces sp. and Investigation of Rheological and Interfacial Behavior
Authors: Li Wentian , Guo Yilin , Chen Haiming , Chen Wenxue , Zhang Hailing , Zhang Ming , Zhong Qiuping , Chen Weijun
Published: September 2021

The present study aimed to evaluate the rheological and interfacial behaviors of a novel microbial exopolysaccharide fermented by L. starkeyi (LSEP). The structure of LSEP was measured by LC-MS, 1H and 13C NMR spectra, and FT-IR. Results showed that the monosaccharide composition of LSEP was D-mannose (8.53%), D-glucose (79.25%), D-galactose (7.15%), and L-arabinose (5.07%); there existed the anomeric proton of α-configuration and the anomeric carbon of α- and β-configuration; there appeared the characteristic absorption peak of the phosphate ester bond. The molecular weight of LSEP was 401.8 kDa. The water holding capacity (WHC, 2.10 g/g) and oil holding capacity (OHC, 12.89 g/g) were also evaluated. The results of rheological properties showed that the aqueous solution of LSEP was a non-Newtonian fluid, exhibiting the shear-thinning characteristics. The adsorption of LSEP can reduce the interfacial tension (11.64 mN/m) well and form an elastic interface layer at the MCT–water interface. Such functional properties make LSEP a good candidate for use as thickener, gelling agent, and emulsifier to form long-term emulsions for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.
Induced Dryness Stress on Human Vaginal Epithelium: The Efficacy of a New Vaginal Gel
Authors: Stabile Guglielmo , Ricci Giuseppe , Scalia Maria Sole , De Seta Francesco
Published: September 2021

An experimental model of dryness on vaginal mucosa is proposed to assess the efficacy of a new vaginal gel (Respecta® Hydragel Ref 17031). The dryness model was induced on reconstituted human vaginal epithelium (HVE) by incubating the tissues in modified environmental conditions (R.H. < 50% and T = 40 °C) for 48 h. The products were applied on the ‘Dry’ HVE models for 24 h (series 48 h + 24 h) in standard culture conditions (37 °C 5% CO2). Their efficacy in counteracting vaginal dryness was assessed and compared to tissues treated with saline solution and cultured in standard culture conditions (negative control) and to untreated tissues incubated in dryness conditions for 48 h and then recovered after 24 h in standard culture conditions (positive control). The products’ efficacy was quantified by measuring the following parameters: (1) water flux and direct moisturization by AQP3 immunohistochemical staining, and (2) maintenance of moisturization and elasticity of the mucosa by hyaluronic acid (CD44) immunofluorescence staining. Respecta® Hydragel demonstrated efficacy in regulating the water flux by inducing AQP3 expression thus determining a positive water balance within the vaginal epithelium. It induced a remodelling of the epithelium morphology with restored trophism compared to the dry HVE control. Furthermore, it demonstrated a significant increase of the expression of CD44, related to hyaluronic acid (HA) distribution in the extracellular matrix. HA has the ability to act on the cellular matrix composition and its renewal compared to the dry HVE control. Through these mechanisms it induces a deep hydration and elasticity of the vaginal mucosa.
Uptake and Patient Perspectives on Additional Testing for Novel Disease-Associated Genes: Lessons from a PAH Cohort
Authors: Jansen Samara M. A. , van de Heuvel Lieke M. , Houweling Arjan C. , van Tintelen J. Peter , de Man Frances S. , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Jan Bogaard Harm
Published: September 2021

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has an identifiable genetic cause in 5% of all PAH cases. Due to health benefits conferred by the early detection of PAH and the recent identification of additional PAH-associated genes, we decided to offer (extended) genetic testing to all incident and prevalent idiopathic PAH (iPAH) and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) patients in our clinic. Here, we report the lessons learned from (re-)contacting iPAH/PVOD patients concerning the uptake and analysis of identified PAH-associated genes and patient perspectives of the approach. Methods: Between January 2018 and April 2020, all iPAH/PVOD patients who were not previously genetically tested (contact group) and those who tested negative on prior analysis of BMPR2 and SMAD9 variants (re-contact group) were (re-)contacted for (additional) genetic testing. Results: With our approach, 58% of patients (84 out of 165) opted for genetic counselling, and a pathogenic variant was found in 12% of cases (n = 10) (re-contact group, 11%, and contact group, 13%). Eighty-six percent of participants of the survey study appreciated being (re-)contacted for genetic testing. Mild psychosocial impacts were observed. Conclusions: Our report shows the importance of (re-)contact and interest of patients (as indicated by the uptake, mild psychosocial impact and appreciation) in PAH.