bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Antimicrobial Peptide Ponericin W1, Thanatin, and Mastatopara-S with Geotrichum citri-aurantii Genomic DNA
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Liu Sha , Li Xindan , Wang Wenjun , Deng Lili , Zeng Kaifang
Published: August 2021

Antimicrobial peptides of mastatopara-S (M-S), thanatin, and ponericin W1(P W1) were able to disrupt the membrane integrity and alter the morphology of the hyphae of Geotrichum citri-aurantii and then reduced the sour rot of citrus fruit. In order to understand the mechanisms of thanatin, P W1 and M-S other than membrane disruption, the interaction betwixt the peptides and G. citri-aurantii DNA were investigated in this research. The laser confocal microscopy found that P W1, thanatin, and M-S could penetrate the cell membrane. Gel retardation assay demonstrated that P W1, thanatin, and M-S could bind to the G. citri-aurantii genomic DNA in vitro. UV-visible spectra and fluorescence spectra analysis further confirmed that the peptides can bind to the DNA, and then insert into the base pairs in the DNA helix, followed by wrecking the double-helix structure. In addition, M-S, thanatin, and P W1 can suppress the synthesis of DNA and RNA of G. citri-aurantii.
What’s Your Street Race? The Urgency of Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality as Lenses for Revising the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Guidelines, Census and Administrative Data in Latinx Communities and Beyond
Authors: López Nancy , Hogan Howard
Published: August 2021

What’s your street race? If you were walking down the street what race do you think strangers would automatically assume you are based on what you look like? What is the universe of data and conceptual gaps that complicate or prevent rigorous data collection and analysis for advancing racial justice? Using Latinx communities in the U.S. as an example, we argue that scholars, researchers, practitioners and communities across traditional academic, sectoral and disciplinary boundaries can advance liberation by engaging the ontologies, epistemologies and conceptual guideposts of critical race theory and intersectionality in knowledge production for equity-use. This means not flattening the difference between race (master social status and relational positionality in a racially stratified society based on the social meanings ascribed to a conglomeration of one’s physical characteristics, including skin color, facial features and hair texture) and origin (ethnicity, cultural background, nationality or ancestry). We discuss the urgency of revising the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards, as well as the Census and other administrative data to include separate questions on self-identified race (mark all that apply) and street race (mark only one). We imagine street race as a rigorous “gold standard” for identifying and rectifying racialized structural inequities.
Genetic Variations Associated with Long-Term Treatment Response in Bipolar Depression
Authors: Anmella Gerard , Vilches Silvia , Espadaler-Mazo Jordi , Murru Andrea , Pacchiarotti Isabella , Tuson Miquel , Garriga Marina , Solé Eva , Brat Mercè , Fico Giovanna , Vieta Eduard
Published: August 2021

Several pharmacogenetic-based decision support tools for psychoactive medication selection are available. However, the scientific evidence of the gene-drug pairs analyzed is mainly based on pharmacogenetic studies in patients with major depression or schizophrenia, and their clinical utility is mostly assessed in major depression. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of individual genes, with pharmacogenetic relevance in other psychiatric conditions, in the response to treatment in bipolar depression. Seventy-six patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and an index major depressive episode were included in an observational retrospective study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and all patients were genotyped using a commercial multigene pharmacogenomic-based tool (Neuropharmagen®, AB-Biotics S.A., Barcelona, Spain). Multiple linear regression was used to identify pharmacogenetic and clinical predictors of efficacy and tolerability of medications. The pharmacogenetic variables response to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (ABCB1) and reduced metabolism of quetiapine (CYP3A4) predicted patient response to these medications, respectively. ABCB1 was also linked to the tolerability of SNRIs. An mTOR-related multigenic predictor was also associated with a lower number of adverse effects when including switch and autolytical ideation. Our results suggest that the predictors identified could be useful to guide the pharmacological treatment in bipolar disorder. Additional clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Calculation of Potential Evapotranspiration and Calibration of the Hargreaves Equation Using Geostatistical Methods over the Last 10 Years in Central Italy
Authors: Gentilucci Matteo , Bufalini Margherita , Materazzi Marco , Barbieri Maurizio , Aringoli Domenico , Farabollini Piero , Pambianchi Gilberto
Published: August 2021

Potential evapotranspiration (ET0) is an indicator of great interest for water budget analysis and the agricultural sector. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to make the calculation reliable even if only the temperature data were present. In this research, the ET0 was initially calculated for a limited number of weather stations (12) using the Penman–Monteith method. In some cases, the simplified Penman–Monteith formula was adopted, while in others, as in the case of mountain weather stations, the complete formula was employed to consider the differences in vegetation, deduced from satellite surveys. Subsequently, the ET0 was calculated with the Hargreaves–Samani (HS) formula, calibrating the Hargreaves coefficient, through the spatialization of ET0, by the geostatistical method. The results showed a high reliability of the HS method in comparison with simplified PM (PM) method, and complete Penman–Monteith (cPM) method, with a minimum calibration of the empirical Hargreaves coefficient. In particular, a very good correlation between the results obtained in the mountain environment with the uncalibrated HS method and the cPM method was also observed in this area, while PM showed discordant and much higher results than ET0 compared with the other methods. It follows that this procedure allowed a more accurate estimate of potential evapotranspiration with a view to territory management, both in terms of water resources and the irrigation needs of the vegetation.
Kinematic Comparison on Lower Limb Kicking Action of Fetuses in Different Gestational Weeks: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chen Hairong , Song Yang , Xuan Rongrong , Hu Qiuli , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: August 2021

The fetal movements during different gestational weeks are essential for normal musculoskeletal development. The kinematic characteristics of fetuses with small differences in gestational weeks may be different and important. Ultrasonographic videos of fetal kicking action and plantarflexion action were collected from three healthy pregnant women (24, 27, and 30 gestational weeks) with normal fetal development. The kinematic characteristics, including angular range and angular velocity, were analyzed. These kinematic parameters were measured using simi motion. The final knee angle was found to decrease with progressive gestational weeks. Compared with 24 w, the knee joint angle at 27 w and 30 w was significantly reduced at the end of a kick-type movement (p < 0.01). Except for the mean angular velocity of the knee joint, there were no significant differences in the other conditions. The value at 30 w for mean angular velocity was significantly higher than that at 24 w (p = 0.02). In the ankle joint, no significant differences were observed between different conditions. Therefore, we can conclude that there was no significant difference in the kinematic characteristics of the ankle joint for small gestational age gaps, but there was a significant difference in the knee joint. As the gestation weeks increase, the range of kicking motion tends to decrease. The reason may be that with the increase of gestational weeks, fetal lower limb musculoskeletal development is gradually enhanced; the slower growth rate indicates that development reaches a peak level in weeks 24 to 30.
“Hesitating and Puzzling”: The Experiences and Decision Process of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Prehospital Delay after the Onset of Symptoms
Authors: Wang Pao-Yu , Tsao Lee-Ing , Chen Yu-Wei , Lo Ying-Tao , Sun Hui-Lin
Published: August 2021

Despite campaigns to increase public awareness of stroke symptoms by advocating FAST (Face-Arms-Speech-Time), some stroke patients still show delays in the recognition of and response to stroke symptoms and miss the golden first 4.5 h to receive rt-PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) treatment. The aim of this study was to explore how acute ischemic stroke patients with prehospital delay seek help and undergo the decision process before arriving at the hospital. A qualitative approach using a grounded theory was applied. There were 24 ischemic stroke patients recruited by purposive sampling. Our main findings were: “Hesitating and puzzling” was the core category to describe and guide the process of acute ischemic stroke patients with prehospital delay. During the process, “Awareness the sudden change of physical sensation and/or function” was the antecedent category. In the prehospital delay experience, the following five interaction categories were identified: (1) “Self-judgment and interpretation according to previous experience,” (2) “Puzzling and doubting—it may only be a minor problem,” (3) “Self-treatment or seeking medical attention nearby,” (4) “Unexpected symptoms getting worse” needing immediate advanced medical help and (5) “Rushing to ER with different transportation—self-alerting that serious disease is coming.” Eventually, the patients “Regret to delay seeking treatment and become a disable person.” The process of prehospital delay provides some hidden cues for patients to increase their knowledge about strokes. The study emphasizes the importance of educating community residents about identifying stroke symptoms, breaking the myth of folk therapy, and seeking medical attention immediately. These results will assist healthcare providers by offering references for designing patient-centric educational strategies for preventing stroke prehospital delay to improve the quality of stroke medical care.
Effect of Preharvest Application of CPPU and Perforated Packaging on the Postharvest Quality of Red-Fleshed Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) Fruit
Authors: Chang Pai-Tsang
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the preharvest application of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and perforated polyethylene bag packaging (PPE) on maintaining the postharvest quality of red-fleshed cv. ‘Da-Hong’ pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) fruit. On the flowering day, 100 mg·L−1 CPPU was sprayed on the bracts and water was used as the control. After harvest, all fruits were divided into three package treatments, which were packed without bags, packed with and without PPE bags, and stored at 5 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 21 days, followed by 7 days at 20 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity without bags for quality evaluation. Significantly higher bract thickness (2.26 vs. 1.44 mm), longer fruit length (120.5 vs. 109.04 mm), and greater firmness (1.56 vs. 1.04 kg·cm−2) were recorded for the CPPU treated fruit at harvest. Preharvest application of CPPU with perforated packaging resulted in significantly greener bracts, a lower yellow index, fewer chilling incidences, and a lower decay ratio, but there was a slight decrease in respiration rate during cold storage at 5 °C for 21 days. However, all criteria reached the threshold when fruits were transferred to 20 °C for 7 days. In conclusion, preharvest CPPU application plus perforated packaging is the best combination for the long-term storage of red-fleshed pitaya fruit at 5 °C.
Inverse Association between Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Risk of Suspected Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Population
Authors: Park Eunjung , Park Eun Young
Published: August 2021

Background: Worldwide, vitamin D deficiency is a public health issue and the prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are rapidly increasing. There are a limited number of studies assessing the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and NAFLD risk in obese population. Objective: We evaluated the associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and risk of suspected NAFLD after stratification by obesity using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2014. Methods: This study included 25,755 subjects without significant alcohol consumption for the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hepatic steatosis index (HSI) analyses (8922 subjects for the serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and fatty liver index (FLI) analyses), based on a cross-sectional study design. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using a Gamma counter with radioimmunoassay. A survey logistic regression model was applied to estimate ORs and 95% CIs. Restricted cubic smoothing splines were applied to evaluate nonlinear associations. Results: The risk of suspected NAFLD was reduced per unit of natural log-transformed serum 25(OH)D concentration in obese individuals (OR [95% (CI)]; for ALT, 0.80 [0.67, 0.96]; for GGT, 0.70 [0.49, 0.99; for FLI, 0.68 [0.47, 1.01]; for HSI, 0.70 [0.56, 0.87]). The ORs [95% CI] of suspected NAFLD changed across the quartiles: for serum ALT, from 1.02 [0.85, 1.23] to 0.72 [0.59, 0.87]; for serum GGT, from 0.79 [0.56, 1.13] to 0.64 [0.44, 0.92]; for FLI, from 0.98 [0.67, 1.44] to 0.70 [0.48, 1.02]; and for HSI, from 0.91 [0.73, 1.14] to 0.65 [0.52, 0.81] with dose–response relationships (all p for trend < 0.01). Conclusions: This study suggests that vitamin D sufficiency for public health should be emphasized in order to prevent adverse health effects in obese populations.
Learning from COVID-19: Infectious Disease Vulnerability Promotes Pro-Environmental Behaviors
Authors: Jiang Da , Li Mingxuan , Wu Hanyang , Liu Shuang
Published: August 2021

Environmental problems, such as climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, are important contributors to the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and SARS. For instance, a greater concentration of ambient NO2 was associated with faster transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. However, it remains unclear whether outbreaks of infectious diseases arouse individuals’ concern on the need to protect the environment and therefore promote more pro-environmental behaviors. To this end, we examined the relationship between infectious disease vulnerability and pro-environmental behaviors using data from a cross-societal survey (N = 53 societies) and an experiment (N = 214 individuals). At both the societal and the individual levels, infectious disease vulnerability increased pro-environmental behaviors. At the societal level, this relationship was mediated by citizens’ level of environmental concern. At the individual level, the relationship was mediated by empathy. The findings show that infectious disease vulnerability is conducive to pro-environmental behaviors.
Association between Statin Use and Meniere’s Disease: Results from a National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Kim So Young , Yoo Dae Myoung , Min Chanyang , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: August 2021

The protective effects of statins against inner ear diseases have been suggested. This study investigated the relationship between previous statin use and the occurrence of Meniere’s disease (MD). Participants ≥40 years old in the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort 2002–2015 were enrolled. A total of 7734 MD participants were matched with 38,670 comparison participants. The dates of statin prescriptions for the 2 years before the onset of MD were examined. A conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of statin use for MD. Regarding the different types of statins, lipophilic statins, but not hydrophilic statins, were associated with lower odds of MD in the <65 year-old group (adjusted OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.68–0.97, p = 0.023). Prior statin use did not show association with MD in the adult population. Regarding the different types of statins, lipophilic statin use was related to a lower rate of MD in a middle-aged population.
Estimates of COVID-19 Risk Factors among Social Strata and Predictors for a Vulnerability to the Infection
Authors: Mouliou Dimitra S. , Kotsiou Ourania S. , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a potentially severe disease, especially for individuals presenting with certain underlying medical conditions. We analyzed the rates of comorbidities and symptoms to reveal the potential severity of the pandemic in Volos, one of the most air-polluted cities in Greece. Environmental and health-related predictors for SARS-CoV-2 infection were investigated. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated through social media in the first half of March 2021 during a five-month strict lockdown. Sociodemographic data, preexisting medical conditions, frequency of clinical symptoms, and COVID-19 information were recorded. The study population consisted of 2000 responders. Four-fifths of the participants reported comorbidities that could increase vulnerability to severe COVID-19. Respiratory symptoms were reported from the unemployed and from retirees, and cold-related symptoms were reported in the education sector and in undergraduates. Women and younger generations shaped social vulnerability to respiratory infections similar to the elderly. SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in 3.7% of the study population. Common headache (OR 2; CI 1189–3013; p = 0.007) and prior pneumonia (OR 1.9; CI 1024–2898; p = 0.04) were significant predictors for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The importance of monitoring society through community-based questionnaires is highlighted, for predicting and preventing future widespread transmission of infectious diseases.
Black to the Future: Making the Case for Indigenist Health Humanities
Authors: Watego Chelsea , Whop Lisa J. , Singh David , Mukandi Bryan , Macoun Alissa , Newhouse George , Drummond Ali , McQuire Amy , Stajic Janet , Kajlich Helena , Brough Mark
Published: August 2021

This paper outlines the development of Indigenist Health Humanities as a new and innovative field of research building an intellectual collective capable of bridging the knowledge gap that hinders current efforts to close the gap in Indigenous health inequality. Bringing together health and the humanities through the particularity of Indigenous scholarship, a deeper understanding of the human experience of health will be developed alongside a greater understanding of the enablers to building a transdisciplinary collective of Indigenist researchers. The potential benefits include a more sustainable, relational, and ethical approach to advancing new knowledge, and health outcomes, for Indigenous people in its fullest sense.
Individual and COVID-19-Specific Indicators of Compliance with Mask Use and Social Distancing: The Importance of Norms, Perceived Effectiveness, and State Response
Authors: Gette Jordan A. , Stevens Angela K. , Littlefield Andrew K. , Hayes Kerri L. , White Helene R. , Jackson Kristina M.
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has resulted in widespread negative outcomes. Face masks and social distancing have been used to minimize its spread. Understanding who will engage in protective behaviors is crucial for continued response to the pandemic. We aimed to evaluate factors that are indicative of mask use and social distancing among current and former college students prior to vaccine access. Participants (N = 490; 67% female; 60% White) were current and former U.S. undergraduate college students. Perceived effectiveness and descriptive norms regarding COVID-19 safety measures, COVID-19-related news watching and seeking, state response timing to stay-at-home mandates, impulsivity-like traits, affect (mood), and demographic variables were assessed. Results found that greater perceived effectiveness indicated increased personal compliance within and across behaviors. Greater norms related to compliance within behaviors (e.g., indoor norms related to indoor compliance). Increased perceived stress, anxiety, and negative affect indicated greater compliance. More positive affect was associated with less compliance. Being non-White, compared to White (p < 0.001), and female, compared to male (p < 0.001), were associated with greater compliance. Overall, early implementation of stay-at-home orders, exposure to COVID-19-related news, and increased perceived effectiveness are crucial for health safety behavior compliance. Findings are important for informing response to health crises, including COVID-19.
Analysis of Emotion and Recall in COVID-19 Advertisements: A Neuroscientific Study
Authors: Baños-González Miguel , Rajas-Fernández Mario , Sutil-Martín Dolores Lucía
Published: August 2021

In this research, neuroscience techniques are applied to the field of marketing in the analysis of advertisements that include the COVID-19 pandemic in their stories. A study of emotion and memory in these audiovisual productions is carried out as two fundamental factors for the knowledge of consumer habits and decision making. By means of facial recognition biosensor systems (AFFDEX) and various tests, six informative and narrative, emotional and rational advertisements are presented to the subjects of the experiment to detect which emotions predominate; how they affect variables such as neuroticism, psychoticism or extroversion, among others; or what is remembered about the different works, brands and advertisers. Outstanding results are obtained in both emotional and cognitive analysis. Thus, in the field of public health, it is found that messages referring to COVID-19 included in advertisements are remembered more than other narratives or even the brands, products or services themselves. Likewise, joy is the predominant emotion, and its significance in such varied advertising stories stands out. Finally, it is clear that neuroscience research applied to marketing requires new methods and integrated applications to obtain satisfactory results in the advertising field.
Psychological Distress and Psychosocial Factors in the Non-Formal Context of Basketball Coaches in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Torres-Martín César , Alemany-Arrebola Inmaculada , Lorenzo-Martín Manuel Enrique , Mingorance-Estrada Ángel Custodio
Published: August 2021

Psychological distress and psychosocial factors are studied in the sports context in players of various specialties, but are only little studied with coaches who carry out their work with these athletes; that is where we put the emphasis, trying to determine the perception of coaches on psychological distress and psychosocial risk factors that may influence their sports work in times of a pandemic. It is an ex post facto study with a single-group retrospective design, with a representative sample of 94 coaches out of a possible 109. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and the short version of the ISTAS21 Psychosocial Risk Assessment at Work Questionnaire were adapted to the sports context. The results show that the youngest, those with the least experience and level 1 and level 2 coaches show the highest levels of stress. According to the psychosocial risk assessment, level 1 and 2 coaches, with experience between 6 to 10 years, are in the risk zone. Therefore, it is important to work with a group of coaches who are in the psychosocial risk zone and with high levels of psychological discomfort in order to avoid mental, emotional and physical stress, for the good performance of their work in the best possible conditions.
The 2008 Financial Crisis and Changes in Lifestyle-Related Behaviors in Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sane Schepisi Monica , Di Napoli Anteo , Asciutto Rosario , Vecchi Simona , Mirisola Concetta , Petrelli Alessio
Published: August 2021

Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal have all been strongly affected by the 2008 financial crisis, which has had a negative impact on health. We systematically evaluated the effects of the crisis on lifestyle and socioeconomic inequalities. We conducted a literature search using MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and health economics databases for studies reporting quantitative comparisons before and after (or during) the crisis on the following risk behaviors: alcohol consumption, smoking habit, healthy diet, physical activity, and psychotropic drugs and substance abuse, without setting any age restrictions. We selected 34 original articles published between 2011 and 2020. During/after the crisis, alcohol consumption and substance abuse decreased, while psychotropic drug use increased. We also observed a deterioration in healthy eating behavior, with a reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption. Smoking habit and physical activity showed a more complex, controversial trend. Socioeconomic inequalities were affected by the recession, and the negative effects on unhealthy lifestyle tended to be more pronounced among the disadvantaged. These results suggest the need to implement health policies and interventions aimed at monitoring risk behaviors, with special regard to disadvantaged people, and considering the potential additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of Digital and Non-Digital Urban Participatory Approaches on Public Access Conditions: An Evaluation Framework
Authors: Chassin Thibaud , Cherqui Adeline , Ingensand Jens , Joerin Florent
Published: August 2021

The gradual institutionalization of public participation increasingly compels local authorities to partially share their power over the transformation of urban areas. The smooth running of a participatory session is based on selecting the appropriate type of interaction, or medium, which supports the local authorities to reach and interact with a targeted public. However, local authorities often appear unfamiliar with the organization of interactive sessions with the population. This article introduces an evaluation framework that focuses on the access conditions of participants to the sessions of interaction. This novel perspective aspires to assist the local authorities in their decision to adopt a participatory medium (or method of interaction). Seven dimensions are investigated to this aim, namely accessibility, availability, adequacy, affordability, acceptability, awareness, and attractiveness (the last dimension is introduced in this article). In light of two real case scenarios that occurred in Western Switzerland, the use of the access framework is investigated for two potential purposes: (1) supporting the choice of a medium for an interactive session according to the urban project’s context and the targeted public; and (2) improving future participatory approaches by assessing the representativeness of participants attending a past session in comparison to the originally targeted public.
Early Diagnosis of Classic Homocystinuria in Kuwait through Newborn Screening: A 6-Year Experience
Authors: Alsharhan Hind , Ahmed Amir A. , Ali Naser M. , Alahmad Ahmad , Albash Buthaina , Elshafie Reem M. , Alkanderi Sumaya , Elkazzaz Usama M. , Cyril Parakkal Xavier , Abdelrahman Rehab M. , Elmonairy Alaa A. , Ibrahim Samia M. , Elfeky Yasser M. E. , Sadik Doaa I. , Al-Enezi Sara D. , Salloum Ayman M. , Girish Yadav , Al-Ali Mohammad , Ramadan Dina G. , Alsafi Rasha , Al-Rushood May , Bastaki Laila
Published: August 2021

Kuwait is a small Arabian Gulf country with a high rate of consanguinity and where a national newborn screening program was expanded in October 2014 to include a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders. A retrospective study conducted between January 2015 and December 2020 revealed a total of 304,086 newborns have been screened in Kuwait. Six newborns were diagnosed with classic homocystinuria with an incidence of 1:50,000, which is not as high as in Qatar but higher than the global incidence. Molecular testing for five of them has revealed three previously reported pathogenic variants in the CBS gene, c.969G>A, p.(Trp323Ter); c.982G>A, p.(Asp328Asn); and the Qatari founder variant c.1006C>T, p.(Arg336Cys). This is the first study to review the screening of newborns in Kuwait for classic homocystinuria, starting with the detection of elevated blood methionine and providing a follow-up strategy for positive results, including plasma total homocysteine and amino acid analyses. Further, we have demonstrated an increase in the specificity of the current newborn screening test for classic homocystinuria by including the methionine to phenylalanine ratio along with the elevated methionine blood levels in first-tier testing. Here, we provide evidence that the newborn screening in Kuwait has led to the early detection of classic homocystinuria cases and enabled the affected individuals to lead active and productive lives.
Rethinking Figure-of-Merits of Liquid Crystals Shielded Coplanar Waveguide Phase Shifters at 60 GHz
Authors: Li Jinfeng
Published: August 2021

The demand for reconfigurable millimetre-wave (mm-Wave) components based on highly anisotropic liquid crystals (LC) is higher than ever before for the UK and worldwide. In this work, 60 GHz investigation on a bespoke shielded coplanar waveguide (SCPW) phase shifter structure filled with 16 types of microwave-enabled nematic LCs respectively indicates that the patterns of the device’s figure-of-merit (FoM, defined as the ratio of maximum differential phase shift to maximum insertion loss) reshuffle from those of the characterised LC materials’ FoM (defined as the ratio of tunability to maximum dissipation factor). To be more specific, GT7-29001- and MDA-03-2838-based phase shifters exhibit the highest FoM for devices, outperforming phase shifters based on GT5-28004 and TUD-566 with the highest FoM for materials. Such a mismatch between the device’s FoM and LC’s FoM implies a nonlinearly perturbed wave-occupied volume ratio effect. Furthermore, the relationship between insertion loss and the effective delay line length is nonlinear, as evidenced by measurement results of two phase shifters (0–π and 0–2π, respectively). Such nonlinearities complicate the established FoM metrics and potentially lead to a renewed interest in the selection and material synthesis of LCs to optimise reconfigurable mmWave devices, and promote their technological exploitation in phased array systems targeting demanding applications such as inter-satellite links and satellite internet.
Bi-Centric Independent Validation of Outcome Prediction after Radioembolization of Primary and Secondary Liver Cancer
Authors: Fabritius Matthias Philipp , Seidensticker Max , Rueckel Johannes , Heinze Constanze , Pech Maciej , Paprottka Karolin Johanna , Paprottka Philipp Marius , Topalis Johanna , Bender Andreas , Ricke Jens , Mittermeier Andreas , Ingrisch Michael
Published: August 2021

Background: Yttrium-90 radioembolization (RE) plays an important role in the treatment of liver malignancies. Optimal patient selection is crucial for an effective and safe treatment. In this study, we aim to validate the prognostic performance of a previously established random survival forest (RSF) with an external validation cohort from a different national center. Furthermore, we compare outcome prediction models with different established metrics. Methods: A previously established RSF model, trained on a consecutive cohort of 366 patients who had received RE due to primary or secondary liver tumor at a national center (center 1), was used to predict the outcome of an independent consecutive cohort of 202 patients from a different national center (center 2) and vice versa. Prognostic performance was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index) and the integrated Brier score (IBS). The prognostic importance of designated baseline parameters was measured with the minimal depth concept, and the influence on the predicted outcome was analyzed with accumulated local effects plots. RSF values were compared to conventional cox proportional hazards models in terms of C-index and IBS. Results: The established RSF model achieved a C-index of 0.67 for center 2, comparable to the results obtained for center 1, which it was trained on (0.66). The RSF model trained on center 2 achieved a C-index of 0.68 on center 2 data and 0.66 on center 1 data. CPH models showed comparable results on both cohorts, with C-index ranging from 0.68 to 0.72. IBS validation showed more differentiated results depending on which cohort was trained on and which cohort was predicted (range: 0.08 to 0.20). Baseline cholinesterase was the most important variable for survival prediction. Conclusion: The previously developed predictive RSF model was successfully validated with an independent external cohort. C-index and IBS are suitable metrics to compare outcome prediction models, with IBS showing more differentiated results. The findings corroborate that survival after RE is critically determined by functional hepatic reserve and thus baseline liver function should play a key role in patient selection.
Liquid Biopsy for Biomarker Testing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A European Perspective
Authors: Malapelle Umberto , Tiseo Marcello , Vivancos Ana , Kapp Joshua , Serrano M. Josè , Tiemann Markus
Published: August 2021

The development of targeted therapies has improved survival rates for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, tissue biopsy is unfeasible or inadequate in many patients, limiting biomarker testing and access to targeted therapies. The increasing numbers of established and emerging biomarkers with available targeted treatments highlights the challenges associated with sequential single-gene testing and limited tissue availability. Multiplex next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers an attractive alternative and represents a logical next step, and in cases where the tumour is inaccessible, tissue biopsy yields insufficient tumour content, or when the patient’s performance status does not allow a tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy can provide valuable material for molecular diagnosis. Here, we explore the role of liquid biopsy (i.e., circulating cell-free DNA analysis) in Europe. Liquid biopsies could be used as a complementary approach to increase rates of molecular diagnosis, with the ultimate aim of improving patient access to appropriate targeted therapies. Expert opinion is also provided on potential future applications of liquid biopsy in NSCLC, including for cancer prevention, detection of early stage and minimum residual disease, monitoring of response to therapy, selection of patients for immunotherapy, and monitoring of tumour evolution to enable optimal adaptation/combination of drug therapies.
Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis as a Cause of Recurrent Cholangitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Palomba Emanuele , Maggioni Marco , Viero Giulia , Mangioni Davide , Lombardi Rosa , Antonelli Barbara , Dondossola Daniele , Iavarone Massimo , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea , Lombardi Andrea
Published: August 2021

Rare liver diseases caused by ductal plate malformation, such as congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF), Caroli syndrome, and polycystic liver disease, can have clinical manifestations such as recurrent cholangitis—frequently involving multidrug-resistant microorganisms—leading to difficulties in selecting the optimal antimicrobial treatment. Without prompt recognition, these infections severely hamper the patient’s quality of life and can develop into life-threatening complications. We report here the case of a 50-year-old woman with a history of recurring cholangitis with occasional systemic involvement leading to bloodstream infection, who ultimately received a diagnosis of CHF and was put on chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy while on the waiting list for a liver transplant. We also reviewed the literature collecting cases of recurrent infections occurring in patients with ductal plate malformation.
In Situ Reduced Multi-Core Yolk–Shell Co@C Nanospheres for Broadband Microwave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Mu , Qiu Jiahang , Xin Zhen , Sun Xudong
Published: August 2021

The preparation of yolk–shell microwave absorption materials with low density and excellent microwave absorption property requires reasonable design and economical manufacture. In this study, an efficient strategy without any templates or reducing gases has been designed to fabricate multi-core yolk–shell Co@C nanospheres by high temperature carbonization. The results showed that Co3O4 was completely reduced by the carbon shell to metal cobalt at temperatures above 750 °C. This unique multi-core yolk–shell structure with shell of 600 nm and multiple cores of tens of nanometers can provide sufficient interface and space to reflect and scatter electromagnetic waves. At the same time, the metal cobalt layer and carbon layer provide magnetic loss ability and dielectric loss ability, respectively, making the composite show good wave absorption performance. The minimal RL value of samples carbonized at 750 °C reaches −40 dB and the efficient absorption band reaches 9 GHz with the thickness ranges from 2–9 mm. Therefore, this is a facile, effective and economical strategy to prepare yolk–shell structure, which provides a new idea for the preparation of microwave absorption materials.
Implementation and Performance Evaluation of a Bivariate Cut-HDMR Metamodel for Semiconductor Packaging Design Problems with a Large Number of Input Variables
Authors: Yang Yu-Hsiang , Wei Hsiu-Ping , Han Bongtae , Hu Chao
Published: August 2021

A metamodeling technique based on Bivariate Cut High Dimensional Model Representation (Bivariate Cut HDMR) is implemented for a semiconductor packaging design problem with 10 design variables. Bivariate Cut-HDMR constructs a metamodel by considering only up to second-order interactions. The implementation uses three uniformly distributed sample points (s = 3) with quadratic spline interpolation to construct the component functions of Bivariate Cut-HDMR, which can be used to make a direct comparison with a metamodel based on Central Composite Design (CCD). The performance of Bivariate Cut-HDMR is evaluated by two well-known error metrics: R-squared and Relative Average Absolute Error (RAAE). The results are compared with the performance of CCD. Bivariate Cut HDMR does not compromise the accuracy compared to CCD, although the former uses only one-fifth of sample points (201 sample points) required by the latter (1045 sample points). The sampling schemes and the predictions of cut-planes and boundary-planes are discussed to explain possible reasons for the outstanding performance of Bivariate Cut HDMR.
Automated Distinction between Cement Paste and Aggregates of Concrete Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Pourbozorgi Langroudi Pakdad , Kapteina Gesa , Illguth Marcus
Published: August 2021

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a technique which enables the analysis of material components with precision and spatial resolution. Furthermore, the investigation method is comparatively fast which enables illustrating the distribution of elements within the examined material. This opens new possibilities for the investigation of very heterogeneous materials, such as concrete. Concrete consists of cement, water, and aggregates. As most of the transport processes take place exclusively in the hardened cement paste, relevant limit values linked to harmful element contents are specified in relation to the cement mass. When a concrete sample from an existing structure is examined, information on the concrete composition is usually not available. Therefore, assumptions have to be made to convert the element content analyzed in the sample based on the cement content in the sample. This inevitably leads to inaccuracies. Therefore, a method for distinction between cement paste and aggregates is required. Cement and aggregate components are chemically very close to each other and therefore, complex for classification. This is why the consideration of a single distinguishing feature is not sufficient. In this paper, a machine learning method is described and has been used to automate the distinction of the cement paste and aggregates of the LIBS data to receive reliable information of this technique. The presented approach could potentially be employed for many heterogeneous materials with the same complexity to quantify the arbitrary substances.
Numerical Simulations of Components Produced by Fused Deposition 3D Printing
Authors: Scapin Martina , Peroni Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

Three-dimensional printing technology using fused deposition modeling processes is becoming more and more widespread thanks to the improvements in the mechanical properties of materials with the addition of short fibers into the polymeric filaments. The final mechanical properties of the printed components depend, not only on the properties of the filament, but also on several printing parameters. The main purpose of this study was the development of a tool for designers to predict the real mechanical properties of printed components by performing finite element analyses. Two different materials (nylon reinforced with glass or carbon fibers) were investigated. The experimental identification of the elastic material model parameters was performed by testing printed fully filled dog bone specimens in two different directions. The obtained parameters were used in numerical analyses to predict the mechanical response of simple structures. Blocks of 20 mm × 20 mm × 160 mm were printed in four different percentages of a triangular infill pattern. Experimental and numerical four-point bending tests were performed, and the results were compared in terms of load versus curvature. The analysis of the results demonstrated that the purely elastic transversely isotropic material model is adequate for predicting behavior, at least before nonlinearities occur.
Application of Multidimensional Statistical Analysis in Tribotechnical Diagnostics of Hydraulic Fluids in Woodworking Equipment
Authors: Hnilicová Michaela , Turis Ján , Hnilica Richard
Published: August 2021

The article dealt with the assessment of the quality of hydraulic oil and determination of the mode of wear of the friction surfaces of Baljer & Zembrod manipulating lines through the information traces in the oils by applying tribotechnical diagnostics. We presented the assessment of the level of degradation of the oils. In addition, we presented the mode of wear of the friction surfaces washed in oil through evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the particles found in the oil. In detail, we focused on the application of suitable multivariate statistical methods on the data matrix. The article also presents predictive models that can sort oils into groups based on the assessment of quality of the oil and the state of the friction couples. The models can be used in research and in solving practical tasks in tribotechnical diagnostics of hydraulic fluids in woodworking equipment. Our results showed that the manipulation lines were greatly thermically stressed due to inadequate oil and machine maintenance. By correlative integration of all methods used, we could determine the real mode of the wear of the tribologic nodes of the machine. The experiment enabled the early detection of an undesirable process in the tribological node and implementation of corrective measures before the machine would break down.
Experimental Study Regarding the Behavior at Different pH of Two Types of Co-Cr Alloys Used for Prosthetic Restorations
Authors: Bechir Farah , Bataga Simona Maria , Ungureanu Elena , Vranceanu Diana Maria , Pacurar Mariana , Bechir Edwin Sever , Cotrut Cosmin Mihai
Published: August 2021

Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys are widely utilized in dentistry. The salivary pH is a significant factor, which affects the characteristics and the behavior of dental alloys through corrosion. This study aimed to evaluate the corrosion behavior in artificial saliva with different pH values (3, 5.7, and 7.6) of two commercial Co-Cr dental alloys manufactured by casting and by milling. Corrosion resistance was determined by the polarization resistance technique, and the tests were carried out at 37 ± 1 °C, in Carter Brugirard artificial saliva. After the electrochemical parameters, it can be stated that the cast Co-Cr alloy has the lowest corrosion current density, the highest polarization resistance, and the lowest speed of corrosion in artificial saliva with pH = 7.6. In the case of milled Co-Cr alloy, the same behavior was observed, but in artificial saliva with pH = 5.7, it recorded the most electropositive values of open circuit potential and corrosion potential. Although both cast and milled Co-Cr alloys presented a poorer corrosion resistance in artificial saliva with a more acidic pH value, the milled Co-Cr alloy had better corrosion behavior, making this alloy a better option for the prosthetic treatment of patients suffering from GERD.
Analysis of Interface Fusion Effect between Old and New Asphalt under Plant Mixing and Cold Recycling Mode Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhou Peilei , Wang Wensheng , Yu Zhe
Published: August 2021

Road construction consumes a lot of resources and produces a lot of waste and other pollutants. With the emergence of a resource and energy crisis, how to make efficient use of rap has become the research focus of scientific researchers. The interface fusion effect of old and new asphalt in plant mixing and cooling recycling mode is analyzed in order to improve the utilization rate of old asphalt in reclaimed asphalt pavement. In this paper, Materials Studio software was used to establish a bitumen model using the method of four components of bitumen, and then the rationality of the model was verified by density, solubility number and atomic radial distribution function, and the diffusion coefficient obtained from the mean square displacement (MSD) was taken as its evaluation index. The results showed that the diffusion model tends to be stable after 20 ps, and the degree of diffusion increases with the increase in temperature. The degree of diffusion of new asphalt to old asphalt and the degree of diffusion of old asphalt to new asphalt are basically very similar; however, there are some differences at different temperatures. Only a small part of the surface contact between old and new asphalt has been fused, which accords with the partial fusion theory. Compared with Panjin 90# asphalt, the diffusion coefficient of Zhonghaiyou asphalt increases faster with the increase in temperature. The diffusion coefficient increases by 64.3% with the increase of the content of rejuvenators after adding different rejuvenators into the new asphalt. Clarifying the interface fusion effect will be helpful to guide the optimization design of cold-mixing recycled asphalt mixture more scientifically and reasonably. Future research should focus on increasing the fusion effect of old and new asphalt, and explore its influence on the conventional road performance of asphalt mixture.