bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Schizophrenia Cases From Healthy Controls With Combination of Neurocognitive and Electrophysiological Features
Authors: Tian Qing , Yang Ning-Bo , Fan Yu , Dong Fang , Bo Qi-Jing , Zhou Fu-Chun , Zhang Ji-Cong , Li Liang , Yin Guang-Zhong , Wang Chuan-Yue , Fan Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

The search for a method that utilizes biomarkers to identify patients with schizophrenia from healthy individuals has occupied researchers for decades. However, no single indicator can be employed to achieve the good in clinical practice. We aim to develop a comprehensive machine learning pipeline based on neurocognitive and electrophysiological combined features for distinguishing schizophrenia patients from healthy people.

Methods

In the present study, 69 patients with schizophrenia and 50 healthy controls participated. Neurocognitive (contains seven specific domains of cognition) and electrophysiological [prepulse inhibition, electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum, detrended fluctuation analysis, and fractal dimension (FD)] features were collected, all these features were taken together to generate the identification models of schizophrenia by applying logistics, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting algorithm. The classification capabilities of these models were also evaluated.

Results

Both the neurocognitive and electrophysiological feature sets showed a good classification effect with the highest accuracy greater than 85% and AUC greater than 90%. Specifically, the performances of the combined neurocognitive and electrophysiological feature sets achieved the highest accuracy of 93.28% and AUC of 97.91%. The extreme gradient boosting algorithm as a whole presented more stably and precisely in classification efficiency.

Conclusion

The highest classification accuracy of 93.28% by combination of neurocognitive and electrophysiological features shows that both measurements are appropriate indicators to be used in discriminating schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals. Also, among three algorithms, extreme gradient boosting had better classified performances than logistics and random forest algorithms.
Association Between Sense of Coherence and Frailty: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Chen Hao , Fu Hua , Ye Bo , Wang Yi , Yan Huihui , Chen Yingwei , Xu Jixiang , Nie Xin , Gao Junling
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Frailty is an emerging global public health burden. Most existing studies have focused on risk factors for frailty, focusing less on protective factors against frailty. This study aims to examine the association between the sense of coherence (SOC), the most common construct of salutogenesis and frailty status among community-dwelling old adults.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 7,970 old adults aged ≥65 years in three cities in China from June 2019 to October 2020. Frailty was operationalised as the sum of self-reported fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness, and loss of weight (FRAIL scale). The χ2 test was used to analyse the distribution difference of frailty in demographic, behavioural, and SOC levels. Confounder-adjusted multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between SOC and frailty.

Results

The prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty was 43.1 and 8.0%, respectively. The results of the confounder-adjusted regression showed that older adults with moderate-level SOC (odds ratio, OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54–0.69) and strong-level SOC (OR: 0.55, 0.48–0.64) had lower odds of being pre-frail compared to those with weak SOC. It also showed that older adults with moderate-level SOC (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.27–0.40) and strong-level SOC (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.16–0.29) had lower odds of being frail compared to those with weak SOC.

Conclusion

SOC may be a protective factor against frailty. Improving SOC may be a strategy to prevent frailty among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.
Functional and Structural Brain Connectivity in Children With Bilateral Cerebral Palsy Compared to Age-Related Controls and in Response to Intensive Rapid-Reciprocal Leg Training
Authors: Damiano Diane L. , Pekar James J. , Mori Susumu , Faria Andreia Vasconcellos , Ye X. , Stashinko Elaine , Stanley Christopher J. , Alter Katharine E. , Hoon Alec H. , Chin Eric M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Compared to unilateral cerebral palsy (CP), less is known about brain reorganization and plasticity in bilateral CP especially in relation or response to motor training. The few trials that reported brain imaging results alongside functional outcomes include a handful of studies in unilateral CP, and one pilot trial of three children with bilateral CP. This study is the first locomotor training randomized controlled trial (RCT) in bilateral CP to our knowledge reporting brain imaging outcomes.

Methods

Objective was to compare MRI brain volumes, resting state connectivity and white matter integrity using DTI in children with bilateral CP with PVL and preterm birth history (<34 weeks), to age-related controls, and from an RCT of intensive 12 week rapid-reciprocal locomotor training using an elliptical or motor-assisted cycle. We hypothesized that connectivity in CP compared to controls would be greater across sensorimotor-related brain regions and that functional (resting state) and structural (fractional anisotropy) connectivity would improve post intervention. We further anticipated that baseline and post-intervention imaging and functional measures would correlate.

Results

Images were acquired with a 3T MRI scanner for 16/27 children with CP in the trial, and 18 controls. No conclusive evidence of training-induced neuroplastic effects were seen. However, analysis of shared variance revealed that greater increases in precentral gyrus connectivity with the thalamus and pons may be associated with larger improvements in the trained device speed. Exploratory analyses also revealed interesting potential relationships between brain integrity and multiple functional outcomes in CP, with functional connectivity between the motor cortex and midbrain showing the strongest potential relationship with mobility. Decreased posterior white matter, corpus callosum and thalamic volumes, and FA in the posterior thalamic radiation were the most prominent group differences with corticospinal tract differences notably not found.

Conclusions

Results reinforce the involvement of sensory-related brain areas in bilateral CP. Given the wide individual variability in imaging results and clinical responses to training, a greater focus on neural and other mechanisms related to better or worse outcomes is recommended to enhance rehabilitation results on a patient vs. group level.
Effect of Haptic Training During Manual Wheelchair Propulsion on Shoulder Joint Reaction Moments
Authors: Aissaoui Rachid , Gagnon Dany
Published: April 2022

Background

Manual wheelchair propulsion remains a very ineffective means of locomotion in terms of energy cost and mechanical efficiency, as more than half of the forces applied to the pushrim do not contribute to move the wheelchair forward. Manual wheelchair propulsion training using the haptic biofeedback has shown an increase in mechanical efficiency at the handrim level. However, no information is available about the impact of this training on the load at the shoulders. We hypothesized that increasing propulsion mechanical efficiency by 10% during propulsion would not yield clinically significant augmentation of the load sustained at the shoulders.

Methods

Eighteen long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury propelled a manual wheelchair over a wheelchair simulator offering the haptic biofeedback. Participants were asked to propel without the Haptic Biofeedback (HB) and, thereafter, they were subjected to five training blocks BL1–BL5 of 3 min in a random order with the haptic biofeedback targeting a 10% increase in force effectiveness. The training blocs such as BL1, BL2 BL3, BL4, and BL5 correspond, respectively, to a resistant moment of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%. Pushrim kinetics, shoulder joint moments, and forces during the propulsive cycle of wheelchair propulsion were assessed for each condition.

Results

The tangential force component increases significantly by 74 and 87%, whereas value for the mechanical effective force increases by 9% between the pretraining and training blocks BL3. The haptic biofeedback resulted in a significant increase of the shoulder moments with 1–7 Nm.

Conclusion

Increases in shoulder loads were found for the corresponding training blocks but even though the percentage of the increase seems high, the amplitude of the joint moment remains under the values of wheelchair propulsion found in the literature. The use of the HB simulator is considered here as a safe approach to increase mechanical effectiveness. However, the longitudinal impact of this enhancement remains unknown for the impact on the shoulder joint. Future studies will be focused on this impact in terms of shoulder risk injury during manual wheelchair propulsion.
A Deep-Learning Based Framework for Source Separation, Analysis, and Synthesis of Choral Ensembles
Authors: Chandna Pritish , Cuesta Helena , Petermann Darius , Gómez Emilia
Published: April 2022

Choral singing in the soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) format is a widely practiced and studied art form with significant cultural importance. Despite the popularity of the choral setting, it has received little attention in the field of Music Information Retrieval. However, the recent publication of high-quality choral singing datasets as well as recent developments in deep learning based methodologies applied to the field of music and speech processing, have opened new avenues for research in this field. In this paper, we use some of the publicly available choral singing datasets to train and evaluate state-of-the-art source separation algorithms from the speech and music domains for the case of choral singing. Furthermore, we evaluate existing monophonic F0 estimators on the separated unison stems and propose an approximation of the perceived F0 of a unison signal. Additionally, we present a set of applications combining the proposed methodologies, including synthesizing a single singer voice from the unison, and transposing and remixing the separated stems into a synthetic multi-singer choral signal. We finally conduct a set of listening tests to perform a perceptual evaluation of the results we obtain with the proposed methodologies.
Sensation of Anteroposterior and Lateral Body Tilt Induced by Electrical Stimulation of Ankle Tendons
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Amemiya Tomohiro , Narumi Takuji , Kuzuoka Hideaki , Hirose Michitaka , Aoyama Kazuma
Published: April 2022

While virtual reality technology enables users to walk on surfaces of various shapes in virtual environments, these experiences are often on a flat floor, and any discordance between visual and somatosensory information hampers the immersive experience. To resolve this issue, we have focused on the ankle joint angle as an essential cue in detecting the surface shape of the ground. To modulate the sensation of the ankle joint angle, we propose novel percutaneous electrical stimulation methods that stimulate four targeted ankle tendons: the tibialis anterior muscle tendon, the Achilles tendon, the peroneus longus muscle tendon, and the flexor digitorum longus tendon. Since electrically stimulating the elbow tendon is known to evoke reflexive hand movement, electrically stimulating the ankle tendon is expected to evoke a body tilt due to illusory changes in the ankle joint angle. In this study, we designed electrode configurations to stimulate the above four ankle tendons using a finite element analysis and investigated the effect of electrically stimulating the ankle tendons on the subjective sensation of body tilt and actual body sway through psychophysical experiments. The results revealed that applying this stimulation with our novel electrode configurations can induce a subjective sensation of body tilt and actual body sway in a direction opposite to the stimulated part.
Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression
Authors: Liaqat Maria , Afzal Mubarra , Manzoor Sania , Gul Asad
Published: April 2022

Background: People in Pakistan do not take postpartum depression as a serious disease, and in Pakistan limited data is available on postpartum depression. The purpose of this study was to find out the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression. Objectives: To find out the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Al Nafees Medical College and Hospital. 400 participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used for demographic details and for risk factors. Beck's inventory depression questionnaire was used as a standard scale. Results: Out of 400 participants, 95 (23.75%) of the participants showed mild mood disturbance ranging from 11 to 16. 43 (10.75%) of the participants showed borderline clinical depression from 17-20. 45 (11.25%) of the participants showed moderate depression ranging from 21 to 30. 21 (5.25%) showed severe depression ranging from 31 to 40. 13 (3.25%) of the participants showed extreme depression ranging over 40. The mean age of the participants was 28.06 from 18 to 45 years. The major risk factors responsible for the effect are previous history of depression (10.635%), infants with anomaly (2.122%), any co-morbidity in mother (1.409%), baby aged below 5 months(1.049%). Conclusion: The study concluded that, majority of the participants has postpartum depression. The major risk factors that can affect the results are previous history of depression, gestational diabetes and any anomaly (infant).
Recent Advancements in Poultry Health, Nutrition and Sustainability
Authors: Komlósi István
Published: April 2022

As the largest animal protein producer, the poultry industry is within the focus of mixed-diet consumers, as well as the livestock industry in general [...]
The Neurobiology of Behavior and Its Applicability for Animal Welfare: A Review
Authors: Coria-Avila Genaro A. , Pfaus James G. , Orihuela Agustín , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , José-Pérez Nancy , Hernández Laura Astrid , Mota-Rojas Daniel
Published: April 2022

Understanding the foundations of the neurobiology of behavior and well-being can help us better achieve animal welfare. Behavior is the expression of several physiological, endocrine, motor and emotional responses that are coordinated by the central nervous system from the processing of internal and external stimuli. In mammals, seven basic emotional systems have been described that when activated by the right stimuli evoke positive or negative innate responses that evolved to facilitate biological fitness. This review describes the process of how those neurobiological systems can directly influence animal welfare. We also describe examples of the interaction between primary (innate) and secondary (learned) processes that influence behavior.
Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Mercury Exposure via Indoor and Outdoor Household Dust in Three Iranian Cities
Authors: Dahmardeh Behrooz Reza , Tashakor Mahsa , Asvad Reza , Esmaili-Sari Abbas , Kaskaoutis Dimitris G.
Published: April 2022

This study aims to increase our current knowledge on the concentration of particulate-bound mercury (PBM) in urban environments of three Iranian cities, where high concentrations of dust particles can act as carriers for mercury transport and deposition. A total of 172 dust samples were collected from Ahvaz, Asaluyeh, and Zabol residential houses and in outdoor air and were analyzed for total mercury content. Ahvaz is a highly industrialized city with large metallurgical plants, refineries, and major oil-related activities, which were assumed to contribute to elevated contents of PBM in this city. Very high levels of Hg contamination in Ahvaz indoor dust samples were calculated (Contamination Factor: CF > 6). Sampling sites in Asaluyeh are influenced by Hg emissions from the South Pars Gas Field. However, the results revealed a relatively lower concentration of PBM in Asaluyeh, with a low-to-moderate level of Hg contamination. This is likely ascribed to the lower content of total mercury in hydrocarbon gases than crude oil, in addition to the absence of metal smelting plants in this city compared to Ahvaz. Zabol, as a city devoid of industrial activity, presented the lowest levels of PBM concentration and contamination. Indoor dust in Ahvaz showed considerable potential to cause a non-carcinogenic health risk for children, mainly through the inhalation of PBM, while the health risk for other cities was below safe limits. The trend of health risk was found in the order of indoor > outdoor and children > adults in all studied cities.
Editorial: Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting, Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes
Authors: Provenzi Livio , Grumi Serena , Rodrigo Maria José
Published: April 2022

Human parenting is a fundamental educational context including complex caregiving tasks finalized to nurture and protect young children [...]
Development Path of Construction Industry Internet Platform: An AHP–TOPSIS Integrated Approach
Authors: Li Kang , Duan Tianle , Li Zirui , Xiahou Xiaer , Zeng Ningshuang , Li Qiming
Published: April 2022

The Internet-based platform in the construction industry is a carrier for integrated construction information, which positively contributes to the development of smart construction sites (SCS). However, the lack of relevant research results in the ambiguous definition of the construction industry Internet platform. Meanwhile, the current development path of these platforms is also confusing. For this reason, this research first concludes on the main features of Internet-based platforms in the construction industry and puts forward a clear definition. Secondly, a large quantity of literature is overviewed to identify branches of Internet-based platforms as comprehensively as possible. Then, 26 platforms are sorted and classified according to different construction phases. Based on the analytic hierarchy process, an AHP–TOPSIS model, a decision-making method frequently used in the engineering industry, is established with dimensions of technology, demand, policy, and standards. Eventually, the priority of the development of the Internet platform of each segment is sorted, thereby forming the three-stage development path of the construction industry Internet platform, namely Foundation Construction Stage (Platform 1.0), Function Developing Stage (Platform 2.0), Platform Integration Stage (Platform 3.0), and analyzing the characteristics of each development stage. This research opened a clear path for developing Internet-based platforms and providing a basis for formulating development policies for these platforms in the construction industry. With the limitation of an incomprehensive summary of evaluation criteria and platform branches, a better-designed evaluation with more experts in various positions should be conducted in future further research.
Geopolymer- and Cement-Based Fabric-Reinforced Matrix Composites for Shear Strengthening of Concrete Deep Beams: Laboratory Testing and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Khir Allah Nour , El-Maaddawy Tamer , El-Hassan Hilal
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the effectiveness of using carbon fabric-reinforced matrix (C-FRM) composites to improve the shear response of reinforced concrete (RC) deep beams. Ten RC deep beams were tested. Test variables included the presence of internal steel stirrups, number of C-FRM layers, angle of inclination of the second layer of C-FRM, and type of matrix. In the absence of minimum steel stirrups, the use of one layer of C-FRM with cementitious and geopolymeric matrices resulted in 95% and 77% shear strength gains, respectively. Increasing the number of C-FRM composites to two layers insignificantly increased the shear strength gain. Positioning the second layer of C-FRM in the vertical direction tended to be more effective than placing it in the horizontal direction. The gain in the shear capacity was less pronounced in the presence of steel stirrups, where a maximum shear strength gain of 18% was recorded. Numerical models were developed to predict the shear response of the tested beams. Outcomes of the numerical modeling were in good agreement with those obtained from the tests. The inclusion of a bond–slip law at the fabric–matrix interface insignificantly reduced the predicted shear strength. The ratios of the predicted-to-measured shear capacity of the models with and without the bond–slip law were, on average, 0.90 and 0.95, with corresponding standard deviations of 0.09 and 0.11, respectively.
Implementation of BIM Energy Analysis and Monte Carlo Simulation for Estimating Building Energy Performance Based on Regression Approach: A Case Study
Authors: Tahmasebinia Faham , Jiang Ruifeng , Sepasgozar Samad , Wei Jinlin , Ding Yilin , Ma Hongyi
Published: April 2022

The energy performance prediction of buildings plays a significant role in the design phases. Theoretical analysis and statistical analysis are typically carried out to predict energy consumption. However, due to the complexity of the building characteristics, precise energy performance can hardly be predicted in the early design stage. This study considers both building information modeling (BIM) and statistical approaches, including several regression models for the prediction purpose. This paper also highlights a number of findings of energy modeling related to building energy performance simulation software, particularly Autodesk Green Building Studio. In this research, the geometric models were created using Autodesk Revit. Based on the energy simulation conducted by Autodesk Green Building Studio (GBS), the energy properties of five prototype and case study models were determined. The GBS simulation was carried out using DOE 2.2 engine. Eight parameters were used in BIM, including building type, location, building area, analysis year, floor-to-ceiling height, floor construction, wall construction, and ceiling construction. The Monte Carlo simulation method was performed to predict precise energy consumption. Among the regression models developed, the single variable linear regression models appear to have high accuracy. Although there exist some limitations in applying the equation in EUI prediction, the rough estimation of energy use was realized. Regression model validation was carried out using the model from the case study and Monte Carlo simulation results. A total of 35 runs of validation were performed, and most differences were maintained within 5%. The results show some limitations in the application of the linear regression model.
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Grades the Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Morote Juan , Borque-Fernando Angel , Triquell Marina , Celma Anna , Regis Lucas , Mast Richard , de Torres Inés M. , Semidey María E. , Santamaría Anna , Planas Jacques , Esteban Luis M. , Trilla Enrique
Published: April 2022

We sought to find further evidence showing the increase in PCa aggressiveness as PI-RADS score increases from four surrogates of PCa aggressiveness: i. prostate biopsy GG (≤3 vs. >3), ii. type of pathology in surgical specimens (favourable vs. unfavourable), iii. clinical stage (localised vs. advanced), and risk of recurrence of localised PCa after primary treatment (low-intermediate vs. high). A group of 692 PCa patients were diagnosed after 3-T multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and guided and/or systematic biopsies, showing csPCa (GG ≥ 2) in 547 patients (79%) and insignificant PCa (iPCa) in 145 (21%). The csPCa rate increased from 32.4% in PI-RADS < 3 to 95.5% in PI-RADS 5 (p < 0.001). GG ≥ 3 was observed in 7.6% of PCa with PI-RADS < 3 and 32.6% in those with PI-RADS > 3 (p < 0.001). Unfavourable pathology was observed in 38.9% of PCa with PI-RAD < 3 and 68.3% in those with PI-RADS > 3 (p = 0.030). Advanced disease was not observed in PCa with PI-RADS ≤ 3, while it existed in 12.7% of those with PI-RADS > 3 (p < 0.001). High-risk recurrence localised PCa was observed in 9.5% of PCa with PI-RADS < 3 and 35% in those with PI-RADS > 3 (p = 0.001). The PI-RADS score was an independent predictor of all surrogates of PCa aggressiveness as PSA density. We confirmed that mpMRI grades PCa aggressiveness.
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation in Cancer Signaling, Metabolism and Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Igelmann Sebastian , Lessard Frédéric , Ferbeyre Gerardo
Published: April 2022

The cancer state is thought to be maintained by genetic and epigenetic changes that drive a cancer-promoting gene expression program. However, recent results show that cellular states can be also stably maintained by the reorganization of cell structure leading to the formation of biological condensates via the process of liquid–liquid phase separation. Here, we review the data showing cancer-specific biological condensates initiated by mutant oncoproteins, RNA-binding proteins, or lincRNAs that regulate oncogenic gene expression programs and cancer metabolism. Effective anticancer drugs may specifically partition into oncogenic biological condensates (OBC).
Health-Related Quality of Life and Side Effects in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Patients Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: van de Wal Deborah , Elie Mai , Le Cesne Axel , Fumagalli Elena , den Hollander Dide , Jones Robin L. , Marquina Gloria , Steeghs Neeltje , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Husson Olga
Published: April 2022

Background: The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), resulting in a substantial gain in median overall survival. Subsequently, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become more relevant. Here, we systematically review the available literature on HRQoL issues and side effects of different TKIs registered for the treatment of GIST. Methods: A search through five databases was performed. Full reports in English describing HRQoL outcomes and/or side effects in GIST patients on TKI therapy were included. Results: A total of 104 papers were included; 13 studies addressed HRQoL, and 96 studies investigated adverse events. HRQoL in patients treated with imatinib, regorafenib, and ripretinib remained stable, whereas most sunitinib-treated patients reported a decrease in HRQoL. Severe fatigue and fear of recurrence or progression were specifically assessed as HRQoL issues and had a negative impact on overall HRQoL as well as psychological and physical well-being. The majority of studies focused on physician-reported side effects. Nearly all GIST patients treated with a TKI experienced at least one adverse event, mostly mild to moderate. Conclusions: Despite the fact that almost all patients treated with a TKI experienced side effects, this did not seem to affect overall HRQoL during TKI therapy. In daily practice, it are the side effects that hamper a patient’s HRQoL resulting in treatment adjustments, suggesting that the reported side effects were underestimated by physicians, or the measures used to assess HRQoL do not capture all relevant issues that determine a GIST patient’s HRQoL.
Identification of Transcription Factors Responsible for a Transforming Growth Factor-β-Driven Hypertrophy-like Phenotype in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: Thielen Nathalie G. M. , Neefjes Margot , Vitters Elly L. , van Beuningen Henk M. , Blom Arjen B. , Koenders Marije I. , van Lent Peter L. E. M. , van de Loo Fons A. J. , Blaney Davidson Esmeralda N. , van Caam Arjan P. M. , van der Kraan Peter M.
Published: April 2022

During osteoarthritis (OA), hypertrophy-like chondrocytes contribute to the disease process. TGF-β’s signaling pathways can contribute to a hypertrophy(-like) phenotype in chondrocytes, especially at high doses of TGF-β. In this study, we examine which transcription factors (TFs) are activated and involved in TGF-β-dependent induction of a hypertrophy-like phenotype in human OA chondrocytes. We found that TGF-β, at levels found in synovial fluid in OA patients, induces hypertrophic differentiation, as characterized by increased expression of RUNX2, COL10A1, COL1A1, VEGFA and IHH. Using luciferase-based TF activity assays, we observed that the expression of these hypertrophy genes positively correlated to SMAD3:4, STAT3 and AP1 activity. Blocking these TFs using specific inhibitors for ALK-5-induced SMAD signaling (5 µM SB-505124), JAK-STAT signaling (1 µM Tofacitinib) and JNK signaling (10 µM SP-600125) led to the striking observation that only SB-505124 repressed the expression of hypertrophy factors in TGF-β-stimulated chondrocytes. Therefore, we conclude that ALK5 kinase activity is essential for TGF-β-induced expression of crucial hypertrophy factors in chondrocytes.
Two Different Therapeutic Approaches for SARS-CoV-2 in hiPSCs-Derived Lung Organoids
Authors: Spitalieri Paola , Centofanti Federica , Murdocca Michela , Scioli Maria Giovanna , Latini Andrea , Di Cesare Silvia , Citro Gennaro , Rossi Antonio , Orlandi Augusto , Miersch Shane , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Botta Annalisa , Sangiuolo Federica , Novelli Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

The global health emergency for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) created an urgent need to develop new treatments and therapeutic drugs. In this study, we tested, for the first time on human cells, a new tetravalent neutralizing antibody (15033-7) targeting Spike protein and a synthetic peptide homologous to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) receptor on host cells. Both could represent powerful immunotherapeutic candidates for COVID-19 treatment. The infection begins in the proximal airways, namely the alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells of the distal lung, which express both ACE2 and DPP4 receptors. Thus, to evaluate the efficacy of both approaches, we developed three-dimensional (3D) complex lung organoid structures (hLORGs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and resembling the in vivo organ. Afterward, hLORGs were infected by different SARS-CoV-2 S pseudovirus variants and treated by the Ab15033-7 or DPP4 peptide. Using both approaches, we observed a significant reduction of viral entry and a modulation of the expression of genes implicated in innate immunity and inflammatory response. These data demonstrate the efficacy of such approaches in strongly reducing the infection efficiency in vitro and, importantly, provide proof-of-principle evidence that hiPSC-derived hLORGs represent an ideal in vitro system for testing both therapeutic and preventive modalities against COVID-19.
Durability of Acrylic Cataphoretic Coatings Additivated with Colloidal Silver
Authors: Calovi Massimo , Rossi Stefano
Published: April 2022

In this work, colloidal silver has been added into an acrylic clear cataphoretic bath, evaluating the effect of two different filler amounts on the durability of the composite coatings. The three series of samples were characterized by electron microscopy to assess the possible change in morphology introduced by the silver-based additive. The protective properties of the coatings were evaluated by a salt spray chamber exposure and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, evidencing the negative effect provided by high amount of silver, which introduced discontinuities in the acrylic matrix. Finally, the durability of composite coatings was studied by exposing them to UV-B radiation, observing a strong phenomenon of silver degradation. Although the coating containing high concentrations of silver demonstrated poor durability, this study revealed that small amounts of silver can be used to provide particular aesthetic features, but also to improve the protective performance of cataphoretic coatings.
Can Plasma Surface Treatment Replace Traditional Wood Modification Methods?
Authors: Klébert Szilvia , Mohai Miklós , Csiszár Emília
Published: April 2022

Wood modification is an excellent and increasingly used method to expand the application of woody materials. Traditional methods, such as chemical or thermal, have been developed for the targeted improvement of some selected properties, unfortunately typically at the expense of others. These methods generally alter the composition of wood, and thus its mechanical properties, and enhance dimensional stability, water resistance, or decrease its susceptibility to microorganisms. Although conventional methods achieve the desired properties, they require a lot of energy and chemicals, therefore research is increasingly moving towards more environmentally friendly processes. The advantage of modern methods is that in most cases, they only modify the surface and do not affect the structure and mechanical properties of the wood, while reducing the amount of chemicals used. Cold plasma surface treatment is one of the cheapest and easiest technologies with a limited burden on the environment. In this review, we focus on cold plasma treatment, the interaction between plasma and wood compounds, the advantages of plasma treatment compared to traditional methods, and perspectives.
Understanding Effects of Competition and Shade Tolerance on Carbon Allocation with a Carbon Balance Model
Authors: Goudiaby Venceslas , Schneider Robert , Brais Suzanne , Raulier Frédéric , Berninger Frank
Published: April 2022

A carbon-balance model based on mechanistic and allometric relationships (CroBas) was used to assess the effects of competition in C allocation in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), a shade-intolerant species, and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), a moderately shade-tolerant species. For both species, model efficiencies ranged from 36 to 99%. The average model bias was lower than 11% and 18% for jack pine and black spruce, respectively. For both jack pine and black spruce, the total tree C increased over the years, with greater increases noted for decreasing competition. When considering a C compartment as a ratio of the total tree C, decreasing competition resulted for both species in decreasing stem C and increasing C in branches and foliage. When considering the amount of C in a given compartment, for jack pine, decreasing competition led to greater C stem, branches, foliage, and roots, whereas, for black spruce, it also increased its stem C but lately shifted at about 20 years, following thinning; thus, the changing C allocation over time results from both “passive plasticity”, reflecting environmentally induced variations in growth, and “ontogenetic plasticity”, referring to variations in the ontogenetic trajectory of a trait. Overall, the C allocation to stem and foliage relative to the total tree C generally decreased as competition decreased, supporting the optimal partitioning theory. These C-allocation patterns were related to the species’ shade tolerance and illustrated how jack pine and black spruce maximize their competitive fitness.
In Silico Personalized Study for Zolpidem Based on Sex Difference
Authors: Saldanha Leonor , Costa Bárbara , Vale Nuno
Published: April 2022

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine agonist at the benzodiazepine binding site in GABAA receptors. It is a hypnotic agent which has been shown to be effective in inducing and maintaining sleep in adults and is one of the most frequently prescribed hypnotics in the world. This study aimed to perform an in silico study to assess both EMA and FDA positions on the dose adjustment of Zolpidem based on sex. Both agencies based their position on clinical studies but endorsed different approaches to the need for dose adjustments between men and females. Clinical studies of Zolpidem tablets in single-and multiple-dose regimens were gathered and digitized from the literature. The collected profiles were used for model building, evaluation, and simulation. A 2-compartment model with first-order absorption, lag-time, and linear elimination best described the data. To minimize bias, the distribution of data on females and males were balanced, comprising, respectively, four and eight patients. Simulation of dose regimen comparing the efficacy and safety of 10 and 12.5 mg zolpidem tablets showed that with the 10 mg tablets there was a 69% chance of being more efficient for an individual of the population simulated, for the selected dose of regimen, while the 12.5 mg tablet there was only a 42% chance of being more efficient. Moreover, the safety target for 12.5 mg was very low, with only a 14% of chance of being a safe treatment for an individual of this population. Based on these differences, this study compared the results gathered in simulations with the rationale behind EMA and FDA positions. It is very important that all health care professionals and patients have access to the same and most up-to-date safety and efficacy information, especially in this situation where the discussion focuses on the same active substance, same formulations, same treatment indications, and same target populations.
The Influence of the CES1 Genotype on the Pharmacokinetics of Enalapril in Patients with Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Ikonnikova Anna , Rodina Tatiana , Dmitriev Artem , Melnikov Evgeniy , Kazakov Ruslan , Nasedkina Tatiana
Published: April 2022

The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril is hydrolysed to an active metabolite, enalaprilat, in the liver via carboxylesterase 1 (CES1). Previous studies show that variant rs71647871 in the CES1 gene affects the pharmacokinetics of enalapril on liver samples as well as healthy volunteers. This study included 286 Caucasian patients with arterial hypertension who received enalapril. The concentrations of enalapril and enalaprilat were determined before subsequent intake of the drug and 4 h after it with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometric detection. The study included genetic markers as follows: rs2244613, rs71647871 (c.428G>A, p.G143E) and three SNPs indicating the presence of a subtype CES1A1c (rs12149368, rs111604615 and rs201577108). Mean peak and trough enalaprilat concentrations, adjusted by clinical variables, were significantly lower in CES1 rs2244613 heterozygotes (by 16.6% and 19.6%) and in CC homozygotes (by 32.7% and 41.4%) vs. the AA genotype. In CES1A1c homozygotes, adjusted mean enalaprilat concentrations were 75% lower vs. heterozygotes and wild-type (WT) homozygotes. Pharmacogenetic markers of the CES1 gene may be a promising predictor for individualisation when prescribing enalapril.
Mathematical Model and Optimization Methods of Wide-Scale Pooled Sample Testing for COVID-19
Authors: Zhou De , Zhou Man
Published: April 2022

Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the most severe infectious disease affecting the world, which has spread around the world to more than 200 countries in 2020. Until the number of COVID-19 vaccines is insufficient, nucleic acid testing is considered as an effective way to screen virus carriers and control the spread of the virus. Considering that the medical resources and infection rates are different across various countries and regions, if all infected areas adopt the traditional individual nucleic acid testing method, the workload will be heavy and time-consuming. Therefore, this will not lead to the control of the pandemic. After Wuhan completed a citywide nucleic acid testing in May 2020, China basically controlled the spread of COVID-19 and entered the post-epidemic period. Since then, although some cities in China, such as Qingdao, Xinjiang, Beijing, and Dalian, have experienced a local epidemic resurgence, the pandemic was quickly suppressed through wide-scale pooled nucleic acid testing methods. Combined with the successful experience of mass nucleic acid testing in China, this study introduces two main pooled testing methods used in two cities with a population of more than ten million people, Wuhan’s “five-in-one” and Qingdao’s “ten-in-one” rapid pooled testing methods. This study proposes an improved method for optimising the second round of “ten-in-one” pooled testing, known as “the pentagram mini-pooled testing method”, which speeds up the testing process (as a result of reducing the numbers of testing by 40%) and significantly reduces the cost. Qingdao’s optimised “ten-in-one” pooled testing method quickly screens out the infections by running fewer testing samples. This study also mathematically examines the probabilistic principles and applicability conditions for pooled testing of COVID-19. Herein, the study theoretically determines the optimal number of samples that could successfully be combined into a pool under different infection rates. Then, it quantitatively discusses the applicability and principles for choosing the pooled testing instead of individual testing. Overall, this research offers a reference for other countries with different infection rates to help them in implementing the mass testing for COVID-19 to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Decompression and Interlaminar Stabilization for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Cohort Study and Two-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Gilbert Olivia E. , Lawhon Sarah E. , Gaston Twila L. , Robichaux Jared M. , Tender Gabriel Claudiu
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most common causes of disability in the elderly and often necessitates surgical intervention in patients over the age of 65. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of interlaminar stabilization following decompressive laminectomy in patients with lumbar stenosis without instability. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with lumbar stenosis underwent decompressive laminectomy and interlaminar stabilization at our academic institution. Clinical outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at the 2-month, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative visits, and these outcomes were compared to the preoperative scores. Results: The average VAS scores for low back pain significantly improved from 8.8 preoperatively to 4.0, 3.7, and 3.9 at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.001). The average VAS scores for lower extremity pain significantly improved from 9.0 preoperatively to 2.7, 2.5, and 2.5 at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.001). The average ODI scores significantly improved from 66.6 preoperatively to 23.8, 23.3, and 24.5 at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no statistical significance for difference in VAS or ODI scores between 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year. One patient had an intraoperative durotomy that was successfully treated with local repair and lumbar drainage. Another patient had progression of stenosis and had to undergo bilateral facetectomy and fusion. Conclusions: Decompressive laminectomy and interlaminar stabilization in patients with spinal claudication and low back pain is a good surgical option in the absence of instability and may provide significant clinical improvement of pain and functional disability.
Radiocontrast Media Hypersensitivity Reactions in Children
Authors: Saretta Francesca , Caimmi Silvia , Mori Francesca , Bianchi Annamaria , Bottau Paolo , Crisafulli Giuseppe , Franceschini Fabrizio , Liotti Lucia , Paglialunga Claudia , Ricci Giampaolo , Caffarelli Carlo
Published: April 2022

Hypersensitivity reactions to radiocontrast media seem to be rare in children. Furthermore, the use of radiocontrast media in children remains quite safe in terms of the severity of reactions. Since pediatric guidelines are lacking, the diagnostic workup employed in adults could be adapted to children, taking into account that results have not yet been validated in this age group. Specific protocols for risk stratification and management of severe reactions have been proposed so far.
Study on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of FeCoCrNi/Al Composites via Cryorolling
Authors: Luo Kaiguang , Wu Yuze , Zhang Yun , Lei Gang , Yu Hailiang
Published: April 2022

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced by 1.5 and 3 wt% FeCoCrNi high-entropy alloy particles (HEAp) were obtained by a stir casting process. The AMCs strip was further prepared by room temperature rolling (RTR, 298 K) and cryorolling (CR, 77 K). The mechanical properties of the AMCs produced by RTR and CR were studied. The effect of a microstructure on mechanical properties of composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that CR can greatly improve the mechanical properties of the HEAp/AMCs. Under 30% rolling reduction, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the RTR 1.5 wt% HEAp/AMCs was 120.3 MPa, but it increased to 139.7 MPa in CR composites. Due to the volume shrinkage effect, the bonding ability of CR HEAp/AMCs reinforcement with Al matrix was stronger, exhibiting higher mechanical properties.
Flexible Implementation of the Trilinearity Constraint in Multivariate Curve Resolution Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) of Chromatographic and Other Type of Data
Authors: Zhang Xin , Tauler Romà
Published: April 2022

Multivariate Curve Resolution Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) can analyze three-way data under the assumption of a trilinear model using the trilinearity constraint. However, the rigid application of this constraint can produce unrealistic solutions in practice due to the inadequacy of the analyzed data to the characteristics and requirements of the trilinear model. Different methods for the relaxation of the trilinear model data requirements have been proposed, like in the PARAFAC2 and in the direct non-trilinear decomposition (DNTD) methods. In this work, the trilinearity constraint of MCR-ALS is adapted to different data scenarios where the profiles of all or some of the components of the system are shifted (not equally synchronized) or even change their shape among different slices in one of their data modes. This adaptation is especially useful in gas and liquid chromatography (GC and LC) and in Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) with multivariate spectroscopic detection. In a first data example, a synthetic LC-DAD dataset is built to investigate the possibilities of the proposed method to handle systematic changes (shifts) in the retention times of the elution profiles and the results are compared with those obtained using alternative methods like ATLD, PARAFAC, PARAFAC2 and DNTD. In a second data example, multiple wine samples were simultaneously analyzed by GC-MS where elution profiles presented large deviations (shifts) in their peak retention times, although they still preserve the same peak shape. Different modelling scenarios are tested and the results are also compared. Finally, in the third example, sample mixtures of acid compounds were analyzed by FIA under a pH gradient and monitored by UV spectroscopy and also examined by different chemometric methods using a different number of components. In this case, however, the departure of the trilinear model comes from the acid base speciation of the system depending on the pH more than from the shifting of the FIA diffusion profiles.
Aqueous Solution-Processed Nanometer-Thin Crystalline Indium Ytterbium Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Xu Wangying , Xu Chuyu , Hong Liping , Xu Fang , Zhao Chun , Zhang Yu , Fang Ming , Han Shun , Cao Peijiang , Lu Youming , Liu Wenjun , Zhu Deliang
Published: April 2022

We demonstrate the growth of ultra-thin (~5 nm) indium ytterbium oxide (In-Yb-O) thin film using a simple vacuum-free aqueous solution approach for the first time. The influences of Yb addition on the microstructural, chemical, optical, and electrical properties of In2O3 are well investigated. The analyses indicate that Yb dopant could suppress oxygen vacancy defects effectively owing to the lower standard electrode potential, lower electronegativity, and stronger metal-oxide bond strength than that of In. The optimized In-Yb-O thin-film transistors (TFTs) exhibit excellent electrical performance (mobility of 8 cm2/Vs and on/off ratio of ~108) and enhanced stability. The triumph of In-Yb-O TFTs is owing to the high quality In2O3 matrix, the remarkable suppressor of Yb, and the nanometer-thin and atomically smooth nature (RMS: ~0.26 nm) of channel layer. Therefore, the eco-friendly water-induced ultra-thin In-Yb-O channel provides an excellent opportunity for future large-scale and cost-effective electronic applications.