bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study of Anti-Th2 Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Upper Extremity Lymphedema
Authors: Mehrara Babak J. , Park Hyeung Ju , Kataru Raghu P. , Bromberg Jacqueline , Coriddi Michelle , Baik Jung Eun , Shin Jinyeon , Li Claire , Cavalli Michele R. , Encarnacion Elizabeth M. , Lee Meghan , Van Zee Kimberly J. , Riedel Elyn , Dayan Joseph H.
Published: September 2021

Recent studies suggest that Th2 cells play a key role in the pathology of secondary lymphedema by elaborating cytokines such as IL4 and IL13. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of QBX258, a monoclonal IL4/IL13 neutralizing antibody, in women with breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL). We enrolled nine women with unilateral stage I/II BCRL and treated them once monthly with intravenous infusions of QBX258 for 4 months. We measured limb volumes, bioimpedance, and skin tonometry, and analyzed the quality of life (QOL) using a validated lymphedema questionnaire (Upper Limb Lymphedema 27, ULL-27) before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 4 months following treatment withdrawal. We also obtained 5 mm skin biopsies from the normal and lymphedematous limbs before and after treatment. Treatment was well-tolerated; however, one patient with a history of cellulitis developed cellulitis during the trial and was excluded from further analysis. We found no differences in limb volumes or bioimpedance measurements after drug treatment. However, QBX258 treatment improved skin stiffness (p < 0.001) and improved QOL measurements (Physical p < 0.05, Social p = 0.01). These improvements returned to baseline after treatment withdrawal. Histologically, treatment decreased epidermal thickness, the number of proliferating keratinocytes, type III collagen deposition, infiltration of mast cells, and the expression of Th2-inducing cytokines in the lymphedematous skin. Our limited study suggests that immunotherapy against Th2 cytokines may improve skin changes and QOL of women with BCRL. This treatment appears to be less effective for decreasing limb volumes; however, additional studies are needed.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Genes Involved in Sexual and Polyploid Growth Dimorphisms in Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)
Authors: Luo Li-Fei , Xu Zi-Sheng , Elgazzar Eman Abdelwareth Baioumy Elsayed , Du Hang , Li Dan-Yang , Zhou Xiao-Yun , Gao Ze-Xia
Published: September 2021

Sexual and polyploidy size dimorphisms are widespread phenomena in fish, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) displays both sexual and polyploid growth dimorphism phenomena, and are therefore ideal models to study these two phenomena. In this study, RNA-seq was used for the first time to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between both sexes of diploid and tetraploid loaches in four tissues (brain, gonad, liver, and muscle). Results showed that 21,003, 17, and 1 DEGs were identified in gonad, liver, and muscle tissues, respectively, between females and males in both diploids and tetraploids. Regarding the ploidy levels, 4956, 1496, 2187, and 1726 DEGs were identified in the brain, gonad, liver, and muscle tissues, respectively, between tetraploids and diploids of the same sex. When both sexual and polyploid size dimorphisms were considered simultaneously in the four tissues, only 424 DEGs were found in the gonads, indicating that these gonadal DEGs may play an important regulatory role in regulating sexual and polyploid size dimorphisms. Regardless of the sex or ploidy comparison, the significant DEGs involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways were upregulated in faster-growing individuals, while steroid hormone biosynthesis-related genes and fatty acid degradation and elongation-related genes were downregulated. This suggests that fast-growing loaches (tetraploids, females) have higher energy metabolism levels and lower steroid hormone synthesis and fatty acid degradation abilities than slow-growing loaches (diploids, males). Our findings provide an archive for future systematic research on fish sexual and polyploid dimorphisms.
Cyclodextrins as Anti-inflammatory Agents: Basis, Drugs and Perspectives
Authors: Lucia Appleton Silvia , Navarro-Orcajada Silvia , Martínez-Navarro Francisco Juan , Caldera Fabrizio , López-Nicolás José Manuel , Trotta Francesco , Matencio Adrián
Published: September 2021

Inflammation is a biological response of the immune system to harmful stimuli. Importantly, inflammation is also a hallmark of several human diseases such as cancer or diabetes. Novel drugs to treat this response are constantly researched, but the formulation is usually forgotten. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a well-known excipient for complexing and drug delivery. Anti-inflammatory drugs and bioactive compounds with similar activities have been favored from these CD processes. CDs also illustrate anti-inflammatory activity per se. This review tried to describe the capacities of CDs in this field, and is divided into two parts: Firstly, a short description of the inflammation disease (causes, symptoms, treatment) is explained; secondly, the effects of different CDs alone or forming inclusion complexes with drugs or bioactive compounds are discussed.
Electrically Controlled Neurochemical Delivery from Microelectrodes for Focal and Transient Modulation of Cellular Behavior
Authors: Tan Chao , Kushwah Neetu , Cui Xinyan Tracy
Published: September 2021

Electrically controlled drug delivery of neurochemicals and biomolecules from conducting polymer microelectrode coatings hold great potentials in dissecting neural circuit or treating neurological disorders with high spatial and temporal resolution. The direct doping of a drug into a conducting polymer often results in low loading capacity, and the type of molecule that can be released is limited. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with sulfonated silica nanoparticles (SNP) has been developed as a more versatile platform for drug delivery. In this work, we demonstrate that neurochemicals with different surface charge, e.g., glutamate (GLU), gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA), 6,7-Dinitroquinoxaline- 2,3-dione (DNQX) and bicuculline, can be, respectively, incorporated into the SNP and electrically triggered to release repeatedly. The drug loaded SNPs were incorporated in PEDOT via electrochemical deposition on platinum microelectrodes. After PEDOT/SNP(drug) coating, the charge storage capacity (CSC) increased 10-fold to 55 ± 3 mC/cm2, and the impedance at 1 kHz was also reduced approximately 6-fold. With the aid of a porous SNP, the loading capacity and number of releases of GLU was increased >4-fold and 66-fold, respectively, in comparison to the direct doping of PEDOT with GLU (PEDOT/GLU). The focal release of GLU and GABA from a PEDOT/SNP (drug) coated microelectrode were tested in cultured neurons using Ca imaging. The change in fluo-4 fluorescence intensity after electrically triggered GLU (+6.7 ± 2.9%) or GABA (−6.8 ± 1.6%) release indicated the successful modulation of neural activities by neurotransmitter release. In addition to activating neural activities, glutamate can also act on endothelial cells to stimulate nitric oxide (NO) release. A dual functional device with two adjacent sensing and releasing electrodes was constructed and we tested this mechanism in endothelial cell cultures. In endothelial cells, approximately 7.6 ± 0.6 nM NO was detected in the vicinity of the NO sensor within 6.2 ± 0.5 s of GLU release. The rise time of NO signal, T0–100, was 14.5 ± 2.2 s. In summary, our work has demonstrated (1) a platform that is capable of loading and releasing drugs with different charges; (2) proof of concept demonstrations of how focal release of drugs can be used as a pharmacological manipulation to study neural circuitry or NO’s effect on endothelial cells.
Clinical Utility and Limitation of Diagnostic Ability for Different Degrees of Dysplasia of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Using 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Hozaka Yuto , Kurahara Hiroshi , Oi Hideyuki , Idichi Tetsuya , Yamasaki Yoichi , Kawasaki Yota , Tanoue Kiyonori , Jinguji Megumi , Nakajo Masatoyo , Tani Atsushi , Nakajo Akihiro , Mataki Yuko , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Noguchi Hirotsugu , Higashi Michiyo , Yoshiura Takashi , Tanimoto Akihide , Ohtsuka Takao
Published: September 2021

The diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the role of FDG uptake in the diagnosis of different degrees of dysplasia of IPMNs. We retrospectively analyzed the following three points in 84 patients with IPMNs: (1) risk factors to predict high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and invasive carcinoma (INV); (2) the relationship between FDG uptake and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) expression; and (3) the relationship between FDG uptake and the presence of mural nodules. The histopathological diagnosis was low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in 43 patients, HGD in 16, and INV in 25. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV-max) was significantly higher in INV than in LGD/HGD (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0136). The sensitivity and specificity to discriminate INV from LGD/HGD were 80.0% and 86.2%, respectively, using the receiver operator characteristic curve, when the optimal cutoff score of SUV-max was set at 4.03. Those values were not different between HGD and LGD. More than half of HGD patients had low GLUT-1 expression. Taken together, FDG-PET/CT is useful in distinguishing between non-invasive and invasive IPMN. Our results offer critical information that may determine surgical treatment strategies.
Nanoscale Cerium Oxide: Synthesis, Biocatalytic Mechanism, and Applications
Authors: Song Guangchun , Cheng Nan , Zhang Junjie , Huang Huixian , Yuan Yanfang , He Xiaoyun , Luo Yunbo , Huang Kunlun
Published: September 2021

Nanoscale cerium oxide has excellent catalytic performance due to its unique surface properties and has very important applications in various fields. In this paper, the synthesis methods, catalytic mechanism and activity regulation of nanoscale cerium oxide in recent years are reviewed. Secondly, the application of cerium oxide in the detection of organic and inorganic molecules is summarized, and its latest progress and applications in antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer are discussed. Finally, the future development prospect of nanoscale cerium oxide is summarized and prospected.
Carbon Monoxide Tolerant Pt-Based Electrocatalysts for H2-PEMFC Applications: Current Progress and Challenges
Authors: Molochas Costas , Tsiakaras Panagiotis
Published: September 2021

The activity degradation of hydrogen-fed proton exchange membrane fuel cells (H2-PEMFCs) in the presence of even trace amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) in the H2 fuel is among the major drawbacks currently hindering their commercialization. Although significant progress has been made, the development of a practical anode electrocatalyst with both high CO tolerance and stability has still not occurred. Currently, efforts are being devoted to Pt-based electrocatalysts, including (i) alloys developed via novel synthesis methods, (ii) Pt combinations with metal oxides, (iii) core–shell structures, and (iv) surface-modified Pt/C catalysts. Additionally, the prospect of substituting the conventional carbon black support with advanced carbonaceous materials or metal oxides and carbides has been widely explored. In the present review, we provide a brief introduction to the fundamental aspects of CO tolerance, followed by a comprehensive presentation and thorough discussion of the recent strategies applied to enhance the CO tolerance and stability of anode electrocatalysts. The aim is to determine the progress made so far, highlight the most promising state-of-the-art CO-tolerant electrocatalysts, and identify the contributions of the novel strategies and the future challenges.
Prevalence of Microalbuminuria and Its Association with Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle Aged, Nondiabetic, Low to Moderate Cardiovascular Risk Individuals with or without Hypertension
Authors: Szabóová Eva , Lisovszki Alexandra , Fatľová Eliška , Kolarčik Peter , Szabó Peter , Molnár Tomáš
Published: September 2021

Microalbuminuria is closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the general population. Less is known about its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess the prevalence of microalbuminuria and its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged, nondiabetic, apparently healthy individuals (N = 187; 40.1% men, 59.9% women; aged 35–55 years) as well as to evaluate its potential associations with established risk modifiers, especially with the presence of carotid plaque. Clinical and laboratory parameters, the estimated 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk (SCORE), as well as circulating, functional (flow mediated vasodilation, ankle-brachial index, augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity), and morphological markers (mean carotid intima–media thickness, and carotid plaque) of subclinical atherosclerosis were analysed in group with vs. without microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria was present in 3.8% of individuals with SCORE risk 0.43 ± 0.79%. Functional markers predominated in both groups. Carotid intima–media thickness (mean ± SD) in both groups was in range: 0.5–0.55 ± 0.09–0.14 mm. Carotid plaque was more frequent in group with (14.3%) vs. without (4.4%) microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria had no statistically significant effect on most markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, but the increasing value of microalbuminuria was significantly associated with the occurrence of carotid plaque (p = 0.035; OR = 1.035; 95% CI = 1.002–1.07). Additional multiple logistic regression analysis, where variables belonged to microalbuminuria, number of risk factors, and family history, finally showed only two variables: microalbuminuria (p = 0.034; OR = 1.04; 95%CI = 1.003–1.09) and the number of risk factors (p = 0.006; OR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.24–3.73) with independent and significant impact on the occurrence of carotid plaque. Our results may indicate an association of microalbuminuria with the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque; in addition, microalbuminuria and the number of risk factors appear to be possible predictors of the carotid plaque occurrence. Monitoring microalbuminuria may improve the personalized cardiovascular risk assessment in nondiabetic, low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk individuals with or without hypertension.
Macular Microvascular Modifications in Progressive Lamellar Macular Holes
Authors: Catania Fiammetta , Allegrini Davide , Nembri Alessandra , Confalonieri Filippo , Zollet Piero , Crincoli Emanuele , Romano Mario R
Published: September 2021

Lamellar macular holes (LMHs) may show morphological and functional deterioration over time, yet no definite prognostic factor for progression has been identified. Since neurovascular retinal unit impairment may take part in neurodegeneration, we compare progressive LMHs to stable ones in optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography parameters. Methods: OCT B scans of eyes with LMH were analyzed to detect the presence of tissue loss (TL) over time, allowing us to identify a TL group and a stable (ST) group (14 patients each). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at each considered imaging time point was collected. Lastly, patients underwent macular OCT angiography. Results: BCVA at last follow up was significantly reduced in the TL group compared to both the ST group and TL group baseline assessment. SCP foveal vessel density (VD), SCP and deep capillary plexus (DCP) perfusion density (PD) and parafoveal PD were lower in the TL group. Linear correlations between quantitative TL over time and parafoveal PD in SCP and between the speed of TL and BCVA variation during follow up were also detected. Conclusions: TL in LMHs is associated with both OCT angiography modifications and BCVA deterioration over time. We suggest these findings to be a manifestation of foveal Muller cell impairment in progressive LMHs.
A New Dawn for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pancreatology
Authors: Oka Akihiko , Ishimura Norihisa , Ishihara Shunji
Published: September 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an essential tool in the medical field as well as in daily life. Recent developments in deep learning, a subfield of AI, have brought remarkable advances in image recognition, which facilitates improvement in the early detection of cancer by endoscopy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. In addition, AI-assisted big data analysis represents a great step forward for precision medicine. This review provides an overview of AI technology, particularly for gastroenterology, hepatology, and pancreatology, to help clinicians utilize AI in the near future.
The Assessment of the Usefulness of Prenatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Defects
Authors: Kołak Magdalena , Herman-Sucharska Izabela , Radoń-Pokracka Małgorzata , Stolarek Małgorzata , Horbaczewska Anna , Huras Hubert
Published: September 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities cause about 40% of infant deaths in the first year of life. In case of the detection of abnormalities by ultrasound, a pregnant woman should be offered prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI). The aims of our study were: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of pMRI in the diagnosis of selected fetal CNS defects; and (2) to assess the possibility of replacing postnatal tests with prenatal magnetic resonance. The prospective and observational study was conducted between 2014 and 2017 at the University Hospital in Krakow. Patients with suspected CNS defects of the fetus were qualified for pMRI in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sixty patients were included in the study group. Prenatal MRI was characterized by low accuracy in the diagnosis of complex brain defects. Cohen’s kappa coefficient κ = 0.21 (95% CI 0.00–0.46). No evidence was found suggesting the replacement of postnatal tests with pMRI. MRI was characterized by low consistency of diagnoses in the case of complex brain defects. The possibility of replacing postnatal studies with pMRI was not supported.
Combination of Bone Marrow Biopsy and Flow Cytometric Analysis: The Prognostically Relevant Central Approach for Detecting Bone Marrow Invasion in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Okamoto Haruya , Uoshima Nobuhiko , Muramatsu Ayako , Isa Reiko , Fujino Takahiro , Matsumura-Kimoto Yayoi , Tsukamoto Taku , Mizutani Shinsuke , Shimura Yuji , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Kawata Eri , Uchiyama Hitoji , Kuroda Junya ,   Kyoto Clinical Hematology Study Group Investigators
Published: September 2021

Bone marrow (BM) involvement is associated with prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most prevalent disease subtype of malignant lymphoma. We conducted this multi-institutional retrospective study to investigate the functional association and prognostic values of four BM tests (BM biopsy, BM clot, flow cytometry (FCM), and BM smear). A total of 221 DLBCL patients were enrolled. BM involvement was detected in 17 (7.7%), 16 (7.2%), 27 (12.2%), and 34 (15.4%) patients by BM biopsy, BM clot, FCM, and BM smear, respectively. The consistency between BM biopsy and clot examination was favorable, with a κ coefficient of 0.705, whereas the consistencies among other modalities were poor. In 184 patients treated with the first-line R-CHOP (-like) regimen, BM involvement was associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) irrespective of the type of modality for a positive result. Intriguingly, among various single and combinatory modalities, the combination of BM biopsy and FCM had the highest hazard ratio of 3.33 and a c-index of 0.712. In conclusion, our study suggested that the combination of BM biopsy and FCM is the prognostically relevant central approach for BM involvement detection. The other BM examinations also may provide complementary information in clinical settings.
Idealistic Assertions or Realistic Possibilities in Community and Youth Work Education
Authors: Gormally Sinéad , Coburn Annette , Beggan Edward
Published: September 2021

Community and youth work (CYW) practice has been articulated as striving towards a more socially just and equal society and is theorised as a catalyst for social change that seeks to overcome power differentials. Yet, despite these claims, there is limited empirical evidence to inform knowledge about the extent to which ‘equality work’ is featured and practiced in CYW programmes in higher education. This article draws on perspectives from current and former CYW students in the UK which routinely claim critical pedagogy as the bedrock of professionally approved degree programmes. Utilising a survey approach, our aim was to examine the experiences of students to find out if teaching, learning and assessment practices in professionally approved CYW programmes can be argued as helping students to articulate practice as emancipatory. The findings indicate that there was coherence and a strong understanding of core theories that confirmed CYW programmes as helping students to articulate emancipatory practice. In relation to teaching and learning, programmes were not as aligned with critical pedagogy, inclining more towards traditional and formal methods than alternative or informal methods. Finally, an imbalance between the persistent use of standardised assessment methods over more flexible and creative assessments suggested a reluctance to seek, or develop, more emancipatory sustainable assessment alternatives. The article concludes by arguing that informal education and, specifically, CYW programmes are well-placed to drive institutional and social change forward.
A Novel Flip-List-Enabled Belief Propagation Decoder for Polar Codes
Authors: Jan Qasim , Hussain Shahid , Furqan Muhammad , Pan Zhiwen , Liu Nan , You Xiaohu
Published: September 2021

Due to the design principle of parallel processing, belief propagation (BP) decoding is attractive, and it provides good error-correction performance compared with successive cancellation (SC) decoding. However, its error-correction performance is still inferior to that of successive cancellation list (SCL) decoding. Consequently, this paper proposes a novel flip-list- (FL)-enabled belief propagation (BP) method to improve the error-correction performance of BP decoding for polar codes with low computational complexity. The proposed technique identifies the vulnerable channel log-likelihood ratio (LLR) that deteriorates the BP decoding result. The FL is utilized to efficiently identify the erroneous channel LLRs and correct them for the next BP decoding attempt. The preprocessed channel LLR through FL improves the error-correction performance with minimal flipping attempts and reduces the computational complexity. The proposed technique was compared with the state-of-the-art BP, i.e., BP bit-flip (BP-BF), generalized BP-flip (GBPF), cyclic redundancy check (CRC)-aided (CA-SCL) decoding, and ordered statistic decoding (OSD), algorithms. Simulation results showed that the FL-BP had an excellent block error rate (BLER) performance gain up to 0.7 dB compared with BP, BP-BF, and GBPF decoder. Besides, the computational complexity was reduced considerably in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime compared with the BP-BF and GBPF decoding methods.
Challenges in Application of Petri Nets in Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Grobelna Iwona , Karatkevich Andrei
Published: September 2021

Petri nets are a useful mathematical formalism for specification of manufacturing systems, supported by various analysis and verification methods. The progress made in automating control systems and the widespread use of Industry 4.0 pose a number of challenges to their application, starting from the education at university level and ending with modelling of real case studies. The paper aims to present and analyse the most relevant challenges and opportunities related to the use of Petri nets as a modelling technique of manufacturing systems. The review of the literature is primarily based on the years 2019–2020 to reflect the current state of the art. The newest approaches to deadlock prevention and recovering, but also other important analysis problems and difficulties in modelling real industrial processes are discussed. Trends for the future are also identified.
High-Speed Column Driver IC Having Buffer Amplifier with Embedded Isolation Switch and Compact Adaptive Biasing for Flat-Panel Displays
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Rae , An Chang-Ho , Kong Bai-Sun
Published: September 2021

A high-speed column driver IC with an area-efficient high-slew-rate buffer amplifier is proposed for use in a large-sized, high-resolution TFT-LCD panel application. In the proposed architecture, explicit isolation switches have been embedded into the buffer amplifier resulting in a fast settling response. The amplifier also has a structure that adjusts the tail current of the input stage using a very compact adaptive biasing. The proposed column driver IC, having the proposed buffer amplifier for driving a 55-inch 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) TV panel, was fabricated in a 0.18-μm 1.8-V low-voltage, 1.2-μm 9-V medium-voltage, and 1.6-μm 18-V high-voltage CMOS process. The performance evaluation results indicated that 90% and 99.9% falling settling times were improved from 1.947 µs to 0.710 µs (63.5% improvement) and 4.131 µs to 2.406 µs (41.7% improvement), respectively. They also indicated that the layout size of the proposed buffer amplifier was reduced from 5580 μm2 to 4402 μm2 (21.1% reduction).
Quality Analysis of YouTube Videos Presenting Pelvic Floor Exercises after Prostatectomy Surgery
Authors: Rodriguez-Rodriguez Alvaro , Blanco-Diaz Maria , Lopez-Diaz Pedro , de la Fuente-Costa Marta , Sousa-Fraguas Maria , Escobio-Prieto Isabel , Casaña Jose
Published: September 2021

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is a major cause of disease and mortality among men. Surgical treatment involving the removal of the prostate may result in temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence (UI), with considerable impact on quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is one of the recommended techniques for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of postoperative complications. The aim of this observational study was to assess the quality of YouTube videos—accessible to any patient—related to exercises after prostatectomy surgery. Methods: A systematic search was performed on YouTube on 24 September 2020. One hundred and fifty videos were selected and analyzed. Two statistical analyses were conducted based on machine-learning techniques, and videos were classified as ‘Relevant’ or ‘Non-Relevant’ using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) models. Two reviewers conducted independent analyses. Inter-observer agreement and individual correlations of video data were evaluated with the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Information quality, reliability, and accuracy were measured using the DISCERN Scale and Global Quality Score (GQS), while video popularity was evaluated using the Video Power Index (VPI). Results: DISCERN scored a mean of 3.35 and GQS scored 3.38. Average number of views was 124,354, mean duration was 14:42 min, mean days online was 1777, mean view ratio was 138.30, mean Likes was 1082, mean Dislikes was 68.58, and mean VPI was 92.28. Conclusions: The quality of the videos available on YouTube regarding the recommended pelvic floor exercises in PC surgery, according to the scores obtained, is High. Educational and health institutions, health professionals, government health authorities, and policy makers need to be involved in the proper development of policies to improve the information available on the web in order to have a positive impact on the healthy behavior of the population.
Removal Effect of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag Porous Asphalt Concrete on Copper and Zinc in Road Runoff
Authors: Yang Tianyuan , Chen Meizhu , Wu Shaopeng
Published: September 2021

In order to improve the utilization efficiency of road runoff and the remove effects of heavy metals, porous asphalt pavements have been used as an effective measure to deal with heavy metals in road runoff. However, the removal effect on dissolved heavy metal is weak. In this paper, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag was used as aggregate in porous asphalt concrete to improve the removal capacity of heavy metal. Road runoff solution with a copper concentration of 0.533 mg/L and a zinc concentration of 0.865 mg/L was artificially synthesized. The removal effect of BOF slag porous asphalt concrete on cooper and zinc in runoff was evaluated by removal tests. The influence of rainfall intensity and time on the removal effect was discussed. The results obtained indicated that BOF slag porous asphalt concrete has a better removal effect on copper. The removal rate of copper is 57–79% at the rainfall intensity of 5–40 mm/h. The removal rate of zinc is more susceptible to the changes of rainfall intensity than copper. The removal rate of zinc in heavy rain conditions (40 mm/h) is only 25%. But in light rain conditions (5 mm/h), BOF slag porous asphalt concrete maintains favorable removal rates of both copper and zinc, which are more than 60%. The heavy metal content of runoff infiltrating through the BOF slag porous asphalt concrete meets the requirements for irrigation water and wastewater discharge. The results of this study provide evidence for the environmentally friendly reuse of BOF slag as a road material and the improvement of the removal of heavy metal by porous asphalt concrete.
Potential Phase Change Materials in Building Wall Construction—A Review
Authors: Kurdi Abdulaziz , Almoatham Nasser , Mirza Mark , Ballweg Thomas , Alkahlan Bandar
Published: September 2021

Phase change materials (PCMs) are an effective thermal mass and their integration into the structure of a building can reduce the ongoing costs of building operation, such as daily heating/cooling. PCMs as a thermal mass can absorb and retard heat loss to the building interior, maintaining comfort in the building. Although a large number of PCMs have been reported in the literature, only a handful of them, with their respective advantages and disadvantages, are suitable for building wall construction. Based on the information available in the literature, a critical evaluation of PCMs was performed in this paper, focusing on two aspects: (i) PCMs for building wall applications and (ii) the inclusion of PCMs in building wall applications. Four different PCMs, namely paraffin wax, fatty acids, hydrated salts, and butyl stearate, were identified as being the most suitable for building wall applications and these are explained in detail in terms of their physical and thermal properties. Although there are several PCM encapsulation techniques, the direct application of PCM in concrete admixtures is the most economical method to keep costs within manageable limits. However, care should be taken to ensure that PCM does not leak or drip from the building wall.
Bidirectional Resonant Converter for DC Microgrid Applications
Authors: Lin Bor-Ren
Published: September 2021

A bidirectional resonant converter is presented and verified in this paper for an electric vehicle battery charger/discharger system. The presented circuit can achieve forward and backward power operation, low switching losses on active devices, and wide output voltage operation. The circuit structure of the presented converter includes two resonant circuits on the primary and secondary sides of an isolated transformer. The frequency modulation approach is adopted to control the studied circuit. Owing to the resonant circuit characteristic, active devices for both forward (battery charge) and backward (battery discharge) power operation can be turned on at zero voltage switching. In order to implement a universal battery charger for different kinds of electric vehicle applications, the DC converter is demanded to have a wide output voltage range capability. The topology morphing between a full bridge resonant circuit and half bridge resonant circuit is selected to obtain high- and low-output voltage range operations so that the 200–500 V output voltage range is realized in the presented resonant converter. Compared to the conventional bidirectional converters, the proposed can be operated under a wide voltage range operation. In the end, a 1 kW laboratory prototype circuit is built, and experiments are provided to demonstrate the validity and performance of the presented bidirectional resonant converter.
Implications of Dengue Virus Maturation on Vaccine Induced Humoral Immunity in Mice
Authors: Scott Connor A. P. , Amarilla Alberto A. , Bibby Summa , Newton Natalee D. , Hall Roy A. , Hobson-Peters Jody , Muller David A. , Chappell Keith J. , Young Paul R. , Modhiran Naphak , Watterson Daniel
Published: September 2021

The use of dengue virus (DENV) vaccines has been hindered by the complexities of antibody dependent enhancement (ADE). Current late-stage vaccine candidates utilize attenuated and chimeric DENVs that produce particles of varying maturities. Antibodies that are elicited by preferentially exposed epitopes on immature virions have been linked to increased ADE. We aimed to further understand the humoral immunity promoted by DENV particles of varying maturities in an AG129 mouse model using a chimeric insect specific vaccine candidate, bDENV-2. We immunized mice with mature, partially mature, and immature bDENV-2 and found that immunization with partially mature bDENV-2 produced more robust and cross-neutralizing immune responses than immunization with immature or mature bDENV-2. Upon challenge with mouse adapted DENV-2 (D220), we observed 80% protection for mature bDENV-2 vaccinated mice and 100% for immature and partially mature vaccinated mice, suggesting that protection to homotypic challenge is not dependent on maturation. Finally, we found reduced in vitro ADE at subneutralising serum concentrations for mice immunized with mature bDENV-2. These results suggest that both immature and mature DENV particles play a role in homotypic protection; however, the increased risk of in vitro ADE from immature particles indicates potential safety benefits from mature DENV-based vaccines.
Kinetics of Nucleocapsid, Spike and Neutralizing Antibodies, and Viral Load in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Treated with Convalescent Plasma
Authors: Thomopoulos Thomas P. , Rosati Margherita , Terpos Evangelos , Stellas Dimitris , Hu Xintao , Karaliota Sevasti , Bouchla Anthi , Katagas Ioannis , Antoniadou Anastasia , Mentis Andreas , Papageorgiou Sotirios G. , Politou Marianna , Bear Jenifer , Donohue Duncan , Kotanidou Anastasia , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Korompoki Eleni , Burns Robert , Pagoni Maria , Grouzi Elisavet , Labropoulou Stavroula , Stamoulis Kostantinos , Bamias Aristotelis , Tsiodras Sotirios , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Pavlakis George N. , Pappa Vasiliki , Felber Barbara K.
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. Despite meticulous research, only dexamethasone has shown consistent mortality reduction. Convalescent plasma (CP) infusion might also develop into a safe and effective treatment modality on the basis of recent studies and meta-analyses; however, little is known regarding the kinetics of antibodies in CP recipients. To evaluate the kinetics, we followed 31 CP recipients longitudinally enrolled at a median of 3 days post symptom onset for changes in binding and neutralizing antibody titers and viral loads. Antibodies against the complete trimeric Spike protein and the receptor-binding domain (Spike-RBD), as well as against the complete Nucleocapsid protein and the RNA binding domain (N-RBD) were determined at baseline and weekly following CP infusion. Neutralizing antibody (pseudotype NAb) titers were determined at the same time points. Viral loads were determined semi-quantitatively by SARS-CoV-2 PCR. Patients with low humoral responses at entry showed a robust increase of antibodies to all SARS-CoV-2 proteins and Nab, reaching peak levels within 2 weeks. The rapid increase in binding and neutralizing antibodies was paralleled by a concomitant clearance of the virus within the same timeframe. Patients with high humoral responses at entry demonstrated low or no further increases; however, virus clearance followed the same trajectory as in patients with low antibody response at baseline. Together, the sequential immunological and virological analysis of this well-defined cohort of patients early in infection shows the presence of high levels of binding and neutralizing antibodies and potent clearance of the virus.
Analysis of Sub-Atmospheric Pressures during Emptying of an Irregular Pipeline without an Air Valve Using a 2D CFD Model
Authors: Hurtado-Misal Aris D. , Hernández-Sanjuan Daniela , Coronado-Hernández Oscar E. , Espinoza-Román Héctor , Fuertes-Miquel Vicente S.
Published: September 2021

Studying sub-atmospheric pressure patterns in emptying pipeline systems is crucial because these processes could cause collapses depending on the installation conditions (the underground pipe covering height, type, fill, and pipeline stiffness class). Pipeline studies have focused more on filling than on emptying processes. This study presents an analysis of the following variables: air pocket pressure, water velocity, and water column length during the emptying of an irregular pipeline without an air valve by two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (2D CFD) model simulation using the software OpenFOAM. The mathematical model predicts the experimental values of the study variables. Water velocity vectors are also analysed within the experimental facility, assessing the sensitivity of the drain valve to different openings and changes in water column length during the hydraulic phenomenon.
Evaluation of the Composition of Ichthyofauna in Lakes Free from Commercial Use in a Tightly Protected Area of the Wolin National Park (Poland)
Authors: Biernaczyk Marcin , Wrzecionkowski Konrad , Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Stepanowska Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

The ichthyological biodiversity of Polish lakes is poorly understood, even in lakes not used for fishing and those under strict protection. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive ichthyological survey of several lakes in the Wolin National Park (Poland). The study was conducted in Domysławskie and Gardno lakes and the anthropogenic Stara Kredownia reservoir. Each fishing exercise was conducted using benthic nets over a 12 h period. The fish caught were measured and weighed, and the species identified. Shannon-Wiener (H) and Simpson biodiversity indices were determined. The catch comprised a total of 4580 fish (of which 4391 were caught in Domysławskie Lake) belonging to 15 species, with a combined weight of 98,165 g. In general, the most prevalent species were non-predatory fish: roach (Rutilus rutilus), freshwater bream (Abramis brama), white bream (Blicca bioerkna), bleak (Alburnus alburnus), and rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus). Individually, perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus) were the most abundant species. Ichthyofauna diversity varied greatly between the studied water bodies, with 15 species found in Domysławskie Lake and only 6 species in Gardno Lake. In Stara Kredownia Reservoir, no fish were caught, but amphibians were observed, such as great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) and common newts (Lissotriton vulgaris). Based on the results obtained, Lake Domysławskie had a higher species ichthyofauna diversity than the other ‘tench and pike’ lakes. Gardno Lake had a much lower biodiversity.
Contribution Analysis of the Streamflow Changes in Selected Catchments on the Loess Plateau, China, Using Multiple Budyko-Based Approaches
Authors: Yang Zhiyuan , Song Jian , Jiang Chong , Wang Kao , Zhao Lingling , Hao Runmei
Published: September 2021

A better understanding of how streamflow interacts with climate change and human activities would contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of water resources management. Specifically, quantifying the climate and human contributions has widely been used when attributing streamflow changes. However, only a few previous studies compared the results derived by different methods that are currently available, and even fewer studies have ever had a close look at the uncertainties induced by various estimations of evapotranspiration. This research first examined the streamflow changes for 12 catchments on the Loess Plateau in China during the period of 1961–2018 with Mann–Kendall test and relevant statistical measurements. Then, 8 Budyko-based climate elasticity methods, each with 13 estimations of evapotranspiration, were used to quantifying human and climate contributions to streamflow change in the study area (i.e., 104 pairs of values for human and climate contributions for one catchment). The results showed that significant declining trends could be found in 11 of the 12 catchments studied. In terms of contribution rates, human activity has been shown as the major contributor to the streamflow decrease (60–90%) compared to climate change (10–50%). By comparing the contribution results derived by possible combinations of attribution method and evapotranspiration estimation, the variability due to different Budyko-based methods being used seems to be related to geographical location and climate. Although the spatial pattern of variability due to different estimations of evapotranspiration is not obvious, it is necessary to consider the uncertainties induced when launching contribution analysis over specific regions.
Features of the formation of zooplankton of the upper Ob in the conditions of the influence of the megapolis
Authors: Vizer Lyubov Semyonovna , Vizer Alexander Mikhailovich , Iuliia Vital’evna Tsygankova Iuliia Vital’evna Tsygankova , Tsapenkov Andrey Valeryevich
Published: September 2021

Journal: Рыбоводство и рыбное хозяйство №8 2021, №8, 2021
Based on the data obtained in the study of some hydrobiological sections of the Ob River, located above and below the city. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the zooplankton community were considered, and the saprobity index was calculated. The species composition is represented by 34 species from three systematic groups, of which 12 are rotifers (Rotifera), 14 are branchial crustaceans (Cladocera), and 10 are copepods (Copepoda). The highest species diversity was observed above the city — 34 taxa, the lowest below the city — 14. The average number of zooplankton above the city of Novosibirsk is insignificant and reached 761 copies/m³ per year. Most (49%) were copepods (Copepoda). The number of rotifers (Rotifera) was 34% of the total. In the summer, the number of zooplankton was slightly higher than the annual one and amounted to 871 copies/m³. The average annual biomass of zooplankton had low values and was 35.0 mg/m³. The maximum summer values reached 180 mg/m³. In the study area of the Ob River below Novosibirsk, the average number of zooplankton increases to 2,4 thousand copies/m³. The group of oar-footed crustaceans dominated in number, its share reached 91%. The number of branchiform crustaceans was 7%. The average annual zooplankton biomass in the river below the city limits was 99.53 mg/m³. The value of the saprobity index in the area above Novosibirsk was 1.6, which indicates the presence of weak organic contamination and corresponds to beta-mesosaprobic conditions. In the zone below Novosibirsk, the saprobity index was 2.0, which indicates an increase in organic pollution and corresponds to beta-mesosaprobic conditions. An increase in the level of eutrophication contributes to a change in the structure of zooplankton. This is reflected in a significant decrease (2.4 times) in the species diversity of zooplankton and a significant increase in quantitative indicators: abundance — 3.2 times, biomass — 2.8 times.
REDES SOCIALES, VEJEZ Y POBREZA EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DEL QUINDÍO: El funcionamiento de las redes sociales de personas mayores de 60 años en condición de pobreza
Authors: Gómez-Santos César Augusto , Quintana-Urrea Leonardo Iván
Published: September 2021

En este trabajo se da cuenta del funcionamiento de las redes sociales de las personas mayores de 60 años que residen en contextos urbanos y que se encuentran en situación de pobreza o de pobreza extrema. En él se presenta parte de los resultados del proyecto del mismo nombre que ha sido financiado por la Vicerrectoría de investigaciones de la Universidad del Quindío. 

La muestra para el estudio ha sido constituida por 591 personas mayores de 60 años que están clasificados en los niveles 1 y 2 del Sistema de Selección de Beneficiarios (SISBEN), a quienes se les ha indagado acerca de la percepción que tienen del funcionamiento de sus redes sociales informales tanto familiares como no familiares, así como los apoyos que reciben y que provienen de las redes formales de apoyo. 

Se evidenció a través de la realización de este trabajo que las redes sociales se afectan debido a las precarias condiciones de vida que los adultos mayores presentan, pero que a pesar de ello las transferencias y los apoyos recíprocos ayudan a cubrir algunas de las necesidades que experimenta este grupo poblacional. Se desvirtúa además la falsa creencia de que los adultos mayores juegan un papel pasivo como receptor de ayudas de parte de las redes sociales, contrario a lo que se piensa se constata la reciprocidad de los intercambios de las personas mayores a pesar de las condiciones de pobreza, llegando a ser en muchos casos un proveedor de ayudas hacia los demás miembros de la red social.
Product Development using SWOT Analysis
Authors: Apsarini Soegoto Felicia
Published: September 2021

The objective of this research is to give recommendation for a bakery chain operator called Greggs in terms of improving their breakfast menu selection to generate more sales. The research method uses SWOT analysis to produce a strategic development plan. Greggs is one of the largest United Kingdom bakery stores and performs well in generating revenue as the turnover. The uncertainty of Brexit, the minimum wage set by the government, the highest proportion of people who usually eat breakfast on the go, development of a mobile app, breakfast preference to a healthier fresh meal and reduce sugar consumption, competitor, extreme winter weather, and the government policy have an impact on Gregg revenue. Based on the SWOT analysis result it can be concluded that Gregg needs to utilize the position as the market leader to promote the benefit of high-quality healthy food, use the revenue to start on research for healthy products innovation, use the healthy breakfast trend to introduce vegan breakfast menu, add more drink option for the breakfast deal to make it more convenient for people to commute, keep focusing on the quality and taste development with a competitive price, add more menu that correspondent with consumer demand, and try to efficiently spend the revenue based on priority to cut operating cost.