bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing Patterns of Substance Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Self-Reported Use of Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Drugs
Authors: Benschop Annemieke , van Bakkum Floor , Noijen Judith
Published: May 2021

As in many other countries worldwide, the coronavirus pandemic prompted the implementation of an “intelligent lockdown” in the spring of 2020 in the Netherlands, including the closure of nightlife venues and cancellation of festivals. Such restrictions and social distancing could particularly affect people who use alcohol or other drugs in recreational settings and give rise to new challenges and additional needs in the field of addiction prevention and care. To monitor changes in substance use and provide services with practical directions for tailored prevention, an anonymous web survey was set up, targeting a convenience sample aged 16 years or older through various social media and other online channels. Between May and October 2020, a total of 6,070 participants completed the survey, mainly adolescents and young adults (16–24 years old). These data were used to explore and describe changing patterns in substance use. Overall results showed declined current use compared to “pre-corona,” but mask underlying variation in changing patterns, including discontinued (tobacco 10.4%, alcohol 11.3%, cannabis 16.3%, other drugs 30.4%), decreased (tobacco 23.0%, alcohol 29.1%, cannabis 17.4%, other drugs 20.7%), unchanged (tobacco 30.3%, alcohol 21.2%, cannabis 22.3%, other drugs 17.3%), increased (tobacco 29.6%, alcohol 32.1%, cannabis 32.9%, other drugs 25.3%), and (re)commenced use (tobacco 6.7%, alcohol 6.3%, cannabis 11.1%, other drugs 6.2%). Especially the use of drugs like ecstasy and nitrous oxide was discontinued or decreased due to the lack of social occasions for use. Increased use was associated with coping motives for all substance types. As measures combatting the coronavirus may need to be practiced for some time to come, possibly leading to prolonged changes in substance use with lingering “post-corona” consequences, timely and ongoing monitoring of changing patterns of substance use is vital for informing prevention services within this field.
Association Between Antipsychotic Treatment and Neurological Adverse Events in Pediatric Patients: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Jeon Soo Min , Park Susan , Kwon Soonhak , Kwon Jin-Won
Published: May 2021

Background: Potential adverse effects might be caused by increasing the number of antipsychotic prescriptions. However, the empirical evidence regarding pediatric psychiatric patients is insufficient. Therefore, we explored the antipsychotic-induced adverse effects focusing on the neurological system.

Method: Using the medical information of pediatric patients retrieved from the claims data of Health Insurance Review and Assessment in Korea, we identified those psychiatric patients who were started on antipsychotic treatment at age 2–18 years between 2010 and 2018 (n = 10,969). In this study, movement disorders and seizures were considered as major neurological adverse events. The extended Cox model with time-varying covariates was applied to explore the association between antipsychotic medication and adverse events.

Findings: Total 1,894 and 1,267 cases of movement disorders and seizures occurred in 32,046 and 33,280 person-years, respectively. The hazard risks of neurological adverse events were 3–8 times higher in the exposed to antipsychotics period than in the non-exposure period. Among the exposure periods, the most dangerous period was within 30 days of cumulative exposure. High doses or polypharmacy of antipsychotics was associated with increased risks of neurological adverse events. Among individual antipsychotics, haloperidol showed the highest risk of developing movement disorders among the examined agents. Quetiapine showed a lower risk of developing movement disorders but a higher risk of developing seizures than risperidone.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that antipsychotics should be used with caution in pediatric patients, especially regarding initial exposure, high dose, and polypharmacy.
Case Report: Adolescent With Autism and Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Zupanič Sanja , Kruljac Ivona , Šoštarič Zvonar Mojca , Drobnič Radobuljac Maja
Published: May 2021

There is increasing clinical evidence of an association between gender variability, gender dysphoria (GD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This seems to be a two-way relationship, a person with GD is more likely to be diagnosed with ASD and vice versa. In youth, it is important to distinguish whether the presented symptoms are a manifestation of ASD focus on special interests or symptoms of co-occurring GD. This distinction is crucial in the process of planning reversible and especially irreversible medical procedures in the context of treatment. We present the case of a birth-assigned female adolescent with GD, who enrolled in our clinic at the age of 16.5 years with “being transgender” as her main complaint accompanied by a wish for surgical breast removal. His (as the patient prefers to use male pronouns) medical and developmental history involved obesity, hyperlipidemia, delays in social and language development and specific interests and rituals. He presented with half a year of untreated depression, suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self-injuring, social phobia and relative social isolation. Comprehensive clinical assessments revealed a female karyotype (46, XX), normal female genitalia and unremarkable hormonal status. Clinical psychological assessments reported GD, ASD with average intellectual abilities and co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety. Other disorders, such as psychosis, personality disorder and dysmorphophobia, were excluded during longer-term diagnostic and psychotherapeutic processes. Our first aim was to build a good therapeutic alliance with the patient and treat depression and suicidality. He refused to take sertraline, but took a St. John's Wort over-the-counter peroral preparation in the form of infusions. His mood improved, he was no longer suicidal and started social transitioning, yet he remained socially phobic. At the time of writing, he is 20 years old, waiting for bilateral mastectomy and receiving regular triptorelin depot and testosterone depot intramuscular injections. Even though the diagnostic procedures and transition process in autistic gender diverse adolescents may take longer than in non-autistic individuals, ASD is not a contraindication to the gender transition process. We present a well-documented case of a slow social and medical transition resulting in gradual improvement of co-occurring symptoms of GD.
Worries, Preparedness, and Perceived Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Nurses' Mental Health
Authors: Galletta Maura , Piras Ilenia , Finco Gabriele , Meloni Federico , D'Aloja Ernesto , Contu Paolo , Campagna Marcello , Portoghese Igor
Published: May 2021

Background:In times of global public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses stand at the front line, working in close contact with infected individuals. Being actively engaged in fighting against COVID-19 exposes nurses to a high risk of being infected but can also have a serious impact on their mental health, as they are faced with excessive workload and emotional burden in many front-line operating contexts.

Purpose:The aim of the study is to analyze how risk factors such as perceived impact, preparedness to the pandemic, and worries were associated with mental health outcomes (crying, rumination and stress) in nurses.

Methods:A cross-sectional study design was performed via an online questionnaire survey. Participants included 894 registered nurses from Italy. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Multiple binary logistic regression was carried out to analyze the relationship between risk factors and health outcomes.

Results:Increased job stress was related to higher levels of rumination about the pandemic (OR = 4.04,p< 0.001), job demand (OR = 2.00,p< 0.001), impact on job role (OR = 2.56,p< 0.001), watching coworkers crying at work (OR = 1.50,p< 0.05), non-work-related concerns (OR = 2.28,p< 0.001), and fear of getting infected (OR = 2.05,p< 0.001). Job stress (OR = 2.52,p< 0.01), rumination (OR = 2.28,p< 0.001), and watching colleagues crying (OR = 7.92,p< 0.001) were associated with crying at work. Rumination was associated with caring for patients who died of COVID-19 (OR = 1.54,p< 0.05), job demand (OR = 1.70,p< 0.01), watching colleagues crying (OR = 1.81,p< 0.001), non-work-related worries (OR = 1.57,p< 0.05), and fear of getting infected (OR = 2.02,p< 0.001).

Conclusions:The psychological impact that this pandemic may cause in the medium/long term could be greater than the economical one. This is the main challenge that health organizations will have to face in the future. This study highlights that the perceived impact and worries about the pandemic affect nurses' mental health and can impact on their overall effectiveness during the pandemic. Measures to enhance nurses' protection and to lessen the risk of depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress should be planned promptly.
Improving the Policy Utility of Cause of Death Statistics in Sri Lanka: An Empirical Investigation of Causes of Out-of-Hospital Deaths Using Automated Verbal Autopsy Methods
Authors: Mikkelsen Lene , de Alwis Sunil , Sathasivam Sridharan , Kumarapeli Vindya , Tennakoon Ajith , Karunapema Palitha , Jayaratne Kapila , Jayasuriya Rajitha , Gamage Saman , Hewapathirana Roshan , Wadugedara Rangana , Dissanayake Manoj , Senanayake Chamika H. , Mahesh Pasyodun Koralage Buddhika , McLaughlin Deirdre , Lopez Alan D.
Published: May 2021

Background: Setting public health policies and effectively monitoring the impact of health interventions requires accurate, timely and complete cause of death (CoD) data for populations. In Sri Lanka, almost half of all deaths occur outside hospitals, with questionable diagnostic accuracy, thus limiting their information content for policy.

Objectives: To ascertain whether SmartVA is applicable in improving the specificity of cause of death data for out-of-hospital deaths in Sri Lanka, and hence enhance the value of these routinely collected data for informing public policy debates.

Methods: SmartVA was applied to 2610 VAs collected between January 2017 and March 2019 in 22 health-unit-areas clustered in six districts. Around 350 community-health-workers and 50 supervisory-staffs were trained. The resulting distribution of Cause-Specific-Mortality-Fractions (CSMFs) was compared to data from the Registrar-General's-Department (RGD) for out-of-hospital deaths for the same areas, and to the Global-Burden-of-Disease (GBD) estimates for Sri Lanka.

Results: Using SmartVA, for only 15% of deaths could a specific-cause not be assigned, compared with around 40% of out-of-hospital deaths currently assigned garbage codes with “very high” or “high” severity. Stroke (M: 31.6%, F: 35.4%), Ischaemic Heart Disease (M: 13.5%, F: 13.0%) and Chronic Respiratory Diseases (M: 15.4%, F: 10.8%) were identified as the three leading causes of home deaths, consistent with the ranking of GBD-Study for Sri Lanka for all deaths, but with a notably higher CSMF for stroke.

Conclusions: SmartVA showed greater diagnostic specificity, applicability, acceptability in the Sri Lankan context. Policy formulation in Sri Lanka would benefit substantially with national-wide implementation of VAs.
Advancing HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies: From Discovery to the Clinic
Authors: Spencer David A. , Shapiro Mariya B. , Haigwood Nancy L. , Hessell Ann J.
Published: May 2021

Despite substantial progress in confronting the global HIV-1 epidemic since its inception in the 1980s, better approaches for both treatment and prevention will be necessary to end the epidemic and remain a top public health priority. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been effective in extending lives, but at a cost of lifelong adherence to treatment. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are directed to conserved regions of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer (Env) and can block infection if present at the time of viral exposure. The therapeutic application of bNAbs holds great promise, and progress is being made toward their development for widespread clinical use. Compared to the current standard of care of small molecule-based ART, bNAbs offer: (1) reduced toxicity; (2) the advantages of extended half-lives that would bypass daily dosing requirements; and (3) the potential to incorporate a wider immune response through Fc signaling. Recent advances in discovery technology can enable system-wide mining of the immunoglobulin repertoire and will continue to accelerate isolation of next generation potent bNAbs. Passive transfer studies in pre-clinical models and clinical trials have demonstrated the utility of bNAbs in blocking or limiting transmission and achieving viral suppression. These studies have helped to define the window of opportunity for optimal intervention to achieve viral clearance, either using bNAbs alone or in combination with ART. None of these advances with bNAbs would be possible without technological advancements and expanding the cohorts of donor participation. Together these elements fueled the remarkable growth in bNAb development. Here, we review the development of bNAbs as therapies for HIV-1, exploring advances in discovery, insights from animal models and early clinical trials, and innovations to optimize their clinical potential through efforts to extend half-life, maximize the contribution of Fc effector functions, preclude escape through multiepitope targeting, and the potential for sustained delivery.
Sensitivities of Hydrological Processes to Climate Changes in a Central Asian Glacierized Basin
Authors: He Zhihua
Published: May 2021

This study used the WASA (Water Availability in Semi-Arid Environments) hydrological model to simulate runoff generation processes and glacier evolution in the Ala-Archa basin in Central Asia. Model parameters were calibrated by observations of streamflow, satellite snow cover area (SCA) and annual glacier mass balance (GMB). Temperature and precipitation change scenarios were set up by perturbations of the reference measurements in a 20-year period of 1997 to 2016. Seven temperature warming scenarios with an increment of +1°C and six precipitation change scenarios ranging from 70 to 130% of the reference precipitation were used to investigate the sensitivities of hydrological processes to climate changes in the study basin. Results indicate that: (1) Annual runoff increased with rising temperature (T) and precipitation (P) at rates of 76 mm/+1°C and 62 mm/+10%P, respectively. Glacier area was more sensitive to T changes than to P changes. The total glacier area in the basin decreased with T warming at a rate of −0.47 km2/+1°C, whilst increasing with rising P at a rate of 0.16 km2/+10%P. (2) The basin runoff switched from rainfall and groundwater-dominated to ice melt-dominated with warming T, while the dominance of rainfall and groundwater were strongly enhanced by rising P. Proportion of rainfall in the total water input for runoff generation decreased with T warming at a rate of −0.5%/+1°C, while increasing with P increases at a rate of 1.2%/+10% P. Ice melt proportion changed with T and P increases at rates of 4.2%/+1°C and −1.8%/+10%P, respectively. Groundwater contribution to total runoff decreased by −2.8% per T warming of 1°C, but increased by 1.5% per P increase of 10%. (3) The maximum P changes (±30%) could only compensate the effects of T warming of 0.5 to 2.5°C. Increase of annual runoff forced by T warming lower than 2.2°C could be compensated by decrease caused by the maximum P decrease of −30%. Decrease of glacier area caused by 1°C warming cannot be compensated by the maximum P increase of +30%. The combined input of 20% increase of P and T warming of 6°C resulted in 90% increase of annual runoff, and 8% reduction of glacier area. The results inform understandings of the hydrological responses to potential climate changes in glacierized basins in Central Asia.
Toward Specialized or Integrated Systems in Northwest Europe: On-Farm Eco-Efficiency of Dairy Farming in Germany
Authors: Reinsch Thorsten , Loza Cecilia , Malisch Carsten Stefan , Vogeler Iris , Kluß Christof , Loges Ralf , Taube Friedhelm
Published: May 2021

Intensive confinement (IC) systems for dairying have become widespread during the last decades. However, potential advantages of alternative systems such as full-grazing (FG) or integrated dairy/cash-crop (IFG) systems with regards to better provision of ecosystem services are widely discussed. To investigate performance and environmental impacts, we compared four prevailing dairy systems using an on-farm research study. The farm types differed in their share of pasture access and quantity of resource inputs: (i) an IC with a high import of supplements and mineral fertilizers; (ii) a semi-confinement (SC) with daytime pasture access during summer and moderate import of supplementary feeds representing the base-line scenario; (iii) a FG based on grazed seeded grass-clover swards with no purchased N-fertilizers and low quantities of supplementary feeds; and (iv) an IFG comparable to FG but based on grass-clover leys integrated in a cash-crop rotation. Results revealed highest milk productivity (16 t energy-corrected-milk (ECM) ha−1) and farm-N-balance (230 kg N ha−1) in IC; however, the highest product carbon footprint (PCF; 1.2 CO2eq kg ECM−1) and highest N-footprint (13 g N kg ECM−1) were found in the baseline system SC. The FG and IFG revealed on average similar forage dry matter yields (10 – 11 t DM ha−1) at similar crude protein and net-energy-lactation ratios per kg DM-intake compared to the IC and SC. The PCF in FG were comparable to IC (0.9 vs. 1.1 kg CO2eq kg ECM−1) but at a lower N-footprint (9 vs. 12 g N kg ECM−1). However, despite low measured N-losses in the FG system, the farm-N-surplus was exceeded by 90 kg N ha−1. A further reduction was only possible in the IFG (50 kg N ha−1) by accounting for a potential N-carry-over from N-rich plant residues to the cash-crop unit, leading to the lowest PCF (0.6 kg CO2eq kg ECM−1) for the IFG, with still moderate milk yield levels (~10,500 kg ECM ha−1). According to this bottom-up approach based on field data, improved integrated grazing systems could provide an important opportunity to increase the ecosystem services from dairy farming, operating with land use efficiencies similar to IC.
Impact of an Exotic Invasive Pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on Resident Communities of Pest and Natural Enemies in Maize Fields in Kenya
Authors: Sokame Bonoukpoè Mawuko , Musyoka Boaz , Obonyo Julius , Rebaudo François , Abdel-Rahman Elfatih M. , Subramanian Sevgan , Kilalo Dora Chao , Juma Gérald , Calatayud Paul-André
Published: May 2021

The interactions among insect communities influence the composition of pest complexes that attack crops and, in parallel, their natural enemies, which regulate their abundance. The lepidopteran stemborers have been the major maize pests in Kenya. Their population has been regulated by natural enemies, mostly parasitoids, some of which have been used for biological control. It is not known how a new exotic invasive species, such as the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), may affect the abundance and parasitism of the resident stemborers. For this reason, pest and parasitism surveys have been conducted, before and after the FAW invaded Kenya, in maize fields in 40 localities across 6 agroecological zones (AEZs) during the maize-growing season, as well as at 3 different plant growth stages (pre-tasseling, reproductive, and senescence stages) in 2 elevations at mid-altitude, where all maize stemborer species used to occur together. Results indicated that the introduction of the FAW significantly correlated with the reduction of the abundance of the resident communities of maize stemborers and parasitoids in maize fields; moreover, the decrease of stemborer density after the arrival of FAW occurred mostly at both reproductive and senescent maize stages. It also suggests a possible displacement of stemborers by FAW elsewhere; for example, to other cereals. However, since this study was conducted only three years after the introduction of the FAW, further studies will need to be conducted to confirm such displacements.
Climate Factors Contribute to Grassland Net Primary Productivity
Authors: Richter Goetz M. , Topp Cairistiona F. E.
Published: May 2021

Our call set out to enlarge the evidence base and methods for improving and evaluating grasslands in a changing environment as a sustainable ecosystem for all life [...]
Effect of Rumex nervosus Leaf Powder on the Breast Meat Quality, Carcass Traits, and Performance Indices of Eimeria tenella Oocyst-Infected Broiler Chickens
Authors: Qaid Mohammed M. , Al-Mufarrej Saud I. , Azzam Mahmoud M. , Al-Garadi Maged A. , Alqhtani Abdulmohsen H. , H. Fazea Esam , Suliman Gamaleldin M. , Alhidary Ibrahim A.
Published: May 2021

This work aimed to assess the effect of using the RNL on performance indices, carcass trait, and meat quality of broiler chicken infected with Eimeria tenella compared with commercially used anticoccidials salinomycin. Moreover, we compare these selected variables between infected medicated groups and a non-infected unmedicated group (UUT) and an infected unmedicated group (IUT). A total of 150 1-day-old Ross 308 mixed-sex broilers were divided into 6 groups. Birds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed basic diets supplemented with 1, 3, and 5 g of RNL/kg diet, respectively. Group 4 received a basic diet with 66 mg of salinomycin. The control groups (5 and 6) were given a basic diet with no RNL or salinomycin added. All groups except the negative controls were challenged with Eimeria tenella at 21 days old. Birds in RNL groups outperformed those in the IUT group in performance indices, and they have a similar effect to the salinomycin group. Enhancement-infected birds with RNL affected some chickens’ carcass traits. Drip loss, water-holding capacity, and meat tenderness were improved by RNL inclusion (1 g) in the diet. In conclusion, the meat of infected birds receiving 1 g RNL had increased quality attributes, with preferable tenderness and springiness when compared to the IUT group. RNL could therefore also be considered a promising non-conventional feed source in the future. Further research is needed to optimize the use of RNL to improve broilers production and meat quality in both infected and non-infected conditions.
Efficacy of Two Commercial Ready-To-Use PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Vaccines under Field Conditions
Authors: López-Lorenzo Gonzalo , Prieto Alberto , López-Novo Cynthia , Díaz Pablo , López Ceferino Manuel , Morrondo Patrocinio , Fernández Gonzalo , Díaz-Cao José Manuel
Published: May 2021

Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae are economically important pathogens in swine farms. Vaccination is the main preventive measure for both infections. In order to test two ready-to-use bivalent vaccines, 646 piglets from a herd actively infected with both pathogens were stratified according to the sow parity number and randomly assigned to three groups: A and B were vaccinated with two different vaccines, respectively, while C remained as the unvaccinated control. Vaccine efficacy was assessed based on the weight, average daily weight gain (ADWG), degree of lung lesions, presence of PCV2 viremia by qPCR and presence of PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae antibody levels by ELISA. Our data revealed that the sow parity did not influence the vaccine outcomes. Good results for most of the analyzed parameters were observed in both vaccinated groups. ADGW and final weight were higher and lung lesions were less evident in both vaccinated groups than in the control one, but only Group A showed a significant improvement. PCV2 viremia was not detected in Group A, but it did appear in Group B coinciding with its peak in Group C. Finally, both the PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae serological patterns differed depending on the employed vaccine.
piggyBac Transposition and the Expression of Human Cystatin C in Transgenic Chickens
Authors: Kim Seo Woo , Lee Jeong Hyo , Han Ji Seon , Shin Seung Pyo , Park Tae Sub
Published: May 2021

A bioreactor can be used for mass production of therapeutic proteins and other bioactive substances. Although various methods have been developed using microorganisms and animal cells, advanced strategies are needed for the efficient production of biofunctional proteins. In microorganisms, post-translational glycosylation and modification are not performed properly, while animal cell systems require more time and expense. To overcome these problems, new methods using products from transgenic animals have been considered, such as genetically modified cow’s milk and hen’s eggs. In this study, based on a non-viral piggyBac transposition system, we generated transgenic bioreactor chickens that produced human cystatin C (hCST3). There were no differences in the phenotype or histochemical structure of the wild-type and hCST3-expressing transgenic chickens. Subsequently, we analyzed the hCST3 expression in transgenic chickens, mainly in muscle and egg white, which could be major deposition warehouses for hCST3 protein. In both muscle and egg white, we detected high hCST3 expression by ELISA and Western blotting. hCST3 proteins were efficiently purified from muscle and egg white of transgenic chickens using a His-tag purification system. These data show that transgenic chickens can be efficiently used as a bioreactor for the mass production of bioactive materials.
Evaluation of the Photodynamic Therapy with Curcumin on L. braziliensis and L. major Amastigotes
Authors: Pereira André Henrique Correia , Marcolino Luciana Maria Cortez , Pinto Juliana Guerra , Ferreira-Strixino Juliana
Published: May 2021

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease prevalent in tropical countries with the ability to cause skin lesions. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a specific and topical option for the treatment of these lesions. This study evaluated the response of macrophages infected with L. braziliensis and L. major to PDT with curcumin. Curcumin concentrations were evaluated in serial dilutions from 500.0 to 7.8 µg/mL using LED (λ = 450 ± 5 nm), with a light dose of 10 J/cm2. The Trypan blue viability test, ultrastructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mitochondrial polarity by Rhodamine 123 (Rho 123), curcumin internalization by confocal microscopy, and counting of the recovered parasites after the PDT treatment were performed. The lowest concentrations of curcumin (15.6 and 7.8 µg/mL) presented photodynamic inactivation. Cell destruction and internalization of curcumin in both macrophages and intracellular parasites were observed in microscopy techniques. In addition, an increase in mitochondrial membrane polarity and a decrease in the number of parasites recovered was observed in the PDT groups. This study indicates that PDT with curcumin has the potential to inactivate infected macrophages and might act as a basis for future in vivo studies using the parameters herein discussed.
The Influence of Permeability through Bacterial Porins in Whole-Cell Compound Accumulation
Authors: Acosta-Gutiérrez Silvia , Bodrenko Igor , Ceccarelli Matteo
Published: May 2021

The lack of new drugs for Gram-negative pathogens is a global threat to modern medicine. The complexity of their cell envelope, with an additional outer membrane, hinders internal accumulation and thus, the access of molecules to their targets. Our limited understanding of the molecular basis for compound influx and efflux from these pathogens is a major bottleneck for the discovery of effective antibacterial compounds. Here we analyse the correlation between the whole-cell compound accumulation of ~200 molecules and their predicted porin permeability coefficient (influx), using a recently developed scoring function. We found a strong linear relationship (74%) between the two, confirming porins key in compound uptake in Gram-negative bacteria. The analysis of this unique dataset aids to better understand the molecular descriptors behind whole-cell accumulation and molecular uptake in Gram-negative bacteria.
Anticancer Effects of Lingonberry and Bilberry on Digestive Tract Cancers
Authors: Onali Tuulia , Kivimäki Anne , Mauramo Matti , Salo Tuula , Korpela Riitta
Published: May 2021

Wild berries are part of traditional Nordic diets and are a rich source of phytochemicals, such as polyphenols. Various berry treatments have shown to interfere with cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. Here, we systematically reviewed the anticancer effects of two Nordic wild berries of the Vaccinium genus, lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), on digestive tract cancers. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches included four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CAB abstracts. Publications not written in English, case-reports, reviews, and conference abstracts were excluded. Moreover, studies with only indirect markers of cancer risk or studies with single compounds not derived from lingonberry or bilberry were not included. Meta-analysis was not performed. The majority (21/26) of studies investigated bilberry and colorectal cancer. Experimental studies on colorectal cancer indicated that bilberry inhibited intestinal tumor formation and cancer cell growth. One uncontrolled pilot human study supported the inhibitory potential of bilberry on colorectal cancer cell proliferation. Data from all 10 lingonberry studies suggests potent inhibition of cancer cell growth and tumor formation. In conclusion, in vitro and animal models support the antiproliferative and antitumor effects of various bilberry and lingonberry preparations on digestive tract cancers.
Effects of H2S Loading Rate on the Performance of Reactive Absorption with Electrochemical Oxidation
Authors: Kang Jeonghee , Song Jihyeon , Ji Hyonwook , Yun Sangleen , Kim Weonjae , Yoo Sungsoo
Published: May 2021

The odor released from environmental facilities is recognized as a major problem in environmental industries. In this study, reactive absorption, using an electrolyzed water solution (electrolyzed water scrubber, EWS), was developed to treat the odorous gases H2S and NH3, which are representative odorous substances. In addition, a numerical model composed of mass transfer coefficients and zero-order kinetic constants was established to predict the performance of EWS. The model was verified through experiments and data fittings. In the experiments, the concentration of H2S varied from 500 to 2000 ppm, while NH3 was fixed at 500 ppm. The results revealed that the H2S removal rate varied depending on the inlet H2S concentration, but no changes were observed for NH3. The numerical model appropriately described the experimental results to further predict the performance of EWS. The model prediction results for the shock loading of H2S indicated that a 100% removal rate can be achieved by increasing the current density to 70 mA cm−2 or higher. Finally, the EWS can be used to reduce the odor, owing to its flexible operation that responds to fluctuating loading rates.
Accessing Ancient Population Lifeways through the Study of Gastrointestinal Parasites: Paleoparasitology
Authors: Le Bailly Matthieu , Maicher Céline , Roche Kévin , Dufour Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Paleoparasitology is a discipline of bioarchaeology that studies human and animal parasites and their evolution through time. It is at the frontier between biological sciences and the humanities, and aims to provide valuable clues about the lifestyles of former populations. Through examples chosen among recent case studies, we show in this review how paleoparasitology contributes to issues related to food, health, hygiene, organic waste management, and site occupation by ancient populations, but also, in the longer term, to questions of the evolution of the human/animal relationship and the history of diseases. This article provides an overview of this research field, its history, its concepts, and in particular, its applications in archaeology and the history of diseases.
A Linearized Approach for the Electric Light Commercial Vehicle Routing Problem Combined with Charging Station Siting and Power Distribution Network Assessment
Authors: Arias-Londoño Andrés , Gil-González Walter , Montoya Oscar Danilo
Published: May 2021

Transportation electrification has demonstrated a significant position on power utilities and logistic companies, in terms of assets operation and management. Under this context, this paper presents the problem of seeking feasible and good quality routes for electric light commercial vehicles considering battery capacity and charging station siting on the power distribution system. Different transportation patterns for goods delivery are included, such as the capacitated vehicle routing problem and the shortest path problem for the last mile delivery. To solve the problem framed within a mixed integer linear mathematical model, the GAMS software is used and validated on a test instance conformed by a 19-customer transportation network, spatially combined with the IEEE 34 nodes power distribution system. The sensitivity analysis, performed during the computational experiments, show the behavior of the variables involved in the logistics operation, i.e., routing cost for each transport pattern. The trade-off between the battery capacity, the cost of the charging station installation, and energy losses on the power distribution system is also shown, including the energy consumption cost created by the charging operation.
A Roadmap towards Breast Cancer Therapies Supported by Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Amoroso Nicola , Pomarico Domenico , Fanizzi Annarita , Didonna Vittorio , Giotta Francesco , La Forgia Daniele , Latorre Agnese , Monaco Alfonso , Pantaleo Ester , Petruzzellis Nicole , Tamborra Pasquale , Zito Alfredo , Lorusso Vito , Bellotti Roberto , Massafra Raffaella
Published: May 2021

In recent years personalized medicine reached an increasing importance, especially in the design of oncological therapies. In particular, the development of patients’ profiling strategies suggests the possibility of promising rewards. In this work, we present an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) framework based on an adaptive dimensional reduction which (i) outlines the most important clinical features for oncological patients’ profiling and (ii), based on these features, determines the profile, i.e., the cluster a patient belongs to. For these purposes, we collected a cohort of 267 breast cancer patients. The adopted dimensional reduction method determines the relevant subspace where distances among patients are used by a hierarchical clustering procedure to identify the corresponding optimal categories. Our results demonstrate how the molecular subtype is the most important feature for clustering. Then, we assessed the robustness of current therapies and guidelines; our findings show a striking correspondence between available patients’ profiles determined in an unsupervised way and either molecular subtypes or therapies chosen according to guidelines, which guarantees the interpretability characterizing explainable approaches to machine learning techniques. Accordingly, our work suggests the possibility to design data-driven therapies to emphasize the differences observed among the patients.
The Effect of Principal Component Analysis Parameters on Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence Signal Extraction
Authors: Sun Zhongqiu , Yang Songxi , Shi Shuo , Yang Jian
Published: May 2021

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), one of the three main releasing pathways of vegetation-absorbed photosynthetic active radiation, has been proven as an effective monitoring implementation of leaf photosynthesis, canopy growth, and ecological diversity. There exist three categories of SIF retrieval methods, and the principal component analysis (PCA) retrieval method is obtrusively eye-catching due to its brief, data-driven characteristics. However, we still lack a lucid understanding of PCA’s parameter settings. In this study, we examined if principal component numbers and retrieval band regions could have effects on the accuracy of SIF inversion under two controlled experiments. The results revealed that the near-infrared region could remarkably boost SIF’s retrieval accuracy, whereas red and near-infrared bands caused anomalous values, which subverted a traditional view that more retrieval regions might provide more photosynthetic information. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that three principal components would benefit more in PCA-based SIF retrieval. These arguments further help elucidate the more in-depth influence of the parameters on the PCA retrieval method, which unveil the potential effects of different parameters and give a parameter-setting foundation for the PCA retrieval method, in addition to assisting retrieval achievements.
Experimental Investigation and Artificial Neural Network Based Prediction of Bond Strength in Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete Reinforced with Basalt FRP Bars
Authors: Rahman Sherin Khadeeja , Al-Ameri Riyadh
Published: May 2021

The current research on concrete and cementitious materials focuses on finding sustainable solutions to address critical issues, such as increased carbon emissions, or corrosion attack associated with reinforced concrete structures. Geopolymer concrete is considered to be an eco-friendly alternative due to its superior properties in terms of reduced carbon emissions and durability. Similarly, the use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars to address corrosion attack in steel-reinforced structures is also gaining momentum. This paper investigates the bond performance of a newly developed self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) reinforced with basalt FRP (BFRP) bars. This study examines the bond behaviour of BFRP-reinforced SCGC specimens with variables such as bar diameter (6 mm and 10 mm) and embedment lengths. The embedment lengths adopted are 5, 10, and 15 times the bar diameter (db), and are denoted as 5 db, 10 db, and 15 db throughout the study. A total of 21 specimens, inclusive of the variable parameters, are subjected to direct pull-out tests in order to assess the bond between the rebar and the concrete. The result is then compared with the SCGC reinforced with traditional steel bars, in accordance with the ACI 440.3R-04 and CAN/CSA-S806-02 guidelines. A prediction model for bond strength has been proposed using artificial neural network (ANN) tools, which contributes to the new knowledge on the use of Basalt FRP bars as internal reinforcement in an ambient-cured self-compacting geopolymer concrete.
Effect of Micro-Silica Addition into Electric Arc Furnace Steel Slag Eco-Efficient Concrete
Authors: Aghajanian Ali , Thomas Carlos , Behfarnia Kiachehr
Published: May 2021

Concrete produced from electric arc furnace steel slag aggregates is one of the items that is highly regarded due to its strength, environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Despite the growing interest in using this type of concrete, there are still doubts about the mix proportions and addition effects of electric arc furnace steel slags. In this paper, the performance of replacing natural aggregates by electric arc furnace steel slags aggregate is comprehensively investigated and its effect on mechanical properties is analysed. The relationship between the percentage of replacement of natural aggregate using electric arc furnace steel slags aggregate in two parts of coarse aggregate and fine-grained aggregate and the effect of each of these parts on mechanical properties in concrete is investigated, which may identify the optimal mix proportions of each aggregate that help to improve the strength of the eco efficient concrete using electric arc furnace steel slags.
Segmentation of Liver Anatomy by Combining 3D U-Net Approaches
Authors: Affane Abir , Kucharski Adrian , Chapuis Paul , Freydier Samuel , Lebre Marie-Ange , Vacavant Antoine , Fabijańska Anna
Published: May 2021

Accurate liver vessel segmentation is of crucial importance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of many hepatic diseases. Recent state-of-the-art methods for liver vessel reconstruction mostly utilize deep learning methods, namely, the U-Net model and its variants. However, to the best of our knowledge, no comparative evaluation has been proposed to compare these approaches in the liver vessel segmentation task. Moreover, most research works do not consider the liver volume segmentation as a preprocessing step, in order to keep only inner hepatic vessels, for Couinaud representation for instance. For these reasons, in this work, we propose using accurate Dense U-Net liver segmentation and conducting a comparison between 3D U-Net models inside the obtained volumes. More precisely, 3D U-Net, Dense U-Net, and MultiRes U-Net are pitted against each other in the vessel segmentation task on the IRCAD dataset. For each model, three alternative setups that allow adapting the selected CNN architectures to volumetric data are tested, namely, full 3D, slab-based, and box-based setups are considered. The results showed that the most accurate setup is the full 3D process, providing the highest Dice for most of the considered models. However, concerning the particular models, the slab-based MultiRes U-Net provided the best score. With our accurate vessel segmentations, several medical applications can be investigated, such as automatic and personalized Couinaud zoning of the liver.
Seismic Strengthening Effects of Full-Size Reinforced Concrete Frame Retrofitted with Novel Concrete-Filled Tube Modular Frame by Pseudo-Dynamic Testing
Authors: Kim Jin-Seon , Jung Ju-Seong , Jung Dong-Keun , Kim Eui-Yong , Lee Kang-Seok
Published: May 2021

The present study proposes a new seismic retrofitting method using a concrete-filled tube modular frame (CFT-MF) system, a novel technique to overcome and improve the limitations of existing seismic strengthening methods. This CFT-MF seismic retrofitting method makes the most of the advantages of both concrete and steel pipes, thereby significantly improving constructability and increasing integration between the existing structure and the reinforcement joints. This method falls into the category of typical seismic retrofitting methods that focus on increasing strength, in which the required amount of seismic reinforcement can be easily estimated. Therefore, the method provides an easy solution to improving the strength of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures with non-seismic details that are prone to shear failure. In the present study, a full-size two-story test frame modeled from existing domestic RC structures with non-seismic details was subjected to pseudo-dynamic testing. As a result, the effect of the CFT-MF system, when applied to existing RC structures, was examined and verified, especially as to its seismic retrofitting performance, i.e., restoring force characteristics, stiffness reinforcement, and seismic response control. In addition, based on the pseudo-dynamic testing results, a restoring force characteristics model was proposed to implement non-linear dynamic analysis of a structure retrofitted with the CFT-MF system (i.e., the test frame). Finally, based on the proposed restoring force characteristics, non-linear dynamic analysis was conducted, and the results were compared with those obtained by the pseudo-dynamic tests. The results showed that the RC frame (building) with no retrofitting measures applied underwent shear failure at a seismic intensity of 200 cm/s2, the threshold applied in seismic design in Korea. In contrast, in the frame (building) retrofitted with the CFT-MF system, only minor earthquake damage was observed, and even when the maximum seismic intensity (300 cm/s2) that may occur in Korean was applied, small-scale damage was observed. These results confirmed the validity of the seismic retrofitting method based on the CFT-MF system developed in the present study. The non-linear dynamic analysis and the pseudo-dynamic test showed similar results, with an average deviation of 10% or less in seismic response load and displacement.
Hydrological Analysis of Extreme Rain Events in a Medium-Sized Basin
Authors: Sarchani Sofia , Awol Frezer Seid , Tsanis Ioannis
Published: May 2021

The hydrological response of a medium-sized watershed with both rural and urban characteristics was investigated through event-based modeling. Different meteorological event conditions were examined, such as events of high precipitation intensity, double hydrological peak, and mainly normal to wet antecedent moisture conditions. Analysis of the hydrometric features of the precipitation events was conducted by comparing the different rainfall time intervals, the total volume of water, and the precedent soil moisture. Parameter model calibration and validation were performed for rainfall events under similar conditions, examined in pairs, in order to verify two hydrological models, the lumped HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Engineering Center’s Hydrologic Modeling System model) and the semi-distributed HBV-light (a recent version of Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning model), at the exit of six individual gauged sub-basins. Model verification was achieved by using the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency and volume error index. Different time of concentration (Tc) formulas are better applied to the sub-watersheds with respect to the dominant land uses, classifying the Tc among the most sensitive parameters that influence the time of appearance and the magnitude of the peak modeled flow through the HEC-HMS model. The maximum water content of the soil box (FC) affects most the peak flow via the HBV-light model, whereas the MAXBAS parameter has the greatest effect on the displayed time of peak discharge. The modeling results show that the HBV-light performed better in the events that had less precipitation volume compared to their pairs. The event with the higher total precipitated water produced better results with the HEC-HMS model, whereas the rest of the two high precipitation events performed satisfactorily with both models. April to July is a flood hazard period that will be worsened with the effect of climate change. The suggested calibrated parameters for severe precipitation events can be used for the prediction of future events with similar features. The above results can be used in the water resources management of the basin.
Air Quality Assessment in the State of Kuwait during 2012 to 2017
Authors: Al-Hurban Adeeba , Khader Sawsan , Alsaber Ahmad , Pan Jiazhu
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to examine the trend of ambient air pollution (i.e., ozone (O3), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), benzene (C6H6) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 microns (PM10), and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) at 10 monitoring stations located in the main residential and industrial areas in the State of Kuwait over 6 years (2012–2017). We found that the SO2 level in industrial areas (0.065 ppm) exceeded the allowable range of SO2 in residential areas (0.030 ppm). Air pollution variables were defined by the Environmental Public Authority of Kuwait (K-EPA). In this study, integrated statistical analysis was performed to compare an established air pollution database to Kuwait Ambient Air Quality Guidelines and to determine the association between pollutants and meteorological factors. All pollutants were positively correlated, with the exception of most pollutants and PM10 and O3. Meteorological factors, i.e., the ambient temperature, wind speed and humidity, were also significantly associated with the above pollutants. Spatial distribution mapping indicated that the PM10 level remained high during the southwest monsoon (the hot and dry season), while the CO level was high during the northeast monsoon (the wet season). The NO2 and O3 levels were high during the first intermonsoon season.