bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High temperature impairs mitochondrial function in rainbow trout cardiac mitochondria
Authors: Michaelsen Jakob , Fago Angela , Bundgaard Amanda
Published: March 2021

Mitochondria provide cellular energy through oxidative phosphorylation, and thus temperature-induced constraints on mitochondrial function may be crucial to animal aerobic scope and thermal tolerance. Here, we report the effect of temperature in the range 5–30°C on respiration rates of isolated cardiac mitochondria from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) studied by high-resolution respirometry and spectrophotometric enzyme activity assays. Arrhenius breakpoint temperature analysis indicated that mitochondrial respiration rates under phosphorylating and fully uncoupled conditions increased exponentially up to 20°C, but stopped increasing at higher temperatures. In contrast, respiration rates measured under non-phosphorylating leak conditions continued to increase up to 30°C. The decrease in the ratio between phosphorylating and uncoupled respiration at high temperature indicated that phosphorylation was gradually impaired with increasing temperature, possibly because of the steadily increasing proton leak across the membrane. In addition, we found that complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) activity decreased above 20°C, similarly to mitochondrial respiration, and that complex I was unstable in the presence of detergents, suggesting that it may be particularly sensitive to changes in its interaction with membrane phospholipids. In contrast, complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) maintained activity at temperatures above 20°C, although succinate oxidation was insufficient to compensate for the loss of complex I activity in intact mitochondria. Together, these results indicate that the temperature-induced decrease in cardiac mitochondrial function coincides with the temperature at which trout aerobic scope peaks, and is largely due to impaired phosphorylation and complex I activity.
The Effect of a Multi-ingredient Supplement on Resistance Training–induced Adaptations
Authors: WAGEH MAI , FORTINO STEPHEN A. , MCGLORY CHRIS , KUMBHARE DINESH , PHILLIPS STUART M. , PARISE GIANNI
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Resistance exercise training (RET) induces muscle hypertrophy that, when combined with co-temporal protein ingestion, is enhanced. However, fewer studies have been conducted when RET is combined with multi-ingredient supplements.

Purpose

We aimed to determine the effect of a high-quality multi-ingredient nutritional supplement (SUPP) versus an isonitrogenous (lower protein quality), isoenergetic placebo (PL) on RET-induced gains in lean body mass (LBM), muscle thickness, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). We hypothesized that RET-induced gains in LBM and muscle CSA would be greater in SUPP versus PL.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 26 (13 male, 13 female) healthy young adults (mean ± SD, 22 ± 2 yr) were randomized to either the SUPP group (n = 13; 20 g whey protein, 2 g leucine, 2.5 g creatine monohydrate, 300 mg calcium citrate, 1000 IU vitamin D) or the PL group (n = 13; 20 g collagen peptides, 1.4 g alanine, 0.6 g glycine) groups, ingesting their respective supplements twice daily. Measurements were obtained before and after a 10-wk linear progressive RET program.

Results

Greater increases in LBM were observed for SUPP versus PL (SUPP: +4.1 ± 1.3 kg, PL: +2.8 ± 1.7 kg, P < 0.05). No additive effect of the supplement could be detected on vastus lateralis muscle CSA, but SUPP did result in increased biceps brachii muscle CSA and thickness (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We conclude that when combined with RET, the consumption of SUPP increased LBM and upper-body CSA and thickness to a greater extent than to that observed in the PL group of healthy young adults.
Analysis of GTP addition in the reverse (3′–5′) direction by human tRNAHis guanylyltransferase
Authors: Nakamura Akiyoshi , Wang Daole , Komatsu Yasuo
Published: March 2021

Human tRNAHis guanylyltransferase (HsThg1) catalyzes the 3′–5′ addition of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to the 5′-end (−1 position) of tRNAHis, producing mature tRNAHis. In human cells, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNAHis have adenine (A) or cytidine (C), respectively, opposite to G−1. Little attention has been paid to the structural requirements of incoming GTP in 3′–5′ nucleotidyl addition by HsThg1. In this study, we evaluated the incorporation efficiencies of various GTP analogs by HsThg1 and compared the reaction mechanism with that of Candida albicans Thg1 (CaThg1). HsThg1 incorporated GTP opposite A or C in the template most efficiently. In contrast to CaThg1, HsThg1 could incorporate UTP opposite A, and guanosine diphosphate (GDP) opposite C. These results suggest that HsThg1 could transfer not only GTP, but also other NTPs, by forming Watson–Crick (WC) hydrogen bonds between the incoming NTP and the template base. On the basis of the molecular mechanism, HsThg1 succeeded in labeling the 5′-end of tRNAHis with biotinylated GTP. Structural analysis of HsThg1 was also performed in the presence of the mitochondrial tRNAHis. Structural comparison of HsThg1 with other Thg1 family enzymes suggested that the structural diversity of the carboxy-terminal domain of the Thg1 enzymes might be involved in the formation of WC base-pairing between the incoming GTP and template base. These findings provide new insights into an unidentified biological function of HsThg1 and also into the applicability of HsThg1 to the 5′-terminal modification of RNAs.
AI and the Healthcare sector: Industry, legal and ethical issues
Authors: Dipla Victoria
Published: March 2021

In this modern era, AI systems, robotics and all kinds of technological innovations have prevailed in almost every industry there is. Even though, they provide with several advantages and benefits, such novelties, due to their newly found capacities pose a certain undoubted risk for contemporary societies, unfamiliar yet with the full extent of the perils following these kind of innovations.This article engages in an examination of one of the industries critically changed and influenceδ by AI technology, the healthcare industry, as it possesses the highest bioethical interest. The article, thus, is divided to four sections. The first is dedicated to novel advancements in the field of health care services and medicine, which include the introduction and/or full deployment of machine learning and robotics. Second, as already mentioned due to the fact that these technologies are accompanied by legal concerns, especially in terms of privacy, a legal analysis of the most relevant and prominent concerns is attempted. The emphasis is given on the European Union’s approach on the matter of AI related technology. Both its main bodies are mentioned, the European Parliament and the European Commission, for their procurement of documents related to novel technologies.In addition, after the legal framework analysis and the more binding in nature legislative efforts, the article proceeds with the presentation of the soft-law related to the AI technological field, as well as the ethics and guidelines developed to mitigate its risks and issues. Lastly, the following analysis is closed by conclusions based on the combination of remarks and resolutions from the above mentioned sections of the article.
Stratigraphic processes and Ionian basin evolution in Kastos Island from triassic to eocene, for hydrocarbon fields development
Authors: Μπουρλή Νικολίνα
Published: March 2021

Μικροφασική ανάλυση, φασικές ζώνες και προσδιορισμός ηλικιών: Στο νησί του Κάστου με βάση λιθολογικά και ιζηματολογικά χαρακτηριστικά, έχουν αναγνωριστεί τα ακόλουθα περιβάλλοντα απόθεσης: βαθιάς θάλασσας και περιβάλλον με βαθιά υφαλοκρηπίδα, η βάση της κατωφέρειας προς κατωφέρεια και ανοιχτή θαλάσσια προς περιορισμένη λεκάνη. Ασβεστοτουρβιδίτες και εξέλιξη λεκάνης: Οι ασβεστοτουρβιδίτες περιλαμβάνουν τις υποδιαιρέσεις της Bouma από το Τa έως το Te και είναι οργανωμένοι σε κύκλους που σχηματίζουν καναλοειδείς αποθέσεις με υψηλό ποσοστό συγχώνευσης τους (amalgamation). Η στατιστική ανάλυση επιβεβαιώνει την παρουσία της σειράς της ακολουθίας των υποδιαιρέσεων της Bouma. Η μικροφασική ανάλυση των ασβεστολίθων παρουσιάζει αποθέσεις βαθιάς θάλασσας και επαναεπεξεργασμένες αποθέσεις υφαλοκρηπίδας. Η έντονη εξωτερική τεκτονική δραστηριότητα στη Ιόνιο λεκάνη κατά τη διάρκεια του Κρητιδικού, με συνθετικά και αντιθετικά ρήγματα που παράγουν ενεργά περιθώρια πλατφόρμας και ασύμμετρες λεκάνες. Η ιστορία των αποθέσεων του κατώτερου Κρητιδικού-κατώτερου Ηωκαίνου, στην Ιόνια λεκάνη, δείχνει ότι η τεκτονική δραστηριότητα παρά τις ευστατικές αλλαγές της στάθμης της θάλασσας, ήταν ο κύριος παράγοντας που επηρέασε την εξέλιξη της λεκάνης, προτείνοντας ένα συνεχόμενο συνιζηματογενές ταφρογενές στάδιο (syn-rift), ενεργό από το Ιουρασικό μέχρι και το κατώτερο Ηώκαινο. Διαγένεση πυριτικών στρωμάτων και κονδύλων: Οι ασβεστόλιθοι του κατώτερου Κρητιδικού και στις δύο περιοχές αποτελούνται από αφθονία μικρών πυριτικών κονδύλων ενώ στο ανώτερο Κρητιδικό από μεγαλύτερους κονδύλους, αλλά λιγότερους σε αφθονία. Οι πυριτόλιθοι αντικατοπτρίζουν μια πρώιμη διαγένεση με μεγάλες επιδράσεις από τα υποκείμενα πετρώματα. Δομές παραμόρφωσης μαλακών ιζημάτων: Αναγνωρίστηκαν διαφορετικοί τύποι παραμορφώσεων, που έλαβαν χώρα σύγχρονα με την ιζηματογένεση ή αμέσως μετά από αυτήν. Οι διαφορετικοί τύποι σχετίζονται είτε με την ένταση της τεκτονικής δραστηριότητας και τις στροφές των τεμαχών μέσα στη λεκάνη είτε σε διαπυρικά φαινόμενα και παραμόρφωση του πυθμένα της λεκάνης ιζηματογένεσης. Πορώδες: Οι μετρήσεις πορώδους και για τις δύο περιοχές από το κατώτερο και ανώτερο Κρητιδικό έδειξαν την ύπαρξη μεσοπορώδων πετρωμάτων. Γεωχημική ανάλυση: Τα δεδομένα από τις αναλύσεις έδειξαν ότι το TOC (0,02-3,45%) υποδηλώνει καλό δυναμικό πετρελαίου και ένα είδος II / III κηρογόνου με την ικανότητα να παράξει υγρούς και αέριους υδρογονάνθρακες για το νησί της Καστού, και TOC (0,01-0,72%) με μέτριο δυναμικό πετρελαίου και τύπο IV κηρογόνου για τη χερσόνησο του Αράξου. Τα αποτελέσματα των βιοδεικτών έδειξαν ένα περιβάλλον ανοξικής ιζηματογένεσης.
Δημιουργικότητα στην ηγεσία, η χρήση του δημιουργικού λόγου και της δημιουργικής γραφής από διευθυντές εκπαίδευσης στο πλαίσιο της αποτελεσματικής διοίκησης των εκπαιδευτικών μονάδων
Authors: Τσαντάκης Χρίστος
Published: March 2021

Η παρούσα Διδακτορική διατριβή αφορά τη δημιουργικότητα στην ηγεσία διερευνώντας τη χρήση δημιουργικού λόγου και δημιουργικής γραφής από Διευθυντές Εκπαίδευσης στο πλαίσιο της αποτελεσματικής διοίκησης των εκπαιδευτικών μονάδων ευθύνης τους. Στην έρευνά μας ως πληθυσμό-στόχο αποτέλεσαν οι Διευθυντές εκπαίδευσης πανελλαδικά, Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, οι οποίοι αποτελούν ανώτερα στελέχη της εκπαίδευσης και διαθέτουν αποκλειστικά διοικητικά καθήκοντα για ένα μεγάλο αριθμό εκπαιδευτικών μονάδων. Επιδιώκοντας την αποτελεσματική διοίκηση των εκπαιδευτικών μονάδων ευθύνης τους, χωρίς να είναι δυνατή η συνεχής και καθημερινή διά ζώσης παρουσία τους σε καθεμιά από αυτές, η προφορική και γραπτή τους επικοινωνία με τα μέλη των εκπαιδευτικών μονάδων ευθύνης τους αποτελεί τη βασική ηγετική λειτουργία που τους παρέχει τη δυνατότητα άσκησης ηγεσίας μέσω ηγετικών ενεργειών και ανάληψης ηγετικών ρόλων. Στην έρευνά μας αναζητούμε τις απόψεις των Διευθυντών εκπαίδευσης αναφορικά με την έκφραση της δημιουργικότητάς τους κατά τη διάρκεια της προφορικής και γραπτής τους επικοινωνίας με τις εκπαιδευτικές μονάδες, αλλά και τις απόψεις τους αναφορικά με την επίδραση του δημιουργικού λόγου και της δημιουργικής γραφής (μέσω της προφορικής και γραπτής επικοινωνίας αντίστοιχα) κατά την άσκηση ηγεσίας στην αποτελεσματική διοίκηση των εκπαιδευτικών μονάδων ευθύνης τους.
Did Securitization Fail to Contain the Covid-19 Pandemic? The Case of Greece
Authors: Lampas Nikolaos
Published: March 2021

In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic many European governments responded by securitizing the pandemic and adopting a series of emergency measures in order to curb the spread of the pandemic. However, in most cases the measures were unsuccessful. Does this constitute a failure of securitization? In order to address this question, we will analyze the case of Greece. The case of Greece is particularly interesting because it was one of the first countries to adopt emergency measures and for a time it was heralded as a success story in countering the effects of the pandemic. According to the findings of this brief, the case of Greece does not constitute a failure of securitization. The Greek government did show a degree of inconsistency in its efforts of securitizing the pandemic but that was consistent with the fluctuation of the number of confirmed cases and COVID-19 related deaths and the impact of the pandemic on the Greek economy and attitude of the general population.
Η Επιμονή του Προσωρινού: Ο Πρόσφυγας ως Εγκλωβισμένο Υποκείμενο
Authors: Nastoulis Angelos
Published: March 2021

Σε αυτό το άρθρο παρουσιάζονται πτυχές της προσφυγικής κρίσης με έμφαση στο υποκείμενο. Στρέφοντας τον προσοχή στο άτομο πρόσφυγα, αναδύονται όψεις της βιωμένης εμπειρίας τους που δεν μπορούν να γίνουν ορατές με γυμνό μάτι. Εξετάζεται η «ταυτότητα» του πρόσφυγα, οι δομές φιλοξενίας, η πολιτικοποίηση του προσφυγικού και οι απόπειρες λύσης του προβλήματος. Η εμπειρία των προσφύγων αναδεικνύει την προβληματική πολιτική που ακολουθείται σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο για την επίλυση της προσφυγικής κρίσης, που επηρεάζει την ενσωμάτωσή τους στις τοπικές κοινωνίες.
Evaluation of diving operations for fish cage farming in the Aegean Sea
Authors: Akpınar Gamze , Düzbastılar F. Ozan
Published: March 2021

Mariculture represents approximate 50 percent of global aquaculture production by weight. Fish cages, which consist simply HDPE frame, netting, and mooring system, in fish farming are key elements of sea cage aquaculture. Aquaculture divers are responsible for inspection and maintenance of the underwater structures such as nets, mooring line and anchor, removing dead fish, monitoring the abnormal behavior of fish, assistance harvesting of fish and other periodic underwater works in fish cage farms. In recent years, the demand for aquaculture divers has increased in fish cage farms in both northern and southern Aegean Sea with enhancement of fish production in mariculture. On the other hand, various problems (diving accidents, faulty diving operations, lack of training etc.) related to work conditions and legal regulations of aquaculture divers have emerged. In the study, with the questionnaire consisting of 49 questions, face to face surveys were performed with 162 aquaculture divers in fish farms around Muğla and İzmir provinces between February and May 2019. Results showed the presence that there are three main problems consisting of diving regulations for professional divers, the candidate diving system and diving education which may cause fatal accidents should be improved and revised urgently.
Anticancer secondary metabolites from marine sponges
Authors: Uras İbrahim Seyda , Konuklugil Belma
Published: March 2021

The oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface. The marine environment is an important source of secondary metabolites with high biodiversity. Besides other marine species, sponges with a wide range of secondary metabolites are an important potential for drug discovery. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death with high morbidity and mortality. It is very important to discover new therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. In recent years, studies on exploring new anticancer compounds are focused on the marine source. In this review, our target is collecting the studies about marine sponges secondary metabolites which have an anticancer effect. Among most of the isolated compounds from sponges and their semisynthetic derivatives, there are three FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved compounds and three compounds in clinical phase. Moreover, more than 40 compounds isolated from marine sponges have been tested for anticancer activity in recent 10 years. In conclusion marine sponges secondary metabolites are a promising and important source of the anticancer compounds.
Fish immune system, mucosal immunity and functions of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-18 proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Kilercioğlu Serdar
Published: March 2021

Fish exposed to various threats in the aquatic environment and respond to these with the immune responses which has developed in the evolutionary process. The immune system of teleost fish consists of the fluid and cellular factors of both natural and acquired immunity. Mucosa associated lymphoid tissues are a part of fish immune system and equipped with cells of natural and adaptive immunity. The organs in which all these cells and molecules are formed, matured and included in the system are called lymphoid organs. Cytokines, which are small glycoproteins, play critical roles in immunity. Their main roles in the immune system are to regulate immune responses and to enable communication between cells. In this review, the literature on the main factors of the fish immune system, mucosal immunity, the functions of the primary lymphoid organs, and proinflamatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-18 were collected. Furthermore, the functions of specified cytokines were aimed to clarify.
The Features of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Kairbekova A.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is an introduction to features and direction of development of small and medium-sized entrepreneurship in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Also analyzed the dynamics of the increase in entrepreneurial activity in the country, considered the main state programs to support of small and medium-sized enterprises.
A naturalistic, 24-week, open-label, add-on study of vortioxetine in bipolar depression
Authors: Siwek Marcin , Chrobak Adrian , Sołtys Zbigniew , Dudek Dominika , Krupa Anna , Rybakowski Janusz
Published: March 2021

Cel pracy

Skuteczność wortioksetyny w leczeniu depresji jednobiegunowej oceniano w wielu badaniach, brakuje jednak prób weryfikujących skuteczność wortioksetyny w depresji w przebiegu choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej (ChAD).

Metoda

W grupie 60 pacjentów z depresją w przebiegu ChAD do wcześniej stosowanego leczenia normotymicznego (LN) dołączano wortioksetynę w dawce 10-20 mg/d w ramach 24-tygodniowej naturalistycznej próby otwartej. Do najczęściej stosowanych LN należały lamotrygina, kwetiapina, olanzapina i sole kwasu walproinowego. Skuteczność terapii oceniano podskalami Poprawy i Ciężkości Skali Ogólnego Wrażenia Klinicznego (CGI-I i CGI-S). Pacjentów klasyfikowano jako osiągających odpowiedź na leczenie wortioksetyną, jeżeli uzyskali wynik 1 lub 2 punktów w skali CGI-I. Za kryterium remisji przyjęto osiągnięcie wyniku 1 w skali CGI-S.

Wyniki

73% pacjentów (44/60) osiągnęło odpowiedź na leczenie wortioksetyną, a 52% (31/60) spełniło kryteria remisji klinicznej objawów depresyjnych (po czasie: 8,97±4,05 tygodni). Nie obserwowano znamiennych zależności pomiędzy odsetkami odpowiedzi na leczenie/remisji w następstwie stosowania wortioksetyny i jej dawką, typem ChAD, stopniem zaawansowania klinicznego ChAD, występowania szybkiej zmiany faz, historii występowania objawów psychotycznych, wybranych analizowanych objawów epizodu depresyjnego lub przyjmowanego równocześnie LN. 4 uczestników (6,7%) zrezygnowało z kontynuacji terapii z powodu doświadczanych działań niepożądanych (nudności), a 7 (11,7%) przerwało stosowanie wortioksetyny z powodu zmiany fazy ChAD. U 14 pacjentów (23%) doszło do utraty efektu terapeutycznego wortioksetyny po wcześniejszym osiągnięciu odpowiedzi terapeutycznej lub remisji.

Wnioski

Wyniki wskazują na stosunkowo wysokie odsetki odpowiedzi na leczenie i remisji w toku 24-tygodniowego leczenia depresji dwubiegunowej wortioksetyną w połączeniu z LN. Powyższe dane mogą świadczyć, że leczenie kombinowane wortioksetyną i LN stanowi skuteczną i dobrze tolerowaną formę terapii depresji w przebiegu ChAD.
The number of patients “worse than death” while waiting for a hip or knee arthroplasty has nearly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Clement Nick D. , Scott Chloe E. H. , Murray James R. D. , Howie Colin R. , Deehan David J.
Published: March 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients on the waiting list for a total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (KA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary aims were to assess whether length of time on the waiting list influenced quality of life and rate of deferral of surgery.

Methods

During the study period (August and September 2020) 843 patients (THA n = 394, KA n = 449) from ten centres in the UK reported their EuroQol five dimension (EQ-5D) scores and completed a waiting list questionnaire (2020 group). Patient demographic details, procedure, and date when listed were recorded. Patients scoring less than zero for their EQ-5D score were defined to be in a health state “worse than death” (WTD). Data from a retrospective cohort (January 2014 to September 2017) were used as the control group.

Results

The 2020 group had a significantly worse EQ-5D score compared to the control group for both THA (p < 0.001) and KA (p < 0.001). Over one-third (35.0%, n = 138/394) of patients waiting for a THA and nearly a quarter (22.3%, n = 100/449) for KA were in a health state WTD, which was significantly greater than the control group (odds ratio 2.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83 to 2.93) and 2.08 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.70), respectively; p < 0.001). Over 80% (n = 680/843) of the 2020 group felt that their quality of life had deteriorated while waiting. Each additional month spent on the waiting list was independently associated with a decrease in quality of life (EQ-5D: -0.0135, p = 0.004). There were 117 (13.9%) patients who wished to defer their surgery and the main reason for this was health concerns for themselves and or their family (99.1%, n = 116/117).

Conclusion

Over one-third of patients waiting for THA and nearly one-quarter waiting for a KA were in a state WTD, which was approaching double that observed prior to the pandemic. Increasing length of time on the waiting list was associated with decreasing quality of life.

Level of evidence: Level III retrospective case control study

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):672–680.
Combined autofluorescence and diffuse reflectance for brain tumour surgical guidance: initial ex vivo study results
Authors: Lu Huihui , Grygoryev Konstantin , Bermingham Niamh , Jansen Michael , O’Sullivan Michael , Nunan Gerard , Buckley Kevin , Manley Kevin , Burke Ray , Andersson-Engels Stefan
Published: March 2021

This ex vivo study was conducted to assess the potential of using a fibre optic probe system based on autofluorescence and diffuse reflectance for tissue differentiation in the brain. A total of 180 optical measurements were acquired from 28 brain specimens (five patients) with eight excitation and emission wavelengths spanning from 300 to 700 nm. Partial least square-linear discriminant analysis (PLS-LDA) was used for tissue discrimination. Leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) was then used to evaluate the performance of the classification model. Grey matter was differentiated from tumour tissue with sensitivity of 89.3% and specificity of 92.5%. The variable importance in projection (VIP) derived from the PLS regression was applied to wavelengths selection, and identified the biochemical sources of the detected signals. The initial results of the study were promising and point the way towards a cost-effective, miniaturized hand-held probe for real time and label-free surgical guidance.
Computational adaptive optics for polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Chaney Eric J. , Aksamitiene Edita , Marjanovic Marina , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: March 2021

Defocus aberration in optical systems, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems employing Gaussian illumination, gives rise to the well-known compromise between transverse resolution and depth-of-field. This results in blurry images when out-of-focus, whilst other low-order aberrations (e.g., astigmatism, coma, etc.) present in both the OCT system and biological samples further reduce image resolution and contrast. Computational adaptive optics (CAO) is a computed optical interferometric imaging technique that modifies the phase of the OCT data in the spatial frequency domain to correct optical aberrations and provide improvement of the image quality throughout the three-dimensional (3D) volume. In this Letter, we report the first implementation of CAO for polarization-sensitive OCT to correct defocus and other low-order aberrations, providing enhanced polarization-sensitive imaging contrast (i.e., intensity and phase retardation) on a 3D OCT phantom, molded plastics, ex vivo chicken breast tissue, and ex vivo human breast cancer tissue.
Shading-based absolute phase unwrapping
Authors: Hu Yuchen , Duan Minghui , Jin Yi , Zhu Changan , Chen Enhong , Xu Chunmei
Published: March 2021

Absolute phase unwrapping in the phase-shifting profilometry (PSP) is significant for dynamic 3-D measurements over a large depth range. Among traditional phase unwrapping methods, spatial phase unwrapping can only retrieve a relative phase map, and temporal phase unwrapping requires auxiliary projection sequences. We propose a shading-based absolute phase unwrapping (SAPU) framework for in situ 3-D measurements without additional projection patterns. First, the wrapped phase map is calculated from three captured images. Then, the continuous relative phase map is obtained using the phase histogram check (PHC), from which the absolute phase map candidates are derived with different fringe orders. Finally, the correct absolute phase map candidate can be determined without additional patterns or spatial references by applying the shading matching check (SMC). The experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Characteristics of hospitalized patients during a large waterborne outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni in Norway
Authors: Mortensen Nicolay , Jonasson Solveig Aalstad , Lavesson Ingrid Viola , Emberland Knut Erik , Litleskare Sverre , Wensaas Knut-Arne , Rortveit Guri , Langeland Nina , Hanevik Kurt
Published: March 2021

Very few reports describe all hospitalized patients with campylobacteriosis in the setting of a single waterborne outbreak. This study describes the demographics, comorbidities, clinical features, microbiology, treatment and complications of 67 hospitalized children and adults during a large waterborne outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni in Askoy, Norway in 2019, where more than 2000 people in a community became ill. We investigated factors that contributed to hospitalization and treatment choices. Data were collected from electronic patient records during and after the outbreak. Fifty adults and seventeen children were included with a biphasic age distribution peaking in toddlers and middle-aged adults. Most children, 14 out of 17, were below 4 years of age. Diarrhea was the most commonly reported symptom (99%), whereas few patients (9%) reported bloody stools. Comorbidities were frequent in adults (63%) and included cardiovascular disease, pre-existing gastrointestinal disease or chronic renal failure. Comorbidities in children (47%) were dominated by pulmonary and gastrointestinal diseases. Adult patients appeared more severely ill than children with longer duration of stay, higher levels of serum creatinine and CRP and rehydration therapy. Ninety-two percent of adult patients were treated with intravenous fluid as compared with 12% of children. Almost half of the admitted children received antibiotics. Two patients died, including a toddler. Both had significant complicating factors. The demographic and clinical findings presented may be useful for health care planning and patient management in Campylobacter outbreaks both in primary health care and in hospitals.
Heterospecific pollination by an invasive congener threatens the native American bittersweet, Celastrus scandens
Authors: Zaya David N. , Leicht-Young Stacey A. , Pavlovic Noel B. , Ashley Mary V.
Published: March 2021

Invasive plants have the potential to interfere with native species’ reproductive success through a number of mechanisms, including heterospecific pollination and hybridization. This study investigated reproductive interactions between a native North American woody vine (American bittersweet,Celastrus scandens) and an introduced congener (oriental bittersweet,C.orbiculatus). The decline ofC.scandensin the eastern portion of its range is coincident with the introduction and spread ofC.orbiculatus, and the two species are known to hybridize. The relationship between proximity and floral production of conspecific and heterospecific males on fertilization and hybridization rates was measured at a field site in northwestern Indiana, USA where both species occur and reproduce. We found that the invasive vine had an extreme advantage in both male and female floral production, producing nearly 200 times more flowers per staminate plant and 65 times more flowers per pistillate plant than the native. Using nuclear microsatellite DNA markers we found that hybridization rates were asymmetric; 39% of theC.scandensseeds tested were hybrids, compared to only 1.6% ofC.orbiculatusseeds. The asymmetric hybridization rates were likely not solely due to greater abundance ofC.orbiculatuspollen because experimental hand crosses revealed thatC.scandenshad a higher rate (41%) of heterospecific fertilization thanC.orbiculatus(2.4%). We previously reported that few hybrids were observed in the wild, and hybrids had greatly reduced fecundity. Thus, in our system, the threat posed by heterospecific pollen is not replacement by hybrids or introgression, but rather asymmetric reproductive interference. Reproductive interference extended to distances as great as 100 meters, thus, efforts to conserve the native species must reduce its exposure toC.orbiculatusover a relatively large spatial scale.
Reduction of depressive symptoms during inpatient treatment is not associated with changes in heart rate variability
Authors: Neyer Sabrina , Witthöft Michael , Cropley Mark , Pawelzik Markus , Lugo Ricardo Gregorio , Sütterlin Stefan
Published: March 2021

Vagally mediated heart rate variability (HRV) is a psychophysiological indicator of mental and physical health. Limited research suggests there is reduced vagal activity and resulting lower HRV in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); however little is actually known about the association between HRV and symptoms of depression and whether the association mirrors symptom improvement following psychotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between antidepressant therapy, symptom change and HRV in 50 inpatients (68% females; 17–68 years) with a diagnosis of MDD. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed by self-report (Beck Depression Inventory II) and the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression. Measures of vagally mediated HRV (root mean square of successive differences and high-frequency) were assessed at multiple measurement points before and after inpatient psychotherapeutic and psychiatric treatment. Results showed an expected negative correlation between HRV and depressive symptoms at intake. Depressive symptoms improved (d = 0.84) without corresponding change in HRV, demonstrating a de-coupling between this psychophysiological indicator and symptom severity. To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine an association between HRV and depressive symptoms before and after psychotherapy. The observed de-coupling of depression and HRV, and its methodological implications for future research are discussed.
Light-regulated voltage-gated potassium channels for acute interrogation of channel function in neurons and behavior
Authors: Jerng Henry H. , Patel Jay M. , Khan Tamor A. , Arenkiel Benjamin R. , Pfaffinger Paul J.
Published: March 2021

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels regulate the membrane potential and conductance of excitable cells to control the firing rate and waveform of action potentials. Even though Kv channels have been intensely studied for over 70 year, surprisingly little is known about how specific channels expressed in various neurons and their functional properties impact neuronal network activity and behavior in vivo. Although many in vivo genetic manipulations of ion channels have been tried, interpretation of these results is complicated by powerful homeostatic plasticity mechanisms that act to maintain function following perturbations in excitability. To better understand how Kv channels shape network function and behavior, we have developed a novel optogenetic technology to acutely regulate Kv channel expression with light by fusing the light-sensitive LOV domain of Vaucheria frigida Aureochrome 1 to the N-terminus of the Kv1 subunit protein to make an Opto-Kv1 channel. Recording of Opto-Kv1 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes, mammalian cells, and neurons show that blue light strongly induces the current expression of Opto-Kv1 channels in all systems tested. We also find that an Opto-Kv1 construct containing a dominant-negative pore mutation (Opto-Kv1(V400D)) can be used to down-regulate Kv1 currents in a blue light-dependent manner. Finally, to determine whether Opto-Kv1 channels can elicit light-dependent behavioral effect in vivo, we targeted Opto-Kv1 (V400D) expression to Kv1.3-expressing mitral cells of the olfactory bulb in mice. Exposure of the bulb to blue light for 2–3 hours produced a significant increase in sensitivity to novel odors after initial habituation to a similar odor, comparable to behavioral changes seen in Kv1.3 knockout animals. In summary, we have developed novel photoactivatable Kv channels that provide new ways to interrogate neural circuits in vivo and to examine the roles of normal and disease-causing mutant Kv channels in brain function and behavior.
Developing the Pneumonia-Optimized Ratio for Community-acquired pneumonia: An easy, inexpensive and accurate prognostic biomarker
Authors: Cury Vinícius Ferraz , Antoniazzi Lucas Quadros , Oliveira Paulo Henrique Kranz de , Borelli Wyllians Vendramini , Cunha Sainan Voss da , Frison Guilherme Cristianetti , Moretto Enrico Emerim , Seligman Renato
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is still a major public health problem. Prognostic scores at admission in tertiary services may improve early identification of severity and better allocation of resources, ultimately improving survival. Herein, we aimed at evaluating prognostic biomarkers of CAP and a Pneumonia-Optimized Ratio was created to improve prognostic performance.

Methods

In this retrospective study, all patients with suspected Community-acquired pneumonia aged 18 or older admitted to a public hospital from January 2019 to February 2020 were included in this study. Blood testing and clinical information at admission were collected, and the primary outcome was overall survival. CURB-65 scores and prognostic biomarkers were measured, namely Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Cell Ratio (NLCR), Platelet to Lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Monocyte to Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR). A Pneumonia-Optimized Ratio (POR) score was created by selecting the biomarker with larger accuracy (NLCR) and multiplying it by the patients’ CURB-65 score. Multivariate regression model was performed and ROC curves were created for each biomarker.

Results

Our sample consisted of 646 individuals (median 66 years [IQR, 18–103], 53.9% females) with complete blood testing at the time of admission. Patients scored 0–1 (323, 50%), 2 (187, 28.9%), or 3 or above (122, 18.9%) in the CURB-65, and 65 (10%) presented the primary outcome of death. POR exhibited the highest Area Under Curve (AUC) in the ROC analysis (AUC = 0.753), when compared with NLCR (AUC = 0.706), PLR (AUC = 0.630) and MLR (AUC = 0.627). POR and NLCR presented increased crude mortality rate in the fourth quartile in comparison with the first quartile, and the fourth quartile of NLCR had more days of hospitalization than the first quartile (11.06±15.96 vs. 7.02±8.39, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The Pneumonia-Optimized Ratio in patients with CAP showed good prognostic performance of mortality at the admission of a tertiary service. The NLCR may also be used as an estimation of days of hospitalization. Prognostic biomarkers may provide important guidance to resource allocation in resource-limited settings.
A preliminary study of hepatocellular carcinoma post proton beam therapy using MRI as an early prediction of treatment effectiveness
Authors: Lin Shen-Yen , Chen Chien-Ming , Huang Bing-Shen , Lai Ying-Chieh , Pan Kuang-Tse , Lin Shi-Ming , Chu Sung-Yu , Tseng Jeng-Hwei
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early prediction of proton beam therapy (PBT) effectiveness in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Clinical data of the HCC patients without regional lymph node involvement or distant metastasis who received PBT at this institution between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed. A total of 43 patients were included. Tumor regression pattern after PBT were examined on the basis of follow-up duration. The variables were compared between patients with and without early tumor regression (ETR).

Results

The median follow-up duration was 40 months (range, 9–62 months). The cumulative overall survival rate at 6 months, 1 years and 5 years was 100%, 88.4%, 63.4%, respectively. Child-Pugh class A, local tumor control (LTC), complete response (CR), and ETR were significantly associated with overall survival (p < 0.05 each). Of 43 patients, 25 patients (58.1%) reached CR in the PBT-irradiated region. Twelve patients (27.9%) had a partial response and 3 patients (7.0%) had a stationary disease. Three patients (7.0%) developed in-field progression. The LTC rate at 5 years was 93.0%. Of the 25 patients who achieved a CR in the PBT-irradiated region, the median time to CR was 5 months (range, 1–19 months). Twenty-two patients (51.2%) showed ETR of the HCC, while 21 patients (48.8%) showed non-ETR. A significant association was observed between ETR and CR of the HCC after PBT (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The post-PBT MRI follow-up at 3 months is helpful for monitoring therapeutic response. ETR of the HCC predicted a higher rate of CR and was associated with overall survival, which provides more accurate clinical management.
Comparison of computed tomographic ocular biometry in brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic cats
Authors: Yuwatanakorn Kittiporn , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Tuntivanich Nalinee , Darawiroj Damri , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: Ocular biometry has been used to evaluate ocular parameters; however, several factors need to be considered. In humans, age and sex have been shown to affect ocular biometry. The main factor that affects feline ocular biometry is the head circumference. At present, several reports have revealed that canine ocular biometry differs among dog breeds. However, there are no reports on normal ocular biometry in cats using computed tomography (CT). Therefore, this study aimed to explore feline ocular parameters between brachycephalic (B) and non-brachycephalic (NB) cats using CT and to evaluate the influence of age or sex of cats on ocular biometry. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four normal cats were divided into two groups: B (n=12) and NB (n=12). Each group had an equal number of designated males and females. CT was performed under mechanical restraint without general anesthesia and intravenous contrast enhancement. Ocular biometry, dimensions of the internal structure, including attenuation numbers and extra-ocular structures, were evaluated and compared. Results: B-cats had a significantly wider globe width (GW) than NB-cats (p<0.05). In addition, globe length (GL) and GW were significantly correlated with the age of the cats. Significant correlation between GL and age was observed in all cats (r=0.4867; p<0.05), NB-cats (r=0.8692; p<0.05), and B-cats (r=0.4367; p<0.05), whereas the correlation between GW and age was observed in B-cats only (r=0.7251; p<0.05). For extra-ocular structures, NB-cats had significantly greater orbital depth than B-cats (p<0.05), and orbital diameter was significantly correlated with age in all cats and B-cats (p<0.05). Conclusion: CT can be used for ocular biometric evaluation in cats with different skull types. GW was wider in B-cats, whereas the orbital depth was greater in NB-cats. Moreover, GW, GL, and orbital diameter were affected by the age of the cats. This information will be useful for further ocular diagnosis and treatment, especially in prosthetic surgical procedures.
Agro-industrial byproducts in rabbit food: Case of the complex of detoxified apricot kernel cake and dehydrated tomato pulp
Authors: Arbouche Yasmine , Mennani Achour , Ouzzir Lamya , Arbouche Rafik , Arbouche Fodil
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: The use of agro-industrial byproducts as an unconventional source of raw materials for monogastric feed is one possible solution. This study aimed to determine the effects of incorporating detoxified apricot kernel meal (DAKM) as a substitute for soybean meal and dehydrated tomato pulp (DTP) as a substitute for alfalfa hay on the local rabbit fattening.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 white strain rabbits, weaned at 33 days, were randomly assigned to four groups of 30. The rabbits in each group were ringed, placed in cages at 6 rabbits/cage, and fed according to DAKM and DTP incorporation rates (0%, 30%, 40%, and 60%).

Results: The weights at 77 days were improved (p<0.05) with unchanged mean daily intakes. The vast majority of slaughter parameters and carcass characteristics improved. The chemical composition of the meat constituents improved significantly, with a 60% increase in the protein content of the batch (26.55% vs. 28.53%), 38% reduction in the total feed cost, and 40 DA saved for each kilogram of feed consumed per rabbit. The relative economic efficiency improved in proportion to the substitution rates of soybean meal by DAKM and alfalfa hay by DTP.

Conclusion: Substituting DAKM and DTP, as byproducts of agro-industrial processing, for up to 60% induced satisfactory results in rabbit fattening. Therefore, it would be more insightful to increase the incorporation rates to determine the optimal threshold.
Vállalatirányítási szabályozás, menedzsmentkultúra és európai versenyképesség
Authors: Marján Attila
Published: March 2021

Az alábbi cikk azt kívánja megvizsgálni, hogy a vállalatirányítási szabályok mennyiben képesek befolyásolni az európai versenyképességet, másrészt azt, hogy az Európában elterjedt vállalatirányítási gyakorlat, illetve vezetői mentalitás hogyan hat a versenyképességre. A cikk röviden számba veszi a vállalatirányítási és finanszírozási rendszerekre vonatkozó elméleti eredményeket, emellett összehasonlítja az európai és az amerikai gyakorlatot, és részletesen foglalkozik az EU vállalatirányítási reformjainak közelmúltbeli hullámaival és a tagállamok modernizációs erőfeszítéseivel.
Az értékalapú számvitel szerepe a beszámolóban és a szabályozás
Authors: Tóth Kornél
Published: March 2021

Az elmúlt néhány évtizedben a vállalatok számviteli információs rendszerei jelentős változáson mentek át, és ennek következtében egyre nagyobb szerepet kapott az egyes mérlegtételek valós értéken történő megjelenítése. Ugyanakkor a globalizáció kihívásokat is teremtett a számvitelben, amelyek közül elsősorban a pénzügyi instrumentumok valós értékének megbízható mérése jelent problémát. Noha az új tranzakciótípusok hozzájárulnak a vállalatok megnövekedett kockázatainak kezeléséhez, a kedvezőtlen világgazdasági környezet a pénzpiaci árak volatilitását és instabilitását eredményezte. Az értékalapú számvitel lehetőséget teremthet a pénzügyi jelentések hasznosságának növelésére, de ennek érdekében a szabályozásban is a következetességre és egyszerűsítésre kell helyezni a hangsúlyt. A dolgozat bemutatja az értékelés és az értékalapú számvitel feladatait, közgazdasági hátterét, kapcsolatát a beszámolóval, valamint annak részeként kitér a valós értékelés szabályozására és annak a pénzügyi válság miatti változásaira.
A transzferárazás mint irányítási eszköz
Authors: Mangol Csilla
Published: March 2021

A transzferárazás hasznos vezetési és irányítási eszköz lehet a tulajdonosok és a menedzsment kezében. Amennyiben megfelelően használják, megkönnyíti a tervezést és a tényleges teljesítményről tükröt tart a döntéshozóknak. Emellett motivációs célokra és a kapacitásgazdálkodás racionalizálására is használható. Végül, de nem utolsósorban ne feledkezzünk meg az adóoptimalizációs lehetőségekről sem. A szerző dolgozatával megpróbálja eloszlatni a transzferárazástól való félelmet, és fel akarja hívni a cégvezetők és tulajdonosok figyelmét a benne rejlő, jelenleg kihasználatlan potenciálra. Nem célja a transzferárazás részletes, technikai, jogszabályban rögzített tudnivalóit összegyűjteni, erről már számos cikk megjelent a magyar sajtóban, illetve a tanácsadó cégek honlapján lehet tájékozódni. Ehelyett a transzferárazás üzleti megközelítésű hasznait veszi sorra.
Thermal and Hygric Expansion of High Performance Concrete
Authors: Toman J. , Černý R.
Published: March 2021

The linear thermal expansion coefficient of two types of high performance concrete was measured in the temperature range from 20 °C to 1000 °C, and the linear hygric expansion coefficient was determined in the moisture range from dry material to saturation water content. Comparative methods were applied for measurements of both coefficients. The experimental results show that both the effect of temperature on the values of linear thermal expansion coefficients and the effect of moisture on the values of linear hygric expansion coefficients are very significant and cannot be neglected in practical applications.
A Small Transfer and Distribution System for Liquid Nitrogen
Authors: Šimáně Č. , Vognar M. , Kříž J. , Němec V.
Published: March 2021

A system for remotely controlled filling of small Dewars with liquid nitrogen from a central storage Dewar vessel is described, consisting of a plunger type pump with an electromechanical driver and electromechanical ball type valves for distribution of liquid nitrogen. The preset nitrogen level in the small Dewars is kept constant by automatic refilling. The delivery is adjustable in steps by frequency change from 2.5 to 25 cm3/s, and delivery height up to 2 meters is assured.
Dynamic Effect of Discharge Flow of a Rushton Turbine Impeller on a Radial Baffle
Authors: Kratěna J. , Fořt I. , Brůha O.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents an analysis of the mutual dynamic relation between the impeller discharge flow of a standard Rushton turbine impeller and a standard radial baffle at the wall of a cylindrical mixing vessel under turbulent regime of flow of an agitated liquid. A portion of the torsional moment of the baffle corresponding to the region of the force interaction of the impeller discharge stream and the baffle is calculated under the assumption of constant angular momentum in the flow region between the impeller and the baffles. This theoretically obtained quantity is compared with the torsional moment of the baffles calculated from the experimentally determined distribution of the peripheral (tangential) component of dynamic pressure along the height of the radial baffle in pilot plant mixing equipment. It follows from the results of our calculations that for both investigated impeller off-bottom clearances the theoretically determined transferred torsional moment of the baffles in the area of interference between the impeller discharge flow and the baffles agrees fairly well with experimentally determined data and, moreover, that more than 2/3 of the transferred torsional moment of the baffles as a whole is located in the above mentioned interference area.
Effect of the Distribution System on Drinking Water Quality
Authors: Grünwald A. , Šťastný B. , Slavíčková K. , Slavíček M.
Published: March 2021

The overall objective of this paper is to characterise the main aspects of water quality deterioration in a distribution system. The effect of residence time on chlorine uptake and the formation and evolution of disinfection by-products in distributed drinking water are discussed.