bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Association between Wood and Charcoal Domestic Cooking, Respiratory Symptoms and Acute Respiratory Infections among Children Aged Under 5 Years in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Woolley Katherine E. , Bagambe Tusubira , Singh Ajit , Avis William R. , Kabera Telesphore , Weldetinsae Abel , Mariga Shelton T. , Kirenga Bruce , Pope Francis D. , Thomas G. Neil , Bartington Suzanne E.
Published: June 2020

Background: Household air pollution associated with biomass (wood, dung, charcoal, and crop residue) burning for cooking is estimated to contribute to approximately 4 million deaths each year worldwide, with the greatest burden seen in low and middle-income countries. We investigated the relationship between solid fuel type and respiratory symptoms in Uganda, where 96% of households use biomass as the primary domestic fuel. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 15,405 pre-school aged children living in charcoal or wood-burning households in Uganda, using data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the associations between occurrence of a cough, shortness of breath, fever, acute respiratory infection (ARI) and severe ARI with cooking fuel type (wood, charcoal); with additional sub-analyses by contextual status (urban, rural). Results: After adjustment for household and individual level confounding factors, wood fuel use was associated with increased risk of shortness of breath (AOR: 1.33 [1.10–1.60]), fever (AOR: 1.26 [1.08–1.48]), cough (AOR: 1.15 [1.00–1.33]), ARI (AOR: 1.36 [1.11–1.66] and severe ARI (AOR: 1.41 [1.09–1.85]), compared to charcoal fuel. In urban areas, Shortness of breath (AOR: 1.84 [1.20–2.83]), ARI (AOR: 1.77 [1.10–2.79]) and in rural areas ARI (AOR: 1.23 [1.03–1.47]) and risk of fever (AOR: 1.23 [1.03–1.47]) were associated with wood fuel usage. Conclusions: Risk of respiratory symptoms was higher among children living in wood compared to charcoal fuel-burning households, with policy implications for mitigation of associated harmful health impacts.
Attentiveness and Fidgeting While Using a Stand-Biased Desk in Elementary School Children
Authors: Swartz Ann M. , Tokarek Nathan R. , Strath Scott J. , Lisdahl Krista M. , Cho Chi C.
Published: June 2020

Standing desks are a viable option to decrease sedentary time in the classroom. However, it is important that standing desks are not detrimental to classroom behavior or learning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of stand-biased desks on fidgeting and attentiveness. Ninety-seven students in grades 3, 4, and 6 (ages 8–12 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The intervention employed a within-classroom crossover design, with teacher-determined allocation for seating within each classroom and included the replacement of one-half of the traditional sitting desks with stand-biased desks. Direct observation of student’s attentive and fidgeting behaviors occurred at three assessment periods, at baseline when all students were in a sitting desk condition and at the end of each nine-week intervention. Stand-biased desks did not influence fidgeting behavior, but did have an impact on attentive behavior. Students that were less attentive at baseline had a 40–80% increase incidence rate in non-attentive behavior while in the traditional desk as compared to the stand-biased desk after the intervention. While fidgeting and non-attentive episodes (p = 0.034) were significantly related, the type of desk did not significantly moderate this relationship (p = 0.810). Standing desks can be incorporated into the classroom without negatively influencing classroom behavior.
Estimating and Interpreting Fine-Scale Gridded Population Using Random Forest Regression and Multisource Data
Authors: Zhou Yun , Ma Mingguo , Shi Kaifang , Peng Zhenyu
Published: June 2020

Gridded population results at a fine resolution are important for optimizing the allocation of resources and researching population migration. For example, the data are crucial for epidemic control and natural disaster relief. In this study, the random forest model was applied to multisource data to estimate the population distribution in impervious areas at a 30 m spatial resolution in Chongqing, Southwest China. The community population data from the Chinese government were used to validate the estimation accuracy. Compared with the other regression techniques, the random forest regression method produced more accurate results (R2 = 0.7469, RMSE = 2785.04 and p < 0.01). The points of interest (POIs) data played a more important role in the population estimation than the nighttime light images and natural topographical data, particularly in urban settings. Our results support the wide application of our method in mapping densely populated cities in China and other countries with similar characteristics.
Nevirapine Biotransformation Insights: An Integrated In Vitro Approach Unveils the Biocompetence and Glutathiolomic Profile of a Human Hepatocyte-Like Cell 3D Model
Authors: Cipriano Madalena , Pinheiro Pedro F , Sequeira Catarina O , Rodrigues Joana S , Oliveira Nuno G , Antunes Alexandra M M , Castro Matilde , Marques M Matilde , Pereira Sofia A , Miranda Joana P
Published: June 2020

The need for competent in vitro liver models for toxicological assessment persists. The differentiation of stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells (HLC) has been adopted due to its human origin and availability. Our aim was to study the usefulness of an in vitro 3D model of mesenchymal stem cell-derived HLCs. 3D spheroids (3D-HLC) or monolayer (2D-HLC) cultures of HLCs were treated with the hepatotoxic drug nevirapine (NVP) for 3 and 10 days followed by analyses of Phase I and II metabolites, biotransformation enzymes and drug transporters involved in NVP disposition. To ascertain the toxic effects of NVP and its major metabolites, the changes in the glutathione net flux were also investigated. Phase I enzymes were induced in both systems yielding all known correspondent NVP metabolites. However, 3D-HLCs showed higher biocompetence in producing Phase II NVP metabolites and upregulating Phase II enzymes and MRP7. Accordingly, NVP-exposure led to decreased glutathione availability and alterations in the intracellular dynamics disfavoring free reduced glutathione and glutathionylated protein pools. Overall, these results demonstrate the adequacy of the 3D-HLC model for studying the bioactivation/metabolism of NVP representing a further step to unveil toxicity mechanisms associated with glutathione net flux changes.
Arabidopsis Transmembrane Receptor-Like Kinases (RLKs): A Bridge between Extracellular Signal and Intracellular Regulatory Machinery
Authors: Jose Jismon , Ghantasala Swathi , Roy Choudhury Swarup
Published: June 2020

Receptors form the crux for any biochemical signaling. Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are conserved protein kinases in eukaryotes that establish signaling circuits to transduce information from outer plant cell membrane to the nucleus of plant cells, eventually activating processes directing growth, development, stress responses, and disease resistance. Plant RLKs share considerable homology with the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) of the animal system, differing at the site of phosphorylation. Typically, RLKs have a membrane-localization signal in the amino-terminal, followed by an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a solitary membrane-spanning domain, and a cytoplasmic kinase domain. The functional characterization of ligand-binding domains of the various RLKs has demonstrated their essential role in the perception of extracellular stimuli, while its cytosolic kinase domain is usually confined to the phosphorylation of their substrates to control downstream regulatory machinery. Identification of the several ligands of RLKs, as well as a few of its immediate substrates have predominantly contributed to a better understanding of the fundamental signaling mechanisms. In the model plant Arabidopsis, several studies have indicated that multiple RLKs are involved in modulating various types of physiological roles via diverse signaling routes. Here, we summarize recent advances and provide an updated overview of transmembrane RLKs in Arabidopsis.
Dexfenfluramine and Pergolide Cause Heart Valve Disease via Valve Metabolic Reprogramming and Ongoing Matrix Remodeling
Authors: Oury Cécile , Maréchal Patrick , Donis Nathalie , Hulin Alexia , Hego Alexandre , Tridetti Julien , Nguyen Mai-Linh , Dulgheru Raluca , Fillet Marianne , Nchimi Alain , Lancellotti Patrizio
Published: June 2020

Several clinical reports indicate that the use of amphetaminic anorectic drugs or ergot derivatives could cause valvular heart disease (VHD). We sought to investigate whether valvular lesions develop in response to long-term oral administration of these drugs and to identify drug-targeted biological processes that may lead to VHD. Treatment of New Zealand White rabbits with pergolide, dexfenfluramine, or high-dose serotonin for 16 weeks induced valvular alterations characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling. Transcriptome profiling of tricuspid valves using RNA sequencing revealed distinct patterns of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that clustered according to the different treatments. Genes that were affected by the three treatments were functionally enriched for reduced cell metabolism processes. The two drugs yielded more changes in gene expression than serotonin and shared most of the DEGs. These DEGs were mostly enriched for decreased biosynthetic processes, increased cell-matrix interaction, and cell response to growth factors, including TGF-β, which was associated with p38 MAPK activation. Treatment with pergolide specifically affected genes involved in homeostasis, which was corroborated by the activation of the master regulator of cell energy homeostasis, AMPK-α, as well as decreased levels of metabolism-related miR-107. Thus, both pergolide and dexfenfluramine may cause VHD through valve metabolic reprogramming and matrix remodeling.
Intracellular Ca2+ Signalling in the Pathogenesis of Acute Pancreatitis: Recent Advances and Translational Perspectives
Authors: Pallagi Petra , Madácsy Tamara , Varga Árpád , Maléth József
Published: June 2020

Intracellular Ca2+ signalling is a major signal transductional pathway in non-excitable cells, responsible for the regulation of a variety of physiological functions. In the secretory epithelial cells of the exocrine pancreas, such as acinar and ductal cells, intracellular Ca2+ elevation regulates digestive enzyme secretion in acini or fluid and ion secretion in ductal cells. Although Ca2+ is a uniquely versatile orchestrator of epithelial physiology, unregulated global elevation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration is an early trigger for the development of acute pancreatitis (AP). Regardless of the aetiology, different forms of AP all exhibit sustained intracellular Ca2+ elevation as a common hallmark. The release of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores by toxins (such as bile acids or fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs)) or increased intrapancreatic pressure activates the influx of extracellular Ca2+ via the Orai1 Ca2+ channel, a process known as store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Intracellular Ca2+ overload can lead to premature activation of trypsinogen in pancreatic acinar cells and impaired fluid and HCO3- secretion in ductal cells. Increased and unbalanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production caused by sustained Ca2+ elevation further contributes to cell dysfunction, leading to mitochondrial damage and cell death. Translational studies of AP identified several potential target molecules that can be modified to prevent intracellular Ca2+ overload. One of the most promising drugs, a selective inhibitor of the Orai1 channel that has been shown to inhibit extracellular Ca2+ influx and protect cells from injury, is currently being tested in clinical trials. In this review, we will summarise the recent advances in the field, with a special focus on the translational aspects of the basic findings.
From the Argonauts Mythological Sailors to the Argonautes RNA-Silencing Navigators: Their Emerging Roles in Human-Cell Pathologies
Authors: Pantazopoulou Vasiliki I. , Georgiou Stella , Kakoulidis Panos , Giannakopoulou Stavroula N. , Tseleni Sofia , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Anastasiadou Ema
Published: June 2020

Regulation of gene expression has emerged as a fundamental element of transcript homeostasis. Key effectors in this process are the Argonautes (AGOs), highly specialized RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that form complexes, such as the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC). AGOs dictate post-transcriptional gene-silencing by directly loading small RNAs and repressing their mRNA targets through small RNA-sequence complementarity. The four human highly-conserved family-members (AGO1, AGO2, AGO3, and AGO4) demonstrate multi-faceted and versatile roles in transcriptome’s stability, plasticity, and functionality. The post-translational modifications of AGOs in critical amino acid residues, the nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations, and the deregulation of expression and interactions are tightly associated with aberrant activities, which are observed in a wide spectrum of pathologies. Through constantly accumulating information, the AGOs’ fundamental engagement in multiple human diseases has recently emerged. The present review examines new insights into AGO-driven pathology and AGO-deregulation patterns in a variety of diseases such as in viral infections and propagations, autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic deficiencies, neuronal disorders, and human infertility. Altogether, AGO seems to be a crucial contributor to pathogenesis and its targeting may serve as a novel and powerful therapeutic tool for the successful management of diverse human diseases in the clinic.
A Novel, Pan-PDE Inhibitor Exerts Anti-Fibrotic Effects in Human Lung Fibroblasts via Inhibition of TGF-β Signaling and Activation of cAMP/PKA Signaling
Authors: Wójcik-Pszczoła Katarzyna , Chłoń-Rzepa Grażyna , Jankowska Agnieszka , Ślusarczyk Marietta , Ferdek Paweł E , Kusiak Agnieszka A , Świerczek Artur , Pociecha Krzysztof , Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk Paulina , Wyska Elżbieta , Pękala Elżbieta , Gosens Reinoud
Published: June 2020

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors are currently a widespread and extensively studied group of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic compounds which may find use in the treatment of numerous lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Several PDE inhibitors are currently in clinical development, and some of them, e.g., roflumilast, are already recommended for clinical use. Due to numerous reports indicating that elevated intracellular cAMP levels may contribute to the alleviation of inflammation and airway fibrosis, new and effective PDE inhibitors are constantly being sought. Recently, a group of 7,8-disubstituted purine-2,6-dione derivatives, representing a novel and prominent pan-PDE inhibitors has been synthesized. Some of them were reported to modulate transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channels as well. In this study, we investigated the effect of selected derivatives (832—a pan-PDE inhibitor, 869—a TRPA1 modulator, and 145—a pan-PDE inhibitor and a weak TRPA1 modulator) on cellular responses related to airway remodeling using MRC-5 human lung fibroblasts. Compound 145 exerted the most considerable effect in limiting fibroblast to myofibroblasts transition (FMT) as well as proliferation, migration, and contraction. The effect of this compound appeared to depend mainly on its strong PDE inhibitory properties, and not on its effects on TRPA1 modulation. The strong anti-remodeling effects of 145 required activation of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway leading to inhibition of transforming growth factor type β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad-dependent signaling in MRC-5 cells. These data suggest that the TGF-β pathway is a major target for PDE inhibitors leading to inhibitory effects on cell responses involved in airway remodeling. These potent, pan-PDE inhibitors from the group of 7,8-disubstituted purine-2,6-dione derivatives, thus represent promising anti-remodeling drug candidates for further research.
Gastric Cancer: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Classification, Genomic Characteristics and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Machlowska Julita , Baj Jacek , Sitarz Monika , Maciejewski Ryszard , Sitarz Robert
Published: June 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and it is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. GC is a multifactorial disease, where both environmental and genetic factors can have an impact on its occurrence and development. The incidence rate of GC rises progressively with age; the median age at diagnosis is 70 years. However, approximately 10% of gastric carcinomas are detected at the age of 45 or younger. Early-onset gastric cancer is a good model to study genetic alterations related to the carcinogenesis process, as young patients are less exposed to environmental carcinogens. Carcinogenesis is a multistage disease process specified by the progressive development of mutations and epigenetic alterations in the expression of various genes, which are responsible for the occurrence of the disease.
Durum Wheat Cultivars Express Different Level of Resistance to Granary Weevil, Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) Infestation
Authors: Lemic Darija , Mikac Katarina M. , Genda Matej , Jukić Željko , Pajač Živković Ivana
Published: June 2020

The granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius Linnaeus 1875, is a primary pest of stored grains worldwide. Feeding damage and progeny production of S. granarius was estimated to identify the levels of resistance of the insect on different durum wheat cultivars. Insect attack on four different durum wheat cultivars was investigated over a period of 20 weeks. Durum wheats were artificially infected with 20 individuals of S. granarius. Every two weeks the sample weight, hectoliter weight, moisture and the number of live weevils, including their number of progenies, were recorded. Overall findings revealed different levels of resistance of different durum wheat cultivars to S. granarius infestation. The Primadur cultivar had the highest resistance, followed by the Marco Aurelio and Cesare cultivars followed finally by the Tito Flavio cultivar which was highly susceptible to S. granarius. For all cultivars, apart from Primadur, S. granarius metabolism increased humidity and temperature, leading to grain degradation and resulting in the potential complete loss of market value if under field conditions. Evidently, durum wheat characteristics affect the life cycle of S. granarius, primarily their progeny, and thus the damage they undertake to the wheat itself. These findings are important because they enable the strategic selection of wheat cultivars that can be stored for a longer time period, while more sensitive wheat cultivars can be selected for shorter storage time and thus faster delivery to market.
The Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oil Fumigation on Biochemical, Behavioral, and Physiological Parameters of Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Krzyżowski Michał , Baran Bartosz , Łozowski Bartosz , Francikowski Jacek
Published: June 2020

This study explores the influence of rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis (L.) essential oil (EO) on the biochemical (acetylcholinesterase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase), physiological (oxygen consumption), and behavioral (open field test, repellency) parameters of an important stored product insect: cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). R. officinalis EO exhibited effective insecticidal action against C. maculatus even at relatively low concentrations. LC50 = 15.69 μL/L air, and was highly repellent at concentrations equal to or above LC25. Statistically significant inhibition in locomotor activity occurred only after the acute exposure to the EO at LC12.5 and LC25. The oxygen consumption test showed metabolism increase only at LC50. An increase in activity was observed in the case of all three enzymes examined. The presented data provides a potentially valuable resource in designing more environmentally friendly and safer insecticide agents.
Egg Hatching and First Instar Falling Models of Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera: Flatidae)
Authors: Kim Min-Jung , Baek Sunghoon , Lee Joon-Ho
Published: June 2020

Since the citrus flatid planthopper, Metcalfa pruinosa (Say), was introduced in Korea and many European countries, it has caused serious damage to various agricultural crops and landscape plants. Metcalfa pruinosa hibernates as eggs beneath the bark and in cracks of tree branches, and then substantial numbers of the first instar nymphs fall from the trees and move to other host plants. Knowing the timing of egg hatching and falling of the first instar nymphs would be key for controlling M. pruinosa. In this study, the hatching of overwintered M. pruinosa eggs and falling of the first instar nymphs from trees were monitored in several areas of Korea. These data were modeled with two starting points for degree-day accumulation, 1 January and 18 March, with a lower development threshold of 10.1 °C. The egg hatching and first instar falling models both used 1 January because the starting point performed better. The 50% appearance and falling times of the first instar nymphs were predicted to be 360.50 DD and 452.23 DD from 1 January, respectively, indicating that newly hatched nymphs stayed on the trees for about a week (i.e., 91.74 DD). Using these models, changes in the population density of the first instar nymphs of M. pruinosa on the trees were simulated, and the optimal control time range targeting the nymphs on the trees was deduced. The control time for nymphs on ground plants bordering the trees was suggested by the first instar falling model, along with observations of population density on the ground plants.
Factors Conditioning Sexual Behavior in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Ricoy-Cano Adrián Jesús , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Caravaca-Sánchez Francisco , Fuente-Robles Yolanda María De La
Published: June 2020

The sexual behavior of older adults, especially women, has undergone changes in recent years, though there are still certain stereotypes today related to pathophysiology, beliefs, culture and tradition that negatively affect older adults’ sexual activity. The aim of our review is to present the main qualitative studies analyzing how physiological and psychosocial factors affect sexual behavior in older adults. A systematic review of these qualitative studies was carried out. All stages of this review were carried out peer-to-peer in order to guarantee minimized bias. A bibliographical search was completed between February and April 2019, in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Medline, PsycINFO ProQuest and CINAHL. To analyze the findings of the selected qualitative studies, a “Thematic Synthesis Analysis” was performed, using Eppi-Reviewer 4 software (UCL Institute of Education, University of London, UK). The quality of the studies was assessed with a CASP-Qualitative-Checklist. A total of 16,608 references were screened and 18 qualitative studies were included in this review. The studies involved 2603 participants across seven countries, most being women (approximately 80%). We identified a wide variety of physiological and psychological factors that can influence the sexual behavior of older adults, such as the presence of pathologies (erectile dysfunction and menopause), the strength of spiritual beliefs, and patriarchal roles upheld by upbringings conveying that women’s role is to provide men with sexual pleasure. Biological age in relation to stereotypical models of sexual behavior, emphasized as a risk factor in the contraction of sexual diseases, seems to play a relevant role as a factor limiting sexual behavior in older adults.
Children and Adolescents with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Baseline and Follow-Up Data from the Polish Registry of Pulmonary Hypertension (BNP-PL)
Authors: Kwiatkowska Joanna , Zuk Malgorzata , Migdal Anna , Kusa Jacek , Skiba Elzbieta , Zygielo Karolina , Przetocka Kinga , Werynski Piotr , Banaszak Pawel , Rzeznik-Bieniaszewska Alina , Surmacz Rafal , Bobkowski Waldemar , Wojcicka-Urbanska Barbara , Werner Bozena , Pluzanska Joanna , Ostrowska Katarzyna , Waldoch Anna , Kopec Grzegorz
Published: June 2020

We present the results from the pediatric arm of the Polish Registry of Pulmonary Hypertension. We prospectively enrolled all pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients, between the ages of 3 months and 18 years, who had been under the care of each PAH center in Poland between 1 March 2018 and 30 September 2018. The mean prevalence of PAH was 11.6 per million, and the estimated incidence rate was 2.4 per million/year, but it was geographically heterogeneous. Among 80 enrolled children (females, n = 40; 50%), 54 (67.5%) had PAH associated with congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH), 25 (31.25%) had idiopathic PAH (IPAH), and 1 (1.25%) had portopulmonary PAH. At the time of enrolment, 31% of the patients had significant impairment of physical capacity (WHO-FC III). The most frequent comorbidities included shortage of growth (n = 20; 25%), mental retardation (n = 32; 40%), hypothyroidism (n = 19; 23.8%) and Down syndrome (n = 24; 30%). The majority of children were treated with PAH-specific medications, but only half of them with double combination therapy, which improved after changing the reimbursement policy. The underrepresentation of PAH classes other than IPAH and CHD-PAH, and the geographically heterogeneous distribution of PAH prevalence, indicate the need for building awareness of PAH among pediatricians, while a frequent coexistence of PAH with other comorbidities calls for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of PAH children.
Towards the Essence of Progressiveness: Bringing Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease (PF-ILD) to the Next Stage
Authors: De Sadeleer Laurens J. , Goos Tinne , Yserbyt Jonas , Wuyts Wim A.
Published: June 2020

Although only recently introduced in the ILD community, the concept of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) has rapidly acquired an important place in the management of non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibrosing ILD (nonIPF fILD) patients. It confirms a clinical gut feeling that an important subgroup of nonIPF fILD portends a dismal prognosis despite therapeutically addressing the alleged triggering event. Due to several recently published landmark papers showing a treatment benefit with currently available antifibrotic drugs in PF-ILD patients, endorsing a PF-ILD phenotype has vital therapeutic consequences. Importantly, defining progressiveness is based on former progression, which has proven to be a rather moderate predictor of future progression. As fibrosis extent >20% and the presence of honeycombing have superior predictive properties regarding future progression, we advocate immediate initiation of antifibrotic treatment in the presence of these risk factors. In this perspective, we describe the historical context wherein PF-ILD has emerged, determine the currently employed PF-ILD criteria and their inherent limitations and propose new directions to mature its definition. Finally, while ascertaining progression in a nonIPF fILD patient clearly demonstrates the need for (additional) therapy, in the future, therapeutic decisions should be taken after assessing which pathway is ultimately driving the progression. Although not readily available, pathophysiological insight and diagnostic means are emergent to go full steam ahead in this novel direction.
Visual Verticality Perception in Spinal Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Molina Francisco , Del-Pino-Casado Rafael , Ibáñez-Vera Alfonso Javier , Rodríguez-Almagro Daniel , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: June 2020

Patients diagnosed with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal pain and idiopathic scoliosis frequently suffer from imbalance. The evaluation of the perception of verticality by means of visual tests emerges as a quick and easy tool for clinical management of the balance disorders. Several studies have assessed the visual perception of verticality in spinal diseases obtaining controversial results. The aim of our study is to analyze the perception of visual verticality in subjects with several spinal diseases in comparison with healthy subjects. A meta-analysis was carried out. PubMed MEDLINE, Scopus, WoS, CINAHL, and SciELO databases were searched until January 2020. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to analyze differences between patients and healthy controls. Fifteen studies with a total of 2052 patients were included. In comparison with healthy subjects, a misperception of verticality was found in patients with spinal pain when the perception of the verticality was assessed with the rod and frame test (SMD = 0.339; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.181, 0.497; p < 0.001). It seems that the perception of visual verticality is not altered in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (p = 0.294). The present meta-analysis shows a misperception of visual verticality only in patients with spinal pain.
Bilirubin—A Possible Prognostic Mortality Marker for Patients with ECLS
Authors: Bunte Sebastian , Walz Roland , Merkel Julia , Torregroza Carolin , Roth Sebastian , Lurati Buse Giovanna , Dalyanoglu Hannan , Akhyari Payam , Lichtenberg Artur , Hollmann Markus W. , Aubin Hug , Huhn Ragnar
Published: June 2020

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is a promising therapeutic option for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. However, as the mortality rate still remains high, there is a need for early outcome parameters reflecting therapy success or futility. Therefore, we investigated whether liver enzyme levels could serve as prognostic mortality markers for patients with ECLS. The present study is a retrospective single-center cohort study. Adult patients >18 years of age who received ECLS therapy between 2011 and 2018 were included. Bilirubin, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic-transaminase (GPT) serum levels were analyzed at day 5 after the start of the ECLS therapy. The primary endpoint of this study was all-cause in-hospital mortality. A total of 438 patients received ECLS during the observation period. Based on the inclusion criteria, 298 patients were selected for the statistical analysis. The overall mortality rate was 42.6% (n = 127). The area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for bilirubin on day 5 was 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–0.78). Cox regression with multivariable adjustment revealed a significant association between bilirubin on day 5 and mortality, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.24 (95% CI: 1.53–3.30). Based on the results of this study, an increase in serum bilirubin on day 5 of ECLS therapy correlates independently with mortality.
Macular Thickness Decrease in Asymptomatic Subjects at High Genetic Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease: An OCT Study
Authors: López-Cuenca Inés , de Hoz Rosa , Salobrar-García Elena , Elvira-Hurtado Lorena , Rojas Pilar , Fernández-Albarral José A. , Barabash Ana , Salazar Juan J. , Ramírez Ana I. , Ramírez José M.
Published: June 2020

In this case control study, we examined the retinal thickness of the different layers in the macular region and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in healthy cognitive subjects (from 51 to 74 years old) at high genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thirty-five subjects with a family history of Alzheimer disease (AD) (FH+) and ApoE ɛ4 carriers and 29 age-matched control subjects without a family history of AD (FH−) and ApoE ɛ4 non-carriers were included. Compared to FH− ApoE ɛ4 non-carriers, in FH+ ApoE ɛ4 carriers, there were statistically significant decreases (p < 0.05) in (i) the foveal area of mRNFL; (ii) the inferior and nasal sectors in the outer and inner macular ring in the inner plexiform layer (IPL); (iii) the foveal area and the inferior sector in the outer macular ring in the inner nuclear layer (INL); and (iv) the inferior sector of the outer macular ring in the outer plexiform layer (OPL). However, no statistically significant differences were found in the peripapillary thickness of RNFL between both study groups. In subjects with cognitive health and high genetic risk for the development of AD, initial changes appeared in the macular area. OCT could be a promising, cost-effective and non-invasive test useful in early AD, before the onset of clinical symptoms.
A 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid–Gelatin Conjugate Inhibits the Basal and Hsp90-Stimulated Migration and Invasion of Tumor Cells
Authors: Snigireva Anastasiya V. , Morenkov Oleg S. , Skarga Yuri Y. , Lisov Alexander V. , Lisova Zoya A. , Leontievsky Alexey A. , Zhmurina Mariya A. , Petrenko Viktoria S. , Vrublevskaya Veronika V.
Published: June 2020

The extracellular cell surface-associated and soluble heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is known to participate in the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Earlier, we demonstrated that plasma membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) bind the extracellular Hsp90 and thereby promote the Hsp90-mediated motility of tumor cells. Here, we showed that a conjugate of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid with gelatin (2,5-DHBA–gelatin), a synthetic polymer with heparin-like properties, suppressed the basal (unstimulated) migration and invasion of human glioblastoma A-172 and fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells, which was accompanied by the detachment of a fraction of Hsp90 from cell surface HSPGs. The polymeric conjugate also inhibited the migration/invasion of cells stimulated by exogenous soluble native Hsp90, which correlated with the inhibition of the attachment of soluble Hsp90 to cell surface HSPGs. The action of the 2,5-DHBA–gelatin conjugate on the motility of A-172 and HT1080 cells was similar to that of heparin. The results demonstrate a potential of the 2,5-DHBA–gelatin polymer for the development of antimetastatic drugs targeting cell motility and a possible role of extracellular Hsp90 in the suppression of the migration and invasion of tumor cells mediated by the 2,5-DHBA–gelatin conjugate and heparin.
Studies on the Properties of the Sporulation Specific Protein Dit1 and Its Product Formyl Tyrosine
Authors: Basiony Mostafa , Yang Yan , Liu Guoyu , Gao Xiao-Dong , Nakanishi Hideki
Published: June 2020

The dityrosine layer is a unique structure present in the spore wall of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The primary constituent of this layer is bisformyl dityrosine. A sporulation-specific protein, Dit1 is localized in the spore cytosol and produces a precursor of bisformyl dityrosine. Although Dit1 is similar to isocyanide synthases, the loss of Dit1 is not rescued by heterologous expression of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa isocyanide synthase, PvcA, indicating that Dit1 does not mediate isocyanidation. The product of Dit1 is most likely formyl tyrosine. Dit1 can produce its product when it is expressed in vegetative cells; however, formyl tyrosine was not detected in the crude cell lysate. We reasoned that formyl tyrosine is unstable and reacts with some molecule to form formyl tyrosine-containing molecules in the cell lysate. In support of this hypothesis, formyl tyrosine was detected when the lysate was hydrolyzed with a mild acid. The same property was also found for bisformyl dityrosine. Bisformyl dityrosine molecules assemble to form the dityrosine layer by an unknown mechanism. Given that bisformyl dityrosine can be released from the spore wall by mild hydrolysis, the process of formyl tyrosine-containing molecule formation may resemble the assembly of the dityrosine layer.
Bayesian Model-Updating Using Features of Modal Data: Application to the Metsovo Bridge
Authors: Argyris Costas , Papadimitriou Costas , Panetsos Panagiotis , Tsopelas Panos
Published: June 2020

A Bayesian framework is presented for finite element model-updating using experimental modal data. A novel likelihood formulation is proposed regarding the inclusion of the mode shapes, based on a probabilistic treatment of the MAC value between the model predicted and experimental mode shapes. The framework is demonstrated by performing model-updating for the Metsovo bridge using a reduced high-fidelity finite element model. Experimental modal identification methods are used in order to extract the modal characteristics of the bridge from ambient acceleration time histories obtained from field measurements exploiting a network of reference and roving sensors. The Transitional Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm is used to perform the model updating by drawing samples from the posterior distribution of the model parameters. The proposed framework yields reasonable uncertainty bounds for the model parameters, insensitive to the redundant information contained in the measured data due to closely spaced sensors. In contrast, conventional Bayesian formulations which use probabilistic models to characterize the components of the discrepancy vector between the measured and model-predicted mode shapes result in unrealistically thin uncertainty bounds for the model parameters for a large number of sensors.
Developing a Landscape Design Approach for the Sustainable Land Management of Hill Country Farms in New Zealand
Authors: Tran Duy , Pearson Diane , Palmer Alan , Gray David
Published: June 2020

Landscape modification associated with agricultural intensification has brought considerable challenges for the sustainable development of New Zealand hill country farms. Addressing these challenges requires an appropriate approach to support farmers and design a better landscape that can have beneficial environmental outcomes whilst ensuring continued profitability. In this paper we suggest using geodesign and theories drawn from landscape ecology to plan and design multifunctional landscapes that offer improved sustainability for hill country farm systems and landscapes in New Zealand. This approach suggests that better decisions can be made by considering the major landscape services that are, and could be, provided by the landscapes in which these farm systems are situated. These important services should be included in future landscape design of hill country by creating a patterning and configuration of landscape features that actively maintains or restores important landscape functioning. This will help to improve landscape health and promote landscape resilience in the face of climate change. Through illustrating the potential of this type of approach for wider adoption we believe that the proposed conceptual framework offers a valuable reference for sustainable farm system design that can make an important contribution to advancing environmental management globally as well as in New Zealand.
On the Impact of the Degree of Fluorination on the ORR Limiting Processes within Iron Based Catalysts: A Model Study on Symmetrical Films of Barium Ferrate
Authors: Wollstadt Stephan , Clemens Oliver
Published: June 2020

In this study, symmetrical films of BaFeO2.67, BaFeO2.33F0.33 and BaFeO2F were synthesized and the oxygen uptake and conduction was investigated by high temperature impedance spectroscopy under an oxygen atmosphere. The data were analyzed on the basis of an impedance model designed for highly porous mixed ionic electronic conducting (MIEC) electrodes. Variable temperature X-ray diffraction experiments were utilized to estimate the stability window of the oxyfluoride compounds, which yielded a degradation temperature for BaFeO2.33F0.33 of 590 °C and a decomposition temperature for BaFeO2F of 710 °C. The impedance study revealed a significant change of the catalytic behavior in dependency of the fluorine content. BaFeO2.67 revealed a bulk-diffusion limited process, while BaFeO2.33F0.33 appeared to exhibit a fast bulk diffusion and a utilization region δ larger than the electrode thickness L (8 μm). In contrast, BaFeO2F showed very area specific resistances due to the lack of oxygen vacancies. The activation energy for the uptake and conduction process of oxygen was found to be 0.07/0.29 eV (temperature range-dependent), 0.33 eV and 0.67 eV for BaFeO2.67, BaFeO2.33F0.33 and BaFeO2F, respectively.
Shaking Table Test of U-Shaped Walls Made of Fiber-Reinforced Foamed Concrete
Authors: Flores-Johnson Emmanuel A. , Company-Rodríguez Brenda A. , Koh-Dzul J. Francisco , Carrillo Jose G.
Published: June 2020

Fiber-reinforced foamed concrete (FRFC) is a lightweight material that has the potential to perform well in seismic applications due to its low density and improved mechanical properties. However, studies focused on the seismic assessment of this material are limited. In this work, U-shaped wall specimens, made of FRFC reinforced with henequen fibers and plain foamed concrete (PFC) with a density of 900 kg/m3, were subjected to shaking table tests. PFC and FRFC were characterized using compression and tension tests. FRFC exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, which were attributed to the fibers. The dynamic tests showed that U-shaped walls made of FRFC performed better than those made of PFC. The time period prior to the collapse of the FRFC U-shaped walls was longer than that of the PFC specimens, which was attributed to the enhanced specimen integrity by the fibers. Finite element simulations of the shaking table test allowed for the prediction of the stress concentration and plastic strain that may lead to the failure of the U-shaped wall. These results showed that U-shaped walls made of FRFC have the potential to perform well in seismic applications, however, these results are preliminary and further studies are needed to support the findings of this work.
Analysis on Three-Dimensional Strength Influencing Factors and Control Measures of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Huang Tuo , Li Mi , Huang Mou-ying , Jiang Hao-hao , Tang Yao , Liu Hong-fu
Published: June 2020

Strength is an important parameter for the design of asphalt pavement materials and structures. To study the influence of various factors on the three-dimensional strength of asphalt mixtures, three aggregate gradations (dense-graded bituminous mixture AC-13, stone mastic asphalt SMA-13 and bituminous stabilization aggregate paving mixture OGFC-13) and two binders (SBS modified bitumen and 70# base bitumen) were used to prepare the asphalt mixture specimens. Among them, SBS+SMA-13 asphalt mixture has the best performance. On this basis, the uniaxial compressive test, uniaxial tensile test and confining triaxial test were conducted on the SBS+SMA-13 asphalt mixture under six oil-stone ratios conditions (5.5%, 5.7%, 5.9%, 6.1%, 6.3%, and 6.5%), six temperatures conditions (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C), and five loading rates conditions (1 mm/min, 2 mm/min, 3 mm/min, 4 mm/min, and 5 mm/min). In addition, a unified three-dimensional strength calculation model considering the influence of temperature, loading rate, and oil-stone ratio was proposed, and the change law of the three-dimensional strength with these above factors was revealed. Furthermore, two sets of three-factor three-level orthogonal tests were carried out on the SMA-13 asphalt mixture. The sensitivity analysis and strength regulation research between three-dimensional strength and each factor were carried out. The results show that the type of asphalt has the greatest influence on the strength of the mixture, the temperature has the second most influence, the loading rate has less influence, and the oil-stone ratio has the least influence. The strength regulations proposed to improve the strength of the asphalt mixture include the use of modified asphalt, high-temperature stability high-quality asphalt, and the lower oil-stone ratio than the Marshall optimal oil-stone ratio. The strength control measures proposed from the perspective of the three-dimensional stress state, the joint failure of each stress components and real stress states are taken into consideration.
Experimental Investigation on the In-Plane Creep Behavior of a Carbon-Fiber Sheet Molding Compound at Elevated Temperature at Different Stress States
Authors: Finck David , Seidel Christian , Ostermeier Anika , Hausmann Joachim , Rief Thomas
Published: June 2020

The creepage behavior of one thermosetting carbon fiber sheet molding compound (SMC) material was studied applying in-plane loading at 120 °C. Loads were applied in bending, tension and compression test setups at the same in-plane stress level of 47 MPa. Different creep strain rates were determined. The creep strain rate in flexural loading was significantly higher than in tensile loading. The test specimens in compression loading collapsed within minutes and no findings regarding the creep strain rates were possible. Overall, it was observed that the thermosetting press resin of this industrially used material had only little creep load bearing capacity at the mentioned temperature when loaded in mixed stress states. The test data has high usage for estimating design limits of structural loaded SMC components at elevated temperature.
Thermal and Morphological Properties of Poly(L-Lactic Acid)/Poly(D-Lactic Acid)-B-Polycaprolactone Diblock Copolymer Blends
Authors: Weidner Eckhard , Kabasci Stephan , Kopitzky Rodion , Mörbitz Philip
Published: June 2020

Due to the brittle nature of poly(lactic acid) many attempts have been made to flexibilize this polyester for applications such as thin films and foils. However, due to complex phase behavior, many drawbacks for plasticizer and blend components are described. To overcome miscibility, post crystallization and migration issues a principle of click-chemistry was employed to change the molecular characteristics from external to internal plasticization by fixation of a plastisizing unit with help of a stereocomplex crystallization. Hydroxyl terminated polycaprolactone oligomers were used as a macroinitiator for the ring opening polymerization of d-lactide, resulting in blockcopolymers with plasticizing unit polycaprolactone and compatibilizing poly(d-lactic acid)-blocks. The generated block copolymers were blended with a poly(l-lactic acid)-matrix and formed so called stereocomplex crystals. In comparison to unbound polycaprolactone the polycaprolactone blocks show a lower migration tendency regarding a solution test in toluene. Besides that, trapping the plasticizing units via stereocomplex also improves the efficiency of the plasticizer. In comparison to polymer blends with the same amount of non-bonded polycaprolactone oligomers of the same molecular weight, block copolymers with poly(d-lactic acid) and polycaprolactone can shift the glass transition temperature to lower values. This effect can be explained by the modulated crystallization of the polycaprolactone-blocks trapped into the matrix, so that a higher effective amount can interact with the poly(l-lactic acid)-matrix.