bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locating Sensors in Complex Engineering Systems for Fault Isolation Using Population-Based Incremental Learning
Authors: Wang Jinxin , Wang Zhongwei , Ma Xiuzhen , Feng Guojin , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2020

Fault diagnostics aims to locate the origin of an abnormity if it presents and therefore maximize the system performance during its full life-cycle. Many studies have been devoted to the feature extraction and isolation mechanisms of various faults. However, limited efforts have been spent on the optimization of sensor location in a complex engineering system, which is expected to be a critical step for the successful application of fault diagnostics. In this paper, a novel sensor location approach is proposed for the purpose of fault isolation using population-based incremental learning (PBIL). A directed graph is used to model the fault propagation of a complex engineering system. The multidimensional causal relationships of faults and symptoms were obtained via traversing the directed path in the directed graph. To locate the minimal quantity of sensors for desired fault isolatability, the problem of sensor location was firstly formulated as an optimization problem and then handled using PBIL. Two classical cases, including a diesel engine and a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU), were taken as examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Results show that the proposed method can minimize the quantity of sensors while keeping the capacity of fault isolation unchanged.
Data-Based RC Dynamic Modelling Incorporating Physical Criteria to Obtain the HLC of In-Use Buildings: Application to a Case Study
Authors: Díaz-Hernández Heidi Paola , Torres-Hernández Pablo René , Aguilar-Castro Karla María , Macias-Melo Edgar Vicente , Jiménez María José
Published: January 2020

This paper reports the application of RC dynamic models (network of resistances and capacitances analogous to electrical networks) to obtain the heat loss coefficient (HLC) from a dynamic test campaign carried out in an in-use building. It is a well-insulated building located in Gainsborough, U.K. This case study and data were made available to participants in the IEA–EBC Annex 71 project Building Energy Performance Assessment Based on In-Situ Measurements. The analysis reported in this paper is mainly focused on the identification of the main heat transfer contributions and also on the translation of these phenomena to the RC models used to obtain the required HLC. First pre-processing and qualitative analysis were carried out. Afterwards several candidate models were constructed according to different plausible assumptions and approximations. The validity of the results obtained using these models has been evaluated taking into account the agreement among different data series and also the levels of the residuals obtained using the different models. The work concludes obtaining accurate estimates of the HLC from the energy balance including the following relevant contributions: space heating, solar gains, internal gains due to appliances, and internal gains due to metabolic activity. These terms were modelled using the following driving variables: consumption of gas and water, electricity production by the photovoltaic (PV) panels and electricity consumption (modelling internal gains due to appliances and occupancy patterns).
Correlation of Field-Measured and Remotely Sensed Plant Water Status as a Tool to Monitor the Risk of Drought-Induced Forest Decline
Authors: Marusig Daniel , Petruzzellis Francesco , Tomasella Martina , Napolitano Rossella , Altobelli Alfredo , Nardini Andrea
Published: January 2020

Increased frequency of tree mortality and forest decline due to anomalous drought events calls for the adoption of effective monitoring of tree water status over large spatial and temporal scales. We correlated field-measured and remotely sensed plant water status parameters, to test the possibility of monitoring the risk of drought-induced dehydration and hydraulic failure using satellite images calibrated on reliable physiological indicators of tree hydraulics. The study was conducted during summer 2019 in the Karst plateau (NE Italy) in a woodland dominated by Fraxinus ornus L.; Sentinel-2 images were acquired on a seasonal scale on the same dates when absolute water content (AbWC), relative water content (RWC), and minimum water potential (Ψmin) were measured in the field. Plant water status parameters were correlated with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI and NDVI 8A), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI). Significant Pearson and Spearman linear correlations (α < 0.05) emerged between all tree-level measured variables and NDWI, while for NDVI, NDVI 8A, and SAVI no correlation was found. Our results suggest the possibility of using the NDWI as a proxy of tree water content and water potential.
Evolution of Aromatic Profile of Torulaspora delbrueckii Mixed Fermentation at Microbrewery Plant
Authors: Canonico Laura , Ciani Enrico , Galli Edoardo , Comitini Francesca , Ciani Maurizio
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, consumers require quality beer with peculiar organoleptic characteristics and fermentation management has a fundamental role in the production of aromatic compounds and in the overall beer quality. A strategy to achieve this goal is the use of non-conventional yeasts. In this context, the use of Torulaspora delbrueckii was proposed in the brewing process as a suitable strain to obtain a product with a distinctive aromatic taste. In the present work, Saccharomyces cerevisiae/T. delbrueckii mixed fermentation was investigated at a microbrewery plant monitoring the evolution of the main aromatic compounds. The results indicated a suitable behavior of this non-conventional yeast in a production plant. Indeed, the duration of the process was very closed to that exhibited by S. cerevisiae pure fermentation. Moreover, mixed fermentation showed an increase of some aromatic compounds as ethyl hexanoate, α-terpineol, and β-phenyl ethanol. The enhancement of aromatic compounds was confirmed by the sensory evaluation carried out by trained testers. Indeed, the beers produced by mixed fermentation showed an emphasized note of fruity/citric and fruity/esters notes and did not show aroma defects.
High Gravity Fermentation of Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysate by Saccharomyces pastorianus to Produce Economically Distillable Ethanol Concentrations: Necessity of Medium Components Examined
Authors: Harcum Sarah W. , Caldwell Thomas P.
Published: January 2020

A major economic obstacle in lignocellulosic ethanol production is the low sugar concentrations in the hydrolysate and subsequent fermentation to economically distillable ethanol concentrations. We have previously demonstrated a two-stage fermentation process that recycles xylose with xylose isomerase to increase ethanol productivity, where the low sugar concentrations in the hydrolysate limit the final ethanol concentrations. In this study, three approaches are combined to increase ethanol concentrations. First, the medium-additive requirements were investigated to reduce ethanol dilution. Second, methods to increase the sugar concentrations in the sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate were undertaken. Third, the two-stage fermentation process was recharacterized with high gravity hydrolysate. It was determined that phosphate and magnesium sulfate are essential to the ethanol fermentation. Additionally, the Escherichia coli extract and xylose isomerase additions were shown to significantly increase ethanol productivity. Finally, the fermentation on hydrolysate had only slightly lower productivity than the reagent-grade sugar fermentation; however, both fermentations had similar final ethanol concentrations. The present work demonstrates the capability to produce ethanol from high gravity sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate using Saccharomyces pastorianus with low yeast inoculum in minimal medium. Moreover, ethanol productivities were on par with pilot-scale commercial starch-based facilities, even when the yeast biomass production stage was included.
Design of Predictive Tools to Estimate Freshness Index in Farmed Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Stored in Ice
Authors: Calanche Juan , Pedrós Selene , Roncalés Pedro , Beltrán José Antonio
Published: January 2020

This research studied sea bream freshness evolution through storage time in ice by determining different quality parameters and sensory profiles. Predictive models for freshness index, storage time, and microbial counts were designed from these data. Physico–chemical parameters were assessed to evaluate the quality of fish; microbial growth was controlled to ensure food safety, and sensory analyses were carried out to characterize quality deterioration. Predictive models were developed and improved with the aim of being used as tools for quality management in the seafood industry. Validation was conducted in order to establish the accuracy of models. There was a good relationship between the physico–chemical and microbiological parameters. Sensory analysis and microbial counts allowed for the establishment of a shelf-life of 10 days, which corresponded to a poor quality (according to the European Community’s system of grading fish for marketing purposes), with a freshness index lower than 50%. Sensory profiles showed that gill and flesh texture were the most vulnerable attributes during storage in ice related to spoilage. The predictive models for the freshness index (%) and ice storage time (h) exhibited an accuracy close to 90% following practical validation.
Impulsivity, Emotional Intelligence, and Alcohol Consumption in Young People: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Merchán-Clavellino Ana , Salguero-Alcañiz María Pilar , Guil Rocío , Alameda-Bailén Jose Ramón
Published: January 2020

Alcohol consumption in young people is a public health problem. Due to the harmful consequences and the large population using alcoholic substances, it would be important to determine the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with alcohol use and abuse. The main object of this study is to explore which components of impulsivity, according to the main theoretical models, have predictive power regarding alcohol consumption in young people. A secondary objective is to determine if emotional intelligence has a mediating role between the components of impulsivity and alcohol consumption, and thus specifically contribute to the knowledge about the mediation processes between those variables that are involved in the initiation and maintenance of alcohol consumption. For this purpose, 384 participants were recruited (83.1% females, n = 319), with mean age of 20.46 years (SD = 1.90; range 18–25). All participants were alcohol consumers at the beginning of the study. Data collection was conducted via online survey; impulsivity was evaluated by several questionnaires (Sensation Seeking Scale Form V, Barratt Impulsivity Scales 11, and Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward), and emotional intelligence was evaluated by the Trait Meta-Mood Scale. The results reveal that the dimension of disinhibition (a dimension of the sensation search scale) significantly has the highest predictive value on alcohol consumption. Moreover, our data show that the total effect and direct effect of disinhibition on frequency of alcohol consumption were both significant. The mediating role of emotional intelligence in this process was also significant. These findings show which variables should be considered to prevent alcohol consumption in young people.
Comparative Genomics Analysis of Lactobacillus ruminis from Different Niches
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yang Bo , Ross R. Paul , Stanton Catherine , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: January 2020

Lactobacillus ruminis is a commensal motile lactic acid bacterium living in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Although a few genomes of L. ruminis were published, most of them were animal derived. To explore the genetic diversity and potential niche-specific adaptation changes of L. ruminis, in the current work, draft genomes of 81 L. ruminis strains isolated from human, bovine, piglet, and other animals were sequenced, and comparative genomic analysis was performed. The genome size and GC content of L. ruminis on average were 2.16 Mb and 43.65%, respectively. Both the origin and the sampling distance of these strains had a great influence on the phylogenetic relationship. For carbohydrate utilization, the human-derived L. ruminis strains had a higher consistency in the utilization of carbon source compared to the animal-derived strains. L. ruminis mainly increased the competitiveness of niches by producing class II bacteriocins. The type of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats /CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas) system presented in L. ruminis was mainly subtype IIA. The diversity of CRISPR/Cas locus depended on the high denaturation of spacer number and sequence, although cas1 protein was relatively conservative. The genetic differences in those newly sequenced L. ruminis strains highlighted the gene gains and losses attributed to niche adaptations.
Resolvases, Dissolvases, and Helicases in Homologous Recombination: Clearing the Road for Chromosome Segregation
Authors: San-Segundo Pedro A. , Clemente-Blanco Andrés
Published: January 2020

The execution of recombinational pathways during the repair of certain DNA lesions or in the meiotic program is associated to the formation of joint molecules that physically hold chromosomes together. These structures must be disengaged prior to the onset of chromosome segregation. Failure in the resolution of these linkages can lead to chromosome breakage and nondisjunction events that can alter the normal distribution of the genomic material to the progeny. To avoid this situation, cells have developed an arsenal of molecular complexes involving helicases, resolvases, and dissolvases that recognize and eliminate chromosome links. The correct orchestration of these enzymes promotes the timely removal of chromosomal connections ensuring the efficient segregation of the genome during cell division. In this review, we focus on the role of different DNA processing enzymes that collaborate in removing the linkages generated during the activation of the homologous recombination machinery as a consequence of the appearance of DNA breaks during the mitotic and meiotic programs. We will also discuss about the temporal regulation of these factors along the cell cycle, the consequences of their loss of function, and their specific role in the removal of chromosomal links to ensure the accurate segregation of the genomic material during cell division.
Endometriosis and Pregnancy: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Porpora Maria Grazia , Tomao Federica , Ticino Adele , Piacenti Ilaria , Scaramuzzino Sara , Simonetti Stefania , Imperiale Ludovica , Sangiuliano Chiara , Masciullo Luisa , Manganaro Lucia , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi
Published: January 2020

Endometriosis may compromise the physiological course of pregnancy. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate whether endometriosis causes a higher prevalence of obstetric and neonatal complications as well as a higher risk of caesarean section and to detect a possible correlation between the presence, type, and location of endometriosis and obstetric complications, previous surgery, and pregnancy outcome, as well as the influence of pregnancy on the course of the disease. We compared two cohorts of women with spontaneous pregnancy, with and without endometriosis. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes, mode of delivery, presence, type, and location of endometriotic lesions and the effect of pregnancy on the disease were analyzed. A total of 425 pregnancies were evaluated: 145 cases and 280 controls. Patients with endometriosis showed a higher incidence of miscarriage, threatened miscarriage, threatened preterm labor, preterm delivery, placental abruption, and a higher incidence of caesarean section. A significant correlation with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia was found in the presence of adenomyosis. No difference in fetal outcome was found. One case of hemoperitoneum during pregnancy was observed. Pregnancy in women with endometriosis carries a higher risk of obstetric complications, such as miscarriage, threatened miscarriage, preterm labor, preterm birth, and a higher caesarean section rate. Endometriosis does not seem to influence fetal well-being.
Clinical Trial Data Management in Environmental Health Tailored for an African Setting
Authors: Albers Patricia Nicole , Wright Caradee Yael
Published: January 2020

Clinical trial data management tools are widely available—some free to access and others relatively expensive, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. Such tools also do not always permit adaptation for local conditions nor include options to capture environmental and meteorological data. In the context of climate change and pressing environmental health threats, more studies that aim to assess the impacts of environmental change on public health are being carried out. Here, using freely available software, we tailor-made a clinical trial data management tool that managed all aspects of an intervention-based clinical trial to assess the impact of personal solar ultraviolet radiation exposure on vaccine effectiveness. Data captured and associated procedures included patient data, scheduling, reporting, analysis and data management. Moreover, patient enrolment, recruitment, follow-up and decision-making in response to patient data were managed. Given the multidisciplinary study approach, the tool also managed all environmental and meteorological data for the rural African study site. Application of the tool ensured efficient communication between rural sites, a relatively high overall participant response rate (87%) and minimal loss to follow-up. This study suggests that it is possible to tailor-make a clinical trial data management tool for environmental and public health studies.
How Health Promoters Can Assess Capacity Building Processes in Setting-Based Approaches—Development and Testing of a Monitoring Instrument
Authors: Sauter Alexandra , Lindacher Verena , Rueter Jana , Curbach Janina , Loss Julika
Published: January 2020

Background: Health promoters often use stakeholder groups to jointly plan and implement local interventions. Stakeholder groups should take over responsibility to later run the health promotion program independently. Monitoring this process of capacity building can help health promoters improve the quality of the process. Instruments for the systematic assessment of capacity building among stakeholder groups are scarce. The goal of this study was to develop, and pilot test a generic assessment instrument for setting-based capacity building. Methods: We drafted a semi-standardized monitoring instrument to be used in stakeholder groups in various settings. This “EVA-protocol” (short for evaluation protocol) was based on capacity building domains e.g., leadership, resource mobilization. It was pilot implemented in a research network on increasing an active lifestyle in various settings. The respective health promoters documented 78 meetings of 15 different stakeholder groups. We performed feedback interviews and member checking among the facilitating health promoters, asking for comprehensibility, length, usability and perceived benefits of the instrument. Findings: Data collected in the “EVA-protocol” helped the facilitating health promoters understand the development of competences and capacities in the stakeholder groups and identify factors that favor or hinder the capacity building process. The instrument was rated as user friendly, but it was remarked that it is best filled out by two persons and reflected upon by those to offer the greatest benefit. Not all projects could afford this procedure due to lack of time/staff resources. Conclusions: The drafted instrument can serve as quality management tool for health promoters who facilitate participatory stakeholder groups in different settings and intend to build capacities for sustainable health promotion structures.
Internet of Things (IoT)-Enabled Elderly Fall Verification, Exploiting Temporal Inference Models in Smart Homes
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Grigorios , Ntanos Stamatios , Anagnostopoulos Theodoros , Tsotsolas Nikolaos , Salmon Ioannis , Ntalianis Klimis
Published: January 2020

Everyday life of the elderly and impaired population living in smart homes is challenging because of possible accidents that may occur due to daily activities. In such activities, persons often lean over (to reach something) and, if they not cautious, are prone to falling. To identify fall incidents, which could stochastically cause serious injuries or even death, we propose specific temporal inference models; namely, CM-I and CM-II. These models can infer a fall incident based on classification methods by exploiting wearable Internet of Things (IoT) altimeter sensors adopted by seniors. We analyzed real and synthetic data of fall and lean over incidents to test the proposed models. The results are promising for incorporating such inference models to assist healthcare for fall verification of seniors in smart homes. Specifically, the CM-II model achieved a prediction accuracy of 0.98, which is the highest accuracy when compared to other models in the literature under the McNemar’s test criterion. These models could be incorporated in wearable IoT devices to provide early warning and prediction of fall incidents to clinical doctors.
Heat Not Burn Tobacco Product—A New Global Trend: Impact of Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products on Public Health, a Systematic Review
Authors: Ratajczak Aleksandra , Jankowski Piotr , Strus Piotr , Feleszko Wojciech
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The use of heat-not-burn tobacco products (HnB) is being adopted increasingly as an alternative to smoking combusted products, primarily cigarettes. Substantial controversy has accompanied their marketing and use in the public health context. In this study, we aimed to consider the probable impacts of HnB tobacco products use on public health. Methods: In May 2019, we conducted a systematic review of 15 studies concerning awareness and use of IQOS (abbrv. I Quit Ordinary Smoking) selected from three databases: Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase regarding public health. Results: All key outcomes varied by smoking status: more young adults who were currently smoking reported being aware of, interested in trying, and prone to trying heat-not-burn tobacco products. Interest in trying HnB products was also present among non-smokers, which raises concerns regarding new smokers. Interestingly, susceptibility to trying IQOS (25.1%) was higher than for traditional cigarettes (19.3%), but lower than for e-cigarettes (29.1%). Conclusions: Present studies suggest that HnB tobacco products have the potential to be a reduced risk product for public health compared to conventional cigarettes, considering indirectly the potential effects on the chronic diseases which are traditionally linked to traditional cigarette use as well as second hand exposure, but further studies are needed to determine whether this potential is likely to be realized. The process of HnB tobacco products becoming increasingly popular is of a global scale. Only small differences between countries on different continents regarding popularity and use of HnB tobacco products have been reported.
Fire Size of Gasoline Pool Fires
Authors: Marková Iveta , Lauko Jozef , Makovická Osvaldová Linda , Mózer Vladimír , Svetlík Jozef , Monoši Mikuláš , Orinčák Michal
Published: January 2020

This article presents an experimental investigation of the flame characteristics of the gasoline pool fire. A series of experiments with different pool sizes and mixture contents were conducted to study the combustion behavior of pool fires in atmospheric conditions. The initial pool area of 0.25 m2, 0.66 m2, and 2.8 m2, the initial volume of fuel and time of burning process, and the initial gasoline thickness of 20 mm were determined in each experiment. The fire models are defined by the European standard EN 3 and were used to model fire of the class MB (model liquid fire for the fire area 0.25 m2), of the class 21B (model liquid fire for the fire area 0.66 m2), and 89B (model liquid fire for the fire area 2.8 m2). The fire models were used to class 21B and 89B for fuel by Standard EN 3. The flame geometrical characteristics were recorded by a CCD (charge-coupled device) digital camera. The results show turbulent flame with constant loss burning rate per area, different flame height, and different heat release rate. Regression rate increases linearly with increasing pans diameter. The results show a linear dependence of the HRR (heat release rate) depending on the fire area (average 2.6 times).
Analytical Bias in the Measurement of Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Infants
Authors: Rueter Kristina , Black Lucinda J. , Jones Anderson , Bulsara Max , Clarke Michael W. , Gamez Cristina , Lim Ee M. , Palmer Debra J. , Prescott Susan L. , Siafarikas Aris
Published: January 2020

Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent worldwide; however, analytical bias in the measurement of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations may affect clinical treatment decisions and research. We performed parallel plasma 25(OH)D analyses using the Abbott Architect i2000 chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for paired samples from the same infants at 3 (n = 69), 6 (n = 79) and 12 months (n = 73) of age. To test agreement, we used Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient and corresponding 95% confidence interval, Bland–Altman’s limits of agreement, and Bradley–Blackwood (BB) test. Agreement was high at 3 months (coefficient between difference and mean −0.076; BB F = 0.825; p = 0.440), good at 12 months (−0.25; BB F = 2.41; p = 0.097) but missing at 6 months of age (−0.39; BB F = 12.30; p < 0.001). Overall, 18 infants had disparate results based on the cut-off point for vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L), particularly at three months, with seven (10%) infants deficient according to CIA but not LC–MS/MS, and four (6%) deficient by LC–MS/MS but not CIA. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the reported 25(OH)D concentration may be influenced by both age and assay type. Physicians and researchers should be aware of these pitfalls when measuring circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in infants and when developing treatment plans based on measured vitamin D status.
The Unholy Trinity: Childhood Trauma, Adulthood Anxiety, and Long-Term Pain
Authors: Kascakova Natalia , Furstova Jana , Hasto Jozef , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , Tavel Peter
Published: January 2020

Background: Childhood trauma is considered to be a risk factor for developing anxiety as well as chronic pain. The aim of this study was to assess the association between childhood trauma and reporting anxiety and long-term pain conditions in the general and clinical populations. Methods: Respondents from a representative sample in the Czech Republic (n = 1800, mean age: 46.6 years, 48.7% male) and patients with a clinically diagnosed anxiety or adjustment disorder (n = 67, mean age: 40.5 years, 18.0% male) were asked to report anxiety, various chronic and pain-related conditions, and childhood trauma (The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ) in a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted in 2016 and 2017. Results: Reporting emotional abuse (Odds ratio OR from 2.14 to 14.71), emotional neglect (OR from 2.42 to 10.99), or physical neglect (OR from 2.24 to 3.30) was associated with reporting anxiety and long-term pain both in the general and clinical populations and reporting physical abuse moreover with reporting anxiety or adjustment disorder with concurrent long-term pain (OR from 4.04 to 6.39). Conclusion: This study highlights the relevance of childhood trauma as a possible factor contributing to anxiety with concurrent pain conditions in adulthood in both the general and clinical populations.
Arsenic Concentrations and Dietary Exposure in Rice-Based Infant Food in Australia
Authors: Gu Zhuyun , de Silva Shamali , Reichman Suzie M.
Published: January 2020

Rice-based products are widely used to feed infants and young children. However, the association of rice-based products and high arsenic (As) concentrations have been investigated in a number of studies, but there is limited information from Australia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the As concentration and dietary exposure in infant rice milk, cereal, crackers and pasta as well as to investigate the relationship between As concentration and rice content, rice type and product origin. Total arsenic (tAs) concentrations were determined by nitric acid digestion and ICP-MS while inorganic arsenic (iAs) was determined by acid extraction, followed by ICP-MS with an interfaced hydride generation system. Nearly 75% of samples had inorganic As exceeding the EU maximum levels for infants and children (0.1 mg kg−1) and the mean iAs percentage of total reached as high as 84.8%. High tAs concentration was positively correlated with rice content and also related to brown (wholegrain). Estimates of dietary exposure showed that infants consuming large amounts of rice pasta or crackers will have an increased risk of health impact associated with excess intake of As through dietary exposure. Moreover, the current Australian guidelines for As in rice (1 mg kg−1) are above the WHO or EU guideline and therefore, will be less protective of high sensitivity consumers like infants and children.
Influence of Ambient Air Pollution on Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Score Index
Authors: Alsaber Ahmad , Pan Jiazhu , Al-Herz Adeeba , Alkandary Dhary , Al-Hurban Adeeba , Setiya Parul , on behalf of the KRRD Group
Published: January 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune of an unknown etiology. Air pollution has been proposed as one of the possible risk factors associated with disease activity, although has not been extensively studied. In this study, we measured the relationship between exposure to air pollutants and RA activity. Data on RA patients were extracted from the Kuwait Registry for Rheumatic Diseases (KRRD). Disease activity was measured using disease activity score with 28 examined joints (DAS-28) and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) during their hospital visits from 2013 to 2017. Air pollution was assessed using air pollution components (PM 10 , NO 2 , SO 2 , O 3 , and CO). Air pollution data were obtained from Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (K-EPA) from six different air quality-monitoring stations during the same period. Multiple imputations by the chained equations (MICE) algorithm were applied to estimate missing air pollution data. Patients data were linked with air pollution data according to date and patient governorate address. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression techniques were employed using STATA software. In total, 1651 RA patients with 9875 follow-up visits were studied. We detected an increased risk of RA using DAS-28 in participants exposed to SO 2 and NO 2 with β = 0 . 003 (95% CI: 0.0004–0.005, p < 0 . 01 ) and β = 0 . 003 (95% CI: 0.002–0.005, p < 0 . 01 ), respectively, but not to PM 10 , O 3 , and CO concentrations. Conclusively, we observed a strong association between air pollution with RA disease activity. This study suggests air pollution as a risk factor for RA and recommends further measures to be taken by the authorities to control this health problem.
Effect of Free Healthcare Policy for Children under Five Years Old on the Incidence of Reported Malaria Cases in Burkina Faso by Bayesian Modelling: “Not only the Ears but also the Head of the Hippopotamus”
Authors: Ouédraogo Mady , Rouamba Toussaint , Samadoulougou Sékou , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati
Published: January 2020

Burkina Faso has recently implemented an additional strategy, the free healthcare policy, to further improve maternal and child health. This policy targets children under five who bear the brunt of the malaria scourge. The effects of the free-of-charge healthcare were previously assessed in women but not in children. The present study aims at filling this gap by assessing the effect of this policy in children under five with a focus on the induced spatial and temporal changes in malaria morbidity. We used a Bayesian spatiotemporal negative binomial model to investigate the space–time variation in malaria incidence in relation to the implementation of the policy. The analysis relied on malaria routine surveillance data extracted from the national health data repository and spanning the period from January 2013 to December 2018. The model was adjusted for meteorological and contextual confounders. We found that the number of presumed and confirmed malaria cases per 1000 children per month increased between 2013 and 2018. We further found that the implementation of the free healthcare policy was significantly associated with a two-fold increase in the number of tested and confirmed malaria cases compared with the period before the policy rollout. This effect was, however, heterogeneous across the health districts. We attributed the rise in malaria incidence following the policy rollout to an increased use of health services combined with an increased availability of rapid tests and a higher compliance to the “test and treat” policy. The observed heterogeneity in the policy effect was attributed to parallel control interventions, some of which were rolled out at different paces and scales. Our findings call for a sustained and reinforced effort to test all suspected cases so that, alongside an improved case treatment, the true picture of the malaria scourge in children under five emerges clearly (see the hippopotamus almost entirely).
Family Income Gradients in Adolescent Obesity, Overweight and Adiposity Persist in Extremely Deprived and Extremely Affluent Neighbourhoods but Not in Middle-Class Neighbourhoods: Evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Mireku Michael Osei , Rodriguez Alina
Published: January 2020

We investigated whether family income gradients in obesity, overweight, and adiposity persist at geographic-level deprivation quintiles using a nationally representative cohort of UK adolescents. Data from 11,714 eligible adolescents from the sixth sweep of the Millennium Cohort Study (14 years old) were analysed in this study. The International Obesity Task Force age- and sex-specific thresholds were used to define obesity and overweight. Self-reported family income was standardized using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s equivalised income scale. Geographic-level deprivation was defined by the index of multiple deprivation 2004. Results showed that the prevalence of obesity and overweight was 8.0% and 27.2%, respectively. Mean percentage body fat was 16.9% (standard error, SE = 0.2%) in male and 27.3% (SE = 0.1%) in female adolescents. Risk of obesity, overweight, and adiposity increased with decreasing family income quintiles (p for trend <0.001). After stratifying by geographic-level deprivation quintiles, a U-shaped association emerged, whereby family income gradients in the risk of adolescent obesity and adiposity persisted in extremely affluent and extremely deprived neighbourhoods but attenuated to non-significance in middle-class neighbourhoods. These results focus on the findings from England. Recognition of the persistence of inequalities in the risk of obesity in the most deprived and affluent neighbourhoods may be necessary in planning public health resources and interventions.
Anxiety, Prenatal Attachment, and Depressive Symptoms in Women with Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Napoli Angela , Lamis Dorian A. , Berardelli Isabella , Canzonetta Valeria , Sarubbi Salvatore , Rogante Elena , Napoli Pietro-Luca , Serafini Gianluca , Erbuto Denise , Tambelli Renata , Amore Mario , Pompili Maurizio
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anxiety, prenatal attachment, and depressive symptoms among women with diabetes in pregnancy. Participants were 131 consecutive pregnant women between the ages of 20 and 45 with a diagnosis of gestational or pregestational type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Data on previous psychiatric symptoms were obtained from the Anamnestic and Social Questionnaire and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Information on prenatal attachment was collected using The Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI), and The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) assessed depressive symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy (at a mean of 25 weeks). Results demonstrated that in women affected by diabetes in pregnancy, two facets of prenatal attachment (anticipation, interaction) were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms, and a history of anxiety, assessed with the MINI, moderated the relation between the prenatal attachment interaction factor and depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
Occupational Determinants of Leptospirosis among Urban Service Workers
Authors: Atil Azman , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Syed Abdul Rahim Syed Sharizman , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Awang Lukman Khamisah , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: January 2020

This study was carried out to determine the risk factors of leptospirosis infection among local urban service workers in Sabah. This is a cross-sectional study involving 394 workers in Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah, conducted from February to March 2017. Information on demography, occupational exposures and environmental factors was obtained by a modified validated questionnaire. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to determine the prevalence of positive leptospirae. The overall figure for positive leptospirae was 9.4% (95% CI: 6.8–12.8). Urban sweepers and lorry drivers made up the highest proportion of positive leptospirae respondents, contributing 15.5% and 9.4%, respectively. The significant risk factors for positive leptospirae were older age (p-value = 0.001), higher monthly salary (p-value = 0.039), longer duration of employment (p-value = 0.011) and working as an urban sweeper (p-value = 0.021). Leptospirae was prevalent among healthy urban service workers and relates to their working activities.
Long-Term Trends in Urban Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitropolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: China, Russia, and Korea from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Hayakawa Kazuichi , Tang Ning , Nagato Edward , Toriba Akira , Lin Jin-Min , Zhao Lixia , Zhou Zhijun , Qing Wu , Yang Xiaoyang , Mishukov Vassily , Neroda Andrey , Chung Hae-Young
Published: January 2020

Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was collected during the summer and winter in five cities in China (Shenyang, Beijing, and Shanghai), Russia (Vladivostok), and Korea (Busan) from 1997 to 2014. Nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with four to six rings, including pyrene (Pyr) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Two nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs), 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) and 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene (6-NBaP), were also determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with online reduction/chemiluminescence detection. Two Chinese cities, Beijing and Shenyang, showed very high concentrations of total PAHs (ΣPAH) and total NPAHs (ΣNPAH) with a large seasonal difference (winter > summer), although the concentrations decreased over time. In both cities, maximum mean concentrations of ΣPAH over 200 ng m−3 were observed in the winter. In Beijing, an increase in the ΣPAH concentration was observed in the winter of 2010, which was after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The [1-NP]/[Pyr] ratio, a diagnostic parameter for source, was smaller in the winter than in the summer over the monitoring period, suggesting a large contribution of coal heating systems in the winter. In Vladivostok, concentrations of ΣPAH and ΣNPAH were lower than in the above two Chinese cities. The [1-NP]/[Pyr] ratio was larger than in the above Chinese cities even in the winter, suggesting that the contribution of coal combustion facilities, such as power plants for heating, was not very large. In Shanghai and Busan, concentrations of ΣPAH and ΣNPAH were much lower than in the above three cities. At the beginning of the monitoring periods, the [1-NP]/[Pyr] ratios, which were as large as those of Japanese commercial cities, suggested a large contribution from automobiles. After that, the contribution of automobiles decreased gradually. However, BaP concentrations were still over 1 ng m−3 in all cities monitored in China, Russia, and Korea, suggesting that the urban air pollution of PAHs and NPAHs in these regions should not be ignored.
The Rho GTPase RAC1 in Osteoblasts Controls Their Function
Authors: Huck Katrin , Sens Carla , Wuerfel Carina , Zoeller Caren , A. Nakchbandi Inaam
Published: January 2020

The regulation of the differentiation of the bone-forming cells, the osteoblasts, is complex. Many signaling pathways converge on the master regulator of osteoblast differentiation Runx2. The role of molecules that integrate several signaling pathways such as the Rho GTPases need to be better understood. We, therefore, asked at which stage Rac1, one of the Rho GTPase, is needed for osteoblast differentiation and whether it is involved in two pathways, the anabolic response to parathyroid hormone and the stimulatory effect of fibronectin isoforms on integrins. Genetic deletion of Rac1 in preosteoblasts using the osterix promoter diminished osteoblast differentiation in vitro. This effect was however similar to the presence of the promoter by itself. We, therefore, applied a Rac1 inhibitor and confirmed a decrease in differentiation. In vivo, Rac1 deletion using the osterix promoter decreased bone mineral density as well as histomorphometric measures of osteoblast function. In contrast, deleting Rac1 in differentiating osteoblasts using the collagen α1(I) promoter had no effects. We then evaluated whether intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) was able to affect bone mineral density in the absence of Rac1 in preosteoblasts. The increase in bone mineral density was similar in control animals and in mice in which Rac1 was deleted using the osterix promoter. Furthermore, stimulation of integrin by integrin isoforms was able to enhance osteoblast differentiation, despite the deletion of Rac1. In summary, Rac1 in preosteoblasts is required for normal osteoblast function and bone density, but it is neither needed for PTH-mediated anabolic effects nor for integrin-mediated enhancement of differentiation.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Prevents Intestinal Injury, Upregulation of Toll-Like Receptors, and 5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin-Induced Toxicity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chang Ching-Wei , Lee Hung-Chang , Li Li-Hui , Chiang Chiau Jen-Shiu , Wang Tsang-En , Chuang Wei-Hung , Chen Ming-Jen , Wang Horng-Yuan , Shih Shou-Chuan , Liu Chia-Yuan , Tsai Tung-Hu , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: January 2020

FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy regimen, is one of most common therapeutic regimens for colorectal cancer. However, intestinal mucositis is a common adverse effect for which no effective preventive strategies exist. Moreover, the efficacy and the safety of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) in cancer patients treated with anti-neoplastic agents are still scant. We investigated the effect of FMT on FOLFOX-induced mucosal injury. BALB/c mice implanted with syngeneic CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were orally administered FMT daily during and two days after five-day injection of FOLFOX regimen for seven days. Administration of FOLFOX significantly induced marked levels of diarrhea and intestinal injury. FMT reduced the severity of diarrhea and intestinal mucositis. Additionally, the number of goblet cells and zonula occludens-1 decreased, while apoptotic and NF-κB-positive cells increased following FOLFOX treatment. The expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), MyD88, and serum IL-6 were upregulated following FOLFOX treatment. These responses were attenuated following FMT. The disrupted fecal gut microbiota composition was also restored by FMT after FOLFOX treatment. Importantly, FMT did not cause bacteremia and safely alleviated FOLFOX-induced intestinal mucositis in colorectal cancer-bearing mice. The putative mechanism may involve the gut microbiota TLR-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway in mice with implanted colorectal carcinoma cells.
No Cytotoxic and Inflammatory Effects of Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin on Primary Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells under Diabetic Conditions In Vitro
Authors: Baer Patrick C. , Koch Benjamin , Freitag Janina , Schubert Ralf , Geiger Helmut
Published: January 2020

Gliflozins are inhibitors of the renal proximal tubular sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2), that inhibit reabsorption of urinary glucose and they are able to reduce hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. A renoprotective function of gliflozins has been proven in diabetic nephropathy, but harmful side effects on the kidney have also been described. In the current project, primary highly purified human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTCs) have been shown to express functional SGLT-2, and were used as an in vitro model to study possible cellular damage induced by two therapeutically used gliflozins: empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. Cell viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity assays revealed that neither empagliflozin nor dapagliflozin induce effects in PTCs cultured in a hyperglycemic environment, or in co-medication with ramipril or hydro-chloro-thiazide. Oxidative stress was significantly lowered by dapagliflozin but not by empagliflozin. No effect of either inhibitor could be detected on mRNA and protein expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and the renal injury markers KIM-1 and NGAL. In conclusion, empa- and dapagliflozin in therapeutic concentrations were shown to induce no direct cell injury in cultured primary renal PTCs in hyperglycemic conditions.
New Nanotechnologies for the Treatment and Repair of Skin Burns Infections
Authors: Souto Eliana B. , Ribeiro André F. , Ferreira Maria I. , Teixeira Maria C. , Shimojo Andrea A. M. , Soriano José L. , Naveros Beatriz C. , Durazzo Alessandra , Lucarini Massimo , Souto Selma B. , Santini Antonello
Published: January 2020

Burn wounds are highly debilitating injuries, with significant morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In association with the damage of the skin integrity, the risk of infection is increased, posing an obstacle to healing and potentially leading to sepsis. Another limitation against healing is associated with antibiotic resistance mainly due to the use of systemic antibiotics for the treatment of localized infections. Nanotechnology has been successful in finding strategies to incorporate antibiotics in nanoparticles for the treatment of local wounds, thereby avoiding the systemic exposure to the drug. This review focuses on the most recent advances on the use of nanoparticles in wound dressing formulations and in tissue engineering for the treatment of burn wound infections.