bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for evaluating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) juxtaposed to MRI findings; a retrospective single-center analysis of 292 patients
Authors: Schwarze V. , Marschner C. , Völckers W. , de Figueiredo G. Negrão , Rübenthaler J. , Clevert D.-A.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: HCC is the most frequent primary liver cancer entity. Major risk factors comprise chronic HBC and HCV infections, ALD or NAFLD. Apart from the anamnesis, the clinical examination and serologic analysis, an essential part of the diagnostic HCC work-up is due to imaging findings from sonography, CT or MRI scans. HCC lesions feature a distinct vascularization pattern: hyperenhancement during early arterial and hypoenhancement/wash-out during portal venous or delayed phases. CEUS facilitates dynamic assessment of microperfusion patterns of suspicious liver lesions. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present retrospective single-center study was to determine the diagnostic value of CEUS for assessing HCC by comparison with findings from MRI scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004-2018 292 patients with suspicious liver lesions underwent CEUS and MRI. All patients underwent native B-mode, Color Doppler and CEUS after given informed consent. The applied contrast agent was a second-generation blood pool agent (SonoVue®, Bracco, Milan, Italy). Every CEUS examination was performed and interpreted by a single experienced radiologist (EFSUMB Level 3). RESULTS: CEUS was performed on all included patients without occurrence of any adverse effects. CEUS showed a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 91%, a PPV of 95% and a NPV of 94% for analyzing HCC in comparison with MRI as the diagnostic gold standard. CONCLUSION: With a distinguished safety profile CEUS shows a high diagnostic accuracy in assessing HCC compared to corresponding results from MRI scans.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with perfusion analysis in patients with venous malformations before and after percutaneous treatment with ethanol-gel
Authors: Huf V.I. , Wohlgemuth W.A. , Uller W. , Piehler A.P. , Goessmann H. , Stroszczynski C. , Jung E.M.
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment option for venous malformations (VM). A recently established sclerosing agent is ethanol-gel. Aim of this study was to identify, if contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with an integrated perfusion analysis allows for differentiation between untreated VM, healthy tissue, and with gelified ethanol treated malformation tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this institutional review board approved prospective study symptomatic VM patients underwent CEUS at exactly the same position before and after sclerotherapy with ethanol-gel. Two experienced sonographers performed all examinations after the bolus injection of microbubbles using a multi-frequency probe with 6 –9 MHz of a high-end ultrasound machine. An integrated perfusion analysis was applied in the center of the VM and in healthy, surrounding tissue. For both regions peak enhancement (peak), time to peak (TTP), area under the curve (AUC), and mean transit time (MTT) were evaluated. Wilcoxon signed rank test was executed; p-values <0.05 were regarded statistically significant. RESULTS: In 23 patients including children (mean age 25.3 years, 19 females) before treatment all identified parameters were significantly higher in the VM center compared to healthy tissue (peak: p < 0.01; TTP: p < 0.01; AUC: p < 0.01; MTT: p < 0.01). Comparing the VM center before and after treatment, TTP (p < 0.02) and MTT (p < 0.01) reduced significantly after sclerotherapy. In surrounding tissue only peak changed after treatment in comparison to pre-treatment results (p = 0.04). Comparing data in the VM center with surrounding tissue after sclerotherapy, results still differed significantly for peak (p < 0.01), TTP (p < 0.01), and AUC (p < 0.01), but assimilated for MTT (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: All with CEUS identified parameters seem to be excellent tools for differentiating between VM and healthy tissue. TTP and MTT could distinguish between with ethanol-gel sclerotized VM portions and untreated malformation parts and thereby might assist the monitoring of sclerotherapy with ethanol-gel.
Spheroid formation of human keratinocyte: Balancing between cell-substrate and cell-cell interaction
Authors: Nie Yan , Xu Xun , Wang Weiwei , Ma Nan , Lendlein Andreas
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: The formation of spheroids is tightly regulated by intrinsic cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. OBJECTIVE: The chitosan (CS)-coating was applied to investigate the driven force directed the spheroid formation. METHODS: The effects of CS on cell functions were studied. Atomic force microscopy was employed to measure the cell- biomaterial interplay at single cell level. RESULTS: HaCaT cells shifted from their flattened sheet to a compact 3D spheroidal morphology when increasing CS-coating concentration. The proliferative capacity of HaCaT was preserved in the spheroid. The expression and activation of integrin β1 (ITGB1) were enhanced on CS modified surfaces, while the active to total ratio of ITGB1 was decreased. The adhesive force of a single HaCaT cell to the tissue culture plate (TCP) was 4.84±0.72 nN. It decreased on CS-coated surfaces as CS concentration increased, from 2.16±0.26 nN to 0.96±0.17 nN. The adhesive force between the single HaCaT cell to its neighbor cell increased as CS concentration increased, from 1.15±0.09 nN to 2.60±0.51 nN. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusively, the decreased cell- substrate adhesion was the main driven force in the spheroid formation. This finding might serve as a design criterion for biomaterials facilitating the formation of epithelial spheroids.
Trust in leaders and employee silence behaviour: Evidence from higher education institutions in Indonesia
Authors: Abdillah Muhammad Rasyid , Anita Rizqa , Hadiyati  , Zakaria Nor Balkish
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: It is important for decision-makers such as leaders to be aware of employee silence behaviour within organizations. Failure to see this phenomenon tends to reduce the quality of information regarding potential issues in the organizations. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of trust in leaders on employee silence behaviour and the mediating role of organizational commitment within this relationship. METHODS: Data were collected from academicians working at private higher education institutions within an Indonesia city. Relying on the social exchange theory, the current study tested the hypotheses through the analysis of partial least square –structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM). RESULTS: Findings confirmed that trust in leaders positively affects organizational commitment and negatively affects employee silence behaviour. Furthermore, results suggested that organizational commitment fully mediates the link between trust in leaders and employee silence behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: These findings present a valuable contribution for scholars and managers in understanding the mechanism underlying the relationship between trust in leaders and employee silence behaviour, especially in non-profit organizational settings such as higher education institutions in Indonesia.
Emotional labor: A comprehensive literature review
Authors: Yang Chunjiang , Chen Aobo
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Despite the obvious importance of emotional labor for employees, organizations, and customers, a lack of coherence and clarity around the construct has impeded its development. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to provide a comprehensive review of emotional labor spanning about 40 years. METHODS: Our study used a qualitative literature review method along with a theoretically derived path diagram of key emotional labor constructs. We also used meta-analysis to explore the relationship between emotional labor and outcomes in different national contexts. RESULTS: We expect our research to expand the field in five different ways. First, we review contemporary theoretical conceptualizations of emotional labor and its dimensions. Second, we summarize seven existing measures of emotional labor in light of their contents. Third, we map the theoretical and nomological network of emotional labor about its antecedents, outcomes, moderators, mediators. Fourth, we use meta-analysis to explore the relationship between emotional labor and other variables in different contexts. Finally, we conclude by showing a detailed future research agenda to bring the field forward from different perspectives, including theoretical and empirical advancement. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our review provides a whole picture of where the literature has been and where it should go.
Tailoring training programs for sustainability management based on the training needs assessment
Authors: Draghici Anca , Fistis Gabriela , Carutasu Nicoleta Luminita , Carutasu George
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Human resource development in sustainability is a prerequisite of enhancing the success of any organization. Education for sustainable development has been recognized as a key process to support employees’ skills development to positively reoriented their behavior to the sustainable development values and principles. In the article context, based on a synthetic literature review for charting the sustainability taxonomy, there has been created a first general inventory of topics needed to be considered for designing a training program in the field. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present paper is to identify the general Qualification Matrix defining the training program for sustainability management (based on a training needs assessment study). Furthermore, the research will demonstrate how the training program could be tailor for the case of “management position” research variable. METHODS: First method applied in the study include a synthetic literature review for charting the sustainability taxonomy (creation of comprehensive inventory of topics needed to be considered for designing a training program for sustainability management). Second, based on the sustainability taxonomy, a questionnaire was designed and used in a survey for the training needs assessment. The research sample consisted of 207 respondents, potential trainees that are employees of different companies (from Austria, France, Romania and Slovenia), with a balanced structure of management position and distribution of age. Predictive Analytics Software (PASW, developed by IBM, formerly known as SPSS) for statistical processing has been used for statistical data analyses. RESULTS: The study results have indicated that the most appropriate training methods to be used in the sustainability management training program consists in a combination of: “Theoretical knowledge + examples of good practices + exercises + individual projects”. The process of tailoring the sustainability management training program has been demonstrated for the case of “management position” research variable (with three sub-categories of respondents: top managers, middle and low managers and professionals with no management position) and was based on the defined Qualification Matrix (consists of 5 training units and 19 training elements). CONCLUSIONS: The research have valuable contribution in the field of human resources development, particularly by offering a concrete solution in designing and tailoring a training program for sustainability managers started with the training needs assessment and the Qualification Matrix definition.
Role of e-learning technology and culture on learning agility: An empirical evidence
Authors: Ghosh Susmita , Muduli Ashutosh , Pingle Sameer
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: The complexity and dynamism involved in the current business environment requires agile workforce. Workforce agility requires learning agility which is the capability to acquire knowledge willingly, quickly and effectively. Promoting learning agility requires organisations to explore and identify facilitator or barriers for higher performance. In this context, organisational culture and E learning technology may play an important role to promote learning agility for better performance. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate the role of culture and e-learning technology on learning agility. In detail, the research examines the relationship between learning agility and outcome. Further, the research also seeks to examine the mediating relationship of culture and e-learning between learning agility and outcome. METHODS: The survey-based research has been designed following validated survey instruments. Data collected from 776 executives across all levels has been analysed using structural equational modelling using IBM AMOS software. RESULTS: The result proved learning agility significantly related with outcome. Secondly, culture and e learning technology mediate between learning agility and outcome. The result suggests organisations to nurture suitable culture and adopt e-learning technology to facilitate effective learning agility. CONCLUSIONS: Learning agility is critical for making workforce and business agile. The unpredictable and complex business environment can be managed through agile learners. Organisations need to nurture and adopt suitable culture and technology for better performance.
Impact of employees engagement and knowledge sharing on organizational performance: Study of HR challenges in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ahmed Tanveer , Khan Muhammad Shahid , Thitivesa Duangkamol , Siraphatthada Yananda , Phumdara Tawat
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE: When the economy’s in terrible shape, any of us is lucky to have a job, human resources managers worrying about whether or not employees are contributing to the organizational goals and objectives, and how to pursue the recruitment and selection process, employee’s engagement, and, training and development activities, these are the current human resource management challenges which are created due to COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations around the world are facing a tough situation, first time in history, the worth of one-barrel oil fell to less than nothing on 20th April 2020, the only reason is behind this is the current lockdown around the world. The physical workplace is converted into a virtual workplace, now the HR managers are planning how to engage the employees efficiently. This study pursued to examine the effect of employee’s engagement on organizational performance through the mediating effect of knowledge sharing for employees of higher educational institutions. METHOD: A quantitative research method is used in this study, non-probability sampling design with a focus on convenient sampling frame is deployed in this study. The questionnaire is adapted from the past studies, Initially Google forms were used to collect the data, due to lower response rate questionnaire were distributed in hard copies and sent to the targeted respondents. Structured Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to test the conceptual framework. RESULTS: The results showed that employee engagement has a significant and positive impact on organizational performance. Further, it was found that knowledge sharing has a significant and positive impact on organizational performance. Moreover, knowledge sharing only partially mediated the association between employee engagement and organizational performance. Covid-19 pandemic is destroying global economies, but at the same time its bringing different opportunities for organizations also. Now organizations have to think about how to avail this opportunity, organizations are going virtually, and in this situation, it is the biggest challenge for the Human Resource (HR) managers to manage the employee effectively.
Occupational health and safety division of responsibility: A conceptual model for the implementation of the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard1
Authors: Dufour Corina , Draghci Anca , Ivascu Larisa , Sarfraz Muddassar
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to the forefront of governmental and organizational preoccupations. Empirical research has pointed that OHS responsibility is diffused within organizations, and there is no apparent reference on whom it falls upon; even the OHSAS 18001:2007 (OHSAS 18001, 2007) standard framework generates the same confusion among organizational stakeholders. OBJECTIVE: When constituting an internal chain of responsibility, which organizational stakeholder should be responsible for each item of the OHSAS 18001:2007? The article considers how OHS tasks can be addressed from the perspective of stakeholder management. The objective is to consider the internal division of OHS responsibility between the hierarchical strata and to introduce an OHS Responsibility Multilevel Model for an organization’s internal responsibility system for the implementation of the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard. METHODS: The paper presents a qualitative assessment of the literature on the concepts of responsibility and accountability regarding OHS. First method applied was the literature review on the concepts of responsibility and accountability regarding OHS, while briefly discussing their impacts on the voluntary implementation of OHSAS 18001:2007 standard. Second, the OHS and the conditions of the COVID-19 period were synthesised to underline the research motivation and importance. Further the conceptual framework for the internal division of OHS responsibility based on a Multilevel Model for OHS stakeholders was developed based on a creative designed approach considering recent conclusions on safety leadership (OHS being situated at the confluence of top-down and bottom-up approaches in organization). RESULTS: The research results underline the relative complexity of the items in the OHSAS 18001:2007 framework; from the 68 items that are comprised under the six themes, the authors have identified 304 distinct actions. The application of the proposed OHS Responsibility Multilevel Model to the OHSAS 18001:2007 supports the interest that research literature has had for the role of top management in OHS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the research results propose a novel approach for improving stakeholders’ involvement (commitment) and responsibility regarding OHS practices in organization. The research findings highlight that the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard proposes the organization as primary repository of OHS responsibility.
Affective Neuropsychiatric Symptoms as Early Signs of Dementia Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Jang Jung Yun , Ho Jean K. , Blanken Anna E. , Dutt Shubir , Nation Daniel A. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2020

Background:

Affective neuropsychiatric symptoms (aNPS: depression, anxiety, apathy, irritability) have been linked to increased dementia risk. However, less is known whether this association is independent of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology.

Objective:

To investigate the contribution of early aNPS to dementia risk in cognitively normal (CN) older adults and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, with and without AD biomarker abnormality.

Methods:

Participants included 763 community-dwelling, stroke-free older adults identified as CN and 617 with MCI at baseline, drawn from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Baseline assessments included a neuropsychological battery, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and apolipoprotein E ɛ4 (ApoE4) genotyping. A participant subset completed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarker assessment. Time to progression to dementia was measured based on months at follow-up when an individual was diagnosed with dementia, over the follow-up period of 48 months.

Results:

Latent class analysis identified 3 subgroups of older adults in CN and MCI, indicated by the baseline profiles of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Subgroups with higher aNPS were at increased risk of progression to dementia in both CN (HR = 3.65, 95% CI [1.80, 7.40]) and MCI (HR = 1.52, 95% CI [1.16, 2.00]; HR = 1.86 [1.05, 3.30]) groups, adjusting for age, sex, global cognition, and ApoE4, compared with their counterparts with minimal NPS. There was no difference between higher aNPS and minimal NPS subgroups in their CSF AD biomarker profiles.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that aNPS may represent a neurobiological vulnerability that uniquely contribute to the dementia risk, independent of AD biomarker profiles.
Long-Term Blood Pressure Variability Across the Clinical and Biomarker Spectrum of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sible Isabel J. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Nation Daniel A.
Published: September 2020

Background: Elevated blood pressure is linked to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker abnormality. However, blood pressure levels vary over time. Less is known about the role of long-term blood pressure variability in cognitive impairment and AD pathophysiology. Objective: Determine whether long-term blood pressure variability is elevated across the clinical and biomarker spectrum of AD. Methods: Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants (cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment, AD [n = 1,421]) underwent baseline exam, including blood pressure measurement at 0, 6, and 12 months. A subset (n = 318) underwent baseline lumbar puncture to determine cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau levels. Clinical groups and biomarker-confirmed AD groups were compared on blood pressure variability over 12 months. Results: Systolic blood pressure variability was elevated in clinically diagnosed AD dementia (VIM: F2,1195 = 6.657, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.01) compared to cognitively normal participants (p = 0.001), and in mild cognitive impairment relative to cognitively normal participants (p = 0.01). Findings were maintained in biomarker-confirmed AD (VIM: F2,850 = 5.216, p = 0.006, η2 = 0.01), such that systolic blood pressure variability was elevated in biomarker-confirmed dementia due to AD relative to cognitively normal participants (p = 0.005) and in biomarker-confirmed mild cognitive impairment due to AD compared to cognitively normal participants (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Long-term systolic blood pressure variability is elevated in cognitive impairment due to AD. Blood pressure variability may represent an understudied aspect of vascular dysfunction in AD with potential clinical implications.
Development and Psychometrics Test of Home Environment Assessment Checklist for Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Liyu , Tian Shuangyue , Wu Jie , Wang Zhiwen
Published: September 2020

Background: Home environment is a core domain in the care of community-dwelling older adults with dementia, but there is no suitable instrument to measure it in China. Objective: To develop and psychometrically test the home environment assessment checklist for community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Methods: A three-step process was performed to develop and test this instrument: 1) based on the evidence-based theory, the checklist was summarized as the main points of evidence from living environment settings among older adults with dementia, 2) the draft tool was assigned to an iterative process of evaluation by a panel of examiners consisting of experts from treatment, nursing and caring, people with dementia and their caregivers, 3) inter-rater reliability and internal consistency were calculated with a sample of 348 caregivers of the older adults with dementia. Results: The HEAC consisted of 71 items in domains addressing safety, stability and familiarity, visual cues, and sensory stimulation. Psychometric evaluation showed that this tool demonstrated sound reliability and validity. Content validity was 0.969 which was established by a panel of experts (n = 10). Inter-rater reliability of two researchers was 0.978, and 0.848 for researchers and caregivers. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.757–0.877) in community-dwelling older adults with dementia 2 week apart. Conclusion: The HEAC is a new tool to help collect the reliable information on the barriers and facilitators of home environment for community-dwelling older adults with dementia and to precipitate the home modification process to improve the quality of care for people with dementia and their caregivers in daily life.
End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: van Engelen Marie-Paule E. , Gossink Flora T. , de Vijlder Lieke S. , Meursing Jan R.A. , Scheltens Philip , Dols Annemiek , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Limited literature exists regarding the clinical features of end stage behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This data is indispensable to inform and prepare family members as well as professional caregivers for the expected disease course and to anticipate with drug-based and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to describe end stage bvFTD in a broad explorative manner and to subsequently evaluate similarities and dissimilarities with the end stage of the most prevalent form of young-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (yoAD).

Methods:

We analyzed medical files on patients, using a mixed model of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Included were previously deceased patients with probable bvFTD and probable yoAD. End stage was defined as the last 6 months prior to death. Primary outcome measures comprised somatic, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms and the secondary outcome measure was cause of death.

Results:

Out of 89 patients, a total of 30 patients were included (bvFTD; n = 12, yoAD; n = 18). Overall, the end stages of bvFTD and yoAD were characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms including severe autonomic dysfunction and an increased muscle tone. Patients with bvFTD displayed more mutism compared with yoAD while compulsiveness was only present in bvFTD.

Conclusion:

Our study describes the full clinical spectrum of end stage bvFTD and yoAD. In this study, symptoms extend far beyond the initial behavioral and cognitive features. By taking both somatic, psychiatric, and neurological features into account, family members and professional caregivers may anticipate (non) pharmacological treatment.
Factors Associated with Lumbar Puncture Participation in Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Authors: Blazel Madeleine M. , Lazar Karen K. , Van Hulle Carol A. , Ma Yue , Cole Aleshia , Spalitta Alice , Davenport-Sis Nancy , Bendlin Barbara B. , Wahoske Michelle , Illingworth Chuck , Gleason Carey E. , Edwards Dorothy F. , Blazel Hanna , Asthana Sanjay , Johnson Sterling C. , Carlsson Cynthia M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides insight into the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. While lumbar punctures (LPs) for CSF collection are generally considered safe procedures, many participants remain hesitant to participate in research involving LPs. Objective: To explore factors associated with participant willingness to undergo a research LP at baseline and follow-up research study visit. Methods: We analyzed data from 700 participants with varying cognition (unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia) in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. We evaluated the relationship of demographic variables (age, sex, race, ethnicity, and years of education) and clinical variables (waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, AD parental history, cognitive diagnosis) on decision to undergo baseline LP1. We evaluated the relationship of prior LP1 experience (procedure success and adverse events) with the decision to undergo follow-up LP2. The strongest predictors were incorporated into regression models. Results: Over half of eligible participants opted into both baseline and follow-up LP. Participants who underwent LP1 had higher mean education than those who declined (p = 0.020). White participants were more likely to choose to undergo LP1 (p < 0.001); 33% of African American participants opted in compared to 65% of white participants. Controlling for age, education, and AD parental history, race was the only significant predictor for LP1 participation. Controlling for LP1 mild adverse events, successful LP1 predicted LP2 participation. Conclusion: Race was the most important predictor of baseline LP participation, and successful prior LP was the most important predictor of follow-up LP participation.
Decreased Alpha Reactivity from Eyes-Closed to Eyes-Open in Non-Demented Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Combined EEG and [18F]florbetaben PET Study
Authors: Chae Soohyun , Park Jinsick , Byun Min Soo , Yi Dahyun , Lee Jun Ho , Byeon Gi Hwan , Suk Hye Won , Choi Hongyoon , Park Jee Eun , Lee Dong Young
Published: September 2020

Background: The degree of alpha attenuation from eyes-closed (EC) to eyes-open (EO) has been suggested as a neural marker of cognitive health, and its disruption has been reported in patients with clinically defined Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. Objective: We tested if EC-to-EO alpha reactivity was related to cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition during the early stage of AD. Methods: Non-demented participants aged ≥55 years who visited the memory clinic between March 2018 and June 2019 (N = 143; 67.8% female; mean age±standard deviation, 74.0±7.6 years) were included in the analyses. Based on the [18F]florbetaben positron emission tomography assessment, the participants were divided into Aβ+ (N = 70) and Aβ- (N = 73) groups. EEG was recorded during the 7 min EC condition followed by a 3 min EO phase, and a Fourier transform spectral analysis was performed. Results: A significant three-way interaction was detected among Aβ positivity, eye condition, and the laterality factor on alpha-band power after adjusting for age, sex, educational years, global cognition, depression, medication use, and white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (F = 5.987, p = 0.016); EC-to-EO alpha reactivity in the left hemisphere was significantly reduced in Aβ+ subjects without dementia compared with the others (F = 3.984, p = 0.048). Conclusion: Among mild cognitive impairment subjects, alpha reactivity additively contributed to predict cerebral Aβ positivity beyond the clinical predictors, including vascular risks, impaired memory function, and apolipoprotein E ɛ4. These findings support that EC-to-EO alpha reactivity acts as an early biomarker of cerebral Aβ deposition and is a useful measurement for screening early-stage AD.
Plasma Amyloid-β Biomarker Associated with Cognitive Decline in Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lim Yen Ying , Maruff Paul , Kaneko Naoki , Doecke James , Fowler Christopher , Villemagne Victor L. , Kato Takashi , Rowe Christopher C. , Arahata Yutaka , Iwamoto Shinichi , Ito Kengo , Tanaka Koichi , Yanagisawa Katsuhiko , Masters Colin L. , Nakamura Akinori
Published: September 2020

Background:

Using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, we recently developed and validated a plasma composite biomarker for the assessment of amyloid-β (Aβ) levels. However, as yet, its relationship with clinical outcomes remains unclear.

Objective:

We aimed to examine the relationship between this plasma Aβ composite biomarker and cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults in two independent cohorts.

Methods:

Participants enrolled in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study and the National Centre for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG) study had undergone Aβ neuroimaging using positron emission tomography (PET), cognitive assessments and provided blood samples. We derived a high-performance plasma Aβ composite biomarker by immunoprecipitation with mass-spectrometry.

Results:

Both continuous and categorical measures of the plasma Aβ composite biomarker were significantly related to decline in episodic memory and executive function. The magnitude of effects of the plasma Aβ composite on episodic memory and executive function were comparable to that observed for the effects of PET Aβ levels on these same outcome measures.

Conclusion:

Several plasma Aβ biomarkers have been developed, but none have yet been applied to investigate their relationship with cognitive outcomes. Our results have important implications for the use of this biomarker in the detection of at-risk individuals.
Microbleeds and Medial Temporal Atrophy Determine Cognitive Trajectories in Normal Aging: A Longitudinal PET-MRI Study
Authors: Montandon Marie-Louise , Herrmann François R. , Garibotto Valentina , Rodriguez Cristelle , Haller Sven , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon
Published: September 2020

Background: The cognitive trajectories in normal aging may be affected by medial temporal atrophy (MTA) and amyloid burden, as well as vascular pathologies such as cortical microbleeds (CMB) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Objective: We addressed here the role of imaging markers in their prediction in a real-world situation. Methods: We performed a 4.5-year longitudinal study in 90 older community-dwellers coupling two neuropsychological assessments, MTA estimated with the Schelten’s scale, number of CMB, and WMH evaluated with the Fazekas score at inclusion and follow-up, visual rating of amyloid PET and glucose hypometabolism at follow-up, and APOE genotyping. Regression models were built to explore the association between the continuous cognitive score (CCS) and imaging parameters. Results: The number of strictly lobar CMB at baseline (4 or more) was related to a 5.5-fold increase of the risk of cognitive decrement. This association persisted in multivariable models explaining 10.6% of the CCS decrease variance. MTA, and Fazekas score at baseline and amyloid positivity or abnormal FDG PET, were not related to the cognitive outcome. The increase of right MTA at follow-up was the only correlate of CCS decrease both in univariate and multivariable models explaining 9.2% of its variance. Conclusion: The present data show that the accumulation of more than four CMB is associated with significant cognitive decrement over time in highly educated elderly persons. They also reveal that the progressive deterioration of cognitive performance within the age-adjusted norms is also related to the increase of visually assessed MTA.
Axonal Conduction Velocity in CA1 Area of Hippocampus is Reduced in Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gelman Simon , Palma Jonathan , Ghavami Afshin
Published: September 2020

The timing of action potentials arrival at synaptic terminals partially determines integration of synaptic inputs and is important for information processing in the CNS. Therefore, axonal conduction velocity (VC) is a salient parameter, influencing the timing of synaptic inputs. Even small changes in VC may disrupt information coding in networks requiring accurate timing. We recorded compound action potentials in hippocampal slices to measure VC in three mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. We report an age-dependent reduction in VC in area CA1 in two amyloid-β precursor protein transgenic mouse models, line 41 and APP/PS1, and in a tauopathy model, rTg4510.
Future Directions for Dementia Risk Reduction and Prevention Research: An International Research Network on Dementia Prevention Consensus
Authors: Anstey Kaarin J. , Peters Ruth , Zheng Lidan , Barnes Deborah E. , Brayne Carol , Brodaty Henry , Chalmers John , Clare Linda , Dixon Roger A. , Dodge Hiroko , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Middleton Laura E. , Qiu Chengxuan , Rees Glenn , Shahar Suzana , Yaffe Kristine
Published: September 2020

In the past decade a large body of evidence has accumulated on risk factors for dementia, primarily from Europe and North America. Drawing on recent integrative reviews and a consensus workshop, the International Research Network on Dementia Prevention developed a consensus statement on priorities for future research. Significant gaps in geographical location, representativeness, diversity, duration, mechanisms, and research on combinations of risk factors were identified. Future research to inform dementia risk reduction should fill gaps in the evidence base, take a life-course, multi-domain approach, and inform population health approaches that improve the brain-health of whole communities.
Corneal Nerve and Brain Imaging in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Al-Janahi Eiman , Ponirakis Georgios , Al Hamad Hanadi , Vattoth Surjith , Elsotouhy Ahmed , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Khan Adnan , Gad Hoda , Chandran Mani , Sankaranarayanan Anoop , Ramadan Marwan , Elorrabi Marwa , Gadelseed Masharig , Tosino Rhia , Gawhale Priya V. , Arasn Anjum , Alobaidi Maryam , Khan Shafi , Manikoth Pravija , Hamdi Yasmin , Osman Susan , Nadukkandiyil Navas , AlSulaiti Essa , Thodi Noushad , Almuhannadi Hamad , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Own Ahmed , Shuaib Ashfaq , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: September 2020

Background: Visual rating of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) is an accepted structural neuroimaging marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a non-invasive ophthalmic technique that detects neuronal loss in peripheral and central neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of CCM for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia compared to medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) rating on MRI. Methods: Subjects aged 60–85 with no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI, and dementia based on the ICD-10 criteria were recruited. Subjects underwent cognitive screening, CCM, and MTA rating on MRI. Results: 182 subjects with NCI (n = 36), MCI (n = 80), and dementia (n = 66), including AD (n = 19, 28.8%), VaD (n = 13, 19.7%), and mixed AD (n = 34, 51.5%) were studied. CCM showed a progressive reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD, fibers/mm2) (32.0±7.5 versus 24.5±9.6 and 20.8±9.3, p < 0.0001), branch density (CNBD, branches/mm2) (90.9±46.5 versus 59.3±35.7 and 53.9±38.7, p < 0.0001), and fiber length (CNFL, mm/mm2) (22.9±6.1 versus 17.2±6.5 and 15.8±7.4, p < 0.0001) in subjects with MCI and dementia compared to NCI. The area under the ROC curve (95% CI) for the diagnostic accuracy of CNFD, CNBD, CNFL compared to MTA-right and MTA-left for MCI was 78% (67–90%), 82% (72–92%), 86% (77–95%) versus 53% (36–69%) and 40% (25–55%), respectively, and for dementia it was 85% (76–94%), 84% (75–93%), 85% (76–94%) versus 86% (76–96%) and 82% (72–92%), respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of CCM, a non-invasive ophthalmic biomarker of neurodegeneration, was high and comparable with MTA rating for dementia but was superior to MTA rating for MCI.
Systemic Exposure to Lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Bone Loss-Correlated Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Pathologies in Middle-Aged Mice
Authors: Gu Yebo , Wu Zhou , Zeng Fan , Jiang Muzhou , Teeling Jessica L. , Ni Junjun , Takahashi Ichiro
Published: September 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and bone loss are clinically exacerbated. However, the mechanism of exacerbation remains understood. Objective: We tested our hypothesis that periodontitis is involved in the exacerbation, contributing to AD pathologies. Methods: The bone, memory, and inflammation in bone and brain were examined in 12-month-old mice after systemic exposure to lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P gLPS) for 3 consecutive weeks. Results: Compared with control mice, bone loss in tibia (26% decrease) and memory decline (47% decrease) were induced in mice with a positive correlation after exposure to P gLPS (r = 0.7378, p = 0.0011). The IL-6 and IL-17 expression in tibia was negatively correlated with the bone volume/total tissue volume (r = –0.6619, p = 0.0052; r = –0.7129, p = 0.0019), while that in the cortex was negatively correlated with the memory test latency (r = –0.7198, p = 0.0017; p = 0.0351, r = –0.5291). Furthermore, the IL-17 expression in microglia was positively correlated with Aβ42 accumulation in neurons (r = 0.8635, p < 0.0001). In cultured MG6 microglia, the P gLPS-increased IL-6 expression was inhibited by a PI3K-specific inhibitor (68% decrease), and that of IL-17 was inhibited by IL-6 antibody (41% decrease). In cultured N2a neurons, conditioned medium from P gLPS-stimulated microglia (MCM) but not P gLPS increased the productions of AβPP, CatB, and Aβ42, which were significantly inhibited by pre-treatment with IL-17 antibody (67%, 51%, and 41% decrease). Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that chronic systemic exposure to P gLPS simultaneously induces inflammation-dependent bone loss and AD-like pathologies by elevating IL-6 and IL-17 from middle age, suggesting that periodontal bacteria induce exacerbation of bone loss and memory decline, resulting in AD progression.
The Role of Amyloid-β in White Matter Damage: Possible Common Pathogenetic Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative and Demyelinating Diseases
Authors: Pietroboni Anna M. , Colombi Annalisa , Carandini Tiziana , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela , Bozzali Marco
Published: September 2020

Just as multiple sclerosis (MS) has long been primarily considered a white matter (WM) disease, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has for decades been regarded only as a grey matter disorder. However, convergent evidences have suggested that WM abnormalities are also important components of AD, at the same extent as axonal and neuronal loss is critically involved in MS pathophysiology since early clinical stages. These observations have motivated a more thorough investigation about the possible mechanisms that could link neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, focusing on amyloid-β (Aβ). Neuroimaging studies have found that patients with AD have widespread WM abnormalities already at the earliest disease stages and prior to the presence of Aβ plaques. Moreover, a correlation between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ levels and WM lesion load was found. On the other hand, recent studies suggest a predictive role for CSF Aβ levels in MS, possibly due in the first instance to the reduced capacity for remyelination, consequently to a higher risk of WM damage progression, and ultimately to neuronal loss. We undertook a review of the recent findings concerning the involvement of CSF Aβ levels in the MS disease course and of the latest evidence of AD related WM abnormalities, with the aim to discuss the potential causes that may connect WM damage and amyloid pathology.
Development of in-wheel magnetic-geared motor for walking support machines
Authors: Ito Koki , Kadomatsu Takahisa , Obana Kohei , Nakamura Kenji
Published: September 2020

This paper deals with development of in-wheel magnetic-geared motor for walking support machines. In a previous paper, a magnetic-geared motor for a walking support machine was prototyped. However, its efficiency was low, therefore improving the efficiency is necessary for practical use. This paper presents the improving efficiency of the magnetic-geared motor from the viewpoint of torque increasing and loss reducing by using a three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM). In addition, supporting method of pole-pieces and eddy current loss in housing were discussed. Furthermore, the proposed motor is prototyped. The experimental results show that its efficiency is 15% higher than the previous motor. Finally, the walking support machine installed with two magnetic-geared motors is prototyped and demonstrated.
Reduction of structural vibrations with the piezoelectric stacks ring
Authors: He Jincheng , Tan Xing , Tao Wang , Wu Xinhai , He Huan , Chen Guoping
Published: September 2020

It is known that piezoelectric material shunted with external circuits can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, which is so called piezoelectric shunt damping technology. In this paper, a piezoelectric stacks ring (PSR) is designed for vibration control of beams and rotor systems. A relative simple electromechanical model of an Euler Bernoulli beam supported by two piezoelectric stacks shunted with resonant RL circuits is established. The equation of motion of such simplified system has been derived using Hamilton’s principle. A more realistic FEA model is developed. The numerical analysis is carried out using COMSOL® and the simulation results show a significant reduction of vibration amplitude at the specific natural frequencies. Using finite element method, the influence of circuit parameters on lateral vibration control is discussed. A preliminary experiment of a prototype PSR verifies the PSR’s vibration reduction effect.
Loss reduction of outer-rotor type high-speed interior permanent magnet motors
Authors: Sakurai Sho , Nakamura Kenji
Published: September 2020

Many communication servers are being installed in order to develop information technology (IT). The servers require not only high-performance processer but also its cooling system. Among the cooling systems, a cooling fan is the most suitable due to good balance between performance and cost. In order to further improve the fan’s performance, both torque and speed of cooling fan motors are increased. However, iron loss and eddy current loss are also increased along with larger torque and higher speed, which worsens the efficiency. This paper investigates the optimum rotor structure for the fan motor in order to obtain sinusoidal flux distribution in air gap, which can reduce the iron and eddy current losses.
Design and analysis of a double consequent pole changing vernier machine
Authors: Lee Sung-hyun , Baloch Noman , Kwon Byung-il
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes a double consequent pole changing vernier machine (DCPCVM) which adopts double consequent pole and flux modulation configuration. The proposed machine combines a vernier machine and a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) in a single topology. Therefore, the advantages of both machines can be realized in a single topology. The proposed machine provides high torque at low speed while operating in vernier mode whereas it operates in PMSM mode at high speed to avoid the disadvantages of vernier machines at high speeds such as high core losses. Parametric analysis of the proposed machine is performed to show the effect of the main variables on the electromagnetic characteristics of the machine. A finite element method (FEM) analysis is conducted, and meaningful conclusions are drawn.
A compact guided-wave EMAT with pulsed electromagnet for ferromagnetic tube inspection
Authors: Liu Tianhao , Jin Yu , Pei Cuixiang , Han Jie , Chen Zhenmao
Published: September 2020

Small-diameter tubes that are widely used in petroleum industries and power plants experience corrosion during long-term services. In this paper, a compact inserted guided-wave EMAT with a pulsed electromagnet is proposed for small-diameter tube inspection. The proposed transducer is noncontact, compact with high signal-to-noise ratio and unattractive to ferromagnetic tubes. The proposed EMAT is designed with coils-only configuration, which consists of a pulsed electromagnet and a meander pulser/receiver coil. Both the numerical simulation and experimental results validate its feasibility on generating and receiving L(0,2) mode guided wave. The parameters for driving the proposed EMAT are optimized by performance testing. Finally, feasibility on quantification evaluation for corrosion defects was verified by experiments.
A study on shape of electromagnetic guideway for continuous steel plates by analysis of multi-body dynamics
Authors: Narawa Yasuhiro , Ishihara Sora , Yamaguchi Ryo , Bessho Takahiko , Liu Xiaojun , Kato Taro , Ikeda Keigo , Endo Ayato , Narita Takayoshi , Kato Hideaki
Published: September 2020

To obtain the static shape of the continuous steel plate and vibration characteristic, we performed the analysis of the multi-body dynamics in which the continuous steel plate was discretized in many solid bodies. The shape of the steel plate obtained by the measurement experiment was agreement with the static shape of the steel plate obtained by the analysis. Then, dynamical analysis was performed when white noise input to the steel plate. It was confirmed that the vibration could be suppressed when the electromagnets were installed in consideration of the static shape of the steel plate.