bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Perceived Effectiveness of COVID-19 Risk Assessment Mobile Application “MorChana” in Thailand: UTAUT2 Approach
Authors: Yuduang Nattakit , Ong Ardvin Kester S. , Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Chuenyindee Thanatorn , Kusonwattana Poonyawat , Limpasart Waranya , Sittiwatethanasiri Thaninrat , Gumasing Ma. Janice J. , German Josephine D. , Nadlifatin Reny
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 contact-tracing mobile applications have been some of the most important tools during the COVID-19 pandemic. One preventive measure that has been incorporated to help reduce the virus spread is the strict implementation of utilizing a COVID-19 tracing application, such as the MorChana mobile application of Thailand. This study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the actual usage of the MorChana mobile application. Through the integration of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), latent variables such as performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), hedonic motivation (HM), habit (HB), perceived risk (PCR), self-efficacy (SEF), privacy (PR), trust (TR), and understanding COVID-19 (U) were considered to measure the intention to use MorChana (IU) and the actual usage (AU) of the mobile application. This study considered 907 anonymous participants who voluntarily answered an online self-administered survey collected via convenience sampling. The results show that IU presented the highest significant effect on AU, followed by HB, HM, PR, FC, U, SEF, PE, EE, TR, and SI. This is evident due to the strict implementation of using mobile applications upon entering any area of the vicinity. Moreover, PCR was not seen to be a significant latent factor affecting AU. This study is the first to have evaluated mobile contact tracing in Thailand. The integrated framework can be applied and extended to determine factors affecting COVID-19 tracing applications in other countries. Moreover, the findings of this study could be applied to other health-related mobile applications worldwide.
Can Homecare Chronic Respiratory Disease Patients with Home Oxygen Treatment (HOT) in Southern Okinawa, Japan Be Evacuated Ahead of the Next Anticipated Tsunami?
Authors: Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Takeuchi Rie , Sato Yoko , Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Jun , Umemura Takehiro
Published: May 2022

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or 9 is predicted to occur near the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, for which the Okinawa Prefecture is preparing countermeasures. Evacuating people to a safe shelter within the tsunami arrival time is a crucial countermeasure. This study aims to understand the vulnerabilities of patients with chronic respiratory diseases in southern parts of Okinawa during a tsunami evacuation, thereby calculating evacuation distance of vulnerable patients and creating individual evacuation plans. Data for chronic respiratory patients obtained in July 2021 from the hospitals in Okinawa Prefecture include age, gender, diagnosis, residence, nearest tsunami shelter, oxygen flow at rest and walking, and maximum walking distance for 6 min based on a 6-min walk test. A quantum geographic information system was used for mapping the data. The survival potential of patients with chronic respiratory disease was evaluated by using a tsunami inundation depth of one meter and the distance within which an evacuation can be performed until the first tsunami wave reaches the nearest evacuation shelter. Results revealed a low survival potential for respiratory disease patients under the current tsunami evacuation plan. The study suggests creating an individual evacuation plan for vulnerable patients involving families and medical staff and then conducting a drill for improving the plan.
Legislation on Disability and Employment: To What Extent Are Employment Rights Guaranteed for Persons with Disabilities?
Authors: Pinilla-Roncancio Mónica , Rodríguez Caicedo Nicolas
Published: May 2022

Although the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities guarantees the right to employment and most countries in Latin America have signed and ratified the Convention, a large proportion of the population with disabilities still does not participate in the labour market. (1) Objective: The objective of this research was to understand how legislation in seven Latin American countries (Bolivia, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru) has defined and enabled the inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market. (2) Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of the content of 34 documents and generated two thematic networks that summarise the results of the thematic analysis and represent the general relationships between the categories of analysis in each country. Using this information, we analysed the differences between countries and the advance in their legislation to fulfil the recommendations made by the Convention. (3) Results: Although all countries have enacted legislation promoting the employment rights of persons with disabilities, six of the seven countries (except Chile) have applied a medical perspective to the definition of disability in their labour legislation, thus imposing a barrier to the labour-market inclusion of this population and perpetuating the association of disability with lack of capacity to work.
Identification of Potential Harmful Transformation Products of Selected Micropollutants in Outdoor and Indoor Swimming Pool Water
Authors: Kudlek Edyta , Lempart-Rapacewicz Anna , Dudziak Mariusz
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the estimation of micropollutant decomposition effectiveness and the identification of transformation intermediates formed during selected processes used in the treatment of swimming pool water. Tests were carried out under both indoor and outdoor conditions to simulate the removal of contaminants in different types of pool water basins. Model swimming pool water spiked with caffeine, carbamazepine, bisphenol A and oxadiazon were subjected to chlorination, ozonation, UV radiation, and artificial and sun lightening, carried out as single or combined processes. It was noted that organic micropollutants decompose faster during exposure to natural sunlight than artificial lighting. Caffeine and carbamazepine belong to compounds that are resistant to single ozone or light decomposition. Bisphenol A was completely removed by the action of the chlorination agent NaOCl. The highest compound removal degrees were noted for the integrated action of natural sunlight, NaOCl and O3. This process allows also for the decomposition of all caffeine and oxadiazon decomposition by-products that potentially are toxic to swimming pool users.
Distress and Wellbeing among General Practitioners in 33 Countries during COVID-19: Results from the Cross-Sectional PRICOV-19 Study to Inform Health System Interventions
Authors: Collins Claire , Clays Els , Van Poel Esther , Cholewa Joanna , Tripkovic Katica , Nessler Katarzyna , de Rouffignac Ségolène , Šantrić Milićević Milena , Bukumiric Zoran , Adler Limor , Ponsar Cécile , Murauskiene Liubove , Ožvačić Adžić Zlata , Windak Adam , Asenova Radost , Willems Sara
Published: May 2022

Emerging literature is highlighting the huge toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline health workers. However, prior to the crisis, the wellbeing of this group was already of concern. The aim of this paper is to describe the frequency of distress and wellbeing, measured by the expanded 9-item Mayo Clinic Wellbeing Index (eWBI), among general practitioners/family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify levers to mitigate the risk of distress. Data were collected by means of an online self-reported questionnaire among GP practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software using Version 7 of the database, which consisted of the cleaned data of 33 countries available as of 3 November 2021. Data from 3711 respondents were included. eWBI scores ranged from −2 to 9, with a median of 3. Using a cutoff of ≥2, 64.5% of respondents were considered at risk of distress. GPs with less experience, in smaller practices, and with more vulnerable patient populations were at a higher risk of distress. Significant differences in wellbeing scores were noted between countries. Collaboration from other practices and perception of having adequate governmental support were significant protective factors for distress. It is necessary to address practice- and system-level organizational factors in order to enhance wellbeing and support primary care physicians.
Coping Strategies Preferred by Patients Treated for Osteoporosis and Analysis of the Difficulties Resulting from the Disease
Authors: Barańska Agnieszka , Religioni Urszula , Kłak Anna , Merks Piotr , Bogdan Magdalena , Firlej Ewelina , Sokołowska Anna , Kowalska Wioleta , Drop Bartłomiej
Published: May 2022

Osteoporosis has been recognized as a civilization disease. This chronic condition needs a long-term management plan with a holistic approach to patients. The specificity of the patient’s response to the disease and coping strategies are very important in the treatment process. The aim of this research was to analyze the strategies of coping with disease preferred by patients treated for osteoporosis, and to determine the relationship between the self-assessment of patients’ health, time of treatment, sociodemographic variables, and strategies of coping with a chronic disease such as osteoporosis. The study was conducted from August 2016 to July 2018 at an osteoporosis clinic in eastern Poland. Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE) by C.S. Carver, M. F. Scheier, and J. K. Weintraub in the Polish adaptation and our own questionnaire were used. The study participants were 312 patients treated for osteoporosis. The respondents treated in the osteoporosis clinic used the strategies of seeking support and focusing on emotions to the greatest extent, and avoidance strategies the least. Sociodemographic features and self-assessment of health condition significantly differentiate the strategies of coping with the disease. The analysis showed that the higher the assessment of the individual perception of one’s own health, the more often the respondents used active coping strategies.
Enhancing Human Biomonitoring Studies through Linkage to Administrative Registers–Status in Europe
Authors: Meltzer Helle Margrete , Jensen Tina Kold , Májek Ondřej , Moshammer Hanns , Wennberg Maria , Åkesson Agneta , Tolonen Hanna
Published: May 2022

Record linkage of human biomonitoring (HBM) survey data with administrative register data can be used to enhance available datasets and complement the possible shortcomings of both data sources. Through record linkage, valuable information on medical history (diagnosed diseases, medication use, etc.) and follow-up information on health and vital status for established cohorts can be obtained. In this study, we investigated the availability of health registers in different EU Member States and EEA countries and assessed whether they could be linked to HBM studies. We found that the availability of administrative health registers varied substantially between European countries as well as the availability of unique personal identifiers that would facilitate record linkage. General protocols for record linkage were similar in all countries with ethical and data protections approval, informed consent, approval by administrative register owner, and linkage conducted by the register owner. Record linkage enabled cross-sectional survey data to be used as cohort study data with available follow-up and health endpoints. This can be used for extensive exposure-health effect association analysis. Our study showed that this is possible for many, but not all European countries.
Smoking Behavior among Adolescents: The Lebanese Experience with Cigarette Smoking and Waterpipe Use
Authors: Akel Marwan , Sakr Fouad , Fahs Iqbal , Dimassi Ahmad , Dabbous Mariam , Ehlinger Virginie , Salameh Pascale , Godeau Emmanuelle
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The study aims to assess cigarette smoking and waterpipe experimentation among Lebanese adolescent school students with respect to their gender, region, age, and socioeconomic status. (2) Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, where students between 11 to 18 years of age were included from all over Lebanon. (3) Results: A total of 1133 students were interviewed. The total proportion of adolescents who ever experimented with cigarette smoking was 24.5%. Males experimented with cigarette smoking more commonly than females (31.9% vs. 19.1%; p < 0.001). Cigarette smoking experimentation was higher among students from the Beirut area (33.6%; p < 0.001) in comparison to other regions, and among those with poor health perception (29.1% vs. 19.8%; p < 0.001) compared to students with excellent health perception. The total proportion of adolescents who ever used a waterpipe was 33.9%. Waterpipes were significantly more experimented with among males than females (40.3% vs. 29.8%; p < 0.001), and among students with bad perception about their health (39.4% vs. 28.9%; p < 0.001). Adolescents who experimented with both cigarettes and waterpipes constitute 22.2% of the studied sample. (4) Conclusions: The rate of tobacco product use is alarming and constitutes a major public health issue for adolescents that urgently needs intervention. The findings raise important policy implications for the development of cigarette smoking prevention programs for youth.
Titanium Dioxide: Structure, Impact, and Toxicity
Authors: Racovita Anca Diana
Published: May 2022

Titanium dioxide, first manufactured a century ago, is significant in industry due to its chemical inertness, low cost, and availability. The white mineral has a wide range of applications in photocatalysis, in the pharmaceutical industry, and in food processing sectors. Its practical uses stem from its dual feature to act as both a semiconductor and light scatterer. Optical performance is therefore of relevance in understanding how titanium dioxide impacts these industries. Recent breakthroughs are summarised herein, focusing on whether restructuring the surface properties of titanium dioxide either enhances or inhibits its reactivity, depending on the required application. Its recent exposure as a potential carcinogen to humans has been linked to controversies around titanium dioxide’s toxicity; this is discussed by illustrating discrepancies between experimental protocols of toxicity assays and their results. In all, it is important to review the latest achievements in fast-growing industries where titanium dioxide prevails, while keeping in mind insights into its disputed toxicity.
Recurrent Germline Variant in RAD21 Predisposes Children to Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoma
Authors: Schedel Anne , Friedrich Ulrike Anne , Morcos Mina N. F. , Wagener Rabea , Mehtonen Juha , Watrin Titus , Saitta Claudia , Brozou Triantafyllia , Michler Pia , Walter Carolin , Försti Asta , Baksi Arka , Menzel Maria , Horak Peter , Paramasivam Nagarajan , Fazio Grazia , Autry Robert J , Fröhling Stefan , Suttorp Meinolf , Gertzen Christoph , Gohlke Holger , Bhatia Sanil , Wadt Karin , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Dugas Martin , Richter Daniela , Glimm Hanno , Heinäniemi Merja , Jessberger Rolf , Cazzaniga Gianni , Borkhardt Arndt , Hauer Julia , Auer Franziska
Published: May 2022

Somatic loss of function mutations in cohesin genes are frequently associated with various cancer types, while cohesin disruption in the germline causes cohesinopathies such as Cornelia-de-Lange syndrome (CdLS). Here, we present the discovery of a recurrent heterozygous RAD21 germline aberration at amino acid position 298 (p.P298S/A) identified in three children with lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma in a total dataset of 482 pediatric cancer patients. While RAD21 p.P298S/A did not disrupt the formation of the cohesin complex, it altered RAD21 gene expression, DNA damage response and primary patient fibroblasts showed increased G2/M arrest after irradiation and Mitomycin-C treatment. Subsequent single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of healthy human bone marrow confirmed the upregulation of distinct cohesin gene patterns during hematopoiesis, highlighting the importance of RAD21 expression within proliferating B- and T-cells. Our clinical and functional data therefore suggest that RAD21 germline variants can predispose to childhood lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma without displaying a CdLS phenotype.
The Potential Benefits of Dietary Polyphenols for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Muratori Luisa , Fregnan Federica , Maurina Monica , Haastert-Talini Kirsten , Ronchi Giulia
Published: May 2022

Peripheral nerves are frequently affected by lesions caused by trauma (work accidents, car incidents, combat injuries) and following surgical procedures (for instance cancer resection), resulting in loss of motor and sensory function with lifelong impairments. Irrespective of the intrinsic capability of the peripheral nervous system for regeneration, spontaneous or surgically supported regeneration is often unsatisfactory with the limited functional success of nerve repair. For this reason, many efforts have been made to improve the regeneration process. Beyond innovative microsurgical methods that, in certain cases, are necessary to repair nerve injuries, different nonsurgical treatment approaches and adjunctive therapies have been investigated to enhance nerve regeneration. One possibility could be taking advantage of a healthy diet or lifestyle and their relation with proper body functions. Over the years, scientific evidence has been obtained on the benefits of the intake of polyphenols or polyphenol-rich foods in humans, highlighting the neuroprotective effects of these compounds in many neurodegenerative diseases. In order to improve the available knowledge about the potential beneficial role of polyphenols in the process of peripheral nerve regeneration, this review assessed the biological effects of polyphenol administration in supporting and promoting the regenerative process after peripheral nerve injury.
Long Non-Coding RNA GDAR Regulates Ovine Granulosa Cells Apoptosis by Affecting the Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes
Authors: Wang Yong , Guo Yunxia , Duan Chunhui , Yang Ruochen , Zhang Lechao , Liu Yueqin , Zhang Yingjie
Published: May 2022

Short-term dietary supplementation of ewes during the luteal phase can increase fertility, most probably by stimulating glucose uptake by the follicles. However, the molecular mechanism of glucose regulation of follicular development has not yet been clarified, especially the further study of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in determining fertility during follicular development. We generated granulosa cell (GC) models of different doses of glucose (0, 2.1, 4.2, 8.4, 16.8 and 33.6 mM), and observed that the highest cell viability was recorded in the 8.4 mM group and the highest apoptosis rates were recorded in the 33.6 mM group. Therefore, a control group (n = 3, 0 mM glucose), a low glucose group (n = 3, add 8.4 mM glucose), and a high glucose group (n = 3, add 33.6 mM glucose) of GCs were created for next whole genomic RNA sequencing. In total, 18,172 novel lncRNAs and 510 annotated lncRNAs were identified in the GCs samples. Gene Ontology indicated that differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with cell apoptosis were highly enriched. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of lncRNA target genes found that the apoptosis pathway and the p53 signaling pathway were both enriched. Furthermore, we focused on the function of a lncGDAR and verified that lncGDAR could influence cell apoptosis in GC development through affecting the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related markers. These results provide the basis for further study of the lncRNA regulation mechanism in nutrition on female fertility.
APEX2-Mediated Proximity Labeling Resolves the DDIT4-Interacting Proteome
Authors: Naki Marianna , Gourdomichali Olga , Zonke Katerina , Kattan Fedon-Giasin , Makridakis Manousos , Kontostathi Georgia , Vlahou Antonia , Doxakis Epaminondas
Published: May 2022

DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) is a ubiquitous protein whose expression is transiently increased in response to various stressors. Chronic expression has been linked to various pathologies, including neurodegeneration, inflammation, and cancer. DDIT4 is best recognized for repressing mTORC1, an essential protein complex activated by nutrients and hormones. Accordingly, DDIT4 regulates metabolism, oxidative stress, hypoxic survival, and apoptosis. Despite these well-defined biological functions, little is known about its interacting partners and their unique molecular functions. Here, fusing an enhanced ascorbate peroxidase 2 (APEX2) biotin-labeling enzyme to DDIT4 combined with mass spectrometry, the proteins in the immediate vicinity of DDIT4 in either unstressed or acute stress conditions were identified in situ. The context-dependent interacting proteomes were quantitatively but not functionally distinct. DDIT4 had twice the number of interaction partners during acute stress compared to unstressed conditions, and while the two protein lists had minimal overlap in terms of identity, the proteins’ molecular function and classification were essentially identical. Moonlighting keratins and ribosomal proteins dominated the proteomes in both unstressed and stressed conditions, with many of their members having established non-canonical and indispensable roles during stress. Multiple keratins regulate mTORC1 signaling via the recruitment of 14-3-3 proteins, whereas ribosomal proteins control translation, cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and death by sequestering critical proteins. In summary, two potentially distinct mechanisms of DDIT4 molecular function have been identified, paving the way for additional research to confirm and consolidate these findings.
Statins Inhibit the Gliosis of MIO-M1, a Müller Glial Cell Line Induced by TRPV4 Activation
Authors: Jo Youn Hye , Choi Go Woon , Kim Mi-Lyang , Sung Kyung Rim
Published: May 2022

We characterized Müller cell gliosis induced by the activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-type 4 (TRPV4) and assessed whether statins could modulate the gliosis. The human Müller cell line, MIO-M1, was used to analyze the gliosis caused by glaucomatous stimulation. To induce Müller gliosis in MIO-M1 cells, GSK101 was used to activate TRPV4, and Müller gliosis was evaluated by analyzing vimentin, nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. The expression level of TNF-α was determined by ELISA. To evaluate the GSK101 activation of the NF-κB pathway, p65 phosphorylation was measured by Western blotting, and the nuclear translocation of p65 and IκBα phosphorylation were assessed by immunostaining. To assess the effect of statins on MIO-M1 gliosis, cells were pretreated for 24 h with statins before GSK101 treatment. Vimentin, nestin, and GFAP expression were upregulated by GSK101, while statins effectively inhibited them. The expression of TNF-α was increased by GSK101. The phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 and IκBα phosphorylation, which occurs prior to p65 activation, were induced. Statins suppressed the GSK101-mediated phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 translocation. Statins can mitigate gliosis in the human Müller cell line. Because TRPV4 activation in Müller cells reflects glaucoma pathophysiology, statins may have the potential to prevent RGC death.
Kisspeptin-10 Rescues Cholinergic Differentiated SHSY-5Y Cells from α-Synuclein-Induced Toxicity In Vitro
Authors: Simon Christopher , Soga Tomoko , Ahemad Nafees , Bhuvanendran Saatheeyavaane , Parhar Ishwar
Published: May 2022

The neuropathological substrate of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is defined by the inextricable cross-seeding accretion of amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-synuclein (α-syn)-laden deposits in cholinergic neurons. The recent revelation that neuropeptide kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) is able to mitigate Aβ toxicity via an extracellular binding mechanism may provide a new horizon for innovative drug design endeavors. Considering the sequence similarities between α-syn’s non-amyloid-β component (NAC) and Aβ’s C-terminus, we hypothesized that KP-10 would enhance cholinergic neuronal resistance against α-syn’s deleterious consequences through preferential binding. Here, human cholinergic SH-SY5Y cells were transiently transformed to upsurge the mRNA expression of α-syn while α-syn-mediated cholinergic toxicity was quantified utilizing a standardized viability-based assay. Remarkably, the E46K mutant α-syn displayed elevated α-syn mRNA levels, which subsequently induced more cellular toxicity compared with the wild-type α-syn in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive cholinergic neurons. Treatment with a high concentration of KP-10 (10 µM) further decreased cholinergic cell viability, while low concentrations of KP-10 (0.01–1 µM) substantially suppressed wild-type and E46K mutant α-syn-mediated toxicity. Correlating with the in vitro observations are approximations from in silico algorithms, which inferred that KP-10 binds favorably to the C-terminal residues of wild-type and E46K mutant α-syn with CDOCKER energy scores of −118.049 kcal/mol and −114.869 kcal/mol, respectively. Over the course of 50 ns simulation time, explicit-solvent molecular dynamics conjointly revealed that the docked complexes were relatively stable despite small-scale fluctuations upon assembly. Taken together, our findings insinuate that KP-10 may serve as a novel therapeutic scaffold with far-reaching implications for the conceptualization of α-syn-based treatments.
Rev-erbα Knockout Reduces Ethanol Consumption and Preference in Male and Female Mice
Authors: Al-Sabagh Yasmine , Thorpe Hayley , Jenkins Bryan , Hamidullah Shahnaza , Talhat Malik , Suggett Cara , Reitz Cristine , Rasouli Mina , Martino Tami , Khokhar Jibran
Published: May 2022

Alcohol use is a contributor in the premature deaths of approximately 3 million people annually. Among the risk factors for alcohol misuse is circadian rhythm disruption; however, this connection remains poorly understood. Inhibition of the circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα is known to disrupt molecular feedback loops integral to daily oscillations, and impact diurnal fluctuations in the expression of proteins required for reward-related neurotransmission. However, the role of REV-ERBα in alcohol and substance use-related phenotypes is unknown. Herein, we used a Rev-erbα knockout mouse line and ethanol two-bottle choice preference testing to show that disruption of Rev-erbα reduces ethanol preference in male and female mice. Rev-erbα null mice showed the lowest ethanol preference in a two-bottle choice test across all genotypes, whereas there were no ethanol preference differences between heterozygotes and wildtypes. In a separate experiment, alcohol-consuming wildtype C57Bl/6N mice were administered the REV-ERBα/β inhibitor SR8278 (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) for 7 days and alcohol preference was evaluated daily. No differences in alcohol preference were observed between the treatment and vehicle groups. Our data provides evidence that genetic variation in REV-ERBα may contribute to differences in alcohol drinking.
Overlap between Central and Peripheral Transcriptomes in Parkinson’s Disease but Not Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hooshmand Kosar , Halliday Glenda M. , Pineda Sandy S. , Sutherland Greg T. , Guennewig Boris
Published: May 2022

Most neurodegenerative disorders take decades to develop, and their early detection is challenged by confounding non-pathological ageing processes. Therefore, the discovery of genes and molecular pathways in both peripheral and brain tissues that are highly predictive of disease evolution is necessary. To find genes that influence Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis, human RNA-Seq transcriptomic data from Brodmann Area 9 (BA9) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), whole blood (WB), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analysed using a combination of differential gene expression and a random forest-based machine learning algorithm. The results suggest that there is little overlap between PD and AD, and the AD brain signature is unique mainly compared to blood-based samples. Moreover, the AD-BA9 was characterised by changes in ‘nervous system development’ with Myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (Mef2C), encoding a transcription factor that induces microglia activation, a prominent feature. The peripheral AD transcriptome was associated with alterations in ‘viral process’, and FYN, which has been previously shown to link amyloid-beta and tau, was the prominent feature. However, in the absence of any overlap with the central transcriptome, it is unclear whether peripheral FYN levels reflect AD severity or progression. In PD, central and peripheral signatures are characterised by anomalies in ‘exocytosis’ and specific genes related to the SNARE complex, including Vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), Syntaxin 1A (STX1A), and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1). This is consistent with our current understanding of the physiological role of alpha-synuclein and how alpha-synuclein oligomers compromise vesicle docking and neurotransmission. Overall, the results describe distinct disease-specific pathomechanisms, both within the brain and peripherally, for the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.
Genetic Deficiency of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase Aggravates Vascular but Not Liver Disease in a Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Atherosclerosis Comorbidity Model
Authors: Arora Aastha , Tripodi Gustavo Luis , Kareinen Ilona , Berg Martin , Forteza Maria Josefa , Gisterå Anton , Griepke Silke , Casagrande Felipe Beccaria , Martins Joilson O. , Abdalla Dulcineia Saes Parra , Cole Jennifer , Monaco Claudia , Ketelhuth Daniel F. J.
Published: May 2022

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease that increases cardiovascular disease risk. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1)-mediated tryptophan (Trp) metabolism has been proposed to play an immunomodulatory role in several diseases. The potential of IDO1 to be a link between NASH and cardiovascular disease has never been investigated. Using Apoe−/−and Apoe−/−Ido1−/− mice that were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFCD) to simultaneously induce NASH and atherosclerosis, we found that Ido1 deficiency significantly accelerated atherosclerosis after 7 weeks. Surprisingly, Apoe−/−Ido1−/− mice did not present a more aggressive NASH phenotype, including hepatic lipid deposition, release of liver enzymes, and histopathological parameters. As expected, a lower L-kynurenine/Trp (Kyn/Trp) ratio was found in the plasma and arteries of Apoe−/−Ido1−/− mice compared to controls. However, no difference in the hepatic Kyn/Trp ratio was found between the groups. Hepatic transcript analyses revealed that HFCD induced a temporal increase in tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (Tdo2) mRNA, indicating an alternative manner to maintain Trp degradation during NASH development in both Apoe−/− and Apoe−/−Ido1−/mice−. Using HepG2 hepatoma cell and THP1 macrophage cultures, we found that iron, TDO2, and Trp degradation may act as important mediators of cross-communication between hepatocytes and macrophages regulating liver inflammation. In conclusion, we show that Ido1 deficiency aggravates atherosclerosis, but not liver disease, in a newly established NASH and atherosclerosis comorbidity model. Our data indicate that the overexpression of TDO2 is an important mechanism that helps in balancing the kynurenine pathway and inflammation in the liver, but not in the artery wall, which likely determined disease outcome in these two target tissues.
Vitamin C and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake Is Associated with Human Periodontitis—A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Mewes Louisa , Knappe Carina , Graetz Christian , Wagner Juliane , Demetrowitsch Tobias J. , Jensen-Kroll Julia , Mohamed Fawzy El-Sayed Karim , Schwarz Karin , Dörfer Christof E. , Schreiber Stefan , Laudes Matthias , Schulte Dominik M.
Published: May 2022

Vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids (Ω3FA) modulate periodontitis-associated inflammatory processes. The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate associations of oral nutrient intake and corresponding serum metabolites with clinical severity of human periodontitis. Within the Food Chain Plus cohort, 373 periodontitis patients—245 without (POL) and 128 with tooth loss (PWL)—were matched to 373 controls based on sex, smoking habit, age and body mass index in a nested case-control design. The amount of oral intake of vitamins and Ω3FAs was assessed from nutritional data using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Oral intake and circulatory bioavailability of vitamins and Ω3FA serum metabolomics were compared, using ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Periodontitis patients exhibited a significantly higher oral intake of vitamin C and Ω3FA Docosapentaenoic acid (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Nutritional intake of vitamin C was higher in PWL, while the intake of Docosapentaenoic acid was increased in POL (p < 0.05) compared to controls. In accordance, serum levels of Docosapentaenoic acid were also increased in POL (p < 0.01) compared to controls. Vitamin C and the Ω3FA Docosapentaenoic acid might play a role in the pathophysiology of human periodontitis. Further studies on individualized nutritional intake and periodontitis progression and therapy are necessary.
The Side-Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Increased BMI z-Score in Children with Overweight and Obesity in a Personalised Lifestyle Intervention One Year after the Start of the Pandemic in The Netherlands
Authors: Arayess Lisanne , Knockaert Nienke , Winkens Bjorn , Lubrecht Judith W. , Verweij Marjoke , Vreugdenhil Anita C. E.
Published: May 2022

Background: Early research showed weight gain in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To compare changes in BMI z-score of children with overweight and obesity in a personalised lifestyle intervention before and during the pandemic. Methods: Changes in BMI z-score half a year (T6) and twelve months (T12) after the first lockdown were included for 71 children in the ‘2020 during COVID’ group and compared to 48 children in the ‘2019 before COVID’ group, using a marginal model for repeated measures (model 1). Model 2 corrected for lifestyle intervention characteristics, and model 3 corrected additionally for family characteristics. Results: The mean difference in BMI z-score change was significantly different at T12 (+0.07 in 2020 versus −0.09 in 2019, p = 0.022). Model 3 showed significant differences in BMI z-score change at both T6 (+0.15, p = 0.024) and T12 (+0.18, p = 0.016). This model also defined ‘having a mother with obesity’ (+0.13, p = 0.019) and the frequency of no-show consultations (+0.41 per missed consultation per month, p = 0.025) as related factors. Conclusions: Lifestyle intervention in children with overweight and obesity is less successful in decreasing BMI z-score during the COVID-pandemic. Identified risk factors for less success could contribute to identifying children with higher risks for, and possibly prevent, BMI z-score increase.
Landslide Extraction Using Mask R-CNN with Background-Enhancement Method
Authors: Yang Ruilin , Zhang Feng , Xia Junshi , Wu Chuyi
Published: May 2022

The application of deep learning methods has brought improvements to the accuracy and automation of landslide extractions based on remote sensing images because deep learning techniques have independent feature learning and powerful computing ability. However, in application, the quality of training samples often fails the requirement for training deep networks, causing insufficient feature learning. Furthermore, some background objects (e.g., river, bare land, building) share similar shapes, colors, and textures with landslides. They can be confusing to automatic tasks, contributing false and missed extractions. To solve the above problems, a background-enhancement method was proposed to enrich the complexity of samples. Models can learn the differences between landslides and background objects more efficiently through background-enhanced samples, then reduce false extractions on background objects. Considering that the environments of disaster areas play dominant roles in the formation of landslides, landslide-inducing attributes (DEM, slope, distance from river) were used as supplements, providing additional information for landslide extraction models to further improve the accuracy of extraction results. The proposed methods were applied to extract landslides that occurred in Ludian county, Yunnan Province, in August 2014. Comparative experiments were conducted using a mask R-CNN model. The experiment using both background-enhanced samples and landslide-inducing information showed a satisfying result with an F1 score of 89.08%. Compared with the F1 score from the experiment using only satellite images as input data, it was significantly improved by 22.38%, underscoring the applicability and effectiveness of our background-enhancement method.
Upgrades of the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network in 2021
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Stock Michael , Lapierre Jeff , DiGangi Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

The Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) launched a new processor (P2021) in December 2021. Some major upgrades were made in the new processor, including a new classification algorithm, a new propagation model, and regional data processing architecture. Ground-truth datasets of natural and rocket-triggered lightning acquired in Florida were used to evaluate the performance characteristics of the new processor. Compared to the last processor launched in 2015 (P2015), the stroke classification accuracy increased from 91% to 94% for natural lightning and from 86% to 88% for rocket-triggered lightning. The location accuracy improved significantly with the median location error decreasing from 215 m to 92 m. On a global scale, we found the number of pulses detected by the ENLTN increased in all regions with an overall detection gain of 149%. One can see modest gains in detection in regions with a fairly dense network of sensors and significant gains in regions where sensor density is much lower. Each of the major upgrades as well as their influences on the performance characteristics of the ENLTN are discussed.
A Machine-Learning-Based IoT System for Optimizing Nutrient Supply in Commercial Aquaponic Operations
Authors: Dhal Sambandh Bhusan , Jungbluth Kyle , Lin Raymond , Sabahi Seyed Pouyan , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar , Braga-Neto Ulisses , Kalafatis Stavros
Published: May 2022

Nutrient regulation in aquaponic environments has been a topic of research for many years. Most studies have focused on appropriate control of nutrients in an aquaponic set-up, but very little research has been conducted on commercial-scale applications. In our model, the input data were sourced on a weekly basis from three commercial aquaponic farms in Southeast Texas over the course of a year. Due to the limited number of data points, dimensionality reduction techniques such as pairwise correlation matrix were used to remove the highly correlated predictors. Feature selection techniques such as the XGBoost classifier and Recursive Feature Elimination with ExtraTreesClassifier were used to rank the features in order of their relative importance. Ammonium and calcium were found to be the top two nutrient predictors, and based on the months in which lettuce was cultivated, the median of these nutrient values from the historical dataset served as the optimal concentration to be maintained in the aquaponic solution to sustain healthy growth of tilapia fish and lettuce plants in a coupled set-up. To accomplish this, Vernier sensors were used to measure the nutrient values and actuator systems were built to dispense the appropriate nutrient into the ecosystem via a closed loop.
Variation Range of Different Inductor Topologies with Shields for RF and Inductive Sensing Applications
Authors: Tounsi Fares , Said Mohamed Hadj , Hauwaert Margo , Kaziz Sinda , Francis Laurent A. , Raskin Jean-Pierre , Flandre Denis
Published: May 2022

In this study, different planar inductor topologies were studied to evaluate their characteristic parameters’ variation range upon approaching Fe- and Cu-based shield plates. The use of such materials can differently alter the electrical properties of planar inductors such as the inductance, resonant frequency, resistance, and quality factor, which could be useful in multiple devices, particularly in inductive sensing and radio-frequency (or RF) applications. To reach an optimal design, five different square topologies, including spiral, tapered, non-spiral, meander, and fractal, were built on a printed circuit board (PCB) and assessed experimentally. At the working frequency of 1 MHz, the results showed a decrease in the inductance value when approaching a Cu-based plate and an increase with Fe-based plates. The higher variation range was noticeable for double-layer topologies, which was about 60% with the Cu-based plate. Beyond an intrinsic deflection frequency, the inductance value began to decrease when approaching the ferromagnetic plate because of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). It has been shown that the FMR frequency depends on the inductor topology and is larger for the double-layer spiral one. The Q-factor was decreasing for all topologies but was much faster when using ferromagnetic plates because of the FMR, which intensely increases the track resistance. The resonant frequency was increasing for all double-layer topologies and decreasing for single-layer ones, which was mainly due to the percentage change in the stray capacitance compared to the inductance variation. The concept of varying inductors by metal shielding plates has great potential in a wide range of nondestructive sensing and RF applications.
Sensitive Biosensor Based on Shape-Controlled ZnO Nanostructures Grown on Flexible Porous Substrate for Pesticide Detection
Authors: Fallatah Ahmad , Kuperus Nicolas , Almomtan Mohammed , Padalkar Sonal
Published: May 2022

Developing an inexpensive, sensitive, and point-of-use biosensor for pesticide detection is becoming an important area in sensing. Such sensors can be used in food packaging, agricultural fields, and environmental monitoring of pesticides. The present investigation has developed a zinc oxide (ZnO)-based biosensor on porous, flexible substrates such as carbon paper and carbon cloth to detect organophosphates such as paraoxon (OP). Here, the influence of morphology and underlying substrate on biosensor performance was studied. The biosensors were fabricated by immobilizing the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme on ZnO, which is directly grown on the flexible substrates. The ZnO biosensors fabricated on the carbon cloth demonstrated good performance with the detection limit of OP in the range of 0.5 nM–5 µM, higher sensitivity, and greater stability.
A Visual Servoing Scheme for Autonomous Aquaculture Net Pens Inspection Using ROV
Authors: Akram Waseem , Casavola Alessandro , Kapetanović Nadir , Miškovic Nikola
Published: May 2022

Aquaculture net pens inspection and monitoring are important to ensure net stability and fish health in the fish farms. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) offer a low-cost and sophisticated solution for the regular inspection of the underwater fish net pens due to their ability of visual sensing and autonomy in a challenging and dynamic aquaculture environment. In this paper, we report the integration of an ROV with a visual servoing scheme for regular inspection and tracking of the net pens. We propose a vision-based positioning scheme that consists of an object detector, a pose generator, and a closed-loop controller. The system employs a modular approach that first utilizes two easily identifiable parallel ropes attached to the net for image processing through traditional computer vision methods. Second, the reference positions of the ROV relative to the net plane are extracted on the basis of a vision triangulation method. Third, a closed-loop control law is employed to instruct the vehicle to traverse from top to bottom along the net plane to inspect its status. The proposed vision-based scheme has been implemented and tested both through simulations and field experiments. The extensive experimental results have allowed the assessment of the performance of the scheme that resulted satisfactorily and can supplement the traditional aquaculture net pens inspection and tracking systems.
Adoption of Online Education and Pedagogy as New Codes of Life for New Future in Rural Regions
Authors: Yikici Betul , Altinay Fahriye , Altinay Zehra , Sharma Ramesh Chander , Dagli Gokmen
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic threw the education system out of gear worldwide. This crisis calls for fundamental reforms and strategic planning to continue education. There are other factors, like pedagogy of care, adoption of emergency remote teaching methods, training of teachers, and assessment strategies. This paper examines teachers’ professional competencies working in secondary schools in the rural areas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The paper investigates how distance teaching and learning are adopted, problems encountered for the same, and modes of assessment used. Data was collected by adopting a qualitative survey design, using a holistic case design to understand qualitatively complex events from the participants’ perspectives. Data were obtained from 122 teachers working at schools in different regions of the TRNC (Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, İskele). The findings revealed that although the teachers found the distance education process exhausting, they found ICT helpful. Further, teachers reported that distance education was the best training process in the current pandemic situation. Difficulties were reported to increase students’ motivation and prepare appropriate materials for the lesson. They used teaching methods, such as question and answer, narration, fun videos, whiteboard, and online test application techniques.
Analysis of Heat Dissipation Performance of Battery Liquid Cooling Plate Based on Bionic Structure
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Wenhao , Bei Shaoyi , Quan Zhengqiang
Published: May 2022

To provide a favorable temperature for a power battery liquid cooling system, a bionic blood vessel structure of the power battery liquid cooling plate is designed based on the knowledge of bionics and the human blood vessel model. For three different discharge rates of 1C, 2C, and 3C, FLUENT is used to simulate and analyze the heat dissipation performance of the liquid cooling plate with a bionic vascular structure. The influence of the pipe distance (A1 and A2) at the coolant outlet, the thickness of the liquid cooling plate, the inner pipe turning radius R of the pipe in the channel, and the mass flow of coolant on the heat dissipation performance are studied. The results show that the pipe distance (A1 and A2), plate thickness, and inner pipe turning radius R have significant effects on the heat dissipation of the liquid cooling plate, especially under a 3C discharge. In addition, the channel area at the coolant outlet also has great influence on the heat dissipation performance of the liquid cooling plate, and the variable width optimization of the channel area at the outlet greatly improves the heat dissipation performance of the liquid cooling plate. Increasing the inlet mass flow rate can improve the heat dissipation capacity, but at the expense of a pressure drop. A verification experiment is designed for 3C discharge. The results show that the error between the experiment and simulation results is within 9.8%; therefore, the simulation is accurate, and the liquid cooling plate has a significant heat dissipation effect.