bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Polymorphisms in miR-604A>G, miR-938G>A, miR-1302-3C>T and the Risk of Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Cho Sung-Hwan , Kim Ji-Hyang , An Hui-Jeong , Kim Young-Ran , Ahn Eun-Hee , Lee Jung-Ryeol , Kim Jung-Oh , Ko Jung-Jae , Kim Nam-Keun
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in five microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-604A>G, miR-608C>G, 631I/D, miR-938G>A, and miR-1302-3C>T, are associated with the risk of idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Blood samples were collected from 388 patients with idiopathic RPL (at least two consecutive spontaneous abortions) and 227 control participants. We found the miR-604 AG and AG + GG genotypes of miR-604, the miR-938 GA and GA + AA genotypes of miR-938, and the miR-1302-3CT and CT + TT genotypes of miR-1302-3 are less frequent than the wild-type (WT) genotypes, miR-604AA, miR-938GG, and miR-1302-3CC, respectively, in RPL patients. Using allele-combination multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis, we found that eight haplotypes conferred by the miR-604/miR-608/miR-631/miR-938/miR-1302-3 allele combination, A-C-I-G-T, A-C-I-A-C, G-C-I-G-C, G-C-I-G-T, G-G-I-G-C, G-G-I-G-T, G-G-I-A-C, G-G-D-G-C, three from the miR-604/miR-631/miR-938/miR-1302-3 allele combination, A-I-G-T, G-I-G-C, G-I-A-T, one from the miR-604/miR-631/miR-1302-3 allele combination, G-I-C, and two from the miR-604/miR-1302-3 allele combination, G-C and G-T, were less frequent in RPL patients, suggesting protective effects (all p < 0.05). We also identified the miR-604A>G and miR-938G>A polymorphisms within the seed sequence of the mature miRNAs and aligned the seed sequences with the 3′UTR of putative target genes, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), respectively. We further found that the binding affinities between miR-604/miR-938 and the 3′UTR of their respective target genes (MTHFR, GnRHR) were significantly different for the common (miR-604A, miR-938G) and variant alleles (miR-604G, miR-938A). These results reveal a significant association between the miR-604A>G and miR-938G>A polymorphisms and idiopathic RPL and suggest that miRNAs can affect RPL in Korean women.
S100 Calcium-Binding Protein P Secreted from Megakaryocytes Promotes Osteoclast Maturation
Authors: Lee Seung-Hoon , Ihn Hye Jung , Park Eui Kyun , Kim Jung-Eun
Published: June 2021

Megakaryocytes (MKs) differentiate from hematopoietic stem cells and produce platelets at the final stage of differentiation. MKs directly interact with bone cells during bone remodeling. However, whether MKs are involved in regulating bone metabolism through indirect regulatory effects on bone cells is unclear. Here, we observed increased osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) cultured in MK-cultured conditioned medium (MK CM), suggesting that this medium contains factors secreted from MKs that affect osteoclastogenesis. To identify the MK-secreted factor, DNA microarray analysis of the human leukemia cell line K562 and MKs was performed, and S100 calcium-binding protein P (S100P) was selected as a candidate gene affecting osteoclast differentiation. S100P was more highly expressed in MKs than in K562 cells, and showed higher levels in MK CM than in K562-cultured conditioned medium. In BMMs cultured in the presence of recombinant human S100P protein, osteoclast differentiation was promoted and marker gene expression was increased. The resorption area was significantly larger in S100P protein-treated osteoclasts, demonstrating enhanced resorption activity. Overall, S100P secreted from MKs promotes osteoclast differentiation and resorption activity, suggesting that MKs indirectly regulate osteoclast differentiation and activity through the paracrine action of S100P.
Tau Seeding Mouse Models with Patient Brain-Derived Aggregates
Authors: Robert Aiko , Schöll Michael , Vogels Thomas
Published: June 2021

Tauopathies are a heterogeneous class of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by intracellular inclusions of aggregated tau proteins. Tau aggregates in different tauopathies have distinct structural features and can be found in different cell types. Transgenic animal models overexpressing human tau have been used for over two decades in the research of tau pathology. However, these models poorly recapitulate the heterogeneity of tauopathies found in human brains. Recent findings demonstrate that injection of purified tau aggregates from the brains of human tauopathy patients recapitulates both the structural features and cell-type specificity of the tau pathology of the donor tauopathy. These models may therefore have unique translational value in the study of functional consequences of tau pathology, tau-based diagnostics, and tau targeting therapeutics. This review provides an update of the literature relating to seeding-based tauopathy and their potential applications.
Grouper TRAF4, a Novel, CP-Interacting Protein That Promotes Red-Spotted Grouper Nervous Necrosis Virus Replication
Authors: Wu Siting , Sun Mengshi , Zhang Xin , Liao Jiaming , Liu Mengke , Qin Qiwei , Wei Jingguang
Published: June 2021

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) play important roles in the biological processes of immune regulation, the inflammatory response, and apoptosis. TRAF4 belongs to the TRAF family and plays a major role in many biological processes. Compared with other TRAF proteins, the functions of TRAF4 in teleosts have been largely unknown. In the present study, the TRAF4 homologue (EcTRAF4) of the orange-spotted grouper was characterized. EcTRAF4 consisted of 1413 bp encoding a 471-amino-acid protein, and the predicted molecular mass was 54.27 kDa. EcTRAF4 shares 99.79% of its identity with TRAF4 of the giant grouper (E. lanceolatus). EcTRAF4 transcripts were ubiquitously and differentially expressed in all the examined tissues. EcTRAF4 expression in GS cells was significantly upregulated after stimulation with red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV). EcTRAF4 protein was distributed in the cytoplasm of GS cells. Overexpressed EcTRAF4 promoted RGNNV replication during viral infection in vitro. Yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that EcTRAF4 interacted with the coat protein (CP) of RGNNV. EcTRAF4 inhibited the activation of IFN3, IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Overexpressed EcTRAF4 also reduced the expression of interferon (IFN)-related molecules and pro-inflammatory factors. Together, these results demonstrate that EcTRAF4 plays crucial roles in RGNNV infection.
Dietary Collagen Hydrolysates Ameliorate Furrowed and Parched Skin Caused by Photoaging in Hairless Mice
Authors: Kang Min-Kyung , Kim Dong-Yeon , Oh Hyeongjoo , Kim Soo-Il , Oh Su-Yeon , Na Woojin , Park Sin-Hye , Park Kyungho , Kim Jun-Il , Kim Ae-Hyang , Kang Young-Hee
Published: June 2021

Collagen hydrolysates have been suggested as a favorable antiaging modality in skin photoaged by persistent exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). The current study evaluated the beneficial effect of collagen hydrolysates (fsCH) extracted from Pangasius hypophthalmus fish skin on wrinkle formation and moisture preservation in dorsal skin of hairless mice challenged with UV-B. Inter-comparative experiments were conducted for anti-photoaging among fsCH, retinoic acid (RA), N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG), and glycine-proline-hydroxyproline (GPH). Treating human HaCaT keratinocytes with 100−200 μg/mL fsCH reciprocally ameliorated the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and CD44 deranged by UV-B. The UV-B-induced deep furrows and skin thickening were improved in parched dorsal skin of mice supplemented with 206–412 mg/kg fsCH as well as RA and GPH. The UV-B irradiation enhanced collagen fiber loss in the dorsal dermis, which was attenuated by fsCH through enhancing procollagen conversion to collagen. The matrix metalloproteinase expression by UV-B in dorsal skin was diminished by fsCH, similar to RA and GPH, via blockade of collagen degradation. Supplementing fsCH to UV-B-irradiated mice decreased transepidermal water loss in dorsal skin with reduced AQP3 level and restored keratinocyte expression of filaggrin. The expression of hyaluronic acid synthase 2 and hyaluronidase 1 by UV-B was remarkably ameliorated with increased production of hyaluronic acid by treating fsCH to photoaged mice. Taken together, fsCH attenuated photoaging typical of deep wrinkles, epidermal thickening, and skin water loss, like NAG, RA, or GPH, through inhibiting collagen destruction and epidermal barrier impairment.
A New Ultrasensitive Bioluminescence-Based Method for Assaying Monoacylglycerol Lipase
Authors: Miceli Matteo , Casati Silvana , Allevi Pietro , Berra Silvia , Ottria Roberta , Rota Paola , Branchini Bruce R. , Ciuffreda Pierangela
Published: June 2021

A novel bioluminescent Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) substrate 6-O-arachidonoylluciferin, a D-luciferin derivative, was synthesized, physico-chemically characterized, and used as highly sensitive substrate for MAGL in an assay developed for this purpose. We present here a new method based on the enzymatic cleavage of arachidonic acid with luciferin release using human Monoacylglycerol lipase (hMAGL) followed by its reaction with a chimeric luciferase, PLG2, to produce bioluminescence. Enzymatic cleavage of the new substrate by MAGL was demonstrated, and kinetic constants Km and Vmax were determined. 6-O-arachidonoylluciferin has proved to be a highly sensitive substrate for MAGL. The bioluminescence assay (LOD 90 pM, LOQ 300 pM) is much more sensitive and should suffer fewer biological interferences in cells lysate applications than typical fluorometric methods. The assay was validated for the identification and characterization of MAGL modulators using the well-known MAGL inhibitor JZL184. The use of PLG2 displaying distinct bioluminescence color and kinetics may offer a highly desirable opportunity to extend the range of applications to cell-based assays.
Inhibition of Tunneling Nanotubes between Cancer Cell and the Endothelium Alters the Metastatic Phenotype
Authors: Dash Chinmayee , Saha Tanmoy , Sengupta Shiladitya , Jang Hae Lin
Published: June 2021

The interaction of tumor cells with blood vessels is one of the key steps during cancer metastasis. Metastatic cancer cells exhibit phenotypic state changes during this interaction: (1) they form tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) with endothelial cells, which act as a conduit for intercellular communication; and (2) metastatic cancer cells change in order to acquire an elongated phenotype, instead of the classical cellular aggregates or mammosphere-like structures, which it forms in three-dimensional cultures. Here, we demonstrate mechanistically that a siRNA-based knockdown of the exocyst complex protein Sec3 inhibits TNT formation. Furthermore, a set of pharmacological inhibitors for Rho GTPase–exocyst complex-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling is introduced, which inhibits TNT formation, and induces the reversal of the more invasive phenotype of cancer cell (spindle-like) into a less invasive phenotype (cellular aggregates or mammosphere). Our results offer mechanistic insights into this nanoscale communication and shift of phenotypic state during cancer–endothelial interactions.
Strike a Balance: Between Metals and Non-Metals, Metalloids as a Source of Anti-Infective Agents
Authors: Marzo Tiziano , La Mendola Diego
Published: June 2021

Most of the commercially available anti-infective agents are organic molecules. In fact, though, during the pioneering times of modern medicine, at the beginning of the 20th century, several inorganic compounds of transition metals were used for medicinal application, to date, only a small number of inorganic drugs are used in clinical practice. Beyond the transition metals, metalloids—or semimetals—offer a rich chemistry in between that of metallic and non-metallic elements, and accordingly, peculiar features for their exploitation in medicinal chemistry. A few important examples of metalloid-based drugs currently used for the treatment of various diseases do exist. However, the use of this group of elements could be further expanded on the basis of their current applications and the clinical trials they entered. Considering that metalloids offer the opportunity to expand the “chemical-space” for developing novel anti-infective drugs and protocols, in this paper, we briefly recapitulate and discuss the current applications of B-, Si-, As-, Sb- and Te-based anti-infective drugs.
DFT Investigation of the Molecular Properties of the Dimethylglyoximato Complexes [M(Hdmg)2] (M = Ni, Pd, Pt)
Authors: Niazi Maryam , Klein Axel
Published: June 2021

Important applications of the NiII, PdII and PtII complexes [M(Hdmg)2] (H2dmg = dimethylglyoxime) stem from their metal...metal stacked virtually insoluble aggregates. Given the virtual insolubility of the materials, we postulated that the rare reports on dissolved species in solution do not represent monomolecular species but oligomers. We thus studied the structural and spectral properties of the monomolecular entities of these compounds using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT computations in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent. The molecular geometries, IR and UV-vis spectra, and frontier orbitals properties were computed using LANL2DZ ecp and def2TZVP as basis sets and M06-2X as the functional. The results are compared with the available experimental and other calculated data. The optimised molecular geometries proved the asymmetric character of the two formed O–H…O bonds which connect the two Hdmg‒ ligands in the completely planar molecules. Calculated UV-vis spectra revealed the presence of three absorptions in the range 180 to 350 nm that are red-shifted along the series Ni–Pd–Pt. They were assigned to essentially ligand-centred π−π* transitions in part with metal(d) to ligand(π*) charge transfer (MLCT) contributions. The notorious d‒p transitions dominating the colour and electronics of the compounds in the solid-state and oligomeric stacks are negligible in our monomolecular models strongly supporting the idea that the previously reported spectroscopic observations or biological effects in solutions are not due to monomolecular complexes but rather to oligomeric dissolved species.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Due to Microvascular Obstruction in a Young Woman Who Recently Recovered from COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Mohamed Ali Abukar , Wasim Daanyaal , Larsen Terje H. , Bogale Nigussie , Bleie Øyvind , Saeed Sahrai
Published: June 2021

Although cardiovascular complications are common in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, those with milder cases who recovered at home are less studied. Here, we report the case of a young woman who recently recovered from COVID-19 at home. A week after recovery, she was admitted to our institution with acute chest pain, signs of ischemia on the electrocardiogram and elevated cardiac troponins. Coronary angiography showed normal epicardial coronary arteries, but the cardiac magnetic resonance showed transmural late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the mid-ventricular level of the lateral wall. The findings were strongly suggestive of a minor transmural myocardial infarction. This case report highlights the role of multimodality imaging in detecting cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients as well as the fact that mild COVID-19 cases who recovered at home are also exposed to thromboembolic events during the convalescent period.
Acute Myocardial Injury in a Patient with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and History of Substance Abuse: A Multimodality Imaging Point of View
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Rotevatn Svein , Schjøtt Jan , Larsen Terje H.
Published: June 2021

Both cannabis and amphetamine are the most commonly used illegal substances worldwide and are associated with a number of adverse cardiovascular effects including transient coronary vasospasm. Here, we present the case of a 39-year-old male admitted to our institution with a 6-h history of severe chest pain and ST-segment elevation on the ECG. Coronary angiography on admission showed normal coronary arteries. The patient had a 14-year history of substance abuse, primarily amphetamine and cannabis, and was prescribed lisdexamfetamin (Aduvanz®) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for the past 2 years. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) the following day showed widely distributed focal lesions of late gadolinium enhancement in mid- and sub-epicardial myocardium in the anterior, lateral and inferior walls, suggestive of chronic fibrotic lesions. There was no sign of acute myocardial edema. No viral cause was identified during a thorough investigation, including negative SARS-COV-2 and endomyocardial biopsy. Substance-abuse-induced coronary vasospasm leading to ST-segment elevation, myocardial damage with a rise and fall of cardiac TnT, as well as a slightly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (48%) and regional wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography, was the most likely diagnosis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coronary Artery Disease: More Questions Than Answers
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Sala Carla , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe , Taddei Stefano , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Cuspidi Cesare
Published: June 2021

Studies show that patients with elevated triglycerides and well-controlled LDL levels under statin therapy still have a significant residual risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Despite many attempts to reduce triglycerides with different hypolipidemic drugs, no therapeutic option has given satisfactory results so far. The initial enthusiasm that omega-3 fatty acids can effectively reduce triglycerides and CV risk was replaced with skepticism when the first large clinical trials failed to show any benefit in primary or secondary prevention. However, the latest studies succeeded in showing a positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids on CV outcome in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. The largest benefit was reported in secondary but not primary prevention. Interestingly, the reduction in triglycerides in some of these studies was disproportionately low to the relatively high CV risk reduction, which could indicate some other effects of omega-3 fatty acids that go well beyond hypotriglyceridemic action. This includes blood pressure reduction, antithrombotic effect, improvement of inflammatory status, endothelial function, and insulin resistance. Investigations also reported a significant and positive influence of omega-3 fatty acids on the composition and stabilization of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in patients with and without previous CV events. In addition to insufficiently known mechanisms of action and conflicting results about the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids, the safety problems, which include increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation and hemorrhage, were also reported. The aim of this clinical review was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids in CV patients, particularly those with coronary artery disease, and to present an overview of key clinical trial data.
Vertigo in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Kadanka Zdenek , Kadanka Zdenek , Jura Rene , Bednarik Josef
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Cervical vertigo (CV) represents a controversial entity, with a prevalence ranging from reported high frequency to negation of CV existence. (2) Objectives: To assess the prevalence and cause of vertigo in patients with a manifest form of severe cervical spondylosis–degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) with special focus on CV. (3) Methods: The study included 38 DCM patients. The presence and character of vertigo were explored with a dedicated questionnaire. The cervical torsion test was used to verify the role of neck proprioceptors, and ultrasound examinations of vertebral arteries to assess the role of arteriosclerotic stenotic changes as hypothetical mechanisms of CV. All patients with vertigo underwent a detailed diagnostic work-up to investigate the cause of vertigo. (4) Results: Symptoms of vertigo were described by 18 patients (47%). Causes of vertigo included: orthostatic dizziness in eight (22%), hypertension in five (14%), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in four (11%) and psychogenic dizziness in one patient (3%). No patient responded positively to the cervical torsion test or showed significant stenosis of vertebral arteries. (5) Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of vertigo in patients with DCM, the aetiology in all cases could be attributed to causes outside cervical spine and related nerve structures, thus confirming the assumption that CV is over-diagnosed.
New Trends in Shoulder Surgery from Biomechanics to the Operating Room
Authors: Franceschetti Edoardo , Giovannetti de Sanctis Edoardo , Di Giacomo Giovanni , Franceschi Francesco
Published: June 2021

After a rigorous peer review process, twelve papers were accepted and published [...]
How to Assess Diabetic Kidney Disease Progression? From Albuminuria to GFR
Authors: García-Carro Clara , Vergara Ander , Bermejo Sheila , Azancot María A. , Sánchez-Fructuoso Ana I. , Sánchez de la Nieta M. Dolores , Agraz Irene , Soler María José
Published: June 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most relevant complications of type 2 diabetes and dramatically increases the cardiovascular risk in these patients. Currently, DKD is severely infra-diagnosed, or its diagnosis is usually made at advanced stages of the disease. During the last decade, new drugs have demonstrated a beneficial effect in terms of cardiovascular and renal protection in type 2 diabetes, supporting the crucial role of an early DKD diagnosis to permit the use of new available therapeutic strategies. Moreover, cardiovascular and renal outcome trials, developed to study these new drugs, are based on diverse cardiovascular and renal simple and composite endpoints, which makes difficult their interpretation and the comparison between them. In this article, DKD diagnosis is reviewed, focusing on albuminuria and the recommendations for glomerular filtration rate measurement. Furthermore, cardiovascular and renal endpoints used in classical and recent cardiovascular outcome trials are assessed in a pragmatic way.
Advances in Intestinal Barrier Preservation and Restoration in the Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Setting
Authors: Tyszka Martyna , Biliński Jarosław , Basak Grzegorz Władysław
Published: June 2021

The intestinal barrier consists of an epithelial lining covered with specialized mucus inhabited by intestinal microbiota. An intact gut barrier ensures a resistance to bacteria and toxins translocation. On the other hand, gut permeability allows the absorption of essential nutrients, fluids and ions. This balance is achieved only by the complex structure and functional characteristics of the intestinal barrier. Allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation remains the only curative treatment for many hematological diseases, but its application is limited because of possible transplant-related mortality mainly due to graft-versus-host disease and infectious complications. The intestinal barrier has been extensively studied in recent years as the primary site of graft-versus-host disease initiation and propagation. In the present review, we focused on the physiological structure and function of the gut barrier and the evidence of how the disruption of the gut barrier and increased intestinal permeability affects transplant recipients. Finally, therapeutic strategies aiming at intestinal barrier protection with a special focus on microbiome preservation and restoration in the allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation setting are discussed.
Strategy for the Micro-Elimination of Hepatitis C among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus—A Hospital-Based Experience
Authors: Su Pei-Yuan , Chen Yang-Yuan , Yen Hsu-Heng , Huang Siou-Ping , Liu I-Ling , Zeng Ya-Huei , Hsu Yu-Chun , Siao Fu-Yuan
Published: June 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can induce insulin resistance, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a higher prevalence of HCV infection. Patient outcomes improve after HCV eradication in DM patients. However, HCV micro-elimination targeting this population has not been approached. Little is known about using electronic alert systems for HCV screening among patients with DM in a hospital-based setting. We implemented an electronic reminder system for HCV antibody screening and RNA testing in outpatient departments among patients with DM. The screening rates and treatment rates at different departments before and after system implementation were compared. The results indicated that the total HCV screening rate increased from 49.3% (9505/19,272) to 78.2% (15,073/19,272), and the HCV-RNA testing rate increased from 73.4% to 94.2%. The anti-HCV antibody seropositive rate was 5.7%, and the HCV viremia rate was 62.7% in our patient population. The rate of positive anti-HCV antibodies and HCV viremia increased with patient age. This study demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of an electronic alert system for HCV screening and treatment among DM patients in a hospital-based setting.
Effect of Possible Osteoporosis on Parenchymal-Type Hemorrhagic Transformation in Patients with Cardioembolic Stroke
Authors: Won Yu-Deok , Kim Jae-Min , Cheong Jin-Hwan , Ryu Je-Il , Koh Seong-Ho , Han Myung-Hoon
Published: June 2021

Background: hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a frequent complication of ischemic stroke, and parenchymal hematoma (PH)-type HT has been shown to correlate with symptomatic deterioration. Because both bone and vascular smooth muscle cells are composed of type 1 collagen, we hypothesized that the integrity of blood vessels around the infarction area might be more damaged in osteoporotic conditions after a cardioembolic stroke. Methods: we measured frontal skull Hounsfield unit (HU) values on brain CT images from cardioembolic stroke patients. We conducted a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in a large sample registry to identify the optimal HU threshold for predicting osteopenia and osteoporosis. Hazard ratios were estimated using a Cox regression analysis to identify whether osteoporotic conditions were an independent predictor of PH-type HT in patients with cardioembolic stroke. Results: altogether, 600 consecutive patients (>18 years old) with cardioembolic stroke were enrolled over a 12-year period at our hospital. The infarction volume and hypothetical osteoporosis were independent predictive factors for PH-type HT development in patients with cardioembolic stroke. In the male group, hypothetical osteoporosis was an independent predictor for PH-type HT development after cardioembolic stroke (hazard ratio, 4.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–12.10; p = 0.010). Conclusions: our study suggests an association between possible osteoporosis and the development of PH-type HT in patients with cardioembolic stroke. Our findings could help to predict PH-type HT by providing a convenient method for measuring the HU value using brain CT images.
Surgical Assessment of Tissue Quality during Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair in Postmenopausal Women Pre-Treated Either with Locally Applied Estrogen or Placebo: Results of a Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial
Authors: Marschalek Marie-Louise , Bodner Klaus , Kimberger Oliver , Morgenbesser Raffaela , Dietrich Wolf , Obruca Christian , Husslein Heinrich , Umek Wolfgang , Kölbl Heinz , Bodner-Adler Barbara
Published: June 2021

The aim of this prospective randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicenter study was to analyze the surgeon’s individual assessment of tissue quality during pelvic floor surgery in postmenopausal women pre-treated with local estrogen therapy (LET) or placebo cream. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and early postoperative course of the two study groups. Surgeons, blinded to patient’s preoperative treatment, completed an 8-item questionnaire after each prolapse surgery to assess tissue quality as well as surgical conditions. Our hypothesis was that there is no significant difference in individual surgical assessment of tissue quality between local estrogen or placebo pre-treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for intra- or early postoperative complications. Out of 120 randomized women, 103 (86%) remained for final analysis. Surgeons assessed the tissue quality similarity in cases with or without LET, representing no statistically significant differences concerning tissue perfusion, tissue atrophy, tissue consistency, difficulty of dissection and regular pelvic anatomy. Regarding pre-treatment, the rating of the surgeon correlated significantly with LET (r = 0.043), meaning a correct assumption of the surgeon. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, occurrence of intraoperative complications, total length of stay, frequent use of analgesics and rate of readmission did not significantly differ between LET and placebo pre-treatment. The rate of defined postoperative complications and use of antibiotics was significantly more frequent in patients without LET (p = 0.045 and p = 0.003). Tissue quality was similarly assessed in cases with or without local estrogen pre-treatment, but it seems that LET prior to prolapse surgery may improve vaginal health as well as tissue-healing processes, protecting these patients from early postoperative complications.
Study on the Melting Temperature, the Jumps of Volume, Enthalpy and Entropy at Melting Point, and the Debye Temperature for the BCC Defective and Perfect Interstitial Alloy WSi under Pressure
Authors: Quang Hoc Nguyen , Duc Hien Nguyen , Trong Dung Nguyen , Long Van Cao , Ţălu Ştefan
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study is to determine the analytic expressions of the Helmholtz free energy, the equilibrium vacancy concentration, the melting temperature, the jumps of volume, enthalpy the mean nearest neighbor distance and entropy at melting point, the Debye temperature for the BCC defective, the limiting temperature of absolute stability for the crystalline state, and for the perfect binary interstitial alloy. The results obtained from the expressions are combined with the statistical moment method, the limiting condition of the absolute stability at the crystalline state, the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, the Debye model and the Gruneisen equation. Our numerical calculations of obtained theoretical results were carried out for alloy WSi under high temperature and pressure. Our calculated melting curve and relation between the melting temperature and the silicon concentration for WSi are in good agreement with other calculations. Our calculations for the jumps of volume, enthalpy and entropy, and the Debye temperature for WSi predict and orient experimental results in the future.
Analysis of Seismic Damage Zones: A Case Study of the Ordovician Formation in the Shunbei 5 Fault Zone, Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Zhao Zhan , Liu Jingtao , Ding Wenlong , Yang Ruiqiang , Zhao Gang
Published: June 2021

Fault damage zone has an important influence on subsurface fluid flow and petrophysical properties. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the characteristics of fault damage zone for oil and gas development of ultra-deep carbonate formation. This study uses seismic data and the derived variance attribute to identify two types of damage zones and analyze the spatial geometric characteristics of the damage zones. The results show that the type 1 damage zone is wider than the type 2 damage zone. The width of damage zones distributed on both sides of the Shunbei 5 fault core shows obvious asymmetry, and the damage zone width and throw conforms to the typical power-law distribution on the log-log plot. We discuss the factors affecting the width of the damage zone and its formation process. Finally, we discuss the influence of the damage zones on oil and gas exploration. It seems that the seismic variance attribute is a useful technique for characterizing the ultra-deep strike-slip fault damage zones.
Process-Based Model Prediction of Coastal Dune Erosion through Parametric Calibration
Authors: Jin Hyeok , Do Kideok , Shin Sungwon , Cox Daniel
Published: June 2021

Coastal dunes are important morphological features for both ecosystems and coastal hazard mitigation. Because understanding and predicting dune erosion phenomena is very important, various numerical models have been developed to improve the accuracy. In the present study, a process-based model (XBeachX) was tested and calibrated to improve the accuracy of the simulation of dune erosion from a storm event by adjusting the coefficients in the model and comparing it with the large-scale experimental data. The breaker slope coefficient was calibrated to predict cross-shore wave transformation more accurately. To improve the prediction of the dune erosion profile, the coefficients related to skewness and asymmetry were adjusted. Moreover, the bermslope coefficient was calibrated to improve the simulation performance of the bermslope near the dune face. Model performance was assessed based on the model-data comparisons. The calibrated XBeachX successfully predicted wave transformation and dune erosion phenomena. In addition, the results obtained from other two similar experiments on dune erosion with the same calibrated set matched well with the observed wave and profile data. However, the prediction of underwater sand bar evolution remains a challenge.
Complex Bone Tumors of the Trunk—The Role of 3D Printing and Navigation in Tumor Orthopedics: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Schulze Martin , Gosheger Georg , Bockholt Sebastian , De Vaal Marieke , Budny Tymo , Tönnemann Max , Pützler Jan , Bövingloh Albert Schulze , Rischen Robert , Hofbauer Vincent , Lübben Timo , Deventer Niklas , Ahrens Helmut
Published: June 2021

The combination of 3D printing and navigation promises improvements in surgical procedures and outcomes for complex bone tumor resection of the trunk, but its features have rarely been described in the literature. Five patients with trunk tumors were surgically treated in our institution using a combination of 3D printing and navigation. The main process includes segmentation, virtual modeling and build preparation, as well as quality assessment. Tumor resection was performed with navigated instruments. Preoperative planning supported clear margin multiplanar resections with intraoperatively adaptable real-time visualization of navigated instruments. The follow-up ranged from 2–15 months with a good functional result. The present results and the review of the current literature reflect the trend and the diverse applications of 3D printing in the medical field. 3D printing at hospital sites is often not standardized, but regulatory aspects may serve as disincentives. However, 3D printing has an increasing impact on precision medicine, and we are convinced that our process represents a valuable contribution in the context of patient-centered individual care.
Automatic Hip Detection in Anteroposterior Pelvic Radiographs—A Labelless Practical Framework
Authors: Liu Feng-Yu , Chen Chih-Chi , Cheng Chi-Tung , Wu Cheng-Ta , Hsu Chih-Po , Fu Chih-Yuan , Chen Shann-Ching , Liao Chien-Hung , Lee Mel S.
Published: June 2021

Automated detection of the region of interest (ROI) is a critical step in the two-step classification system in several medical image applications. However, key information such as model parameter selection, image annotation rules, and ROI confidence score are essential but usually not reported. In this study, we proposed a practical framework of ROI detection by analyzing hip joints seen on 7399 anteroposterior pelvic radiographs (PXR) from three diverse sources. We presented a deep learning-based ROI detection framework utilizing a single-shot multi-box detector with a customized head structure based on the characteristics of the obtained datasets. Our method achieved average intersection over union (IoU) = 0.8115, average confidence = 0.9812, and average precision with threshold IoU = 0.5 (AP50) = 0.9901 in the independent testing set, suggesting that the detected hip regions appropriately covered the main features of the hip joints. The proposed approach featured flexible loose-fitting labeling, customized model design, and heterogeneous data testing. We demonstrated the feasibility of training a robust hip region detector for PXRs. This practical framework has a promising potential for a wide range of medical image applications.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Psoriasis in Romania—First Study in Overall Population
Authors: Nicolescu Alin Codruț , Bucur Ștefana , Giurcăneanu Călin , Gheucă-Solovăstru Laura , Constantin Traian , Furtunescu Florentina , Ancuța Ioan , Constantin Maria Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an excessive hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex and the exact mechanism remains elusive. Objectives: The study of the prevalence of psoriasis will allow the estimation of the number of people suffering from this condition at the national level, as well as the development and validation of a questionnaire to estimate the prevalence and the risk factors associated with the disease. Methods: A quantitative research was conducted at a national level among the target population in order to validate the questionnaire and estimate the national prevalence. Results: Declaratively, the prevalence of psoriasis in the studied group (N = 1500) is 4%, the first symptoms appearing around the age of 50, with a certified diagnosis being made on average at 55 years. The prevalence of psoriasis vulgaris was 4.99%. Conclusions: The results obtained will be useful in guiding future initiatives and communication campaigns related to this condition, and the methodological approach used will provide the opportunity to make recommendations for improving similar initiatives in the future.
A Comparison of Artificial Neural Networks and Bootstrap Aggregating Ensembles in a Modern Financial Derivative Pricing Framework
Authors: du Plooy Ryno , Venter Pierre J.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the pricing performances of two learning networks, namely an artificial neural network and a bootstrap aggregating ensemble network, were compared when pricing the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Top 40 European call options in a modern option pricing framework using a constructed implied volatility surface. In addition to this, the numerical accuracy of the better performing network was compared to a Monte Carlo simulation in a separate numerical experiment. It was found that the bootstrap aggregating ensemble network outperformed the artificial neural network and produced price estimates within the error bounds of a Monte Carlo simulation when pricing derivatives in a multi-curve framework setting.
Asset Specificity on the Intention of Farmers to Continue Land Recuperation: Based on the Perspective of Farmer Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Siyang , Xie Xianxiong , Zhao Minjuan
Published: June 2021

Land recuperation is an important institutional guarantee for green agricultural development and an important measure to promote rural revitalization. Asset specificity is a crucial factor that affects farmers’ subsequent willingness to participate in land recuperation. Based on the perspective of farmer differentiation, this study uses survey data of 605 farmers in four counties of Gansu Province and employs the entropy method and the double-hurdle model to measure asset specificity and how it affects the subsequent willingness of different types of farmers to participate in land recuperation. The results show that: (1) farmers’ willingness to participate in land recuperation increases with the degree of their part-time occupations; (2) geographical location specificity has a significant negative effect on farmers’ intention and degree of subsequent land recuperations, and the impacts on non-farmers and II part-time farmers are significantly smaller than that on pure farmers and part-time farmers; (3) physical asset specificity has the most negligible influence on farmers’ subsequent willingness to participate; (4) human capital specificity has a significant negative impact on the intention and degree of land recuperation by farmers, and the effect is more significant for pure farmers than non-farmers; (5) factors such as land recuperation compensation satisfaction, land recuperation policy trust, social connection, and off-farm employment willingness promote the subsequent land recuperation willingness and degree of land recuperation of farmers, while the cultivated land area reduces the subsequent degree of participation in land recuperation.
Numerical Study of a Journal Bearing with Scratches: Validation with Literature and Comparison with Experimental Data
Authors: Vo Anh T. , Fillon Michel , Bouyer Jean
Published: June 2021

The lifespan of journal bearings is directly related to the operating conditions they have to face and reducing their maintenance intervals allows one to have a clear idea about their performance when issues occur. The presence of scratches on one of its surfaces degrades the performance of a journal bearing. These effects have already been assessed in experiments; however, numerical studies on this subject are still scarce. This work develops a numerical thermohydrodynamic (THD) program using the finite volume method to simulate the effects of scratches on the performance of journal bearings. To test the validity of the program, the numerical results are compared with the scientific literature and with experimental measurements conducted using the Pprime Institute journal bearing test rig. Some minor discrepancies are observed, but the overall results are in good agreement.
Improving Cell Viability and Velocity in μ-Extrusion Bioprinting with a Novel Pre-Incubator Bioprinter and a Standard FDM 3D Printing Nozzle
Authors: Gómez-Blanco Juan C. , Galván-Chacón Victor , Patrocinio David , Matamoros Manuel , Sánchez-Ortega Álvaro J. , Marcos Alfonso C. , Duarte-León María , Marinaro Federica , Pagador José B. , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco M.
Published: June 2021

Bioprinting is a promising emerging technology. It has been widely studied by the scientific community for the possibility to create transplantable artificial tissues, with minimal risk to the patient. Although the biomaterials and cells to be used are being carefully studied, there is still a long way to go before a bioprinter can easily and quickly produce printings without harmful effects on the cells. In this sense, we have developed a new μ-extrusion bioprinter formed by an Atom Proton 3D printer, an atmospheric enclosure and a new extrusion-head capable to increment usual printing velocity. Hence, this work has two main objectives. First, to experimentally study the accuracy and precision. Secondly, to study the influence of flow rates on cellular viability using this novel μ-extrusion bioprinter in combination with a standard FDM 3D printing nozzle. Our results show an X, Y and Z axis movement accuracy under 17 μm with a precision around 12 μm while the extruder values are under 5 and 7 μm, respectively. Additionally, the cell viability obtained from different volumetric flow tests varies from 70 to 90%. So, the proposed bioprinter and nozzle can control the atmospheric conditions and increase the volumetric flow speeding up the bioprinting process without compromising the cell viability.
Self-Immobilizing Metals Binder for Construction Made of Activated Metallurgical Slag, Slag from Lignite Coal Combustion and Ash from Biomass Combustion
Authors: Słomka-Słupik Barbara
Published: June 2021

Research on the effective use of secondary products is gaining more and more importance in Poland due to the intensively implementing idea of the circular economy. The solution used in this work are one of many tests useful in construction. The subject of this work was therefore the formation and testing of a new ecological construction binder, in particular for mortars or prefabricated elements working in the environment with high humidity. The binder was made of alkaline activated ground granular blast furnace slag (AAS), fly ash from biomass combustion (BFA) and furnace slag from brown coal combustion (LFS). The mixture was modified by introducing the zeolite to check the degree of metals immobilization contained in the ingredients of the mixture. A series of three mixtures were prepared: without and with zeolite soaked in distilled water or calcium nitrate. The strength of binders in time in dry and wet curing were tested and compared with the microstructure. The maximum compressive strength values at the eighth week were about 30 MPa. The strength values after 4 weeks of dry and wet curing were also compared. It was shown that 28-day wet curing increased the bending strength of the beams more than twice, but slightly decreased the compressive strength. The microstructure of the mixture with the highest values of compressive strength was the densest and the one with the lowest values of compressive strength, the most loosened with the most differentiated topographically fracture. The impregnation of zeolite with calcium nitrate decreased the compressive strength of the binder significantly. The bending strength of samples curing in dry conditions decreased during hardening. The results of the metals leaching test showed that the mixtures were safe for the environment, and due to the impregnation of zeolite with calcium nitrate, the binding effect of copper and zinc in the first weeks was greater than in the other mixtures.
Analysis of Deformation, the Stressed State and Fracture Predictions for Cogging Shafts with Convex Anvils
Authors: Kukuryk Marcin
Published: June 2021

In this article, a new manner of cogging a forging (type: shaft), consisting in the application of a two-stage process composed of preliminary shaping in convex anvils, and also principal forging in flat or shaped anvils, is presented. A new manner of forging brought about the formation of favorable conditions for achieving the maximum values of the effective strain in the central part of a forging, accompanied by a simultaneous absence of tensile stresses, which was exerting a favorable influence upon reforging the axial zone of an ingot. What was determined, was the effective geometric shapes of convex anvils; the efficiency of different technological parameters in the case of the intensity of reforging the axial zone of an ingot was analyzed as well. The investigations were complemented by means of predicting the formation of ductile fractures in the course of forging with the application of three different ductile fracture criteria. The comparison of theoretical and experimental outcomes of investigations indicates a good level of being commensurate.
Effect of Fire Temperature and Exposure Time on High-Strength Steel Bolts Microstructure and Residual Mechanical Properties
Authors: Król Paweł Artur , Wachowski Marcin
Published: June 2021

In this study, the influence of different fire conditions on tempered 32CrB3 steel bolts of Grade 8.8 was investigated. In this research different temperatures, heating time, and cooling methods were correlated with the microstructure, hardness, and residual strength of the bolts. Chosen parameters of heat treatments correspond to simulated natural fire conditions that may occur in public facilities. Heat treated and unheated samples cut out from a series of tested bolts were subjected to microstructural tests using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), XRD phase analysis, and the quantitative analysis of the microstructure. The results of the microstructure tests were compared with the results of strength tests, including hardness and the ultimate residual tensile strength of the material (UTS) in the initial state and after the heat treatments. Results of the investigations revealed considerable microstructural changes in the bolt material as a result of exposing it to different fire conditions and cooling methods. A conducted comparative analysis also showed a significant effect of all such factors as the temperature level of the simulated fire, its duration, and the fire-fighting method on the mechanical properties of the bolts.