bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DUSP10 Is a Regulator of YAP1 Activity Promoting Cell Proliferation and Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Jiménez-Martínez Marta , Ostalé Cristina M. , van der Burg Lennart R. , Galán-Martínez Javier , Hardwick James C. H. , López-Pérez Ricardo , Hawinkels Lukas J. A. C. , Stamatakis Konstantinos , Fresno Manuel
Published: November 2019

Cell contact inhibition (CCI) is deregulated in cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. We found that dual-specificity phosphatase 10 (DUSP10) is involved in CRC. DUSP10 overexpression increased the growth of CRC cell lines and mouse xenografts, while the opposite phenotype was observed by DUSP10 silencing. High cell density (HD) induced DUSP10 expression in CRC cell lines, particularly within the nucleus. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is activated by dephosphorylation, controlling organ growth and CCI, both processes being deregulated in CRC. Expression levels and localization of DUSP10 matched with YAP1 levels in CRC cell lines. DUSP10 and YAP1 co-immunoprecipitated and their interaction was dependent on YAP1 Ser397. The existence of DUSP10 and YAP1 pathway in vivo was confirmed by using a transgenic Drosophila model. Finally, in CRC patients’ samples, high levels of nuclear DUSP10 correlated with nuclear YAP1 in epithelial tumor tissue. Strong nuclear DUSP10 staining also correlated with high tumor stage and poor survival. Overall, these findings describe a DUSP10–YAP1 molecular link in CRC cell lines promoting cell growth in HD. We present evidence suggesting a pro-tumorigenic role of nuclear DUSP10 expression in CRC patients.
Serum miRNA Are Promising Biomarkers for the Detection of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals
Authors: Pascut Devis , Cavalletto Luisa , Pratama Muhammad Yogi , Bresolin Silvia , Trentin Luca , Basso Giuseppe , Bedogni Giorgio , Tiribelli Claudio , Chemello Liliana
Published: November 2019

Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) have excellent efficacy against chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Despite this strength, recent studies raised concerns about an unexpected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence rate after DAA therapy. In this exploratory case-control study, we evaluated the potential use of miRNAs as serum biomarkers for the detection of early HCC in DAA-treated patients. In the discovery phase, the circulating miRNome was assessed in 10 matched patients with (HCC+) or without HCC (HCC−) occurrence. Microarray analysis was performed before (T0) and after one month of the DAA therapy (T1). MiRNAs discriminating HCC+ and HCC− patients were validated in 60 samples by means of RT-qPCR. We estimated the time-averaged difference of a given miRNA between HCC+ and HCC− patients using a bootstrapped random-effect generalized least square regression model (RE-GLS). At T0, miR-1207-5p, miR-1275, miR-3197, miR-4443, miR-3178, miR-483-5p, miR-4706, miR-4793-3p and miR-1246 discriminated HCC+ from HCC− patients (p < 0.05). At T1, only miR-1180-3p, miR-1228-3p, miR-4329 and miR-4484 (p < 0.05) discriminated HCC+ from HCC− patients. The subsequent validation phase identified miR-3197 as changing with both disease and time. Our results suggest that patients might be already committed to HCC occurrence before DAA therapy. MiR-3197 shows some potential for the identification of patients at risk of HCC during DAA treatments.
Deficiency of 15-LOX-1 Induces Radioresistance through Downregulation of MacroH2A2 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Na Yoo Jin , Kim Bo Ram , Kim Jung Lim , Kang Sanghee , Jeong Yoon A. , Park Seong Hye , Jo Min Jee , Kim Jeong-Yub , Kim Hong Jun , Oh Sang Cheul , Lee Dae-Hee
Published: November 2019

Despite the importance of radiation therapy, there are few radiation-related markers available for use in clinical practice. A larger catalog of such biomarkers is required to help clinicians decide when radiotherapy should be replaced with a patient-specific treatment. Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX-1) enzyme is involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism. When colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were exposed to radiation, 15-LOX-1 was upregulated. To verify whether 15-LOX-1 protects against or induces DNA damage, we irradiated sh15-LOX-1 stable cells. We found that low 15-LOX-1 is correlated with radioresistance in CRC cells. These data suggest that the presence of 15-LOX-1 can be used as a marker for radiation-induced DNA damage. Consistent with this observation, gene-set-enrichment analysis based on microarray experiments showed that UV_RESPONSE was decreased in sh15-LOX-1 cells compared to shCon cells. Moreover, we discovered that the expression of the histone H2A variant macroH2A2 was sevenfold lower in sh15-LOX-1 cells. Overall, our findings present mechanistic evidence that macroH2A2 is transcriptionally regulated by 15-LOX-1 and suppresses the DNA damage response in irradiated cells by delaying H2AX activation.
Synthesis of Tri- and Disubstituted Fluorenols and Derivatives Thereof Using Catalytic [2+2+2] Cyclotrimerization
Authors: Caivano Ilaria , Kaiser Reinhard , Schnurrer Florian , Mosinger Jiří , Císařová Ivana , Nečas David , Kotora Martin
Published: November 2019

A method for regioselective synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted and more highly substituted fluorenols using catalytic [2+2+2]cyclotrimerization of mono- and disubstituted diynes with terminal alkynes was explored. In the former case, the preferential formation of the 2,4-regioisomers was achieved in the presence of Cp*Ru(cod)Cl, whereas Rh-based catalysts tended to provide 3,4-regioisomers as the major products. The 2,4-disubstituted fluorenols were converted into the corresponding 9,9′-spirobifluorene derivatives and their structural and photophysical properties were evaluated.
Nuclear Pore Proteins in Regulation of Chromatin State
Authors: Kuhn Terra M. , Capelson Maya
Published: November 2019

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are canonically known to regulate nucleocytoplasmic transport. However, research efforts over the last decade have demonstrated that NPCs and their constituent nucleoporins (Nups) also interact with the genome and perform important roles in regulation of gene expression. It has become increasingly clear that many Nups execute these roles specifically through regulation of chromatin state, whether through interactions with histone modifiers and downstream changes in post-translational histone modifications, or through relationships with chromatin-remodeling proteins that can result in physical changes in nucleosome occupancy and chromatin compaction. This review focuses on these findings, highlighting the functional connection between NPCs/Nups and regulation of chromatin structure, and how this connection can manifest in regulation of transcription.
Tribological Performance of a Ni-Based Composite Coating in Artificial Seawater
Authors: Li Bo , Li Cong , Gao Yimin , Guo Hongjian , Kang Yunchuan , Zhao Siyong
Published: November 2019

NiCrAlY and NiCrAlY-Mo coatings were fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The corrosion-wear performance of the coatings was investigated in artificial seawater and the synergistic mechanism between wear and corrosion were evaluated in detail. Results showed that the diffraction peaks of Ni3Al shifted to the right and the microhardness of the coating was improved from 329.8 HV to 342.5 HV with adding the Mo element. Meanwhile, the NiCrAlY-Mo coating had a lower friction coefficient, with a wear rate of 0.26 and 3.69 × 10−6 mm3/Nm, compared to the NiCrAlY coating with a wear rate of 0.37 and 4.67 × 10−6 mm3/Nm. The NiCrAlY coating had severe corrosion and the corrosion mainly occurred in grain boundary. Adding the Mo element, the Mo element was distributed in the grain boundary and the coating had a lower corrosion rate and visibly slighter corrosion. The NiCrAlY-Mo coating had excellent corrosion-wear properties in artificial seawater.
Bridgman Growth of New Nonlinear Optical Crystal (La1 − xSmx)3Ga5.5Nb0.5O14 for Quasi-Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification
Authors: Yin Libin , Wang Sheng , Xiong Kainan , Tu Xiaoniu , Xu Jiayue , Zheng Yanqing , Shi Erwei
Published: November 2019

Samarium-doped La3Nb0.5Ga5.5O14 (Sm:LGN) crystals were grown along a (100)-orientation by the Bridgman method for quasi-parametric chirped pulse amplification (QPCPA) applications. The structure of La1-xSxmGN (x = 0.1, 0.2) crystals was the same as that of La3Nb0.5Ga5.5O14 (LGN) crystals. The effective segregation coefficient of Sm3+ in the La0.9Sm0.1GN crystal was 0.140. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of La1-xSxmGN (x = 0.1,0.2) crystals was lower than 50″, which indicated the high quality of the crystals. The density of the La0.9Sm0.1GN crystal was 5.968 g/cm3 and that of the La0.8Sm0.2GNcrystal was 5.988 g/cm3. The transmittance of the crystals at 532nm and 800nm was all above 73%. The absorption spectra indicated that the crystals had strong absorption peaks at wavelengths of 1544 and 1595 nm. The thermal properties of La1-xSxmGN (x = 0.1, 0.2) crystals were similar to those of the LGN crystals. The laser damage thresholds of La0.9Sm0.1GN and La0.8Sm0.2GN crystals were, respectively, 188.30 and 54.84 TW/cm2 (@800 nm,35 fs).
On the Preservation of the Beak in Confuciusornis (Aves: Pygostylia)
Authors: Falk Amanda , O’Connor Jingmai , Wang Min , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: November 2019

The Confuciusornithiformes represent the most stem-ward avian occurrence of an edentulous rostrum. Although a keratinous beak is widely considered to have covered the rostrum in confuciusornithiforms, this feature is almost never preserved, having been previously reported only in the holotype of Confuciusornis dui and the holotype of Eoconfuciusornis zhengi. This strongly contrasts with the widespread preservation of the keratinous sheaths that cover the manual and pedal ungual phalanges. Here, we report on a third occurrence of a preserved rhamphotheca in a specimen of Confuciusornis sanctus. We illuminated the preserved traces using laser-stimulated fluorescence. Similarly to E. zhengi, the rhamphotheca has been preserved only as a two-dimensional trace, whereas ungual sheaths are preserved in three dimensions. In contrast to the traces preserved in C. dui, the rhamphotheca in the discussed specimen of C. sanctus is straight rather than upturned. This hints towards hidden morphological diversity within the thousands of Confuciusornis specimens, in which species may be further differentiated by soft tissue features or behaviors, much like many living birds, that cannot be detected in fossils, even with exceptional preservation.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Autosomal Recessive Renal Tubular Dysgenesis with Anhydramnios Caused by a Mutation in the AGT Gene
Authors: Ma Gwo-Chin , Chen Ying-Chung , Wu Wan-Ju , Chang Shun-Ping , Chang Ting-Yu , Lin Wen-Hsiang , Chen Ming
Published: November 2019

Autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis (ARRTD) is a rare and lethal disorder that causes stillbirth or early neonatal death. Most of the reported cases are diagnosed postnatally by a histopathological hallmark of the absence or paucity of differentiated proximal tubules in kidneys. Prenatal diagnosis of ARRTD is challenging because only a few fetal features (e.g., oligohydramnios/anhydramnios, anuria) are associated with this condition. In this study, we report a fetus with ARRTD, which showed anhydramnios and invisible urinary bladder since the second trimester, followed by growth restriction and reversed end diastolic flow in the middle cerebral artery (MCA-REDF). No morphological anomaly was detected on the fetal kidneys during an ultrasound scan. The baby died of refractory hypotension the day after their birth. Genetic analysis of genes that are involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which are the known genetic causes of ARRTD, identified a novel, biparental-origin homozygous c.857-619_1269+243delinsTTGCCTTGC mutation in the AGT gene. The mutation is considered as pathogenic because it is cosegregated with ARRTD and detected in other unrelated ARRTD families. Our findings link the fetal ultrasound manifestations to the ARRTD, highlighting clues that are useful for prenatal diagnosis, which warrants confirmatory genotyping of the RAAS genes including oligohydramnios/anhydramnios, anuria (absent filling of a fetal urinary bladder), MCA-REDF, and a morphologically normal kidney.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Entropy for Group Decision Making of Water Engineering Project Delivery System Selection
Authors: Liu Xun , Qian Fei , Lin Lingna , Zhang Kun , Zhu Lianbo
Published: November 2019

The project delivery mode is an extremely important link in the life cycle of water engineering. Many cases show that increases in the costs, construction period, and claims in the course of the implementation of water engineering are related to the decision of the project delivery mode in the early stages. Therefore, it is particularly important to choose a delivery mode that matches the water engineering. On the basis of identifying the key factors that affect the decision on the project delivery system and establishing a set of index systems, a comprehensive decision of engineering transaction is essentially considered to be a fuzzy multi-attribute group decision. In this study, intuitionistic fuzzy entropy was used to determine the weight of the influencing factors on the engineering transaction mode; then, intuitionistic fuzzy entropy was used to determine the weight of decision experts. Thus, a comprehensive scheme-ranking model based on an intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid average (IFHA) operator and intuitionistic fuzzy weighted average (IFWA) operator was established. Finally, a practical case analysis of a hydropower station further demonstrated the feasibility, objectivity, and scientific nature of the decision model.
Has the Portuguese Compensatory Education Program Been Successful in Reducing Disadvantaged Schools’ Performance Gaps? A 15-Year Quantitative Analysis of National Exams
Authors: Ferraz Hélder , Neves Tiago , Nata Gil
Published: November 2019

A central goal of the Portuguese compensatory education program—Territórios Educativos de Intervenção Prioritária (TEIP)—is the improvement of the academic performance of socioeconomically disadvantaged students. In this article, we seek to understand whether the schools involved in the program have been successful in reducing their academic performance gaps—as measured by grades in national exams—relative to non-TEIP schools. We also analyze the evolution in the proportion of national exams carried out in TEIP schools relative to non-TEIP schools, as these are a proxy for students’ desire to proceed into higher education. The analysis points to a general failure of the program in reducing the gap between TEIP and non-TEIP public schools regarding academic performance. In addition, the proportion of national exams undertaken in TEIP schools has been decreasing. These results question TEIP’s ability not only to enhance academic performance, but also to drive students into higher education.
Fast Convolutional Neural Networks in Low Density FPGAs Using Zero-Skipping and Weight Pruning
Authors: Véstias Mário P. , Duarte Rui Policarpo , de Sousa José T. , Neto Horácio C.
Published: November 2019

Edge devices are becoming smarter with the integration of machine learning methods, such as deep learning, and are therefore used in many application domains where decisions have to be made without human intervention. Deep learning and, in particular, convolutional neural networks (CNN) are more efficient than previous algorithms for several computer vision applications such as security and surveillance, where image and video analysis are required. This better efficiency comes with a cost of high computation and memory requirements. Hence, running CNNs in embedded computing devices is a challenge for both algorithm and hardware designers. New processing devices, dedicated system architectures and optimization of the networks have been researched to deal with these computation requirements. In this paper, we improve the inference execution times of CNNs in low density FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) using fixed-point arithmetic, zero-skipping and weight pruning. The developed architecture supports the execution of large CNNs in FPGA devices with reduced on-chip memory and computing resources. With the proposed architecture, it is possible to infer an image in AlexNet in 2.9 ms in a ZYNQ7020 and 1.0 ms in a ZYNQ7045 with less than 1% accuracy degradation. These results improve previous state-of-the-art architectures for CNN inference.
Wake of a Ducted Vertical Axis Tidal Turbine in Turbulent Flows, LBM Actuator-Line Approach
Authors: Grondeau Mikaël , Guillou Sylvain , Mercier Philippe , Poizot Emmanuel
Published: November 2019

Vertical axis tidal turbines are devices that extract the kinetic energy from tidal currents. Tidal currents can be highly turbulent. Since ambient turbulence affects the turbine hydrodynamic, it is critical to understand its influence in order to optimize tidal farms. Actuator Line Model (ALM) combined with Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is a promising way to comprehend this phenomenon. In this article, an ALM was implemented into a Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) LES solver. This implementation gives good results for predicting the wake of a vertical axis tidal turbine placed into a turbulent boundary layer. The validated numerical configuration was then used to compute the wake of a real size ducted vertical axis tidal turbine. Several upstream turbulence rates were simulated. It was found that the shape of the wake is strongly influenced by the ambient turbulence. The cost-to-precision ratio of ALM-LBM-LES compared to fully resolved LBM-LES makes it a promising way of modeling tidal farms.
DC Side Bus Voltage Control of Wind Power Grid-Connected Inverter Based on Second-Order Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Ma Youjie , Zhao Faqing , Zhou Xuesong , Liu Mao , Yang Bao
Published: November 2019

In order to improve the dynamic response speed and the steady-state performance of the DC side bus voltage of the wind power grid-connected inverter, a mathematical model of a typical three-phase voltage type PWM (Pulse Width Modulation, PWM) grid-connected inverter was established, and its traditional voltage-current double closed loop with proportional-integral control method was analyzed. Then a second-order linear active disturbance rejection controller that does not depend on system model information was designed to replace the traditional voltage outer loop proportional-integral controller, thus a new double closed-loop control structure was formed to control it. The frequency domain theory was used to analyze the convergence of the third-order linear extended state observer and the influence of the total disturbance on the performance of the third-order linear extended state observer. The parameter tuning scheme of the designed controller was given. Finally, the 1.5 MW direct-driven permanent magnet wind power generation system was built in the Matlab/Simulink software and the control effects of the two control modes under different working conditions are compared. The simulation results show that the control scheme designed in this paper is superior to the traditional proportional-integral controller which has good anti-interference characteristics and robustness. Especially it has a good stability effect on DC side bus voltage fluctuations.
Experimental Investigation on the Dynamic Modulus Properties of Methane Hydrate Sediment Samples
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Zhu Yiming , Ying Zhanfeng , Luo Tingting
Published: November 2019

Studying the strength and deformation properties of sediments containing gas hydrates is one of the key problems during the process of hydrate resource exploitation. In this paper, considering the effects of temperatures (−5, −3, −1 °C), confining pressures (0.5, 1, 2 MPa) and porosities (40%, 80%) on the dynamic modulus characteristics of sediments containing methane hydrates, several dynamic loading experiments were conducted. The results show that the sediment structure was more easily destroyed under a larger amplitude of dynamic loading. According to the dynamic stress–strain curves, the skeleton curves of the sediment samples were obtained, and it was shown that the deformation behaved with elastic characteristics in the initial stage, and then plastic deformation increased gradually and played a leading role with the increase in external loading. The maximum dynamic elastic modulus of sediments was reduced under the conditions of higher temperature and porosity, and effectively enhanced under higher confining pressure. Finally, on the basis of the Hardin–Drnevich equivalent model, and considering the influences of temperatures and confining pressures on model parameters, a viscoelastic constitutive model applied to analyze the dynamic modulus characteristics of sediments containing methane hydrate was established. The comparison showed that these calculated values of sediments’ dynamic elastic modulus accorded quite well with the experimental values.
Temporal Evolution of Split-Injected Fuel Spray at Elevated Chamber Pressures
Authors: Wu Gang , Zhou Xinyi , Li Tie
Published: November 2019

For reducing soot and NOx emissions, an effective method is to apply split injection strategies. In this research, characteristics of split injection were investigated by applying the pilot-main injection strategy and main-post injection strategy. The injection mass of fuel with the two strategies was measured by an in-house fuel injection rate test system based on the Bosch method. The development of spray tip and tail penetrations, as well as the evolvement of the spray angle when applying these two injection strategies, were explored by employing the high speed shadowgraphy at various injection pressures and surrounding gas densities. The results indicate the tail penetration rate of spray has no relation to the fuel injection pressure. However, the increased injection pressure causes a faster penetration development in the spray tip position. It was also found that the spray tip penetration rate of the second spray is slightly slower than that of the first spray at the beginning stage of injection, but it was significantly larger than the first one at the later stage.
High-Efficiency Skutterudite Modules at a Low Temperature Gradient
Authors: Li Wenjie , Stokes David , Poudel Bed , Saparamadu Udara , Nozariasbmarz Amin , Kang Han Byul , Priya Shashank
Published: November 2019

Thermoelectric skutterudite materials have been widely investigated for their potential application in mid-temperature waste heat recovery that has not been efficiently utilized A large amount of research has focused on developing materials with a high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT). However, the translation of material properties to device performance has limited success. Here, we demonstrate single-filling n-type Yb0.25Fe0.25Co3.75Sb12 and multi-filling La0.7Ti0.1Ga0.1Fe2.7Co1.3Sb12 skutterudites with a maximum zT of ~1.3 at 740 K and ~0.97 at 760 K. The peak zT of skutterudites usually occurs above 800 K, but, as shown here, the shift in peak zT to lower temperatures is beneficial for enhancing conversion efficiency at a lower hot-side temperature. In this work, we have demonstrated that the Fe-substitution significantly reduces the thermal conductivity of n-type skutterudite, closer to p-type skutterudite thermal conductivity, resulting in a module that is more compatible to operate at elevated temperatures. A uni-couple skutterudite module was fabricated using a molybdenum electrode and Ga–Sn liquid metal as the thermal interface material. A conversion efficiency of 7.27% at a low temperature gradient of 366 K was achieved, which is among the highest efficiencies reported in the literature at this temperature gradient. These results highlight that peak zT shift and optimized module design can improve conversion efficiency of thermoelectric modules at a low temperature gradient.
Synthesis of Optimal Battery State-of-Charge Trajectory for Blended Regime of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in the Presence of Low-Emission Zones and Varying Road Grades
Authors: Soldo Jure , Škugor Branimir , Deur Joško
Published: November 2019

The powertrain efficiency for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) can be maximized by gradually discharging the battery in a blended regime, where the engine is regularly used all over the driving cycle. A key step in designing an optimal PHEV control strategy for the blended regime corresponds to synthesis of battery state-of-charge (SoC) reference trajectory. The paper first demonstrates that the optimal SoC trajectory can significantly differ from a typical linear-like shape in the case of varying road grade and presence of low-emission zones (LEZ). Next, dynamic programming (DP)-based optimizations of PHEV control variables are conducted for the purpose of extracting and analyzing optimal SoC trajectory patterns. It is shown that the optimality is closely related to the minimization of SoC trajectory length with respect to travelled distance. This finding is used for SoC reference trajectory synthesis in the presence of LEZ and varying road grades. Finally, the overall PHEV control strategy is applied to a PHEV-type city bus and verified by means of computer simulations in comparison with the DP optimization benchmark.
Analysis and Disposal of Typical Breakdown Failure for Resin Impregnated Paper Bushing in the Valve Side of HVDC Converter Transformer
Authors: Tang Hao , Wu Guangning , Chen Ming , Deng Jiang , Li Xining
Published: November 2019

This paper presents analysis, diagnosis and disposal with a typical internal breakdown failure of the resin impregnated paper (RIP) valve side bushing in high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter transformer. Based on the analysis of fault current characteristics at the time of the RIP valve side bushing failure, and field test results of insulation parameters, a method of diagnosing typical breakdown failures of valve side bushings is proposed. Through disassembly inspection of the internal overheating and arcing traces on the failure bushing, the root cause of this typical breakdown failure is found, which is upper axial flashover along the RIP condenser/SF6 interface caused by the abnormal contact of two current-carrying conductive tubes. Temperature distribution inside the bushing with an abnormal contact resistance between the copper conductive tube and aluminum conductive tube under different load current is simulated by using the finite element method. An special device is also developed for repairing defective bushing on-site, and 75 bushings with conductive contact defects have been repaired on the premise of not pushing converter transformers away from the valve hall and even without pulling out defective bushings.
The Choice of Pedometer Impacts on Daily Step Counts in Primary School Children under Free-Living Conditions
Authors: Tanaka Chiaki , Hikihara Yuki , Inoue Shigeru , Tanaka Shigeho
Published: November 2019

Background: We examined whether daily step counts under free-living conditions differed among four types of pedometers used by primary school children. Methods: In Study one, we compared the Yamax SW-200 (widely used in research) and the Kenz Lifecorder (accelerometer-based pedometer) in 30 children (6–12 years). In Study two, after confirming good correlation between these devices, we used Kenz Lifecorder as the criterion device and compared it with the Yamasa EX-200 (pants pocket-type pedometer) and the Omron Active style Pro (accelerometer-based pedometer) among 48 (7–12 years) or 108 children (7–12 years). Results: In Study one, comparable mean step counts between pedometers were observed. The correlation was strong (r = 0.91); the average difference between these two pedometers was +4.5%. In Study two, the average differences between Kenz Lifecorder and Yamasa EX-200 and Kenz Lifecorder and Omron Active style Pro were −7.9% and −18.2%, respectively, and those were not significantly equivalent according to the two one-sided-tests method. The correlations between Yamasa or Omron Active style Pro and Lifecorder were moderate and strong, respectively. Conclusions: The choice of pedometer had a substantial impact on step counts. A consensus on the appropriate pedometer for quantifying daily step counts is needed for evidence-based recommendations for health promotion.
Association between Basal Metabolic Rate and Handgrip Strength in Older Koreans
Authors: Oh Sung-Kwan , Son Da-Hye , Kwon Yu-Jin , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Ji-Won
Published: November 2019

We investigated the relationship between the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and muscle strength through measurement of handgrip strength. We conducted a cross-sectional study of a population representative of older Korean from the 2014–2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 2512 community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years and older were included. The BMR was calculated with the Singapore equation and handgrip strength was measured using a digital dynamometer. The patients were categorized into handgrip strength quartiles and a weighted one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables and a weighted chi-squared test for categorical variables were performed. Pearson, Spearman correlation analysis, univariate, and multivariate linear regression were performed. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was also performed to determine the association between basal metabolic rate and handgrip strength quartiles after adjusting for confounding factors. The BMR increased according to handgrip strength quartile after adjusting for age, BMI, relative fat mass, comorbidity number, resistance exercise, aerobic physical activity, household income, educational level, smoking status, and alcohol ingestion in both sexes (p < 0.001). Handgrip strength has a positive association with the BMR in older Korean people. Therefore, muscle strength exercises should be considered for regulating the BMR in the older people.
Determinants of Burden and Satisfaction in Informal Caregivers: Two Sides of the Same Coin? The CUIDAR-SE Study
Authors: García-Mochón Leticia , Peña-Longobardo Luz María , del Río-Lozano María , Oliva-Moreno Juan , Larrañaga-Padilla Isabel , García-Calvente María del Mar
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study conducted in Spain was to analyze and compare burden, severe burden, and satisfaction among informal caregivers in relation to health-related quality of life (HRQoL), type and duration of caregiving, perceived social support, and use of social and health care services. We performed multivariate analyses to identify variables associated with caregiver burden, severe burden, and satisfaction with caregiving, stratified by gender. The results showed that secondary or third-level education, performance of ungratifying tasks, negative coping with caregiving, and more years providing care were associated with greater burden. Variables with protective effect were better perceived health of the person being cared for, better caregiver HRQoL, and high perceived social support. Women were 75% more likely to experience severe burden compared with male caregivers. Burden was reduced by high perceived social support in the case of women and by high caregiver HRQoL in the case of men. The main determinant of caregiving satisfaction for both men and women was perceived social support (OR = 3.11 and OR = 6.64). This study shows the need for interventions that promote gender equality and social support as a means of relieving burden and severe burden and improving satisfaction in both male and female caregivers.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease in an Elderly Population from Eastern China
Authors: Ji Andong , Pan Chunlei , Wang Hongxia , Jin Zhezhen , Lee Joseph H. , Wu Qincheng , Jiang Qixiao , Cui Lianhua
Published: November 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global major public health problem. Almost all of previous studies evaluating the prevalence of CKD focused on adults, while studies among the elderly were relatively rare, especially in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of CKD among the elderly in Qingdao, China. This was a cross-sectional study with 38,038 inhabitants (aged 60–109) randomly recruited in Qingdao, China. All participants were required to complete a questionnaire for their demographic characteristics. Blood and urine samples of participants were collected, and the albumin and creatinine levels were measured for albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assessment. The associations between risk factors and indicators of kidney damage were analyzed by logistic regression. A total of 34,588 inhabitants completed the survey. The overall prevalence of CKD was 11.41% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.07–11.74%) in the elders from Qingdao in 2016. The prevalence of albuminuria and low eGFR (<60 mL/min per 1·73 m²) were 8.47% (95% CI: 8.17–8.76%) and 3.98% (95% CI: 3.78–4.19%), respectively. Older age, hypertension, diabetes, anemia, hyperuricemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, and LDL-C ≥ 4.1 mmol/L were independently associated with the presence of CKD. In conclusion, common chronic non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperuricemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, were associated with greater prevalence of CKD.
Effect of a Pedometer-Based, 24-Week Walking Intervention on Depression and Acculturative Stress among Migrant Women Workers
Authors: Kim Youlim , Lee Young-Me , Cho Mikyeong , Lee Hyeonkyeong
Published: November 2019

Little research has examined exercise-based interventions meant to alleviate depressive symptoms among Korean-Chinese migrant women workers living in Korea. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week walking program on reducing depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels in this population. This quasi-experimental sequential walking program was conducted with 132 Korean-Chinese women over a period of 24 weeks. Participants were divided into either a standard treatment group (n = 69) or enhanced treatment group (n = 63). All participants were instructed to walk using a pedometer. The enhanced treatment group also received mobile text messages designed to encourage walking adherence and improve acculturation. Participants were asked to complete two structured questionnaires, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Acculturative Stress Scale, to evaluate the intervention programs. At the end of the program, both groups exhibited decreased depression scores, but the decrease in the enhanced treatment group was more significant both at weeks 12 and 24. Acculturative stress was also found to have decreased at weeks 12 and 24. Our findings show the walking program reduced the depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels among the Korean-Chinese women in this study. Further studies will be needed to analyze the relationship between walking step count and mental health considering exercise intensity.
The Effect of Aquatic Exercise on Postural Mobility of Healthy Older Adults with Endomorphic Somatotype
Authors: Irandoust Khadijeh , Taheri Morteza , Mirmoezzi Masoud , H’mida Cyrine , Chtourou Hamdi , Trabelsi Khaled , Ammar Achraf , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: November 2019

The fear of falling (FOF) limits the movements of the older adults, which, in turn, might impair postural mobility. An aquatic environment has a relatively low risk of falling and can improve motor abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aquatic exercise on postural mobility of the healthy endomorph elderly somatotype. Therefore, 37 healthy endomorphic older adults with an average age of 64.38 ± 4.12 years participated in this study. Participants were randomly divided into four groups (i.e., Aquatic exercise, Dry-land exercise, Aquatic control, and Dry-land control). The Heath-Carter method was used to estimate the criterion somatotype, and the Tinetti method was used to determine postural mobility. Covariance analysis was used to examine the mean differences at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the aquatic exercise group and the two control groups (p < 0.01), and the dry-land exercise group was significantly different from the aquatic control (p < 0.05) and dry-land control groups (p < 0.01). The results indicate that the design of aquatic exercise programs, especially for endomorphic older adults with inappropriate body shape, for whom dry-land exercises are not appropriate, likely, has a positive effect on the motor control and both the balance and gait and provide appropriate postural mobility without FOF in older adults.
Place, the Built Environment, and Means Restriction in Suicide Prevention
Authors: Pollock Nathaniel J.
Published: November 2019

Restricting access to lethal means is a key public health intervention for preventing suicide. Means restriction research has often focused on suicide methods that are modifiable through legislation or policy interventions. However, some of the most common methods such as hanging may not be sensitive to regulation. The aims of this paper are to examine built environment and place-based approaches to means restriction in suicide prevention, and further consider the connections between place, the environment, and suicide methods. To increase knowledge about specific methods and mechanisms of injury in suicide deaths, higher resolution data for surveillance and epidemiology is required. Data that can be used to better discern patterns about specific locations and materials used in suicide and self-harm will support efforts to uncover new directions for prevention.
Pre- and Post-Immigration Correlates of Alcohol Misuse among Young Adult Recent Latino Immigrants: An Ecodevelopmental Approach
Authors: Levitt Eli , Ainuz Bar , Pourmoussa Austin , Acuna Juan , De La Rosa Mario , Zevallos Juan , Wang Weize , Rodriguez Pura , Castro Grettel , Sanchez Mariana
Published: November 2019

Latinos in the United States experience numerous alcohol-related health disparities. There is accumulating evidence that pre-immigration factors are associated with post-immigration alcohol use, but the explanation for health disparities remains unclear. The present study is a secondary analysis of data from the Recent Latino Immigrant Study (RLIS), the first community-based cohort study to examine the pre- to post-immigration alcohol use trajectories of young adult Latino immigrants during their initial years in the United States. Exploratory analysis and hierarchical multiple logistic regression were performed to assess associations between various pre- and post-immigration factors and alcohol misuse among young adult Latino immigrants early in the immigration process. Using an ecodevelopmental approach, we examined potential social and environmental determinants across multiple levels of influence associated with post-immigration alcohol misuse in this population. The study sample consisted of 474 young adult Latino immigrants between the ages of 18–34. The sample was comprised of the following national/regional origins: Cuban (43%), South American (28.7%), and Central American (28.3%). Approximately half of the sample (49.6%) reported a family history of substance use problems (FHSUP+). Participants who reported FHSUP+ and who engaged in alcohol misuse prior to immigrating to the US were more likely to engage in post-immigration alcohol misuse. Results revealed various social and environmental factors associated with pre-immigration alcohol misuse in this population. Study findings can inform culturally tailored prevention interventions aimed at mitigating problem drinking behaviors among young adult recent Latino immigrants.
Virtual Reality Gaming Elevates Heart Rate but Not Energy Expenditure Compared to Conventional Exercise in Adult Males
Authors: Perrin Théo , Faure Charles , Nay Kévin , Cattozzo Giammaria , Sorel Anthony , Kulpa Richard , Kerhervé Hugo A.
Published: November 2019

Virtual reality using head-mounted displays (HMD) could provide enhanced physical load during active gaming (AG) compared to traditional displays. We aimed to compare the physical load elicited by conventional exercise and AG with an HMD. We measured energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) in nine healthy men (age: 27 ± 5 years) performing three testing components in a randomised order: walking at 6 km/h (W6), AG, and AG with an additional constraint (AGW; wrist-worn weights). Although we found that HR was not significantly different between W6 and the two modes of AG, actual energy expenditure was consistently lower in AG and AGW compared to W6. We observed that playing AG with wrist-worn weights could be used as a means of increasing energy expenditure only at maximum game level, but ineffective otherwise. Our findings indicate that AG in an HMD may not provide a sufficient stimulus to meet recommended physical activity levels despite increased psychophysiological load. The differential outcomes of measures of HR and EE indicates that HR should not be used as an indicator of EE in AG. Yet, adding a simple constraint (wrist-worn weights) proved to be a simple and effective measure to increase EE during AG.
Celiac Disease Monocytes Induce a Barrier Defect in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Delbue Deborah , Cardoso-Silva Danielle , Branchi Federica , Itzlinger Alice , Letizia Marilena , Siegmund Britta , Schumann Michael
Published: November 2019

Intestinal epithelial barrier function in celiac disease (CeD) patients is altered. However, the mechanism underlying this effect is not fully understood. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of monocytes in eliciting the epithelial barrier defect in CeD. For this purpose, human monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from active and inactive CeD patients and healthy controls. PBMCs were sorted for expression of CD14 and co-cultured with intestinal epithelial cells (IECs, Caco2BBe). Barrier function, as well as tight junctional alterations, were determined. Monocytes were characterized by profiling of cytokines and surface marker expression. Transepithelial resistance was found to be decreased only in IECs that had been exposed to celiac monocytes. In line with this, tight junctional alterations were found by confocal laser scanning microscopy and Western blotting of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5. Analysis of cytokine concentrations in monocyte supernatants revealed higher expression of interleukin-6 and MCP-1 in celiac monocytes. However, surface marker expression, as analyzed by FACS analysis after immunostaining, did not reveal significant alterations in celiac monocytes. In conclusion, CeD peripheral monocytes reveal an intrinsically elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine pattern that is associated with the potential of peripheral monocytes to affect barrier function by altering TJ composition.
MicroRNA-Based Therapeutic Perspectives in Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: López Castel Arturo , Overby Sarah Joann , Artero Rubén
Published: November 2019

Myotonic dystrophy involves two types of chronically debilitating rare neuromuscular diseases: type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2). Both share similarities in molecular cause, clinical signs, and symptoms with DM2 patients usually displaying milder phenotypes. It is well documented that key clinical symptoms in DM are associated with a strong mis-regulation of RNA metabolism observed in patient’s cells. This mis-regulation is triggered by two leading DM-linked events: the sequestration of Muscleblind-like proteins (MBNL) and the mis-regulation of the CUGBP RNA-Binding Protein Elav-Like Family Member 1 (CELF1) that cause significant alterations to their important functions in RNA processing. It has been suggested that DM1 may be treatable through endogenous modulation of the expression of MBNL and CELF1 proteins. In this study, we analyzed the recent identification of the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) molecules in DM and focus on the modulation of these miRNAs to therapeutically restore normal MBNL or CELF1 function. We also discuss additional prospective miRNA targets, the use of miRNAs as disease biomarkers, and additional promising miRNA-based and miRNA-targeting drug development strategies. This review provides a unifying overview of the dispersed data on miRNA available in the context of DM.
Cellular Stress-Modulating Drugs Can Potentially Be Identified by in Silico Screening with Connectivity Map (CMap)
Authors: Gao Yurong , Kim Sungwoo , Lee Yun-Il , Lee Jaemin
Published: November 2019

Accompanied by increased life span, aging-associated diseases, such as metabolic diseases and cancers, have become serious health threats. Recent studies have documented that aging-associated diseases are caused by prolonged cellular stresses such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial stress, and oxidative stress. Thus, ameliorating cellular stresses could be an effective approach to treat aging-associated diseases and, more importantly, to prevent such diseases from happening. However, cellular stresses and their molecular responses within the cell are typically mediated by a variety of factors encompassing different signaling pathways. Therefore, a target-based drug discovery method currently being used widely (reverse pharmacology) may not be adequate to uncover novel drugs targeting cellular stresses and related diseases. The connectivity map (CMap) is an online pharmacogenomic database cataloging gene expression data from cultured cells treated individually with various chemicals, including a variety of phytochemicals. Moreover, by querying through CMap, researchers may screen registered chemicals in silico and obtain the likelihood of drugs showing a similar gene expression profile with desired and chemopreventive conditions. Thus, CMap is an effective genome-based tool to discover novel chemopreventive drugs.
The Rich World of p53 DNA Binding Targets: The Role of DNA Structure
Authors: Brázda Václav , Fojta Miroslav
Published: November 2019

The tumor suppressor functions of p53 and its roles in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, senescence, and metabolism are accomplished mainly by its interactions with DNA. p53 works as a transcription factor for a significant number of genes. Most p53 target genes contain so-called p53 response elements in their promoters, consisting of 20 bp long canonical consensus sequences. Compared to other transcription factors, which usually bind to one concrete and clearly defined DNA target, the p53 consensus sequence is not strict, but contains two repeats of a 5′RRRCWWGYYY3′ sequence; therefore it varies remarkably among target genes. Moreover, p53 binds also to DNA fragments that at least partially and often completely lack this consensus sequence. p53 also binds with high affinity to a variety of non-B DNA structures including Holliday junctions, cruciform structures, quadruplex DNA, triplex DNA, DNA loops, bulged DNA, and hemicatenane DNA. In this review, we summarize information of the interactions of p53 with various DNA targets and discuss the functional consequences of the rich world of p53 DNA binding targets for its complex regulatory functions.