bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Juxtaposing GIS and Archaeologically Mapped Ancient Road Routes
Authors: Hodza Paddington , Butler Kurtis A.
Published: February 2022

Mapping ancient roads is crucial to tell credible geospatial stories about where, how, or why different people might have travelled or transported materials within and between places in the distant past. Achieving this process is challenging and commonly accomplished by means of archaeological and GIS methods and materials. It is not uncommon for different experts employing these methods to generate inconsistent delineations of the same ancient roads, creating confusion about how to produce knowledge and decisions based on multiple geospatial perspectives. This yet to be adequately addressed problem motivates our desire to enrich existing literature on the nature and extents of these differences. We juxtapose GIS and archaeologically generated road maps for northern Etruria, a region of ancient Italy with a well-developed road network built by the Etruscans and Romans. We reveal map differences through a map comparison approach that integrates a broad set of qualitative and quantitative measures plus geospatial concepts and strategies. The differences are evident in route locations, sinuosities, lengths, and complexities of the terrains on which the routes were set as defined by subtle variations in elevation, slope, and ruggedness. They ranged from 11.2–34.4 km in road length, 0–65.7 m in road relief, 1.0–13.5% in mean road grade, 0.07–0.79 in detour indices and 0.19–3.08 for mean terrain roughness indices, all of which can be considerable depending on application. Taken together, the measures proved effective in furthering our understanding of the range of possible disagreements between ancient linear features mapped by different experts and methods and are extensible for other application areas. They point to the importance of explicitly acknowledging and maintaining all usable perspectives in geospatial databases as well as visualization and analysis processes, regardless of levels of disagreement, and especially where ground-truth informed assessments cannot be reliably performed.
Home Respiratory Care: Design of a Prototype for Continuous Measurement at the Nasal Septum
Authors: Narayanan Roshini , Bender Evan , Chernoff Raphael , Mendoza Luis , Bernstein Samuel , Turner Emma , Mathai Stephen , Miranda Constanza
Published: February 2022

Chronic respiratory diseases have been on the rise, especially due to COVID-19, extreme air pollution, and other external circumstances. Millions of people around the world suffer from progressive lung diseases and require supplemental oxygen therapy to maintain blood oxygen (SpO2) levels above 90% to prevent hypoxic episodes that can lead to further organ damage. Today, these chronic episodes are more prevalent in aging populations suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). Existing SpO2 measurement equipment, designed to assist with treating COPD at home, are suboptimal as they cannot measure SpO2 levels continuously, meaning supplemental oxygen devices are unable to adjust oxygen flow rates to the patient’s needs. These discrepancies can result in hypoxic episodes of blood oxygen levels below 90%. Following this need, our team demonstrates preliminary results of the novel placement of a SpO2 sensor in the nasal septum to allow for comfortable and sustained SpO2 measurement. This will improve the experience of home-respiratory care with continuously obtained data from a novel location.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Practice of Forensic Medicine: An Overview
Authors: Esposito Massimiliano , Salerno Monica , Scoto Edmondo , Di Nunno Nunzio , Sessa Francesco
Published: February 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, forensic sciences, on the one hand, contributed to gaining knowledge about different aspects of the pandemic, while on the other hand, forensic professionals were called on to quickly adapt their activities to respond adequately to the changes imposed by the pandemic. This review aims to clarify the state of the art in forensic medicine at the time of COVID-19, discussing the following: the influence of external factors on forensic activities, the impact of autopsy practice on COVID-19 and vice-versa, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in post-mortem samples, forensic personnel activities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the global vaccination program and forensic sciences, forensic undergraduate education during and after the imposed COVID-19 lockdown, and the medico-legal implications in medical malpractice claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly influenced different aspects of human life, and, accordingly, the practical activities of forensic sciences that are defined as multidisciplinary, involving different expertise. Indeed, the activities are very different, including crime scene investigation (CSI), external examination, autopsy, and genetic and toxicological examinations of tissues and/or biological fluids. At the same time, forensic professionals may have direct contact with subjects in life, such as in the case of abuse victims (in some cases involving children), collecting biological samples from suspects, or visiting subjects in the case of physical examinations. In this scenario, forensic professionals are called on to implement methods to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, wearing adequate PPE, and working in environments with a reduced risk of infection. Consequently, in the pandemic era, the costs involved for forensic sciences were substantially increased.
mHealth Apps for Self-Management of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cruz-Ramos Nancy Aracely , Alor-Hernández Giner , Colombo-Mendoza Luis Omar , Sánchez-Cervantes José Luis , Rodríguez-Mazahua Lisbeth , Guarneros-Nolasco Luis Rolando
Published: February 2022

The use of mHealth apps for the self-management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is an increasing trend in patient-centered care. In this research, we conduct a scoping review of mHealth apps for CVD self-management within the period 2014 to 2021. Our review revolves around six main aspects of the current status of mHealth apps for CVD self-management: main CVDs managed, main app functionalities, disease stages managed, common approaches used for data extraction, analysis, management, common wearables used for CVD detection, monitoring and/or identification, and major challenges to overcome and future work remarks. Our review is based on Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework for conducting studies. Similarly, we adopted the PRISMA model for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Of the 442 works initially retrieved, the review comprised 38 primary studies. According to our results, the most common CVDs include arrhythmia (34%), heart failure (32%), and coronary heart disease (18%). Additionally, we found that the majority mHealth apps for CVD self-management can provide medical recommendations, medical appointments, reminders, and notifications for CVD monitoring. Main challenges in the use of mHealth apps for CVD self-management include overcoming patient reluctance to use the technology and achieving the interoperability of mHealth applications with other systems.
Development Characteristics and Causes of a Fatal Landslide Occurred in Shuicheng, Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Chen Yu , He Xiangli , Xu Chong , Huang Yuandong , Zhang Pengfei , Luo Zhihua , Zhan Tao
Published: February 2022

At about 20:40 on 23 July 2019, a high-level and long-runout landslide occurred in Jichang Town, Shuicheng County, Guizhou Province (hereafter called the Shuicheng landslide). This slope failure was highly devastating, and most of the local residents were severely affected, including 52 dead or missing. Based on the information provided by field investigations, drilling boreholes, and Google Earth, we describe the landform and stratigraphy characteristics of the Shuicheng landslide in this study. Additionally, the dataset of 1158 ancient landslides near the Shuicheng landslide is obtained by Google Earth and ArcGIS, including their morphological scales and spatial distribution characteristics, to analyze the landslide development preference in this region. Furthermore, the causes of the Shuicheng landslide are discussed by analyzing the effects of active tectonic activities on the broken basalt and the steep terrain, as well as the trigger action of continuous heavy rainfall. Finally, a previous empirical prediction formula of sliding distance is verified by the Shuicheng landslide parameters and is applied into the width range calculation of the ancient landslide risk zones, which is a kind of risk source for future landslides. The result indicates the area up to ≈3500 m away from the landslide risk source should be concerned during engineering construction in the study area. This study provides significant scientific guidance for the risk management of potential landslide hazards in this area.
Effect of Glucocorticosteroids in Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia: Maybe Not as Elusive as It Seems
Authors: Macečková Zuzana , Kubíčková Agáta , De Sanctis Juan , Hajdúch Marian
Published: February 2022

Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is a red blood cell aplasia that in the majority of cases is associated with ribosomal protein (RP) aberrations. However, the mechanism by which this disorder leads to such a specific phenotype remains unclear. Even more elusive is the reason why non-specific agents such as glucocorticosteroids (GCs), also known as glucocorticoids, are an effective therapy for DBA. In this review, we (1) explore why GCs are successful in DBA treatment, (2) discuss the effect of GCs on erythropoiesis, and (3) summarise the GC impact on crucial pathways deregulated in DBA. Furthermore, we show that GCs do not regulate DBA erythropoiesis via a single mechanism but more likely via several interdependent pathways.
Long Non-Coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 Regulates Protein Kinase CK2 Via miR-760 in Senescence and Calorie Restriction
Authors: Lee Yoonsung , Bae Young-Seuk
Published: February 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important biological roles. Here, the roles of the lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 in cellular senescence and calorie restriction were determined. KCNQ1OT1 knockdown mediated various senescence markers (increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, the p53-p21Cip1/WAF1 pathway, H3K9 trimethylation, and expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype) and reactive oxygen species generation via CK2α downregulation in human cancer HCT116 and MCF-7 cells. Additionally, KCNQ1OT1 was downregulated during replicative senescence, and its silencing induced senescence in human lung fibroblast IMR-90 cells. Additionally, an miR-760 mimic suppressed KCNQ1OT1-mediated CK2α upregulation, indicating that KCNQ1OT1 upregulated CK2α by sponging miR-760. Finally, the KCNQ1OT1–miR-760 axis was involved in both lipopolysaccharide-mediated CK2α reduction and calorie restriction (CR)-mediated CK2α induction in these cells. Therefore, for the first time, this study demonstrates that the KCNQ1OT1–miR-760–CK2α pathway plays essential roles in senescence and CR, thereby suggesting that KCNQ1OT1 is a novel therapeutic target for an alternative treatment that mimics the effects of anti-aging and CR.
Exposure to b-LED Light While Exerting Antimicrobial Activity on Gram-Negative and -Positive Bacteria Promotes Transient EMT-like Changes and Growth Arrest in Keratinocytes
Authors: Terri Michela , Mancianti Nicoletta , Trionfetti Flavia , Casciaro Bruno , de Turris Valeria , Raponi Giammarco , Bontempi Giulio , Montaldo Claudia , Domenici Alessandro , Menè Paolo , Mangoni Maria Luisa , Strippoli Raffaele
Published: February 2022

While blue LED (b-LED) light is increasingly being studied for its cytotoxic activity towards bacteria in therapy of skin-related infections, its effects on eukaryotic cells plasticity are less well characterized. Moreover, since different protocols are often used, comparing the effect of b-LED towards both microorganisms and epithelial surfaces may be difficult. The aim of this study was to analyze, in the same experimental setting, both the bactericidal activity and the effects on human keratinocytes. Exposure to b-LED induced an intense cytocidal activity against Gram-positive (i.e, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria associated with catheter-related infections. Treatment with b-LED of a human keratinocyte cell line induced a transient cell cycle arrest. At the molecular level, exposure to b-LED induced a transient downregulation of Cyclin D1 and an upregulation of p21, but not signs of apoptosis. Interestingly, a transient induction of phosphor-histone γ-H2Ax, which is associated with genotoxic damages, was observed. At the same time, keratinocytes underwent a transient epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenotype, characterized by E-cadherin downregulation and SNAIL/SLUG induction. As a functional readout of EMT induction, a scratch assay was performed. Surprisingly, b-LED treatment provoked a delay in the scratch closure. In conclusion, we demonstrated that b-LED microbicidal activity is associated with complex responses in keratinocytes that certainly deserve further analysis.
Blood–Brain Barrier Transporters: Opportunities for Therapeutic Development in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nilles Kelsy L. , Williams Erica I. , Betterton Robert D. , Davis Thomas P. , Ronaldson Patrick T.
Published: February 2022

Globally, stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability. Over the past decades, several efforts have attempted to discover new drugs or repurpose existing therapeutics to promote post-stroke neurological recovery. Preclinical stroke studies have reported successes in identifying novel neuroprotective agents; however, none of these compounds have advanced beyond a phase III clinical trial. One reason for these failures is the lack of consideration of blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport mechanisms that can enable these drugs to achieve efficacious concentrations in ischemic brain tissue. Despite the knowledge that drugs with neuroprotective properties (i.e., statins, memantine, metformin) are substrates for endogenous BBB transporters, preclinical stroke research has not extensively studied the role of transporters in central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery. Here, we review current knowledge on specific BBB uptake transporters (i.e., organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs in humans; Oatps in rodents); organic cation transporters (OCTs in humans; Octs in rodents) that can be targeted for improved neuroprotective drug delivery. Additionally, we provide state-of-the-art perspectives on how transporter pharmacology can be integrated into preclinical stroke research. Specifically, we discuss the utility of in vivo stroke models to transporter studies and considerations (i.e., species selection, co-morbid conditions) that will optimize the translational success of stroke pharmacotherapeutic experiments.
Proglumide Reverses Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Interaction with the Farnesoid X Receptor and Altering the Microbiome
Authors: Gay Martha D. , Cao Hong , Shivapurkar Narayan , Dakshanamurthy Sivanesan , Kallakury Bhaskar , Tucker Robin D. , Kwagyan John , Smith Jill P.
Published: February 2022

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released by saturated fats and plays an important role in bile acid secretion. CCK receptors are expressed on cholangiocytes, and CCK-B receptor expression increases in the livers of mice with NASH. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is involved in bile acid transport and is a target for novel therapeutics for NASH. The aim of this study was to examine the role of proglumide, a CCK receptor inhibitor, in a murine model of NASH and its interaction at FXR. Mice were fed a choline deficient ethionine (CDE) diet to induce NASH. Some CDE-fed mice received proglumide-treated drinking water. Blood was collected and liver tissues were examined histologically. Proglumide’s interaction at FXR was evaluated by computer modeling, a luciferase reporter assay, and tissue FXR expression. Stool microbiome was analyzed by RNA-Sequencing. CDE-fed mice developed NASH and the effect was prevented by proglumide. Computer modeling demonstrated specific binding of proglumide to FXR. Proglumide binding in the reporter assay was consistent with a partial agonist at the FXR with a mean binding affinity of 215 nM. FXR expression was significantly decreased in livers of CDE-fed mice compared to control livers, and proglumide restored FXR expression to normal levels. Proglumide therapy altered the microbiome signature by increasing beneficial and decreasing harmful bacteria. These data highlight the potential novel mechanisms by which proglumide therapy may improve NASH through interaction with the FXR and consequent alteration of the gut microbiome.
High, in Contrast to Low Levels of Acute Stress Induce Depressive-like Behavior by Involving Astrocytic, in Addition to Microglial P2X7 Receptors in the Rodent Hippocampus
Authors: Zhao Ya-Fei , Ren Wen-Jing , Zhang Ying , He Jin-Rong , Yin Hai-Yan , Liao Yang , Rubini Patrizia , Deussing Jan M. , Verkhratsky Alexei , Yuan Zeng-Qiang , Illes Peter , Tang Yong
Published: February 2022

Extracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) in the brain is suggested to be an etiological factor of major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been assumed that stress-released ATP stimulates P2X7 receptors (Rs) at the microglia, thereby causing neuroinflammation; however, other central nervous system (CNS) cell types such as astrocytes also possess P2X7Rs. In order to elucidate the possible involvement of the MDD-relevant hippocampal astrocytes in the development of a depressive-like state, we used various behavioral tests (tail suspension test [TST], forced swim test [FST], restraint stress, inescapable foot shock, unpredictable chronic mild stress [UCMS]), as well as fluorescence immunohistochemistry, and patch-clamp electrophysiology in wild-type (WT) and genetically manipulated rodents. The TST and FST resulted in learned helplessness manifested as a prolongation of the immobility time, while inescapable foot shock caused lower sucrose consumption as a sign of anhedonia. We confirmed the participation of P2X7Rs in the development of the depressive-like behaviors in all forms of acute (TST, FST, foot shock) and chronic stress (UCMS) in the rodent models used. Further, pharmacological agonists and antagonists acted in a different manner in rats and mice due to their diverse potencies at the respective receptor orthologs. In hippocampal slices of mice and rats, only foot shock increased the current responses to locally applied dibenzoyl-ATP (Bz-ATP) in CA1 astrocytes; in contrast, TST and restraint depressed these responses. Following stressful stimuli, immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increased co-localization of P2X7Rs with a microglial marker, but no change in co-localization with an astroglial marker. Pharmacological damage to the microglia and astroglia has proven the significance of the microglia for mediating all types of depression-like behavioral reactions, while the astroglia participated only in reactions induced by strong stressors, such as foot shock. Because, in addition to acute stressors, their chronic counterparts induce a depressive-like state in rodents via P2X7R activation, we suggest that our data may have relevance for the etiology of MDD in humans.
Blood Bacteria-Free DNA in Septic Mice Enhances LPS-Induced Inflammation in Mice through Macrophage Response
Authors: Kaewduangduen Warerat , Visitchanakun Peerapat , Saisorn Wilasinee , Phawadee Ariya , Manonitnantawat Charintorn , Chutimaskul Chirapas , Susantitaphong Paweena , Ritprajak Patcharee , Somboonna Naraporn , Cheibchalard Thanya , Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Kueanjinda Patipark , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: February 2022

Although bacteria-free DNA in blood during systemic infection is mainly derived from bacterial death, translocation of the DNA from the gut into the blood circulation (gut translocation) is also possible. Hence, several mouse models with experiments on macrophages were conducted to explore the sources, influences, and impacts of bacteria-free DNA in sepsis. First, bacteria-free DNA and bacteriome in blood were demonstrated in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis mice. Second, administration of bacterial lysate (a source of bacterial DNA) in dextran sulfate solution (DSS)-induced mucositis mice elevated blood bacteria-free DNA without bacteremia supported gut translocation of free DNA. The absence of blood bacteria-free DNA in DSS mice without bacterial lysate implies an impact of the abundance of bacterial DNA in intestinal contents on the translocation of free DNA. Third, higher serum cytokines in mice after injection of combined bacterial DNA with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), when compared to LPS injection alone, supported an influence of blood bacteria-free DNA on systemic inflammation. The synergistic effects of free DNA and LPS on macrophage pro-inflammatory responses, as indicated by supernatant cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), pro-inflammatory genes (NFκB, iNOS, and IL-1β), and profound energy alteration (enhanced glycolysis with reduced mitochondrial functions), which was neutralized by TLR-9 inhibition (chloroquine), were demonstrated. In conclusion, the presence of bacteria-free DNA in sepsis mice is partly due to gut translocation of bacteria-free DNA into the systemic circulation, which would enhance sepsis severity. Inhibition of the responses against bacterial DNA by TLR-9 inhibition could attenuate LPS-DNA synergy in macrophages and might help improve sepsis hyper-inflammation in some situations.
Transferrin Saturation/Hepcidin Ratio Discriminates TMPRSS6-Related Iron Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia from Patients with Multi-Causal Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: van der Staaij Hilde , Donker Albertine E. , Bakkeren Dirk L. , Salemans Jan M. J. I. , Mignot-Evers Lisette A. A. , Bongers Marlies Y. , Dieleman Jeanne P. , Galesloot Tessel E. , Laarakkers Coby M. , Klaver Siem M. , Swinkels Dorine W.
Published: February 2022

Pathogenic TMPRSS6 variants impairing matriptase-2 function result in inappropriately high hepcidin levels relative to body iron status, leading to iron refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA). As diagnosing IRIDA can be challenging due to its genotypical and phenotypical heterogeneity, we assessed the transferrin saturation (TSAT)/hepcidin ratio to distinguish IRIDA from multi-causal iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We included 20 IRIDA patients from a registry for rare inherited iron disorders and then enrolled 39 controls with IDA due to other causes. Plasma hepcidin-25 levels were measured by standardized isotope dilution mass spectrometry. IDA controls had not received iron therapy in the last 3 months and C-reactive protein levels were <10.0 mg/L. IRIDA patients had significantly lower TSAT/hepcidin ratios compared to IDA controls, median 0.6%/nM (interquartile range, IQR, 0.4–1.1%/nM) and 16.7%/nM (IQR, 12.0–24.0%/nM), respectively. The area under the curve for the TSAT/hepcidin ratio was 1.000 with 100% sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence intervals 84–100% and 91–100%, respectively) at an optimal cut-off point of 5.6%/nM. The TSAT/hepcidin ratio shows excellent performance in discriminating IRIDA from TMPRSS6-unrelated IDA early in the diagnostic work-up of IDA provided that recent iron therapy and moderate-to-severe inflammation are absent. These observations warrant further exploration in a broader IDA population.
Interactions between Radiation and One-Carbon Metabolism
Authors: Korimerla Navyateja , Wahl Daniel R.
Published: February 2022

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. Cancer cells rewire one-carbon metabolism, a central metabolic pathway, to turn nutritional inputs into essential biomolecules required for cancer cell growth and maintenance. Radiation therapy, a common cancer therapy, also interacts and alters one-carbon metabolism. This review discusses the interactions between radiation therapy, one-carbon metabolism and its component metabolic pathways.
Correction: Ratka et al. The Effect of In Vitro Electrolytic Cleaning on Biofilm-Contaminated Implant Surfaces. J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8, 1397
Authors: Ratka Christoph , Weigl Paul , Henrich Dirk , Koch Felix , Schlee Markus , Zipprich Holger
Published: February 2022

There was an error in the original article [...]
Comparison of Medical and Surgical Treatment in Severe Bell’s Palsy
Authors: Kim Yong , Yeo Seung Geun , Rim Hwa Sung , Lee Jongha , Kim Dokyoung , Kim Sung Soo , Park Dong Choon , Byun Jae Yong , Kim Sang Hoon
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: The effectiveness of decompression surgery for Bell’s palsy is controversial. This study investigated the effects of facial nerve decompression in patients with severe Bell’s palsy who were expected to have a poor prognosis. (2) Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1721 patients with Bell’s palsy who visited the Kyung Hee University Hospital between January 2005 and December 2021. Of these, 45 patients with severe Bell’s palsy were divided into two groups; 30 patients were treated conservatively with steroids and antiviral agents alone, while 15 patients underwent additional decompressive surgery after the conservative treatment. Outcomes were measured using House–Brackmann (H–B) grade for least 6 months after treatment was finished and conducted until full recovery was achieved. (3) Results: There was no significant difference in the rate of favorable recovery (H–B grade 1 or 2) between the surgery group and the conservative treatment group (75% vs. 70.0%, p > 0.05). Although H–B grade improvement occurred in both groups, the degree of improvement was not significantly different between groups. (4) Conclusions: Facial nerve decompression surgery in severe Bell’s palsy patients did not significantly improve prognosis beyond that offered by conservative treatment alone. Additional surgical decompression may not be necessary in patients with severe Bell’s palsy if they receive sufficient conservative treatment.
Effects of Moderate Alcohol Consumption in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Lemmer Peter , Manka Paul , Best Jan , Kahraman Alisan , Kälsch Julia , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro , Link Alexander , Chiang Hsin , Gerken Guido , Canbay Ali , Bechmann Lars P. , Sydor Svenja
Published: February 2022

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have emerged as leading causes of chronic liver diseases worldwide. ALD and NAFLD share several pathophysiological patterns as well as histological features, while clinically, they are distinguished by the amount of alcohol consumed daily. However, NAFLD coexists with moderate alcohol consumption in a growing proportion of the population. Here, we investigated the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on liver injury, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota in 30 NAFLD-patients. We anonymously assessed drinking habits, applying the AUDIT- and CAGE-questionnaires and compared subgroups of abstainers vs. low to harmful alcohol consumers (AUDIT) and Cage 0–1 vs. Cage 2–4. Patients who did not drink any alcohol had lower levels of γGT, ALT, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. While the abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Ruminococcaceae was higher in the low to harmful alcohol drinking cohort, the abundance of Rikenellaceae was higher in the abstainers. Our study suggests that even moderate alcohol consumption has an impact on the liver and lipid metabolism, as well as on the composition of gut microbiota.
Systematic Development of a Powder Deposition System for an Open Selective Laser Sintering Machine Using Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Psarommatis Foivos , Vosniakos George-Christopher
Published: February 2022

This work reports on the design and manufacture of an efficient system for powder deposition into layers in an open Selective Laser Sintering machine. The system comprises mainly two subsystems, i.e., one that deposits a dose of powder onto the worktable and another that levels the powder upon its deposition. The design was conducted in two phases, namely conceptualization of the system and its detailed design. The conceptualization phase exploited the Analytic Hierarchy Process to evaluate alternative mechanical systems and determine the most suitable one. This was subsequently detail-designed using a CAD software package and then followed by selection of the necessary electronics for imparting and controlling motion of the individual mechanisms comprising the system. As regards manufacturing, custom designed components were obtained by CNC machining and the entire mechanism was assembled on an open Selective Laser Sintering machine. Functionality testing of the system was performed with satisfactory results.
Framing Feminicides—A Quantitative Content Analysis of News Stories in Four Colombian Newspapers
Authors: Pröll Franziska , Magin Melanie
Published: February 2022

Colombia is marked by high levels of gender-based violence. In 2020, 630 women were murdered because of their gender. The number of these feminicides increased under the coronavirus lockdown that began in March 2020. Although the news media play a crucial role in shaping the public’s notion of feminicides, empirical studies on the media’s portrayal of feminicides in Colombia are scarce. The present study involved a quantitative content analysis of articles published in four Colombian newspapers to determine how they reported on feminicides from August 2019 to July 2020 (sample size: 139 articles, comprising 1798 paragraphs). The period under investigation allowed for a comparison of news coverage before and during the lockdown. By means of hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified four frames: “gender-based inequalities and discrimination against women”, “perpetrators in front of the court”, “prehistory and course of events of the feminicide”, and “reactions of neighbors, eyewitnesses, and villagers to the feminicide”. Our findings suggest that the four newspapers under investigation paint rather similar pictures of feminicides. We also found that the date an article was published in relation to the COVID-19 quarantine had little influence on the frequency at which the clusters appeared.
Immune Response and Lipid Metabolism Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with the Risk of Obesity in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients
Authors: Ponasenko Anastasia , Sinitsky Maxim , Minina Varvara , Vesnina Anna , Khutornaya Maria , Prosekov Alexander , Barbarash Olga
Published: February 2022

More than two billion people around the world are overweight or obese. Even in apparently healthy people, obesity has a potent effect on their quality of life. Experimental data indicate the role of infectious agents in systemic inflammation, revealing a correlation between the dietary habits of people with obesity and the level of systemic inflammation mediators, serum lipid concentration, and hormonal and immune status. This study aimed to determine the association of immune response and lipid metabolism gene polymorphisms with the risk of obesity. This study included 560 Caucasian participants living in Western Siberia (Russian Federation). A total of 52 polymorphic sites in 20 genes were analyzed using the 5′ TaqMan nuclease assay. Four risk-associated polymorphic variants were discovered—two variants in immune response genes (IL6R rs2229238, OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.36–2.7, p = 0.0002 in the dominant model; IL18 rs1946518, OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.03–2.04, p = 0.033 in the over-dominant model) and two variants in lipid metabolism genes (LPA rs10455872, OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.07–3.21, p = 0.026 in the log-additive model; LEPR rs1137100, OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.52–5.46, p = 0.001 in the recessive model). Thus, polymorphisms in immune response and lipid metabolism genes are potentially associated with the modification of obesity risk in the Caucasian population.
PPARG, TMEM163, UBE2E2, and WFS1 Gene Polymorphisms Are Not Significant Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes in the Polish Population
Authors: Ustianowski Przemysław , Malinowski Damian , Safranow Krzysztof , Dziedziejko Violetta , Tarnowski Maciej , Pawlik Andrzej
Published: February 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disorder that occurs in pregnant women, leading to many maternal and neonatal complications. The pathogenesis of GDM is complex and includes risk factors, such as: age, obesity, and family history of diabetes. Studies have shown that genetic factors also play a role in the pathogenesis of GDM. The present study investigated whether polymorphisms in the PPARG (rs1801282), TMEM163 (rs6723108 and rs998451), UBE2E2 (rs6780569), and WFS1 (rs4689388) genes are risk factors for the development of GDM and whether they affect selected clinical parameters in women with GDM. This study included 204 pregnant women with GDM and 207 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The diagnosis of GDM was based on a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks gestation, according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of polymorphisms studied between women with GDM and pregnant women with normal carbohydrate tolerance, which suggests that these polymorphisms are not risk factors for GDM. We also examined the associations between studied gene polymorphisms and clinical parameters: fasting glucose, daily insulin requirement, body mass before pregnancy, body mass at birth, body mass increase during pregnancy, BMI before pregnancy, BMI at birth, BMI increase during pregnancy, new-born body mass, and APGAR score in women with GDM. We observed lower BMI values before pregnancy and at birth in women with PPARG rs17036160 TT genotype. The results of this study suggest that the PPARG (rs1801282), TMEM163 (rs6723108 and rs998451), UBE2E2 (rs6780569), and WFS1 (rs4689388) gene polymorphisms are not significant risk factors for GDM development in the Polish population and do not affect the clinical parameters in women with GDM; only rs1801282 of the PPARG gene may influence BMI values in women with GDM.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research in 2021
Authors:   JTAER Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Effects of Wearing a 50% Lower Jaw Advancement Splint on Biophysical and Perceptual Responses at Low to Severe Running Intensities
Authors: Cardoso Filipa , Monteiro Ana S. , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Pinho João Carlos , Pyne David B. , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: February 2022

Acute ergogenic effects of wearing occlusal splints have been reported for aerobic and anaerobic exercises, but the literature centered on performance improvement by using jaw repositioning splints is scarce. We aimed to analyze the effect of wearing a 50% lower jaw advancement splint on biophysical and perceptual responses at low to severe running intensities. Sixteen middle- and long-distance runners performed twice a 7 × 800 m intermittent running protocol (with 1 km·h−1 increments and 30 s rest periods) in an outdoor track field using two lower intraoral splints (a placebo and a lower jaw advancer). These devices were custom manufactured for each participant and a randomized and repeated measure design was used to compare conditions. No differences between placebo and lower jaw advancer were found (e.g., 52.1 ± 9.9 vs. 53.9 ± 10.7 mL·kg−1·min−1 of oxygen uptake, 3.30 ± 0.44 vs. 3.29 ± 0.43 m of stride length and 16 ± 3 vs. 16 ± 2 Borg scores), but small effects were sometimes observed (e.g., 109.2 ± 22.5 vs. 112.7 ± 25.2 L·min−1 of ventilation, ES = −0.42). Therefore, this jaw advancement splint had no substantial ergogenic effect on biophysical and perceptual responses when running at different intensities.
Investigation of the Morphological Structure of Needle-Free Electrospun Magnetic Nanofiber Mats
Authors: Mamun Al , Klöcker Michaela , Blachowicz Tomasz , Sabantina Lilia
Published: February 2022

Electrospun magnetic nanofibers are promising for a variety of applications in biomedicine, energy storage, filtration or spintronics. The surface morphology of nanofiber mats plays an important role for defined application areas. In addition, the distribution of magnetic particles in nanofibers exerts an influence on the final properties of nanofiber mats. A simple method for the production of magnetic nanofiber mats by the addition of magnetic nanoparticles in an electrospinning polymer solution was used in this study. In this work, magnetic nanofibers (MNFs) were prepared by needle-free electrospinning technique from poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) in the low-toxic solvent dimethy lsulfoxide (DMSO) and 20 wt% Fe3O4 at different parameter conditions such as PAN concentration, voltage and ultrasonic bath. The distribution of nanoparticles in the fiber matrix was investigated as well as the chemical and morphological properties of the resulting magnetic nanofibers. In addition, the surface morphology of magnetic nanofiber mats was studied by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared microscope (FTIR) and ImageJ software, and distribution of Fe3O4 particles in the matrix was investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
A Novel Framework for Fast Feature Selection Based on Multi-Stage Correlation Measures
Authors: Garcia-Ramirez Ivan-Alejandro , Calderon-Mora Arturo , Mendez-Vazquez Andres , Ortega-Cisneros Susana , Reyes-Amezcua Ivan
Published: February 2022

Datasets with thousands of features represent a challenge for many of the existing learning methods because of the well known curse of dimensionality. Not only that, but the presence of irrelevant and redundant features on any dataset can degrade the performance of any model where training and inference is attempted. In addition, in large datasets, the manual management of features tends to be impractical. Therefore, the increasing interest of developing frameworks for the automatic discovery and removal of useless features through the literature of Machine Learning. This is the reason why, in this paper, we propose a novel framework for selecting relevant features in supervised datasets based on a cascade of methods where speed and precision are in mind. This framework consists of a novel combination of Approximated and Simulate Annealing versions of the Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) to generalize the simple linear relation between features. This process is performed in a series of steps by applying the MIC algorithms and cutoff strategies to remove irrelevant and redundant features. The framework is also designed to achieve a balance between accuracy and speed. To test the performance of the proposed framework, a series of experiments are conducted on a large battery of datasets from SPECTF Heart to Sonar data. The results show the balance of accuracy and speed that the proposed framework can achieve.
Impulsive Control of Complex-Valued Neural Networks with Mixed Time Delays and Uncertainties
Authors: Tian Yujuan , Yin Yuhan , Wang Fei , Wang Kening
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the global exponential stability of uncertain delayed complex-valued neural networks (CVNNs) under an impulsive controller. Both discrete and distributed time-varying delays are considered, which makes our model more general than previous works. Unlike most existing research methods of decomposing CVNNs into real and imaginary parts, some stability criteria in terms of complex-valued linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are obtained by employing the complex Lyapunov function method, which is valid regardless of whether the activation functions can be decomposed. Moreover, a new impulsive differential inequality is applied to resolve the difficulties caused by the mixed time delays and delayed impulse effects. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to back up our theoretical results.
Fuzzy-Logic-Based Comparative Analysis of Different Maximum Power Point Tracking Controllers for Hybrid Renewal Energy Systems
Authors: Khan Mohammad Junaid , Mathew Lini , Alotaibi Majed A. , Malik Hasmat , Nassar Mohammed E.
Published: February 2022

There is an increasing demand for power production day by day all over the globe; thus, hybrid frameworks have an essential role in producing sufficient power for the desirable load due to increasing power demand. The proposed hybrid renewable energy (HRE) systems are used to provide power in different areas to conquer the intermittence of wind and solar resources. The HRE system incorporates more than one renewable energy (RE) system. In this research article, the optimum power generation of different combinations of RE using different Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control methods is presented. The Fuel Cell (FC), FC–Photovoltaic (PV), FC–Wind (W), and FC–PV–W systems are developed to examine different MPPT controllers. The results show that the FC–PV–W HRE system produces the maximum power as compared to the FC, FC–PV, and FC–W systems. The FC–PV–W HRE system produces increased power compared to 94.24% from the FC system, 37.17% from the FC–PV hybrid system, and 15.8% from the FC–W hybrid framework with a Perturb and Observe (P&O) controller and, similarly, 74.57% from the FC system, 10.3% from the FC-PV hybrid system, and 31.64% from the FC-W hybrid system using a fuzzy logic (FL) controller, indicating that the best combination is the FC-PV-W hybrid system using an FL controller, which is useful for maximum power generation with reduced oscillations.
First Report of Streptococcus ruminantium in Wildlife: Phenotypic Differences with a Spanish Domestic Ruminant Isolate
Authors: Neila-Ibáñez Carlos , Pintado Ester , Velarde Roser , Fernández Aguilar Xavier , Vidal Enric , Aragon Virginia , Abarca M. Lourdes
Published: February 2022

Streptococcus ruminantium is a recent reclassification of the former Streptococcus suis serovar 33. Although knowledge about S. suis is extensive, information on S. ruminantium host range and pathogenic potential is still scarce. This bacterium has been isolated from lesions in domestic ruminants, but there are no reports in wild animals. Here, we provide information on lesions associated with S. ruminantium in Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) and domestic sheep from NE Spain, as well as phenotypic biopatterns and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of the isolates. Overall, lesions caused by S. ruminantium were similar to those caused by S. suis, excluding polyserositis. Heterogeneity of the phenotypic profiles was observed within the S. ruminantium strains by VITEK-2, resulting in only two tests common to all S. ruminantium isolates and different from S. suis: Alpha-Galactosidase and Methyl-B-D-Glucopyranoside, both positive for S. suis and negative for S. ruminantium strains. Isolates from Pyrenean chamois were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, except danofloxacin, whereas the domestic sheep isolate was resistant to tetracycline. In conclusion, S. ruminantium can cause infection and be associated with pathology in both wild and domestic ruminants. Due to its phenotypic diversity, a specific PCR is optimal for identification in routine diagnosis.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Phytogenic Substances for Optimizing Gut Health in Poultry
Authors: Shehata Awad A. , Yalçın Sakine , Latorre Juan D. , Basiouni Shereen , Attia Youssef A. , Abd El-Wahab Amr , Visscher Christian , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Huber Claudia , Hafez Hafez M. , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo
Published: February 2022

The gut microbiota has been designated as a hidden metabolic ‘organ’ because of its enormous impact on host metabolism, physiology, nutrition, and immune function. The connection between the intestinal microbiota and their respective host animals is dynamic and, in general, mutually beneficial. This complicated interaction is seen as a determinant of health and disease; thus, intestinal dysbiosis is linked with several metabolic diseases. Therefore, tractable strategies targeting the regulation of intestinal microbiota can control several diseases that are closely related to inflammatory and metabolic disorders. As a result, animal health and performance are improved. One of these strategies is related to dietary supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and phytogenic substances. These supplements exert their effects indirectly through manipulation of gut microbiota quality and improvement in intestinal epithelial barrier. Several phytogenic substances, such as berberine, resveratrol, curcumin, carvacrol, thymol, isoflavones and hydrolyzed fibers, have been identified as potential supplements that may also act as welcome means to reduce the usage of antibiotics in feedstock, including poultry farming, through manipulation of the gut microbiome. In addition, these compounds may improve the integrity of tight junctions by controlling tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory signaling pathways in the host animals. In this review, we discuss the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic substances in optimizing gut function in poultry.
FNDC5/Irisin: Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Waseem Rashid , Shamsi Anas , Mohammad Taj , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz , Kazim Syed Naqui , Chaudhary Anis Ahmad , Rudayni Hassan Ahmed , Al-Zharani Mohammed , Ahmad Faizan , Islam Asimul
Published: February 2022

A sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity increases the risk of different diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, certain types of cancers, and some neurological diseases. Physical exercise helps improve quality of life and reduces the risk of many diseases. Irisin, a hormone induced by exercise, is a fragmented product of FNDC5 (a cell membrane protein) and acts as a linkage between muscles and other tissues. Over the past decade, it has become clear that irisin is a molecular mimic of exercise and shows various beneficial effects, such as browning of adipocytes, modulation of metabolic processes, regulation of bone metabolism, and functioning of the nervous system. Irisin has a role in carcinogenesis; numerous studies have shown its impact on migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. The receptor of irisin is not completely known; however, in some tissues it probably acts via a specific class of integrin receptors. Here, we review research from the past decade that has identified irisin as a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of various metabolic-related and other diseases. This article delineates structural and biochemical aspects of irisin and provides an insight into the role of irisin in different pathological conditions.