bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Treatment with Life-Saving Interventions, Computed Tomography Scans and Specialist Consultations
Authors: Chen Chu-Chieh , Chen Chin-Yi , Ko Ming-Chung , Chien Yi-Chun , Su Emily Chia-Yu , Chen Yi-Tui
Published: April 2020

Background: Emergency treatments determined by emergency physicians may affect mortality and patient satisfaction. This paper attempts to examine the impact of patient characteristics, health status, the accredited level of hospitals, and triaged levels on the following emergency treatments: immediate life-saving interventions (LSIs), computed tomography (CT) scans, and specialist consultations (SCs). Methods: A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the impact of patient characteristics, including sex, age, income and the urbanization degree of the patient’s residence; patient health status, including records of hospitalization and the number of instances of ambulatory care in the previous year; the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score; the accredited level of hospitals; and the triaged level of emergency treatments. Results: All the patient characteristics were found to impact receiving LSI, CT and SC, except for income. Furthermore, a better health status was associated with a decreased probability of receiving LSI, CT and SC, but the number of instances of ambulatory care was not found to have a significant impact on receiving CT or SC. This study also found no evidence to support impact of CCI on SC. Hospitals with higher accredited levels were associated with a greater chance of patients receiving emergency treatments of LSI, CT and SC. A higher assigned severity (lower triaged level) led to an increased probability of receiving CT and SC. In terms of LSI, patients assigned to level 4 were found to have a lower chance of treatment than those assigned to level 5. Conclusions: This study found that several patient characteristics, patient health status, the accredited level of medical institutions and the triaged level, were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving emergency treatments. This study suggests that the inequality of medical resources among medical institutions with different accredited levels may yield a crowding-out effect.
Research on Energy Management of Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Improve Energy-Saving and Emission Reduction Performance
Authors: Bai Mingliang , Yang Wenjiang , Song Dongbin , Kosuda Marek , Szabo Stanislav , Lipovsky Pavol , Kasaei Afshar
Published: April 2020

The rapid development of industry results in large energy consumption and a negative impact on the environment. Pollution of the environment caused by conventional energy sources such as petrol leads to increased demand for propulsion systems with higher efficiency and capable of energy-saving and emission reduction. The usage of hybrid technology is expected to improve energy conversion efficiency, reduce energy consumption and environmental pollution. In this paper, the simulation platform for the hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been built by establishing the subsystem models of the UAV power system. Under the two chosen working conditions, the conventional cruise flight mission and the terrain tracking mission, the power tracking control and Q-Learning method have been used to design the energy management controller for the hybrid UAV. The fuel consumption and pollutant emissions under each working condition were calculated. The results show that the hybrid system can improve the efficiency of the UAV system, reduce the fuel consumption of the UAV, and so reduce the emissions of CO2, NOx, and other pollutants. This contributes to improving of environmental quality, energy-saving, and emission reduction, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of aviation.
The Effects of Sulglycotide on the Adhesion and the Inflammation of Helicobacter Pylori
Authors: Yang Ji Yeong , Kim Pumsoo , Jeong Seok-Hoo , Lee Seong Woong , Myung Yu Sik , Baeg Myong Ki , Kim Jong-Bae
Published: April 2020

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a primary etiologic factor in gastric diseases. Sulglycotide is a glycopeptide derived from pig duodenal mucin. Esterification of its carbohydrate chains with sulfate groups creates a potent gastroprotective agent used to treat various gastric diseases. We investigated the inhibitory effects of sulglycotide on adhesion and inflammation after H. pylori infection in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS cells). H. pylori reference strain 60190 (ATCC 49503) was cultured on Brucella agar supplemented with 10% bovine serum. Sulgylcotide-mediated growth inhibition of H. pylori was evaluated using the broth dilution method. Inhibition of H. pylori adhesion to AGS cells by sulglycotide was assessed using a urease assay. Effects of sulglycotide on the translocation of virulence factors was measured using western blot to detect cytotoxin-associated protein A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) proteins. Inhibition of IL-8 secretion was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the effects of sulglycotide on inflammation. Sulglycotide did not inhibit the growth of H. pylori, however, after six and 12 hours of infection on AGS cells, H. pylori adhesion was significantly inhibited by approximately 60% by various concentrations of sulglycotide. Sulglycotide decreased H. pylori virulence factor (CagA and VacA) translocation to AGS cells and inhibited IL-8 secretion. Sulglycotide inhibited H. pylori adhesion and inflammation after infection of AGS cells in vitro. These results support the use of sulglycotide to treat H. pylori infections.
The TTCYB Study Protocol: A Tailored Print Message Intervention to Improve Cardiovascular Patients’ Lifestyles
Authors: D’Addario Marco , Cappelletti Erika Rosa , Sarini Marcello , Greco Andrea , Steca Patrizia
Published: April 2020

This article describes the development of the “Time to Change Your Behavior” (TTCYB) study protocol, a theory-based, tailored print message intervention to improve compliance with the self-care regimen in patients with cardiovascular diseases. A design with a baseline measurement and two follow-ups at six and 12 months will be applied. At baseline and the six-month follow-up, patients will complete self-report questionnaires evaluating lifestyle habits and socio-demographic and psychological variables; at the 12-month follow-up, patients will answer a telephone interview assessing lifestyle habits. After the baseline measurement, patients will be randomized into one of three groups: (1) the tailored group, which will receive tailored health brochures; (2) the “non-tailored” group, which will receive non-tailored health brochures; or (3) the usual care group, which will receive no print information materials. The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed through patients’ judgments of the brochures and changes in lifestyle. The role of socio-demographic and psychological variables as potential moderators of the materials’ effectiveness will be explored. If the TTCYB is efficacious, it will have implications for the design and implementation of tailored communication programs. Concepts from this study can be potentially extended to primary prevention among high-risk groups.
Assessment of Potential Health Risks Associated with the Intake of Heavy Metals in Fish Harvested from the Largest Estuary in Colombia
Authors: Pinzón-Bedoya Carlos H. , Pinzón-Bedoya Martha L. , Pinedo-Hernández José , Urango-Cardenas Iván , Marrugo-Negrete José
Published: April 2020

This study assesses the potential human health risks posed by six heavy metals (Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) found in five of the most consumed fish species (Mugil incilis, Centropomus undecimalis, Cathorops mapale, Eugerres plumieri, and Elops smithi) collected by the riverine population living in Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), the largest estuary in Colombia. Metal concentrations were low compared with those reported in other regions around the world and the maximum value established by international monitoring organizations. The estimation of the potential risk (HQ) indicated that Cu and Hg could generate negative effects in groups of women of childbearing age (WCA) and the remaining population (RP), because they exceeded their related reference doses, with HQ values > 1; however, Cu and Hg concentrations were not high in fish and EWI, MFW, or MeHgPSL values shows that there is no evidence of a potential health risk from MeHg exposure in the study population. Therefore, the recommendations are to establish continuous monitoring of heavy metals together with strategies that address the high fish consumption, as well as to implement mechanisms for the mitigation of contamination of the watershed, to ensure the safety of organisms in the ecosystem and human health, not only of populations who depend on aquatic resources in the area but also of those that market and consume these resources in the Colombian Caribbean.
Airborne Transmission Route of COVID-19: Why 2 Meters/6 Feet of Inter-Personal Distance Could Not Be Enough
Authors: Setti Leonardo , Passarini Fabrizio , De Gennaro Gianluigi , Barbieri Pierluigi , Perrone Maria Grazia , Borelli Massimo , Palmisani Jolanda , Di Gilio Alessia , Piscitelli Prisco , Miani Alessandro
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the shutdown of entire nations all over the world. In addition to mobility restrictions of people, the World Health Organization and the Governments have prescribed maintaining an inter-personal distance of 1.5 or 2 m (about 6 feet) from each other in order to minimize the risk of contagion through the droplets that we usually disseminate around us from nose and mouth. However, recently published studies support the hypothesis of virus transmission over a distance of 2 m from an infected person. Researchers have proved the higher aerosol and surface stability of SARS-COV-2 as compared with SARS-COV-1 (with the virus remaining viable and infectious in aerosol for hours) and that airborne transmission of SARS-CoV can occur besides close-distance contacts. Indeed, there is reasonable evidence about the possibility of SARS-COV-2 airborne transmission due to its persistence into aerosol droplets in a viable and infectious form. Based on the available knowledge and epidemiological observations, it is plausible that small particles containing the virus may diffuse in indoor environments covering distances up to 10 m from the emission sources, thus representing a kind of aerosol transmission. On-field studies carried out inside Wuhan Hospitals showed the presence of SARS-COV-2 RNA in air samples collected in the hospitals and also in the surroundings, leading to the conclusion that the airborne route has to be considered an important pathway for viral diffusion. Similar findings are reported in analyses concerning air samples collected at the Nebraska University Hospital. On March 16th, we have released a Position Paper emphasizing the airborne route as a possible additional factor for interpreting the anomalous COVID-19 outbreaks in northern Italy, ranked as one of the most polluted areas in Europe and characterized by high particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The available information on the SARS-COV-2 spreading supports the hypothesis of airborne diffusion of infected droplets from person to person at a distance greater than two meters (6 feet). The inter-personal distance of 2 m can be reasonably considered as an effective protection only if everybody wears face masks in daily life activities.
The Distinct Roles of Transcriptional Factor KLF11 in Normal Cell Growth Regulation and Cancer as a Mediator of TGF-β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lin Lili , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Hester Anna
Published: April 2020

KLF11 (Krüppel-like factor 11) belongs to the family of Sp1/Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factors that play important roles in a variety of cell types and tissues. KLF11 was initially described as a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) inducible immediate early gene (TIEG). KLF11 promotes the effects of TGF-β on cell growth control by influencing the TGFβ–Smads signaling pathway and regulating the transcription of genes that induce either apoptosis or cell cycle arrest. In carcinogenesis, KLF11 can show diverse effects. Its function as a tumor suppressor gene can be suppressed by phosphorylation of its binding domains via oncogenic pathways. However, KLF 11 can itself also show tumor-promoting effects and seems to have a crucial role in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Here, we review the current knowledge about the function of KLF11 in cell growth regulation. We focus on its transcriptional regulatory function and its influence on the TGF-β signaling pathway. We further discuss its possible role in mediating crosstalk between various signaling pathways in normal cell growth and in carcinogenesis.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Predieri Barbara , Bruzzi Patrizia , Bigi Elena , Ciancia Silvia , Madeo Simona F. , Lucaccioni Laura , Iughetti Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most common chronic metabolic disease in children and adolescents. The etiology of T1D is not fully understood but it seems multifactorial. The genetic background determines the predisposition to develop T1D, while the autoimmune process against β-cells seems to be also determined by environmental triggers, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Environmental EDCs may act throughout different temporal windows as single chemical agent or as chemical mixtures. They could affect the development and the function of the immune system or of the β-cells function, promoting autoimmunity and increasing the susceptibility to autoimmune attack. Human studies evaluating the potential role of exposure to EDCs on the pathogenesis of T1D are few and demonstrated contradictory results. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize experimental and epidemiological studies on the potential role of exposure to EDCs in the development of T1D. We highlight what we know by animals about EDCs’ effects on mechanisms leading to T1D development and progression. Studies evaluating the EDC levels in patients with T1D were also reported. Moreover, we discussed why further studies are needed and how they should be designed to better understand the causal mechanisms and the next prevention interventions.
Cannabis and Canabidinoids on the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Going Beyond Misuse
Authors: Carvalho Antonelly Cassio Alves de , Souza Gabriela Achete de , Marqui Samylla Vaz de , Guiguer Élen Landgraf , Araújo Adriano Cressoni , Rubira Claudio José , Goulart Ricardo de Alvares , Flato Uri Adrian Prync , Bueno Patricia Cincotto dos Santos , Buchaim Rogério Leone , Barbalho Sandra M.
Published: April 2020

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal condition, including mainly ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Cannabis sativa (CS) is widely used for medicinal, recreational, and religious purposes. The most studied compound of CS is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Besides many relevant therapeutic roles such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, there is still much controversy about the consumption of this plant since the misuse can lead to serious health problems. Because of these reasons, the aim of this review is to investigate the effects of CS on the treatment of UC and CD. The literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, PMC, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The use of CS leads to the improvement of UC and CD scores and quality of life. The medical use of CS is on the rise. Although the literature shows relevant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could improve UC and CD scores, it is still not possible to establish a treatment criterion since the studies have no standardization regarding the variety and part of the plant that is used, route of administration and doses. Therefore, we suggest caution in the use of CS in the therapeutic approach of IBD until clinical trials with standardization and a relevant number of patients are performed.
Graphene Oxide–Based Nanomaterials: An Insight into Retinal Prosthesis
Authors: Yang Jia-Wei , Yu Zih-Yu , Cheng Sheng-Jen , Chung Johnson H. Y. , Liu Xiao , Wu Chung-Yu , Lin Shien-Fong , Chen Guan-Yu
Published: April 2020

Retinal prosthesis has recently emerged as a treatment strategy for retinopathies, providing excellent assistance in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. The potential application of graphene oxide (GO), a highly biocompatible nanomaterial with superior physicochemical properties, in the fabrication of electrodes for retinal prosthesis, is reviewed in this article. This review integrates insights from biological medicine and nanotechnology, with electronic and electrical engineering technological breakthroughs, and aims to highlight innovative objectives in developing biomedical applications of retinal prosthesis.
O-Vanillin Attenuates the TLR2 Mediated Tumor-Promoting Phenotype of Microglia
Authors: Triller Paul , Bachorz Julia , Synowitz Michael , Kettenmann Helmut , Markovic Darko
Published: April 2020

Malignant gliomas are primary brain tumors with poor prognoses. These tumors are infiltrated by brain intrinsic microglia and peripheral monocytes which promote glioma cell invasion. In our previous studies, we discovered that the activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on microglia/brain macrophages converts them into a protumorigenic phenotype through the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 9 and 14. In the present study, we used in vitro and in situ microglia-glioma interaction experimental models to test the impact of a novel inhibitor of TLR 2, ortho vanillin (O-Vanillin) to block TLR2 mediated microglia protumorigenic phenotype. We demonstrate that O-Vanillin inhibits the TLR2 mediated upregulation of MMP 9, MMP 14, IL 6 and iNOS expression. Similarly, the glioma supernatant induced MMP 9 and MMP 14 expression in murine and human microglia is abrogated by O-Vanillin treatment. O-Vanillin is not toxic for microglia, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes. Glioma growth in murine brain slice cultures is significantly reduced after treatment with O-Vanillin, and this reduced glioma growth depends on the presence of microglia. In addition, we also found that O-Vanillin inhibited the glioma induced proliferation of murine primary microglia. In summary, O-Vanillin attenuates the pro-tumorigenic phenotype of microglia/brain macrophages and thus qualifies as a candidate for glioma therapy.
Probing Hexaminolevulinate Mediated PpIX Fluorescence in Cancer Cell Suspensions in the Presence of Chemical Adjuvants
Authors: Chan Kit Man , Gleadle Jonathan , Vasilev Krasimir , MacGregor Melanie
Published: April 2020

Exogenous administration of hexaminolevulinate (HAL) induces fluorescent protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation preferentially in cancer cells. However, the PpIX fluorescence intensities between noncancer and cancer cells are highly variable. The contrast between cancer and noncancer cells may be insufficient to reliably discriminate, especially at the single cell level in cancer diagnostics. This study examines the use of the chemical adjuvants dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) or deferoxamine (DFO) to enhance the HAL induced PpIX accumulation in cancer cells. Our results showed that in some of the incubation conditions tested, the addition of DFO with HAL significantly increased PpIX 21 fluorescence of adherent monolayer cancer cells, but this was never the case for cells in suspension. Permeabilisation with DMSO did not increase PpIX fluorescence. Cell-to-cell interaction may well play an important role in the PpIX accumulation when suspended cells are treated in HAL and adjuvant chemicals.
Attenuation of the Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls in Chronic Joint Inflammatory Pain Is Accompanied by Anxiodepressive-Like Behaviors and Impairment of the Descending Noradrenergic Modulation
Authors: Pereira-Silva Raquel , Costa-Pereira José Tiago , Alonso Raquel , Serrão Paula , Martins Isabel , Neto Fani L.
Published: April 2020

The noradrenergic system is paramount for controlling pain and emotions. We aimed at understanding the descending noradrenergic modulatory mechanisms in joint inflammatory pain and its correlation with the diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNICs) and with the onset of anxiodepressive behaviours. In the complete Freund’s adjuvant rat model of Monoarthritis, nociceptive behaviors, DNICs, and anxiodepressive-like behaviors were evaluated. Spinal alpha2-adrenergic receptors (a2-AR), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and noradrenaline were quantified concomitantly with a2-AR pharmacologic studies. The phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1 and 2 (pERK1/2) were quantified in the Locus coeruleus (LC), amygdala, and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). DNIC was attenuated at 42 days of monoarthritis while present on days 7 and 28. On day 42, in contrast to day 28, noradrenaline was reduced and DBH labelling was increased. Moreover, spinal a2-AR were potentiated and no changes in a2-AR levels were observed. Additionally, at 42 days, the activation of ERKs1/2 was increased in the LC, ACC, and basolateral amygdala. This was accompanied by anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, while at 28 days, only anxiety-like behaviors were observed. The data suggest DNIC is attenuated in prolonged chronic joint inflammatory pain, and this is accompanied by impairment of the descending noradrenergic modulation and anxiodepressive-like behaviors.
Intravenous Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Mucopolysaccharidoses: Clinical Effectiveness and Limitations
Authors: Parini Rossella , Deodato Federica
Published: April 2020

The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence on efficacy, effectiveness and safety of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) available for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) I, II, IVA, VI and VII, gained in phase III clinical trials and in observational post-approval studies. Post-marketing data are sometimes conflicting or controversial, possibly depending on disease severity, differently involved organs, age at starting treatment, and development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). There is general agreement that ERT is effective in reducing urinary glycosaminoglycans and liver and spleen volume, while heart and joints outcomes are variable in different studies. Effectiveness on cardiac valves, trachea and bronchi, hearing and eyes is definitely poor, probably due to limited penetration in the specific tissues. ERT does not cross the blood–brain barrier, with the consequence that the central nervous system is not cured by intravenously injected ERT. All patients develop ADAs but their role in ERT tolerance and effectiveness has not been well defined yet. Lack of reliable biomarkers contributes to the uncertainties about effectiveness. The data obtained from affected siblings strongly indicates the need of neonatal screening for treatable MPSs. Currently, other treatments are under evaluation and will surely help improve the prognosis of MPS patients.
Donor CYP3A5 Gene Polymorphism Alone Cannot Predict Tacrolimus Intrarenal Concentration in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Tajima Soichiro , Shigematsu Tomohiro , Fu Rao , Noguchi Hiroshi , Kaku Keizo , Tsuchimoto Akihiro , Okabe Yasuhiro , Egashira Nobuaki , Masuda Satohiro
Published: April 2020

CYP3A5 gene polymorphism in recipients plays an important role in tacrolimus blood pharmacokinetics after renal transplantation. Even though CYP3A5 protein is expressed in renal tubular cells, little is known about the influence on the tacrolimus intrarenal exposure and hence graft outcome. The aim of our study was to investigate how the tacrolimus intrarenal concentration (Ctissue) could be predicted based on donor CYP3A5 gene polymorphism in renal transplant recipients. A total of 52 Japanese renal transplant patients receiving tacrolimus were enrolled in this study. Seventy-four renal biopsy specimens were obtained at 3 months and 1 year after transplantation to determine the donor CYP3A5 polymorphism and measure the Ctissue by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The tacrolimus Ctissue ranged from 52 to 399 pg/mg tissue (n = 74) and was weak but significantly correlated with tacrolimus trough concentration (C0) at 3 months after transplantation (Spearman, r = 0.3560, p = 0.0096). No significant relationship was observed between the donor CYP3A5 gene polymorphism and Ctissue or Ctissue/C0. These data showed that the tacrolimus systemic level has an impact on tacrolimus renal accumulation after renal transplantation. However, donor CYP3A5 gene polymorphism alone cannot be used to predict tacrolimus intrarenal exposure. This study may be valuable for exploring tacrolimus renal metabolism and toxicology mechanism in renal transplant recipients.
Non-Apoptotic Cell Death Signaling Pathways in Melanoma
Authors: Hartman Mariusz L.
Published: April 2020

Resisting cell death is a hallmark of cancer. Disturbances in the execution of cell death programs promote carcinogenesis and survival of cancer cells under unfavorable conditions, including exposition to anti-cancer therapies. Specific modalities of regulated cell death (RCD) have been classified based on different criteria, including morphological features, biochemical alterations and immunological consequences. Although melanoma cells are broadly equipped with the anti-apoptotic machinery and recurrent genetic alterations in the components of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling markedly contribute to the pro-survival phenotype of melanoma, the roles of autophagy-dependent cell death, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos have recently gained great interest. These signaling cascades are involved in melanoma cell response and resistance to the therapeutics used in the clinic, including inhibitors of BRAFmut and MEK1/2, and immunotherapy. In addition, the relationships between sensitivity to non-apoptotic cell death routes and specific cell phenotypes have been demonstrated, suggesting that plasticity of melanoma cells can be exploited to modulate response of these cells to different cell death stimuli. In this review, the current knowledge on the non-apoptotic cell death signaling pathways in melanoma cell biology and response to anti-cancer drugs has been discussed.
Recent Advances and Clinical Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Hansrivijit Panupong , Leeaphorn Napat , Acharya Prakrati , Torres-Ortiz Aldo , Kaewput Wisit , Kovvuru Karthik , Kanduri Swetha , Bathini Tarun , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: April 2020

Recent advances in surgical, immunosuppressive and monitoring protocols have led to the significant improvement of overall one-year kidney allograft outcomes. Nonetheless, there has not been a significant change in long-term kidney allograft outcomes. In fact, chronic and acute antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) and non-immunological complications following kidney transplantation, including multiple incidences of primary kidney disease, as well as complications such as cardiovascular diseases, infections, and malignancy are the major factors that have contributed to the failure of kidney allografts. The use of molecular techniques to enhance histological diagnostics and noninvasive surveillance are what the latest studies in the field of clinical kidney transplant seem to mainly focus upon. Increasingly innovative approaches are being used to discover immunosuppressive methods to overcome critical sensitization, prevent the development of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, treat chronic active ABMR, and reduce non-immunological complications following kidney transplantation, such as the recurrence of primary kidney disease and other complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, infections, and malignancy. In the present era of utilizing electronic health records (EHRs), it is strongly believed that big data and artificial intelligence will reshape the research done on kidney transplantation in the near future. In addition, the utilization of telemedicine is increasing, providing benefits such as reaching out to kidney transplant patients in remote areas and helping to make scarce healthcare resources more accessible for kidney transplantation. In this article, we discuss the recent research developments in kidney transplants that may affect long-term allografts, as well as the survival of the patient. The latest developments in living kidney donation are also explored.
Safety and Efficacy of Embolic Protection Devices in Saphenous Vein Graft Interventions: A Propensity Score Analysis—Multicenter SVG PCI PROTECTA Study
Authors: Wańha Wojciech , Mielczarek Maksymilian , Gilis-Malinowska Natasza , Roleder Tomasz , Milewski Marek , Ładziński Szymon , Ciećwierz Dariusz , Gąsior Paweł , Pawłowski Tomasz , Januszek Rafał , Kowalówka Adam , Kolodziejczak Michalina , Bartuś Stanisław , Gruchała Marcin , Smolka Grzegorz , Navarese Eliano Pio , Dudek Dariusz , Ochała Andrzej , Kedhi Elvin , Jaguszewski Miłosz , Wojakowski Wojciech
Published: April 2020

Background: Evidence concerning the efficacy of the embolic protection devices (EPDs) in saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is sparse. The study was designed to compare major cardiovascular events of all-comer population of SVG PCI with and without EPDs at one year of follow-up. Methods and results: A multi-center registry comparing PCI with and without EPDs in consecutive patients undergoing PCI of SVG. The group comprised 792 patients, among which 266 (33.6%) had myocardial infarction (MI). The primary composite endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) defined as death, MI, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke assessed at one year. After propensity score analysis, there were no differences in MACCE (21.9% vs. 23.9%; HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.57–1.45, p = 0.681, respectively) nor in secondary endpoints of death, MI, TVR, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and stroke at one year in EPDs PCI group vs. no-EPDs PCI group. Similarly, there were no differences between groups in the study endpoints at 30 days follow-up. Conclusions: There were no clinical benefit for routine use of EPDs during SVG PCI in short and long-term follow-up. Further studies are warranted to explore the effect of individual types of EPDs on clinical outcomes.
Pain Neuroscience Education and Physical Therapeutic Exercise for Patients with Chronic Spinal Pain in Spanish Physiotherapy Primary Care: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Galan-Martin Miguel Angel , Montero-Cuadrado Federico , Lluch-Girbes Enrique , Coca-López María Carmen , Mayo-Iscar Agustín , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio
Published: April 2020

Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects more than 20% of the population, leading to high health care overload and huge spending. The prevalence is increasing and negatively affects both physical and mental health, being one of the leading causes of disability. The most common location is the spine. Most treatments used in the Public Health Services are passive (pharmacological and invasive) and do not comply with current clinical guidelines, which recommend treating pain in primary care (PC) with education and exercise as the first-line treatments. A randomized multicentre clinical trial has been carried out in 12 PC centres. The experimental group (EG) conducted a program of pain neuroscience education (6 sessions, 10 h) and group physical exercise with playful, dual-tasking, and socialization-promoting components (18 sessions in 6 weeks, 18 h), and the control group performed the usual physiotherapy care performed in PC. The experimental treatment improved quality of life (d = 1.8 in physical component summary), catastrophism (d = 1.7), kinesiophobia (d = 1.8), central sensitization (d = 1.4), disability (d = 1.4), pain intensity (d = 3.3), and pressure pain thresholds (d = 2). Differences between the groups (p < 0.001) were clinically relevant in favour of the EG. Improvements post-intervention (week 11) were maintained at six months. The experimental treatment generates high levels of satisfaction.
Obesity and Body Composition in Preschool Children with Different Levels of Actigraphy-Derived Physical Activity—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wyszyńska Justyna , Matłosz Piotr , Szybisty Agnieszka , Lenik Paweł , Dereń Katarzyna , Mazur Artur , Herbert Jarosław
Published: April 2020

Detailed associations between physical activity (PA) and body composition in preschoolers remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess body composition among preschool children differentiated according to their levels of PA and to assess whether meeting the current PA recommendations is associated with a lower risk of obesity, determined by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP). Free-living PA was measured using accelerometers for 7 days in children aged 5 to 6 years. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate body composition. Significant differences in content of BFP, fat-free mass (FFM), and total body water (TBW) were found between boys meeting and not meeting moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) recommendations. Meeting the MVPA recommendation was associated with a twofold lower risk of obesity determined by BFP in boys but not in girls. In contrast, the total number of recommended steps per day was not related to adiposity in boys or girls. No statistically significant differences were observed in body composition indices and quintiles of MVPA. Boys in the 3rd–5th quintiles of steps per day presented significantly lower BFP and higher muscle mass and TBW than their peers in quintile 1. However, different associations were observed between body composition indices and quintiles of PA.
Local Serpin Treatment via Chitosan-Collagen Hydrogel after Spinal Cord Injury Reduces Tissue Damage and Improves Neurologic Function
Authors: Kwiecien Jacek M. , Zhang Liqiang , Yaron Jordan R. , Schutz Lauren N. , Kwiecien-Delaney Christian J. , Awo Enkidia A. , Burgin Michelle , Dabrowski Wojciech , Lucas Alexandra R.
Published: April 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in massive secondary damage characterized by a prolonged inflammation with phagocytic macrophage invasion and tissue destruction. In prior work, sustained subdural infusion of anti-inflammatory compounds reduced neurological deficits and reduced pro-inflammatory cell invasion at the site of injury leading to improved outcomes. We hypothesized that implantation of a hydrogel loaded with an immune modulating biologic drug, Serp-1, for sustained delivery after crush-induced SCI would have an effective anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect. Rats with dorsal column SCI crush injury, implanted with physical chitosan-collagen hydrogels (CCH) had severe granulomatous infiltration at the site of the dorsal column injury, which accumulated excess edema at 28 days post-surgery. More pronounced neuroprotective changes were observed with high dose (100 µg/50 µL) Serp-1 CCH implanted rats, but not with low dose (10 µg/50 µL) Serp-1 CCH. Rats treated with Serp-1 CCH implants also had improved motor function up to 20 days with recovery of neurological deficits attributed to inhibition of inflammation-associated tissue damage. In contrast, prolonged low dose Serp-1 infusion with chitosan did not improve recovery. Intralesional implantation of hydrogel for sustained delivery of the Serp-1 immune modulating biologic offers a neuroprotective treatment of acute SCI.
The Use of Composite Materials in 3D Printing
Authors: Blanco Ignazio
Published: April 2020

Nowadays, all production, from the smallest ones to large companies, and research activities are affected by the use of 3D printing technology. The major limitation, in order to cover as many fields of application as possible, is represented by the set of 3D printable materials and their limited spectrum of physico-chemical properties. To expand this spectrum and employ the 3D-printed objects in areas such as biomedical, mechanical, electronical and so on, the introduction of fibers or particles in a polymer matrix has been widely studied and applied. In this review, all those studies that proposed modified polymer presenting advantages associated with rapid prototyping are reported.
Association between Occupational Noise and Vibration Exposure and Insomnia among Workers in Korea
Authors: Nari Fatima , Kim Yun Kyung , Kang Soo Hyun , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In
Published: April 2020

Background: The effect of noise and vibration exposure on disturbed sleep has been investigated in the past. However, this study was carried out to investigate the relationship between workplace noise and vibration exposure with insomnia amongst representative Korean workers, both simultaneously and separately. Methods: Our research analyzed an overall population of 30,837 workers aged 15 years or older using data derived from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) conducted in 2017. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were performed to investigate baseline characteristics and to quantify the association between workplace exposure to noise and vibration with insomnia. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) were calculated to measure interactions between simultaneous noise and vibration exposure with insomnia. Results: The prevalence of those who reported insomnia was 18.3% of the general population. Among men and women, insomnia in those who were exposed to noise only was 13.9% and 18.3%, respectively, and in those who were exposed to vibration only, it was 23.9% in males and 26.4% in females. Insomnia in those who were exposed to both noise and vibration simultaneously was 20.5% and 41.2% in men and women, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of insomnia due to noise exposure was 1.10 and 1.07 in men and women, respectively. OR of vibration exposure was 1.84 in men and 1.58 in women. For noise plus vibration exposure OR was 1.83 in men and 3.14 in female workers, where the synergistic effect of noise and vibration exposure could be seen. The association between the varying degree of simultaneous noise plus vibration exposure with insomnia showed a dose–response relationship. The interaction measures showed a synergistic effect of simultaneous exposure in women but not in men. Conclusion: Our study revealed an association between occupational noise and vibration exposure and insomnia, both individually and simultaneously. Additional studies and research are required to further comprehend this relationship.
End-of-Life Materials Used as Supplementary Cementitious Materials in the Concrete Industry
Authors: Nicoara Adrian Ionut , Stoica Alexandra Elena , Vrabec Mirijam , Šmuc Rogan Nastja , Sturm Saso , Ow-Yang Cleva , Gulgun Mehmet Ali , Bundur Zeynep Basaran , Ciuca Ion , Vasile Bogdan Stefan
Published: April 2020

A sustainable solution for the global construction industry can be partial substitution of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) by use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) sourced from industrial end-of-life (EOL) products that contain calcareous, siliceous and aluminous materials. Candidate EOL materials include fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), natural pozzolanic materials like sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA), rice husk ash (RHA), mine tailings, marble dust, construction and demolition debris (CDD). Studies have revealed these materials to be cementitious and/or pozzolanic in nature. Their use as SCMs would decrease the amount of cement used in the production of concrete, decreasing carbon emissions associated with cement production. In addition to cement substitution, EOL products as SCMs have also served as coarse and also fine aggregates in the production of eco-friendly concretes.
Rotary Friction Welding of Molybdenum without Upset Forging
Authors: Xie Miaoxia , Shang Xiangtao , Li Yanxin , Zhang Zehui , Zhu Minghui , Xiong Jiangtao
Published: April 2020

A large instantaneous axial forging load is required to be applied for the final stage of rotary friction welding (RFW), which is usually conducive to obtaining clean, compact, and high-quality joints. However, for slender fuel claddings made of molybdenum (Mo) with low stiffness, the instantaneous axial forging load cannot be applied at the final stage of welding. This study carried out RFW tests without upset forging on Mo in the atmospheric environment and investigated the effects of welding time on joint morphology, axial shortening, microstructures, microhardness, tensile strength, and tensile fracture morphology. It found that the excessive and abrupt burning and a lot of smoke were generated around the weld zone during welding and spiral flashes were observed after welding. Under welding pressure of 80 MPa and spindle speed of 2000 r/min, the minimum average grain size and maximum tensile strength can be obtained in 4 s when the welding time is between 2–5 s. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results show that there were morphologies of a large number of intergranular fractures and a small number of transgranular fractures in the fracture. The above results demonstrated that it is feasible to use RFW without upset forging to seal the last weld spot on upper end plugs of fuel claddings made of Mo in high-pressure inert gas, which would not only obtain reliable welding quality but also seal high-pressure inert gas in cladding tubes. The research results have a practical guiding significance of manufacturing accident-tolerant Mo nuclear fuel cladding.
A Three-Point Hyperbolic Combination Model for the Settlement Prediction of Subgrade Filled with Construction and Demolition Waste
Authors: Wang Haiying , She Hui , Xu Jian , Liang Linhao
Published: April 2020

Using construction and demolition waste (CDW) as road subgrade filling materials is an excellent way to solve the disparity between increased demand and road construction aggregate shortages. However, a key quality control problem is predicting the subgrade settlement, primarily because the CDW subgrade settlement prediction methods are not yet mature. To go some way in overcoming this problem, in this paper we developed a three-point hyperbolic combination model to predict CDW subgrade settlement, in which three appropriate points for the measured settlement curve were selected in the prediction samples to improve the hyperbolic model. Then, common prediction models—namely, the hyperbolic model, the three-point model, and the Hushino model—were compared with the proposed combination model to assess its viability. Finally, the three-point hyperbolic combination prediction accuracy was analyzed for different start points t0 and time intervals Δt. The analyses found that the proposed model was in good agreement with the measured data, had a high correlation coefficient, and had only small errors. However, the time interval Δ t needed to be greater than 80 days and the start point t0 needed to be selected at the beginning of the stable post-filling period, that is, t0 = 90–100 days. The application parameters were also determined to provide a reference for the large-scale application and settlement predictions of CDW subgrade.
Improving the Tribological Properties and Biocompatibility of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass for Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sawyer Victoria , Tao Xiao , Dong Huan , Dashtbozorg Behnam , Li Xiaoying , Sammons Rachel , Dong Han-Shan
Published: April 2020

Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (Zr-BMGs) are potentially the next generation of metallic biomaterials for orthopaedic fixation devices and joint implants owing to their attractive bulk material properties. However, their poor tribological properties and long-term biocompatibility present major concerns for orthopaedic applications. To this end, a novel surface modification technology, based on ceramic conversion treatment (CCT) in an oxidising medium between the glass transition temperature and the crystallisation temperature, has been developed to convert the surface of commercially available Zr44Ti11Cu10Ni11Be25 (Vitreloy 1b) BMG into ceramic layers. The engineered surfaces were fully characterised by in-situ X-ray diffraction, glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical, chemical, and tribological properties were evaluated respectively by nano-indentation, electrochemical corrosion testing, tribological testing and the potential biocompatibility assessed by a cell proliferation assay. The results have demonstrated that after CCT at 350 °C for 40 h and at 380 °C for 4.5 h the original surfaces were converted into to a uniform 35–55-nm-thick oxide layer (with significantly reduced Ni and Cu concentration) followed by a 200–400-nm-thick oxygen-diffusion hardened case. The surface nano hardness was increased from 7.75 ± 0.36 to 18.32 ± 0.21 GPa, the coefficient of friction reduced from 0.5–0.6 to 0.1–0.2 and the wear resistance improved by more than 60 times. After 24 h of contact, SAOS-2 human osteoblast-like cells had increased surface coverage from 18% for the untreated surface to 46% and 54% for the 350 °C/40 h and 380 °C/4.5 h treated surfaces, respectively. The significantly improved tribological properties and biocompatibility have shown the potential of the ceramic conversion treated Zr-BMG for orthopaedic applications.
Ceramic Materials and Technologies Applied to Digital Works in Implant-Supported Restorative Dentistry
Authors: Pyo Se-Wook , Kim Dae-Joon , Han Jung-Suk , Yeo In-Sung Luke
Published: April 2020

Computer-aided design and manufacturing technology has been closely associated with implant-supported restoration. The digital system employed for prosthodontic restorations comprises data acquisition, processing, and manufacturing using subtractive or additive methods. As digital implantology has developed, optical scanning, computer-based digital algorithms, fabricating techniques, and numerical control skills have all rapidly improved in terms of their accuracy, which has resulted in the development of new ceramic materials with advanced esthetics and durability for clinical application. This study reviews the application of digital technology in implant-supported dental restoration and explores two globally utilized ceramic restorative materials: Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline and lithium disilicate glass ceramics.
Effects of Cryopreservation on Cell Metabolic Activity and Function of Biofabricated Structures Laden with Osteoblasts
Authors: Hernández-Tapia Laura G. , Fohlerová Zdenka , Žídek Jan , Alvarez-Perez Marco A. , Čelko Ladislav , Kaiser Jozef , Montufar Edgar B.
Published: April 2020

Biofabrication and maturation of bone constructs is a long-term task that requires a high degree of specialization. This specialization falls onto the hierarchy complexity of the bone tissue that limits the transfer of this technology to the clinic. This work studied the effects of the short-term cryopreservation on biofabricated osteoblast-containing structures, with the final aim to make them steadily available in biobanks. The biological responses studied include the osteoblast post-thawing metabolic activity and the recovery of the osteoblastic function of 3D-bioprinted osteoblastic structures and beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds infiltrated with osteoblasts encapsulated in a hydrogel. The obtained structures were cryopreserved at −80 °C for 7 days using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotectant additive. After thawing the structures were cultured up to 14 days. The results revealed fundamental biological aspects for the successful cryopreservation of osteoblast constructs. In summary, immature osteoblasts take longer to recover than mature osteoblasts. The pre-cryopreservation culture period had an important effect on the metabolic activity and function maintain, faster recovering normal values when cryopreserved after longer-term culture (7 days). The use of β-TCP scaffolds further improved the osteoblast survival after cryopreservation, resulting in similar levels of alkaline phosphatase activity in comparison with the non-preserved structures. These results contribute to the understanding of the biology of cryopreserved osteoblast constructs, approaching biofabrication to the clinical practice.