bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Water–Oil Saturation on the Fracture Process Zone: A Modified Dugdale–Barenblatt Model
Authors: Nie Yuanxun , Zhang Guangqing , Xing Yuekun , Li Shiyuan
Published: October 2018

The wetting and nonwetting fluid saturations in porous reservoirs always change during long-term injection and production. The fracture process zone (FPZ) is a prominent feature in the rock fracture process. If the FPZ properties are influenced by pore fluids, the process of hydraulic fracturing will change greatly. The existing models do not consider the role of pore fluid when characterizing the FPZ. In this paper, a modified Dugdale–Barenblatt (D–B) model with capillary pressure is proposed. The model reflects the fact that the FPZ length decreases nonlinearly with the increase in capillary pressure, and it reveals the mechanism of capillary pressure on the equivalent fracture cohesion in the FPZ, which affects the FPZ length. Three-point bending tests were carried out on sandstone under various fluid saturations through digital image correlation (DIC), acoustic emission (AE), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the FPZ length of the water–oil-saturated samples was 30–50% smaller than that of water-saturated/oil-saturated samples due to the capillary pressure effect, and the modified D–B model was well consistent with the experiments. The AE behaviors of different saturated samples were not the same: The cumulative AE signals changed abruptly at 90% of the peak load for the water–oil-saturated samples and at 50% of the peak load for water-saturated samples. This demonstrated that the effect of capillary pressure was more obvious than the weakening effect of microstructural damages. The significant influence of capillary pressure on FPZ requires continuous recognition in hydraulic fracturing design.
A Method to Improve the Response of a Speed Loop by Using a Reduced-Order Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Liu Tao , Tong Qiaoling , Zhang Qiao , Li Qidong , Li Linkai , Wu Zhaoxuan
Published: October 2018

In servo systems, encoders are usually used to measure the position and speed signals of electric machines. But in a low speed range, the traditional M/T method has a larger time delay, which will cause an increase of the speed loop order and degradation of the speed loop performance. A method employed to reduce the delay of speed feedback by using a reduced-order Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is introduced in this paper. The speed of the permanent magnet synchronous motor is estimated by the reduced-order EKF in a low speed range, which reduces the delay of speed feedback and extends the cutoff frequency of the speed loop to improve the dynamic performance of the servo system. In order to solve the issues that the traditional full-order EKF is sensitive to the inertia of the system and computationally complex, a composite load torque observer (CLTO) is proposed in this paper. The load torque and the friction torque are simultaneously observed by the CLTO. Additionally, the CLTO is used to reduce the order of the EKF, which reduces the sensitivity of EKF on inertia to enhance the robustness of the algorithm and simplifies the computational complexity. The feasibility and effectivity of the above method are verified by simulations and experiments.
Can Future CO2 Concentrations Mitigate the Negative Effects of High Temperature and Longer Droughts on Forest Growth?
Authors: Gustafson Eric J. , Miranda Brian R. , Sturtevant Brian R.
Published: October 2018

(1) Background: Climate change may subject forests to climate conditions to which they are not adapted. Elevated temperatures can potentially reduce net photosynthesis by increasing respiration rates and increasingly long droughts dramatically increase morbidity. While CO2 enrichment enhances productivity, it is not clear to what extent CO2 enrichment can offset the negative effects of elevated temperatures and longer droughts; (2) Methods: We used a mechanistic landscape model to conduct controlled simulation experiments manipulating CO2 concentration, temperature, drought length and soil water capacity; (3) Results: We found that elevated CO2 stimulates productivity such that it dwarfs the negative effect caused by elevated temperature. Energy reserves were not as strongly mitigated by elevated CO2, and the mortality of less competitive cohorts increased. Drought length had a surprisingly small effect on productivity measures, but longer droughts increased the risk of mortality; (4) Conclusions: Elevated CO2 compensated for the negative effect of longer droughts in terms of productivity measures, but not survival measures.
A Review on the Source of Lipids and Their Interactions during Beer Fermentation that Affect Beer Quality
Authors: Gordon Russell , Power Aoife , Chapman James , Chandra Shaneel , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: October 2018

The presence of lipids in wort and beer are important due to their influence on yeast metabolism and beer quality. Barley lipids have long been considered to have adverse effects on beer quality where some long-chain fatty acids are associated with high flavour potential. In addition, beer foam stability can be influenced by the concentration of lipids as well as other factors such as hop acids (e.g., iso-α-acids), proteins, polysaccharides and the presence of metal ions (e.g., nickel). Lipids can also influence yeast protease activity as well as the production of ethanol. This review provides an overview of the effect of climate change on the chemical composition of barley in relation to lipids and the influence of lipids in the process of this raw material in order to produce beer.
Aromatic Profiles of Essential Oils from Five Commonly Used Thai Basils
Authors: Tangpao Tibet , Chung Hsiao-Hang , Sommano Sarana Rose
Published: October 2018

The research objectives of this study are to analyse the volatile compositions of different basil types available in Thai markets and to descriptively determine their aromatic qualities. Essential oils were hydro-distillated from fresh leaves of two Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) varieties namely, white and red and other basil species, including Tree basil (O. gratissimum), Thai basil (O. basilicum var. thyrsiflorum), and Lemon basil (O. citriodorum). Oil physiochemical characteristics and volatile chromatograms from Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the chemical compositions. Estragole, eugenol, and methyl eugenol were among the major volatiles found in the essential oils of these basil types. Classification by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) advised that these Ocimum spp. samples are grouped based on either the distinctive anise, citrus aroma (estragole, geranial and neral), or spice-like aroma (methyl eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and α-cubebene). The essential oils were also used for descriptive sensorial determination by five semi-trained panellists, using the following developed terms: anise, citrus, herb, spice, sweet, and woody. The panellists were able to differentiate essential oils of white Holy basil from red Holy basil based on the intensity of the anisic attribute, while the anise and citrus scents were detected as dominant in the Lemon basil, Tree basil, and Thai basil essential oils. The overall benefit from this research was the elucidation of aromatic qualities from Thai common Ocimum species in order to assess their potential as the raw materials for new food products.
Subjective Assessment of Head and Facial Appearance in Children with Craniosynostoses after Surgical Treatment
Authors: Larysz Dawid , Nieroba Elżbieta
Published: October 2018

Background: Craniosynostoses are congenital defects in the construction of the skull involving premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. Premature fusion of sutures causes characteristic skull deformation(s). This affect the structure and thus the appearance of the entire head and face. The aim of this study was to analyze parents’ subjective assessments of head and facial appearance in children with craniosynostoses before and after surgery. Parents also assessed the interpersonal relationship of their children with peers and adults (after surgery). Methods: This study was conducted among parents of 230 children treated in Poland, in two multidisciplinary centers. Detailed statistical analysis was conducted among children who had undergone surgery. Independent variables were age (at survey) of the child (three years and less, four years, and five years and more) and type of craniosynostosis (isolated and syndromic). A chi-square independence test was used. Data was collected using surveys. Results: In the opinion of most parents, the appearance of their child’s head and face after surgery did not differ or differed only slightly from that of their peers. The results of subjective assessment of appearance of children’s face and head after reconstructive treatment remains comparable in three subgroups of patients according to the age. It seems that specific head shape according to the type of craniosynostosis does not have an impact on relations with peers and adults. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of children with craniosynostoses improves the appearance of their head and face. This improvement seems not to depend on the type of isolated craniosynostosis, and is constant over time.
Mental Health and Social Care and Social Interventions
Authors: Boardman Jed
Published: October 2018

In common parlance, the term ‘social’ is used in many senses ranging from the way society is organised to the rank or status someone has in society; to activities that involve meeting with other people; to the experience, behaviour and interaction of persons forming groups; and to promoting companionship and communal activities. [...]
Accessibility and Acceptability of Infectious Disease Interventions Among Migrants in the EU/EEA: A CERQual Systematic Review
Authors: Driedger Matt , Mayhew Alain , Welch Vivian , Agbata Eric , Gruner Doug , Greenaway Christina , Noori Teymur , Sandu Monica , Sangou Thierry , Mathew Christine , Kaur Harneel , Pareek Manish , Pottie Kevin
Published: October 2018

In the EU/EEA, subgroups of international migrants have an increased prevalence of certain infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to examine migrants’ acceptability, value placed on outcomes, and accessibility of infectious disease interventions. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative reviews adhering to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, DARE, and CDSR, and assessed review quality using AMSTAR. We conducted a framework analysis based on the Health Beliefs Model, which was used to organize our preliminary findings with respect to the beliefs that underlie preventive health behavior, including knowledge of risk factors, perceived susceptibility, severity and barriers, and cues to action. We assessed confidence in findings using an adapted GRADE CERQual tool. We included 11 qualitative systematic reviews from 2111 articles. In these studies, migrants report several facilitators to public health interventions. Acceptability depended on migrants’ relationship with healthcare practitioners, knowledge of the disease, and degree of disease-related stigma. Facilitators to public health interventions relevant for migrant populations may provide clues for implementation. Trust, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills also have implications for linkage to care and public health practitioner education. Recommendations from practitioners continue to play a key role in the acceptance of infectious disease interventions.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Belief in a Just World and Supervisor Support on Burnout via Bullying
Authors: Desrumaux Pascale , Gillet Nicolas , Nicolas Caroline
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to examine the mediating role of workplace bullying in how supervisor support and belief in a just world (BJW) are related to emotional exhaustion. A cross-sectional quantitative study using anonymous self-report questionnaires was conducted with 434 workers in France. The model was tested using a path analysis. First, the results revealed that BJW and support from the hierarchy were negatively related to emotional exhaustion. BJW and supervisor support were also negatively related to workplace bullying. Finally, harassment at work was positively related to emotional exhaustion. More generally, the results showed that social support from one’s superior and BJW were directly and indirectly related to emotional exhaustion via bullying at work. Our model thus suggests that BJW and supervisor support can be protective resources against bullying and exhaustion. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the present study, as well as some avenues for future research.
Biomonitoring and Subsequent Risk Assessment of Combined Exposure to Phthalates in Iranian Children and Adolescents
Authors: Zare Jeddi Maryam , Eshaghi Gorji Mohamad , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Louisse Jochem , Bruinen de Bruin Yuri , Liska Roman
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to estimate the exposure and related health risks of phthalates, and to assess the health risks from combined exposure to three of the phthalates sharing the same mode of action (anti-androgenicity) in children. We determined the internal exposure of 56 Iranian children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years by analyzing seven urinary metabolites of five phthalates. The estimated daily intake values derived from the biomonitoring data ranged from 0.01 µg/kg bw/day for butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), to 17.85 µg/kg bw/day for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The risk assessment revealed that not only the exposure to the individual phthalates, but also the combined exposure to the three anti-androgenic phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) did not raise a safety concern (hazard index values averaged 0.2). The range of maximum cumulative ratio values varied from around 1 for most individuals to around 2 in some individuals, indicating that the combined exposures were dominated by one and in some cases by two of the three anti-androgenic phthalates, especially dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and/or DEHP. Based on biomonitoring data, the overall combined exposure of Iranian children to phthalates does not raise a concern, while reduction of exposure is best focused on DEHP and DBP that showed the highest hazard quotient.
Exposure to Mercury in Workers and the Population Surrounding Gold Mining Areas in the Mojana Region, Colombia
Authors: Díaz Sonia Mireya , Muñoz-Guerrero Maria Nathalia , Palma-Parra Marien , Becerra-Arias Carolina , Fernández-Niño Julián Alfredo
Published: October 2018

In Colombia, the inhabitants of the Mojana region have historically been subjected to high levels of environmental and occupational exposure to mercury; however, there are few robust data on the magnitude of this exposure and associated factors. This study aimed to describe the levels of mercury in the workers and inhabitants in this region, and to identify the main sociodemographic and occupational factors that are associated with this exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which mercury levels were determined in biological samples (blood, urine, hair) from 1119 people in the Mojana region. A questionnaire was also administered, which was adapted from the Global Mercury Assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for the natural logarithm of mercury levels in blood, urine, and hair, using the factors that were explored as independent variables. The study reports high mercury levels in 35.0% of blood samples (95% CI 31.9–38.1%), 28.8% (95% CI 24.9–32.8%) of urine samples, and 56.3% (95% CI 53.1–59.5%) of hair samples. The reported source of water for consumption was associated with high levels of mercury (p-value < 0.05). We provide evidence of high levels of mercury exposure for the population in the Mojana region.
Concentrations, Distributions, and Risk Assessment of HBCD in Sediment in the Weihe River Basin in Northwest China
Authors: Wang Xueli , Yuan Xiaoyu , Yang Shengke , Zhao Yaqian
Published: October 2018

As one of the most widely used brominated flame retardants, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is found widely in the environmental media. In this study, the content and spatial distribution of HBCD and risk posed by HBCD in surface sediment in the Weihe River Basin in Northwest China were investigated. The HBCD concentration ranged nd–4.04 ng/g dw with the mean was 0.45 ng/g dw. The major source of HBCD in surface sediment was local point discharge. The distribution profiles of α-, β-, γ-HBCD were 24.7–87.9%, 0–42.0%, and 0–67.1%, respectively. Specially, α-HBCD was the dominating isomer in most sample sites. This differed significantly from that in HBCD technical product, which might be attributed to the different degradation rates and inter-transformation of the three HBCD isomers. Risk quotient method was used to assess the potential risk posed by HBCD in sediment. HBCD do not pose strong risks to aquatic algae organisms in the Weihe River Basin.
Summary Outcomes of the ODIN Project on Food Fortification for Vitamin D Deficiency Prevention
Authors: Kiely Mairead , Cashman Kevin D.
Published: October 2018

Food-based solutions for optimal vitamin D nutrition and health through the life cycle (ODIN) was a cross-disciplinary, collaborative project, including 30 partners from 19 countries, which aimed to develop evidence-based solutions to prevent low vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) < 30 nmol/L) using a food-first approach. This paper provides a summary overview of some of the important ODIN outcomes and outlines some outstanding data requirements. In a study of almost 56,000 individuals, the first internationally standardised dataset of vitamin D status showed that 13% of EU residents overall, across a latitude gradient of 35° N to 69° N, had serum 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L and 40% were < 50 nmol/L. The risk of low vitamin D status was several-fold higher among persons of ethnic minority. However, additional data from quality bio-banked sera would be required to improve these estimates. To address the question of dietary requirements for vitamin D among under-researched life-stage and population groups, four dose-response RCTs conducted in Northern Europe showed that vitamin D3 intakes of 8 and 13 μg/day prevented 25(OH)D decreasing below 30 nmol/L in white children and adolescents and 20 and 30 μg/day, respectively, achieved ≥50 nmol/L. Among white women during pregnancy, 30 μg/day is required to prevent umbilical cord 25(OH)D, representing new-born vitamin D status, below 25 nmol/L. While 8 μg/day protected white women in Finland at the 30 nmol/L cut-off, 18 μg/day was needed by women of East African descent to prevent 25(OH)D decreasing below 30 nmol/L during wintertime. Replicate RCTs are needed in young children <5 years and in school-age children, teens and pregnant women of ethnic minority. Using a series of food production studies, food-based RCTs and dietary modelling experiments, ODIN research shows that diverse fortification strategies could safely increase population intakes and prevent low vitamin D status. Building on this solid technological platform, implementation research is now warranted to scale up interventions in real-world settings to eradicate vitamin D deficiency.
The Reverse Shock Index Multiplied by Glasgow Coma Scale Score (rSIG) and Prediction of Mortality Outcome in Adult Trauma Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on Registered Trauma Data
Authors: Wu Shao-Chun , Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Kuo Spencer C. H. , Chien Peng-Chen , Hsieh Hsiao-Yun , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: October 2018

The reverse shock index (rSI) multiplied by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (rSIG), calculated by multiplying the GCS score with systolic blood pressure (SBP)/hear rate (HR), was proposed to be a reliable triage tool for identifying risk of in-hospital mortality in trauma patients. This study was designed to externally validate the accuracy of the rSIG in the prediction of mortality in our cohort of trauma patients, in comparison with those that were predicted by the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), shock index (SI), and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Adult trauma patients aged ≥20 years who were admitted to the hospital from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2017, were included in this study. The rSIG, RTS, and SI were calculated according to the initial vital signs and GCS scores of patients upon arrival at the emergency department (ED). The end-point of primary outcome is in-hospital mortality. Discriminative power of each score to predict mortality was measured using area under the curve (AUC) by plotting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for 18,750 adult trauma patients, comprising 2438 patients with isolated head injury (only head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥ 2) and 16,312 without head injury (head AIS ≤ 1). The predictive accuracy of rSIG was significantly lower than that of RTS in all trauma patients (AUC 0.83 vs. AUC 0.85, p = 0.02) and in patients with isolated head injury (AUC 0.82 vs. AUC 0.85, p = 0.02). For patients without head injury, no difference was observed in the predictive accuracy between rSIG and RTS (AUC 0.83 vs. AUC 0.83, p = 0.97). Based on the cutoff value of 14.0, the rSIG can predict the probability of dying in trauma patients without head injury with a sensitivity of 61.5% and specificity of 94.5%. The predictive accuracy of both rSIG and RTS is significantly poorer than that of TRISS, in all trauma patients (AUC 0.93) or in patients with (AUC 0.89) and without head injury (AUC 0.92). In addition, SI had the significantly worse predictive accuracy than all of the other three models in all trauma patients (AUC 0.57), and the patients with (AUC 0.53) or without (AUC 0.63) head injury. This study revealed that rSIG had a significantly higher predictive accuracy of mortality than SI in all of the studied population but a lower predictive accuracy of mortality than RTS in all adult trauma patients and in adult patients with isolated head injury. In addition, in the adult patients without head injury, rSIG had a similar performance as RTS to the predictive risk of mortality of the patients.
Electronic Waste Governance under “One Country, Two Systems”: Hong Kong and Mainland China
Authors: Wong Natalie W. M.
Published: October 2018

China is one of the largest e-waste dumping sites in the world, and Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous territory in China, is also affected by illegal e-waste disposal and transfer. While the Chinese government implemented a waste import ban in January 2018, Hong Kong has not enforced Chinese policies under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Drawing on a policy network approach, this paper provides an explanatory framework for e-waste governance in Hong Kong and China, and identifies the major obstacles to shaping effective transboundary e-waste control and prevention. The paper argues that institutional arrangements play a dominant role in governing e-waste policy networks at the local level of governance in Hong Kong and China; however, a lack of accountability and capacity at the transboundary level can explain the different waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management strategies in these two places.
Association between the Ratio of FEV1 to FVC and the Exposure Level to Air Pollution in Neversmoking Adult Refractory Asthmatics Using Data Clustered by Patient in the Soonchunhyang Asthma Cohort Database
Authors: Yu Sol , Park Sujung , Park Choon-Sik , Kim Sungroul
Published: October 2018

Using real-world cases, asthma-related clinical data were clustered by patient; 5% of all asthmatics were found to have refractory asthma (RA) with a relatively low lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) less than 80%). Using a multilevel study design for clustered spirometry data observed between 2005 and 2014, we evaluated the association between changes in the ratio of FEV1 to FVC and variations in acute exposure to air pollution. We analyzed 2310 episodes of RA from 214 neversmoking patients. In spring, a 1 µg/m³ increase in concentration of particles ≤10 μm (PM10) on Lag 1 significantly reduced the ratio by 0.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1–0.7%) after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. Unit (ppb) increase in SO2 concentration on Lag 3 and 4 in fall and on Lag 6 in winter significantly reduced the ratio by 2 to 3% (p < 0.05). We found that acute exposure to PM10 in spring or SO2 in fall or winter were positively associated with lung function drop indicating necessity of control strategies of target air pollutant source by season to protect susceptible population.
Lead Exposure in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Perspectives and Lessons on Patterns, Injustices, Economics, and Politics
Authors: Kordas Katarzyna , Ravenscroft Julia , Cao Ying , McLean Elena V.
Published: October 2018

Lead exposure is a legacy issue that continues to affect vulnerable population groups globally, but particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICS). We take a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the patterns of lead exposure in these countries, discuss the underlying injustices and socio-political causes, and the economic costs that are associated with exposure. We conclude with some lessons we drew from our discussion of lead across the disciplines and advocate for a number of approaches to solving this ongoing issue. These include (i) biomonitoring that could be integrated into existing health surveys or public health programs targeting young children; (ii) greater civic engagement to push for solutions; and, (iii) environmental control policies that represent a continuum of local, context-specific to broad, national-level, and even global approaches.
Fingerprinting Acute Digestive Diseases by Untargeted NMR Based Metabolomics
Authors: Takis Panteleimon G. , Taddei Antonio , Pini Riccardo , Grifoni Stefano , Tarantini Francesca , Bechi Paolo , Luchinat Claudio
Published: October 2018

Precision medicine may significantly contribute to rapid disease diagnosis and targeted therapy, but relies on the availability of detailed, subject specific, clinical information. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H–NMR) spectroscopy of body fluids can extract individual metabolic fingerprints. Herein, we studied 64 patients admitted to the Florence main hospital emergency room with severe abdominal pain. A blood sample was drawn from each patient at admission, and the corresponding sera underwent 1H–NMR metabolomics fingerprinting. Unsupervised Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis showed a significant discrimination between a group of patients with symptoms of upper abdominal pain and a second group consisting of patients with diffuse abdominal/intestinal pain. Prompted by this observation, supervised statistical analysis (Orthogonal Partial Least Squares–Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA)) showed a very good discrimination (>90%) between the two groups of symptoms. This is a surprising finding, given that neither of the two symptoms points directly to a specific disease among those studied here. Actually herein, upper abdominal pain may result from either symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, or pancreatitis, while diffuse abdominal/intestinal pain may result from either intestinal ischemia, strangulated obstruction, or mechanical obstruction. Although limited by the small number of samples from each of these six conditions, discrimination of these diseases was attempted. In the first symptom group, >70% discrimination accuracy was obtained among symptomatic gallstones, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis, while for the second symptom group >85% classification accuracy was obtained for intestinal ischemia, strangulated obstruction, and mechanical obstruction. No single metabolite stands up as a possible biomarker for any of these diseases, while the contribution of the whole 1H–NMR serum fingerprint seems to be a promising candidate, to be confirmed on larger cohorts, as a first-line discriminator for these diseases.
AMPK Function in Mammalian Spermatozoa
Authors: Martin-Hidalgo David , Hurtado de Llera Ana , Calle-Guisado Violeta , Gonzalez-Fernandez Lauro , Garcia-Marin Luis , Bragado M. Julia
Published: October 2018

AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK regulates cellular energy by controlling metabolism through the inhibition of anabolic pathways and the simultaneous stimulation of catabolic pathways. Given its central regulator role in cell metabolism, AMPK activity and its regulation have been the focus of relevant investigations, although only a few studies have focused on the AMPK function in the control of spermatozoa’s ability to fertilize. This review summarizes the known cellular roles of AMPK that have been identified in mammalian spermatozoa. The involvement of AMPK activity is described in terms of the main physiological functions of mature spermatozoa, particularly in the regulation of suitable sperm motility adapted to the fluctuating extracellular medium, maintenance of the integrity of sperm membranes, and the mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the intracellular signaling pathways leading to AMPK activation in mammalian spermatozoa are reviewed. We also discuss the role of AMPK in assisted reproduction techniques, particularly during semen cryopreservation and preservation (at 17 °C). Finally, we reinforce the idea of AMPK as a key signaling kinase in spermatozoa that acts as an essential linker/bridge between metabolism energy and sperm’s ability to fertilize.
Effect of Cross-Linking Density on the Structures and Properties of Carbodiimide-Treated Gelatin Matrices as Limbal Stem Cell Niches
Authors: Lai Jui-Yang , Luo Li-Jyuan , Ma David Hui-Kang
Published: October 2018

Given that human amniotic membrane is a valuable biological material not readily available for corneal epithelial tissue engineering, gelatin is considered as a potential alternative to construct a cellular microenvironment. This study investigates, for the first time, the influence of cross-linking density of carbodiimide-treated gelatin matrices on the structures and properties of artificial limbal stem cell niches. Our results showed that an increase in the carbodiimide concentration from 1.5 to 15 mM leads to an upward trend in the structural and suture strength of biopolymers. Furthermore, increasing number of cross-linking bridges capable of linking protein molecules together may reduce their crystallinity. For the samples treated with 50 mM of cross-linker (i.e., the presence of excess N-substituted carbodiimide), abundant N-acylurea was detected, which was detrimental to the in vitro and in vivo ocular biocompatibility of gelatin matrices. Surface roughness and stiffness of biopolymer substrates were found to be positively correlated with carbodiimide-induced cross-link formation. Significant increases of integrin β1 expression, metabolic activity, and ABCG2 expression were noted as the cross-linker concentration increased, suggesting that the bulk crystalline structure and surface roughness/stiffness of niche attributed to the number of cross-linking bridges may have profound effects on a variety of limbal epithelial cell behaviors, including adhesion, proliferation, and stemness maintenance. In summary, taking the advantages of carbodiimide cross-linking-mediated development of gelatin matrices, new niches with tunable cross-linking densities can provide a significant boost to maintain the limbal stem cells during ex vivo expansion.
HGF/c-MET: A Promising Therapeutic Target in the Digestive System Cancers
Authors: Zhang Hongli , Feng Qingqing , Chen Wei-Dong , Wang Yan-Dong
Published: October 2018

The HGF/c-MET pathway is active in the development of digestive system cancers, indicating that inhibition of HGF/c-MET signaling may have therapeutic potential. Various HGF/c-MET signaling inhibitors, mainly c-MET inhibitors, have been tested in clinical trials. The observed efficacy and adverse events of some c-MET inhibitors were not very suitable for treating digestive system cancers. The development of new HGF/c-MET inhibitors in preclinical studies may bring promising treatments and synergistic combination (traditional anticancer drugs and c-MET inhibitors) strategies provided anacceptable safety and tolerability. Insights into miRNA biology and miRNA therapeutics have made miRNAs attractive tools to inhibit HGF/c-MET signaling. Recent reports show that several microRNAs participate in inhibiting HGF/c-MET signaling networks through antagonizing c-MET or HGF in digestive system cancers, and the miRNAs-HGF/c-MET axis plays crucial and novel roles for cancer treatment. In the current review, we will discuss recent findings about inhibitors of HGF/c-MET signaling in treating digestive system cancers, and how miRNAs regulate digestive system cancers via mediating HGF/c-MET pathway.
Theranostics Aspects of Various Nanoparticles in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Bai Ding-Ping , Lin Xin-Yu , Huang Yi-Fan , Zhang Xi-Feng
Published: October 2018

Nanoscience and nanotechnology shows immense interest in various areas of research and applications, including biotechnology, biomedical sciences, nanomedicine, and veterinary medicine. Studies and application of nanotechnology was explored very extensively in the human medical field and also studies undertaken in rodents extensively, still either studies or applications in veterinary medicine is not up to the level when compared to applications to human beings. The application in veterinary medicine and animal production is still relatively innovative. Recently, in the era of health care technologies, Veterinary Medicine also entered into a new phase and incredible transformations. Nanotechnology has tremendous and potential influence not only the way we live, but also on the way that we practice veterinary medicine and increase the safety of domestic animals, production, and income to the farmers through use of nanomaterials. The current status and advancements of nanotechnology is being used to enhance the animal growth promotion, and production. To achieve these, nanoparticles are used as alternative antimicrobial agents to overcome the usage alarming rate of antibiotics, detection of pathogenic bacteria, and also nanoparticles being used as drug delivery agents as new drug and vaccine candidates with improved characteristics and performance, diagnostic, therapeutic, feed additive, nutrient delivery, biocidal agents, reproductive aids, and finally to increase the quality of food using various kinds of functionalized nanoparticles, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, micellar nanoparticles, and metal nanoparticles. It seems that nanotechnology is ideal for veterinary applications in terms of cost and the availability of resources. The main focus of this review is describes some of the important current and future principal aspects of involvement of nanotechnology in Veterinary Medicine. However, we are not intended to cover the entire scenario of Veterinary Medicine, despite this review is to provide a glimpse at potential important targets of nanotechnology in the field of Veterinary Medicine. Considering the strong potential of the interaction between the nanotechnology and Veterinary Medicine, the aim of this review is to provide a concise description of the advances of nanotechnology in Veterinary Medicine, in terms of their potential application of various kinds of nanoparticles, secondly we discussed role of nanomaterials in animal health and production, and finally we discussed conclusion and future perspectives of nanotechnology in veterinary medicine.
Extracellular Matrix Influencing HGF/c-MET Signaling Pathway: Impact on Cancer Progression
Authors: Noriega-Guerra Heydi , Freitas Vanessa Morais
Published: October 2018

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment involved in numerous cellular processes that contribute to cancer progression. It is acknowledged that tumor–stromal cell communication is driven by a complex and dynamic network of cytokines, growth factors and proteases. Thus, the ECM works as a reservoir for bioactive molecules that modulate tumor cell behavior. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) produced by tumor and stromal cells acts as a multifunctional cytokine and activates the c-MET receptor, which is expressed in different tumor cell types. The HGF/c-MET signaling pathway is associated with several cellular processes, such as proliferation, survival, motility, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Moreover, c-MET activation can be promoted by several ECM components, including proteoglycans and glycoproteins that act as bridging molecules and/or signal co-receptors. In contrast, c-MET activation can be inhibited by proteoglycans, matricellular proteins and/or proteases that bind and sequester HGF away from the cell surface. Therefore, understanding the effects of ECM components on HGF and c-MET may provide opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we give a short overview of how certain ECM components regulate the distribution and activation of HGF and c-MET.
A Novel Peroxidase Mimics and Ameliorates Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Pathology and Cognitive Decline in Mice
Authors: Xu Jia , Wang Kai , Yuan Ye , Li Hui , Zhang Ruining , Guan Shuwen , Wang Liping
Published: October 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, which is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, oxidative stress, and neuronal loss. Therefore, clearing Aβ aggregates and reducing oxidative stress could be an effective therapeutic strategy for AD. Deuterohemin-AlaHisThrValGluLys (DhHP-6), a novel deuterohemin-containing peptide mimetic of the natural microperoxidase-11 (MP-11), shows higher antioxidant activity and stability compared to the natural microperoxidases. DhHP-6 possesses the ability of extending lifespan and alleviating paralysis in the Aβ1-42 transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans CL4176 model of AD, as shown in our previous study. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring the neuroprotective effect of DhHP-6 in the APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic mouse model of AD. DhHP-6 reduced the diameter and fiber structure of Aβ1-42 aggregation in vitro, as shown by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope. DhHP-6 exerted its neuroprotective effect by inhibiting Aβ aggregation and plaque formation, and by reducing Aβ1-42 oligomers-induced neurotoxicity on HT22 (mouse hippocampal neuronal) and SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma) cells. In the AD mouse model, DhHP-6 significantly ameliorated cognitive decline and improved spatial learning ability in behavioral tests including the Morris water maze, Y-maze, novel object recognition, open field, and nest-building test. Moreover, DhHP-6 reduced the deposition of Aβ plaques in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. More importantly, DhHP-6 restored the morphology of astrocytes and microglia, and significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings provide a basis for considering the non-toxic, peroxidase mimetic DhHP-6 as a new candidate drug against AD.
Additive Manufacturing for Guided Bone Regeneration: A Perspective for Alveolar Ridge Augmentation
Authors: Rider Patrick , Kačarević Željka Perić , Alkildani Said , Retnasingh Sujith , Schnettler Reinhard , Barbeck Mike
Published: October 2018

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become an important tool in the field of tissue engineering and its further development will lead to completely new clinical possibilities. The ability to create tissue scaffolds with controllable characteristics, such as internal architecture, porosity, and interconnectivity make it highly desirable in comparison to conventional techniques, which lack a defined structure and repeatability between scaffolds. Furthermore, 3D printing allows for the production of scaffolds with patient-specific dimensions using computer-aided design. The availability of commercially available 3D printed permanent implants is on the rise; however, there are yet to be any commercially available biodegradable/bioresorbable devices. This review will compare the main 3D printing techniques of: stereolithography; selective laser sintering; powder bed inkjet printing and extrusion printing; for the fabrication of biodegradable/bioresorbable bone tissue scaffolds; and, discuss their potential for dental applications, specifically augmentation of the alveolar ridge.
Exploring the Structural Transformation Mechanism of Chinese and Thailand Silk Fibroin Fibers and Formic-Acid Fabricated Silk Films
Authors: Liu Qichun , Wang Fang , Gu Zhenggui , Ma Qingyu , Hu Xiao
Published: October 2018

Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein polymer derived from insects, which has unique mechanical properties and tunable biodegradation rate due to its variable structures. Here, the variability of structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of two domesticated silk films (Chinese and Thailand B. Mori) regenerated from formic acid solution, as well as their original fibers, were compared and investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Four relaxation events appeared clearly during the temperature region of 25 °C to 280 °C in DMA curves, and their disorder degree (fdis) and glass transition temperature (Tg) were predicted using Group Interaction Modeling (GIM). Compared with Thai (Thailand) regenerated silks, Chin (Chinese) silks possess a lower Tg, higher fdis, and better elasticity and mechanical strength. As the calcium chloride content in the initial processing solvent increases (1%–6%), the Tg of the final SF samples gradually decrease, while their fdis increase. Besides, SF with more non-crystalline structures shows high plasticity. Two α- relaxations in the glass transition region of tan δ curve were identified due to the structural transition of silk protein. These findings provide a new perspective for the design of advanced protein biomaterials with different secondary structures, and facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the structure-property relationship of various biopolymers in the future.
Key Immunological Functions Involved in the Progression of Epithelial Ovarian Serous Carcinoma Discovered by the Gene Ontology-Based Immunofunctionome Analysis
Authors: Chang Cheng-Chang , Su Kuo-Min , Lu Kai-Hsi , Lin Chi-Kang , Wang Peng-Hui , Li Hsin-Yang , Wang Mong-Lien , Lin Cheng-Kuo , Yu Mu-Hsien , Chang Chia-Ming
Published: October 2018

Serous carcinoma (SC) is the most common and lethal subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinoma; immunotherapy is a potential treatment for SC, however, the global immunological functions of SC as well as their change during the progression of SC have not been investigated in detail till now. We conducted a genome-wide integrative analysis to investigate the immunofunctionomes of SC at four tumor stages by quantifying the immunological functions defined by the Gene Ontology gene sets. DNA microarray gene expression profiles of 1100 SCs and 136 normal ovarian tissue controls were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and converted to the functionome. Then the immunofunctionomes were reconstructed by extracting the offspring from the functionome for the four SC staging groups. The key immunological functions extracted from immunofunctionomes with a series of filters revealed that the immunopathy of SC consisted of a group of deregulated functions with the core members including B cell activation and differentiation, regulation of leukocyte chemotaxis/cellular extravasation, antigen receptor mediated signaling pathway, T helper mediated immunity and macrophage activation; and the auxiliary elements included leukocyte mediated immunity, regulation of inflammatory response, T cell differentiation, mononuclear cell migration, megakaryocyte differentiation, complement activation and cytokine production. These deregulated immunological functions reveal the candidates to target in the immunotherapy.
Improving Collaborative Filtering-Based Image Recommendation through Use of Eye Gaze Tracking
Authors: Melo Ernani Viriato
Published: October 2018

Due to the overwhelming variety of products and services currently available on electronic commerce sites, the consumer finds it difficult to encounter products of preference. It is common that product preference be influenced by the visual appearance of the image associated with the product. In this context, Recommendation Systems for products that are associated with Images (IRS) become vitally important in aiding consumers to find those products considered as pleasing or useful. In general, these IRS use the Collaborative Filtering technique that is based on the behaviour passed on by users. One of the principal challenges found with this technique is the need for the user to supply information concerning their preference. Therefore, methods for obtaining implicit information are desirable. In this work, the author proposes an investigation to discover to which extent information concerning user visual attention can aid in producing a more precise IRS. This work proposes therefore a new approach, which combines the preferences passed on from the user, by means of ratings and visual attention data. The experimental results show that our approach exceeds that of the state of the art.
Odor-Specific Daily Rhythms in the Olfactory Sensitivity and Behavior of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Authors: Eilerts Diane F. , VanderGiessen Morgen , Bose Elizabeth A. , Broxton Kyera , Vinauger Clément
Published: October 2018

Many biological processes and behaviors in mosquitoes display rhythmic patterns, allowing for fine tuning to cyclic environmental conditions. In mosquitoes, vector-host interactions are primarily mediated by olfactory signals. Previous studies have established that, in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, rhythmic expression of odorant binding proteins and takeout proteins in the antenna resulted in a corresponding rhythm in olfactory sensitivity to relevant host odors. However, it remained unclear how rhythms observed in olfactory sensitivity affect or explain rhythms in behavioral output, which ultimately impacts disease transmission. In order to address this knowledge gap, we quantified and compared patterns in locomotor activity, olfactory sensitivity, and olfactory behaviors in adult female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Here, we demonstrate an odorant-specific modulation of olfactory sensitivity in Ae. aegypti, decoupled from rhythms in olfactory behavior. Additionally, behavioral assays performed herein represent the first evidence of a time-dependence of the olfactory activation of behavior in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Results suggest that olfactory behavior of Aedes mosquitoes is modulated at both the peripheral (antenna) and central levels. As such, this work serves as a foundation for future studies aimed at further understanding the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral plasticity.