bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study of Australian Pinot Noir Wines by Colour and Volatile Analyses, and the Pivot© Profile Method Using Wine Professionals
Authors: Longo Rocco , Pearson Wes , Merry Angela , Solomon Mark , Nicolotti Luca , Westmore Hanna , Dambergs Robert , Kerslake Fiona
Published: August 2020

The aim of this preliminary study was to identify potential colour components, volatile and sensory attributes that could discriminate Pinot noir wines from five Australian winegrowing regions (Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Northern and Southern Tasmania). The sensory analysis consisted of the Pivot© Profile method that was performed by wine professionals. A headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was used to quantify multiple volatile compounds, while the Modified Somers method was used for colour characterisation. Analysis of data suggested ethyl decanoate, ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, in addition to decanoic acid as important contributors to the discrimination between regions. Similarly, wine hue, chemical age indices, total anthocyanin, and (%) non-bleachable pigment also discriminated wines between regions. The sensory analysis showed that wines from Mornington Peninsula were associated with the ‘red fruits’ aroma, ‘acidic’, and ‘astringency’ palate descriptors, while those from Adelaide Hills were associated with the ‘brown’ colour attribute. This study indicates regionality is a strong driver of aroma typicity of wine.
Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields on the Growth and Acidification Kinetics of Lactobacillus delbrueckii Subsp. bulgaricus
Authors: Peng Kaidi , Koubaa Mohamed , Bals Olivier , Vorobiev Eugène
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on the growth and acidification kinetics of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CFL1 during fermentation. The PEF treatments were applied during the fermentation process using a recirculation pump and a PEF treatment chamber coupled with a PEF generator. The medium flow rate through the chamber was first optimized to obtain the same growth and acidification kinetics than the control fermentation without medium recirculation. Different PEF intensities (60–428 V cm−1) were then applied to the culture medium to study the impact of PEF on the cells’ behavior. The growth and acidification kinetics were recorded during the fermentation and the specific growth rates µ, pH, and acidification rate (dpH/dt) were assessed. The results obtained showed a biphasic growth by applying high PEF intensities (beyond 285 V cm−1) with the presence of two maximal specific growth rates and a decrease in the acidification activities. It was demonstrated that the cells were stressed during the PEF treatment, but presented an accelerated growth after stopping it, leading thereby to similar absorbance and pH at the end of the fermentation. These results show the great potential of PEF technology to be applied to generate low acidified products by performing PEF-assisted fermentations.
Development and Optimization of Djulis Sourdough Bread Using Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Chung Pei-Ling , Liaw Ean-Tun , Gavahian Mohsen , Chen Ho-Hsien
Published: August 2020

Bakery products made from naturally fermented sourdough show a diversified flavor and nutritional profile. Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum), known as red quinoa or Taiwan djulis, originally cultivated by Taiwanese indigenous people in mountain areas in eastern and southern Taiwan, has a high nutritional value and characteristic properties. In the present study, a new bakery product (djulis sourdough bread) was developed and a combination of the Taguchi method coupled with grey theory was utilized to optimize the baking parameters (product formulation). Five main factors, i.e., djulis sourdough (A), hulled djulis (B), oil type (C), a mixture of bread flour (wet gluten content of 29.0%) and a high-gluten flour (wet gluten content of 35.5%) (D), and honey (E), (each at four levels) were chosen for the Taguchi experiment design (L16(4)5). Dependent parameters were the data from texture profile analysis (brittleness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness), color analysis (L*, a*, and b*), and sensory evaluation (appearance, aroma, bitterness, sourness, chewiness, and overall acceptance) of the final product. Taguchi grey relational analysis successfully determined the optimal conditions based on combined parameters (5 factors), which highlighted the advantages of this innovative optimization technique. The result shows that the optimal formula for producing a djulis sourdough bread with the best texture, color, and sensory qualities was A3B1C1D2E2, i.e., 20% djulis sourdough, 0% addition of hulled djulis, 8% unsalted butter, 80% wheat flour + 20% high-gluten flour, and 10% honey, respectively. Such a novel application could be a reference for improving the quality of bakery products in the industry. Moreover, it seems that the new bakery product developed in this study has good potential to be commercially produced after further nutritional and economic analysis.
Evaluating Mulch Cover with Coir Dust and Cover Crop with Palma Cactus as Soil and Water Conservation Techniques for Semiarid Environments: Laboratory Soil Flume Study under Simulated Rainfall
Authors: Montenegro Abelardo A.A. , Almeida Thayná A.B. , Lima Cleene A. de , Abrantes João R.C.B. , de Lima João L.M.P.
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to investigate the performance of mulch cover with coir dust (Cocos nucifera L.) and cover crop with Palma cactus (Opuntia ficus indica Mill.) as soil and water conservation techniques, in a laboratory soil flume under simulated rainfall. Palma cactus plants oriented at 90° and 30° angles with the slope direction were considered. Simulations comprised uniform advanced and delayed rainfall patterns. Runoff hydrographs and soil loss were monitored at the downstream end of the flume. Soil moisture and flow velocity were measured, and several hydraulic parameters of runoff were estimated. Results show that both mulch cover with coir dust and cover crop with Palma cactus were effective in reducing runoff and soil loss and increasing soil moisture content, thus being both suitable soil and water conservation techniques for semiarid environments. Coir dust was more effective than Palma cactus. Palma cactus oriented at a 90° angle was slightly more effective than Palma cactus oriented at a 30° angle. Differences between advanced and delayed rainfall patterns on the hydrological and erosive response were more pronounced for the mulch cover condition, where no runoff and soil loss were observed at the downstream end of the flume for the advanced rainfall pattern.
Comparison of Findings between Clinical Examinations and Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Lin Huan-Yu , Lin Yi-Chih , Hsu Ying-Shuo , Shih Liang-Chun , Nelson Tyler , Chang Wen-Dien , Tsou Yung-An
Published: August 2020

The Velum, Oropharynx, Tongue base and Epiglottis (VOTE) classification on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is used widely for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome, though research into comparative physical examinations with VOTE on DISE is still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the findings of physical examinations and DISE in patients with OSA. Fifty-five patients with OSA were enrolled in this retrospective study. All of the patients received clinical explorations including a Brodsky classification, a modified Mallampati score (MMS), a modified Friedman’s staging system, and a Muller’s test. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy was further evaluated in the operating room. There were significant relationships between Brodsky classification, modified Friedman’s staging system, Muller’s test and oropharynx collapse during DISE (p < 0.05). Brodsky classification, MMS, modified Friedman’s staging system and retropalatal lateral-to-lateral (L–L) collapse of Muller’s test were significantly correlated with VOTE count (p < 0.05). The concordance between VOTE under DISE and Brodsky classification or modified Friedman’s staging system was moderate. In contrast, the concordance between VOTE under DISE and MMS or Muller’s test was slight. The study revealed that Brodsky classification and Friedman staging had a significant relationship with DISE on the velum and oropharynx, but the level of tongue base is uncertain between DISE and MMS. Correlation of awake evaluation of tongue base is still not correlated to the DISE findings. Pre-treatment evaluation of DISE is still warranted.
Will the Foot Strike Pattern Change at Different Running Speeds with or without Wearing Shoes?
Authors: Lai Ying-Jen , Chou Willy , Chu I-Hua , Wang Yu-Lin , Lin Yi-Jing , Tu Shihfan Jack , Guo Lan-Yuen
Published: August 2020

Runners strike their feet with three different patterns during running: forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot. This study aimed to investigate whether runners maintain consistent patterns while running speed and foot condition change. The foot strike patterns of runners when running on a treadmill at paces ranging from slow to fast were recorded from twenty healthy male regular runners, with and without shoes, in random order. A high-speed camera was used to observe the strike patterns, which were then categorized by an experienced physical therapist. Linear-log and Pearson chi-square analysis with a significance level of α = 0.05 was performed to examine the correlation between foot strike pattern, running speed, and shoe conditions. The results suggest that runners strike with different patterns when running with and without shoes (χ2 = 99.07, p < 0.01); runners preferred to adopt heel strike regardless of running speeds when running with shoes. While running barefoot, only 23.8% of landing strikes were rearfoot, and the strike pattern distribution did not change significantly with the running speed (χ2 = 2.26, p = 0.89). In summary, the foot strike preference of runners is correlated with the foot condition (barefoot or shod) rather than running speed. For runners who intend to change their strike patterns for any reason, we recommend that they consider adjusting their footwear, which may naturally help with the foot strike adjustment. Future studies should attempt to use advanced techniques to observe further foot biomechanics in order to discover if changing strike pattern is directly correlated with lower limb injuries.
Impact of Nurses’ Intervention in the Prevention of Falls in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Montejano-Lozoya Raimunda , Miguel-Montoya Isabel , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Mármol-López María Isabel , Ruíz-Hontangas Antonio , Ortí-Lucas Rafael
Published: August 2020

Background: Clinical safety is a crucial component of healthcare quality, focused on identifying and avoiding the risks to which patients are exposed. Among the adverse events that occur in a hospital environment, falls have a large impact (1.9–10% of annual income in acute care hospitals); they can cause pain, damage, costs, and mistrust in the health system. Our objective was to assess the effect of an educational intervention aimed at hospital nurses (systematic assessment of the risk of falls) in reducing the incidence of falls. Methods: this was a quasi-experimental study based on a sample of 581 patients in a third level hospital (Comunitat Valenciana, Spain). An educational program was given to the intervention group (n = 303), and a control group was included for comparison (n = 278). In the intervention group, the nurses participated in a training activity on the systematized assessment of the risk of falls. Analysis was undertaken using the Bayesian logistic regression model. Results: a total of 581 patients were studied (50.6% male, 49.4% female), with an average age of 68.3 (DT = 9) years. The overall incidence of falls was 1.2% (0.3% in the intervention group and 2.2% in the control group). Most of the falls occurred in people ≥65 years old (85.7%). The intervention group had a lower probability of falling than the control group (OR: 0.127; IC95%: 0.013–0.821). Neither the length of hospital stay, nor the age of the participants, had any relevant effect. Conclusions: the systematic assessment of the risk of a patient falling during hospital processes is an effective intervention to reduce the incidence of falls.
Poor WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Conditions Are Associated with Leprosy in North Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Emerson Lisa E. , Anantharam Puneet , Yehuala Feleke M. , Bilcha Kassahun D. , Tesfaye Annisa B. , Fairley Jessica K.
Published: August 2020

Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is critical for preventing the spread of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) including leprosy. WASH-related transmission factors remain largely unexplored in the leprosy transmission cycle. The aim of this project is to better understand WASH exposures among leprosy cases through a case-control study in North Gondar, Ethiopia. We hypothesized that leprosy cases were more likely to have inadequate WASH access and were more likely to have concurrent schistosomiasis, as schistosomiasis immune consequences may facilitate leprosy infection. Forty leprosy cases (forty-one controls) were enrolled, tested for Schistosomamansoni, administered a demographic and WASH survey, and assigned a WASH index score. WASH factors significantly associated with leprosy on adjusted analyses included open defecation (aOR = 19.9, 95% CI 2.2, 176.3) and lack of access to soap (aOR = 7.3, 95% CI 1.1, 49.9). S. mansoni was detected in 26% of participants and in stratified analysis those with leprosy had a 3.6 (95% CI (0.8, 15.9)) greater odds of schistosomiasis in districts bordering the lake, compared to 0.33 lower odds of schistosomiasis in districts not bordering the lake (95% CI (0.09, 1.2)). Overall, results suggest that leprosy transmission may be related to WASH adequacy and access as well as to schistosomiasis co-infection.
Urinary Biomarkers: Diagnostic Tools for Monitoring Athletes’ Health Status
Authors: Pero Raffaela , Brancaccio Mariarita , Mennitti Cristina , Gentile Luca , Arpino Sergio , De Falco Renato , Leggiero Eleonora , Ranieri Annaluisa , Pagliuca Chiara , Colicchio Roberta , Salvatore Paola , D’Alicandro Giovanni , Frisso Giulia , Lombardo Barbara , Mazzaccara Cristina , Faraonio Raffaella , Scudiero Olga
Published: August 2020

Acute or intense exercise is sometimes related to infections of the urinary tract. It can also lead to incorrect hydration as well as incorrect glomerular filtration due to the presence of high-molecular-weight proteins that cause damage to the kidneys. In this context, our study lays the foundations for the use of a urine test in a team of twelve male basketball players as a means of monitoring numerous biochemical parameters, including pH, specific weight, color, appearance, presence of bacterial cells, presence of squamous cells, leukocytes, erythrocytes, proteins, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, hemoglobin, nitrite, and leukocyte esterase, to prevent and/or treat the onset of pathologies, prescribe personalized treatments for each athlete, and monitor the athletes’ health status.
Estimation of the Inhaled Dose of Airborne Pollutants during Commuting: Case Study and Application for the General Population
Authors: Borghi Francesca , Fanti Giacomo , Cattaneo Andrea , Campagnolo Davide , Rovelli Sabrina , Keller Marta , Spinazzè Andrea , Cavallo Domenico Maria
Published: August 2020

During rush hours, commuters are exposed to high concentrations and peaks of traffic-related air pollutants. The aims of this study were therefore to extend the inhaled dose estimation outcomes from a previous work investigating the inhaled dose of a typical commuter in the city of Milan, Italy, and to extend these results to a wider population. The estimation of the dose of pollutants inhaled by commuters and deposited within the respiratory tract could be useful to help commuters in choosing the modes of transport with the lowest exposure and to increase their awareness regarding this topic. In addition, these results could provide useful information to policy makers, for the creation/improvement of a mobility that takes these results into account. The principal result outcomes from the first part of the project (case study on a typical commuter in the city of Milan) show that during the winter period, the maximum deposited mass values were estimated in the “Other” environments and in “Underground”. During the summer period, the maximum values were estimated in the “Other” and “Walking (high-traffic conditions)” environments. For both summer and winter, the lowest values were estimated in the “Car” and “Walking (low-traffic conditions)” environments. Regarding the second part of the study (the extension of the results to the general population of commuters in the city of Milan), the main results show that the period of permanence in a given micro-environment (ME) has an important influence on the inhaled dose, as well as the pulmonary ventilation rate. In addition to these results, it is of primary importance to report how the inhaled dose of pollutants can be strongly influenced by the time spent in a particular environment, as well as the subject’s pulmonary ventilation rate and pollutant exposure levels. For these reasons, the evaluation of these parameters (pulmonary ventilation rate and permanence time, in addition to the exposure concentration levels) for estimating the inhaled dose is of particular relevance.
Antipsychotic Drugs in Prevention of Postoperative Delirium—What Is Known in 2020?
Authors: Pluta Michał P. , Dziech Magdalena , Czempik Piotr F. , Szczepańska Anna J. , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: August 2020

Delirium is one of the most frequently reported neuropsychiatric complications in the perioperative period, especially in the population of elderly patients who often suffer from numerous comorbidities undergoing extensive or urgent surgery. It can affect up to 80% of patients who require hospitalization in an intensive care setting postoperatively. Delirium increases mortality, morbidity, length of hospital stay, and cost of treatment. An episode of delirium in the acute phase may lower the general quality of life and increases the risk of cognitive decline long-term. Since pharmacological treatment of delirium is not highly effective, focus of research has shifted towards developing preventive strategies. We aimed to perform a review of the topic based on the most recent literature. We conclude that, based on the available data, it seems impossible to make strong recommendations for using antipsychotic drugs in prophylaxis. Further research should answer the question what, if any, benefit patients receive from the pharmacological prevention of delirium, and which agents should be used.
How to Achieve a Healthier and More Sustainable Europe by 2040 According to the Public? Results of a Five-Country Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Zvěřinová Iva , Máca Vojtěch , Ščasný Milan , Strube Rosa , Marques Sibila , Dubová Diana , Kryl Martin , Craveiro Daniela , Taylor Timothy , Chiabai Aline , García de Jalón Silvestre
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to understand public preferences for several future scenarios of achieving a healthier, more equitable and sustainable Europe, which differ in the way the society is organized (individualistically vs. collectively) and in the driving sector (public vs. private). To achieve this aim, we conducted a questionnaire survey using representative samples for five European countries in 2018. About three thousand respondents chose among the four scenarios presented within four different contexts (green spaces, active mobility, energy-efficient housing, food consumption) or none of them. A majority of people in the five European countries were ready to accept one of the scenarios. We found significant differences in preferences according to socioeconomic backgrounds and values of respondents. People above 35 years old, those who were less educated, and those in the lowest household income tertile were less supportive of all scenarios. The heterogeneity in preferences associated with differences in socioeconomic backgrounds was larger for the scenario in which society is organized individualistically and driven by the private sector. Smaller distinctions were found in case of the scenario in which society is organized collectively and is driven by the public sector. Departing from social psychological theories, we examine the role of altruistic, biospheric, egoistic, hedonic, and security values. People with stronger biospheric values were more likely to accept scenarios, particularly those which are driven by the public sector and where there is more collective organisation. Those with a more egoistic value orientation were more likely to have higher preferences for scenarios where the private sector had a dominant role. The policy implications, in terms of the selection and framing of policy measures to enhance public support, are discussed.
Explaining the Factors Influencing the Individuals’ Continuance Intention to Seek Information on Weibo during Rainstorm Disasters
Authors: Cheng Sheng , Liu Liqun , Li Ke
Published: August 2020

Being an interactive process, the success of risk communication needs to ensure the individuals’ right to know and influence their attitudes and perceptions of risk. Ubiquitous social media have expanded risk communication channels and innovated ways of risk communication. At the same time, uncertainty also arises with the diversity and variety of social media. Taking the rainstorm disaster in China as an example, this study focuses on factors affecting the individuals’ continuance intention of information seeking on Weibo (a social media platform similar to Twitter). Based on 377 valid respondents, this study applied an extended expectation–confirmation model (ECM), from which the results of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) suggested that continuance intention is positively influenced by factors including effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and satisfaction. Among them, satisfaction contributes the most, which helps maintain a balance between performance expectancy and continuance intention. Taking the individuals’ continuance intention to seek information on Weibo as the clue, this research provides government agencies with practical advice on how to use social media for more efficient risk communication during disasters and establish emergency preplans to respond to natural disasters.
POI Mining for Land Use Classification: A Case Study
Authors: Andrade Renato , Alves Ana , Bento Carlos
Published: August 2020

The modern planning and management of urban spaces is an essential topic for smart cities and depends on up-to-date and reliable information on land use and the functional roles of the places that integrate urban areas. In the last few years, driven by the increased availability of geo-referenced data from social media, embedded sensors, and remote sensing images, various techniques have become popular for land use analysis. In this paper, we first highlight and discuss the different data types and methods usually adopted in this context, as well as their purposes. Then, based on a systematic state-of-the-art study, we focused on exploring the potential of points of interest (POIs) for land use classification, as one of the most common categories of crowdsourced data. We developed an application to automatically collect POIs for the study area, creating a dataset that was used to generate a large number of features. We used a ranking technique to select, among them, the most suitable features for classifying land use. As ground truth data, we used CORINE Land Cover (CLC), which is a solid and reliable dataset available for the whole European territory. It was used an artificial neural network (ANN) in different scenarios and our results reveal values of more than 90% for the accuracy and F-score in one experiment performed. Our analysis suggests that POI data have promising potential to characterize geographic spaces. The work described here aims to provide an alternative to the current methodologies for land use and land cover (LULC) classification, which are usually time-consuming and depend on expensive data types.
MicroRNAs Dysregulation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Catanesi Mariano , d’Angelo Michele , Tupone Maria Grazia , Benedetti Elisabetta , Giordano Antonio , Castelli Vanessa , Cimini Annamaria
Published: August 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating and currently incurable conditions causing severe cognitive and motor impairments, defined by the progressive deterioration of neuronal structure and function, eventually causing neuronal loss. Understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these disorders are essential to develop therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs implicated in gene expression regulation at the post-transcriptional level. Moreover, miRNAs are crucial for different processes, including cell growth, signal transmission, apoptosis, cancer and aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Altered miRNAs levels have been associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS formation occur in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. The crosstalk existing among oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and miRNAs dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on this evidence, in this review, with a focus on miRNAs and their role in mitochondrial dysfunction in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Molecular Evolutionary and Expression Pattern Analysis of AKR Genes Shed New Light on GalUR Functional Characteristics in Brassica rapa
Authors: Duan Weike , Huang Zhinan , Li Ying , Song Xiaoming , Sun Xiaochuan , Jin Cong , Wang Yunpeng , Wang Jizhong
Published: August 2020

The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily plays a major role in oxidation-reduction in plants. D-galacturonic acid reductase (GalUR), an ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthetic enzyme, belongs to this superfamily. However, the phylogenetic relationship and evolutionary history of the AKR gene family in plants has not yet been clarified. In this study, a total of 1268 AKR genes identified in 36 plant species were used to determine this phylogenetic relationship. The retention, structural characteristics, and expression patterns of AKR homologous genes in Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana were analyzed to further explore their evolutionary history. We found that the AKRs originated in algae and could be divided into A and B groups according to the bootstrap value; GalURs belonged to group A. Group A AKR genes expanded significantly before the origin of angiosperms. Two groups of AKR genes demonstrated functional divergence due to environmental adaptability, while group A genes were more conservative than those in group B. All 12 candidate GalUR genes were cloned, and their expression patterns under stress were analyzed, in Pak-choi. These genes showed an obvious expression divergence under multiple stresses, and BrcAKR22 exhibited a positive correlation between its expression trend and AsA content. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of the AKR superfamily and help build a foundation for further investigations of GalUR’s functional characteristics.
Phage Display to Augment Biomaterial Function
Authors: Davidson Thomas A. , McGoldrick Samantha J. , Kohn David H.
Published: August 2020

Biomaterial design relies on controlling interactions between materials and their biological environments to modulate the functions of proteins, cells, and tissues. Phage display is a powerful tool that can be used to discover peptide sequences with high affinity for a desired target. When incorporated into biomaterial design, peptides identified via phage display can functionalize material surfaces to control the interaction between a biomaterial and its local microenvironment. A targeting peptide has high specificity for a given target, allowing for homing a specific protein, cell, tissue, or other material to a biomaterial. A functional peptide has an affinity for a given protein, cell, or tissue, but also modulates its target’s activity upon binding. Biomaterials can be further enhanced using a combination of targeting and/or functional peptides to create dual-functional peptides for bridging two targets or modulating the behavior of a specific protein or cell. This review will examine current and future applications of phage display for the augmentation of biomaterials.
Characterization of the Relationship between the Chaperone and Lipid-Binding Functions of the 70-kDa Heat-Shock Protein, HspA1A
Authors: Smulders Larissa , Daniels Amanda J. , Plescia Caroline B. , Berger Devon , Stahelin Robert V. , Nikolaidis Nikolas
Published: August 2020

HspA1A, a molecular chaperone, translocates to the plasma membrane (PM) of stressed and cancer cells. This translocation results in HspA1A’s cell-surface presentation, which renders tumors radiation insensitive. To specifically inhibit the lipid-driven HspA1A’s PM translocation and devise new therapeutics it is imperative to characterize the unknown HspA1A’s lipid-binding regions and determine the relationship between the chaperone and lipid-binding functions. To elucidate this relationship, we determined the effect of phosphatidylserine (PS)-binding on the secondary structure and chaperone functions of HspA1A. Circular dichroism revealed that binding to PS resulted in minimal modification on HspA1A’s secondary structure. Measuring the release of inorganic phosphate revealed that PS-binding had no effect on HspA1A’s ATPase activity. In contrast, PS-binding showed subtle but consistent increases in HspA1A’s refolding activities. Furthermore, using a Lysine-71-Alanine mutation (K71A; a null-ATPase mutant) of HspA1A we show that although K71A binds to PS with affinities similar to the wild-type (WT), the mutated protein associates with lipids three times faster and dissociates 300 times faster than the WT HspA1A. These observations suggest a two-step binding model including an initial interaction of HspA1A with lipids followed by a conformational change of the HspA1A-lipid complex, which accelerates the binding reaction. Together these findings strongly support the notion that the chaperone and lipid-binding activities of HspA1A are dependent but the regions mediating these functions do not overlap and provide the basis for future interventions to inhibit HspA1A’s PM-translocation in tumor cells, making them sensitive to radiation therapy.
Learning from Monocyte-Macrophage Fusion and Multinucleation: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gambari Laura , Grassi Francesco , Roseti Livia , Grigolo Brunella , Desando Giovanna
Published: August 2020

Excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts (OCs) covers an essential role in developing bone diseases, such as osteoporosis (OP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Monocytes or macrophages fusion and multinucleation (M-FM) are key processes for generating multinucleated mature cells with essential roles in bone remodelling. Depending on the phenotypic heterogeneity of monocyte/macrophage precursors and the extracellular milieu, two distinct morphological and functional cell types can arise mature OCs and giant cells (GCs). Despite their biological relevance in several physiological and pathological responses, many gaps exist in our understanding of their formation and role in bone, including the molecular determinants of cell fusion and multinucleation. Here, we outline fusogenic molecules during M-FM involved in OCs and GCs formation in healthy conditions and during OP and RA. Moreover, we discuss the impact of the inflammatory milieu on modulating macrophages phenotype and their differentiation towards mature cells. Methodological approach envisaged searches on Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and EMBASE databases to select relevant studies on M-FM, osteoclastogenesis, inflammation, OP, and RA. This review intends to give a state-of-the-art description of mechanisms beyond osteoclastogenesis and M-FM, with a focus on OP and RA, and to highlight potential biological therapeutic targets to prevent extreme bone loss.
Inflammatory Cytokine-Producing Cells and Inflammation Markers in the Synovium of Osteoarthritis Patients Evidenced in Human Herpesvirus 7 Infection
Authors: Groma Valerija , Tarasovs Mihails , Skuja Sandra , Semenistaja Sofija , Nora-Krukle Zaiga , Svirskis Simons , Murovska Modra
Published: August 2020

A direct association between joint inflammation and the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) has been proposed, and synovitis is considered a powerful driver of the disease. Among infections implicated in the development of joint disease, human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) infection remains poorly characterized. Therefore, we assessed synovitis in OA patients; determined the occurrence and distribution of the HHV-7 antigen within the synovial membrane of OA-affected subjects; and correlated plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TNF expressed locally within lesioned synovial tissues with HHV-7 observations, suggesting differences in persistent latent and active infection. Synovial HHV-7, CD4, CD68, and TNF antigens were detected immunohistochemically. The plasma levels of TNF and IL-6 were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings confirm the presence of persistent HHV-7 infection in 81.5% and reactivation in 20.5% of patients. In 35.2% of patients, virus-specific DNA was extracted from synovial membrane tissue samples. We evidenced the absence of histopathologically detectable synovitis and low-grade changes in the majority of OA patients enrolled in the study, in both HHV-7 PCR+ and HHV-7 PCR‒ groups. The number of synovial CD4-positive cells in the HHV-7 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)+ group was significantly higher than that in the HHV-7 PCR‒ group. CD4- and CD68-positive cells were differently distributed in both HHV-7 PCR+ and HHV-7 PCR‒ groups, as well as in latent and active HHV-7 infection. The number of TNF+ and HHV-7+ lymphocytes, as well as HHV-7+ vascular endothelial cells, was strongly correlated. Vascular endothelial cells, especially in the case of infection reactivation, appeared vulnerable. The balance between virus latency and reactivation is a long-term relationship between the host and infectious agent, and the immune system appears to be involved in displaying overreaction when a shift in the established equilibrium develops.
Differential Labeling of Glycoproteins with Alkynyl Fucose Analogs
Authors: Ma Chenyu , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Hao Huilin , Yonekawa Chizuko , Nakajima Kazuki , Nagae Masamichi , Okajima Tetsuya , Haltiwanger Robert S. , Kizuka Yasuhiko
Published: August 2020

Fucosylated glycans critically regulate the physiological functions of proteins and cells. Alterations in levels of fucosylated glycans are associated with various diseases. For detection and functional modulation of fucosylated glycans, chemical biology approaches using fucose (Fuc) analogs are useful. However, little is known about how efficiently each unnatural Fuc analog is utilized by enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of fucosylated glycans. We show here that three clickable Fuc analogs with similar but distinct structures labeled cellular glycans with different efficiency and protein specificity. For instance, 6-alkynyl (Alk)-Fuc modified O-Fuc glycans much more efficiently than 7-Alk-Fuc. The level of GDP-6-Alk-Fuc produced in cells was also higher than that of GDP-7-Alk-Fuc. Comprehensive in vitro fucosyltransferase assays revealed that 7-Alk-Fuc is commonly tolerated by most fucosyltransferases. Surprisingly, both protein O-fucosyltransferases (POFUTs) could transfer all Fuc analogs in vitro, likely because POFUT structures have a larger space around their Fuc binding sites. These findings demonstrate that labeling and detection of fucosylated glycans with Fuc analogs depend on multiple cellular steps, including conversion to GDP form, transport into the ER or Golgi, and utilization by each fucosyltransferase, providing insights into design of novel sugar analogs for specific detection of target glycans or inhibition of their functions.
A Proposal of Fault Tree Analysis for Embedded Control Software
Authors: Takahashi Masakazu , Anang Yunarso , Watanabe Yoshimichi
Published: August 2020

There are many industrial products in our life, and the actions of those products are controlled by embedded control software (ECSW). Recently, many troubles have been caused by ECSW. To avoid those troubles, it is necessary to clarify the causes of the troubles and take countermeasures. However, the results of those tasks depend on the skills of the analyst. This paper proposes an analytic method that clarifies the causes of troubles by applying fault tree analysis (FTA) to the ECSW. The characteristics of the proposed method are as follows: Preparation of fault tree templates (FTTs) corresponding to instructions of the ECSW, and definition of the FT development rules by combining FTTs according to the back-tracing of the instruction execution process. By complying with the proposed method strictly, when an analyst who has studied computer science and safety engineering for 2–3 years conducts FTA, the analyst can obtain an appropriate result of FTA. This indicates that the safety level of ECSW will improve. As a result of applying the proposed method to existing ECSWs, we find that we can obtain the result of FTA at the appropriate level.
A New Species of Vietnamella Tshernova 1972 (Ephemeroptera: Vietnamellidae) from Thailand
Authors: Auychinda Chonlakran , Jacobus Luke , Sartori Michel , Boonsoong Boonsatien
Published: August 2020

The larva, male subimago, female imago, and eggs of V. nanensis sp. n. are described based on specimens from Mae Hong Son and Nan provinces, Thailand. The female subimago is described based on a photograph of a specimen reared to the imago stage. The species previously was distinguished only by DNA barcode data and designated as Vietnamella sp. C. Based on morphology, the larva of the new species can be distinguished with the following combination of characteristics: (i) pattern of serration on the ventral margin of the forefemur, (ii) posterolateral margins of abdominal terga with pairs of acute tubercles, especially terga VI and VII, (iii) a well-developed pair of median ridge projections on tergum X, (iv) the second segment of the maxillary palp being about 1.3× the length of the third segment, and (v) females containing eggs with prominent protuberances on the chorionic surface. A key to larvae of all known species in the genus is provided.
Macular Perfusion Impairment in Von Hippel-Lindau Disease Suggests a Generalized Retinal Vessel Alteration
Authors: Pilotto Elisabetta , Nacci Elisabetta Beatrice , Ferrara Alfonso Massimiliano , De Mojà Gilda , Zovato Stefania , Midena Edoardo
Published: August 2020

Background: To evaluate macular perfusion in patients with Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. Methods: VHL patients with or without peripheral retinal hemangioblastomas (RHs) were consecutively enrolled. A group of healthy subjects served as controls. Macular perfusion was analyzed by means of OCT angiography (OCTA) in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), and in the intermediate (ICP) and deep retinal capillary (DCP) plexuses. The following OCTA parameters were measured: Vessel Area Density (VAD), Vessel Length Fraction (VLF), Vessel Diameter Index (VDI) and Fractal Dimension (FD). Results: Sixty-three VHL patients (113 eyes) and 28 healthy controls (56 eyes) were enrolled. All OCTA quantitative parameters were reduced in VHL patients vs. controls, reaching statistical significance for VAD of the SVP (0.348 ± 0.07 vs. 0.369 ± 0.06, p = 0.0368) and VDI of all plexuses (p < 0.03 for all). No significant differences were detected between eyes without or with peripheral RHs. Conclusions: Macular perfusion is reduced in VHL patients demonstrating retinal vessel changes that are independent of the presence of peripheral RHs. VHL gene mutations disrupt the hypoxia-induced (HIF)/vascular endothelium growth factors (VEGF) pathway and the Notch signaling, both essential for the normal retinal vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Therefore, an anomalous generalized retinal vascular development may be hypothesized in VHL disease.
Efficacy of Dupilumab on Different Phenotypes of Atopic Dermatitis: One-Year Experience of 221 Patients
Authors: Tavecchio Simona , Angileri Luisa , Pozzo Giuffrida Francesco , Germiniasi Francesca , Marzano Angelo Valerio , Ferrucci Silvia
Published: August 2020

Background: The clinical features of adult-onset atopic dermatitis (AD) are heterogeneous and the diagnosis can be a challenge. A new biologic drug (dupilumab) has been approved for moderate to severe AD in adult patients. The efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in clinical trials, but these studies do not reflect conditions in daily practice and do not consider the different clinical manifestations of AD. Objectives: Analyzing the dupilumab activity in a real-world setting and comparing its efficacy on different AD phenotypes. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 221 AD patients treated with dupilumab, stratified into six clinical phenotypes: classic, generalized eczema inflammatory and lichenoid patterns, prurigo, nummular eczema, and erythroderma. At baseline and at weeks 4, 16, and 52, the disease severity was assessed through the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and the quality of life was assessed through the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire, Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (itch NRS), and Peak Sleep NRS. Results: We found a significant improvement after 16 weeks of treatment (p < 0.0001) in all six phenotypes for all the assessed scores mentioned above, persisting up to week 52. The best improvement was seen in the more severe phenotypes, particularly the erythrodermic one. Conclusions: The present study confirmed the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of severe AD. Its strength was in the stratification of AD patients in six different phenotypes based on their clinical presentation, all of whom markedly improved in terms of both clinically evident and reported symptoms, as well as their quality of life.
Quantification of Death Risk in Relation to Sex, Pre-Existing Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors in COVID-19 Patients: Let’s Take Stock and See Where We Are
Authors: Moula Amalia Ioanna , Micali Linda Renata , Matteucci Francesco , Lucà Fabiana , Rao Carmelo Massimiliano , Parise Orlando , Parise Gianmarco , Gulizia Michele Massimo , Gelsomino Sandro
Published: August 2020

Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) might be more susceptible to infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and have higher mortality rates. Nevertheless, the risk of mortality has not been previously quantified. The aim of this meta-analysis is to quantify the risk of mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. A meta-analysis was conducted analyzing the impact of (1) sex, (2) age, (3) CVD with coronary artery disease (CAD), (4) CAD alone, (5) CVD without CAD, (6) hypertension, (7) cerebrovascular diseases, and (8) diabetes on mortality. Relative risk was assessed for dichotomous variables, mean difference for continuous variables. Twenty-six studies were included, encompassing 8497 patients. Males had 16% higher risk of mortality than females (p < 0.05) and elderly patients had higher chance of dying than younger patients (p < 0.0001). Patients with overall CVD have a 1.96-fold higher mortality risk (p < 0.0001). CAD increases risk of mortality by 1.90-fold (p < 0.05). CVD-CAD were found to increase risk up to 2.03-fold (p < 0.05). Hypertension, cerebrovascular disease and diabetes increase the risk of death up to 1.73-fold, 1.76-fold and 1.59-fold, respectively (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.05, respectively). Sex, age, presence of CAD and/or other types of CVD, hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus increase mortality in patients with COVID-19.
Wave Energy Converter Power Take-Off System Scaling and Physical Modelling
Authors: Giannini Gianmaria , Temiz Irina , Rosa-Santos Paulo , Shahroozi Zahra , Ramos Victor , Göteman Malin , Engström Jens , Day Sandy , Taveira-Pinto Francisco
Published: August 2020

Absorbing wave power from oceans for producing a usable form of energy represents an attractive challenge, which for the most part concerns the development and integration, in a wave energy device, of a reliable, efficient and cost-effective power take-off mechanism. During the various stages of progress, for assessing a wave energy device, it is convenient to carry out experimental testing that, opportunely, takes into account the realistic behaviour of the power take-off mechanism at a small scale. To successfully replicate and assess the power take-off, good practices need to be implemented aiming to correctly scale and evaluate the power take-off mechanism and its behaviour. The present paper aims to explore and propose solutions that can be applied for reproducing and assessing the power take-off element during experimental studies, namely experimental set-ups enhancements, calibration practices, and error estimation methods. A series of recommendations on how to practically organize and carry out experiments were identified and three case studies are briefly covered. It was found that, despite specific options that can be strictly technology-dependent, various recommendations could be universally applicable.
The Marine Sponge Petrosia ficiformis Harbors Different Cyanobacteria Strains with Potential Biotechnological Application
Authors: Pagliara Patrizia , Barca Amilcare , Verri Tiziano , Caroppo Carmela
Published: August 2020

Marine cyanobacteria are a source of bioactive natural compounds, with a wide range of biotechnological applications. However, information on sponge-associated cyanobacteria are relatively scarce to date. In this paper, we carried out the morphological and molecular characterization of eight cyanobacterial strains, previously isolated from the Mediterranean sponge Petrosia ficiformis, and evaluated their biological activities on epithelial- and neuron-like cultured cells of human and murine origin. The new analysis allowed maintaining the assignment of three strains (Cyanobium sp., Leptolyngbya ectocarpi, and Synechococcus sp.), while two strains previously identified as Synechococcus sp. and Leptolyngbya sp. were assigned to Pseudanabaena spp. One strain, i.e., ITAC104, and the ITAC101 strain corresponding to Halomicronema metazoicum, shared extremely high sequence identity, practically representing two clones of the same species. Finally, for only one strain, i.e., ITAC105, assignment to a specific genus was not possible. Concerning bioactivity analyses, incubation of cyanobacterial aqueous cell supernatants induced variable responses in cultured cells, depending on cell type, with some of them showing toxic activity on human epithelial-like cells and no toxic effects on human and rat neuron-like cells. Future investigations will allow to better define the bioactive properties of these cyanobacteria strains and to understand if they can be useful for (a) therapeutic purpose(s).