bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Egg White Protein and Soy Protein Isolate Addition on Nutritional Properties and In-Vitro Digestibility of Gluten-Free Pasta Based on Banana Flour
Authors: Rachman Adetiya , A. Brennan Margaret , Morton James , Brennan Charles S.
Published: May 2020

The effects of egg white protein and soy protein isolate addition on the nutritional and digestibility of gluten-free pasta based on banana flour were studied. The level of protein additions (soy protein or egg white protein) were 0, 5, 10 and 15% of banana flour (w/w). Pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina was used as a control. Soy protein isolate inclusion into banana pasta increased total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities, while egg white protein decreased the TPC and antioxidant capacities with the increasing level of addition. Starch digestibility was affected by the type of protein addition. Egg white protein lowered starch digestibility compared to soy protein isolate. Protein inclusion in banana pasta also altered protein digestibility, amino acid profiles and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). Soy protein isolate increased protein digestibility of gluten-free pasta compared to egg white protein. Protein enrichment gave better amino acid profiles of banana pasta compared to semolina pasta with egg white protein and performed a better PDCAAS compared to soy protein isolate. These results showed that soy protein isolate and egg white protein addition enhanced nutritional qualities and digestibility properties of gluten-free banana pasta.
Active Cardboard Box with Smart Internal Lining Based on Encapsulated Essential Oils for Enhancing the Shelf Life of Fresh Mandarins
Authors: López-Gómez Antonio , Ros-Chumillas María , Buendía-Moreno Laura , Navarro-Segura Laura , Martínez-Hernández Ginés Benito
Published: May 2020

Mandarins are usually sold in bulk and refrigerated in open cardboard boxes with a relatively short shelf-life (12–15 days) due to physiological and pathological disorders (rot, dehydration, internal breakdown, etc.). The influence of a controlled release of essential oils (EOs) from an active packaging (including β-cyclodextrin-EOs inclusion complex) was studied on the mandarin quality stability, comparing different sized cardboard trays and boxes, either non-active or active, at the pilot plant scale (experiment 1; commercialization simulation at room temperature after a previous simulation of short transportation/storage of 5 days at 8 °C). Then, the selected package was further validated at the industrial scale (experiment 2; cold storage at 8 °C up to 21 days). Among package types, the active large box (≈10 kg fruit per box) better maintained the mandarin quality, extending the shelf life from two weeks (non-active large box) to three weeks at room temperature. Particularly, the active large box highly controlled microbial growth (up to two log units), reduced weight losses (by 1.6-fold), reduced acidity, and increased soluble solids (highly appreciated in sensory analyses), while it minimized colour and controlled firmness changes after three weeks. Such trends were also observed during the validation experiment, extending the shelf life (based on sensory quality) from 14 to at least 21 days. In conclusion, the mandarin’s shelf life with this active cardboard box format was extended more than one week at 8 °C.
From Orange Juice By-Product in the Food Industry to a Functional Ingredient: Application in the Circular Economy
Authors: Castro Larissa Alves de , Lizi Jaqueline Miranda , Chagas Eduardo Galvão Leite das , Carvalho Rosemary Aparecida de , Vanin Fernanda Maria
Published: May 2020

In the orange juice industry, more than 50% of raw material becomes by-products that are rich in active compounds and have high nutritional content. Improved use of these by-products could represent a key strategy for a circular economy. The objective of this study was to produce a flour from orange juice by-product, characterize it, and then apply this flour to produce cookies. Orange by-product flour (OBPF) was characterized in terms of its chemical composition, dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, antioxidant potential, and hygroscopic properties. Subsequently, the effect of substituting wheat flour by OBPF in cookies was evaluated. OBPF presented a very high content of dietary fiber (73.61% dry matter (DM)), minerals (ash = 2.72% DM), and total phenolic compounds (534 ± 30 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g of DM). In general, the properties of cookies were not significantly influenced by using OBPF as a substitution for wheat flour. Sensorial analyses showed that cookies produced with 10% OBPF presented the higher scores. Therefore, OBPF showed interesting characteristics, suggesting its possible use in the development of fiber enriched foods such as cookies; and its production represents a key strategy for the orange juice processing industries towards the application of a circular economy in the food system.
Effect of Yogurt Fermented by Lactobacillus Fermentum TSI and L. Fermentum S2 Derived from a Mongolian Traditional Dairy Product on Rats with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Cho Won-Young , Hong Go-Eun , Lee Ha-Jung , Yeon Su-Jung , Paik Hyun-Dong , Hosaka Yoshinao , Lee Chi-Ho
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effect of yogurt fermented by Lactobacillus fermentum TSI and S2 isolated from a Mongolian traditional dairy product on rats with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Quality characteristics of yogurt fermented by commercial starter (CON), L. fermentum TSI2 (TSI2 group), L. fermentum S2 (S2 group), and mixed TSI2 and S2 strains at 1:1 (MIX group), were verified. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups and administered the following diets: group NOR, normal diet with oral saline administration; group HF, high-fat diet (HD) with oral saline administration; group TSI, HD and L. fermentum TSI-fermented yogurt; group S2, HD and L. fermentum S2-fermented yogurt; and group MIX, HD and MIX-fermented yogurt. After eight weeks, the HD groups displayed significantly increased body weight and fat, serum cholesterol, and abdominal adipose tissue levels. However, serum HDL cholesterol levels were higher, triglyceride levels were lower, and abdominal adipocytes were smaller in the TSI and S2 groups than in the HF group. These results indicate that L. fermentum TSI reduces abdominal fat and improves blood lipid metabolism in HD-induced obese rats.
Genomic Identification, Evolution, and Expression Analysis of Collagen Genes Family in Water Buffalo during Lactation
Authors: Lu Xingrong , Duan Anqin , Liang Shasha , Ma Xiaoya , Deng Tingxian
Published: May 2020

Collagens, as extracellular matrix proteins, support cells for structural integrity and contribute to support mammary basic structure and development. This study aims to perform the genomic identification, evolution, and expression analyses of the collagen gene family in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during lactation. A total of 128 buffalo collagen protein sequences were deduced from the 45 collagen genes identified in silico from buffalo genome, which classified into six groups based on their phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, and gene structure analyses. The identified collagen sequences were unequally distributed on 16 chromosomes. The tandem duplicated genes were found within three chromosomes, while only one segmental event occurred between Chr3 and Chr8. Collinearity analysis revealed that a total of 36 collagen gene pairs were orthologous between buffalo and cattle genomes despite having different chromosome numbers. Comparative transcription analyses revealed that a total of 23 orthologous collagen genes were detected in the milk samples at different lactation periods between the two species. Notably, the duplicated gene pair of COL4A1-COL4A2 during lactation had a higher mRNA expression level than that of cattle, while a higher expression level of COL6A1-COL6A2 pair was found in cattle compared with that of buffalo. The present study provides useful information for investigating the potential functions of the collagen family in buffalo during lactation and helps in the functional characterization of collagen genes in additional research.
The Advantages of Clinical Nutrition Use in Oncologic Patients in Italy: Real World Insights
Authors: Pedrazzoli Paolo , Caccialanza Riccardo , Cotogni Paolo , Degli Esposti Luca , Perrone Valentina , Sangiorgi Diego , Di Costanzo Francesco , Gavazzi Cecilia , Santoro Armando , Pinto Carmine
Published: May 2020

This retrospective observational study aimed to provide insights on the use of clinical nutrition (CN) (enteral and parenteral feeding) and outcomes in an Italian real-world setting. The data source comes from administrative databases of 10 Italian Local Health Units. Patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasms from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015 were included. Metastasis presence was ascertained by discharge diagnosis in the hospitalization database. CN was identified by specific codes from pharmaceutical and hospitalization databases. Two cohorts were created—one for metastatic patients (N = 53,042), and one for non-metastatic patients (N = 4379) receiving CN. Two survival analyses were set for the cohort of metastatic patients—one included patients receiving CN and the second included malnourished patients. Our findings show that (1) administration of CN is associated with positive survival outcomes in metastatic patients with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary cancer; (2) CN in malnourished metastatic patients with gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancer was associated with significant improvement in survival; (3) early administration of CN was associated with improvement in survival in non-metastatic patients with gastrointestinal cancer (HR 95%CI: 0.5 (0.4–0.6), p-value < 0.05). This study highlights the need to improve the assessment of nutritional status in oncologic patients and suggests a potential survival benefit of CN treatment in metastatic disease.
The Timber-Framed (TF) Masonries in L’Aquila: The baraccato Aquilano
Authors: Aloisio Angelo
Published: May 2020

The reconstruction works following the 2009 earthquake in L’Aquila evidenced the presence of numerous Timber-Framed (T-F) masonries dating back to the 18th century. These masonries, likely built after the destructive 1703 earthquake in L’Aquila, are quite diverse from each other. In the evolutionary process of the so-called Italian baraccato, the presences found in L’Aquila possibly update the record of Italian traditional T-F masonries: the baraccato Beneventano developed after the earthquake in 1627, the baraccato Calabro after the 1783 earthquake in Calabria and the baraccato Aquilano after the 1703 earthquake in L’Aquila. The authors attempt to classify the traditional T-F structures found in a limited area of the city centre, providing simple descriptions of their geometrical and functional features. Additionally, the authors present a map indicating the recorded presences so far.
The Impact of Optimized Daylight and Views on the Sleep Duration and Cognitive Performance of Office Workers
Authors: Boubekri Mohamed , Lee Jaewook , MacNaughton Piers , Woo May , Schuyler Lauren , Tinianov Brandon , Satish Usha
Published: May 2020

A growing awareness has recently emerged on the health benefits of exposure to daylight and views. Daylight exposure is linked to circadian rhythm regulation, which can have significant impacts on sleep quality and cognitive function. Views of nature have also been shown to impact emotional affect and performance. This study explores the impact of optimized daylight and views on the sleep and cognitive performance of office workers. Thirty knowledge workers spent one week working in each of two office environments with identical layouts, furnishings, and orientations; however, one was outfitted with electrochromic glass and the other with traditional blinds, producing lighting conditions of 40.6 and 316 equivalent melanopic lux, respectively. Participants in the optimized daylight and views condition slept 37 min longer as measured by wrist-worn actigraphs and scored 42% higher on cognitive simulations designed to test their higher order decision-making performance. Both sleep and cognitive function were impacted after one day in the space, yet the impacts became more significant over the course of the week. The positive effect of optimized daylight and views on cognitive function was comparable for almost all participants, while increases in sleep duration were significantly greater for those with the lowest baseline sleep duration. This study stresses the significance of designing with daylight in order to optimize the sleep quality and performance of office workers.
Factors Associated with Successful Aging among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Based on Ecological System Model
Authors: Jang Hye-Young
Published: May 2020

This study was conducted to identify the factors associated with successful aging in older adults based on the ecological system model. Data from the 2017 National Survey of the Living Conditions of Korean Elderly were used. Participants comprised 10,074 older adults. The three principal components in the successful aging model developed by Rowe and Kahn, “absence of disease and disease-related disability,” “maintenance of high mental and physical function,” and “continued engagement with life,” were used to determine successful aging. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, t-test, and logistic regression. The study results showed that the correlation factors were age, sex, educational level, economic status, heavy drinking, subjective health status, and health screening in the individual system; living arrangement, satisfaction with spouse, and frequency of contacting family, siblings, and relatives in the family system; and the frequency of contacting neighbors and friends, number of close neighbors and friends, and accessibility of neighborhood facilities in the community system. This study is significant because it confirms that individual characteristics and the environmental systems surrounding older adults should be considered for successful aging; it is necessary to develop and apply healthcare intervention programs that consider both of these aspects.
Barriers and Facilitators Perceived by Spanish Experts Concerning Nursing Research: A Delphi Study
Authors: González-García Alberto , Díez-Fernández Ana , Martín-Espinosa Noelia , Pozuelo-Carrascosa Diana P. , Mirón-González Rubén , Solera-Martínez Montserrat
Published: May 2020

The identification of research priorities in line with current health needs and nursing competencies is a priority. Nevertheless, barriers and facilitators perceived by nurses to performing nursing research have scarcely been investigated. The main aim of this study was to explore the situation in nursing research in Spain, as perceived by Spanish experts. A Delphi study technique in two phases was applied using an online survey tool. A panel of 20 nursing experts in nursing, teaching and management positions participated. The strengths highlighted were the possibility of reaching the PhD level, the possibility of receiving continuous training in research methodology, and access to scientific knowledge through the Internet. The weaknesses identified were the lack of Spanish nursing journals in which to publish the research results, the lack of funding in nursing care research, and the lack of connection between the healthcare institutions and the university. According to the experts, elements that could enhance leadership in research are the creation of nursing research units in hospitals, the economic recognition of nurses with PhDs, and considering research work as part of their daily tasks in clinical settings. The idea of being subordinated to physicians still remains in nurses’ ways of thinking.
Hypocholesterolaemic and Anti-Atherogenic Effects of Palm-Based Oils (NoveLin I and NoveLin II) in Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits
Authors: Che Idris Che Anishas , Wai Lin Siew , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal
Published: May 2020

NoveLin I and NoveLin II are palm-based oils. NoveLin I has an equal distribution of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas NoveLin II has a moderate level of monounsaturated fatty acids, and a lower content of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, their hypocholesterolaemic and anti-atherogenic effects have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the hypocholesterolaemic and anti-atherogenic effects of these oils. Forty male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups and fed with diets containing 35% energy fat with added 0.15% (w/w) dietary cholesterol. Group 1, as the control group (CNO) was fed with a diet containing coconut oil, group 2 and 3 were fed with diets containing either NoveLin I or NoveLin II, and group 4, was fed with diet containing olive oil (OLV) for 100 days. Our results demonstrated that both NoveLin groups have significantly lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL–C) compared to CNO group and are comparable to the OLV group. Low density lipoprotein–cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL/HDL–C) ratio was significantly lower after the NoveLin II diet but attained significance only in comparison to NoveLin I and CNO groups. Aortic fibrous plaque score was significantly lower in both NoveLin groups compared to CNO group. Our findings suggest that despite the high-fat cholesterol diet, NoveLin II oil resulted in atherogenic effects comparable to olive oil.
Integration of Fuzzy Matter-Element Method and 3D-QSAR Model for Generation of Environmentally Friendly Quinolone Derivatives
Authors: Li Xixi , Zhang Baiyu , Huang Wendy , Cantwell Cuirin , Chen Bing
Published: May 2020

The environmental pollution of quinolone antibiotics (QAs) has caused rising public concern due to their widespread usage. In this study, Gaussian 09 software was used to obtain the infrared spectral intensity (IRI) and ultraviolet spectral intensity (UVI) of 24 QAs based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT). Rather than using two single-factor inputs, a fuzzy matter-element method was selected to calculate the combined effects of infrared and ultraviolet spectra (CI). The Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) was then used to construct a three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) with QAs’ molecular structure as the independent variable and CI as the dependent variable. Using marbofloxacin and levofloxacin as target molecules, the molecular design of 87 QA derivatives was carried out. The developed models were further used to determine the stability, functionality (genetic toxicity), and the environmental effects (bioaccumulation, biodegradability) of these designed QA derivatives. Results indicated that all QA derivatives are stable in the environment with their IRI, UVI, and CI enhanced. Meanwhile, the genetic toxicity of the 87 QA derivatives increased by varying degrees (0.24%–29.01%), among which the bioaccumulation and biodegradability of 43 QA derivatives were within the acceptable range. Through integration of fuzzy matter-element method and 3D-QSAR, this study advanced the QAs research with the enhanced CI and helped to generate the proposed environmentally friendly quinolone derivatives so as to aid the management of this class of antibiotics.
The Profile and Development of the Lower Limb in Setswana-Speaking Children between the Ages of 2 and 9 Years
Authors: van Aswegen Mariaan , Czyż Stanisław H. , Moss Sarah J.
Published: May 2020

Profile data on normal lower limb development and specifically tibiofemoral angle development in black, Setswana-speaking South African children are lacking. This study aimed to provide profiles on the development of the tibiofemoral angle, hip anteversion angle and tibial torsion angles in two- to nine-year-old children. Measurements of the tibiofemoral angle, intercondylar distances or intermalleolar distances, quadriceps-angle, hip anteversion- and tibial torsion angle were clinically obtained from 691 healthy two- to nine-year-old children. Two-year-old children presented with closest to genu varum at −3.4° (±3.4°). At three years, a peak of −5.7° (±2.3°) genu valgum was seen, which plateaued at −4.5° (±2.1°) at age nine years. Intermalleolar distance results support tibiofemoral angle observations. Small quadricep-angles were observed in the two-year-old group, (−3.81° ± 3.77°), which increased to a mean peak of −9.2° (±4.4°) in nine-year-olds. From the age of four years old, children presented with neutral tibial torsion angles, whilst two- and three-year-olds presented with internal tibial torsion angles. Anteversion angles were the greatest in three-year-olds at 77.6° ± 13.8° and decreased to a mean angle of 70.8° ± 6.9° in nine-year-olds. The tibiofemoral angle developed similarly to those tested in European, Asian and Nigerian children, but anteversion- and internal tibial torsion angles were greater in the Setswana population than angles reported in European children. Our findings indicate that lower limb development differs in different environments and traditions of back-carrying may influence the development, which requires further investigation.
Media Exposure, Disaster Experience, and Risk Perception of Rural Households in Earthquake-Stricken Areas: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Xu Dingde , Zhuang Linmei , Deng Xin , Qing Cheng , Yong Zhuolin
Published: May 2020

For effective communication and management of disaster risks, it is important to explore how media exposure and disaster experience related to earthquake events affect residents’ prospect ranks of disaster risk perceptions. Using survey data from 327 households located in the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquake regions in China, the ordinary least square method was used to explore the associations among media exposure, severity of disaster experience, and residents’ perception of prospect ranks of the possibility and severity of disasters. The results showed the following. (1) Rural households relied predominately on television broadcasts from traditional media, and on mobile phones and internet content from new media to obtain disaster information. From the residents surveyed, 90% believed that a disaster experience was serious, 82% considered that another major earthquake would seriously affect their lives and property, while approximately 40% of the residents did not believe there would be another major earthquake in the next 10 years. (2) Media exposure was negatively correlated with the perceived prospect ranks of the probability and severity of disasters, with traditional media exposure significantly negatively correlated with the perceived prospect ranks of the severity of disasters and new media exposure significantly negatively correlated with the perceived prospect ranks of the probability of disasters. Severity experience was significantly and positively correlated with the perceived prospect ranks of the probability and severity of disasters. (3) New media exposure moderated the relationship between residents’ disaster experience and their perception of prospect ranks of the severity of disasters. This study can help deepen our understanding of disaster risk communication and better guide the practice of disaster risk management.
Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance for a Chinese Version of a Psychological Need Thwarting Scale for Teachers
Authors: Chen Liang , Gamble Jeffrey Hugh , Chen I-Hua , Lee Zeng-Han , Fu Qian-Lan
Published: May 2020

While teachers’ psychological needs have been evaluated in terms of need satisfaction, need thwarting of teachers is under-researched. This study developed a Chinese version of a Psychological Need Thwarting (PNT) scale for teachers and evaluated both its psychometric properties and measurement invariance across groups. Psychometric criteria for the scale were evaluated, with satisfactory levels of internal reliability, test–retest reliability, convergent and divergent validities, and model goodness-of-fit. One item translated from the original PNT scale was removed due to cross-loading. Criterion validity was established, with R2 = 0.54 for the factor of burnout (emotional exhaustion). Measurement invariance was established using confirmatory factor analysis for the factors of gender, grade of instruction, and position. The teachers evaluated demonstrated higher levels of competence thwarting, as compared to autonomy and relatedness thwarting, but overall higher levels of thwarting as compared to previous research. Males reported higher levels of autonomy and competence thwarting as compared to females and secondary school teachers reported higher levels of relatedness thwarting as compared to primary school teachers. The developed scale can serve as a valuable tool in evaluating the thwarting of teachers’ psychological needs, an issue which can profoundly impact teachers’ and students’ mental health and performance.
Evaluating the Implementation Quality of a Social and Emotional Learning Program: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Dowling Katherine , Barry Margaret M.
Published: May 2020

School-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programs have been shown to be effective in producing positive outcomes for adolescents. However, variability in implementation quality can have a negative impact on these program effects. The aim of this current study is to examine the variability in implementation quality for schools implementing the MindOut program and to identify factors that were likely to contribute to this variability. Employing a mixed methods approach, quantitative and qualitative implementation data were collected from teachers (n = 16) and students (n = 280) who participated in the MindOut program. Quantitative indicators were used to score schools’ implementation quality across four dimensions (dosage, adherence/fidelity, quality of delivery and participant responsiveness), and these were averaged to determine overall level of implementation (high/low). Qualitative data identified factors that contributed to implementation quality, and factors were then analyzed in accordance with the schools’ implementation level grouping. Findings indicated that variability in implementation quality existed both between and within schools. A total of eight schools were assigned as high implementers and another eight as low implementers. Influencing factors were categorized into five themes: (i) program factors, (ii) participant factors, (iii) teacher factors, (iv) school contextual factors, and (v) organizational capacity factors. Several differences between high and low implementers were found in relation to these influencing factors. The findings contribute to the evidence on implementation quality in schools by advancing knowledge on measuring implementation quality across multiple dimensions and informants successfully. These findings can also inform practitioners of the main influencing factors in schools so that strategies can be developed to optimize implementation quality in the future.
Prescription Opioid Distribution after the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana in Colorado
Authors: Kropp Lopez Amalie K. , Nichols Stephanie D. , Chung Daniel Y. , Kaufman Daniel E. , McCall Kenneth L. , Piper Brian J.
Published: May 2020

There have been dynamic changes in prescription opioid use in the US but the state level policy factors contributing to these are incompletely understood. We examined the association between the legalization of recreational marijuana and prescription opioid distribution in Colorado. Utah and Maryland, two states that had not legalized recreational marijuana, were selected for comparison. Prescription data reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration for nine opioids used for pain (e.g., fentanyl, morphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone) and two primarily for opioid use disorder (OUD, methadone and buprenorphine) from 2007 to 2017 were evaluated. Analysis of the interval pre (2007–2012) versus post (2013–2017) marijuana legalization revealed statistically significant decreases for Colorado (P < 0.05) and Maryland (P < 0.01), but not Utah, for pain medications. There was a larger reduction from 2012 to 2017 in Colorado (–31.5%) than the other states (–14.2% to –23.5%). Colorado had a significantly greater decrease in codeine and oxymorphone than the comparison states. The most prevalent opioids by morphine equivalents were oxycodone and methadone. Due to rapid and pronounced changes in prescription opioid distribution over the past decade, additional study with more states is needed to determine whether cannabis policy was associated with reductions in opioids used for chronic pain.
A Method for Tree Detection Based on Similarity with Geometric Shapes of 3D Geospatial Data
Authors: Stupariu Mihai-Sorin , Pleșoianu Alin-Ionuț , Pătru-Stupariu Ileana , Fürst Christine
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an approach to detecting patterns in a three-dimensional context, emphasizing the role played by the local geometry of the surface model. The core of the associated algorithm is represented by the cosine similarity computed to sub-matrices of regularly gridded digital surface/canopy models. We developed an accompanying software instrument compatible with a GIS environment which allows, as inputs, locations in the surface/canopy model based on field data, pre-defined geometric shapes, or their combination. We exemplified the approach for a study case dealing with the locations of scattered trees and shrubs previously identified in the field in two study sites. We found that the variation in the pairwise similarities between the trees is better explained by the computation of slopes. Furthermore, we considered a pre-defined shape, the Mexican Hat wavelet. Its geometry is controlled by a single number, for which we found ranges of best fit between the shapes and the actual trees. Finally, a suitable combination of parameters made it possible to determine the potential locations of scattered trees. The accuracy of detection was equal to 77.9% and 89.5% in the two study sites considered. Moreover, a visual check based on orthophotomaps confirmed the reliability of the outcomes.
A Spatial Optimization Approach for Simultaneously Districting Precincts and Locating Polling Places
Authors: Kim Kamyoung
Published: May 2020

Voting is the most basic form of political participation. The agencies that are responsible for voting must delineate precincts and designate a polling place for each precinct. This spatial decision-making requires a strategic approach for several reasons. First, changes in the location of polling places induce transportation and search costs from the perspective of voters. Second, improving accessibility to polling places can increase turnout. Third, differences in the population sizes of precincts may produce biased voting results. Spatial optimization approaches can be a strategic method for delimiting precincts and siting polling places. The purpose of this paper is to develop a spatial optimization model, namely, the capacitated double p-median problem with preference (CDPMP-P), which simultaneously delimits boundaries of precincts and selects potential facilities in terms of mixed integer programming (MIP). The CDPMP-P explicitly includes realistic requirements, such as population balance, the spatial continuity of precincts, the preferences of potential facilities where polling places can be installed, and the possibility of allocating multiple polling places in one facility.
Elimination of Teratogenic Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Bee Venom via Calcium-Calpain Pathway
Authors: Kim Aeyung , Lee Seo-Young , Kim Bu-Yeo , Chung Sun-Ku
Published: May 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are regarded as a promising option for cell-based regenerative medicine. To obtain safe and efficient iPSC-based cell products, it is necessary to selectively eliminate the residual iPSCs prior to in vivo implantation due to the risk of teratoma formation. Bee venom (BV) has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and relieve pain, and has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, anti-nociceptive, and radioprotective activities. However, the potential benefits of BV in iPSC therapy, particularly its anti-teratoma activity, have not been examined. In this study, we found that BV selectively induced cell death in iPSCs, but not in iPSC-derived differentiated cells (iPSCs-Diff). BV rapidly disrupted cell membrane integrity and focal adhesions, followed by induction of apoptosis and necroptosis in iPSCs. We also found that BV remarkably enhanced intracellular calcium levels, calpain activation, and reactive oxygen speciesgeneration in iPSCs. BV treatment before in ovo grafting efficiently prevented iPSC-derived teratoma formation. In contrast, no DNA damage was observed in iPSCs-Diff following BV treatment, further demonstrating the safety of BV for use with iPSCs-Diff. Taken together, these findings show that BV has potent anti-teratoma activity by eliminating residual iPSCs, and can be used for the development of effective and safe iPSC-based cell therapies.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases Triggers Anti-Fibrotic Effects in Hepatic Stellate Cells In Vitro
Authors: Hübbers Anna , Hennings Julia , Lambertz Daniela , Haas Ute , Trautwein Christian , Nevzorova Yulia A. , Sonntag Roland , Liedtke Christian
Published: May 2020

Liver fibrosis is a wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury, which is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular collagen produced by Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs). This process involves cell cycle re-entry and proliferation of normally quiescent HSCs controlled by cyclins and associated cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). Cdk2 mediates the entry and progression through S-phase in complex with E-and A-type cyclins. We have demonstrated that cyclin E1 is essential for liver fibrogenesis in mice, but it is not known if this is dependent on Cdk2 or related Cdks. Here, we aimed to evaluate the benefit of the pan-Cdk inhibitor CR8 for treatment of liver fibrosis in vitro. CR8-treatment reduced proliferation and survival in immortalized HSC lines and in addition attenuated pro-fibrotic properties in primary murine HSCs. Importantly, primary murine hepatocytes were much more tolerant against the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects of CR8. We identified CR8 dosages mediating anti-fibrotic effects in primary HSCs without affecting cell cycle activity and survival in primary hepatocytes. In conclusion, the pharmacological pan-Cdk inhibitor CR8 restricts the pro-fibrotic properties of HSCs, while preserving proliferation and viability of hepatocytes at least in vitro. Therefore, CR8 and related drugs might be beneficial for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Peptide Interference with APP and Tau Association: Relevance to Alzheimer’s Disease Amelioration
Authors: Maron Ruth , Armony Gad , Tsoory Michael , Wilchek Meir , Frenkel Dan , Arnon Ruth
Published: May 2020

The two major proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Tau. Here, we demonstrate that these two proteins can bind to each other. Four possible peptides APP1 (390–412), APP2 (713–730), Tau1 (19–34) and Tau2 (331–348), were predicted to be involved in this interaction, with actual binding confirmed for APP1 and Tau1. In vivo studies were performed in an Alzheimer Disease animal model—APP double transgenic (Tg) 5xFAD—as well as in 5xFAD crossed with Tau transgenic 5xFADXTau (FT), which exhibit declined cognitive reduction at four months of age. Nasal administration of APP1 and Tau1 mixture, three times a week for four or five months, reduced amyloid plaque burden as well as the level of soluble Aβ 1–42 in the brain. The treatment prevented the deterioration of cognitive functions when initiated at the age of three months, before cognitive deficiency was evident, and also at the age of six months, when such deficiencies are already observed, leading to a full regain of cognitive function.
Integrated Approach to Evaluate the Association between Exposure to Pesticides and Idiopathic Premature Thelarche in Girls: The PEACH Project
Authors: Coppola Lucia , Tait Sabrina , Ciferri Lorella , Frustagli Gianluca , Merola Carmine , Perugini Monia , Fabbrizi Enrica , La Rocca Cinzia
Published: May 2020

Several pesticides are recognized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) since they can interfere with the dysregulation of sexual, thyroid and neuro-endocrine hormones. Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of EDCs due to their developmental stage, peculiar lifestyle and dietary habits. In this context, the exposure to pesticides represents an important risk factor associated with early development. This study deals with the possible association between exposure to pesticides and idiopathic premature thelarche in girls from areas of intensive agriculture practice in the Centre of Italy. An integrated approach was set up, including: (i) a case-control study on girls with idiopathic premature thelarche; (ii) the evaluation of multiple pesticides exposure in girls; (iii) the evaluation of multiple pesticides in food; (iv) the dietary intake of pesticide residues; (v) the assessment of toxicological effects of widely used pesticides by in vitro model. Data integration will provide an estimate of the predictive risk of potential effects on girls’ health, linked to dietary intake.
Platelet Activation Is Triggered by Factors Secreted by Senescent Endothelial HMEC-1 Cells In Vitro
Authors: Venturini Whitney , Olate-Briones Alexandra , Valenzuela Claudio , Méndez Diego , Fuentes Eduardo , Cayo Angel , Mancilla Daniel , Segovia Raul , Brown Nelson E. , Moore-Carrasco Rodrigo
Published: May 2020

Aging is one of the main risk factors for the development of chronic diseases, with both the vascular endothelium and platelets becoming functionally altered. Cellular senescence is a form of permanent cell cycle arrest initially described in primary cells propagated in vitro, although it can also be induced by anticancer drugs and other stressful stimuli. Attesting for the complexity of the senescent phenotype, senescent cells synthesize and secrete a wide variety of bioactive molecules. This “senescence-associated secretory phenotype” (SASP) endows senescent cells with the ability to modify the tissue microenvironment in ways that may be relevant to the development of various physiological and pathological processes. So far, however, the direct role of factors secreted by senescent endothelial cells on platelet function remains unknown. In the present work, we explore the effects of SASP factors derived from senescent endothelial cells on platelet function. To this end, we took advantage of a model in which immortalized endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were induced to senesce following exposure to doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic drug widely used in the clinic. Our results indicate that (1) low concentrations of doxorubicin induce senescence in HMEC-1 cells; (2) senescent HMEC-1 cells upregulate the expression of selected components of the SASP and (3) the media conditioned by senescent endothelial cells are capable of inducing platelet activation and aggregation. These results suggest that factors secreted by senescent endothelial cells in vivo could have a relevant role in the platelet activation observed in the elderly or in patients undergoing therapeutic stress.
Infusion of Plasma from Exercised Mice Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction by Increasing Hippocampal Neuroplasticity and Mitochondrial Functions in 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: Kim Tae-Woon , Park Sang-Seo , Park Joon-Young , Park Hye-Sang
Published: May 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative brain disease causing dementia. It is characterized by slow onset and gradual worsening of memory and other cognitive functions. Recently, parabiosis and infusion of plasma from young mice have been proposed to have positive effects in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, this study examined whether infusion of plasma from exercised mice improved cognitive functions related to the hippocampus in a 3xTg-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model. We collected plasma from young mice that had exercised for 3 months and injected 100 µL of plasma into the tail vein of 12-month-old 3xTg-AD mice 10 times at 3-day intervals. We then analyzed spatial learning and memory, long-term memory, hippocampal GSK3β/tau proteins, synaptic proteins, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, and neurogenesis. In the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice, infusion of plasma from exercised mice improved neuroplasticity and mitochondrial function and suppressed apoptosis, ultimately improving cognitive function. However, there was no improvement in tau hyperphosphorylation. This study showed that plasma from exercised mice could have a protective effect on cognitive dysfunction and neural circuits associated with AD via a tau-independent mechanism involving elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor due to exercise.
Anti-Aminoacyl Transfer-RNA-Synthetases (Anti-tRNA) Autoantibodies Associated with Interstitial Lung Disease: Pulmonary Disease Progression has a Persistent Elevation of the Th17 Cytokine Profile
Authors: Ramos-Martinez Espiridión , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , Pérez-Rubio Gloria , Mejia Mayra , Buendía-Roldán Ivette , González-Pérez Montserrat I. , Mateos-Toledo Heidegger N. , Rojas Serrano Jorge
Published: May 2020

Anti-tRNA autoantibodies are associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), in at least two clinical scenarios: the anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD) and interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF). Under pathological conditions, cytokines indicate the participating elements and the course of inflammatory phenomena. We aimed to quantify serum concentrations of different inflammatory cytokines profiles in patients with anti-tRNA associated ILD (anti-tRNA-ILD) and estimate the association between these and ILD improvement and progression. Serum levels of 18 cytokines from baseline and after six months of treatment of ILD patients’ positives to anti-tRNA were included in the current study. At six months, patients were classified as with or without ILD progression. A total of 39 patients were included (10 anti-Jo1, eight anti-PL7, 11 anti-PL12, and 10 anti-Ej). Three patients (7.6%) had ILD progression (progressors patients, PP) and showed statistically higher levels in IL-4, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-22, GM-CSF, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α, compared to patients without disease progression (no progressors patients, NPP). IL-17A, IL-1β, and IL-6 (T-helper-lymphocyte (Th)17 inflammatory cytokine profile) were elevated and had a high discriminatory capacity in distinguishing ILD PP of those NPP at follow-up. Overall, there is an association between the cytokines of the Th17 inflammatory profile and the ASSD progression.
A Role for Gut Microbiome Fermentative Pathways in Fatty Liver Disease Progression
Authors: Iruzubieta Paula , Medina Juan M. , Fernández-López Raúl , Crespo Javier , de la Cruz Fernando
Published: May 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial disease in which environmental and genetic factors are involved. Although the molecular mechanisms involved in NAFLD onset and progression are not completely understood, the gut microbiome (GM) is thought to play a key role in the process, influencing multiple physiological functions. GM alterations in diversity and composition directly impact disease states with an inflammatory course, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, how the GM influences liver disease susceptibility is largely unknown. Similarly, the impact of strategies targeting the GM for the treatment of NASH remains to be evaluated. This review provides a broad insight into the role of gut microbiota in NASH pathogenesis, as a diagnostic tool, and as a therapeutic target in this liver disease. We highlight the idea that the balance in metabolic fermentations can be key in maintaining liver homeostasis. We propose that an overabundance of alcohol-fermentation pathways in the GM may outcompete healthier, acid-producing members of the microbiota. In this way, GM ecology may precipitate a self-sustaining vicious cycle, boosting liver disease progression.
Synthetic Bone Substitutes and Mechanical Devices for the Augmentation of Osteoporotic Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies
Authors: Marongiu Giuseppe , Verona Marco , Cardoni Gaia , Capone Antonio
Published: May 2020

Background: Different augmentation techniques have been described in the literature in addition to the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the use of cements, bone substitutes, and other devices for the augmentation of proximal humeral fractures. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by using PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, Scopus/EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases according the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines over the years 1966 to 2019. The search term “humeral fracture proximal” was combined with “augmentation”; “polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA”; “cement”; “bone substitutes”; “hydroxyapatite”; “calcium phosphates”; “calcium sulfate”; “cell therapies”, and “tissue engineering” to find the literature relevant to the topic under review. Results: A total of 10 clinical studies considered eligible for the review, with a total of 308 patients, were included. Mean age at the time of injury was 68.8 years (range of 58–92). The most commonly described techniques were reinforcing the screw–bone interface with bone PMMA cement (three studies), filling the metaphyseal void with synthetic bone substitutes (five studies), and enhancing structural support with metallic devices (two studies). Conclusion: PMMA cementation could improve screw-tip fixation. Calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate injectable composites provided good biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and lower mechanical failure rate when compared to non-augmented fractures. Mechanical devices currently have a limited role. However, the available evidence is provided mainly by level III to IV studies, and none of the proposed techniques have been sufficiently studied.
Minimizing The Number of Channel Switches of Mobile Users in Cognitive Radio Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Biswas Rajorshi , Wu Jie
Published: May 2020

Cognitive radio (CR) technology is envisioned to use wireless spectrum opportunistically when the primary user (PU) is not using it. In cognitive radio ad-hoc networks (CRAHNs), the mobile users form a distributed multi-hop network using the unused spectrum. The qualities of the channels are different in different locations. When a user moves from one place to another, it needs to switch the channel to maintain the quality-of-service (QoS) required by different applications. The QoS of a channel depends on the amount of usage. A user can select the channels that meet the QoS requirement during its movement. In this paper, we study the mobility patterns of users, predict their next locations and probabilities to move there based on its history. We extract the mobility patterns from each user’s location history and match the recent trajectory with the patterns to find future locations. We construct a spectrum database using Wi-Fi access point location data and the free space path loss formula. We propose a machine learning-based mechanism to predict spectrum status of some missing locations in the spectrum database. We formulate a problem to select the current channel in order to minimize the total number of channel switches during a certain number of next moves of a user. We conduct an extensive simulation combining real and synthetic datasets to support our model.