bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Disease Progression in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis Using Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Kim Darae , Chae Dongwoo , Shim Chi Young , Cho In-Jeong , Hong Geu-Ru , Park Kyungsoo , Ha Jong-Won
Published: August 2019

We aimed to develop a mathematical model to predict the progression of aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic dilatation (AD) in bicuspid aortic valve patients. Bicuspid AS patients who underwent at least two serial echocardiograms from 2005 to 2017 were enrolled. Mathematical modeling was undertaken to assess (1) the non-linearity associated with the disease progression and (2) the importance of first visit echocardiogram in predicting the overall prognosis. Models were trained in 126 patients and validated in an additional cohort of 43 patients. AS was best described by a logistic function of time. Patients who showed an increase in mean pressure gradient (MPG) at their first visit relative to baseline (denoted as rapid progressors) showed a significantly faster disease progression overall. The core model parameter reflecting the rate of disease progression, α, was 0.012/month in the rapid progressors and 0.0032/month in the slow progressors (p < 0.0001). AD progression was best described by a simple linear function, with an increment rate of 0.019 mm/month. Validation of models in a separate prospective cohort yielded comparable R squared statistics for predicted outcomes. Our novel disease progression model for bicuspid AS significantly increased prediction power by including subsequent follow-up visit information rather than baseline information alone.
ESR1 Gene Variants Are Predictive of Osteoporosis in Female Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Krela-Kaźmierczak Iwona , Skrzypczak-Zielińska Marzena , Kaczmarek-Ryś Marta , Michalak Michał , Szymczak-Tomczak Aleksandra , Hryhorowicz Szymon T. , Szalata Marlena , Łykowska-Szuber Liliana , Eder Piotr , Stawczyk-Eder Kamila , Tomczak Maciej , Słomski Ryszard , Dobrowolska Agnieszka
Published: August 2019

Decreased bone mass in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is a clinical problem with extremely severe consequences of osteoporotic fractures. Despite its increasing prevalence and the need for mandatory intervention and monitoring, it is often ignored in IBD patients’ care. Determining the biomarkers of susceptibility to bone mineral density disorder in IBD patients appears to be indispensable. We aim to investigate the impact of estrogen receptor gene (ESR1) gene polymorphisms on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), as they may contribute both, to osteoporosis and inflammatory processes. We characterised 197 patients with IBD (97 with UC, 100 with CD), and 41 controls carrying out vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus serum levels, and bone mineral density assessment at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), ESR1 genotyping and haplotype analysis. We observed that women with CD showed the lowest bone density parameters, which corresponded to the ESR1 c.454-397T and c.454-351A allele dose. The ESR1 gene PvuII and XbaI TA (px) haplotype correlated with decreased femoral neck T-score (OR = 2.75, CI = [1.21–6.27], P-value = 0.016) and may be predictive of osteoporosis in female patients with CD.
Epigenome-Wide Association Analysis of Differentially Methylated Signals in Blood Samples of Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hong Yoonki , Choi Hye-Mi , Cheong Hyun Sub , Shin Hyoung Doo , Choi Chang Min , Kim Woo Jin
Published: August 2019

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early diagnosis using noninvasive biomarkers may play an important role in increasing the survival rate of patients with lung cancer. Biomarkers of DNA methylation in blood samples may improve the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Here, we used peripheral blood samples obtained from 150 patients diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 150 healthy controls. The latter were selected by frequency matching with the 150 patients with NSCLC, based on age, sex, and smoking status. Genome-wide methylation profiles were obtained using a MethylationEPIC BeadChip Kit, which covers the 850k bp cytosine–phosphate–guanine site. This analysis showed two significant differentially methylated changes (cg12169243 [DPH6] and cg25429010 [IMP3]) associated with NSCLC in current smokers, six changes (cg09245319, cg17183999 [USP7], cg06366994 [CPE], cg24992236 [MEG9], cg22144719, and cg22448179 [epidermal growth factor receptor]) associated with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in patients with adenocarcinoma, and four changes (cg25021476 [RSL24D1], cg04989085 [FAM113B], cg20905681 [CKAP4], and cg26379694) associated with advanced-stage NSCLC compared with stage I NSCLC. The validation of these DNA methylation changes and further research on the related genes may help develop easily accessible biomarkers for the early diagnosis or prognosis of NSCLC.
Correction: Van Lawick van Pabst, A.E. et al. Sex Differences in the Presence and Severity of Alcohol Hangover Symptoms. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2019, 8, 867
Authors: van Lawick van Pabst Albertine E. , Devenney Lydia E. , Verster Joris C.
Published: August 2019

The paper [...]
Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Gómez-Bañuelos Eduardo , Mukherjee Amarshi , Darrah Erika , Andrade Felipe
Published: August 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by immune-mediated damage of synovial joints and antibodies to citrullinated antigens. Periodontal disease, a bacterial-induced inflammatory disease of the periodontium, is commonly observed in RA and has implicated periodontal pathogens as potential triggers of the disease. In particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans have gained interest as microbial candidates involved in RA pathogenesis by inducing the production of citrullinated antigens. Here, we will discuss the clinical and mechanistic evidence surrounding the role of these periodontal bacteria in RA pathogenesis, which highlights a key area for the treatment and preventive interventions in RA.
Pulmonary Fibrosis in Children
Authors: Nathan Nadia , Sileo Chiara , Thouvenin Guillaume , Berdah Laura , Delestrain Céline , Manali Effrosyne , Papiris Spyros , Léger Pierre-Louis , Ducou le Pointe Hubert , Coulomb l’Hermine Aurore , Clement Annick
Published: August 2019

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a very rare condition in children, which may be observed in specific forms of interstitial lung disease. None of the clinical, radiological, or histological descriptions used for PF diagnosis in adult patients, especially in situations of idiopathic PF, can apply to pediatric situations. This observation supports the view that PF expression may differ with age and, most likely, may cover distinct entities. The present review aims at summarizing the current understanding of PF pathophysiology in children and identifying suitable diagnostic criteria.
Changes in Fat Mass Following Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training in Adults ≥50 Years of Age: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Forbes Scott C. , Candow Darren G. , Krentz Joel R. , Roberts Michael D. , Young Kaelin C.
Published: August 2019

Aging is associated with an increase in fat mass which increases the risk for disease, morbidity and premature mortality. Creatine supplementation in combination with resistance training has been shown to increase lean tissue mass in adults ≥50 years of age; however, the synergetic effects of creatine and resistance training on fat mass in this population are unclear. Creatine metabolism plays an important role in adipose tissue bioenergetics and energy expenditure. Thus, the combination of creatine supplementation and resistance training may decrease fat mass more than resistance training alone. The purpose of this review is two-fold: (1) to perform meta-analyses on studies involving creatine supplementation during resistance training on fat mass in adults ≥50 years of age, and (2) to discuss possible mechanistic actions of creatine on reducing fat mass. Nineteen studies were included in our meta-analysis with 609 participants. Results from the meta-analyses showed that adults ≥50 years of age who supplemented with creatine during resistance training experienced a greater reduction in body fat percentage (0.55%, p = 0.04) compared to those on placebo during resistance training. Despite no statistical difference (p = 0.13), adults supplementing with creatine lost ~0.5 kg more fat mass compared to those on placebo. Interestingly, there are studies which have linked mechanism(s) explaining how creatine may influence fat mass, and these data are also discussed.
The Effect of Glacier Recession on Benthic and Pelagic Communities: Case Study in Herve Cove, Antarctica
Authors: Potocka Marta , Kidawa Anna , Panasiuk Anna , Bielecka Luiza , Wawrzynek-Borejko Justyna , Patuła Weronika , Wójcik Kornelia A. , Plenzler Joanna , Janecki Tomasz , Bialik Robert J.
Published: August 2019

Changes in macrobenthic and pelagic communities in the postglacial, partially isolated, lagoon Herve Cove in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, were investigated 15 years after the first comprehensive studies had been conducted in this region. The bottom area of the cove has enlarged from approximately 12 ha to 19 ha after the retreat of the Dera Icefall. Based on a photographic survey of the benthos and taxonomic composition of zooplankton, ecological succession and the colonization of new species have been observed. Several new species occur such as gastropods, seastars, sea urchins and isopods, and their presence in different parts of the cove, as well as breeding aggregations suggests that they reproduce there. The influence of glacial streams is notable in bottom assemblages. We propose that Herve Cove is a good research area for studies on ecological succession in newly opened areas. The colonization of this lagoon has been recognized to be in its developing stage, and research should be continued.
Transformation Mechanism of a Fault and Its Associated Microstructures in Low-Porosity Rocks: A Case Study of the Tanan Depression in the Hailar-Tamtsag Basin
Authors: Jia Ru , Liu Bo , Fu Xiaofei , Gong Lei , Liu Zhida
Published: August 2019

Faults have complex internal structures, which can be divided into the fault core and the damaged zone. During the fault formation process, the damaged zone will develop a large number of fractures cross cutting the adjacent host rocks, where the size and density of fractures would decrease as a function of distance from the fault core. Statistics show that compared with the host rocks, the rock’s secondary porosity may significantly get improved until it is 5%–10% higher than the host rock’s, and the permeability could be increased from zero to six orders of magnitude higher where fractures are developed. Based on the distribution of the fault core and damaged zone, we established an idealized geologic model to analyze the influence of the fault associated microstructures on the fluid flow efficiency. The results demonstrated that the reservoir property will be effectively improved when the fractures are developed to a certain magnitude, which will provide an advantageous conduit for fluid flow. The physical properties of wells are significantly different between the reservoirs transformed by the fractures and the reservoirs that have not been affected. The reservoir unit near faults has been modified by the associated fractures improving the reservoir quality. In addition, the portions of the reservoir farther from the fault core are less influenced and retain their initial poor characteristics. In order to evaluate the enhanced reservoir properties caused by faults and associated fractures, we performed statistical analysis of valid porosity ratio of the Nantun reservoirs as a function of the distance from 49 wells to faults in the research area. The results of this study demonstrated that connected fractures enhance the properties of the reservoirs and there is a distinct range that separates oil producing wells and water producing ones. This phenomenon verifies that faults are important and must be considered carefully during the exploration and production for hydrocarbon to provide higher quality reservoirs.
The Maturity of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and Its Implications for Innovation
Authors: Lee EunSu , Mokashi Amit J. , Moon Sang Young , Kim GeunSub
Published: August 2019

The member states of International Maritime Organization (IMO) have been leading in and enforcing the use of automatic identification systems (AIS) in the analysis of ship-to-ship collisions, vessel monitoring, and maritime traffic management offshore. This study will help non-federal stakeholders understand the AIS data and contribute to future research by assessing difficulties and improving access to data and applications. This study introduces the basics of AIS materials, shared channels, and currently developed applications, and discusses areas where they can be incorporated in the future. The literature revealed that using AIS data will be beneficial to the public as well as to business and public agencies.
Where Will the Future Be Heading Towards? A Book Review for “The Belt and Road Strategy in International Business and Administration”
Authors: Gao Zi-Miao , Yue Xiao-Guang , Li Xiao-Jing
Published: August 2019

This is book review of “The Belt and Road Strategy in International Business and Administration”, edited by Wei Liu, Zhe Zhang, Jinxiong Chen and Sang-Bing Tsai. This book review focuses on discussing how “The Belt and Road Strategy” develops in the current studies of international business field based on the book’s content. The review begins with a literature review on current research in “The Belt and Road Strategy”, then gives a brief summary of each chapter of the book, and finally concludes with its practical implication and suggestion for readership.
Fretting Behavior of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes
Authors: Wang Chao , Hausberger Andreas , Berer Michael , Pinter Gerald , Grün Florian , Schwarz Thomas
Published: August 2019

Fretting tests were conducted with five different thermoplastic polyurethanes against a steel ball. Their fretting behaviors were investigated under various test parameters, such as normal load and displacement amplitude. In order to test the sliding performances, tribological tests were conducted using a ring-on-disc setup. The results show that their fretting behaviors can be related to the dynamic mechanical properties, which were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The three fretting regimes were identified by means of hysteresis and wear scar analysis. In addition, investigations were carried out until the transition regimes occurred. Different wear processes were revealed for each of the three regimes. Differences were identified using dissipated energy. The profiles of wear scars and the counterparts were analyzed using a microscope. The coefficient of friction was calculated separately for the partial slip and gross slip regimes. In the mixed fretting regime, the coefficient of friction is almost at the same level among the five materials. In the partial slip regime, however, it can be distinguished. Temperature measurements were conducted on the counterparts during the tests. Overall, the material that showed the best tribological properties also performed the best in the fretting tests.
Comparison of Thermoresponsive Hydrogels Synthesized by Conventional Free Radical and RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Joubert Fanny , Cheong Phey Denn Peyton , Guo Yujie , Pasparakis George
Published: August 2019

We compared the influence of the polymerization mechanism onto the physical characteristics of thermoresponsive hydrogels. The Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels were successfully synthesized using reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) and free radical polymerization (FRP). The gels were prepared while using different crosslinker feed and monomer concentration. The swelling, dye release, and hydrolytic stability of the gels were investigated in water, or in representative komostrope and chaotrope salt solutions at room temperature and at 37 °C. It was found that the swelling ratio (SR) of the RAFT gels was significantly higher than that of the FRP gels; however, an increased crosslinking density resulted in a decrease of the SR of the RAFT gels as compared to the corresponding gels that are made by FRP, which indicates the limitation of the cross-linking efficiency that is attained in RAFT polymerization. Additionally, an increased monomer concentration decreased the SR of the RAFT gels, whereas a similar SR was observed for the FRP gels. However, the SR of both RAFT and FRP gels in NaSCN and Na2SO4 solutions were similar. Finally, the rate of dye release was significantly slower from the RAFT gels than the FRP gels and the hydrolytic stability of the RAFT gels was lower than that of FRP gels in water, but maintained similar stability in Na2SO4 and NaSCN solutions.
Influence of Restraint Conditions on Welding Residual Stresses in H-Type Cracking Test Specimens
Authors: Sun Jiamin , Hensel Jonas , Nitschke-Pagel Thomas , Dilger Klaus
Published: August 2019

From the viewpoint of mechanics, weld cracking tends to occur if the induced tensile stress surpasses a certain value for the particular materials and the welding processes. Welding residual stresses (WRS) can be profoundly affected by the restraint conditions of the welded structures. For estimating the tendency of weld cracking, the small-scale H-type slit joints have been widely used for cracking tests. However, it is still hard to decide whether the real large-scale component can also be welded without cracking even though the tested weld cracking specimens on the laboratory scale can be welded without cracking. In this study, the intensity of restraint which quantitatively indicates how much a joint is restrained is used. The influence of restraint condition (intensity of restraint) on WRS is systematically investigated using both the numerical simulation and the experimental method. The achievement obtained in the current work is very beneficial to design effective H-type self-restrained cracking test specimens for evaluating the sensitivity of the material and the welding procedures for weld cracking in the real large-scale components.
Surface-Modified Nanofibrous PVDF Membranes for Liquid Separation Technology
Authors: Boyraz Evren , Yalcinkaya Fatma , Hruza Jakub , Maryska Jiri
Published: August 2019

Preparing easily scaled up, cost-effective, and recyclable membranes for separation technology is challenging. In the present study, a unique and new type of modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibrous membrane was prepared for the separation of oil–water emulsions. Surface modification was done in two steps. In the first step, dehydrofluorination of PVDF membranes was done using an alkaline solution. After the first step, oil removal and permeability of the membranes were dramatically improved. In the second step, TiO2 nanoparticles were grafted onto the surface of the membranes. After adding TiO2 nanoparticles, membranes exhibited outstanding anti-fouling and self-cleaning performance. The as-prepared membranes can be of great use in new green separation technology and have great potential to deal with the separation of oil–water emulsions in the near future.
Electrical Resistance Prediction for Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Epoxy Resin Composite Gasket under Thermal Creep Conditions
Authors: Wang Wenlong , Yue Xia , Huang He , Wang Chao , Mo Diwei , Wu Yuyan , Xu Qingchun , Zhou Chao , Zhu Houyao , Zhang Chunliang
Published: August 2019

Carbon nanotube-based conductive polymer composites (CPC) showed great potentials for self-sensing and in situ structural health monitoring systems. Prediction of the long-term performance for such materials would be a meaningful topic for engineering design. In this work, the changing behavior of the long-term resistance of a multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy resin composite gasket was studied under different temperature and loading conditions. Glass transition strongly influenced the resistance behavior of the composite during the thermal creep process. Similar to classical Kelvin–Voigt creep model, a model considering both the destruction and recovery processes of the conductive network inside the CPC was established. The long-term resistance variation can be predicted based on the model, and the results provided here may serve as a useful guide for further design of smart engineering structural health monitoring systems.
Characteristic Curve and Its Use in Determining the Compressive Strength of Concrete by the Rebound Hammer Test
Authors: Kocáb Dalibor , Misák Petr , Cikrle Petr
Published: August 2019

During the construction of concrete structures, it is often useful to know compressive strength at an early age. This is an amount of strength required for the safe removal of formwork, also known as stripping strength. It is certainly helpful to determine this strength non-destructively, i.e., without any invasive steps that would damage the structure. Second only to the ultrasonic pulse velocity test, the rebound hammer test is the most common NDT method currently used for this purpose. However, estimating compressive strength using general regression models can often yield inaccurate results. The experiment results show that the compressive strength of any concrete can be estimated using one’s own newly created regression model. A traditionally constructed regression model can predict the strength value with 50% reliability, or when two-sided confidence bands are used, with 95% reliability. However, civil engineers usually work with the so-called characteristic value defined as a 5% quantile. Therefore, it appears suitable to adjust conventional methods in order to achieve a regression model with 95% one-sided reliability. This paper describes a simple construction of such a characteristic curve. The results show that the characteristic curve created for the concrete in question could be a useful tool even outside of practical applications.
Alanates, a Comprehensive Review
Authors: Suárez-Alcántara Karina , Tena-Garcia Juan Rogelio , Guerrero-Ortiz Ricardo
Published: August 2019

Hydrogen storage is widely recognized as one of the biggest not solved problem within hydrogen technologies. The slow development of the materials and systems for hydrogen storage has resulted in a slow spread of hydrogen applications. There are many families of materials that can store hydrogen; among them, the alanate family can be of interest. Basic research papers and reviews have been focused on alanates of group 1 and 2. However, there are many alanates of transition metals, main group, and lanthanides that deserve attention in a review. This work is a comprehensive compilation of all known alanates. The approaches towards tuning the kinetics and thermodynamics of alanates are also covered in this review. These approaches are the formation of reactive composites, double cation alanates, or anion substitution. The crystallographic and X-ray diffraction characteristics of each alanate are presented along with this review. In the final sections, a discussion of the infrared, Raman, and thermodynamics was included.
Solution Behavior near Envelopes of Characteristics for Certain Constitutive Equations Used in the Mechanics of Polymers
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Lang Lihui , Lyamina Elena , Date Prashant P.
Published: August 2019

The present paper deals with plane strain deformation of incompressible polymers that obey quite a general pressure-dependent yield criterion. In general, the system of equations can be hyperbolic, parabolic, or elliptic. However, attention is concentrated on the hyperbolic regime and on the behavior of solutions near frictional interfaces, assuming that the regime of sliding occurs only if the friction surface coincides with an envelope of stress characteristics. The main reason for studying the behavior of solutions in the vicinity of envelopes of characteristics is that the solution cannot be extended beyond the envelope. This research is also motivated by available results in metal plasticity that the velocity field is singular near envelopes of characteristics (some space derivatives of velocity components approach infinity). In contrast to metal plasticity, it is shown that in the case of the material models adopted, all derivatives of velocity components are bounded but some derivatives of stress components approach infinity near the envelopes of stress characteristics. The exact asymptotic expansion of stress components is found. It is believed that this result is useful for developing numerical codes that should account for the singular behavior of the stress field.
A Model for Predicting Statement Mutation Scores
Authors: Tan Lili , Gong Yunzhan , Wang Yawen
Published: August 2019

A test suite plays a key role in software testing. Mutation testing is a powerful approach to measure the fault-detection ability of a test suite. The mutation testing process requires a large number of mutants to be generated and executed. Hence, mutation testing is also computationally expensive. To solve this problem, predictive mutation testing builds a classification model to predict the test result of each mutant. However, the existing predictive mutation testing methods only can be used to estimate the overall mutation scores of object-oriented programs. To overcome the shortcomings of the existing methods, we propose a new method to directly predict the mutation score for each statement in process-oriented programs. Compared with the existing predictive mutation testing methods, our method uses more dynamic program execution features, which more adequately reflect dynamic dependency relationships among the statements and more accurately reflects information propagation during the execution of test cases. By comparing the prediction effects of logistic regression, artificial neural network, random forest, support vector machine, and symbolic regression, we finally decide to use a single hidden layer feedforward neural network as the predictive model to predict the statement mutation scores. In our two experiments, the mean absolute errors between the statement mutation scores predicted by the neural network and the real statement mutation scores both approximately reach 0.12.
Multi-Attribute Multi-Perception Decision-Making Based on Generalized T-Spherical Fuzzy Weighted Aggregation Operators on Neutrosophic Sets
Authors: Quek Shio Gai , Selvachandran Ganeshsree , Munir Muhammad , Mahmood Tahir , Ullah Kifayat , Son Le Hoang , Thong Pham Huy , Kumar Raghvendra , Priyadarshini Ishaani
Published: August 2019

The framework of the T-spherical fuzzy set is a recent development in fuzzy set theory that can describe imprecise events using four types of membership grades with no restrictions. The purpose of this manuscript is to point out the limitations of the existing intuitionistic fuzzy Einstein averaging and geometric operators and to develop some improved Einstein aggregation operators. To do so, first some new operational laws were developed for T-spherical fuzzy sets and their properties were investigated. Based on these new operations, two types of Einstein aggregation operators are proposed namely the Einstein interactive averaging aggregation operators and the Einstein interactive geometric aggregation operators. The properties of the newly developed aggregation operators were then investigated and verified. The T-spherical fuzzy aggregation operators were then applied to a multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problem related to the degree of pollution of five major cities in China. Actual datasets sourced from the UCI Machine Learning Repository were used for this purpose. A detailed study was done to determine the most and least polluted city for different perceptions for different situations. Several compliance tests were then outlined to test and verify the accuracy of the results obtained via our proposed decision-making algorithm. It was proved that the results obtained via our proposed decision-making algorithm was fully compliant with all the tests that were outlined, thereby confirming the accuracy of the results obtained via our proposed method.
Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Approach Based on Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Information Measures and Their Applications
Authors: Chen Huiping , Xu Guiqiong , Yang Pingle
Published: August 2019

Combining the ideas and advantages of intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and hesitant fuzzy set (HFS), dual hesitant fuzzy set (DHFS) could express uncertain and complex information given by decision makers (DMs) in a more flexible manner. By virtue of the existing measure methods, elements in DHFSs should be of equal length and thus some values must be added into the shorter elements according to the risk preference of DMs. The extension of values will increase the subjectivity of decision-making to some extent, and different extension methods may produce different results. In order to address this issue, we first propose several new forms of distance and similarity measures without adding values. Subsequently, according to the proposed distance and similarity measures, two entropy measures are presented from the viewpoints of complementary set and the fuzziest set, respectively. Furthermore, based on the new distance and entropy measures, an extended technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is proposed for dealing with multi-attribute decision-making problems in the context of DHFS. Finally, two practical examples are analyzed to show the validity and applicability of the proposed method.
A Quorum-Sensing Inhibitor Strain of Vibrio alginolyticus Blocks Qs-Controlled Phenotypes in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Reina José Carlos , Pérez-Victoria Ignacio , Martín Jesús , Llamas Inmaculada
Published: August 2019

The cell density-dependent mechanism, quorum sensing (QS), regulates the expression of virulence factors. Its inhibition has been proposed as a promising new strategy to prevent bacterial pathogenicity. In this study, 827 strains from the microbiota of sea anemones and holothurians were screened for their ability to produce quorum-sensing inhibitor (QSI) compounds. The strain M3-10, identified as Vibrio alginolyticus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, as well as ANIb and dDDH analyses, was selected for its high QSI activity. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the cell pellet extract from a fermentation broth of strain M3-10, followed by LC–MS and NMR analyses, revealed tyramine and N-acetyltyramine as the active compounds. The QS inhibitory activity of these molecules, which was confirmed using pure commercially available standards, was found to significantly inhibit Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 violacein production and virulence factors, such as pyoverdine production, as well as swarming and twitching motilities, produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. This constitutes the first study to screen QSI-producing strains in the microbiota of anemones and holothurians and provides an insight into the use of naturally produced QSI as a possible strategy to combat bacterial infections.
The Spirocyclic Imine from a Marine Benthic Dinoflagellate, Portimine, Is a Potent Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Therapeutic Lead Compound
Authors: Izumida Mai , Suga Koushirou , Ishibashi Fumito , Kubo Yoshinao
Published: August 2019

In this study, we aimed to find chemicals from lower sea animals with defensive effects against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). A library of marine natural products consisting of 80 compounds was screened for activity against HIV-1 infection using a luciferase-encoding HIV-1 vector. We identified five compounds that decreased luciferase activity in the vector-inoculated cells. In particular, portimine, isolated from the benthic dinoflagellate Vulcanodinium rugosum, exhibited significant anti-HIV-1 activity. Portimine inhibited viral infection with an 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 4.1 nM and had no cytotoxic effect on the host cells at concentrations less than 200 nM. Portimine also inhibited vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G)-pseudotyped HIV-1 vector infection. This result suggested that portimine mainly targeted HIV-1 Gag or Pol protein. To analyse which replication steps portimine affects, luciferase sequences were amplified by semi-quantitative PCR in total DNA. This analysis revealed that portimine inhibits HIV-1 vector infection before or at the reverse transcription step. Portimine has also been shown to have a direct effect on reverse transcriptase using an in vitro reverse transcriptase assay. Portimine efficiently inhibited HIV-1 replication and is a potent lead compound for developing novel therapeutic drugs against HIV-1-induced diseases.
Bromophenolics from the Red Alga Polysiphonia decipiens
Authors: Lever James , Curtis Grace , Brkljača Robert , Urban Sylvia
Published: August 2019

The isolation and the structure determination of a new bromophenolic compound, polysiphonol (10), as well as five previously reported compounds, (4–8), from the red alga Polysiphonia decipiens is reported. In addition, the absolute configuration of the natural product rhodomelol (8) could be unequivocally confirmed for the first time, and on biosynthetic grounds, the absolute configuration of polysiphonol (10) was tentatively suggested. Compounds 4–8 were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but none of the compounds showed any appreciable activity.
Comparative Genomic Insights into Secondary Metabolism Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Distributions of Marine Streptomyces
Authors: Xu Lin , Ye Kai-Xiong , Dai Wen-Hua , Sun Cong , Xu Lian-Hua , Han Bing-Nan
Published: August 2019

Bacterial secondary metabolites have huge application potential in multiple industries. Biosynthesis of bacterial secondary metabolites are commonly encoded in a set of genes that are organized in the secondary metabolism biosynthetic gene clusters (SMBGCs). The development of genome sequencing technology facilitates mining bacterial SMBGCs. Marine Streptomyces is a valuable resource of bacterial secondary metabolites. In this study, 87 marine Streptomyces genomes were obtained and carried out into comparative genomic analysis, which revealed their high genetic diversity due to pan-genomes owning 123,302 orthologous clusters. Phylogenomic analysis indicated that the majority of Marine Streptomyces were classified into three clades named Clade I, II, and III, containing 23, 38, and 22 strains, respectively. Genomic annotations revealed that SMBGCs in the genomes of marine Streptomyces ranged from 16 to 84. Statistical analysis pointed out that phylotypes and ecotypes were both associated with SMBGCs distribution patterns. The Clade I and marine sediment-derived Streptomyces harbored more specific SMBGCs, which consisted of several common ones; whereas the Clade II and marine invertebrate-derived Streptomyces have more SMBGCs, acting as more plentiful resources for mining secondary metabolites. This study is beneficial for broadening our knowledge about SMBGC distribution patterns in marine Streptomyces and developing their secondary metabolites in the future.
Somatosensory and Motor Differences between Physically Active Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Nieto-García Juan , Suso-Martí Luis , La Touche Roy , Grande-Alonso Mónica
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most common occupational disorder due to its associated disability and high risk of recurrence and chronicity. However, the mechanisms underlying physical and psychological variables in patients with CLBP remain unclear. The main objective of this study was to assess whether there were differences between physically active patients with nonspecific CLBP compared with asymptomatic individuals in sensorimotor and psychological variables. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional design with a nonprobabilistic sample. The sample was divided into two groups: individuals with nonspecific CLBP (n = 30) and asymptomatic individuals as a control (n = 30). The psychological variables assessed were low back disability, fear of movement, pain catastrophizing, and self-efficacy. The sensorimotor variables assessed were two-point discrimination, pressure pain threshold, lumbopelvic stability, lumbar flexion active range of motion, and isometric leg and back strength. Results: Statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of catastrophizing levels (p = 0.026) and fear of movement (p = 0.001) were found, but no statistically significant differences between groups were found in self-efficacy (p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences between the groups in any of the sensorimotor variables were found (p > 0.05). Conclusion: No sensorimotor differences were found between patients with asymptomatic and chronic low back pain, but differences were found in the psychological variables of catastrophizing and fear of movement.
Chronic Pain Patients’ Gaze Patterns toward Pain-Related Information: Comparison between Pictorial and Linguistic Stimuli
Authors: Lee Jieun , Beom Jaewon , Choi Seoyun , Wachholtz Seulgi Lee Amy , Lee Jang-Han
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: The attentional bias and information processing model explained that individuals who interpret pain stimuli as threatening may increase their attention toward pain-related information. Previous eye tracking studies found pain attentional bias among individuals with chronic pain; however, those studies investigated this phenomenon by using only one stimulus modality. Therefore, the present study investigated attentional engagement to pain-related information and the role of pain catastrophizing on pain attentional engagement to pain-related stimuli among chronic pain patients by utilizing both linguistic and visual stimulus. Materials and Methods: Forty chronic pain patients were recruited from the rehabilitation center, the back pain clinic, and the rheumatology department of Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Patients observed pictures of faces and words displaying pain, presented simultaneously with neutral expressions, while their eye movements were measured using the eye tracking system. A t-test and ANOVA were conducted to compare stimulus pairs for the total gaze duration. Results: Results revealed that chronic pain patients demonstrated attentional preference toward pain words but not for pain faces. An ANOVA with bias scores was conducted to investigate the role of pain catastrophizing on attentional patterns. Results indicated that chronic pain patients with high pain catastrophizing scores gazed significantly longer at pain- and anger-related words than neutral words compared to those with low pain catastrophizing scores. The same patterns were not observed for the facial expression stimulus pairs. Conclusions: The results of the present study revealed attentional preference toward pain-related words and the significant role of pain catastrophizing on pain attentional engagement to pain-related words. However, different patterns were observed between linguistic and visual stimuli. Clinical implications related to use in pain treatment and future research suggestions are discussed.
Periodized Aerobic Interval Training Modifies Geometric Indices of Heart Rate Variability in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Vanzella Laís Manata , Dagostinho Denise Brugnoli Balbi , Figueiredo Maria Paula Ferreira de , Castrillón Carlos Iván Mesa , Netto Junior Jayme , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos Marques
Published: August 2019

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) influences the autonomic modulation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, which demands the identification of effective treatments for this population. Considering this, the study has the objective of evaluating the effects of periodized aerobic interval training (AIT) on geometrical methods of heart rate variability (HRV) on individuals with MetS. Methods: 52 individuals with MetS were considered for analysis. They were divided into two groups: aerobic interval training group (AITG; n = 26) and control group (CG; n = 26). The AITG performed 16 weeks of periodized AIT. For HRV analysis, the heart rate was recorded beat-by-beat at the beginning and the end of the AIT program and geometrical methods were used for analysis. Results: significant increase was observed for triangular index (RRtri, −1.25 ± 0.58 vs. 1.41 ± 0.57), standard deviation of distances from diagonal to points (SD1, −0.13 ± 1.52 vs. 4.34 ± 1.49), and standard deviation of distances from points to lines (SD2, −2.14 ± 3.59 vs. 11.23 ± 3.52) on AITG compared to CG. Significant differences were not observed for triangular interpolation of normal heartbeats interval histogram (TINN, −4.05 ± 17.38 vs. 25.52 ± 17.03) and SD1/SD2 ratio (0.03 ± 0.02 vs. 0.00 ± 0.02). Qualitative analysis of the Poincaré plot identified increase on dispersion of both short and long-term intervals between successive heartbeats (RR interval) on AITG after the AIT program. Conclusion: geometric indices of HRV suggest an increase in cardiac autonomic modulation in individuals with MetS after 16 weeks of periodized AIT.
Relationship of the Aggregation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Parasympathetic Modulation of Young People with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: França da Silva Anne Kastelianne , Destro Christofaro Diego Giulliano , Manata Vanzella Laís , Marques Vanderlei Franciele , Lopez Laurino Maria Júlia , Marques Vanderlei Luiz Carlos
Published: August 2019

Background and objectives: In healthy individuals, autonomic alterations are associated with the aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors. However, in individuals with type 1 diabetes, who are known to present autonomic alterations, mainly characterized by a reduction in parasympathetic modulation, these associations have not yet been investigated. We assess whether the aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors influences parasympathetic indices of heart rate variability in young people with type 1 diabetes. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 39 individuals with type 1 diabetes (22.54 ± 4.31), evaluated in relation to the risk factors: blood pressure, fat percentage, and resting heart rate. For heart rate variability analysis, heart rate was recorded beat-to-beat using a cardio frequency meter (PolarS810i) for 30 min with the volunteers in dorsal decubitus. The parasympathetic heart rate variability indices were calculated: rMSSD, pNN50, high frequency (HF) n.u (normalized units), SD1, 2LV, and 2ULV. Data collection was carried out in 2014 and analyzed in 2017. Results: Individuals with two aggregate risk factors present a reduction in the values of the indices that reflect parasympathetic autonomic modulation compared to individuals without the risk factors analyzed, regardless of sex and age. Conclusion: In young people with type 1 diabetes, the aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors is associated with parasympathetic autonomic impairment.
Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Susceptibility to Allergy, Influenza, and Methylation Status of TLR1 Gene
Authors: Hatmal Ma’mon M. , Issa Nada N. , Alshaer Walhan , Al-Ameer Hamzeh J. , Abuyaman Omar , Tayyem Reema , Hijjawi Nawal S.
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible association between exclusive breastfeeding duration during early infancy and susceptibility to allergy and influenza in adulthood. Furthermore, we also investigated the association of breastfeeding duration with DNA methylation at two sites in the promoter of the toll-like receptor-1 (TLR1) gene, as well as the association between DNA methylation of the toll-like receptor-1 (TLR1) gene and susceptibility to different diseases. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 adults and classified into two groups according to breastfeeding duration (<6 months and ≥6 months) during infancy. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire on their susceptibilities to different diseases and sign a consent form separately. Fifty-three samples underwent DNA extraction, and the DNA samples were divided into two aliquots, one of which was treated with bisulfite reagent. The promoter region of the TLR1 gene was then amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Results: We found a significant association between increased breastfeeding duration and a reduction in susceptibility to influenza and allergy, as well asa significant reduction in DNA methylation within the promoter of the TLR1 gene. No association was found between DNA methylation and susceptibility to different diseases. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the significance of increased breastfeeding duration for improved health outcomes at the gene level.
Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Performance–Aspects of Sex, Race Location, Ambient Temperature, Sports Discipline, and Length of Performance: A Narrative Review
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Chlíbková Daniela , Papadopoulou Sousana , Mantzorou Maria , Rosemann Thomas , Nikolaidis Pantelis T.
Published: August 2019

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is defined as a plasma sodium concentration of <135 mmol/L during or after endurance and ultra-endurance performance and was first described by Timothy Noakes when observed in ultra-marathoners competing in the Comrades Marathon in South Africa in the mid-1980s. It is well-established that a decrease in plasma sodium concentration <135 mmol/L occurs with excessive fluid intake. Clinically, a mild hyponatremia will lead to no or very unspecific symptoms. A pronounced hyponatremia (<120 mmol/L) will lead to central nervous symptoms due to cerebral edema, and respiratory failure can lead to death when plasma sodium concentration reaches values of <110–115 mmol/L. The objective of this narrative review is to present new findings about the aspects of sex, race location, sports discipline, and length of performance. The prevalence of EAH depends on the duration of an endurance performance (i.e., low in marathon running, high to very high in ultra-marathon running), the sports discipline (i.e., rather rare in cycling, more frequent in running and triathlon, and very frequent in swimming), sex (i.e., increased in women with several reported deaths), the ambient temperature (i.e., very high in hot temperatures) and the country where competition takes place (i.e., very common in the USA, very little in Europe, practically never in Africa, Asia, and Oceania). A possible explanation for the increased prevalence of EAH in women could be the so-called Varon–Ayus syndrome with severe hyponatremia, lung and cerebral edema, which was first observed in marathon runners. Regarding the race location, races in Europe seemed to be held under rather moderate conditions whereas races held in the USA were often performed under thermally stressing conditions (i.e., greater heat or greater cold).