bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Diabetes Care System Observations from a Pilot Evaluation Study in Vietnam
Authors: Khanh Tran Quang , Hao Pham Nhu , Roitman Eytan , Raz Itamar , Marganitt Baruch , Cahn Avivit
Published: February 2020

Digital technologies are gaining an important role in the management of patients with diabetes. We assessed clinical outcomes and user satisfaction of incorporating a digital diabetes care system in diabetes clinics of a developing country. The system integrated a wireless blood glucose monitor that communicates data to any smartphone utilizing a patented acoustic data transfer method, a mobile-app, and cloud-based software that stores, analyzes, and presents data. Five hospital endocrinology clinics in Vietnam sequentially recruited all patients willing to join the study, providing they had a smartphone and access to internet connectivity. Face-to-face visits were conducted at baseline and at 12 weeks, with monthly digital visits scheduled in the interim and additional digital visits performed as needed. HbA1c levels were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks (±20 days). The study included 300 patients of whom 279 completed the evaluation. Average glucose levels declined from 170.4 ± 64.6 mg/dL in the first 2 weeks to 150.8 ± 53.2 mg/dL in the last 2 weeks (n = 221; p < 0.001). HbA1c levels at baseline and 12 weeks declined from 8.3% ± 1.9% to 7.6% ± 1.3% (n = 126; p < 0.001). The digital solution was broadly accepted by both patients and healthcare professionals and improved glycemic outcomes. The durability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of this approach merits further study.
The Role of Vitamins in Oral Health. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cagetti Maria Grazia , Wolf Thomas Gerhard , Tennert Christian , Camoni Nicole , Lingström Peter , Campus Guglielmo
Published: February 2020

The association between vitamins and oral health have recently been discussed, yielding increased attention from medical and dental perspectives. The present review aimed to systematically evaluate and appraise the most recently scientific papers investigating the role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of the main oral diseases as hard dental pathological processes and gum/periodontal disease. Randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, comparative studies, validation studies and evaluation studies, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, reporting associations between vitamins and oral diseases or the use of vitamins to prevent or treat oral diseases in patients of any age were included. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched to November 2019 using an ad hoc prepared search string. All the papers meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to a quality assessment. The search identified 1597 papers; 741 were selected after removing duplicates. A total of 334 articles were excluded after title and abstract evaluation; 407 were assessed and 73 papers were full-text assessed; other 14 papers were discharged after full text evaluation, leaving finally 58 papers included. In general, there is weak evidence supporting the association between vitamins and both gingival/periodontal disease and hard dental pathological processes.
A Decentralized Model for Spatial Data Digital Rights Management
Authors: Zhang Yun , Tang Zhi , Huang Jing , Ding Yue , He Hao , Xia Xiaosheng , Li Chunhua
Published: February 2020

The copyright of data is a key point that needs to be solved in spatial data infrastructure for data sharing. In this paper, we propose a decentralized digital rights management model of spatial data, which can provide a novel way of solving the existing copyright management problem or other problems in spatial data infrastructure for data sharing. An Ethereum smart contract is used in this model to realize spatial data digital rights management function. The InterPlanetary File System is utilized as external data storage for storing spatial data in the decentralized file system to avoid data destruction that is caused by a single point of failure. There is no central server in the model architecture, which has a completely decentralized nature and it makes spatial data rights management not dependent on third-party trust institutions. We designed three spatial data copyright management algorithms, developed a prototype system to implement and test the model, used the smart contract security verification tool to check code vulnerabilities, and, finally, discussed the usability, scalability, efficiency, performance, and security of the proposed model. The result indicates that the proposed model not only has diversified functions of copyright management compared with previous studies on the blockchain-based digital rights management, but it can also solve the existing problems in traditional spatial data infrastructure for data sharing due to its characteristics of complete decentralization, mass orientation, immediacy, and high security.
Estradiol-17β-Induced Changes in the Porcine Endometrial Transcriptome In Vivo
Authors: Kaczynski Piotr , Bauersachs Stefan , Baryla Monika , Goryszewska Ewelina , Muszak Jolanta , Grzegorzewski Waldemar J. , Waclawik Agnieszka
Published: February 2020

Estradiol-17β (E2) is a key hormone regulating reproductive functions in females. In pigs, E2, as the main conceptus signal, initiates processes resulting in prolonged corpus luteum function, embryo development, and implantation. During early pregnancy the endometrium undergoes morphological and physiological transitions that are tightly related to transcriptome changes. Recently, however, the importance of E2 as a primary conceptus signal in the pig has been questionable. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of E2 on the porcine endometrial transcriptome in vivo and to compare these effects with transcriptome profiles on day 12 of pregnancy. Microarray analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to E2 with overrepresented functional terms related to secretive functions, extracellular vesicles, cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, tissue rearrangements, immune response, lipid metabolism, and many others. Numerous common DEGs and processes for the endometrium on day 12 of pregnancy and E2-treated endometrium were identified. In summary, the present study is the first evidence for the effect of E2 on transcriptome profiles in porcine endometrium in vivo in the period corresponding to the maternal recognition of pregnancy. The presented results provide a valuable resource for further targeted studies considering genes and pathways regulated by conceptus-derived estrogens and their role in pregnancy establishment.
The Diabetic Cardiac Fibroblast: Mechanisms Underlying Phenotype and Function
Authors: Levick Scott P. , Widiapradja Alexander
Published: February 2020

Diabetic cardiomyopathy involves remodeling of the heart in response to diabetes that includes microvascular damage, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis. Cardiac fibrosis is a major contributor to diastolic dysfunction that can ultimately result in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Cardiac fibroblasts are the final effector cell in the process of cardiac fibrosis. This review article aims to describe the cardiac fibroblast phenotype in response to high-glucose conditions that mimic the diabetic state, as well as to explain the pathways underlying this phenotype. As such, this review focuses on studies conducted on isolated cardiac fibroblasts. We also describe molecules that appear to oppose the pro-fibrotic actions of high glucose on cardiac fibroblasts. This represents a major gap in knowledge in the field that needs to be addressed.
Relationship between the Electrical Characteristics of Molecules and Fast Streamers in Ester Insulation Oil
Authors: Wang Kaizheng , Wang Feipeng , Lou Ziyi , Han Qiuhuang , Zhao Qi , Hu Kelin , Huang Zhengyong , Li Jian
Published: February 2020

The effects of C=C, ester and β-H groups on the ionization potential (IP) and electron affinity (EA) of molecules in natural ester insulation oil were investigated by density functional theory (DFT). The major contribution to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) comes from the carbon atoms adjacent to C=C. Thus, the IPs of triglycerides decrease as the number of C=C double bonds increases. The C=C in alkanes may also lower the IP. However, the β-H in triglycerides has little effect on the IP, and C=C and β-H have only a small effect on the EAs of the triglycerides because of the major contributions of atoms near the ester group in triglycerides to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO). This study calculated the IPs of 53 kinds of molecules in FR3, which are significantly lower compared with those of molecules in mineral oil (MO) and trimethylolpropane triester without C=C. However, the lightning impulse breakdown voltage (LI Vb) of trimethylolpropane triester is still significantly lower than that of MO at the large gap. Therefore, the transition from slow to fast streamers under low lighting impulse voltage is determined by the ester group rather than by C=C and β-H. The ester group may attract more electrons, impacting itself more compared to alkane in MO and facilitating the transition from slow to fast streamers.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue, Adiponectin and Leptin: A Potential Source of Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: D’Marco Luis , Puchades Maria Jesús , Gorriz Jose Luis , Romero-Parra Maria , Lima-Martínez Marcos , Soto Carlos , Bermúdez Valmore , Raggi Paolo
Published: February 2020

The importance of cardiometabolic factors in the inception and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is increasingly being recognized. Beyond diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, other factors may be responsible in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which is estimated to be 5- to 20-fold higher than in the general population. Although undefined uremic toxins are often blamed for part of the increased risk, visceral adipose tissue, and in particular epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), have been the focus of intense research in the past two decades. In fact, several lines of evidence suggest their involvement in atherosclerosis development and its complications. EAT may promote atherosclerosis through paracrine and endocrine pathways exerted via the secretion of adipocytokines such as adiponectin and leptin. In this article we review the current knowledge of the impact of EAT on cardiovascular outcomes in the general population and in patients with CKD. Special reference will be made to adiponectin and leptin as possible mediators of the increased cardiovascular risk linked with EAT.
The Epigenetic Landscape of Vascular Calcification: An Integrative Perspective
Authors: Hou Yi-Chou , Lu Chien-Lin , Yuan Tzu-Hang , Liao Min-Tser , Chao Chia-Ter , Lu Kuo-Cheng
Published: February 2020

Vascular calcification (VC) is an important complication among patients of advanced age, those with chronic kidney disease, and those with diabetes mellitus. The pathophysiology of VC encompasses passive occurrence of physico-chemical calcium deposition, active cellular secretion of osteoid matrix upon exposure to metabolically noxious stimuli, or a variable combination of both processes. Epigenetic alterations have been shown to participate in this complex environment, through mechanisms including DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications, and chromatin changes. Despite such importance, existing reviews fail to provide a comprehensive view of all relevant reports addressing epigenetic processes in VC, and cross-talk between different epigenetic machineries is rarely examined. We conducted a systematic review based on PUBMED and MEDLINE databases up to 30 September 2019, to identify clinical, translational, and experimental reports addressing epigenetic processes in VC; we retrieved 66 original studies, among which 60.6% looked into the pathogenic role of non-coding RNA, followed by DNA methylation (12.1%), histone modification (9.1%), and chromatin changes (4.5%). Nine (13.6%) reports examined the discrepancy of epigenetic signatures between subjects or tissues with and without VC, supporting their applicability as biomarkers. Assisted by bioinformatic analyses blending in each epigenetic component, we discovered prominent interactions between microRNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification regarding potential influences on VC risk.
An Overview of Orchid Protocorm-Like Bodies: Mass Propagation, Biotechnology, Molecular Aspects, and Breeding
Authors: Cardoso Jean Carlos , Zanello Cesar Augusto , Chen Jen-Tsung
Published: February 2020

The process through induction, proliferation and regeneration of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) is one of the most advantageous methods for mass propagation of orchids which applied to the world floricultural market. In addition, this method has been used as a tool to identify genes of interest associated with the production of PLBs, and also in breeding techniques that use biotechnology to produce new cultivars, such as to obtain transgenic plants. Most of the molecular studies developed have used model plants as species of Phalaenopsis, and interestingly, despite similarities to somatic embryogenesis, some molecular differences do not yet allow to characterize that PLB induction is in fact a type of somatic embryogenesis. Despite the importance of species for conservation and collection purposes, the flower market is supported by hybrid cultivars, usually polyploid, which makes more detailed molecular evaluations difficult. Studies on the effect of plant growth regulators on induction, proliferation, and regeneration of PLBs are the most numerous. However, studies of other factors and new technologies affecting PLB production such as the use of temporary immersion bioreactors and the use of lighting-emitting diodes have emerged as new tools for advancing the technique with increasing PLB production efficiency. In addition, recent studies on Phalaenopsis equestris genome sequencing have enabled more detailed molecular studies and the molecular characterization of plantlets obtained from this technique currently allow the technique to be evaluated in a more comprehensive way regarding its real applications and main limitations aiming at mass propagation, such as somaclonal variation.
AAV-Mediated Gene Delivery to 3D Retinal Organoids Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Garita-Hernandez Marcela , Routet Fiona , Guibbal Laure , Khabou Hanen , Toualbi Lyes , Riancho Luisa , Reichman Sacha , Duebel Jens , Sahel Jose-Alain , Goureau Olivier , Dalkara Deniz
Published: February 2020

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) promise a great number of future applications to investigate retinal development, pathophysiology and cell therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. Specific approaches to genetically modulate hiPSC would be valuable for all of these applications. Vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) have shown the ability for gene delivery to retinal organoids derived from hiPSCs. Thus far, little work has been carried out to investigate mechanisms of AAV-mediated gene delivery and the potential advantages of engineered AAVs to genetically modify retinal organoids. In this study, we compared the early transduction efficiency of several recombinant and engineered AAVs in hiPSC-derived RPE cells and retinal organoids in relation to the availability of their cell-surface receptors and as a function of time. The genetic variant AAV2-7m8 had a superior transduction efficiency when applied at day 44 of differentiation on retinal organoids and provided long-lasting expressions for at least 4 weeks after infection without compromising cell viability. All of the capsids we tested transduced the hiPSC-RPE cells, with the AAV2-7m8 variant being the most efficient. Transduction efficiency was correlated with the presence of primary cell-surface receptors on the hiPS-derived organoids. Our study explores some of the mechanisms of cell attachment of AAVs and reports long-term gene expression resulting from gene delivery in retinal organoids.
Chemical and Light Inducible Epigenome Editing
Authors: Zhao Weiye , Wang Yufan , Liang Fu-Sen
Published: February 2020

The epigenome defines the unique gene expression patterns and resulting cellular behaviors in different cell types. Epigenome dysregulation has been directly linked to various human diseases. Epigenome editing enabling genome locus-specific targeting of epigenome modifiers to directly alter specific local epigenome modifications offers a revolutionary tool for mechanistic studies in epigenome regulation as well as the development of novel epigenome therapies. Inducible and reversible epigenome editing provides unique temporal control critical for understanding the dynamics and kinetics of epigenome regulation. This review summarizes the progress in the development of spatiotemporal-specific tools using small molecules or light as inducers to achieve the conditional control of epigenome editing and their applications in epigenetic research.
Comprehensive Profiling of Tubby-Like Protein Expression Uncovers Ripening-Related TLP Genes in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Zhang Yaoxin , He Xiaoqing , Su Dan , Feng Yuan , Zhao Haochen , Deng Heng , Liu Mingchun
Published: February 2020

Tubby-like proteins (TLPs), which were firstly identified in obese mice, play important roles in male gametophyte development, biotic stress response, and abiotic stress responses in plants. To date, the role of TLP genes in fruit ripening is largely unknown. Here, through a bioinformatics analysis, we identified 11 TLPs which can be divided into three subgroups in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a model plant for studying fruit development and ripening. It was shown that all SlTLPs except SlTLP11 contain both the Tub domain and F-box domain. An expression profiling analysis in different tomato tissues and developmental stages showed that 7 TLP genes are mainly expressed in vegetative tissues, flower, and early fruit developmental stages. Interestingly, other 4 TLP members (SlTLP1, SlTLP2, SlTLP4, and SlTLP5) were found to be highly expressed after breaker stage, suggesting a potential role of these genes in fruit ripening. Moreover, the induced expression of SlTLP1 and SlTLP2 by exogenous ethylene treatment and the down expression of the two genes in ripening mutants, further support their putative role in the ripening process. Overall, our study provides a basis for further investigation of the function of TLPs in plant development and fruit ripening.
Exploration of Binding Mechanism of a Potential Streptococcus pneumoniae Neuraminidase Inhibitor from Herbaceous Plants by Molecular Simulation
Authors: Guan Shanshan , Zhu Ketong , Dong Yanjiao , Li Hao , Yang Shuang , Wang Song , Shan Yaming
Published: February 2020

Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause diseases such as pneumonia. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy for Streptococcus pneumoniae is increasingly limited due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. The development of novel drugs is still currently of focus. Abundant polyphenols have been demonstrated to have antivirus and antibacterial ability. Chlorogenic acid is one of the representatives that has been proven to have the potential to inhibit both the influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, for such a potential neuraminidase inhibitor, the interaction mechanism studies between chlorogenic acid and Streptococcus pneumoniae neuraminidase are rare. In the current study, the binding mechanism of chlorogenic acid and Streptococcus pneumoniae neuraminidase were investigated by molecular simulation. The results indicated that chlorogenic acid might establish the interaction with Streptococcus pneumoniae neuraminidase via hydrogen bonds, salt bridge, and cation-π. The vital residues involved Arg347, Ile348, Lys440, Asp372, Asp417, and Glu768. The side chain of Arg347 might form a cap-like structure to lock the chlorogenic acid to the active site. The results from binding energy calculation indicated that chlorogenic acid had strong binding potential with neuraminidase. The results predicted a detailed binding mechanism of a potential Streptococcus pneumoniae neuraminidase inhibitor, which will be provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism of new inhibitors.
Recent Developments in the Design of Non-Biofouling Coatings for Nanoparticles and Surfaces
Authors: Sanchez-Cano Carlos , Carril Mónica
Published: February 2020

Biofouling is a major issue in the field of nanomedicine and consists of the spontaneous and unwanted adsorption of biomolecules on engineered surfaces. In a biological context and referring to nanoparticles (NPs) acting as nanomedicines, the adsorption of biomolecules found in blood (mostly proteins) is known as protein corona. On the one hand, the protein corona, as it covers the NPs’ surface, can be considered the biological identity of engineered NPs, because the corona is what cells will “see” instead of the underlying NPs. As such, the protein corona will influence the fate, integrity, and performance of NPs in vivo. On the other hand, the physicochemical properties of the engineered NPs, such as their size, shape, charge, or hydrophobicity, will influence the identity of the proteins attracted to their surface. In this context, the design of coatings for NPs and surfaces that avoid biofouling is an active field of research. The gold standard in the field is the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules, although zwitterions have also proved to be efficient in preventing protein adhesion and fluorinated molecules are emerging as coatings with interesting properties. Hence, in this review, we will focus on recent examples of anti-biofouling coatings in three main areas, that is, PEGylated, zwitterionic, and fluorinated coatings.
Enhancing the Performance of Telugu Named Entity Recognition Using Gazetteer Features
Authors: Gorla SaiKiranmai , Neti Lalita Bhanu Murthy , Malapati Aruna
Published: February 2020

Named entity recognition (NER) is a fundamental step for many natural language processing tasks and hence enhancing the performance of NER models is always appreciated. With limited resources being available, NER for South-East Asian languages like Telugu is quite a challenging problem. This paper attempts to improve the NER performance for Telugu using gazetteer-related features, which are automatically generated using Wikipedia pages. We make use of these gazetteer features along with other well-known features like contextual, word-level, and corpus features to build NER models. NER models are developed using three well-known classifiers—conditional random field (CRF), support vector machine (SVM), and margin infused relaxed algorithms (MIRA). The gazetteer features are shown to improve the performance, and theMIRA-based NER model fared better than its counterparts SVM and CRF.
The Time–Concentration–Mortality Responses of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, to the Synergistic Interaction of Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium flavoviride, Insecticides, and Diatomaceous Earth
Authors: Ge Wenchao , Du Guangzu , Zhang Limin , Li Zhengyue , Xiao Guanli , Chen Bin
Published: February 2020

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is a highly invasive pest which is harmful to many cash crops globally and resistant to various insecticides. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), as biological control agents, have demonstrated a good control effect on WFT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic and pathogenicity efficacy of the fungal strain Metarhizium flavoviride WSWL51721 when distributed with diatomaceous earth (DE) and the active ingredient imidacloprid using four bioassay methods against adult and second instar larvae of WFT. The data of the four bioassays have been fitted to the time–concentration–mortality (TCM) model. The corrected mortality ranges of WFT adults were 75–100%, 82.69–100%, 78.85–100%, and 92.31–100%, and the corrected mortality ranges of WFT second instar larvae were 72.22–100%, 85.19–100%, 77.77–100%, and 100% in the four bioassays at concentrations of 1.2 × 106 to 1.2 × 108 conidia/mL, respectively. At 1.2 × 108 conidia/mL, assays 2 (M. flavoviride with DE), 3 (M. flavoviride with imidacloprid), and 4 (M. flavoviride with DE and imidacloprid) had the shortest median lethal time (LT50), compared with that of assay 1 (M. flavoviride alone) for adults at 2.26 d, 2.06 d, and 1.53 d, and second instar larvae at 2.45 d, 1.70 d, and 1.41 d, respectively. The median lethal concentration (LC50) in the four bioassays decreased within 3–10 days of inoculation. On the third day, it was found that the lowest median lethal concentrations in assays 2, 3, and 4 were 1.58 × 107, 1.13 × 107, and 3.39 × 106 conidia/mL, respectively, which were significantly different from that in assay 1 for the adults. For the second instar larvae, assays 2, 3, and 4 also had the lowest lethal concentrations and were significantly different from those of assay 1. There were significant differences in sporulation between adults and second instar larvae under the four bioassays. Our results indicate that assays 2 (M. flavoviride with DE), 3 (M. flavoviride with imidacloprid), and 4 (M. flavoviride with DE and imidacloprid) demonstrate synergistic effects on the control of both adult and second instar larvae of WFT under laboratory conditions.
Biology and Life Stages of Pine Spittle Bug Ocoaxo assimilis Walker (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)
Authors: Cid-Muñoz Raquel , Cibrián-Tovar David , Valadez-Moctezuma Ernestina , Estrada-Martínez Emma , Armendáriz-Toledano Francisco
Published: February 2020

The first records of outbreaks of the Pine Spittle bug Ocoaxo assimilis Walker were recently identified from Puebla, Mexico, which promoted more than 2600 ha of forest foliar fall. Beyond the taxonomic and distribution information of this species, the basic traits of its biology remain unknown. This study aims to describe some biological aspects of O. assimilis, in a natural pine forest at Nicolás Bravo, Puebla (NB). Using morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis of a fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I mtDNA (COI), immature instars with adults were studied; the instar number was determined by means of a multivariate analysis of 19 morphological characteristics of 121 specimens. The systematic sampling to evaluate the occurrence of nymphal specimens during a year, plus host selection experiments, allowed for determination of the abundance over time, voltism, and host preferences. Phylogenetic analysis of the COI supported that both nymphs and adults collected in NB correspond to O. assimilis. Principal coordinate analysis supported the existence of five nymphal stages. Field sampling and host selection experiments indicated that this species displays a single generation per year, is associated with the rainy season, and that specimens from the three first nymphal stages feed on roots of eight host species (one grass, four herbaceous species, one bush, and two trees). From the fourth instar, the insects feed on pine roots to complete their development, and when they are adults, they migrate to needles of young or mature pine stands of Pinus pseudostrobus to feed and reproduce.
De Novo Transcriptomic Resources in the Brain of Vespa velutina for Invasion Control
Authors: Wang Miao , Li Hanyu , Zheng Huoqing , Zhao Liuwei , Xue Xiaofeng , Wu Liming
Published: February 2020

The invasion of Vespa velutina presents a great threat to the agriculture economy, the ecological environment, and human health. An effective strategy for this hornet control is urgently required, but the limited genome information of Vespa velutina restricts the application of molecular-genomic tools for targeted hornet management. Therefore, we conducted large-scale transcriptome profiling of the hornet brain to obtain functional target genes and molecular markers. Using an Illumina HiSeq platform, more than 41 million clean reads were obtained and de novo assembled into 182,087 meaningful unigenes. A total of 56,400 unigenes were annotated against publicly available protein sequence databases and a set of reliable Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) markers were developed. The homologous genes encoding crucial behavior regulation factors, odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and vitellogenin, were also identified from highly expressed transcripts. This study provides abundant molecular targets and markers for invasive hornet control and further promotes the genetic and molecular study of Vespa velutina.
Levosimendan Improves Oxidative Balance in Cardiogenic Shock/Low Cardiac Output Patients
Authors: Grossini Elena , Farruggio Serena , Pierelli Daniele , Bolzani Virginia , Rossi Lidia , Pollesello Piero , Monaco Carolina
Published: February 2020

The beneficial effects exerted by levosimendan against cardiac failure could be related to the modulation of oxidative balance. We aimed to examine the effects of levosimendan in patients with cardiogenic shock or low cardiac output on cardiac systo-diastolic function and plasma oxidants/antioxidants (glutathione, GSH; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS). In four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or angioplasty, cardiovascular parameters and plasma GSH and TBARS were measured at T0 (before levosimendan infusion), T1 (1 h after the achievement of the therapeutic dosage of levosimendan), T2 (end of levosimendan infusion), T3 (72 h after the end of levosimendan infusion), and T4 (end of cardiogenic shock). We found an improvement in the indices of systolic (ejection fraction, cardiac output, cardiac index) and diastolic (E to early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity, E/’; early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity, EA) cardiac function at early T2. A reduction of central venous pressure and pulmonary wedge pressure was also observed. Plasma levels of GSH and TBARS were restored by levosimendan at T1, as well. The results obtained indicate that levosimendan administration can regulate oxidant/antioxidant balance as an early effect in cardiogenic shock/low cardiac output patients. Modulation of oxidative status on a mitochondrial level could thus play a role in exerting the cardio-protection exerted by levosimendan in these patients.
Characteristics and Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiome in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Swarte J. Casper , Douwes Rianne M. , Hu Shixian , Vich Vila Arnau , Eisenga Michele F. , van Londen Marco , Gomes-Neto António W. , Weersma Rinse K. , Harmsen Hermie J.M. , Bakker Stephan J.L.
Published: February 2020

Renal transplantation is life-changing in many aspects. This includes changes to the gut microbiome likely due to exposure to immunosuppressive drugs and antibiotics. As a consequence, renal transplant recipients (RTRs) might suffer from intestinal dysbiosis. We aimed to investigate the gut microbiome of RTRs and compare it with healthy controls and to identify determinants of the gut microbiome of RTRs. Therefore, RTRs and healthy controls participating in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study (NCT03272841) were included. We analyzed the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing and compared the composition of the gut microbiome of RTRs to healthy controls using multivariate association with linear models (MaAsLin). Fecal samples of 139 RTRs (50% male, mean age: 58.3 ± 12.8 years) and 105 healthy controls (57% male, mean age: 59.2 ± 10.6 years) were collected. Median time after transplantation of RTRs was 6.0 (1.5–12.5)years. The microbiome composition of RTRs was significantly different from that of healthy controls, and RTRs had a lower diversity of the gut microbiome (p < 0.01). Proton-pump inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are significant determinants of the gut microbiome of RTRs (p < 0.05). Use of mycophenolate mofetil correlated to a lower diversity (p < 0.01). Moreover, significant alterations were found in multiple bacterial taxa between RTRs and healthy controls. The gut microbiome of RTRs contained more Proteobacteria and less Actinobacteria, and there was a loss of butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut microbiome of RTRs. By comparing the gut microbiome of RTRs to healthy controls we have shown that RTRs suffer from dysbiosis, a disruption in the balance of the gut microbiome.
Comprehensive Care for Patients with Sarcoidosis
Authors: Moor Catharina C. , Kahlmann Vivienne , Culver Daniel A. , Wijsenbeek Marlies S.
Published: February 2020

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease, associated with significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. Treatment is aimed at recovering organ function, reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life. Because of the heterogeneity and variable disease course, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care is needed. Comprehensive care includes not only pharmacological interventions, but also supportive measures aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent knowledge regarding different aspects of care and propose a structured approach to sarcoidosis management.
Long-Term Influence of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on Dental Implants after Maxillary Augmentation: Implant Survival and Success Rates
Authors: Attia Sameh , Narberhaus Clara , Schaaf Heidrun , Streckbein Philipp , Pons-Kühnemann Jörn , Schmitt Christian , Neukam Friedrich Wilhelm , Howaldt Hans-Peter , Böttger Sebastian
Published: February 2020

The atrophic maxilla often requires bone augmentation before implant placement to ensure long-term implant success. A previous prospective clinical trial examined the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during maxillary augmentation. The short-term results showed no positive effect of PRP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the same patient collective of the previous study regarding the PRP long-term impact on the survival and success of dental implants. Fifty-three patients from the previous study diagnosed with maxillary atrophy and augmented with autologous bone grafts from the iliac crest and dental implants, were included in this study. Treatment was carried out on both sides in 34 patients with a split-mouth-design in which one randomly chosen side was treated additionally with PRP, the other side was the control-side. Nineteen patients were treated only on one side and were assigned to the PRP—or the control group randomly. Implant follow-up of the patients from the previous study was performed after an average time of 13 years. Implant success was evaluated using two different success criteria. Thitry-seven patients (25 women and 12 men) were investigated in this study. Seventeen patients (12 female, 5 male) were included in the PRP group, while 20 patients (13 female, 7 male) participated in the control group. A total of 210 implants were inserted. Of these, 102 implants (48.57%) were placed in the PRP group and 108 implants (51.42%) in the control group. Out of 102 investigated implants in the PRP group, 6 were removed (survival rate 94.1%). While two of the 108 implants in the control group were loss (survival rate 98.1%). In the PRP group, the cumulative probability of survival after 15.1 years was 94.1% and in the control group, was 98.1%, with no significant difference between the two groups. Higher significant difference for the control group was found in the cumulative success probability using Albrektson criteria (p = 0.05). Positive impact of PRP on long-term implant survival and success could not be found.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement with Self-Expandable ACURATE neo as Compared to Balloon-Expandable SAPIEN 3 in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis: Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Propensity-Matched Studies
Authors: Gozdek Mirosław , Zieliński Kamil , Pasierski Michał , Matteucci Matteo , Fina Dario , Jiritano Federica , Meani Paolo , Raffa Giuseppe Maria , Malvindi Pietro Giorgio , Pilato Michele , Paparella Domenico , Słomka Artur , Kubica Jacek , Jagielak Dariusz , Lorusso Roberto , Suwalski Piotr , Kowalewski Mariusz
Published: February 2020

Frequent occurrence of paravalvular leak (PVL) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was the main concern with earlier-generation devices. Current meta-analysis compared outcomes of TAVR with next-generation devices: ACURATE neo and SAPIEN 3. In random-effects meta-analysis, the pooled incidence rates of procedural, clinical and functional outcomes according to VARC-2 definitions were assessed. One randomized controlled trial and five observational studies including 2818 patients (ACURATE neo n = 1256 vs. SAPIEN 3 n = 1562) met inclusion criteria. ACURATE neo was associated with a 3.7-fold increase of moderate-to-severe PVL (RR (risk ratio): 3.70 (2.04–6.70); P < 0.0001), which was indirectly related to higher observed 30-day mortality with ACURATE valve (RR: 1.77 (1.03–3.04); P = 0.04). Major vascular complications, acute kidney injury, periprocedural myocardial infarction, stroke and serious bleeding events were similar between devices. ACURATE neo demonstrated lower transvalvular pressure gradients both at discharge (P < 0.00001) and at 30 days (P < 0.00001), along with lower risk of patient–prosthesis mismatch (RR: 0.29 (0.10–0.87); P = 0.03) and pacemaker implantation (RR: 0.64 (0.50–0.81); P = 0.0002), but no differences were observed regarding composite endpoints early safety and device success. In conclusion, ACURATE neo, as compared with SAPIEN 3, was associated with higher rates of moderate-to-severe PVL, which were indirectly linked with increased observed 30-day all-cause mortality.
Diagnostic Value of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography Scans with Tc-99m HDP in Cervicogenic Headache
Authors: Cho Pyung Goo , Kim Tae Woo , Ji Gyu Yeul , Park Sang Hyuk , Yun Mi Jin , Shin Dong Ah
Published: February 2020

A cervicogenic headache (CEH) is difficult to diagnose due to its varied pathology. We evaluated the usefulness of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in diagnosing CEH and its interventional treatment. Retrospectively, 23 patients diagnosed with CEH between March 2016 to August 2018 were allocated to SPECT/CT (n = 11) and control (n = 12) groups. The SPECT/CT group was further stratified into SPECT/CT(+) and SPECT/CT(-) groups according to the presence of positive findings. Patients in the SPECT/CT group underwent an intra-articular injection at a radiologically verified lesion site, whereas those in the control group underwent third occipital nerve block. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and global perceived effect (GPE) scale at baseline, and at one, three, and six months postoperatively. The SPECT/CT group showed less VAS, NDI, and GPE scores at six months postoperatively (2.91 ± 2.30 vs. 4.42 ± 1.62, p = 0.08; 38.00 ± 16.54 vs. 48.7 ± 12.40, p = 0.093; 2.00 ± 1.41 vs. 3.17 ± 1.11, p = 0.039). Successful responders at six months postoperatively were higher in the SPECT/CT(+) group than in the control group (75% vs. 0%). SPECT/CT can identify arthritic changes and accurately define therapeutic targets.
Influence of the El Niño Phenomenon on Shoreline Evolution. Case Study: Callao Bay, Perú
Authors: Guzman Emanuel , Ramos Carmela , Dastgheib Ali
Published: February 2020

Analyzing the long-term behavior of the coastlines in the vicinity of river mouths and estuaries usually relies on the mean (predicted) values of the sediment discharge from the river. However, this approach does not consider low frequency, severe events, such as El Niño (EN), that can have a large effect on coastlines. While the effects of an EN on flooding and droughts are well studied, little information exists about its effects on coastal zones, and especially on the evolution of coastlines. In early 2017, an EN occurred in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, and the country of Peru was affected with high precipitation levels, and extreme river discharges and flooding. During this event, in the district of Lima, the Rimac River discharged a huge amount of sediment into the Callao Bay, and the shoreline accreted approximately 1 km, demonstrating the significant effects that an EN can have on coastal zones. To explore these effects, this paper studies the influence of an EN on shoreline evolution in the Callao Bay by analyzing Landsat images from 1985–2019 to understand the shoreline evolution and identify changes to the coastline. Results show that when an extraordinary EN occurs (e.g., 1982–1983, 1997–1998, and 2017), the shoreline experiences high accretion compared to when a smaller, or no EN occurs. During these events, a significant delta forms at the south end of the bay, and the redistribution of the accumulated sediment by wave action causes the accretion of the adjacent coastlines for as far as 7 km north of the river mouth. This shows the importance of these events for the wellbeing of coastlines adjacent to river mouths affected by EN.
The Nagoya Protocol and Its Implications on the EU Atlantic Area Countries
Authors: Martins Joana , Cruz Diogo , Vasconcelos Vitor
Published: February 2020

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization came into force in October 2014. In the European Union (EU), new legislation had to be developed in order to apply the mandatory elements of the Protocol, namely, the Regulation (EU) Nº 511/2014 (ABS Regulation) and the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1866, laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation ABS with regard to the register of collection, monitor user compliance, and best practices. As a consequence, EU countries had to develop their own legislation in order to implement the Nagoya Protocol (NP), as well as the EU regulations. One important fact that distinguishes the national legislation of the EU countries is that some countries choose to control access to genetic resources (GR), while others do not apply access measures. The Atlantic Area countries in the EU share an attractive coastline with regard to the potential of their GR. In addition, the microalgae industry has been identified as a business sector with high potential. Therefore, it is important for GR users to be informed about the existing regulations and the national differences that may occur within EU countries. In this article, the origins and main content of the Nagoya Protocol are described, together with their implications at the EU level and particularly in the countries of the Atlantic Area region. As a result, a decision framework is proposed in order to support the GR users among this region.
Contributions of the Biofilm Matrix to Candida Pathogenesis
Authors: Nett Jeniel E. , Andes David R.
Published: February 2020

In healthcare settings, Candida spp. cause invasive disease with high mortality. The overwhelming majority of cases are associated with the use of critically-needed medical devices, such as vascular catheters. On the surface of these indwelling materials, Candida forms resilient, adherent biofilm communities. A hallmark characteristic of this process is the production of an extracellular matrix, which promotes fungal adhesion and provides protection from external threats. In this review, we highlight the medical relevance of device-associated Candida biofilms and draw attention to the process of Candida-biofilm-matrix production. We provide an update on the current understanding of how biofilm extracellular matrix contributes to pathogenicity, particularly through its roles in the promoting antifungal drug tolerance and immune evasion.
How to Explain When the ES Is Lower Than One? A Bayesian Nonlinear Mixed-Effects Approach
Authors: Thach Nguyen Ngoc
Published: February 2020

Most studies in Vietnam use the Cobb-Douglas production function and its modifications for economic analysis. Extremely rigid presumptions are a main weak point of this functional form, particularly if the elasticity of factor substitution (ES) is equal to one, which hides the role of the ES for economic growth. The CES (constant elasticity of substitution) production function with more flexible presumptions, concretely its ES, is not unitary, and has been used more and more widely in economic investigations. So, this study is conducted to estimate the average ES through the specification of an aggregate CES function for the Vietnamese nonfinancial enterprises. By performing Bayesian nonlinear mixed-effects regression via Random-walk Metropolis Hastings (MH) algorithm, based on the data set of the listed nonfinancial enterprises of Vietnam, the author found that the CES function estimated for the researched enterprises has an ES lower than one, i.e., capital and labor are complimentary. This finding shows that Vietnamese nonfinancial enterprises can confront a downward trend of output growth.
Performance Evaluation of the Polyurethane-Based Composites Prepared with Recycled Polymer Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Ma Wenbo , Zhao Zenggang , Guo Shuaicheng , Zhao Yanbing , Wu Zhiren , Yang Caiqian
Published: February 2020

Currently the investigation on recycled cement concrete aggregate has been widely conducted, while the understanding of the recycled polymer concrete aggregate is still limited. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap through the experimental investigation on mechanical and durability performance. Specifically, the remolded polyurethane stabilized Pisha sandstone was collected as the recycled polymer concrete aggregate. The remolded Pisha sandstone was then applied to re-prepare the polyurethane-based composites. After that, the mechanical performance of the prepared composites was first examined with unconfined and triaxial compressive tests. The results indicated that the Pisha sandstone reduces the composite’s compressive strength. The reduction is caused by the remained polyurethane material on the surface of the remolded aggregate, which reduces its bond strength with the new polyurethane material. Aiming at this issue, this study applied the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) to enhance the bond performance between the polyurethane and remolded sandstone. The test results indicated both the unconfined and triaxle compressive strength of the polyurethane composites were enhanced with the added EVA content. Furthermore, the durability performance of the EVA-modified composites were examined through freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycle tests. The test results indicated the EVA could enhance the polyurethane composites’ resistance to both wet-dry and freeze-thaw cycles. Overall, the modification with EVA can compensate for the strength loss of polyurethane composites because of the applied remolded aggregate and enhance its sustainability.
Improvement of SiC Crystal Growth Rate and Uniformity via Top-Seeded Solution Growth under External Static Magnetic Field: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Ha Minh-Tan , Lich Le Van , Shin Yun-Ji , Bae Si-Young , Lee Myung-Hyun , Jeong Seong-Min
Published: February 2020

Silicon carbide (SiC) is an ideal material for high-power and high-performance electronic applications. Top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) is considered as a potential method for bulk growth of high-quality SiC single crystals from the liquid phase source material. The crystal growth performance, such as growth rate and uniformity, is driven by the fluid flow and constitutional flux in the solution. In this study, we numerically investigate the contribution of the external static magnetic field generated by Helmholtz coils to the fluid flow in the silicon melt. Depending on the setup of the Helmholtz coils, four static magnetic field distributions are available, namely, uniform vertical upward/downward and vertical/horizontal cusp. Based on the calculated carbon flux coming to the crystal surface, the vertical downward magnetic field proved its ability to enhance the growth rate as well as the uniformity of the grown crystal.