bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open Data for Differential Network Analysis in Glioma
Authors: Jean-Quartier Claire , Jeanquartier Fleur , Holzinger Andreas
Published: January 2020

The complexity of cancer diseases demands bioinformatic techniques and translational research based on big data and personalized medicine. Open data enables researchers to accelerate cancer studies, save resources and foster collaboration. Several tools and programming approaches are available for analyzing data, including annotation, clustering, comparison and extrapolation, merging, enrichment, functional association and statistics. We exploit openly available data via cancer gene expression analysis, we apply refinement as well as enrichment analysis via gene ontology and conclude with graph-based visualization of involved protein interaction networks as a basis for signaling. The different databases allowed for the construction of huge networks or specified ones consisting of high-confidence interactions only. Several genes associated to glioma were isolated via a network analysis from top hub nodes as well as from an outlier analysis. The latter approach highlights a mitogen-activated protein kinase next to a member of histondeacetylases and a protein phosphatase as genes uncommonly associated with glioma. Cluster analysis from top hub nodes lists several identified glioma-associated gene products to function within protein complexes, including epidermal growth factors as well as cell cycle proteins or RAS proto-oncogenes. By using selected exemplary tools and open-access resources for cancer research and differential network analysis, we highlight disturbed signaling components in brain cancer subtypes of glioma.
Melatonin-Induced Cytoskeleton Reorganization Leads to Inhibition of Melanoma Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Alvarez-Artime Alejandro , Cernuda-Cernuda Rafael , Francisco-Artime-Naveda  , Cepas Vanesa , Gonzalez-Menendez Pedro , Fernadez-Vega Sheila , Quiros-Gonzalez Isabel , Sainz Rosa M. , Mayo Juan C.
Published: January 2020

Neuroindole melatonin, a hormone synthesized during the night mainly—but not exclusively—by the pineal gland of all vertebrates, functions as an adapting signal to the light-dark cycle. Its antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties are all well-known and widely reported. Melanoma is one of the most common carcinomas among developed countries and a type of tumor particularly difficult to fight back in medium/advanced stages. In contrast to other types of cancer, influence of melatonin on melanoma has been scarcely investigated. Thus, we have chosen the murine melanoma model B16-F10 cell line to study antiproliferative and antitumoral actions of melatonin. For this purpose, we combined both, cell culture and in vivo models. Melatonin reduced either, growth rate or migration of B16-F10 cells. Furthermore, melanin synthesis was altered by melatonin, promoting its synthesis. Melatonin also induced a G2/M cell cycle arrest and altered the cytoskeletal organization. To corroborate these results, we tested the effect of melatonin in the in vivo model of B16-F10 cell injection in the tail vein, which causes numerous lung metastases. Two different strategies of melatonin administration were used, namely, in drinking water, or daily intraperitoneal injection. However, contrary to what occurred in cell culture, no differences were observed between control and melatonin treated groups. Results obtained led us to conclude that melatonin exerts an antiproliferative and anti-migrating effect on this melanoma model by interfering with the cytoskeleton organization, but this pharmacological effect cannot be translated in vivo as the indole did not prevent metastasis in the murine model, suggesting that further insights into the effects of the indole in melanoma cells should be approached to understand this apparent paradox.
The Innovation Comes from the Sea: Chitosan and Alginate Hybrid Gels and Films as Sustainable Materials for Wastewater Remediation
Authors: Tummino Maria Laura , Magnacca Giuliana , Cimino Dafne , Laurenti Enzo , Nisticò Roberto
Published: January 2020

The growing utilization of renewable and residual biomasses for environmental preservation and remediation are important goals to be pursued to minimize the environmental impact of human activities. In this paper, sodium alginate (derived from brown algae) was crosslinked using chitosan (mainly derived from the exoskeleton of crustaceans) in the presence of biowaste-derived substances isolated from green compost (BBS-GC), to produce hydrogels and dried films. The obtained materials were tested as adsorbents for wastewater remediation. To this purpose, gels were characterized using a multi-analytical approach and used as active substrates for the removal of three differently-charged molecules, chosen as model pollutants: crystal violet, rhodamine B, and orange II. The effectiveness of the gel formulations was demonstrated and attributed to the variety of active functionalities introduced by the different precursors, the structural factors and the peculiar physicochemical properties of the resulting materials.
Fabrication of Gentamicin-Loaded Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Bone-Like Nanocomposite for Anti-Infection Bone Void Fillers
Authors: Oshima Sho , Sato Taira , Honda Michiyo , Suetsugu Yasushi , Ozeki Kazuhide , Kikuchi Masanori
Published: January 2020

A gentamicin-loaded hydroxyapatite/collagen bone-like nanocomposite (GNT-HAp/Col) was fabricated and evaluated for its absorption–desorption properties, antibacterial efficacy, and cytotoxicity. The hydroxyapatite/collagen bone-like nanocomposite (HAp/Col) powder was mixed with gentamicin sulfate (GNT) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at room temperature. After 6 h mixing, the GNT adsorption in all conditions reached plateau by Langmuir’s isotherm, and maximum GNT adsorption amount was 34 ± 7 μg in 250 μg/mL GNT solution. Saturated GNT-loaded HAp/Col powder of 100 mg was soaked in 10 mL of PBS at 37 °C and released all GNT in 3 days. A shaking culture method for a GNT extraction from the GNT-HAp/Col and an inhibition zone assay for the GNT-HAp/Col compact showed antibacterial efficacy to Escherichia coli (E. coli) at least for 2 days. From the release profile of the GNT from the GNT-HAp/Col powder, antibacterial efficacy would affect E. coli at least for 3 days. Further, no cytotoxicities were observed on MG-63 cells. Thus, the GNT-HAp/Col is a good candidate of bioresorbable anti-infection bone void fillers by prevention initial infections, which is the primary cause of implant-associated infection even for rapid bioresorbable materials.
Possibilities of Improving the Clinical Value of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies in Cancer Care by Optimizing Patient Selection
Authors: Iivanainen Sanna , Koivunen Jussi P.
Published: January 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have become the most important medical therapies in many malignancies, such as melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and urogenital cancers. However, due to generally low response rates of PD-(L)1 monotherapy, both PD-(L)1 combination therapies and novel therapeutics are under large-scale clinical evaluation. Thus far, clinical trials have rather suboptimally defined the patient population most likely to benefit from ICI therapy, and there is an unmet need for negative predictive markers aiming to reduce the number of non-responding patients in clinical practice. Furthermore, there is a strong need for basic tumor immunology research and innovative clinical trials to fully unleash the potential of ICI combinations for the benefit of patients.
Genomic Characterization and Expressional Profiles of Autophagy-Related Genes (ATGs) in Oilseed Crop Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: Han Bing , Xu Hui , Feng Yingting , Xu Wei , Cui Qinghua , Liu Aizhong
Published: January 2020

Cellular autophagy is a widely-occurring conserved process for turning over damaged organelles or recycling cytoplasmic contents in cells. Although autophagy-related genes (ATGs) have been broadly identified from many plants, little is known about the potential function of autophagy in mediating plant growth and development, particularly in recycling cytoplasmic contents during seed development and germination. Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is one of the most important inedible oilseed crops. Its mature seed has a persistent and large endosperm with a hard and lignified seed coat, and is considered a model system for studying seed biology. Here, a total of 34 RcATG genes were identified in the castor bean genome and their sequence structures were characterized. The expressional profiles of these RcATGs were examined using RNA-seq and real-time PCR in a variety of tissues. In particular, we found that most RcATGs were significantly up-regulated in the later stage of seed coat development, tightly associated with the lignification of cell wall tissues. During seed germination, the expression patterns of most RcATGs were associated with the decomposition of storage oils. Furthermore, we observed by electron microscopy that the lipid droplets were directly swallowed by the vacuoles, suggesting that autophagy directly participates in mediating the decomposition of lipid droplets via the microlipophagy pathway in germinating castor bean seeds. This study provides novel insights into understanding the potential function of autophagy in mediating seed development and germination.
Fabrication and Characterization of Polyetherimide Electrospun Scaffolds Modified with Graphene Nano-Platelets and Hydroxyapatite Nano-Particles
Authors: Kostopoulos Vassilis , Kotrotsos Athanasios , Fouriki Kalliopi , Kalarakis Alexandros , Portan Diana
Published: January 2020

Solution electrospinning process (SEP) is a versatile technique for generating non-woven fibrous materials intended to a wide range of applications. One of them is the production of fibrous and porous scaffolds aiming to mimic bone tissue, as artificial extracellular matrices (ECM). In the present work, pure and nano-modified electrospun polyetherimide (PEI) scaffolds have been successfully fabricated. The nano-modified ones include (a) graphene nano-platelets (GNPs), (b) hydroxyapatite (HAP), and (c) mixture of both. After fabrication, the morphological characteristics of these scaffolds were revealed by using scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopies, while porosity and mean fiber diameter were also calculated. In parallel, contact angle experiments were conducted so that the hydrophilicity level of these materials to be determined. Finally, the mechanical performance of the fabricated scaffolds was investigated by conducting uniaxial tensile tests. Ιn future work, the fabricated scaffolds will be further utilized for investigation as potential candidate materials for cell culture with perspective in orthopedic applications.
Approaches to Monitor Circuit Disruption after Traumatic Brain Injury: Frontiers in Preclinical Research
Authors: Krishna Gokul , Beitchman Joshua A. , Bromberg Caitlin E. , Currier Thomas Theresa
Published: January 2020

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in pathophysiological damage that can manifest as both acute and chronic neurological deficits. In an attempt to repair and reconnect disrupted circuits to compensate for loss of afferent and efferent connections, maladaptive circuitry is created and contributes to neurological deficits, including post-concussive symptoms. The TBI-induced pathology physically and metabolically changes the structure and function of neurons associated with behaviorally relevant circuit function. Complex neurological processing is governed, in part, by circuitry mediated by primary and modulatory neurotransmitter systems, where signaling is disrupted acutely and chronically after injury, and therefore serves as a primary target for treatment. Monitoring of neurotransmitter signaling in experimental models with technology empowered with improved temporal and spatial resolution is capable of recording in vivo extracellular neurotransmitter signaling in behaviorally relevant circuits. Here, we review preclinical evidence in TBI literature that implicates the role of neurotransmitter changes mediating circuit function that contributes to neurological deficits in the post-acute and chronic phases and methods developed for in vivo neurochemical monitoring. Coupling TBI models demonstrating chronic behavioral deficits with in vivo technologies capable of real-time monitoring of neurotransmitters provides an innovative approach to directly quantify and characterize neurotransmitter signaling as a universal consequence of TBI and the direct influence of pharmacological approaches on both behavior and signaling.
Role of Cyclosporine in Gingival Hyperplasia: An In Vitro Study on Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Lauritano Dorina , Palmieri Annalisa , Lucchese Alberta , Di Stasio Dario , Moreo Giulia , Carinci Francesco
Published: January 2020

Background: Gingival hyperplasia could occur after the administration of cyclosporine A. Up to 90% of the patients submitted to immunosuppressant drugs have been reported to suffer from this side effect. The role of fibroblasts in gingival hyperplasia has been widely discussed by literature, showing contrasting results. In order to demonstrate the effect of cyclosporine A on the extracellular matrix component of fibroblasts, we investigated the gene expression profile of human fibroblasts after cyclosporine A administration. Materials and methods: Primary gingival fibroblasts were stimulated with 1000 ng/mL cyclosporine A solution for 16 h. Gene expression levels of 57 genes belonging to the “Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules” pathway were analyzed using real-time PCR in treated cells, compared to untreated cells used as control. Results: Expression levels of different genes were significantly de-regulated. The gene CDH1, which codes for the cell adhesion protein E-cadherin, showed up-regulation. Almost all the extracellular matrix metalloproteases showed down-regulation (MMP8, MMP11, MMP15, MMP16, MMP24, MMP26). The administration of cyclosporine A was followed by down-regulation of other genes: COL7A1, the transmembrane receptors ITGB2 and ITGB4, and the basement membrane constituents LAMA2 and LAMB1. Conclusion: Data collected demonstrate that cyclosporine inhibits the secretion of matrix proteases, contributing to the accumulation of extracellular matrix components in the gingival connective tissue, causing gingival overgrowth. Patients affected by gingival overgrowth caused by cyclosporine A need to be further investigated in order to determine the role of this drug on fibroblasts.
Evaluation of Thio- and Seleno-Acetamides Bearing Benzenesulfonamide as Inhibitor of Carbonic Anhydrases from Different Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Angeli Andrea , Pinteala Mariana , Maier Stelian S. , Simionescu Bogdan C. , Milaneschi Andrea , Abbas Ghulam , del Prete Sonia , Capasso Clemente , Capperucci Antonella , Tanini Damiano , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: January 2020

A series of 2-thio- and 2-seleno-acetamides bearing the benzenesulfonamide moiety were evaluated as Carbonic Anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors against different pathogenic bacteria such as the Vibrio cholerae (VchCA-α and VchCA-β), Burkholderia pseudomallei (BpsCA-β and BpsCA-γ), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Rv3723-β) and the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (StCA2-β). The molecules represent interesting leads worth developing as innovative antibacterial agents since they possess new mechanism of action and isoform selectivity preferentially against the bacterial expressed CAs. The identification of potent and selective inhibitors of bacterial CAs may lead to tools also useful for deciphering the physiological role(s) of such proteins.
Aquaglyceroporins Are Differentially Expressed in Beige and White Adipocytes
Authors: da Silva Inês Vieira , Díaz-Sáez Francisco , Zorzano António , Gumà Anna , Camps Marta , Soveral Graça
Published: January 2020

Browning of white adipocytes has been proposed as a powerful strategy to overcome metabolic complications, since brown adipocytes are more catabolic, expending energy as a heat form. However, the biological pathways involved in the browning process are still unclear. Aquaglyceroporins are a sub-class of aquaporin water channels that also permeate glycerol and are involved in body energy homeostasis. In the adipose tissue, aquaporin-7 (AQP7) is the most representative isoform, being crucial for white adipocyte fully differentiation and glycerol metabolism. The altered expression of AQP7 is involved in the onset of obesity and metabolic disorders. Herein, we investigated if aquaglyceroporins are implicated in beige adipocyte differentiation, similar to white cells. Thus, we optimized a protocol of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes browning that displayed increased beige and decreased white adipose tissue features at both gene and protein levels and evaluated aquaporin expression patterns along the differentiation process together with cellular lipid content. Our results revealed that AQP7 and aquaporin-9 (AQP9) expression was downregulated throughout beige adipocyte differentiation compared to white differentiation, which may be related to the beige physiological role of heat production from oxidative metabolism, contrasting with the anabolic/catabolic lipid metabolism requiring glycerol gateways occurring in white adipose cells.
Report for the Sixth Meeting of the International Society for Zinc Biology (ISZB-2019)
Authors: Fukada Toshiyuki , Kambe Taiho
Published: January 2020

The sixth meeting of the International Society for Zinc Biology (ISZB-2019) was held on September 9–13, 2019 in Kyoto, Japan. The meeting attracted 215 participants, had four plenary speakers, ten scientific symposia, two oral sessions, and one poster discussion session. In this chapter, we describe the outcomes and events of this very successful meeting.
Bone Marrow Stromal Cells-Induced Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ria Roberto , Vacca Angelo
Published: January 2020

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell lineage cancer in which neoplastic plasma cells expand in the bone marrow and pathophysiological interactions with components of microenvironment influence many biological aspects of the malignant phenotype, including apoptosis, survival, proliferation, and invasion. Despite the therapeutic progress achieved in the last two decades with the introduction of a more effective and safe new class of drugs (i.e., immunomodulators, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies), there is improvement in patient survival, and multiple myeloma (MM) remains a non-curable disease. The bone marrow microenvironment is a complex structure composed of cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and cytokines, in which tumor plasma cells home and expand. The role of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment is fundamental during MM disease progression because modification induced by tumor plasma cells is crucial for composing a “permissive” environment that supports MM plasma cells proliferation, migration, survival, and drug resistance. The “activated phenotype” of the microenvironment of multiple myeloma is functional to plasma cell proliferation and spreading and to plasma cell drug resistance. Plasma cell drug resistance induced by bone marrow stromal cells is mediated by stress-managing pathways, autophagy, transcriptional rewiring, and non-coding RNAs dysregulation. These processes represent novel targets for the ever-increasing anti-MM therapeutic armamentarium.
Soil Health and Arthropods: From Complex System to Worthwhile Investigation
Authors: Menta Cristina , Remelli Sara
Published: January 2020

The dramatic increase in soil degradation in the last few decades has led to the need to identify methods to define not only soil quality but also, in a holistic approach, soil health. In the past twenty years, indices based on living communities have been proposed alongside the already proven physical-chemical methods. Among them, some soil invertebrates have been included in monitoring programs as bioindicators of soil quality. Being an important portion of soil fauna, soil arthropods are involved in many soil processes such as organic matter decomposition and translocation, nutrient cycling, microflora activity regulation and bioturbation. Many studies have reported the use of soil arthropods to define soil quality; among taxa, some have been explored more in depth, typically Acari and Collembola, while generally less abundant groups, such as Palpigradi or Embioptera, have not been investigated much. This paper aims to evaluate and compare the use of different soil microarthropod taxa in soil degradation/quality studies to highlight which groups are the most reported for soil monitoring and which are the most sensitive to soil degradation. We have decided not to include the two most present and abundant taxa, Acari and Collembola, in this paper in consideration of the vast amount of existing literature and focus the discussion on the other microarthropod groups. We reported some studies for each taxon highlighting the use of the group as soil quality indicator. A brief section reporting some indices based on soil microarthropods is proposed at the end of this specific discussion. This paper can be considered as a reference point in the use of soil arthropods to estimate soil quality and health.
Importance of Antixenosis and Antibiosis Resistance to the Cabbage Whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella) in Brussels Sprout Cultivars
Authors: Hondelmann Peter , Paul Christina , Schreiner Monika , Meyhöfer Rainer
Published: January 2020

The cabbage whitefly Aleyrodes proletella (L.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an important pest of a wide range of vegetable Brassicas. Since the control of this pest is still challenging, new approaches such as the use of resistant cultivars are required. For this, we screened 16 commercialised Brussels sprout cultivars for resistance against this species. Antibiosis was tested with no-choice experiments in a climate chamber, using reproduction, mortality, longevity, developmental time and weight as parameters. Antixenosis was screened in three choice experiments with circular design in a greenhouse to detect cultivar preferences. A field trial with both antibiosis and antixenosis tests was done to verify results under natural conditions. Finally, for several cultivars, also the leaf glucosinolate concentrations were analysed. Cabbage whiteflies showed on certain cultivars significantly increased mortality, prolonged developmental times and reduced weights. Besides, some cultivars were significantly less infested. However, the incidence of antibiosis and antixenosis as well as the glucosinolate patterns were partly inconsistent. Although a number of moderately resistant cultivars could be identified, the detected resistance is certainly not strong and consistent enough as an exclusive measure of a plant protection strategy but might become a component of a multi-layered strategy against cabbage whiteflies.
Induction of HO-1 by Mevastatin Mediated via a Nox/ROS-Dependent c-Src/PDGFRα/PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/ARE Cascade Suppresses TNF-α-Induced Lung Inflammation
Authors: Lin Chih-Chung , Lin Wei-Ning , Cho Rou-Ling , Yang Chien-Chung , Yeh Yi-Cheng , Hsiao Li-Der , Tseng Hui-Ching , Yang Chuen-Mao
Published: January 2020

Background: Mevastatin (MVS), a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme, a reductase (HMG-CoA) inhibitor, has anti-inflammatory effects potentially via up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). However, the mechanisms underlying MVS-induced HO-1 expression remain largely unknown in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs). Methods: HO-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression were determined using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and promoter reporter analyses. The signaling components were investigated using pharmacological inhibitors or specific small interfering RNA (siRNA)s. Interaction between Nrf2 and the antioxidant response element (ARE) binding site for the HO-1 promoter was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Results: Upregulation of HO-1 by MVS attenuated the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated ICAM-1 expression associated with THP-1 adhesion to HPAEpiCs. These inhibitory effects of HO-1 were reversed by tin protoporphyrin (SnPP)IX or by transfection with HO-1 siRNA. MVS-induced HO-1 expression was mediated via NADPH oxidase (Nox)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Activation of Nox2/ROS further stimulated the phosphorylation of p47phox, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase (c-Src), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDFGR)α, protein kinase B (Akt), and Nrf2, which were inhibited by siRNAs. Pretreatment with pharmacological inhibitors, including diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), apocynin (APO), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), PP1, AG1296, or LY294002, reduced the MVS-activated Nrf2 nuclear-translocation binding to the ARE on the HO-1 promoter. Conclusions: MVS-induced HO-1 is, at least in part, mediated through a p47phox/Nox2/ROS-dependent activation of c-Src/PDGFRα/PI3K/Akt-regulated Nrf2/ARE axis and suppresses the TNF-α-mediated inflammatory responses in HPAEpiCs.
Is Complete Re-Osseointegration of an Infected Dental Implant Possible? Histologic Results of a Dog Study: A Short Communication
Authors: Schlee Markus , Naili Loubna , Rathe Florian , Brodbeck Urs , Zipprich Holger
Published: January 2020

Complete reosseointegration after treatment of periimplantitis was never published yet. This short scientific communication reports about results of a randomized controlled preclinical study. An electrolytic approach was compared to a classical modality (ablative, cotton pellets soaked with sodium chloride solution and H2O2. For electrolytic cleaning a complete reosseointegration was achieved in several cases serving as a proof of concept.
What Are the Most Effective Behavioural Strategies in Changing Postpartum Women’s Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Behaviours? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lim Siew , Hill Briony , Pirotta Stephanie , O’Reilly Sharleen , Moran Lisa
Published: January 2020

Successful implementation of postpartum lifestyle interventions first requires the identification of effective core components, such as strategies for behavioural change. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe the associations between behavioural strategies and changes in weight, diet, and physical activity in postpartum women. Databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched for randomised controlled trials of lifestyle interventions in postpartum women (within 2 years post-delivery). Strategies were categorised according to the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy (v1). Forty-six articles were included (n = 3905 women, age 23–36 years). Meta-analysis showed that postpartum lifestyle interventions significantly improved weight (mean difference −2.46 kg, 95%CI −3.65 to −1.27) and physical activity (standardised mean difference 0.61, 95%CI 0.20 to 1.02) but not in energy intake. No individual strategy was significantly associated with weight or physical activity outcomes. On meta-regression, strategies such as problem solving (β = −1.74, P = 0.045), goal setting of outcome (β = −1.91, P = 0.046), reviewing outcome goal (β = −3.94, P = 0.007), feedback on behaviour (β = −2.81, P = 0.002), self-monitoring of behaviour (β = −3.20, P = 0.003), behavioural substitution (β = −3.20, P = 0.003), and credible source (β = −1.72, P = 0.033) were associated with greater reduction in energy intake. Behavioural strategies relating to self-regulation are associated with greater reduction in energy intake.
Endotracheal Intubation Success Rate in an Urban, Supervised, Resident-Staffed Emergency Mobile System: An 11-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chan Michèle , Fehlmann Christophe A. , Pasquier Mathieu , Suppan Laurent , Savoldelli Georges L.
Published: January 2020

Objectives: In the prehospital setting, endotracheal intubation (ETI) is sometimes required to secure a patient’s airways. Emergency ETI in the field can be particularly challenging, and success rates differ widely depending on the provider’s training, background, and experience. Our aim was to evaluate the ETI success rate in a resident-staffed and specialist-physician-supervised emergency prehospital system. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on data extracted from the Geneva University Hospitals’ institutional database. In this city, the prehospital emergency response system has three levels of expertise: the first is an advanced life-support ambulance staffed by two paramedics, the second is a mobile unit staffed by an advanced paramedic and a resident physician, and the third is a senior emergency physician acting as a supervisor, who can be dispatched either as backup for the resident physician or when a regular Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation unit (Service Mobile d’Urgence et de Réanimation, SMUR) is not available. For this study, records of all adult patients taken care of by a second- and/or third-level prehospital medical team between 2008 and 2018 were screened for intubation attempts. The primary outcome was the success rate of the ETI attempts. The secondary outcomes were the number of ETI attempts, the rate of ETI success at the first attempt, and the rate of ETIs performed by a supervisor. Results: A total of 3275 patients were included in the study, 55.1% of whom were in cardiac arrest. The overall ETI success rate was 96.8%, with 74.4% success at the first attempt. Supervisors oversaw 1167 ETI procedures onsite (35.6%) and performed the ETI themselves in only 488 cases (14.9%). Conclusion: A resident-staffed and specialist-physician-supervised urban emergency prehospital system can reach ETI success rates similar to those reported for a specialist-staffed system.
Associations between Brain Structural Damage and Core Muscle Loss in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wu Ying-Nong , Chen Meng-Hsiang , Chiang Pi-Ling , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Chen Hsiu-Ling , Yu Chiun-Chieh , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Chang Yung-Yee , Lin Wei-Che
Published: January 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease associated with progressive gray matter atrophy. In addition to motor function disorder, frailty and decreased muscle mass potentially contribute to increased morbidity risk. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the associations between lean muscle loss and gray matter volume (GMV) in PD patients. Methods: Thirty patients with PD and fifteen healthy controls underwent brain and bilateral thigh MRIs. The IDEAL sequence was employed, measuring the regions of interest (ROI) of fat percentage at the 50% point of femur length. Voxel-base morphometry (VBM) was used to assess regional gray matter volume differences between groups. Further correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the changes between gray matter volume and fatty percentage of the bilateral thigh after adjusting for age and gender. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate the risk factor of core muscle loss in PD patients. Results: Compared with controls, patients with PD had significantly higher thigh fat percentage and smaller gray matter volume of several brain locations of the default mode network (DMN), specifically the left superior temporal gyrus, right uncus, and left inferior temporal gyrus, revealing association with higher thigh fat percentage. Further multiple linear regression analysis indicated that higher thigh fat percentage is associated with gender (female), increased disease duration, and smaller gray matter volume of the left superior temporal gyrus and right uncus in PD patients. Conclusions: Patients with PD experience core muscle loss in the thigh, associated with default mode network (DMN) degeneration, longer disease duration, and female gender. Identification of risk factors associated with lean muscle mass loss may assist in early prevention of comorbidities such as sarcopenia.
Significance of Direct Confirmation of Growth Hormone Insensitivity for the Diagnosis of Primary IGF-I Deficiency
Authors: Smyczyńska Joanna , Smyczyńska Urszula , Hilczer Maciej , Stawerska Renata , Lewiński Andrzej
Published: January 2020

Primary insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) deficiency is a synonym of growth hormone (GH) insensitivity (GHI), however the necessity of direct confirmation of GH resistance by IGF-I generation test (IGF-GT) is discussed. GHI may disturb intrauterine growth, nevertheless short children born small for gestational age (SGA) are treated with GH. We tested the hypothesis that children with appropriate birth size (AGA), height standard deviation score (SDS) <−3.0, GH peak in stimulation tests (stimGH) ≥10.0 µg/L, IGF-I <2.5 centile, and excluded GHI may benefit during GH therapy. The analysis comprised 21 AGA children compared with 6 SGA and 20 GH-deficient ones, with height SDS and IGF-I as in the studied group. All patients were treated with GH up to final height (FH). Height velocity, IGF-I, and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) concentrations before and during first year of treatment were assessed. Effectiveness of therapy was better in GHD than in IGF-I deficiency (IGFD), with no significant difference between SGA and AGA groups. All but two AGA children responded well to GH. Pretreatment IGF-I and increase of height velocity (HV) during therapy but not the result of IGF-GT correlated with FH. As most AGA children with apparent severe IGFD benefit during GH therapy, direct confirmation of GHI seems necessary to diagnose true primary IGFD in them.
Circulating PCSK9 Level and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Death in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hwang Hyeon Seok , Kim Jin Sug , Kim Yang Gyun , Lee So-Young , Ahn Shin Young , Lee Hong Joo , Lee Dong-Young , Lee Sang Ho , Moon Ju Young , Jeong Kyung Hwan
Published: January 2020

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising new target for the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) events. However, the clinical significance of circulating PCSK9 is unclear in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A total of 353 HD patients were prospectively enrolled from June 2016 to August 2019 in a K-cohort. Plasma PCSK9 level was measured at the time of study enrollment. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of CV event and death. Plasma PCSK9 level was positively correlated with total cholesterol level in patients with statin treatment. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that baseline serum glucose, albumin, total cholesterol, and statin treatment were independent determinants of circulating PCSK9 levels. Cumulative rates of composite and CV events were significantly higher in patients with tertile 3 PCSK9 (p = 0.017 and p = 0.010, respectively). In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, PCSK9 tertile 3 was associated with a 1.97-fold risk of composite events (95% CI, 1.13–3.45), and it was associated with a 2.31-fold risk of CV events (95% CI, 1.17–4.59). In conclusion, a higher circulating PCSK9 level was independently associated with incident CV events and death in HD patients. These results suggest the importance of future studies regarding the effect of PCSK9 inhibition.
Relationship of Serum Progesterone and Progesterone Metabolites with Mammographic Breast Density and Terminal Ductal Lobular Unit Involution among Women Undergoing Diagnostic Breast Biopsy
Authors: Hada Manila , Oh Hannah , Fan Shaoqi , Falk Roni T. , Geller Berta , Vacek Pamela , Weaver Donald , Shepherd John , Wang Jeff , Fan Bo , Herschorn Sally , Brinton Louise A. , Xu Xia , Sherman Mark E. , Trabert Britton , Gierach Gretchen L.
Published: January 2020

The association of progesterone/progesterone metabolites with elevated mammographic breast density (MBD) and delayed age-related terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU) involution, strong breast cancer risk factors, has received limited attention. Using a reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry assay, we quantified serum progesterone/progesterone metabolites and explored cross-sectional relationships with MBD and TDLU involution among women, ages 40–65, undergoing diagnostic breast biopsy. Quantitative MBD measures were estimated in pre-biopsy digital mammograms. TDLU involution was quantified in diagnostic biopsies. Adjusted partial correlations and trends across MBD/TDLU categories were calculated. Pregnenolone was positively associated with percent MBD-area (MBD-A, rho: 0.30; p-trend = 0.01) among premenopausal luteal phase women. Progesterone tended to be positively associated with percent MBD-A among luteal phase (rho: 0.26; p-trend = 0.07) and postmenopausal (rho: 0.17; p-trend = 0.04) women. Consistent with experimental data, implicating an elevated 5α-pregnanes/3α-dihydroprogesterone (5αP/3αHP) metabolite ratio in breast cancer, higher 5αP/3αHP was associated with elevated percent MBD-A among luteal phase (rho: 0.29; p-trend = 0.08), but not postmenopausal women. This exploratory analysis provided some evidence that endogenous progesterone and progesterone metabolites might be correlated with MBD, a strong breast cancer risk factor, in both pre- and postmenopausal women undergoing breast biopsy. Additional studies are needed to understand the role of progesterone/progesterone metabolites in breast tissue composition and breast cancer risk.
Periodontal Behavior Around Teeth Prepared with Finishing Line for Restoration with Fixed Prostheses. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: León-Martínez Raquel , Montiel-Company Jose María , Bellot-Arcís Carlos , Solá-Ruíz María Fernanda , Selva-Otaolaurruchi Eduardo , Agustín-Panadero Rubén
Published: January 2020

Background: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the periodontal behavior around teeth prepared with horizontal finishing crowns supporting fixed metal-ceramic and zirconia full coverage crowns and fixed partial dentures (FDPs). Materials and methods: An electronic search was conducted to locate relevant clinical trials in four databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus. A manual search was made in the reference sections of the articles identified for any additional articles. No restrictions were applied regarding year of publication or language. The following variables were considered in quantitative and qualitative analysis: probing pocket depth (PPD); probing attachment level (PAL); plaque control record (PCR); bleeding on probing (BOP); and gingival margin migration. Results: Twenty articles were selected for qualitative synthesis, and of these, nine underwent meta-analysis. Higher PCR was found in control teeth, while BOP, PPD, and PAL were higher around teeth prepared with horizontal finishing lines supporting complete coverage crowns/FDPs Gingival migration results were the clearest manifestation of compromised periodontal health around teeth prepared with horizontal finishing lines. Conclusions: Meta-analysis revealed that teeth prepared with horizontal finishing lines supporting crowns and FDPs present more periodontal disorders than untreated control teeth.
The Effects of Asparagus Racemosus Supplementation Plus 8 Weeks of Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Endurance
Authors: Anders John Paul V. , Keller Joshua L. , Smith Cory M. , Hill Ethan C. , Housh Terry J. , Schmidt Richard J. , Johnson Glen O.
Published: January 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated that ayurvedic ingredients exhibit ergogenic (performance enhancing) properties, however, no previous studies have examined the ergogenic potential of Asparagus racemosus. The purpose of the present study was to examine the ergogenic efficacy of supplementation with 500 mg·d−1 of A. racemosus during bench press training. Eighteen recreationally trained men (mean ± SD; age = 20.4 ± 0.5 yrs; height = 179.7 ± 1.5 cm; weight = 84.7 ± 5.7 kg) were randomly assigned either 500 mg·d−1 of A. racemosus (n = 10) or placebo (n = 8). An overlapping sample of 10 participants were used to determine test-retest reliability. Pre- and post-training testing included bench press with one repetition maximum (1RM) and repetitions to failure at 70% of pre-training 1RM. The participants performed two sets of bench press to failure three times a week for eight weeks. Independent t-tests, Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), and regression analyses were used to analyze the dependent variables. The results demonstrated greater mean percentage (14.3 ± 7.7% vs. 7.8 ± 4.5%; p = 0.048) and individual (80% vs. 50%) increases in 1RM, mean (17.5 ± 2.2 repetitions vs. 15.2 ± 2.2 repetitions; p = 0.044) and individual (80% vs. 38%) increases in repetitions to failure, and a greater rate of increase in training loads for the Asparagus racemosus group than the placebo group. In conjunction with bench press training, supplementation with A. racemosus provided ergogenic benefits compared to placebo.
Multiple Query Content-Based Image Retrieval Using Relevance Feature Weight Learning
Authors: Al-Mohamade Abeer , Bchir Ouiem , Ben Ismail Mohamed Maher
Published: January 2020

We propose a novel multiple query retrieval approach, named weight-learner, which relies on visual feature discrimination to estimate the distances between the query images and images in the database. For each query image, this discrimination consists of learning, in an unsupervised manner, the optimal relevance weight for each visual feature/descriptor. These feature relevance weights are designed to reduce the semantic gap between the extracted visual features and the user’s high-level semantics. We mathematically formulate the proposed solution through the minimization of some objective functions. This optimization aims to produce optimal feature relevance weights with respect to the user query. The proposed approach is assessed using an image collection from the Corel database.
Control of Synthetic Hairpin Vortices in Laminar Boundary Layer for Skin-Friction Reduction
Authors: Koo Bonguk , Kang Yong-Duck
Published: January 2020

The results of flow visualization and hot-film measurement in a water channel are presented in this paper, in which the effectiveness of controlling synthetic hairpin vortices in the laminar boundary layer is examined to reduce skin friction. In this study, hairpin vortices were generated by periodically injecting vortex rings into a cross flow through a hole on a flat plate. To control the hairpin vortices, jets were issued from a nozzle directly onto the head of the hairpins. The results of the flow visualization demonstrated that the jets destroyed the hairpins by disconnecting the heads from their legs, after which the weakened hairpin vortices could not develop. Therefore, the circulation around the legs was reduced, which suggests that the direct intervention on the hairpin heads resulted in the reduction of streamwise stretching. Data obtained by a hot-film sensor showed that the high-speed regions outside the hairpin legs were reduced in speed by this control technique, leading to a decrease in the associated local skin friction.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering in 2019
Authors:   JMSE Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
An Analysis Tool for the Installation of Submarine Cables in an S-Lay Configuration Including “In and Out of Water” Cable Segments
Authors: Mamatsopoulos Vasileios A. , Michailides Constantine , Theotokoglou Efstathios E.
Published: January 2020

Today, the offshore oil and gas and wind power industry is a heavily regulated segment, and current standards have established restrictions which yield a very limited weather window for submarine cable installations due to experience with cable failure in bad weather. There are two main limiting factors in current practice during cable installation of an S-lay configuration: the design criterion for the minimum allowable radius of curvature in the touch down point and the avoidance of axial compression in the touch down zone. Accurate assessment of the cable integrity during offshore installation has drawn great attention and is related to the existing available analysis and design tools. The main purpose of this paper is to develop and propose a quick and easy custom-made analysis tool, which is able to export similar results as sophisticated finite element analysis software. The developed tool utilizes analytical equations of a catenary-type submarine structure extended to account for varying cross-sections with different weights and/or stiffnesses, as is the real practice. A comparative study is presented in this paper to evaluate the significance for the modeling of the “out of water” cable segment required for accurate safety factor quantification during a laying operation. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed tool are proven through a validation study comparing the results and the computational effort and time with commercial finite element analysis software. The analysis error in the case of not modeling the “out of water” cable part is significant, especially in shallow water areas, which proves the importance of using the proposed analysis tool.
Numerical and Experimental Identification of the Aerodynamic Power Losses of the ISWEC
Authors: Sirigu Antonello Sergej , Gallizio Federico , Giorgi Giuseppe , Bonfanti Mauro , Bracco Giovanni , Mattiazzo Giuliana
Published: January 2020

The wave energy sector is experiencing lively years of conceptual innovation and technological advances. Among the great variety of candidates, only a few are going to be able to reach maturity and, eventually, industrial feasibility and competitiveness. The essential requisite for success is the continuous innovation in response to the incremental experience gained during the design and prototyping stages. In particular, the ability to generate detailed mathematical models, representative of every phenomenon involved in the system, is crucial for informing the design and control stages, allowing to maximize productivity while minimizing costs, and inspiring technological breakthrough and innovation. This papers considers the case of the ISWEC (Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter), where a technological leap is tightly linked with the modelling of aerodynamic losses around its spinning flywheel, the core of the energy conversion chain. Two mathematical models of increasing complexity are considered, one semi-empiric and one based on computational fluid dynamics, which are successfully validated against experimental data. Such models are used to quantify the benefits of a technological innovation consisting of enclosing the flywheel in a sealed container, allowing pressure regulation to reduce aerodynamic friction. Compared to the free configuration, power losses with the enclosed configuration are about half already at atmospheric pressure, and about one third at half the atmospheric pressure.
Navigators’ Behavior Analysis Using Data Mining
Authors: Pietrzykowski Zbigniew , Wielgosz Miroslaw , Breitsprecher Marcin
Published: January 2020

One of the ways to prevent accidents at sea is to detect risks caused by humans and to counteract them. These tasks can be executed through an analysis of ship maneuvers and the identification of behavior considered to be potentially dangerous, e.g., based on data obtained online from the automatic identification system (AIS). As a result, additional measures or actions can be taken, e.g., passing at a distance greater than previously planned. The detection of risks at sea requires a prior definition of behavior patterns and the criteria assigned to them. Each pattern represents a specific navigator’s safety profile. The criteria assigned to each pattern for the identification of the navigator’s safety profile were determined from previously recorded AIS data. Due to a large amount of data and their complex relationships, these authors have proposed to use data mining tools. This work continues previous research on this subject. The conducted analysis covered data recorded in simulation tests done by navigators. Typical ship encounter situations were included. Based on additional simulation data, the patterns of behavior were verified for the determination of a navigator’s safety profile. An example of using the presented method is given.