bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instrumental and Sensory Analyses of Salami from Autochthonous and Conventional Pig Breeds
Authors: Valli Enrico , Tesini Federica , Tura Matilde , Soglia Francesca , Petracci Massimiliano , Bendini Alessandra , Gallina Toschi Tullia
Published: July 2022

Typical salami produced from Mora Romagnola (MR), an autochthonous pig breed extensively farmed within a geographically confined Italian area, are food products of commercial interest. This investigation aimed to highlight elements for the recognition and authentication of such typical salami. Five MR salami were analyzed using a sensory and instrumental approach, and the results were compared with those from eight salami made from a conventional pig breed. The sensory profiles were defined through attributes such as seasoning, pepper, garlic, fermented etc.; no differences in the products ascribable to the pig breed were highlighted. By analyzing volatile compounds, 33 molecules were detected; significant differences were found among samples, probably related to processing methods. Color differences between MR and conventional salami were identified by an electronic eye. According to instrumental texture analysis, large variability among the MR samples was detected, probably related to different types of salami (recipe, casing, size, ripening). Correlations were found among the sensory results, volatile compounds, and textural properties of the samples. Most differences do not appear to be specifically related to MR breed; only red color intensity evaluated by an electronic eye showed a correlation with breed, i.e., MR salami. This study highlights the large variability among the salami analyzed.
Lupin (Lupinus spp.)-Fortified Bread: A Sustainable, Nutritionally, Functionally, and Technologically Valuable Solution for Bakery
Authors: Plustea Loredana , Negrea Monica , Cocan Ileana , Radulov Isidora , Tulcan Camelia , Berbecea Adina , Popescu Iuliana , Obistioiu Diana , Hotea Ionela , Suster Gabriel , Boeriu Adriana Elena , Alexa Ersilia
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the nutritional, phytochemical, rheological, technological, and sensory properties of wheat flour dough and bread under a replacement of lupin flour at level 10, 20, and 30%. In this sense, the proximate composition, fatty acids profile, the content in total polyphenols content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and flavonoids content (TFC) of lupin; wheat and flour composites; and the bread obtained from them were determined. The rheological properties of the dough using the Mixolab system were also evaluated. The results showed an improvement in the nutritional properties of bread with addition of lupin in the composite flour, especially in terms of proteins, lipids, and mineral substances and a significant increases of functional attributes, such as TPC, TFC, and AA, which recorded the highest values in the bread with 30% lupin flour (76.50 mg GAE/100 g, 8.54 mg QE/100 g, 54.98%). The decrease of lupin bread volume compared to wheat bread ranged between 0.69–7.37%, porosity between 6.92–35.26%, elasticity between 63–70%, and H/D between 3.17–19.05%. The rheological profile of the dough obtained with lupin flours indicates a moderate stability and proper kneading behavior. The sensory analysis was also performed in order to identify the consumer’s acceptability regarding this type of bread. According to a 5-point hedonic scale, the most highly appreciated was the bread with 10% lupin flour, which obtained mean scores of 4.73 for general acceptability as compared with control bread (4.43).
Does Production of Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis Hybrids Influence Quality Attributes of Fillets?
Authors: Sobczak Małgorzata , Panicz Remigiusz , Sadowski Jacek , Półgęsek Mirosław , Żochowska-Kujawska Joanna
Published: July 2022

The increase in fish and seafood consumption observed in recent years is a consequence of the growing consumers’ awareness of proper nutrition. One of the possibilities to provide fish-friendly, qualitatively attractive (both in terms of nutrition and sensory quality) raw fish materials is the production of hybrids, which would improve production rates without compromising their meat quality. This study compares the carcass and fillet yields of Clarias gariepinus (C) and heteroclarias C. gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis (H), and the nutritional (chemical composition, fat quality) and culinary quality (structure, texture, color, cooking loss, sensory characteristics) of their meat. Significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher carcass and fillet yield was shown for H, whose fillets had comparable sensory quality and proximal composition to C. The meat of H can be an attractive raw material for more demanding groups of consumers—for children and adolescents (due to the less intense fish tastiness), as well as for older people who have problems with chewing and digesting food (due to lower sensory chewiness and perception of connective tissue).
Circuit Implementation of Variable-Order Scaling Fractal-Ladder Fractor with High Resolution
Authors: Yu Bo , Pu Yifei , He Qiuyan , Yuan Xiao
Published: July 2022

Extensive research has been conducted on the scaling fractal fractor using various structures. The development of high-resolution emulator circuits to achieve a variable-order scaling fractal fractor with high resolution is a major area of interest. We present a scaling fractal-ladder circuit for achieving high-resolution variable-order fractor based on scaling expansion theory using a high-resolution multiplying digital-to-analog converter (HMDAC). Firstly, the circuit configuration of variable-order scaling fractal-ladder fractor (VSFF) is designed. A theoretical demonstration proves that VSFF exhibits the operational characteristics of variable-order fractional calculus. Secondly, a programmable resistor–capacitor series circuit and universal electronic component emulators are developed based on the HMDAC to adjust the resistance and capacitance in the circuit configuration. Lastly, the model, component parameters, approximation performance, and variable-order characteristics are analyzed, and the circuit is physically implemented. The experimental results demonstrate that the circuit exhibits variable-order characteristics, with an operational order ranging from −0.7 to −0.3 and an operational frequency ranging from 7.72Hz to 4.82kHz. The peak value of the input signal is 10V. This study also proposes a novel method for variable-order fractional calculus based on circuit theory. This study was the first attempt to implement feasible high-resolution continuous variable-order fractional calculus hardware based on VSFF.
Technology-Based (Mhealth) and Standard/Traditional Maternal Care for Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kusyanti Tatik , Wirakusumah Firman Fuad , Rinawan Fedri Ruluwedrata , Muhith Abdul , Purbasari Ayi , Mawardi Fitriana , Puspitasari Indriana Widya , Faza Afina , Stellata Alyxia Gita
Published: July 2022

The world of health has changed significantly since the advent of smartphones. Smartphones have been widely known to facilitate the search for health information in the mobile Health (mHealth) system, which is used to improve the quality of life for patients, such as communication between doctors and patients. This systematic literature review aims to identify the use of mHealth as a digital communication tool for pregnant women by comparing technology-based and standard-based pregnancy care. The method used is a systematic review of articles related to pregnancy care that utilize mHealth for pregnant women. The articles were obtained from the database based on the PICO framework; we searched articles using seven databases. The selection was adjusted to the inclusion criteria, data extraction, study quality evaluation, and results from synthesis. From the disbursement, 543 articles were obtained and 10 results were obtained after the screening. After a critical appraisal was carried out, four articles were obtained. Advantages can be in the form of increasing knowledge of pregnant women who use mHealth due to the availability of information needed by pregnant women in the mHealth application. mHealth also provides information about their babies, so the impact of mHealth is not only for mothers. mHealth is a promising solution in pregnancy care compared to the standard of maternal care.
The Redesign of a Checklist for Evaluating Driver Impairment: A Human Factors and Ergonomics Approach
Authors: Baertsch Tanja , Menozzi Marino
Published: July 2022

The Cantonal Police of Zurich, Switzerland, use a checklist to identify impaired drivers when conducting traffic stops. This checklist was developed by subject-matter experts and has been in use for eight years. The goal of this study was to redesign the checklist while considering human factors and ergonomics principles in combination with findings from a retrospective analysis of a set of 593 completed checklists. The checklist was amended in accordance with the results of the retrospective analysis by adding missing items and discarding superfluous ones. In addition, a hierarchical cluster analysis of the retrospective data suggested an improved spatial organization of checklist elements and the grouping of similar items of the checklist. Furthermore, aspects related to Fitts’s law, visual complexity, and an optimized direction of processing the checklist underpinned the design process. The results of an evaluation of the redesigned checklist by 11 laypeople and 13 police officers indicated an improved usability of the redesigned checklist over the original.
Genetic Identity and Diversity of Apple Accessions within a Candidate Collection for the Norwegian National Clonal Germplasm Repository
Authors: Meland Mekjell , Aksic Milica Fotiric , Frøynes Oddmund , Konjic Almira , Lasic Lejla , Pojskic Naris , Gasi Fuad
Published: July 2022

In order to best conserve, as well as utilize, traditional apple germplasm in Norway, an apple heritage cultivar collection was established in Ullensvang, western Norway, which aims to become the National Clonal Germplasm Repository. The establishment of the apple heritage cultivar collection was preceded by a molecular study that aimed to genotype a large number of apple accessions maintained in various ex situ sites in western and south-eastern Norway, using a rather small set of eight SSR markers. However limited, the marker set managed to identify synonyms, homonyms, and duplicates within and among the investigated collections. In this study, 171 apple accessions from the Ullensvang apple heritage cultivar collection were genotyped using a set of 20 different SSR markers. Approximately half of the accessions have been previously genotyped using eight SSR markers, enabling an assessment of whether the use of a larger marker set would yield a more accurate characterization. Based on the obtained molecular data, the apple heritage cultivar collection was determined to hold a key part of the overall genetic diversity of the Norwegian apple germplasm. Furthermore, the twelve additional SSR markers were able to differentiate several accessions groups originally thought to be synonyms, as well as to provide a more detailed insight into the genetic structure of this germplasm.
Multiple Linear Regression Models with Limited Data for the Prediction of Reference Evapotranspiration of the Peloponnese, Greece
Authors: Dimitriadou Stavroula , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos G.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of multiple linear regression (MLR) for the estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) of the Peloponnese, Greece, for two representative months of winter and summer during 2016–2019. Another objective was to test the number of inputs needed for satisfactorily accurate estimates via MLR. Datasets from sixty-two meteorological stations were exploited. The available independent variables were sunshine hours (N), mean temperature (Tmean), solar radiation (Rs), net radiation (Rn), wind speed (u2), vapour pressure deficit (es − ea), and altitude (Z). Sixteen MLR models were tested and compared to the corresponding ETo estimates computed by FAO-56 Penman–Monteith (FAO PM) in a previous study, via statistical indices of error and agreement. The MLR5 model with five input variables outperformed the other models (RMSE = 0.28 mm d−1, adj. R2 = 98.1%). Half of the tested models (two to six inputs) exhibited very satisfactory predictions. Models of one input (e.g., N, Rn) were also promising. However, the MLR with u2 as the sole input variable presented the worst performance, probably because its relationship with ETo cannot be linearly described. The results indicate that MLR has the potential to produce very good predictive models of ETo for the Peloponnese, based on the literature standards.
Which Aspects of Psychological Resilience Moderate the Association between Deterioration in Sleep and Depression in Patients with Prostate Cancer?
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Christie David R. H. , Bitsika Vicki
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of psychological resilience on sleep-deterioration-related depression among patients with prostate cancer, in terms of the total score and individual symptoms. From a survey of 96 patients with prostate cancer, 55 who reported a deterioration in their sleep quality since diagnosis and treatment completed the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Moderation analysis was conducted for the scale total scores and for the ‘core’ symptoms of each scale within this sample, based on data analysis. Interaction analysis was used to identify key associations. The moderation analysis suggested that psychological resilience moderated the depressive effect of sleep deterioration that patients reported occurred after their diagnosis and treatment and did so at the total and ‘core’ symptom levels of being able to see the humorous side of things and to think clearly when under pressure, but there was an interaction between this moderating effect, the strength of psychological resilience, and severity of sleep deterioration. Although it appears to be a successful moderator of depression arising from sleep deterioration that was reported by patients with prostate cancer, the effectiveness of psychological resilience is conditional upon the severity of patients’ sleep difficulties and the strength of their psychological resilience. Implications for the application of resilience training and concomitant therapies for patients with prostate cancer with sleep difficulties and depression are discussed.
Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Oral Cancer Patients during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan
Authors: Khattak Maria Ishaq , Khattak Saad Ishaq , Khan Muslim , Khan Zohaib , Dikomitis Lisa , Ul-Haq Zia , Saddki Norkhafizah
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the scaling back or postponement of non-emergency hospital services, including care of cancer patients. The present qualitative study explored the experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Patients who attended the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Khyber College of Dentistry in July 2020 were selected using a maximum variation purposive sampling method. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted in Pashto, the local language of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic content analysis yielded eight major themes: pain and generalised physical weakness, shock at diagnosis, psychological distress of the COVID-19 pandemic, faith and religion, double hit loss of employment, social isolation, social support from caregivers, and lack of support from health care professionals. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has a clear impact on the life experiences of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients. Distress due to delay in accessing health care and lack of support from health care providers are a matter of great concern. Appropriate interventions should be introduced to ensure psychological and social support strategies are in place for patients during interruptions of health care services.
Biophilic Experience-Based Residential Hybrid Framework
Authors: Lee Eun-Ji , Park Sung-Jun
Published: July 2022

There has been increasing academic interest in biophilic design in response to recent environmental and climate change issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, discussions of the utilization of digital technology in providing universal access to nature, and opportunities to experience more diverse nature, are lacking. This study aimed to compare and analyze major theoretical systems for biophilic experiences in a residential environment, and to propose a hybrid framework that combines physical and digital design techniques for comparison and analysis. This paper discusses framework application strategies in line with scales of residential environments. Based on a systematic literature review, this study integrated and derived key elements of biophilic experience for a better quality of life in a modern residential environment and proposed a hybrid framework and strategy based on this. As a result, a hybrid framework of 15 integrated factors for three biophilic experiences was derived, and various strengths and potential opportunities were identified in terms of application depending on the scales. At the unit scale, it was found that the well-being and health of residents improved; at the building scale, the potential for sustainability was highlighted; at the complex scale, there was a contribution to higher residential competitiveness in multi-dimensional aspects. In particular, the biophilic experience-based hybrid framework in this study provided insights into addressing the weaknesses and threats discussed in the existing biophilic design.
Traffic Safety Improvement via Optimizing Light Environment in Highway Tunnels
Authors: Su Baofeng , Hu Jiangbi , Zeng Juncheng , Wang Ronghua
Published: July 2022

Driving in tunnel areas depends more heavily on light conditions than that on open roadways. Traditional lighting systems in highway tunnels adjust lighting parameters only caring about outside light luminance, and focus is usually on energy conservation; however, little concern is about drivers’ actual physical and psychological needs. How to leverage the enormous research progress of traffic safety, light environment, human factors engineering, and modern lighting sources to create an ideal tunnel light environment that aids with ensuring driving safety and lower interference effects caused by the change of light environment will greatly improve safety level and reduce adverse influence on drivers’ visual health in a tunnel area. An intelligent lighting control system designed with multiple influence factors are systematically considered. Based on sensor data from outside natural light conditions, target lighting parameters are determined per each lighting zone requires; then, lighting commands will be transferred and parsed by adaptive lighting controllers and modules, eventually LED lighting properties are altered step by step. This system helps a lot with optimizing tunnel lighting quality and improving drivers’ visual performance; as a result, it contributes to lower the fluctuation of drivers’ workload and get a smooth traffic flow, and ultimately this technically ensures physical and mental health of drivers in a tunnel area.
Childhood Caries Management
Authors: Wong Hai Ming
Published: July 2022

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, result from the breakdown of teeth due to bacterial acids [...]
A Progressive Simplification Method for Buildings Based on Structural Subdivision
Authors: Zhai Renjian , Li Anping , Yin Jichong , Du Jiawei , Qiu Yue
Published: July 2022

Building simplification is an important research area in automatic map generalization. Up to now, many approaches have been proposed by scholars. However, in the continuous transformation of scales for buildings, keeping the main shape characteristics, area, and orthogonality of buildings are always the key and difficult points. Therefore, this paper proposes a method of progressive simplification for buildings based on structural subdivision. In this paper, iterative simplification is adopted, which transforms the problem of building simplification into the simplification of the minimum details of building outlines. Firstly, a top priority structure (TPS) is determined, which represents the smallest detail in the outline of the building. Then, according to the orthogonality and concave–convex characteristics, the TPS are classified as 62 subdivisions, which cover the local structure of the building polygon. Then, the subdivisions are divided into four simplification types. The building is simplified to eliminate the TPS continuously, retaining the right-angle characteristics and area as much as possible, until the results satisfy the constraints and rules of simplification. A topographic dataset (1:1 K) collected from Kadaster was used for our experiments. In order to evaluate the algorithm, many tests were undertaken, including tests of multi-scale simplification and simplification of typical buildings, which indicate that this method can realize multi-scale presentation of buildings. Compared with the existing simplification methods, the comparison results show that the proposed method can simplify buildings effectively, which has certain advantages in keeping shape characteristics, area, and rectangularity.
Immunosuppression by Mycophenolate Mofetil Mitigates Intrarenal Angiotensinogen Augmentation in Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Satou Ryousuke , Franco Martha , Dugas Courtney M. , Katsurada Akemi , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: July 2022

Augmentation of intrarenal angiotensinogen (AGT) leads to further formation of intrarenal angiotensin II (Ang II) and the development of hypertensive kidney injury. Recent studies demonstrated that macrophages and the enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines can be crucial mediators of renal AGT augmentation in hypertension. Accordingly, this study investigated the effects of immunosuppression by mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on intrarenal AGT augmentation. Ang II (80 ng/min) was infused with or without daily administration of MMF (50 mg/kg) to Sprague-Dawley rats for 2 weeks. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) in Ang II infused rats was slightly higher (169.7 ± 6.1 mmHg) than the Ang II + MMF group (154.7 ± 2.0 mmHg), but was not statistically different from the Ang II + MMF group. MMF treatment suppressed Ang II-induced renal macrophages and IL-6 elevation. Augmentation of urinary AGT by Ang II infusion was attenuated by MMF treatment (control: 89.3 ± 25.2, Ang II: 1194 ± 305.1, and Ang II + MMF: 389 ± 192.0 ng/day). The augmentation of urinary AGT by Ang II infusion was observed before the onset of proteinuria. Elevated intrarenal AGT mRNA and protein levels in Ang II infused rats were also normalized by the MMF treatment (AGT mRNA, Ang II: 2.5 ± 0.2 and Ang II + MMF: 1.5 ± 0.1, ratio to control). Ang II-induced proteinuria, mesangial expansion and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis were attenuated by MMF. Furthermore, MMF treatment attenuated the augmentation of intrarenal NLRP3 mRNA, a component of inflammasome. These results indicate that stimulated cytokine production in macrophages contributes to intrarenal AGT augmentation in Ang II-dependent hypertension, which leads to the development of kidney injury.
Renin-Angiotensin System in Huntington′s Disease: Evidence from Animal Models and Human Patients
Authors: Kangussu Lucas M. , Rocha Natalia P. , Valadão Priscila A. C. , Machado Thatiane C. G. , Soares Kívia B. , Joviano-Santos Julliane V. , Latham Leigh B. , Colpo Gabriela D. , Almeida-Santos Ana Flávia , Furr Stimming Erin , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina , Teixeira Antônio L. , Miranda Aline Silva , Guatimosim Cristina
Published: July 2022

The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is expressed in the central nervous system and has important functions that go beyond blood pressure regulation. Clinical and experimental studies have suggested that alterations in the brain RAS contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is limited information regarding the involvement of RAS components in Huntington’s disease (HD). Herein, we used the HD murine model, (BACHD), as well as samples from patients with HD to investigate the role of both the classical and alternative axes of RAS in HD pathophysiology. BACHD mice displayed worse motor performance in different behavioral tests alongside a decrease in the levels and activity of the components of the RAS alternative axis ACE2, Ang-(1-7), and Mas receptors in the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. BACHD mice also displayed a significant increase in mRNA expression of the AT1 receptor, a component of the RAS classical arm, in these key brain regions. Moreover, patients with manifest HD presented higher plasma levels of Ang-(1-7). No significant changes were found in the levels of ACE, ACE2, and Ang II. Our findings provided the first evidence that an imbalance in the RAS classical and counter-regulatory arms may play a role in HD pathophysiology.
Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Do Not Cause Radioprotection of Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rühle Alexander , Lies Marie , Strack Maren , Perez Ramon Lopez , Bieber Birgit , Thomsen Andreas R. , Bronsert Peter , Huber Peter E. , Hess Jochen , Knopf Andreas , Wuchter Patrick , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Nicolay Nils H.
Published: July 2022

Radiotherapy of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can cause considerable normal tissue injuries, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to aid regeneration of irradiation-damaged normal tissues. However, utilization of MSC-based treatments for HNSCC patients undergoing radiotherapy is hampered by concerns regarding potential radioprotective effects. We therefore investigated the influence of MSCs on the radiosensitivity of HNSCCs. Several human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative and HPV-positive HNSCCs were co-cultured with human bone marrow-derived MSCs using two-dimensional and three-dimensional assays. Clonogenic survival, proliferation, and viability of HNSCCs after radiotherapy were assessed depending on MSC co-culture. Flow cytometry analyses were conducted to examine the influence of MSCs on irradiation-induced cell cycle distribution and apoptosis induction in HNSCCs. Immunofluorescence stainings of γH2AX were conducted to determine the levels of residual irradiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a multifunctional pro-tumorigenic cytokine, were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Neither direct MSC co-culture nor MSC-conditioned medium exerted radioprotective effects on HNSCCs as determined by clonogenic survival, proliferation, and viability assays. Consistently, three-dimensional microwell arrays revealed no radioprotective effects of MSCs. Irradiation resulted in a G2/M arrest of HNSCCs at 96 h independently of MSC co-culture. HNSCCs’ apoptosis rates were increased by irradiation irrespective of MSCs. Numbers of residual γH2AX foci after irradiation with 2 or 8 Gy were comparable between mono- and co-cultures. MSC mono-cultures and HNSCC-MSC co-cultures exhibited comparable CTGF levels. We did not detect radioprotective effects of human MSCs on HNSCCs. Our results suggest that the usage of MSC-based therapies for radiotherapy-related toxicities in HNSCC patients may be safe in the context of absent radioprotection.
Mitochondrial a Kinase Anchor Proteins in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: A Review Article on Behalf of the Working Group on Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Heart of the Italian Society of Cardiology
Authors: Paolillo Roberta , D’Apice Stefania , Schiattarella Gabriele Giacomo , Ameri Pietro , Borzacchiello Domenica , Catalucci Daniele , Chimenti Cristina , Crotti Lia , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Torella Daniele , Feliciello Antonio , Perrino Cinzia
Published: July 2022

Second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has been found to regulate multiple mitochondrial functions, including respiration, dynamics, reactive oxygen species production, cell survival and death through the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and other effectors. Several members of the large family of A kinase anchor proteins (AKAPs) have been previously shown to locally amplify cAMP/PKA signaling to mitochondria, promoting the assembly of signalosomes, regulating multiple cardiac functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we will discuss roles and regulation of major mitochondria-targeted AKAPs, along with opportunities and challenges to modulate their functions for translational purposes in the cardiovascular system.
Gypenoside A from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Th2 Cell Activities in a Murine Asthma Model
Authors: Huang Wen-Chung , Wu Shu-Ju , Yeh Kuo-Wei , Liou Chian-Jiun
Published: July 2022

Our previous study found that oral administration of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract can attenuate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and reduce eosinophil infiltration in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Gypenoside A is isolated from G. pentaphyllum. In this study, we investigated whether gypenoside A can effectively reduce asthma in mice. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by ovalbumin injection. Asthmatic mice were treated with gypenoside A via intraperitoneal injection to assess airway inflammation, AHR, and immunomodulatory effects. In vitro, gypenoside A reduced inflammatory and oxidative responses in inflammatory tracheal epithelial cells. Experimental results showed that gypenoside A treatment can suppress eosinophil infiltration in the lungs, reduce tracheal goblet cell hyperplasia, and attenuate AHR. Gypenoside A significantly reduced Th2 cytokine expression and also inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes and proteins in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, gypenoside A also significantly inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and reduced oxidative expression in inflammatory tracheal epithelial cells. The experimental results suggested that gypenoside A is a natural compound that can effectively reduce airway inflammation and AHR in asthma, mainly by reducing Th2 cell activation.
Nutrient Supply Is Essential for Shifting Tree Peony Reflowering Ahead in Autumn and Sugar Signaling Is Involved
Authors: Xue Yuqian , Xue Jingqi , Ren Xiuxia , Li Changyue , Sun Kairong , Cui Litao , Lyu Yingmin , Zhang Xiuxin
Published: July 2022

The flowering time of tree peony is short and concentrated in spring, which limits the development of its industry. We previously achieved tree peony reflowering in autumn. Here, we further shifted its reflowering time ahead through proper gibberellin (GA) treatment plus nutrient supply. GA treatment alone initiated bud differentiation, but it aborted later, whereas GA plus nutrient (G + N) treatment completed the opening process 38 days before the control group. Through microstructural observation of bud differentiation and starch grains, we concluded that GA plays a triggering role in flowering induction, whereas the nutriment supply ensured the continuous developing for final opening, and both are necessary. We further determined the expression of five floral induction pathway genes and found that PsSOC1 and PsLFY probably played key integral roles in flowering induction and nutrient supply, respectively. Considering the GA signaling, PsGA2ox may be mainly involved in GA regulation, whereas PsGAI may regulate further flower formation after nutrient application. Furthermore, G + N treatment, but not GA alone, inhibited the expression of PsTPS1, a key restricting enzyme in sugar signaling, at the early stage, indicating that sugar signaling is also involved in this process; in addition, GA treatment induced high expression of PsSnRK1, a major nutrient insufficiency indicator, and the induction of PsHXK1, a rate-limiting enzyme for synthesis of sugar signaling substances, further confirmed the nutrient shortage. In short, besides GA application, exogenous nutrient supply is essential to shift tree peony reflowering ahead in autumn under current forcing culture technologies.
Medical Aspects of mTOR Inhibition in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Cuadrado-Payán Elena , Diekmann Fritz , Cucchiari David
Published: July 2022

The advances in transplant immunosuppression have reduced substantially the incidence of kidney graft rejection. In recent years, the focus has moved from preventing rejection to preventing the long-term consequences of long-standing immunosuppression, including nephrotoxicity induced by calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), as well as infectious and neoplastic complications. Since the appearance in the late 1990s of mTOR inhibitors (mTORi), these unmet needs in immunosuppression management could be addressed thanks to their benefits (reduced rate of viral infections and cancer). However, management of side effects can be troublesome and hands-on experience is needed. Here, we review all the available information about them. Thanks to all the basic, translational and clinical research achieved in the last twenty years, we now use mTORi as de novo immunosuppression in association with CNI. Another possibility is represented by the conversion of either CNI or mycophenolate (MPA) to an mTORi later on after transplantation in low-risk kidney transplant recipients.
PAX Genes in Cardiovascular Development
Authors: Steele Rebecca E. , Sanders Rachel , Phillips Helen M. , Bamforth Simon D.
Published: July 2022

The mammalian heart is a four-chambered organ with systemic and pulmonary circulations to deliver oxygenated blood to the body, and a tightly regulated genetic network exists to shape normal development of the heart and its associated major arteries. A key process during cardiovascular morphogenesis is the septation of the outflow tract which initially forms as a single vessel before separating into the aorta and pulmonary trunk. The outflow tract connects to the aortic arch arteries which are derived from the pharyngeal arch arteries. Congenital heart defects are a major cause of death and morbidity and are frequently associated with a failure to deliver oxygenated blood to the body. The Pax transcription factor family is characterised through their highly conserved paired box and DNA binding domains and are crucial in organogenesis, regulating the development of a wide range of cells, organs and tissues including the cardiovascular system. Studies altering the expression of these genes in murine models, notably Pax3 and Pax9, have found a range of cardiovascular patterning abnormalities such as interruption of the aortic arch and common arterial trunk. This suggests that these Pax genes play a crucial role in the regulatory networks governing cardiovascular development.
Phenological Shifts in a Warming World Affect Physiology and Life History in a Damselfly
Authors: Raczyński Mateusz , Stoks Robby , Johansson Frank , Bartoń Kamil , Sniegula Szymon
Published: July 2022

Under climate warming, temperate ectotherms are expected to hatch earlier and grow faster, increase the number of generations per season, i.e., voltinism. Here, we studied, under laboratory conditions, the impact of artificial warming and manipulated hatching dates on life history (voltinism, age and mass at emergence and growth rate) and physiological traits (phenoloxidase (PO) activity at emergence, as an indicator of investment in immune function) and larval survival rate in high-latitude populations of the damselfly Ischnura elegans. Larvae were divided into four groups based on crossing two treatments: early versus late hatching dates and warmer versus control rearing temperature. Damselflies were reared in groups over the course of one (univoltine) or two (semivoltine) growth seasons, depending on the voltinism. Warming temperature did not affect survival rate. However, warming increased the number of univoltine larvae compared to semivoltine larvae. There was no effect of hatching phenology on voltinism. Early hatched larvae reared under warming had elevated PO activity, regardless of their voltinism, indicating increased investment in immune function against pathogens. Increased PO activity was not associated with effects on age or mass at emergence or growth rate. Instead, life history traits were mainly affected by temperature and voltinism. Warming decreased development time and increased growth rate in univoltine females, yet decreased growth rate in univoltine males. This indicates a stronger direct impact of warming and voltinism compared to impacts of hatching phenology on life history traits. The results strengthen the evidence that phenological shifts in a warming world may affect physiology and life history in freshwater insects.
Pulse Wave Velocity for Risk Stratification of Patients with Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Schierling Wilma , Matzner Julia , Apfelbeck Hanna , Grothues Dirk , Oberhoffer-Fritz Renate , Pfister Karin
Published: July 2022

Background: Patients with an aortic aneurysm are at high cardiovascular risk. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is used as a parameter for risk stratification but may be affected by aortic disease (AoD). This study aimed to investigate the dependence of PWV on treated or untreated AoD and to identify modifiable factors of PWV. Methods: The measurement of PWV with the Mobil-O-Graph was performed fully automatically in a collective of 381 patients (75.6% male and 24.4% female). Of all patients, 53.8% had nonaortic atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD), 28.9% had treated AoD, and 17.3% had untreated AoD. Results: There was a statistically significant effect of age (R2 = 0.838) and current systolic blood pressure (SBP) on PWV (page corrected < 0.05). After correction for age, no statistically significant difference was found between the PWV of men and women, patients with different body weights or degrees of chronic kidney disease, diabetics and nondiabetics, and smokers and nonsmokers. Comparison between patients with nonaortic AVD and treated or untreated AoD revealed no statistically significant differences (PWVnonaortic AVD 10.0 ± 1.8 m/s, PWVtreated AoD 10.0 ± 1.5 m/s, PWVuntreated AoD 9.8 ± 1.6 m/s; page corrected > 0.05). Conclusions: PWV determined with the Mobil-O-Graph correlated with age and current SBP. Neither aortic disease versus nonaortic AVD, its treatment, nor other cardiovascular risk factors had a significant effect on PWV. Successful blood pressure control is crucial to avoid high PWV and thus an increase in cardiovascular events.
Precision Imaging Guidance in the Era of Precision Oncology: An Update of Imaging Tools for Interventional Procedures
Authors: Floridi Chiara , Cellina Michaela , Irmici Giovanni , Bruno Alessandra , Rossini Nicolo’ , Borgheresi Alessandra , Agostini Andrea , Bruno Federico , Arrigoni Francesco , Arrichiello Antonio , Candelari Roberto , Barile Antonio , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Giovagnoni Andrea
Published: July 2022

Interventional oncology (IO) procedures have become extremely popular in interventional radiology (IR) and play an essential role in the diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care of oncologic patients through new and safe procedures. IR procedures can be divided into two main groups: vascular and non-vascular. Vascular approaches are mainly based on embolization and concomitant injection of chemotherapeutics directly into the tumor-feeding vessels. Percutaneous approaches are a type of non-vascular procedures and include percutaneous image-guided biopsies and different ablation techniques with radiofrequency, microwaves, cryoablation, and focused ultrasound. The use of these techniques requires precise imaging pretreatment planning and guidance that can be provided through different imaging techniques: ultrasound, computed tomography, cone-beam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance. These imaging modalities can be used alone or in combination, thanks to fusion imaging, to further improve the confidence of the operators and the efficacy and safety of the procedures. This article aims is to provide an overview of the available IO procedures based on clinical imaging guidance to develop a targeted and optimal approach to cancer patients.
Application of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Gynaecology—A Current Review
Authors: Skowronek Kaja , Łabuś Wojciech , Stojko Rafał , Kitala Diana , Sadłocha Marcin , Drosdzol-Cop Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

The aim of our study is to draw attention to the multitude of applications of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the surgical treatment of urogynaecological disorders, such as reduction in the reproductive organs, and in reconstructive gynaecology. Despite the existence of numerous operational methods and materials, the effectiveness of transvaginal operation is still insufficient. Native tissue operations are often not durable enough, while operations with synthetic materials have numerous side effects, such as infections, hematomas, vaginal erosion, or dyspareunia. Hence, the search continues for a different material with a better efficacy and safety profile than those previously mentioned. It seems that ADM can meet these requirements and be a useful material for urogynaecological surgery. Key words related to the usage of ADM in gynaecological reconstructive surgery were used to search relevant databases (NCBI MedLine, Clinical Key, Clinicaltrials.gov). This manuscript is based on 43 literature sources, 28 (65.11%) of which were released after 2016. Older sources are cited for the purpose of presenting basic science, or other important issues related to the manuscript. ADM seems to be an ideal material for urogynaecological and reconstructive surgery. It has high durability, and thus high effectiveness. Moreover, it does not have the side effects typical for synthetic materials. There are no reports of material rejection, erosion or dyspareunia directly related to the presence of the mesh. Due to the difficulties in obtaining ADM and the need to perform additional tests, this material is not common in routine clinical practice. Therefore, the number of cases and the size of the research groups are insufficient to clearly define the potential of mesh from biological tissue. However, the results are so promising that it is worth considering a wider introduction to the use of this material. Our hope is that increasing clinicians’ awareness of this topic will lead to more studies comparing methods using native tissues or synthetic materials and those using ADM.
The Radiographic Risk Factors Predicting Occurrence of Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Simple Wrist X-ray
Authors: Han Beom-Su , Kim Ki-Hong , Kim Kyu-Jin
Published: July 2022

The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are complex. However, little is known about the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome occurrence on simple radiographic images. To determine the X-ray imaging factors that can predict idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome occurrence, we compared a group diagnosed with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome who received carpal tunnel release with a control group that had no symptoms. The simple wrist X-ray findings of 75 patients diagnosed with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and 87 patients selected for the control group were evaluated. All the carpal tunnel syndrome patients were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and nerve conduction studies. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the wrists were taken in all the groups. The radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance, radiolunate angle, and lunate-to-axis-of-radius distance were measured. Data were measured using two independent raters. After calculating the average of each value, the two groups were statistically compared. The diagnostic performance of statistically different figures was confirmed by drawing receiver operator characteristic curves. There was a significant difference in the radiolunate angle and lunate-to-axis-of-radius distance between the two groups (p < 0.01 and p = 0.028, respectively). The odd ratios for each parameter were 1.052 and 1.319, respectively. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves were 0.715 and 0.601, respectively. In this study, radiolunate angle and lunate-to-axis-of-radius distance were useful as radiographic diagnostic tools. In other words, excessive dorsiflexion and volar displacement of the lunate can be considered as risk factors that may cause idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome in the future.
Health Problems in Adults with Prader–Willi Syndrome of Different Genetic Subtypes: Cohort Study, Meta-Analysis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rosenberg Anna G. W. , Wellink Charlotte M. , Tellez Garcia Juan M. , Pellikaan Karlijn , Van Abswoude Denise H. , Davidse Kirsten , Van Zutven Laura J. C. M. , Brüggenwirth Hennie T. , Resnick James L. , Van der Lely Aart J. , De Graaff Laura C. G.
Published: July 2022

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex, rare genetic disorder caused by a loss of expression of paternally expressed genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. The most common underlying genotypes are paternal deletion (DEL) and maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD). DELs can be subdivided into type 1 (DEL-1) and (smaller) type 2 deletions (DEL-2). Most research has focused on behavioral, cognitive and psychological differences between the different genotypes. However, little is known about physical health problems in relation to genetic subtypes. In this cross-sectional study, we compare physical health problems and other clinical features among adults with PWS caused by DEL (N = 65, 12 DEL-1, 27 DEL-2) and mUPD (N = 65). A meta-analysis, including our own data, showed that BMI was 2.79 kg/m2 higher in adults with a DEL (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between DEL-1 and DEL-2. Scoliosis was more prevalent among adults with a DEL (80% vs. 58%; p = 0.04). Psychotic episodes were more prevalent among adults with an mUPD (44% vs. 9%; p < 0.001). In conclusion, there were no significant differences in physical health outcomes between the genetic subtypes, apart from scoliosis and BMI. The differences in health problems, therefore, mainly apply to the psychological domain.
The Edge of Unknown: Postoperative Critical Care in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Saner Fuat H. , Hoyer Dieter P. , Hartmann Matthias , Nowak Knut M. , Bezinover Dmitri
Published: July 2022

Perioperative care of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is very complex. Metabolic derangements, hypothermia, coagulopathy and thromboses, severe infections, and graft dysfunction can affect outcomes. In this manuscript, we discuss several perioperative problems that can be encountered in LT recipients. The authors present the most up-to-date information regarding predicting and treating hemodynamic instability, coagulation monitoring and management, postoperative ventilation strategies and early extubation, management of infections, and ESLD-related pulmonary complications. In addition, early post-transplant allograft dysfunction will be discussed.