bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Links between Adolescents’ Engagement in Physical Activity and Their Attachment to Mothers, Fathers, and Peers
Authors: Lisinskiene Ausra , Juskeliene Vida
Published: March 2019

Physical activity (PA) is one of the key components in promoting a healthy lifestyle in children. PA offers a number of health benefits to children and their families. However, a large proportion of children do not meet the current PA guidelines (at least 60 min of PA daily). The problem of insufficient PA could be explained in relation to early childhood when attachment between the child and the parent begins and family habits are formed. As a result, physical inactivity in adolescence is associated with negative health outcomes such as obesity, heart diseases, and cardiometabolic risk. Therefore, this study is aimed at examining the links between adolescents’ engagement in physical activity and their attachment to their mother, father, and peers (trust, communication, alienation) as well as their socio-economic status (SES). We applied a quantitative cross-sectional study design. A total of 835 students aged from 15 to 18 (females = 480 and males = 355, M age = 16.0, SD = 1.1) completed the questionnaire. This study revealed that physical activity had a weak positive correlation to mother (r = 0.13, p = 0.01) and father attachment (r = 0.18, p = 0.01), trust (r = 0.17, p = 0.01), and communication (r = 0.16, p = 0.01) with both parents and a weak negative correlation with father alienation (r = 0.13, p = 0.01). The overall study results show that adolescent communication to father, male gender, a younger age, and a higher SES are important factors in relation to adolescent physical activity.
Handgrip Strength is Associated with Psychological Functioning, Mood and Sleep in Women over 65 Years
Authors: Laredo-Aguilera José Alberto , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel , Cobo-Cuenca Ana Isabel , García-Pinillos Felipe , Latorre-Román Pedro Ángel
Published: March 2019

Background: The predictive nature of handgrip strength (HGS) was analyzed, showing a direct association with the functional domains of health, cognitive and social levels, and some inverse association with depressive values. Aim: To analyze the relationship between HGS and the psychological functioning of older people, such as depression, mood and sleep. Method: A total of 38 women, participated in this study (age = 72.29 ± 5.21 year). As measurement instruments a hand dynamometer was used for HGS, Profile of Mood Status (POMS) 29 was used for mood, the geriatric depression scale was used for depression, and the Oviedo questionnaire was used for sleep. A cluster analysis was performed taking into account the performance in the HGS. Results: The group that obtained a high HGS result showed a better total score for vigor, depression, insomnia and sleep. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant correlations between HGS and vigor, depression, insomnia and sleep total score. Conclusion: HGS in women over 65 years was associated with psychological functioning and sleep quality.
Contextual Association between Political Regime and Adolescent Suicide Risk in Korea: A 12-year Repeated Cross-Sectional Study from Korea
Authors: Eun Sang Jun
Published: March 2019

This study evaluated associations between contextual political determinants and individual adolescent suicide risk (SR). Using repeated cross-sectional individual-level data of 829,861 students in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey and national contextual-level data during 2005–2016, cross-classified random effects models were conducted to estimate fixed period and cohort effects of political determinants on SR. Adolescent SR was reduced during conservative presidential regimes. Contrary to presidencies’ period effects, conservative regimes had negative cohort effects on adolescent SR. The odds of suicide attempt and depression increased in the grade cohorts affected by college entrance examination policies of conservative regimes. Politics has significantly impacted adolescent SR despite differences in period and cohort effects of politics. These findings imply the need to encourage adolescents’ political participation in choosing political forces with policies favorable to their own mental health.
Objectively-Measured Neighbourhood Attributes as Correlates and Moderators of Quality of Life in Older Adults with Different Living Arrangements: The ALECS Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Casper J. P. , Barnett Anthony , Johnston Janice M. , Lai Poh-chin , Lee Ruby S. Y. , Sit Cindy H. P. , Cerin Ester
Published: March 2019

With an ageing world population, preservation of older adults’ health and quality of life (QoL) is paramount. Due to lower levels of physical functionality, older adults are particularly susceptible to local environment influences, especially those living alone and lacking family support. Using generalised additive mixed models, we examined associations and confounder-adjusted associations between objectively-measured neighbourhood attributes and QoL domains in 909 Hong Kong Chinese elderly community dwellers. Most examined neighbourhood attributes were not associated with QoL in the whole sample. Neighbourhood residential and entertainment density was curvilinearly and/or linearly related to specific QoL domains. Number of parks was negatively associated with social QoL and having well-treed parks with higher levels of social QoL. Older adults living alone in neighbourhoods with poor access to destinations and few activities in parks showed lower environmental and/or social QoL than their counterparts. Neighbourhood built environment characteristics do not seem to impact Hong Kong older adults’ physical and psychological QoL. Medium-to-high density, well-ordered neighbourhoods with optimal mixes of well-treed public open spaces and services meeting their daily needs may significantly contribute to social and environmental QoL in this population and appear particularly important to those living alone.
Relative Risk Perceptions between Snus and Cigarettes in a Snus-Prevalent Society—An Observational Study over a 16 Year Period
Authors: Lund Karl Erik , Vedoy Tord Finne
Published: March 2019

Background: Most studies on perceived risks of smokeless tobacco products (SLT) have been conducted in the U.S., and the vast majority conclude that perceptions of the relative harmfulness of SLT versus cigarettes in the population are inconsistent with epidemiologically-based risk estimates, and typically conflated to that of cigarettes. We tested whether such inaccuracies also existed in Norway, where SLT-products are less toxic (Swedish snus) and SLT use is more prevalent than in the U.S. Methods: Over a 16 years period (2003–2018), 13,381 respondents (aged 16–79 years) answered questions about risk perceptions in Statistics Norway’s nationally representative survey of tobacco behavior. We applied an indirect measure of comparative harm where risk beliefs for eight nicotine products were assessed independently of other products and then compared the answers. The wording of the question was: “We will now mention a variety of nicotine products and ask you how harmful you think daily use of these are. Use a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 is slightly harmful and 7 is very harmful”. Mean scores with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: The overall risk score for cigarettes was 6.48. The risk score for snus was 5.14–79.3% of the risk score of cigarettes. The relative risk scores for e-cigarettes (3.78) and NRT products (3.39) was 58.4% and 52.3% when compared to cigarettes. Perceptions of risk were stable over time. A strong association was observed between perceived risk of snus and having used snus in attempts to quit smoking. Conclusion: Perceptions of relative risk between snus and cigarettes is inconsistent with estimates from medical expert committees, which assess the overall health risk from use of Swedish snus to be minor when compared to the risk from smoking. Like the situation in the US, incorrect beliefs about SLT risks seem to be prevalent also in the snus-prevalent Norwegian setting. Accurate information on differential harms needs to be communicated. Future research should try to identify reasons why health authorities in the US and Scandinavia allow these well-documented misconceptions to persist.
Eight Weeks of Aerobic Interval Training Improves Psychomotor Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease—Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Marusiak Jarosław , Fisher Beth E. , Jaskólska Anna , Słotwiński Krzysztof , Budrewicz Sławomir , Koszewicz Magdalena , Kisiel-Sajewicz Katarzyna , Kamiński Bartosz , Jaskólski Artur
Published: March 2019

Background: This study examined the generalized effects of cycle ergometer aerobic interval training (AIT) on psychomotor behaviors in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), including bimanual motor control, cognitive function, and neurological motor and non-motor parkinsonian signs. Methods: Twenty mild to moderate PD patients were randomly allocated to the following groups: (1) trained group (PD-TR, n = 10), which besides receiving usual care, underwent an 8-week moderate intensity AIT program; or (2) control group (PD-CO, n = 10) which received usual care, including participation in conventional physical therapy. Both groups were tested before and after the 8-week AIT program period with the following assessments: (1) laboratory analyses of bimanual motor control, (2) psychological evaluation of cognitive function, and (3) an evaluation of neurological parkinsonian signs. Results: The PD-TR group exhibited improved (1) bimanual motor control, reflected by a decreased time (p = 0.013) and increased rate of grip force development (p = 0.013) in the manipulating hand and a decreased time delay between grip force initiation in the manipulating and stabilizing hand (p = 0.020); (2) executive function, reflected by decreased performance time in part II of the Stroop Test (p = 0.007); and (3) neurological parkinsonian signs, reflected by an amelioration of upper-extremity bradykinesia (p = 0.015) and improvement in daily life manual functions (p = 0.004), mood, and intellectual function (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Following an 8-week moderate intensity AIT program, patients with PD exhibited improved psychomotor behaviors, reflected by bimanual motor control, executive function, and neurological parkinsonian signs.
Development and Validation of an Environmental Health Literacy Assessment Screening Tool for Domestic Well Owners: The Water Environmental Literacy Level Scale (WELLS)
Authors: Irvin Veronica L. , Rohlman Diana , Vaughan Amelia , Amantia Rebecca , Berlin Claire , Kile Molly L.
Published: March 2019

In the U.S., privately owned wells are not subject to any regulatory testing requirements. Well owners must have sufficient environmental health literacy (EHL) to understand and interpret information that contain complex terms and labels to manage their water quality. The objective of this paper is to assess the performance and validity of a new EHL screening tool. The Water Environmental Literacy Level Scale (WELLS) is based on the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) and contains six questions on comprehension, calculations and application of information. Content validity was assessed from expert review. Criterion-related and construct validity were evaluated using an online, convenience sample of adults (n = 869). Percent of correct responses for items ranged from 53% to 96% for NVS and from 41% to 97% for WELLS. Completion time, mean scores, distributions, and internal consistency were equivalent between both scales. Higher scores suggest higher EHL. The scales were moderately correlated (ρ = 0.47, p < 0.001). Kappa agreement was 74%. Bland-Altman plots depicted little mean difference between the scales. Education and income level were positively associated with EHL. WELLS showed criterion-validity with NVS and construct validity with education and income. In practice or research, WELLS could quickly screen individuals for low EHL.
Pregnant Women’s Intentions to Deliver at a Health Facility in the Pastoralist Communities of Afar, Ethiopia: An Application of the Health Belief Model
Authors: Kahsay Znabu Hadush , Hiluf Molla Kahssay , Shamie Reda , Tadesse Yordanos , Bazzano Alessandra N.
Published: March 2019

Despite the significant benefits of giving birth at a health facility to improve maternal and child health, the practice remains lower than expected in pastoralist communities of Ethiopia. Understanding the intentions of pregnant women to use health facilities for delivery predicts the adoption of the behavior, yet documented evidence of intention in the context of pastoralist populations remains scarce. The current study aimed to assess pregnant women’s intentions to use a health facility for delivery in the Afar region of Ethiopia using the framework of the health belief model (HBM). A community-based, cross sectional survey was conducted from April 1 to April 30 2016 among 357 randomly sampled pregnant women using an interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered into EpiData and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Principal component factor analysis was done to extract relevant constructs of the model, and the reliability of items in each construct was assessed for acceptability. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to identify predictors of pregnant women’s intentions to give birth at a health facility. The odds ratio was reported, and statistical significance was declared at 95% CI and 0.05 p value. Three hundred fifty seven pregnant women participated in the study (104.6% response rate indicating above the minimum sample size required). Among the respondents, only 108 (30.3%) participants intended to use a health facility for the delivery for their current pregnancy. Higher household average monthly income [AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = (1.10 − 2.90), antenatal clinic (ANC) attendance for their current pregnancy [AOR = 1.41, 95% CI = (1.31 − 2.10), perceived susceptibility to delivery-related complications [AOR = 1.52, 95% CI = (1.30 − 2.70), and perceived severity of the delivery complications [AOR = 1.66, 95% CI = (1.12 − 2.31) were positively associated with pregnant women’s intentions to deliver at a health facility. Intention was negatively associated with participants’ perceived barriers to accessing a health facility [AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = (0.36 − 0.85). Conclusions: A low proportion of pregnant women in the sampled community intended to deliver at a health facility. Pastoralist communities may have special needs in this regard, with household income, antenatal care attendance, perceived risk of complications, and perceived barriers to accessing a health facility largely explaining the variance in intention. Community-based interventions providing counseling and messaging on danger signs in the perinatal period and emphasizing benefits of delivering at a facility are recommended, alongside improving access.
Genotoxic Effects of Tributyltin and Triphenyltin Isothiocyanates, Cognate RXR Ligands: Comparison in Human Breast Carcinoma MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231 Cells
Authors: Hunakova Luba , Horvathova Eva , Majerova Karolina , Bobal Pavel , Otevrel Jan , Brtko Julius
Published: March 2019

The cytotoxicity of two recently synthesized triorganotin isothiocyanate derivatives, nuclear retinoid X receptor ligands, was tested and compared in estrogen-receptor-positive MCF 7 and -negative MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cell lines. A 48 h MTT assay indicated that tributyltin isothiocyanate (TBT-ITC) is more cytotoxic than triphenyltin isothiocyanate (TPT-ITC) in MCF 7 cells, and the same trend was observed in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. A comet assay revealed the presence of both crosslinks and increasing DNA damage levels after the 17 h treatment with both derivatives. Differences in cytotoxicity of TBT-ITC and TPT-ITC detected by FDA staining correspond to the MTT data, communicating more pronounced effects in MCF 7 than in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Both derivatives were found to cause apoptosis, as shown by the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization and caspase-3/7 activation. The onset of caspase activation correlated with MMP dissipation and the total cytotoxicity more than with the amount of active caspases. In conclusion, our data suggest that the DNA damage induced by TBT-ITC and TPT-ITC treatment could underlie their cytotoxicity in the cell lines studied.
Plasma Levels of Preβ1-HDL Are Significantly Elevated in Non-Dialyzed Patients with Advanced Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kuchta Agnieszka , Ćwiklińska Agnieszka , Czaplińska Monika , Wieczorek Ewa , Kortas-Stempak Barbara , Gliwińska Anna , Dąbkowski Kamil , Sałaga-Zaleska Kornelia , Mickiewicz Agnieszka , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Król Ewa , Jankowski Maciej
Published: March 2019

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) decreases markedly, but there is no strong inverse relationship between HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular diseases. This indicates that not only the HDL-C level, but also the other quantitative changes in the HDL particles can influence the protective functionality of these particles, and can play a key role in the increase of cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the parameters that may give additional information about the HDL particles in the course of progressing CKD. For this purpose, we analyzed the concentrations of HDL containing apolipoprotein A-I without apolipoprotein A-II (LpA-I), preβ1-HDL, and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) in 68 patients at various stages of CKD. The concentration of HDL cholesterol, MPO, PON-1, and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity were similar in all of the analyzed stages of CKD. We did not notice significant changes in the LpA-I concentrations in the following stages of CKD (3a CKD stage: 57 ± 19; 3b CKD stage: 54 ± 15; 4 CKD stage: 52 ± 14; p = 0.49). We found, however, that the preβ1-HDL concentration and preβ1-HDL/LpA-I ratio increased along with the progress of CKD, and were inversely correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), even after adjusting for age, gender, triacylglycerols (TAG), HDL cholesterol, and statin therapy (β = −0.41, p < 0.001; β = −0.33, p = 0.001, respectively). Our results support the earlier hypothesis that kidney disease leads to the modification of HDL particles, and show that the preβ1-HDL concentration is significantly elevated in non-dialyzed patients with advanced stages of CKD.
Transcriptomic Changes in Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus Root Nodules during Drought Stress
Authors: Sańko-Sawczenko Izabela , Łotocka Barbara , Mielecki Jakub , Rekosz-Burlaga Hanna , Czarnocka Weronika
Published: March 2019

Drought is one of the major environmental factors limiting biomass and seed yield production in agriculture. In this research, we focused on plants from the Fabaceae family, which has a unique ability for the establishment of symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and are relatively susceptible to water limitation. We have presented the changes in nitrogenase activity and global gene expression occurring in Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus root nodules during water deficit. Our results proved a decrease in the efficiency of nitrogen fixation, as well as extensive changes in plant and bacterial transcriptomes, shortly after watering cessation. We showed for the first time that not only symbiotic plant components but also Sinorhizobium meliloti and Mesorhizobium loti bacteria residing in the root nodules of M. truncatula and L. japonicus, respectively, adjust their gene expression in response to water shortage. Although our results demonstrated that both M. truncatula and L. japonicus root nodules were susceptible to water deprivation, they indicated significant differences in plant and bacterial response to drought between the tested species, which might be related to the various types of root nodules formed by these species.
A Prediction Model for Preoperative Risk Assessment in Endometrial Cancer Utilizing Clinical and Molecular Variables
Authors: Salinas Erin A. , Miller Marina D. , Newtson Andreea M. , Sharma Deepti , McDonald Megan E. , Keeney Matthew E. , Smith Brian J. , Bender David P. , Goodheart Michael J. , Thiel Kristina W. , Devor Eric J. , Leslie Kimberly K. , Gonzalez Bosquet Jesus
Published: March 2019

The utility of comprehensive surgical staging in patients with low risk disease has been questioned. Thus, a reliable means of determining risk would be quite useful. The aim of our study was to create the best performing prediction model to classify endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) patients into low or high risk using a combination of molecular and clinical-pathological variables. We then validated these models with publicly available datasets. Analyses between low and high risk EEC were performed using clinical and pathological data, gene and miRNA expression data, gene copy number variation and somatic mutation data. Variables were selected to be included in the prediction model of risk using cross-validation analysis; prediction models were then constructed using these variables. Model performance was assessed by area under the curve (AUC). Prediction models were validated using appropriate datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. A prediction model with only clinical variables performed at 88%. Integrating clinical and molecular data improved prediction performance up to 97%. The best prediction models included clinical, miRNA expression and/or somatic mutation data, and stratified pre-operative risk in EEC patients. Integrating molecular and clinical data improved the performance of prediction models to over 95%, resulting in potentially useful clinical tests.
In Silico Molecular Docking and In Vivo Validation with Caenorhabditis elegans to Discover Molecular Initiating Events in Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework: Case Study on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals with Estrogen and Androgen Receptors
Authors: Jeong Jaeseong , Kim Hunbeen , Choi Jinhee
Published: March 2019

Molecular docking is used to analyze structural complexes of a target with its ligand for understanding the chemical and structural basis of target specificity. This method has the potential to be applied for discovering molecular initiating events (MIEs) in the Adverse Outcome Pathway framework. In this study, we aimed to develop in silico–in vivo combined approach as a tool for identifying potential MIEs. We used environmental chemicals from Tox21 database to identify potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through molecular docking simulation, using estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR) and their homology models in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (NHR-14 and NHR-69, respectively). In vivo validation was conducted on the selected EDCs with C. elegans reproductive toxicity assay using wildtype N2, nhr-14, and nhr-69 loss-of-function mutant strains. The chemicals showed high binding affinity to tested receptors and showed the high in vivo reproductive toxicity, and this was further confirmed using the mutant strains. The present study demonstrates that the binding affinity from the molecular docking potentially correlates with in vivo toxicity. These results prove that our in silico–in vivo combined approach has the potential to be applied for identifying MIEs. This study also suggests the potential of C. elegans as useful in the in vivo model for validating the in silico approach.
In Vitro Anti-proliferative Activity and Mechanism of Action of Anemone nemorosa
Authors: Swanepoel Bresler , Venables Luanne , Olaru Octavian Tudorel , Nitulescu George Mihai , van de Venter Maryna
Published: March 2019

Anemone nemorosa is part of the Ranunculaceae genus Anemone (order Ranunculales) which comprises more than 150 species. Various parts of the plant have been used for the treatment of numerous medical conditions such as headaches, tertian agues, rheumatic gout, leprosy, lethargy, eye inflammation as well as malignant and corroding ulcers. The Anemone plants have been found to contain various medicinal compounds with anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. To date there has been no reported evidence of its use in the treatment of cancer. However, due to the reported abundance of saponins which usually exert anti-cancer activity via cell cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis, we investigated the mode of cell death induced by an aqueous A. nemorosa extract by using HeLa cervical cancer cells. Cisplatin was used as a positive control. With a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20.33 ± 2.480 µg/mL, treatment with A. nemorosa yielded a delay in the early mitosis phase of the cell cycle. Apoptosis was confirmed through fluorescent staining with annexin V-FITC. Apoptosis was more evident with A. nemorosa treatment compared to the positive control after 24 and 48 h. Tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester staining showed a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential at 24 and 48 h. The results obtained imply that A. nemorosa may have potential anti-proliferative properties.
Cyclooxygenase-2-Mediated Up-Regulation of Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A Mitigates the Radio-Sensitivity of Cancer Cells
Authors: Tang Fan , Zhang Rui , Wang Jun
Published: March 2019

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) regulates mitochondrial biogenesis, and it is a candidate target for sensitizing tumor during therapy. Previous studies identified that increased TFAM expression conferred tumor cells resistance to ionizing radiation. However, the mechanisms on how TFAM are regulated in irradiated tumor cells remain to be explored. In this research, we demonstrated the contribution of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to enhancing TFAM expression in irradiated tumor cells. Our results showed TFAM was concomitantly up-regulated with COX-2 in irradiated tumor cells. Inhibition of COX-2 by NS-398 blocked radiation-induced expression of TFAM, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) treatment stimulated TFAM expression. We next provided evidence that DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation was a reason for TFAM up-regulation in irradiated cells, by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and selective inhibitor-targeted DRP1. Furthermore, we proved that p38-MAPK-connected COX-2, and DRP1-mediated TFAM up-regulation. Enhanced phosphorylation of p38 in irradiated tumor cells promoted DRP1 expression, mitochondrial fragmentation, and TFAM expression. NS-398 treatment inhibited radiation-induced p38 phosphorylation, while PGE2 stimulated the activation of p38. The results put forward a mechanism where COX-2 stimulates TFAM expression via p38-mediated DRP1/mitochondrial fragmentation signaling in irradiated tumor cells, which may be of value in understanding how to sensitize cancer cells during radiotherapy.
A Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Myo-Inositol-1-Phosphate Synthase (GhMIPS1D) Gene Promotes Root Cell Elongation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ma Rendi , Song Wangyang , Wang Fei , Cao Aiping , Xie Shuangquan , Chen Xifeng , Jin Xiang , Li Hongbin
Published: March 2019

Myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS, EC 5.5.1.4) plays important roles in plant growth and development, stress responses, and cellular signal transduction. MIPS genes were found preferably expressed during fiber cell initiation and early fast elongation in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), however, current understanding of the function and regulatory mechanism of MIPS genes to involve in cotton fiber cell growth is limited. Here, by genome-wide analysis, we identified four GhMIPS genes anchoring onto four chromosomes in G. hirsutum and analyzed their phylogenetic relationship, evolutionary dynamics, gene structure and motif distribution, which indicates that MIPS genes are highly conserved from prokaryotes to green plants, with further exon-intron structure analysis showing more diverse in Brassicales plants. Of the four GhMIPS members, based on the significant accumulated expression of GhMIPS1D at the early stage of fiber fast elongating development, thereby, the GhMIPS1D was selected to investigate the function of participating in plant development and cell growth, with ectopic expression in the loss-of-function Arabidopsis mips1 mutants. The results showed that GhMIPS1D is a functional gene to fully compensate the abnormal phenotypes of the deformed cotyledon, dwarfed plants, increased inflorescence branches, and reduced primary root lengths in Arabidopsis mips1 mutants. Furthermore, shortened root cells were recovered and normal root cells were significantly promoted by ectopic expression of GhMIPS1D in Arabidopsis mips1 mutant and wild-type plants respectively. These results serve as a foundation for understanding the MIPS family genes in cotton, and suggest that GhMIPS1D may function as a positive regulator for plant cell elongation.
Discovery of Galangin as a Potential DPP-4 Inhibitor That Improves Insulin-Stimulated Skeletal Muscle Glucose Uptake: A Combinational Therapy for Diabetes
Authors: Kalhotra Poonam , Chittepu Veera C. S. R. , Osorio-Revilla Guillermo , Gallardo-Velázquez Tzayhri
Published: March 2019

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is a well-known therapeutic drug target proven to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus, and clinically, DPP-4 inhibitors are used in combination with other anti-diabetic agents. However, side effects and skeletal muscle health are not considered in the treatment for diabetic patients. Recently, natural compounds have been proven to inhibit DPP-4 with fewer side effects. In this work, initially, molecular docking simulations revealed that a natural compound, Galangin, possess a binding energy of −24 KJ/mol and interaction residues SER 630 and TYR 547, that are responsible for potent DPP-4 inhibition. In vitro studies showed that galangin not only inhibits DPP-4 in a concentration-dependent manner but also regulates glucose levels, enabling the proliferation of rat L6 skeletal muscle cells. The combination of galangin with insulin benefits regulation of glucose levels significantly in comparison to galangin alone (p < 0.05). These findings suggest the beneficial effect of the use of galangin, both alone or in combination with insulin, to reduce glucose levels and improve skeletal muscle health in diabetes mellitus.
Recurrent Emergency Department Users: Two Categories with Different Risk Profiles
Authors: Slankamenac Ksenija , Zehnder Meret , Langner Tim O. , Krähenmann Kathrin , Keller Dagmar I.
Published: March 2019

Recurrent emergency department (ED) visits are responsible for an increasing proportion of overcrowding. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the characteristics and prevalence of recurrent ED visitors as well as to determine risk factors associated with multiple ED visits. ED patients visiting the ED of a tertiary care hospital at least four times consecutively in 2015 were enrolled. Of 33,335 primary ED visits, 1921 ED visits (5.8%) were performed by 372 ED patients who presented in the ED at least four times within the one-year period. Two different categories of recurrent ED patients were identified: repeated ED users presenting always with the same symptoms and frequent ED visitors who were suffering from different symptoms on each ED visit. Repeated ED users had more ED visits (p < 0.001) and needed more hospital admissions (p < 0.010) compared to frequent ED users. Repeated ED users visited the ED more likely due to symptoms from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (p < 0.001) and mental disorders (p < 0.001). In contrast, frequent ED patients showed to be at risk for multiple ED visits when being disabled (p = 0.001), had an increased Charlson co-morbidity index (p = 0.004) or suffering from rheumatic diseases (p < 0.001). A small number of recurrent ED visitors determines a relevant number of ED visits with a relevance for and impact on patient centred care and emergency services. There are two categories of recurrent ED users with different risk factors for multiple ED visits: repeated and frequent. Therefore, multi-professional follow-up care models for recurrent ED patients are needed to improve patients’ needs, quality of life as well as emergency services.
“To Be Microbiocidal and Not to Be Cytotoxic at the Same Time…”—Silver Nanoparticles and Their Main Role on the Surface of Titanium Alloy Implants
Authors: Radtke Aleksandra , Grodzicka Marlena , Ehlert Michalina , Jędrzejewski Tomasz , Wypij Magdalena , Golińska Patrycja
Published: March 2019

The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method has been used to produce dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the surface of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and nanotubular modified titanium alloys (Ti6Al4V/TNT5), leading to the formation of Ti6Al4V/AgNPs and Ti6Al4V/TNT5/AgNPs systems with different contents of metallic silver particles. Their surface morphology and silver particles arrangement were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The wettability and surface free energy of these materials were investigated on the basis of contact angle measurements. The degree of silver ion release from the surface of the studied systems immersed in phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS) was estimated using inductively coupled plasma ionization mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The biocompatibility of the analyzed materials was estimated based on the fibroblasts and osteoblasts adhesion and proliferation, while their microbiocidal properties were determined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts. The results of our works proved the high antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of all the studied systems. Among them, Ti6Al4V/TNT5/0.6AgNPs contained the lowest amount of AgNPs, but still revealed optimal biointegration properties and high biocidal properties. This is the biomaterial that possesses the desired biological properties, in which the potential toxicity is minimized by minimizing the number of silver nanoparticles.
New Insights into the Mechanisms of Action of Topical Administration of GLP-1 in an Experimental Model of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Sampedro Joel , Bogdanov Patricia , Ramos Hugo , Solà-Adell Cristina , Turch Mireia , Valeri Marta , Simó-Servat Olga , Lagunas Carmen , Simó Rafael , Hernández Cristina
Published: March 2019

The main goals of this work were to assess whether the topical administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) could revert the impairment of the neurovascular unit induced by long-term diabetes (24 weeks) in diabetic mice and to look into the underlying mechanisms. For that reason, db/db mice were treated with eye drops of GLP-1 or vehicle for 3 weeks. Moreover, db/+ mice were used as control. Studies performed in vivo included electroretinogramand the assessment of vascular leakage by using Evans Blue. NF-κB, GFAP and Ki67 proteins were analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF). Additionally, caspase 9, AMPK, IKBα, NF-κB, AKT, GSK3, β-catenin, Bcl-xl, and VEGF were analyzed by WB. Finally, VEGF, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18, and NLRP3 were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence. We found that topical administration of GLP-1 reverted reactive gliosis and albumin extravasation, and protected against apoptosis and retinal dysfunction. Regarding the involved mechanisms, GLP-1 exerted an anti-inflammatory action by decreasing NF-κB, inflammosome, and pro-inflammatory factors. In addition, it also decreased VEGF expression. Furthermore, GLP-1 promoted cell survival by increasing the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xl and the signaling pathway Akt/GSK3b/β-catenin. Finally, Ki67 results revealed that GLP-1 treatment could induce neurogenesis. In conclusion, the topical administration of GLP-1 reverts the impairment of the neurovascular unit by modulating essential pathways involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). These beneficial effects on the neurovascular unit could pave the way for clinical trials addressed to confirm the effectiveness of GLP-1 in early stages of DR.
“Can do” versus “do do”: A Novel Concept to Better Understand Physical Functioning in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Koolen Eleonore H. , van Hees Hieronymus W. , van Lummel Rob C. , Dekhuijzen Richard , Djamin Remco S. , Spruit Martijn A. , van ’t Hul Alex J.
Published: March 2019

Background: Physical capacity (PC) and physical activity (PA) represent associated but separate domains of physical function. It remains unknown whether this framework may support a better understanding of the impaired physical function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The current study had two aims: (1) to determine the distribution of patients with COPD over the PC-PA quadrants, and (2) to explore whether differences exist in clinical characteristics between these quadrants. Methods: In this retrospective study, PC was measured using the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), and PA was assessed with an accelerometer. Moreover, patients’ clinical characteristics were obtained. Patients were divided into the following quadrants: (I) low PC (6MWD <70% predicted), low PA, using a step-defined inactivity index (<5000 steps/day, ”can’t do, don’t do” quadrant); (II) preserved PC, low PA (“can do, don’t do” quadrant); (III) low PC, preserved PA (“can’t do, do do” quadrant); and (IV) preserved PC, preserved PA (“can do, do do” quadrant). Results: The distribution of the 662 COPD patients over the quadrants was as follows: “can’t do, don’t do”: 34%; “can do, don’t do”: 14%; “can’t do, do do”: 21%; and “can do, do do”: 31%. Statistically significant differences between quadrants were found for all clinical characteristics, except for educational levels. Conclusions: This study proves the applicability of the PC-PA quadrant concept in COPD. This concept serves as a pragmatic clinical tool, that may be useful in the understanding of the impaired physical functioning in COPD patients and therefore, may improve the selection of appropriate interventions to improve physical function.
Clinical and Biomarker Characteristics According to Clinical Spectrum of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the Validation Cohort of Korean Brain Aging Study for the Early Diagnosis and Prediction of AD
Authors: Hwang Jihye , Jeong Jee Hyang , Yoon Soo Jin , Park Kyung Won , Kim Eun-Joo , Yoon Bora , Jang Jae-Won , Kim Hee Jin , Hong Jin Yong , Lee Jong-Min , Park Hyuntae , Kang Ju-Hee , Choi Yong-Ho , Park Gilsoon , Hong Jinwoo , Byun Min Soo , Yi Dahyun , Kim Yu Kyeong , Lee Dong Young , Choi Seong Hye
Published: March 2019

We aimed to present the study design of an independent validation cohort from the Korean Brain Aging Study for the Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (KBASE-V) and to investigate the baseline characteristics of the participants according to the AD clinical spectrum. We recruited 71 cognitively normal (CN) participants, 96 with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), 72 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 56 with AD dementia (ADD). The participants are followed for three years. The Consortium to Establish a Registry for AD scores was significantly different between all of the groups. The logical memory delayed recall scores were significantly different between all groups, except between the MCI and ADD groups. The Mini-Mental State Examination score, hippocampal volume, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β42 level were significant difference among the SCD, MCI, and ADD groups. The frequencies of participants with amyloid pathology according to PET or CSF studies were 8.9%, 25.6%, 48.3%, and 90.0% in the CN, SCD, MCI, and ADD groups, respectively. According to ATN classification, A+/T+/N+ or A+/T+/N− was observed in 0%, 15.5%, 31.0%, and 78.3% in the CN, SCD, MCI, and ADD groups, respectively. The KBASE-V showed a clear difference according to the AD clinical spectrum in neuropsychological tests and AD biomarkers.
Common Inflammation-Related Candidate Gene Variants and Acute Kidney Injury in 2647 Critically Ill Finnish Patients
Authors: Vilander Laura , Vaara Suvi , Kaunisto Mari , Pettilä Ville ,   The FINNAKI Study Group
Published: March 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome with high incidence among the critically ill. Because the clinical variables and currently used biomarkers have failed to predict the individual susceptibility to AKI, candidate gene variants for the trait have been studied. Studies about genetic predisposition to AKI have been mainly underpowered and of moderate quality. We report the association study of 27 genetic variants in a cohort of Finnish critically ill patients, focusing on the replication of associations detected with variants in genes related to inflammation, cell survival, or circulation. In this prospective, observational Finnish Acute Kidney Injury (FINNAKI) study, 2647 patients without chronic kidney disease were genotyped. We defined AKI according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. We compared severe AKI (Stages 2 and 3, n = 625) to controls (Stage 0, n = 1582). For genotyping we used iPLEXTM Assay (Agena Bioscience). We performed the association analyses with PLINK software, using an additive genetic model in logistic regression. Despite the numerous, although contradictory, studies about association between polymorphisms rs1800629 in TNFA and rs1800896 in IL10 and AKI, we found no association (odds ratios 1.06 (95% CI 0.89–1.28, p = 0.51) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.80–1.05, p = 0.20), respectively). Adjusting for confounders did not change the results. To conclude, we could not confirm the associations reported in previous studies in a cohort of critically ill patients.
1-[N-Methyl-N-(Phenyl)amino]-3-(4-Methylphenyl)Thiourea
Authors: Yeo Chien , Tiekink Edward
Published: March 2019

The title compound, 1-[N-methyl-N-(phenyl)amino]-3-(4-methylphenyl)thiourea (1), was synthesized by the reaction of 1-methyl-1-phenyl hydrazine and 4-tolyl isothiocyanate, and was characterized by spectroscopy (1H and 13C{1H} NMR, IR, and UV), elemental analysis as well as by single crystal X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, the molecule exists as the thioamide tautomer and features an anti-disposition of the thioamide–N–H atoms; an intramolecular N–H⋯N hydrogen bond is noted. The molecular conformation resembles that of the letter L. In the molecular packing, thioamide-N1–H⋯S1(thione) hydrogen bonds lead to centrosymmetric eight-membered {⋯HNCS}2 synthons. The dimers are assembled into a supramolecular layer in the bc-plane by phenyl- and methyl-C–H⋯π(phenyl) interactions.
In Situ Controlled Surface Microstructure of 3D Printed Ti Alloy to Promote Its Osteointegration
Authors: Shan Lijun , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Al-Furjan M.S.H. , Weng Wenjian , Gong Youping , Cheng Kui , Zhou Maoying , Dong Lingqing , Chen Guojin , Takriff Mohd S. , Sulong Abu Bakar
Published: March 2019

It is well known that three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology used to produce customized implants and surface characteristics of implants, strongly deciding their osseointegration ability. In this study, Ti alloy microspheres were printed under selected rational printing parameters in order to tailor the surface micro-characteristics of the printed implants during additive manufacturing by an in situ, controlled way. The laser path and hatching space were responsible for the appearance of the stripy structure (S), while the bulbous structure (B) and bulbous–stripy composite surface (BS) were determined by contour scanning. A nano-sized structure could be superposed by hydrothermal treatment. The cytocompatibility was evaluated by culturing Mouse calvaria-derived preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1). The results showed that three typical microstructured surfaces, S, B, and BS, could be achieved by varying the 3D printing parameters. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation potential of the S, B, and BS surfaces could be significantly enhanced, and the addition of nano-sized structures could be further improved. The BS surface with nano-sized structure demonstrated the optimum osteogenic differentiation potential. The present research demonstrated an in situ, controlled way to tailor and optimize the surface structures in micro-size during the 3D printing process for an implant with higher osseointegration ability.
Tailoring a Silver Paste for Additive Manufacturing of Co-Fired Ferrite Magnetic Components
Authors: Liu Lanbing , Ding Chao , Mei Yunhui , Lu Guoquan
Published: March 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D-printing, has the potential for rapid prototyping of innovative designs of magnetic components used in power electronics converters. In this study, we tailored a silver paste as the metal feedstock of an extrusion 3D printer so that the metal would be compatible with a ferrite paste feedstock for 3D-printing of ferrite magnetic components. We focused on adjusting the metal formulation to match its shrinkage to that of the ferrite and to improve adhesion during the co-sintering process of the printed part. We found that a 5 wt % addition of ferrite powder in the metal paste can achieve matched shrinkage and strong adhesion. Evaluation of the co-sintered magnetic components showed no significant defects, such as cracks, warpage, or delamination, between the metal and ferrite. The shear strength between the two sintered materials was greater than 50 MPa, and the electrical resistivity of the sintered metal winding was less than twice that of the bulk silver, which is lower than those of most 3D-printed winding metals reported in the literature.
P-Type Lithium Niobate Thin Films Fabricated by Nitrogen-Doping
Authors: Li Wencan , Cui Jiao , Wang Weiwei , Zheng Dahuai , Jia Longfei , Saeed Shahzad , Liu Hongde , Rupp Romano , Kong Yongfa , Xu Jingjun
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen-doped lithium niobate (LiNbO3:N) thin films were successfully fabricated on a Si-substrate using a nitrogen plasma beam supplied through a radio-frequency plasma apparatus as a dopant source via a pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The films were then characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) as polycrystalline with the predominant orientations of (012) and (104). The perfect surface appearance of the film was investigated by atomic force microscopy and Hall-effect measurements revealed a rare p-type conductivity in the LiNbO3:N thin film. The hole concentration was 7.31 × 1015 cm−3 with a field-effect mobility of 266 cm2V−1s−1. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the atom content of nitrogen was 0.87%; N atoms were probably substituted for O sites, which contributed to the p-type conductivity. The realization of p-type LiNbO3:N thin films grown on the Si substrate lead to improvements in the manufacturing of novel optoelectronic devices.
Existence and Stability Results for a Fractional Order Differential Equation with Non-Conjugate Riemann-Stieltjes Integro-Multipoint Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Alruwaily Ymnah , Alsaedi Ahmed , K. Ntouyas Sotiris
Published: March 2019

We discuss the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a Caputo-type fractional order boundary value problem equipped with non-conjugate Riemann-Stieltjes integro-multipoint boundary conditions on an arbitrary domain. Modern tools of functional analysis are applied to obtain the main results. Examples are constructed for the illustration of the derived results. We also investigate different kinds of Ulam stability, such as Ulam-Hyers stability, generalized Ulam-Hyers stability, and Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stability for the problem at hand.