bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Does Our Early Life Environment, Life Trajectory and Socioeconomic Status Determine Disease Susceptibility and Severity?
Authors: Holuka Cyrielle , Merz Myriam P. , Fernandes Sara B. , Charalambous Eleftheria G. , Seal Snehaa V. , Grova Nathalie , Turner Jonathan D.
Published: July 2020

A poor socioeconomic environment and social adversity are fundamental determinants of human life span, well-being and health. Previous influenza pandemics showed that socioeconomic factors may determine both disease detection rates and overall outcomes, and preliminary data from the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic suggests that this is still true. Over the past years it has become clear that early-life adversity (ELA) plays a critical role biasing the immune system towards a pro-inflammatory and senescent phenotype many years later. Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) appear to be particularly sensitive to the early life social environment. As we understand more about the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 it appears that a functional CTL (CD8+) response is required to clear the infection and COVID-19 severity is increased as the CD8+ response becomes somehow diminished or exhausted. This raises the hypothesis that the ELA-induced pro-inflammatory and senescent phenotype may play a role in determining the clinical course of COVID-19, and the convergence of ELA-induced senescence and COVID-19 induced exhaustion represents the worst-case scenario with the least effective T-cell response. If the correct data is collected, it may be possible to separate the early life elements that have made people particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 many years later. This will, naturally, then help us identify those that are most at risk from developing the severest forms of COVID-19. In order to do this, we need to recognize socioeconomic and early-life factors as genuine medically and clinically relevant data that urgently need to be collected. Finally, many biological samples have been collected in the ongoing studies. The mechanisms linking the early life environment with a defined later-life phenotype are starting to be elucidated, and perhaps hold the key to understanding inequalities and differences in the severity of COVID-19.
Optimizing an Osteosarcoma-Fibroblast Coculture Model to Study Antitumoral Activity of Magnesium-Based Biomaterials
Authors: Globig Philipp , Willumeit-Römer Regine , Martini Fernanda , Mazzoni Elisa , Luthringer-Feyerabend Bérengère J.C.
Published: July 2020

Osteosarcoma is among the most common cancers in young patients and is responsible for one-tenth of all cancer-related deaths in children. Surgery often leads to bone defects in excised tissue, while residual cancer cells may remain. Degradable magnesium alloys get increasing attention as orthopedic implants, and some studies have reported potential antitumor activity. However, most of the studies do not take the complex interaction between malignant cells and their surrounding stroma into account. Here, we applied a coculture model consisting of green fluorescent osteosarcoma cells and red fluorescent fibroblasts on extruded Mg and Mg–6Ag with a tailored degradation rate. In contrast to non-degrading Ti-based material, both Mg-based materials reduced relative tumor cell numbers. Comparing the influence of the material on a sparse and dense coculture, relative cell numbers were found to be statistically different, thus relevant, while magnesium alloy degradations were observed as cell density-independent. We concluded that the sparse coculture model is a suitable mechanistic system to further study the antitumor effects of Mg-based material.
Anti-CXCL4 Antibody Reactivity Is Present in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and Correlates with the SSc Type I Interferon Signature
Authors: Lande Roberto , Mennella Anna , Palazzo Raffaella , Pietraforte Immacolata , Stefanantoni Katia , Iannace Nicoletta , Butera Alessia , Boirivant Monica , Pica Roberta , Conrad Curdin , Chizzolini Carlo , Riccieri Valeria , Frasca Loredana
Published: July 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin/internal organ fibrosis, vasculopathy and autoimmunity. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4 (CXCL4) is an SSc biomarker, predicting unfavorable prognosis and lung fibrosis. CXCL4 binds DNA/RNA and favors interferon (IFN)-α production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), contributing to the type I IFN (IFN-I) signature in SSc patients. However, whether CXCL4 is an autoantigen in SSc is unknown. Here, we show that at least half of SSc patients show consistent antibody reactivity to CXCL4. T-cell proliferation to CXCL4, tested in a limited number of patients, correlates with anti-CXCL4 antibody reactivity. Antibodies to CXCL4 mostly correlate with circulating IFN-α levels and are significantly higher in patients with lung fibrosis in two independent SSc cohorts. Antibodies to CXCL4 implement the CXCL4–DNA complex’s effect on IFN-α production by pDCs; CXCL4–DNA/RNA complexes stimulate purified human B-cells to become antibody-secreting plasma cells in vitro. These data indicate that CXCL4 is indeed an autoantigen in SSc and suggest that CXCL4, and CXCL4-specific autoantibodies, can fuel a harmful loop: CXCL4–DNA/RNA complexes induce IFN-α in pDCs and direct B-cell stimulation, including the secretion of anti-CXCL4 antibodies. Anti-CXCL4 antibodies may further increase pDC stimulation and IFN-α release in vivo, creating a vicious cycle which sustains the SSc IFN-I signature and general inflammation.
Potential Synergistic Action of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Extracts against Skin Infecting Microorganisms
Authors: Sitarek Przemysław , Merecz-Sadowska Anna , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Wieczfinska Joanna , Zajdel Radosław , Śliwiński Tomasz
Published: July 2020

The skin is an important organ that acts as a physical barrier to the outer environment. It is rich in immune cells such as keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, mast cells, and T cells, which provide the first line of defense mechanisms against numerous pathogens by activating both the innate and adaptive response. Cutaneous immunological processes may be stimulated or suppressed by numerous plant extracts via their immunomodulatory properties. Several plants are rich in bioactive molecules; many of these exert antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. The present study describes the impact of plant extracts on the modulation of skin immunity, and their antimicrobial effects against selected skin invaders. Plant products remain valuable counterparts to modern pharmaceuticals and may be used to alleviate numerous skin disorders, including infected wounds, herpes, and tineas.
NKX6.1 Represses Tumorigenesis, Metastasis, and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chung Hsin-Hua , Lee Chun-Te , Hu Je-Ming , Chou Yu-Ching , Lin Ya-Wen , Shih Yu-Lueng
Published: July 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that NKX6.1 (NK homeobox 1) plays a role in various types of cancer. In our previous studies, we identified NKX6.1 hypermethylation as a promising marker and demonstrated that the NKX6.1 gene functions as a metastasis suppressor through the epigenetic regulation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cervical cancer. More recently, we have demonstrated that NKX6.1 methylation is related to the chemotherapy response in colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the biological function of NKX6.1 in the tumorigenesis of CRC remains unclear. In this study, we showed that NKX6.1 suppresses tumorigenic and metastatic ability both in vitro and in vivo. NKX6.1 represses cell invasion partly through the modulation of EMT. The overexpression of NKX6.1 enhances chemosensitivity in CRC cells. To further explore how NKX6.1 exerts its tumor-suppressive function, we used RNA sequencing technology for comprehensive analysis. The results showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly related to cell migration, response to drug, transcription factor activity, and growth factor activity, suggesting that these DEGs are involved in the function of NKX6.1 suppressing cancer invasion and metastasis. Our results demonstrated that NKX6.1 functions as a tumor suppressor partly by repressing EMT and enhancing chemosensitivity in CRC, making it a potential therapeutic target.
Linking Brassinosteroid and ABA Signaling in the Context of Stress Acclimation
Authors: Bulgakov Victor P. , Avramenko Tatiana V.
Published: July 2020

The important regulatory role of brassinosteroids (BRs) in the mechanisms of tolerance to multiple stresses is well known. Growing data indicate that the phenomenon of BR-mediated drought stress tolerance can be explained by the generation of stress memory (the process known as ‘priming’ or ‘acclimation’). In this review, we summarize the data on BR and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling to show the interconnection between the pathways in the stress memory acquisition. Starting from brassinosteroid receptors brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (BRI1) and receptor-like protein kinase BRI1-like 3 (BRL3) and propagating through BR-signaling kinases 1 and 3 (BSK1/3) → BRI1 suppressor 1 (BSU1) ―‖ brassinosteroid insensitive 2 (BIN2) pathway, BR and ABA signaling are linked through BIN2 kinase. Bioinformatics data suggest possible modules by which BRs can affect the memory to drought or cold stresses. These are the BIN2 → SNF1-related protein kinases (SnRK2s) → abscisic acid responsive elements-binding factor 2 (ABF2) module; BRI1-EMS-supressor 1 (BES1) or brassinazole-resistant 1 protein (BZR1)–TOPLESS (TPL)–histone deacetylase 19 (HDA19) repressor complexes, and the BZR1/BES1 → flowering locus C (FLC)/flowering time control protein FCA (FCA) pathway. Acclimation processes can be also regulated by BR signaling associated with stress reactions caused by an accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Cutting Edge Molecular Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Miyamoto Kenichi , Minami Yosuke
Published: July 2020

Recently, whole exome sequencing for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been performed by a next-generation sequencer in several studies. It has been revealed that a few gene mutations are identified per AML patient. Some of these mutations are actionable mutations that affect the response to an approved targeted treatment that is available for off-label treatment or that is available in clinical trials. The era of precision medicine for AML has arrived, and it is extremely important to detect actionable mutations relevant to treatment decision-making. However, the percentage of actionable mutations found in AML is about 50% at present, and therapeutic development is also needed for AML patients without actionable mutations. In contrast, the newly approved drugs are less toxic than conventional intensive chemotherapy and can be combined with low-intensity treatments. These combination therapies can contribute to the improvement of prognosis, especially in elderly AML patients who account for more than half of all AML patients. Thus, the treatment strategy for leukemia is changing drastically and showing rapid progress. In this review, we present the latest information regarding the recent development of treatment for AML.
Fibrocystin Is Essential to Cellular Control of Adhesion and Epithelial Morphogenesis
Authors: Ziegler Wolfgang H. , Soetje Birga , Marten Lisa P. , Wiese Jana , Burute Mithila , Haffner Dieter
Published: July 2020

Mutations of the Pkhd1 gene cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Pkhd1 encodes fibrocystin/polyductin (FPC), a ciliary type I membrane protein of largely unknown function, suggested to affect adhesion signaling of cells. Contributions of epithelial cell adhesion and contractility to the disease process are elusive. Here, we link loss of FPC to defective epithelial morphogenesis in 3D cell culture and altered cell contact formation. We study Pkhd1-silenced Madin-Darby Canine Kidney II (MDCKII) cells using an epithelial morphogenesis assay based on micropatterned glass coverslips. The assay allows analysis of cell adhesion, polarity and lumen formation of epithelial spheroids. Pkhd1 silencing critically affects the initial phase of the morphogenesis assay, leading to a reduction of correctly polarized spheroids by two thirds. Defects are characterized by altered cell adhesion and centrosome positioning of FPC-deficient cells in their 1-/2-cell stages. When myosin II inhibitor is applied to reduce cellular tension during the critical early phase of the assay, Pkhd1 silencing no longer inhibits formation of correctly polarized epithelia. We propose that altered sensing and cell interaction of FPC-deficient epithelial cells promote progressive epithelial defects in ARPKD.
Forecasting Seasonal Habitat Connectivity in a Developing Landscape
Authors: Zeller Katherine , Wattles David , Bauder Javan , DeStefano Stephen
Published: July 2020

Connectivity and wildlife corridors are often key components to successful conservation and management plans. Connectivity for wildlife is typically modeled in a static environment that reflects a single snapshot in time. However, it has been shown that, when compared with dynamic connectivity models, static models can underestimate connectivity and mask important population processes. Therefore, including dynamism in connectivity models is important if the goal is to predict functional connectivity. We incorporated four levels of dynamism (individual, daily, seasonal, and interannual) into an individual-based movement model for black bears (Ursus americanus) in Massachusetts, USA. We used future development projections to model movement into the year 2050. We summarized habitat connectivity over the 32-year simulation period as the number of simulated movement paths crossing each pixel in our study area. Our results predict black bears will further colonize the expanding part of their range in the state and move beyond this range towards the greater Boston metropolitan area. This information is useful to managers for predicting and addressing human–wildlife conflict and in targeting public education campaigns on bear awareness. Including dynamism in connectivity models can produce more realistic models and, when future projections are incorporated, can ensure the identification of areas that offer long-term functional connectivity for wildlife.
Profiling and Identification of Omeprazole Metabolites in Mouse Brain and Plasma by Isotope Ratio-Monitoring Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric Method
Authors: Shin Seok-Ho , Park Yuri , Park Min-Ho , Byeon Jin-Ju , Lee Byeong ill , Choi Jangmi , Shin Young G.
Published: July 2020

Neuro–inflammation is known to be one of the pathogenesis for the degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disease. Recently various approaches for the treatment of brain diseases by controlling neuro-inflammation in the brain have been introduced. In this respect, there is a continuous demand for CNS drugs, which could be safer and more effective. Omeprazole, a well-known proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) is generally prescribed for the treatment of peptic ulcer. In addition to the anti-gastric acid secretion mechanism, recent studies showed that omeprazole or PPIs would likely have anti-inflammation effects in vitro and in vivo, but their effects on anti-inflammation in brain are still unknown. In this study, omeprazole and its metabolites in a mouse’s brain after various routes of administration have been explored by stable isotope ratio-patterning liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric method. First, a simple liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric (LC–MS) method was established for the quantification of omeprazole in mouse plasma and brain. After that, omeprazole and its stable isotope (D3–omeprazole) were concomitantly administered through various routes to mice in order to identify novel metabolites characteristically observed in the mouse brain and were analyzed using a different LC–MS method with information-dependent analysis (IDA) scan. With this unique approach, several new metabolites of omeprazole were identified by the mass difference between omeprazole and stable isotope in both brain and plasma samples. A total of seventeen metabolites were observed, and the observed metabolites were different from each administration route or each matrix (brain or plasma). The brain pharmacokinetic profiles and brain-to-plasma partition coefficient (Kp) were also evaluated in a satellite study. Overall, these results provide better insights to understand the CNS-related biological effects of omeprazole and its metabolites in vivo.
The Relationship between the Expression of Fatty Acyl Desaturase 2 (fads2) Gene in Peripheral Blood Cells (PBCs) and Liver in Gilthead Seabream, Sparus aurata Broodstock Fed a Low n-3 LC-PUFA Diet
Authors: Ferosekhan Shajahan , Turkmen Serhat , Xu Hanlin , Afonso Juan Manuel , Zamorano Maria Jesus , Kaushik Sadasivam , Izquierdo Marisol
Published: July 2020

The principle aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between the fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (fads2) expression pattern in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) and liver of gilthead seabream (GSB), Sparus aurata broodstock in order to determine the possible use of fads2 expression as a potential biomarker for the selection of broodstock. This selection could be utilized for breeding programs aiming to improve reproduction, health, and nutritional status. Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT)-tagged GSB broodstock (Male-1.22 ± 0.20 kg; 44.8 ± 2 cm and female-2.36 ± 0.64 kg; 55.1 cm) were fed a diet containing low levels of fish meal and fish oil (EPA 2.5; DHA 1.7 and n-3 LC-PUFA 4.6% TFA) for one month. After the feeding period, fads2 expression in PBCs and liver of both male and female broodstock were highly significantly correlated (r = 0.89; p < 0.001). Additionally, in male broodstock, liver fads2 expression was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to liver contents in 16:0 (r = 0.95; p = 0.04) and total saturates (r = 0.97; p = 0.03) as well as to 20:3n–6/20:2n–6 (r = 0.98; p = 0.02) a Fads2 product/precursor ratio. Overall, we found a positive and significant correlation between fads2 expression levels in the PBCs and liver of GSB broodstock. PBCs fads2 expression levels indicate a strong potential for utilization as a non-invasive method to select animals having increased fatty acid bioconversion capability, better able to deal with diets free of fish meal and fish oil.
Surface Damaging of Brass and Steel Pins when Sliding over Nitrided Samples Cut by Finishing and Roughing EDM Conditions
Authors: Martynenko Vitaliy , Martínez Krahmer Daniel , Nápoles Alberro Amelia , Cabo Amado , Pérez Daniela , Zayas Figueras Enrique E. , Gonzalez Rojas Hernán A. , Sánchez Egea Antonio J.
Published: July 2020

In the forging industry, surface quality and surface treatments of dies are crucial parameters to extend their life. These components are usually machined by milling or by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), and the final surface roughness depends on the machining techniques and operational conditions used in its fabrication. After milling, a nitriding treatment is widely applied to extend its service life. Nevertheless, no scientific report that informs about nitriding after EDM has been found. Accordingly, this work focuses on the wear and friction behavior of pins made of brass and medium carbon steel sliding over AISI H13 discs, made by wire EDM in the conditions of finishing and roughing. The discs are plasma nitride, and their effect on the wear during pin-on-disc tests is evaluated. In this sense, the analysis of the surface damage for the different pins will help us to understand the service life and wear evolution of the forging dies. The results show that plasma nitride reduces the friction and prevents the degradation of the pin, independently of the material of the pin, when sliding over finishing and roughing EDM conditions.
Influence of Orthodontic Anchor Screw Anchorage Method on the Stability of Artificial Bone: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Kang Seen-Young , Yu Ji-Min , Kim Hyoung-Sik , Lee Jun-Seok , Yeon Chan-Mi , Park Ki-Sook , Choi Sung-Hwan , Lee Seung-Youl
Published: July 2020

This study aims to compare the torque values for various lengths of the titanium-based orthodontic anchor screw (OAS), different anchorage methods and varying artificial bone densities after predrilling. Furthermore, the effects of these parameters on bone stability are evaluated. A total of 144 OASs were prepared with a diameter of 1.6 mm and heights of 6, 8 and 10 mm. Artificial bones were selected according to their density, corresponding to Grades 50, 40 and 30. Torque values for the automatic device and manual anchorage methods exhibited a statistically significant difference for the same-sized OAS, according to the bone density of the artificial bones (p < 0.05). However, when insertion torque was at the maximum rotations, there was no significant difference in the torque values for the Grade 30 artificial bone (p > 0.05). When the torque values of both anchorage methods were statistically compared with the mean difference for each group, the results of the manual anchorage method were significantly higher than those of the automatic device anchorage method (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed in the bone stability resulting from different OAS anchorage methods and artificial bone lengths. These findings suggest that the automatic anchorage method should be used when fixing the OAS.
Microstructure, Compressive Strength and Sound Insulation Property of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymeric Foams with Silica Fume as Foaming Agent
Authors: Liu Xinhui , Hu Chunfeng , Chu Longsheng
Published: July 2020

Geopolymer as an alternative to cement has gained increasing attention. The aim of this article is to study the influence of the silica fume content and activator type on the porous fly ash-based geopolymer with silica fume as foaming agent. Geopolymeric foams were fabricated using low-calcium fly ash, silica fume, and sodium-based alkaline activator as initial materials. The designed silica fume contents were 0, 15, 30, and 45 wt % and two kinds of activators of water glass and sodium hydroxide were used for comparison. Phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties and sound insulation properties of as-prepared bulks were systematically investigated. It was found that, with increasing silica fume content, the density and compressive strength decreased simultaneously, whereas the porosity and sound insulation performance were effectively enhanced. At the silica fume content of 45% with sodium hydroxide as activator, the porosity was increased 3.02 times, and, at the silica fume content of 45% with water glass as activator, the mean sound insulation value of 43.74 dB was obtained.
Physicochemical Properties of Collagen from Acaudina Molpadioides and Its Protective Effects against H2O2-Induced Injury in RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Li Jie , Li Yan , Li Yuyao , Yang Zuisu , Jin Huoxi
Published: July 2020

Collagen is a promising biomaterial used in the beauty and biomedical industries. In this study, the physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activities, and protective effects against H2O2-induced injury of collagen isolated from Acaudina molpadioides were investigated. The amino acid composition analysis showed that the collagen was rich in glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), and glutamic acid (Glu), but poor in tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe). Zeta potential analysis revealed that the isoelectric point (pI) of collagen from Acaudina molpadioides was about 4.25. It possessed moderate scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the collagen was able to effectively improve cell viability and morphology, inhibit the production of Malondialdehyde (MDA), and increase the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) in cultured RAW264.7 cells, resulting in a protective effect against H2O2-induced injury. Overall, the results showed that collagen extracted from A. molpadioides has promising prospects in the beauty and cosmetics industries.
PHNQ from Evechinus chloroticus Sea Urchin Supplemented with Calcium Promotes Mineralization in Saos-2 Human Bone Cell Line
Authors: Hou Yakun , Carne Alan , McConnell Michelle , Mros Sonya , Vasileva Elena A. , Mishchenko Natalia P. , Burrow Keegan , Wang Ke , Bekhit Adnan A. , Bekhit Alaa El-Din A.
Published: July 2020

Polyhydroxylated naphthoquinones (PHNQs), known as spinochromes that can be extracted from sea urchins, are bioactive compounds reported to have medicinal properties and antioxidant activity. The MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cell viability assay showed that pure echinochrome A exhibited a cytotoxic effect on Saos-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner within the test concentration range (15.625–65.5 µg/mL). The PHNQ extract from New Zealand sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus did not induce any cytotoxicity within the same concentration range after 21 days of incubation. Adding calcium chloride (CaCl2) with echinochrome A increased the number of viable cells, but when CaCl2 was added with the PHNQs, cell viability decreased. The effect of PHNQs extracted on mineralized nodule formation in Saos-2 cells was investigated using xylenol orange and von Kossa staining methods. Echinochrome A decreased the mineralized nodule formation significantly (p < 0.05), while nodule formation was not affected in the PHNQ treatment group. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in mineralization was observed in the presence of PHNQs (62.5 µg/mL) supplemented with 1.5 mM CaCl2. In conclusion, the results indicate that PHNQs have the potential to improve the formation of bone mineral phase in vitro, and future research in an animal model is warranted.
Predicting Old-age Mortality Using Principal Component Analysis: Results from a National Panel Survey in Korea
Authors: Shin Jaeyong , Lee Kwang-Soo , Kim Jae-Hyun
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to group diseases classified by the International Classification of Diseases using principal component analysis, and discuss a systematic approach to reducing the preventable death rate from a perspective of public health. Materials and Methods: Using a 10-year follow-up analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) data, this study obtained de-identified data including participants’ data of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥45 years from 2006 to 2016. Participants were randomly selected using a multistage, stratified probability sampling based on geographical area and housing type. We excluded 37 participants with missing information at baseline and included 10,217 study participants. This study used the principal component analysis to extract comorbidity patterns, and chi-square test and Cox proportional hazards models for analyzing the association between the factors of interest. Results: Principal component 1 (diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension) was associated with an increased hazard ratio (HR) of 1.079 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.031–1.129, p = 0.001). Principal component 3 (psychiatric and cerebrovascular diseases) was related to an increased HR of 1.134 (95% CI 1.094–1.175, p < 0.0001). Moreover, principal component 4 was associated with a high HR of 1.172 (95% CI 1.130–1.215, p < 0.0001). However, among participants aged between 45 and 64 years, principal component 4 showed a meaningfully increased HR of 1.262 (95% CI 1.184–1.346, p < 0.001). In this study, among the four principal components, three were statistically associated with increased mortality. Conclusions: The principal component analysis for predicting mortality may become a useful tool, and artificial intelligence (AI) will improve a value-based healthcare strategy, along with developing a clinical decision support model.
Experimental Design as a Tool for Optimizing and Predicting the Nanofiltration Performance by Treating Antibiotic-Containing Wastewater
Authors: de Souza Dalva Inês , Giacobbo Alexandre , da Silva Fernandes Eduardo , Rodrigues Marco Antônio Siqueira , de Pinho Maria Norberta , Bernardes Andréa Moura
Published: July 2020

In recent years, there has been an increase in studies regarding nanofiltration-based processes for removing antibiotics and other pharmaceutical compounds from water and wastewater. In this work, a 2k factorial design with five control factors (antibiotic molecular weight and concentration, nanofiltration (NF) membrane, feed flow rate, and transmembrane pressure) was employed to optimize the NF performance on the treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater. The resulting multiple linear regression model was used to predict the antibiotic rejections and permeate fluxes. Additional experiments, using the same membranes and the same antibiotics, but under different conditions of transmembrane pressure, feed flow rate, and antibiotic concentration regarding the 2k factorial design were carried out to validate the model developed. The model was also evaluated as a tertiary treatment of urban wastewater for removing sulfamethoxazole and norfloxacin. Considering all the conditions investigated, the tightest membrane (NF97) showed higher antibiotics rejection (>97%) and lower permeate fluxes. On the contrary, the loose NF270 membrane presented lower rejections to sulfamethoxazole, the smallest antibiotic, varying from 65% to 97%, and permeate fluxes that were about three-fold higher than the NF97 membrane. The good agreement between predicted and experimental values (R2 > 0.97) makes the model developed in the present work a tool to predict the NF performance when treating antibiotic-containing wastewater.
Toward a Fossil Free Future with HYBRIT: Development of Iron and Steelmaking Technology in Sweden and Finland
Authors: Pei Martin , Petäjäniemi Markus , Regnell Andreas , Wijk Olle
Published: July 2020

The Swedish and Finnish steel industry has a world-leading position in terms of efficient blast furnace operations with low CO2 emissions. This is a result of a successful development work carried out in the 1980s at LKAB (Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag, mining company) and SSAB (steel company) followed by the closing of sinter plants and transition to 100% pellet operation at all of SSAB’s five blast furnaces. However, to further reduce CO2 emission in iron production, a new breakthrough technology is necessary. In 2016, SSAB teamed up with LKAB and Vattenfall AB (energy company) and launched a project aimed at investigating the feasibility of a hydrogen-based sponge iron production process with fossil-free electricity as the primary energy source: HYBRIT (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology). A prefeasibility study was carried out in 2017, which concluded that the proposed process route is technically feasible and economically attractive for conditions in northern Sweden/Finland. A decision was made in February 2018 to build a pilot plant, and construction started in June 2018, with completion of the plant planned in summer 2020 followed by experimental campaigns the following years. Parallel with the pilot plant activities, a four-year research program was launched from the autumn of 2016 involving several research institutes and universities in Sweden to build knowledge and competence in several subject areas.
Bioleaching of Phosphate Minerals Using Aspergillus niger: Recovery of Copper and Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Castro Laura , Blázquez Maria Luisa , González Felisa , Muñoz Jesús Angel
Published: July 2020

Rare earth elements (REE) are essential in high-technology and environmental applications, where their importance and demand have grown enormously over the past decades. Many lanthanide and actinide minerals in nature are phosphates. Minerals like monazite occur in small concentrations in common rocks that resist weathering. Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum scarcely studied as copper ore. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms are able to transform insoluble phosphate into a more soluble form which directly and/or indirectly contributes to their metabolism. In this study, bioleaching of heavy metals from phosphate minerals by using the fungus Aspergillus niger was investigated. Bioleaching experiments were examined in batch cultures with different mineral phosphates: aluminum phosphate (commercial), turquoise, and monazite (natural minerals). The experiments were performed at 1% pulp density and the phosphorous leaching yield was aluminum phosphate > turquoise > monazite. Bioleaching experiments with turquoise showed that A. niger was able to reach 8.81 mg/l of copper in the aqueous phase. Furthermore, the fungus dissolved the aluminum cerium phosphate hydroxide in monazite, reaching up to 1.37 mg/L of REE when the fungus was grown with the mineral as the sole phosphorous source. Furthermore, A. niger is involved in the formation of secondary minerals, such as copper and REE oxalates.
Residual Stress Analysis of a 2219 Aluminum Alloy Ring Using the Indentation Strain-Gauge Method
Authors: Ma Yunlong , Xue Nianpu , Wu Qiong , Gao Hanjun , Wu Jian
Published: July 2020

Aerospace thin-walled rings are vulnerable to machining distortion during the manufacturing process. Various research results show that the main factor causing machining deformation is initial residual stress inside the blank. In this study, the residual stress of a 2219 aluminum alloy ultra-large rolling ring was measured by using the indentation strain-gauge method. Results showed the maximum residual maximum principal stress was +265 MPa and stress distribution was uneven. To homogenize the initial residual stress of the ring, an expansion method is proposed based on the principle of pre-stretching plate, and the feasibility of the expansion method was analyzed by establishing a simplified theoretical model of ring. A FE (Finite Element) model was established to investigate residual-stress evolution during the rolling ring and the expanding ring process. The expansion simulation results show that the reduction rates of residual stress were greater than 40% and the maximum residual stress was only 65 MPa.
Glass Ionomer Cement Modified by Resin with Incorporation of Nanohydroxyapatite: In Vitro Evaluation of Physical-Biological Properties
Authors: Genaro Luis Eduardo , Anovazzi Giovana , Hebling Josimeri , Zuanon Angela Cristina Cilense
Published: July 2020

Resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) has important properties. However, like other restorative materials, it has limitations such as decreased biocompatibility. The incorporation of nanoparticles (NP) in the RMGIC resulted in improvements in some of its properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical-biological properties of RMGIC with the addition of nanohydroxyapatite (HANP). Material and Methods: Vitremer RMGIC was used, incorporating HANP by amalgamator, vortex and manual techniques, totaling ten experimental groups. The distribution and dispersion of the HANP were evaluated qualitatively by field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM-FEG). The evaluation of image porosity (SEM-FEG) with the help of imageJ. Cell viability 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoline bromide (MTT) and cell morphology analyses were performed on MDPC-23 odontoblastoid cells at 24 and 72 h. Results: It was possible to observe good dispersion and distribution of HANP in the samples in all experimental groups. The incorporation of 5% HANP into the vortex stirred RMGIC resulted in fewer pores. The increase in the concentration of HANP was directly proportional to the decrease in cytotoxicity. Conclusions: It is concluded that the use of a vortex with the incorporation of 5% HANP is the most appropriate mixing technique when considering the smallest number of pores inside the material. A higher concentration of HANP resulted in better cell viability, suggesting that this association is promising for future studies of new restorative materials.
New Mussel Inspired Polydopamine-Like Silica-Based Material for Dye Adsorption
Authors: Massaro Marina , Campisciano Vincenzo , Viseras Iborra César , Liotta Leonarda F. , Sánchez-Polo Manuel , Riela Serena , Gruttadauria Michelangelo
Published: July 2020

A straightforward and economic procedure has been developed for the synthesis of a new polydopamine-like silica-based material that has been obtained by oxidation of catechol with KIO4 followed by reaction with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. All techniques adopted for characterization showed that the obtained material is rich in different functional groups and the morphological analyses revealed dimensions in the nanometric range. The hybrid material has been characterized by several techniques showing its polydopamine-like nature, and preliminary observations for dye adsorption have been reported.
NUTRIC and Modified NUTRIC are Accurate Predictors of Outcome in End-Stage Liver Disease: A Validation in Critically Ill Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Mayr Ulrich , Pfau Julia , Lukas Marina , Bauer Ulrike , Herner Alexander , Rasch Sebastian , Schmid Roland , Huber Wolfgang , Lahmer Tobias , Batres-Baires Gonzalo
Published: July 2020

Malnutrition in critically ill patients with cirrhosis is a frequent but often overlooked complication with high prognostic relevance. The Nutrition Risk in Critically ill (NUTRIC) score and its modified variant (mNUTRIC) were established to assess the nutrition risk of intensive care unit patients. Considering the high mortality of cirrhosis in critically ill patients, this study aims to evaluate the discriminative ability of NUTRIC and mNUTRIC to predict outcome. We performed a retro-prospective evaluation in 150 Caucasian cirrhotic patients admitted to our ICU. Comparative prognostic analyses between NUTRIC and mNUTRIC were assessed in 114 patients. On ICU admission, a large proportion of 65% were classified as high NUTRIC (6–10) and 75% were categorized as high mNUTRIC (5–9). High nutritional risk was linked to disease severity and poor outcome. NUTRIC was moderately superior to mNUTRIC in prediction of 28-day mortality (area under curve 0.806 vs. 0.788) as well as 3-month mortality (area under curve 0.839 vs. 0.819). We found a significant association of NUTRIC and mNUTRIC with MELD, CHILD, renal function, interleukin 6 and albumin, but not with body mass index. NUTRIC and mNUTRIC are characterized by high prognostic accuracy in critically ill patients with cirrhosis. NUTRIC revealed a moderate advantage in prognostic ability compared to mNUTRIC.
To Wean or Not to Wean: The Role of Autologous Reconstructive Surgery in the Natural History of Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome on Behalf of Italian Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP)
Authors: Capriati Teresa , Mosca Antonella , Alterio Tommaso , Spagnuolo Maria Immacolata , Gandullia Paolo , Lezo Antonella , Lionetti Paolo , D’Antiga Lorenzo , Fusaro Fabio , Diamanti Antonella
Published: July 2020

Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) can require prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN). Over the years, SBS management has been implemented by autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery (AGIR). The primary objective of the present review was to assess the effect of AGIR on weaning off PN. We also evaluated how AGIR impacts survival, the need for transplantation (Tx) and the development of liver disease (LD). We conducted a systematic literature search to identify studies published from January 1999 to the present and 947 patients were identified. PN alone was weakly associated with higher probability of weaning from PN (OR = 1.1, p = 0.03) and of surviving (OR = 1.05, p = 0.01). Adjusting for age, the probability of weaning off PN but of not surviving remained significantly associated with PN alone (OR = 1.08, p = 0.03). Finally, adjusting for age and primary diagnosis (gastroschisis), any association was lost. The prevalence of TX and LD did not differ by groups. In conclusion, in view of the low benefit in terms of intestinal adaptation and of the not negligible rate of complications (20%), a careful selection of candidates for AGIR should be required. Bowel dilation associated with failure of advancing EN and poor growth, should be criteria to refer for AGIR.
Was Swami Vivekananda a Hindu Supremacist? Revisiting a Long-Standing Debate
Authors: Medhananda Swami
Published: July 2020

In the past several decades, numerous scholars have contended that Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu supremacist in the guise of a liberal preacher of the harmony of all religions. Jyotirmaya Sharma follows their lead in his provocative book, A Restatement of Religion: Swami Vivekananda and the Making of Hindu Nationalism (2013). According to Sharma, Vivekananda was “the father and preceptor of Hindutva,” a Hindu chauvinist who favored the existing caste system, denigrated non-Hindu religions, and deviated from his guru Sri Ramakrishna’s more liberal and egalitarian teachings. This article has two main aims. First, I critically examine the central arguments of Sharma’s book and identify serious weaknesses in his methodology and his specific interpretations of Vivekananda’s work. Second, I try to shed new light on Vivekananda’s views on Hinduism, religious diversity, the caste system, and Ramakrishna by building on the existing scholarship, taking into account various facets of his complex thought, and examining the ways that his views evolved in certain respects. I argue that Vivekananda was not a Hindu supremacist but a cosmopolitan patriot who strove to prepare the spiritual foundations for the Indian freedom movement, scathingly criticized the hereditary caste system, and followed Ramakrishna in championing the pluralist doctrine that various religions are equally capable of leading to salvation.
A Multi-Component Analysis of CPTED in the Cyberspace Domain
Authors: Lee Jemin Justin , Go Myong-Hyun , Kim Yu-Kyung , Joo Minhee , Seo JeongEun , Oh Haengrok , Kauh Janghyuk , Lee Kyungho
Published: July 2020

The visual fidelity of a virtual environment lacks the exceedingly complex layers from the physical world, but the continuous improvements of image rendering technology and computation powers have led to greater demands for virtual simulations. Our study employs Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) as a risk control measure and utilizes two principles: Access Control and Natural Surveillance. We conducted an experiment with (n-sample: 100) graduate students. For the experiment, we utilized the Factor Analysis of Information Risk (FAIR) to quantitatively analyze the risk. Furthermore, we adopted the lme4 package for R to estimate the mixed effect of the 6,242,880 observations retrieved from Kaggle. Based on the two experiments, we were able to critically evaluate the contributions of CPTED through a multi-component analysis. Our study investigates how spatial syntax and territorial demarcation may translate in the cyberspace realm. We found that the corollaries of the mophology in the virtual environment effects the distribution of crime. The results of our study discusses how to determine the criminogenic designs and capacity in the cyberspace realm.
Device Development for Detecting Thumb Opposition Impairment Using Carbon Nanotube-Based Strain Sensors
Authors: Kuroiwa Tomoyuki , Nimura Akimoto , Takahashi Yu , Sasaki Toru , Koyama Takafumi , Okawa Atsushi , Fujita Koji
Published: July 2020

Research into hand-sensing is the focus of various fields, such as medical engineering and ergonomics. The thumb is essential in these studies, as there is great value in assessing its opposition function. However, evaluation methods in the medical field, such as physical examination and computed tomography, and existing sensing methods in the ergonomics field have various shortcomings. Therefore, we conducted a comparative study using a carbon nanotube-based strain sensor to assess whether opposition movement and opposition impairment can be detected in 20 hands of volunteers and 14 hands of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome while avoiding existing shortcomings. We assembled a measurement device with two sensors and attached it to the dorsal skin of the first carpometacarpal joint. We measured sensor expansion and calculated the correlation coefficient during thumb motion. The average correlation coefficient significantly increased in the patient group, and intrarater and interrater reliability were good. Thus, the device accurately detected thumb opposition impairment due to carpal tunnel syndrome, with superior sensitivity and specificity relative to conventional manual inspection, and may also detect opposition impairment due to various diseases. Additionally, in the future, it could be used as an easy, affordable, and accurate sensor in sensor gloves.
Using UAV Photogrammetry to Analyse Changes in the Coastal Zone Based on the Sopot Tombolo (Salient) Measurement Project
Authors: Burdziakowski Pawel , Specht Cezary , Dabrowski Pawel S. , Specht Mariusz , Lewicka Oktawia , Makar Artur
Published: July 2020

The main factors influencing the shape of the beach, shoreline and seabed include undulation, wind and coastal currents. These phenomena cause continuous and multidimensional changes in the shape of the seabed and the Earth’s surface, and when they occur in an area of intense human activity, they should be constantly monitored. In 2018 and 2019, several measurement campaigns took place in the littoral zone in Sopot, related to the intensive uplift of the seabed and beach caused by the tombolo phenomenon. In this research, a unique combination of bathymetric data obtained from an unmanned surface vessel, photogrammetric data obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles and ground laser scanning were used, along with geodetic data from precision measurements with receivers of global satellite navigation systems. This paper comprehensively presents photogrammetric measurements made from unmanned aerial vehicles during these campaigns. It describes in detail the problems in reconstruction within the water areas, analyses the accuracy of various photogrammetric measurement techniques, proposes a statistical method of data filtration and presents the changes that occurred within the studies area. The work ends with an interpretation of the causes of changes in the land part of the littoral zone and a summary of the obtained results.
Research on a CMOS-MEMS Infrared Sensor with Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Chen Shu-Jung , Chen Bin
Published: July 2020

In this research, a new application of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-MEMS infrared (IR) sensor and emitter is proposed. Thorough investigations of IR properties including absorption and emission were proceeded with careful calibration and measurement with a CMOS thermoelectric sensor. The thermocouples of the sensor consist of aluminum and n-polysilicon layers which are fabricated with the TSMC 0.35 μm CMOS process and MEMS post-process. In order to improve the adhesion of rGO, a sensing area at the center of the membrane is formed with an array of holes, which is easy for the drop-coating of rGO material upon the sensing region. To evaluate the performance of the IR sensor with rGO, different conditions of the IR thermal radiation experiments were arranged. The results show that the responsivity of our proposed CMOS-MEMS IR sensor with rGO increases by about 77% compared with the sensor without rGO. For different IR absorption incident angles, the measurement of field of view shows that the CMOS-MEMS IR sensor with rGO has a smaller view angle, which can be applied for the application of long-distance measuring. In addition, characteristics of the proposed thermopile are estimated and analyzed with comparisons to the available commercial sensors by the experiments.