bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emerging Role and Promise of Circular RNAs in Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Zaiou Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are genome transcripts that are produced from back-splicing of specific regions of pre-mRNA. These single-stranded RNA molecules are widely expressed across diverse phyla and many of them are stable and evolutionary conserved between species. Growing evidence suggests that many circRNAs function as master regulators of gene expression by influencing both transcription and translation processes. Mechanistically, circRNAs are predicted to act as endogenous microRNA (miRNA) sponges, interact with functional RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and associate with elements of the transcriptional machinery in the nucleus. Evidence is mounting that dysregulation of circRNAs is closely related to the occurrence of a range of diseases including cancer and metabolic diseases. Indeed, there are several reports implicating circRNAs in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. However, there is very little research addressing the potential role of these RNA transcripts in the occurrence and development of obesity. Emerging data from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that circRNAs are novel players in adipogenesis, white adipose browning, obesity, obesity-induced inflammation, and insulin resistance. This study explores the current state of knowledge on circRNAs regulating molecular processes associated with adipogenesis and obesity, highlights some of the challenges encountered while studying circRNAs and suggests some perspectives for future research directions in this exciting field of study.
Clinically Relevant Chemotherapeutics Have the Ability to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Flieswasser Tal , Van Loenhout Jinthe , Freire Boullosa Laurie , Van den Eynde Astrid , De Waele Jorrit , Van Audenaerde Jonas , Lardon Filip , Smits Evelien , Pauwels Patrick , Jacobs Julie
Published: June 2020

The concept of immunogenic cell death (ICD) has emerged as a cornerstone of therapy-induced anti-tumor immunity. To this end, the following chemotherapies were evaluated for their ability to induce ICD in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines: docetaxel, carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin and mafosfamide. The ICD hallmarks ATP, ecto-calreticulin, HMGB1, phagocytosis and maturation status of dendritic cells (DCs) were assessed in vitro. Furthermore, an in vivo vaccination assay on C57BL/6J mice was performed to validate our in vitro results. Docetaxel and the combination of docetaxel with carboplatin or cisplatin demonstrated the highest levels of ATP, ecto-calreticulin and HMGB1 in three out of four NSCLC cell lines. In addition, these regimens resulted in phagocytosis of treated NSCLC cells and maturation of DCs. Along similar lines, all mice vaccinated with NSCLC cells treated with docetaxel and cisplatin remained tumor-free after challenge. However, this was not the case for docetaxel, despite its induction of the ICD-related molecules in vitro, as it failed to reject tumor growth at the challenge site in 60% of the mice. Moreover, our in vitro and in vivo data show the inability of oxaliplatin to induce ICD in NSCLC cells. Overall with this study we demonstrate that clinically relevant chemotherapeutic regimens in NSCLC patients have the ability to induce ICD.
Single-Crystalline Fibers of Deuterated Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Authors: Liu Xueni , Ren Yan , Zhang Cheng Qian , Wang Bo , Xia Sheng Qing
Published: June 2020

Single-crystalline fibers have distinct structures and optical properties comparing with the bulk crystals. In this article, two types of single-crystalline fibers of deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (K(H1−xDx)2PO4, DKDP) are obtained by rapid growth in room-temperature supersaturated solution. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that these DKDP single-crystalline fibers belong to tetragonal (I-42d) and monoclinic (P21/c) phases, respectively. The crystal structure of the tetragonal DKDP single-crystalline fiber is identical to that of the bulk DKDP tetragonal crystal reported. The lattice parameters of the monoclinic DKDP fiber (with the deuterium content of 55%) are a = 14.6571 Å, b = 4.5187 Å, c = 18.6962 Å, and β = 108.030°, which is a new crystal phase of DKDP. The monoclinic DKDP single-crystalline fiber is metastable at the present experimental condition and readily transit to the corresponding DKDP tetragonal phase in solution and in solid by grinding. The optical experiment shows that the highly deuterated tetragonal DKDP single-crystalline fiber possesses excellent optical guided-wave and effective second-harmonic generation properties. DKDP single-crystalline fibers are expected to be the suitable candidates for fabrication of the miniaturized nonlinear optical devices.
Inverse Estimation Method of Material Randomness Using Observation
Authors: Kim Dae-Young , Sikora Pawel , Araszkiewicz Krystyna , Chung Sang-Yeop
Published: June 2020

This study proposes a method for inversely estimating the spatial distribution characteristic of a material’s elastic modulus using the measured value of the observation data and the distance between the measurement points. The structural factors in the structural system possess temporal and spatial randomness. One of the representative structural factors, the material’s elastic modulus, possesses temporal and spatial randomness in the stiffness of the plate structure. The structural factors with randomness are typically modeled as having a certain probability distribution (probability density function) and a probability characteristic (mean and standard deviation). However, this method does not consider spatial randomness. Even if considered, the existing method presents limitations because it does not know the randomness of the actual material. To overcome the limitations, we propose a method to numerically define the spatial randomness of the material’s elastic modulus and confirm factors such as response variability and response variance.
Microstructure and Texture Evolution during Twin-Roll Casting and Annealing of a Mg–6.8Y2.5Zn–0.4Zr Alloy (WZ73)
Authors: Kittner Kristina , Ullmann Madlen , Arndt Falko , Kawalla Rudolf , Prahl Ulrich
Published: June 2020

In the present work, the microstructure and texture of a Mg–6.8Y–2.5Zn–0.4Zr sheet manufactured by twin-roll casting were investigated. The twin-roll cast state consisted of two apparent phases: the α-Mg matrix, which was made up of dobulites with an average grain size of approximately 50 µm and the LPSO (long-period stacking ordered) phase, which formed network-like precipitates along the grain boundaries. After twin-roll casting, annealing was carried out under conditions of different temperatures ranging from 450 °C to 525 °C and holding times between 2 h and 24 h. It was found that heat treatment led to the formation of a microstructure in which grains were apparent. Furthermore, it could be observed that high temperatures > 500 °C led to changes in the morphology of the LPSO structures. On one hand, the network-like structure dissolved while, on the other hand, both rodlike and blocky LPSO phases precipitated predominantly at the grain boundaries of the α-Mg matrix. This process was fostered by high temperatures and long holding times.
Privacy-Aware Distributed Hypothesis Testing
Authors: Sreekumar Sreejith , Cohen Asaf , Gündüz Deniz
Published: June 2020

A distributed binary hypothesis testing (HT) problem involving two parties, a remote observer and a detector, is studied. The remote observer has access to a discrete memoryless source, and communicates its observations to the detector via a rate-limited noiseless channel. The detector observes another discrete memoryless source, and performs a binary hypothesis test on the joint distribution of its own observations with those of the observer. While the goal of the observer is to maximize the type II error exponent of the test for a given type I error probability constraint, it also wants to keep a private part of its observations as oblivious to the detector as possible. Considering both equivocation and average distortion under a causal disclosure assumption as possible measures of privacy, the trade-off between the communication rate from the observer to the detector, the type II error exponent, and privacy is studied. For the general HT problem, we establish single-letter inner bounds on both the rate-error exponent-equivocation and rate-error exponent-distortion trade-offs. Subsequently, single-letter characterizations for both trade-offs are obtained (i) for testing against conditional independence of the observer’s observations from those of the detector, given some additional side information at the detector; and (ii) when the communication rate constraint over the channel is zero. Finally, we show by providing a counter-example where the strong converse which holds for distributed HT without a privacy constraint does not hold when a privacy constraint is imposed. This implies that in general, the rate-error exponent-equivocation and rate-error exponent-distortion trade-offs are not independent of the type I error probability constraint.
Allostery and Epistasis: Emergent Properties of Anisotropic Networks
Authors: Campitelli Paul , Ozkan S. Banu
Published: June 2020

Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind protein allostery and non-additivity of substitution outcomes (i.e., epistasis) is critical when attempting to predict the functional impact of mutations, particularly at non-conserved sites. In an effort to model these two biological properties, we extend the framework of our metric to calculate dynamic coupling between residues, the Dynamic Coupling Index (DCI) to two new metrics: (i) EpiScore, which quantifies the difference between the residue fluctuation response of a functional site when two other positions are perturbed with random Brownian kicks simultaneously versus individually to capture the degree of cooperativity of these two other positions in modulating the dynamics of the functional site and (ii) DCIasym, which measures the degree of asymmetry between the residue fluctuation response of two sites when one or the other is perturbed with a random force. Applied to four independent systems, we successfully show that EpiScore and DCIasym can capture important biophysical properties in dual mutant substitution outcomes. We propose that allosteric regulation and the mechanisms underlying non-additive amino acid substitution outcomes (i.e., epistasis) can be understood as emergent properties of an anisotropic network of interactions where the inclusion of the full network of interactions is critical for accurate modeling. Consequently, mutations which drive towards a new function may require a fine balance between functional site asymmetry and strength of dynamic coupling with the functional sites. These two tools will provide mechanistic insight into both understanding and predicting the outcome of dual mutations.
A Reconfigurable Convolutional Neural Network-Accelerated Coprocessor Based on RISC-V Instruction Set
Authors: Wu Ning , Jiang Tao , Zhang Lei , Zhou Fang , Ge Fen
Published: June 2020

As a typical artificial intelligence algorithm, the convolutional neural network (CNN) is widely used in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. In order to improve the computing ability of an IoT CPU, this paper designs a reconfigurable CNN-accelerated coprocessor based on the RISC-V instruction set. The interconnection structure of the acceleration chain designed by the predecessors is optimized, and the accelerator is connected to the RISC-V CPU core in the form of a coprocessor. The corresponding instruction of the coprocessor is designed and the instruction compiling environment is established. Through the inline assembly in the C language, the coprocessor instructions are called, coprocessor acceleration library functions are established, and common algorithms in the IoT system are implemented on the coprocessor. Finally, resource consumption evaluation and performance analysis of the coprocessor are completed on a Xilinx FPGA. The evaluation results show that the reconfigurable CNN-accelerated coprocessor only consumes 8534 LUTS, accounting for 47.6% of the total SoC system. The number of instruction cycles required to implement functions such as convolution and pooling based on the designed coprocessor instructions is better than using the standard instruction set, and the acceleration ratio of convolution is 6.27 times that of the standard instruction set.
Optimizing Crosstalk in Optical NoC through Heuristic Fusion Mapping
Authors: Shi Xinhao , Wu Ning , Ge Fen , Zhou Fang , Yahya Muhammad Rehan
Published: June 2020

Optical network-on-chip is considered to be a promising technology to solve the problems of low bandwidth and high latency in the traditional interconnection network. However, due to the inevitable leakage of optical devices, the optical signal will receive crosstalk noise during transmission. In this paper, a heuristic fusion mapping algorithm PSO_SA for crosstalk optimization is proposed. First, the initial optimal mapping is obtained by particle swarm optimization, and then the local optimization of the mapping scheme is removed by combining with simulated annealing algorithm. The experimental results show that the crosstalk optimization performance of PSO_SA algorithm is better than that of GA algorithm in 263 dec, Wavelet, DVOPD and other applications, and the maximum optimization degree is 28.7%.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Weighting Factor Autotuning for Model Predictive Control of Grid-Tied Packed U-Cell Inverter
Authors: Mohamed-Seghir Mostefa , Krama Abdelbasset , Refaat Shady S. , Trabelsi Mohamed , Abu-Rub Haitham
Published: June 2020

The tuning of weighting factor has been considered as the most challenging task in the implementation of multi-objective model predictive control (MPC) techniques. Thus, this paper proposes an artificial intelligence (AI)-based weighting factor autotuning in the design of a finite control set MPC (FCS-MPC) applied to a grid-tied seven-level packed U-cell (PUC7) multilevel inverter (MLI). The studied topology is capable of producing a seven-level output voltage waveform and inject sinusoidal current to the grid with high power quality while using a reduced number of components. The proposed cost function optimization algorithm ensures auto-adjustment of the weighting factor to guarantee low injected grid current total harmonic distortion (THD) at different power ratings while balancing the capacitor voltage. The optimal weighting factor value is selected at each sampling time to guarantee a stable operation of the PUC inverter with high power quality. The weighting factor selection is performed using an artificial neural network (ANN) based on the measured injected grid current. Simulation and experimental results are presented to show the high performance of the proposed strategy in handling multi-objective control problems.
Assessment of Green Methanol Production Potential and Related Economic and Environmental Benefits: The Case of China
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Havrysh Valerii , Nitsenko Vitalii , Baležentis Tomas , Streimikiene Dalia , Tarkhanova Elena A.
Published: June 2020

Adopting a new paradigm for social development implies a transition to a circular economy. The above requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the utilization of wastes, and the use of renewable energy sources. The most promising way is the use of methanol for industrial and transport applications. China is experiencing a boom in methanol production and its use in almost every sector of the economy. The purpose of this study was to reveal economic benefits, carbon dioxide emissions and the potential production of green methanol. Fuel price history, energy costs and fuel economy were used for economic assessment. Life cycle analysis to evaluate carbon dioxide emissions was applied. It was revealed that only the use of green methanol as a fuel results in decreases in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. The potential methanol production by using recycled waste and wind power was determined. Its annual production can range from 6.83 to 32.43 million tones. On this basis, a gradual transition to a circular and methanol economy is possible. Policymakers are recommended to support green methanol production in China. It can result in boosting the application of vehicles fueled by methanol and can control CO2 emissions.
Fuzzy Logic Weight Based Charging Scheme for Optimal Distribution of Charging Power among Electric Vehicles in a Parking Lot
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Ahmed Mohamed A. , Lee Ki-Beom , Kim Young-Chon
Published: June 2020

Electric vehicles (EVs) parking lots are representing significant charging loads for relatively a long period of time. Therefore, the aggregated charging load of EVs may coincide with the peak demand of the distribution power system and can greatly stress the power grid. The stress on the power grid can be characterized by the additional electricity demand and the introduction of a new peak load that may overwhelm both the substations and transmission systems. In order to avoid the stress on the power grid, the parking lot operators are required to limit the penetration level of EVs and optimally distribute the available power among them. This affects the EV owner’s quality of experience (QoE) and thereby reducing the quality of performance (QoP) for the parking lot operators. The QoE is represents the satisfaction level of EV owners; whereas, the QoP is a measurement representing the ratio of EVs with QoE to the total number of EVs. This study proposes a fuzzy logic weight-based charging scheme (FLWCS) to optimally distribute the charging power among the most appropriate EVs in such a way that maximizes the QoP for the parking lot operators under the operational constraints of the power grid. The developed fuzzy inference mechanism resolves the uncertainties and correlates the independent inputs such as state-of-charge, the remaining parking duration and the available power into weighted values for the EVs in each time slot. Once the weight values for all EVs are known, their charging operations are controlled such that the operational constraints of the power grid are respected in each time slot. The proposed FLWCS is applied to a parking lot with different capacities. The simulation results reveal an improved QoP comparing to the conventional first-come-first-served (FCFS) based scheme.
Development of Weighting Scheme for Indoor Air Quality Model Using a Multi-Attribute Decision Making Method
Authors: Piasecki Michał , Kostyrko Krystyna
Published: June 2020

When planning the energy demand of ventilation, proper consideration should be given to the possible scenarios of indoor air quality and pollutant concentrations. The purpose of the present research is to create a practical method of prioritising indoor air pollutants, considering technical, economical and health aspects, in the Indoor Air Quality model (IAQ). In order to find the global weights for the combined IAQindex model sub-elements (in practice, air pollutant concentrations), the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach is used. The authors have approached the problem of a weighting scheme in a model such as the complex model of the IAQ related to making decisions with many criteria and with the Multi-Attribute Decision Making MADM approach (specifically MCDM). The basis of the MADM method is a decision matrix constructed rationally by the authors, which includes six attributes: actual indoor air carbon dioxide concentration, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde HCHO concentration, and their anthropogenic and construction product emissions to the indoor environment. The decision model of IAQindex includes five alternatives (possible situations), and the combination of pollutant concentration attributes with additional emission attributes is related to the indoor environment under specific situation. For defining the weights of criteria, the authors provide objective approaches: (i) entropy-based approach considering measuring the amount of information, and (ii) CRITIC, a statistic-based approach. The value of the presented method, i.e., the determination of global weights for IAQ components, is shown as a practical application to determine IAQ and the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) index for an office building used as a case study.
Interstitial Telomeric Repeats Are Rare in Turtles
Authors: Clemente Lorenzo , Mazzoleni Sofia , Pensabene Bellavia Eleonora , Augstenová Barbora , Auer Markus , Praschag Peter , Protiva Tomáš , Velenský Petr , Wagner Philipp , Fritz Uwe , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Rovatsos Michail
Published: June 2020

Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes protecting chromosome ends in most eukaryotic organisms. In addition to chromosome ends, telomeric-like motifs can be accumulated in centromeric, pericentromeric and intermediate (i.e., between centromeres and telomeres) positions as so-called interstitial telomeric repeats (ITRs). We mapped the distribution of (TTAGGG)n repeats in the karyotypes of 30 species from nine families of turtles using fluorescence in situ hybridization. All examined species showed the expected terminal topology of telomeric motifs at the edges of chromosomes. We detected ITRs in only five species from three families. Combining our and literature data, we inferred seven independent origins of ITRs among turtles. ITRs occurred in turtles in centromeric positions, often in several chromosomal pairs, in a given species. Their distribution does not correspond directly to interchromosomal rearrangements. Our findings support that centromeres and non-recombining parts of sex chromosomes are very dynamic genomic regions, even in turtles, a group generally thought to be slowly evolving. However, in contrast to squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), where ITRs were found in more than half of the examined species, and birds, the presence of ITRs is generally rare in turtles, which agrees with the expected low rates of chromosomal rearrangements and rather slow karyotype evolution in this group.
Barriers to Accessing Maternal Care in Low Income Countries in Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dahab Rana , Sakellariou Dikaios
Published: June 2020

The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to 2030 aim to reduce maternal mortality and provide equitable access to maternal healthcare. Compromised access to maternal health facilities in low-income countries, and specifically in Africa, contribute to the increased prevalence of maternal mortality. We conducted a systematic review to investigate access barriers to maternal health in low-income countries in Africa since 2015, from the perspective of both community members and health providers. The findings show that the most important barriers to maternal health are transportation barriers to health facilities, economic factors, and cultural beliefs, in addition to lack of family support and poor quality of care. Further research is required to guide policymakers towards firm multi-sectoral action to ensure appropriate and equitable access to maternal health in line with the SDGs to 2030.
Reactions to Unsolicited Violent, and Sexual, Explicit Media Content Shared over Social Media: Gender Differences and Links with Prior Exposure
Authors: Nicklin Laura Louise , Swain Emma , Lloyd Joanne
Published: June 2020

While there has been extensive research into consumption of “traditional” forms of explicit sexual and violent media (within pornography, videogames and movies), the informal exchange and viewing of explicit real-world violent and sexual content via social media is an under-investigated and potentially problematic behaviour. The current study used an online survey (n = 225: 169f, 55m, 1x, mean age 30.61 (SD 12.03)) to explore self-reported reactions to unsolicited explicit violent and sexual content that participants had received from friends or contacts. In line with our predictions based on previous studies of fictional explicit content, we found effects of both gender and prior exposure on these reactions. Specifically, females rated both sexual and violent explicit content as significantly less funny and exciting and more disturbing than males did. Amongst males, those with high previous exposure rated violent content as more exciting than those with lower or no prior experience. Regardless of gender, participants with higher exposure to sexual content rated it as funnier than those with mild or no exposure, and those with higher exposure to violent content rated it as more amusing and more exciting. However, contrary to what desensitization theories would predict, prior exposure did not attenuate how disturbing explicit content (of either a sexual or a violent nature) was rated. Multiple avenues for further investigation emerged from this preliminary cross-sectional study, and we suggest priorities for further qualitative or longitudinal work on this novel topic.
Dogs and Their Owners Have Frequent and Intensive Contact
Authors: Joosten Philip , Van Cleven Alexia , Sarrazin Steven , Paepe Dominique , De Sutter An , Dewulf Jeroen
Published: June 2020

Contact and interactions between owners and their pets may have beneficial physical and social effects on people, but may also facilitate the transmission of zoonotic agents and resistant bacteria. To estimate the risk of these contacts, more information regarding the frequency and intensity of this physical contact is required. Therefore, an online survey was conducted among pet owners resulting in 701 completed questionnaires. Questions regarding the interactions between dogs and owners were linked with a score from 1 (limited interactions) to 3 (highly intense interactions). After scoring these self-reported interactions, a contact intensity score was calculated for each respondent by summing up the different allocated scores from all questions. This contact intensity score was used to identify predictors of more intense contact based on a multivariable linear regression model. Interactions between dogs and their owners were widespread (e.g., 85.3% of the dogs licked their owner’s hand) and intense (e.g., 49.3% of owners reported being licked in the face). The gender, age, and place of residence (city, village, or countryside) of the respondent, together with the size and age of the dog, were significantly associated with the contact intensity score in the multivariable model. On average, female respondents younger than 65 years who lived in the city and had a small young dog had the most intense contact with it. Further research is necessary to evaluate the risk of these interactions in light of zoonotic and antimicrobial resistance transfer.
Associations of City-Level Active Aging and Age Friendliness with Well-Being among Older Adults Aged 55 and Over in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Hui-Chuan
Published: June 2020

This study aims to identify the typology of city-level active aging and age-friendliness across cities in Taiwan and examine their effects on well-being in terms of life satisfaction (aged 55 and over) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (aged 65 and over) among older adults. The data were from the 2017 Taiwan Senior Citizen Condition Survey. Available indicators of Taiwan’s Active Aging Index and city age-friendliness were selected, and mixed linear models were analyzed. Active aging cities were classified into four categories—content, developed, participatory, and pioneer—and age-friendly cities into insecure, infrastructural, and tranquil. Life satisfaction was rated higher in content and participatory cities compared with the pioneer city, and related to individuals’ active aging status. Physical HRQoL was rated higher in infrastructural and tranquil cities, compared with insecure cities. City types of active aging and age-friendliness have different effects on well-being, but the effects are weaker than those of individuals’ characteristics.
Mission Flight Planning of RPAS for Photogrammetric Studies in Complex Scenes
Authors: Gómez-López José Miguel , Pérez-García José Luis , Mozas-Calvache Antonio Tomás , Delgado-García Jorge
Published: June 2020

This study describes a new approach to Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) photogrammetric mission flight planning. In this context, we have identified different issues appearing in complex scenes or difficulties caused by the project requirements in order to establish those functions or tools useful for resolving them. This approach includes the improvement of some common photogrammetric flight operations and the proposal of new flight schemas for some scenarios and practical cases. Some examples of these specific schemas are the combined flight (which includes characteristics of a classical block flight and a corridor flight in only one mission) and a polygon extrusion mode to be used for buildings and vertical objects, according to the International Committee of Architectural Photogrammetry (CIPA) recommendations. In all cases, it is very important to allow a detailed control of the flight and image parameters, such as the ground sample distance (GSD) variation, scale, footprints, coverage, and overlaps, according to the Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) available for the area. In addition, the application could be useful for quality control of other flights (or flight planning). All these new functions and improvements have been implemented in a software developed in order to make RPAS photogrammetric mission planning easier. The inclusion of new flight typologies supposes a novelty with respect to other available applications. The application has been tested using several cases including different types of flights. The results obtained in the quality parameters of flights (coverage and GSD variation) have demonstrated the viability of our new approach in supporting other photogrammetric procedures.
Past and Present Practices of Topographic Base Map Database Update in Nepal
Authors: Wagle Nimisha , Acharya Tri Dev
Published: June 2020

Topographic Base Maps (TBMs) are those maps that portray ground relief as the form of contour lines and show planimetric details. Various other maps like geomorphological maps, contour maps, and land use planning maps are derived from topographical maps. In this constantly changing world, the update of TBMs is indispensable. In Nepal, their update and maintenance are done by the Survey Department (SD) as a national mapping agency. This paper presents the history of topographical mapping and the reasons for the lack of updates. Currently, the SD is updating the TBM database using panchromatic and multispectral images from the Zi Yuan-3 (ZY-3) satellite with a resolution of 2.1 and 5.8 m, respectively. The updated methodology includes the orthorectification of images, the pansharpening of images, field data collection, digitization, change detection, and updating, the overlay of vector data and field verification, data quality control, and printing map production. A TBM in the Dang district of Nepal is presented as casework to show the changes in the area and issues faced during the update. Though the present digitizing procedure is time-consuming and labor-intensive, the use of high-resolution imagery has made mapping accurate and has produced high-quality maps. However, audit and automation can be introduced from the experiences of other countries for accurate and frequent updates of the TBM database in Nepal.
Sex Differences in Urate Handling
Authors: Halperin Kuhns Victoria L. , Woodward Owen M.
Published: June 2020

Hyperuricemia, or elevated serum urate, causes urate kidney stones and gout and also increases the incidence of many other conditions including renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. As we gain mechanistic insight into how urate contributes to human disease, a clear sex difference has emerged in the physiological regulation of urate homeostasis. This review summarizes our current understanding of urate as a disease risk factor and how being of the female sex appears protective. Further, we review the mechanisms of renal handling of urate and the significant contributions from powerful genome-wide association studies of serum urate. We also explore the role of sex in the regulation of specific renal urate transporters and the power of new animal models of hyperuricemia to inform on the role of sex and hyperuricemia in disease pathogenesis. Finally, we advocate the use of sex differences in urate handling as a potent tool in gaining a further understanding of physiological regulation of urate homeostasis and for presenting new avenues for treating the constellation of urate related pathologies.
Reactivating Ovarian Function through Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Intraovarian Infusion: Pilot Data on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Poor Responder Women
Authors: Sfakianoudis Konstantinos , Simopoulou Mara , Grigoriadis Sokratis , Pantou Agni , Tsioulou Petroula , Maziotis Evangelos , Rapani Anna , Giannelou Polina , Nitsos Nikolaos , Kokkali Georgia , Koutsilieris Michael , Pantos Konstantinos
Published: June 2020

Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion was recently introduced in the context of addressing ovarian insufficiency. Reporting on its effectiveness prior to adopting in clinical routine practice is imperative. This study aims to provide pilot data regarding PRP application for ovarian rejuvenation. Four pilot studies were conducted on poor ovarian response (POR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), perimenopause, and menopause, respectively. Each pilot study reports on thirty patients, 120 participants were recruited in total. All participants provided written informed consent prior to treatment. Primary outcome measures for the POR pilot study were levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and oocyte yield. For the POI, perimenopausal and menopausal pilot studies primary outcome measures were restoration of menstrual cycle, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels. A significant improvement on the hormonal profile and the ovarian reserve status was noted, along with improved intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle performance concerning POR participants. Menstruation recovery was observed in 18 out of 30 POI patients, along with a statistically significant improvement on levels of AMH, FSH, and AFC. Similarly, 13 out of 30 menopausal women positively responded to PRP treatment. Finally, menstruation regularity, improved hormonal levels and AFC were reported for 24 out of 30 perimenopausal women. To conclude, PRP infusion appears to convey promising results in addressing ovarian insufficiency.
Weekend Effect and in-Hospital Mortality in Elderly Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Retrospective Analysis of a National Hospital Database in Italy
Authors: Fabbian Fabio , De Giorgi Alfredo , Di Simone Emanuele , Cappadona Rosaria , Lamberti Nicola , Manfredini Fabio , Boari Benedetta , Storari Alda , Manfredini Roberto
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to relate the weekend (WE) effect and acute kidney injury (AKI) in elderly patients by using the Italian National Hospital Database (NHD). Methods: Hospitalizations with AKI of subjects aged ≥ 65 years from 2000–2015 who were identified by the ICD-9-CM were included. Admissions from Friday to Sunday were considered as WE, while all the other days were weekdays (WD). In-hospital mortality (IHM) was our outcome, and the comorbidity burden was calculated by the modified Elixhauser Index (mEI), based on ICD-9-CM codes. Results: 760,664 hospitalizations were analyzed. Mean age was 80.5 ± 7.8 years and 52.2% were males. Of the studied patients, 9% underwent dialysis treatment, 24.3% were admitted during WE, and IHM was 27.7%. Deceased patients were more frequently comorbid males, with higher age, treated with dialysis more frequently, and had higher admission during WE. WE hospitalizations were more frequent in males, and in older patients with higher mEI. IHM was independently associated with dialysis-dependent AKI (OR 2.711; 95%CI 2.667–2.755, p < 0.001), WE admission (OR 1.113; 95%CI 1.100–1.126, p < 0.001), and mEI (OR 1.056; 95% CI 1.055–1.057, p < 0.001). Discussion: Italian elderly patients admitted during WE with AKI are exposed to a higher risk of IHM, especially if they need dialysis treatment and have high comorbidity burden.
Increased Acid-Producing Diet and Past Smoking Intensity Are Associated with Worse Prognoses among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Tianying , Hsu Fang-Chi , Pierce John P.
Published: June 2020

Current dietary guidelines do not consider cancer survivors’ and past smokers’ low capacity to regulate their acid–base balance. People with a low capacity to regulate their acid–base balance are more susceptible to acid-producing diets. We studied a cohort of 2950 early stage breast cancer survivors who provided dietary information at baseline and during follow-up. We assessed the intakes of acid-producing diets via two commonly used dietary acid load scores: potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). We assessed past smoking intensity by pack-years of smoking. After an average of 7.3 years of follow-up, there were 295 total deaths, 249 breast cancer-specific deaths, and 490 cases of recurrent breast cancer. Increased intakes of dietary acid load and pack-years of smoking were each independently and jointly associated with increased total mortality and breast cancer-specific mortality; tests for trends and overall associations were statistically significant for NEAP and marginally significant for PRAL. Compared to women in the lowest tertile of NEAP and pack-year of smoking = 0, women in the highest tertile of NEAP and pack-years of smoking >15 had the greatest increased risk of total mortality (HR = 3.23, 95%CI 1.99–5.26). Further, dietary acid scores were associated with increased breast cancer recurrence among women with pack-years of smoking >0 but not in those with pack-years of smoking = 0 (p values for interactions <0.05). Our study provides valuable evidence for adding dietary acid load scores to dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors and developing specific guidelines for past smokers among these survivors.
Insomnia as a Symptom of Rapid Eye Movement-Related Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Hoshino Tetsuro , Sasanabe Ryujiro , Murotani Kenta , Hori Reiko , Mano Mamiko , Nomura Atsuhiko , Konishi Noriyuki , Baku Masayo , Arita Aki , Kuczynski Wojciech , Shiomi Toshiaki
Published: June 2020

Rapid eye movement (REM)-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a polysomnographic phenotype that affects 12–36% of OSA patients, is defined by apnea and hypopnea events that predominantly or exclusively occur during REM sleep. Recent studies indicated that REM-related OSA was associated with the development of nocturnal non-dipping of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and depressive symptoms. However, to date, the association between REM-related OSA and insomnia still remains unclear. We investigated whether there was a difference between REM- and non-REM-related OSA in terms of insomnia-related sleep disturbance as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in 1736 patients with OSA. REM-related OSA showed a significant association with increased PSQI in all adjusted models. In the subgroup analysis, the coefficients of all models were higher in female than in male patients with REM-related OSA. Insomnia should be considered an important complaint in patients with REM-related OSA, and its indicators, such as the PSQI, should be included in routine diagnostic testing.
Early and Late Efficacy on Wound Healing of Silver Nanoparticle Gel in Males after Circumcision
Authors: Balzarro Matteo , Rubilotta Emanuele , Trabacchin Nicolò , Soldano Antonio , Cerrato Clara , Migliorini Filippo , Mancini Vito , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Carbone Antonio , Cormio Luigi , Carrieri Giuseppe , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: June 2020

We evaluate the early and late safety and efficacy of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) in wound healing after circumcision. This multicenter prospective comparative non-randomized observational study compares wound dressing with AgNPs (group A) vs. gentamicin cream (group B). Follow-up included objective evaluation at 10 and 30 days by the Southampton Scoring System (SSS) and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). We enrolled 392 males: 194 in group A, and 198 in group B. At 10 days follow-up, in group A, the SSS scale was grade 1 in 49.5% and grade 2 in the remaining; meanwhile, in group B, grade 1 was in 58%, grade 2 in 34.3%, and grade 4 in 7.6%. At 30 days follow-up, grade 1 healing was 97.4% and 98.4% in group A and B, respectively. At 10 days follow-up, the mean SBSES score was 3.58 and 3.69 in group A and B, respectively; while at 30 days follow-up, 4.81 and 4.76 in group A and B, respectively. Only in group B did 7.6% of males have antibiotic therapy due to pus discharge. No patients needed surgical wound revision. AgNPs led to a late but safer healing, they were non-inferior to the antibiotic cream wound dressing efficacy, and they avoided pus discharge and the need for oral antibiotics due to their polymer material.
Serum Klotho in Living Kidney Donors and Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Neyra Javier A. , Hansrivijit Panupong , Medaura Juan , Leeaphorn Napat , Davis Paul W. , Kaewput Wisit , Bathini Tarun , Salim Sohail Abdul , Chewcharat Api , Aeddula Narothama Reddy , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Mao Michael A. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: June 2020

α-Klotho is a known anti-aging protein that exerts diverse physiological effects, including phosphate homeostasis. Klotho expression occurs predominantly in the kidney and is significantly decreased in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, changes in serum klotho levels and impacts of klotho on outcomes among kidney transplant (KTx) recipients and kidney donors remain unclear. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database from inception through October 2019 to identify studies evaluating serum klotho levels and impacts of klotho on outcomes among KTx recipients and kidney donors. Study results were pooled and analyzed utilizing a random-effects model. Ten cohort studies with a total of 431 KTx recipients and 5 cohort studies with a total of 108 living kidney donors and were identified. After KTx, recipients had a significant increase in serum klotho levels (at 4 to 13 months post-KTx) with a mean difference (MD) of 243.11 pg/mL (three studies; 95% CI 67.41 to 418.81 pg/mL). Although KTx recipients had a lower serum klotho level with a MD of = −234.50 pg/mL (five studies; 95% CI −444.84 to −24.16 pg/mL) compared to healthy unmatched volunteers, one study demonstrated comparable klotho levels between KTx recipients and eGFR-matched controls. Among kidney donors, there was a significant decrease in serum klotho levels post-nephrectomy (day 3 to day 5) with a mean difference (MD) of −232.24 pg/mL (three studies; 95% CI –299.41 to −165.07 pg/mL). At one year following kidney donation, serum klotho levels remained lower than baseline before nephrectomy with a MD of = −110.80 pg/mL (two studies; 95% CI 166.35 to 55.24 pg/mL). Compared to healthy volunteers, living kidney donors had lower serum klotho levels with a MD of = −92.41 pg/mL (two studies; 95% CI −180.53 to −4.29 pg/mL). There is a significant reduction in serum klotho levels after living kidney donation and an increase in serum klotho levels after KTx. Future prospective studies are needed to assess the impact of changes in klotho on clinical outcomes in KTx recipients and living kidney donors.
Should We Perform Old-For-Old Kidney Transplantation during the COVID-19 Pandemic? The Risk for Post-Operative Intensive Stay
Authors: Zeuschner Philip , Sester Urban , Stöckle Michael , Saar Matthias , Zompolas Ilias , El-Bandar Nasrin , Liefeldt Lutz , Budde Klemens , Öllinger Robert , Ritschl Paul , Schlomm Thorsten , Mihm Janine , Friedersdorff Frank
Published: June 2020

Health care systems worldwide have been facing major challenges since the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Kidney transplantation (KT) has been tremendously affected due to limited personal protective equipment (PPE) and intensive care unit (ICU) capacities. To provide valid information on risk factors for ICU admission in a high-risk cohort of old kidney recipients from old donors in the Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP), we retrospectively conducted a bi-centric analysis. Overall, 17 (16.2%) patients out of 105 KTs were admitted to the ICU. They had a lower BMI, and both coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertensive nephropathy were more frequent. A risk model combining BMI, CAD and hypertensive nephropathy gained a sensitivity of 94.1% and a negative predictive value of 97.8%, rendering it a valuable search test, but with low specificity (51.1%). ICU admission also proved to be an excellent parameter identifying patients at risk for short patient and graft survivals. Patients admitted to the ICU had shorter patient (1-year 57% vs. 90%) and graft (5-year 49% vs. 77%) survival. To conclude, potential kidney recipients with a low BMI, CAD and hypertensive nephropathy should only be transplanted in the ESP in times of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic if the local health situation can provide sufficient ICU capacities.
Effects of Four-Week Rehabilitation Program on Hemostasis Disorders in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Mackiewicz-Milewska Magdalena , Cisowska-Adamiak Małgorzata , Rość Danuta , Głowacka-Mrotek Iwona , Świątkiewicz Iwona
Published: June 2020

Background: Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit hemostasis disorders. This study aims at assessing the effects of a 4-week rehabilitation program on hemostasis disorders in patients with SCI. Methods: Seventy-eight in-patients undergoing a 4-week rehabilitation were divided into three groups based on time elapsed since SCI: I (3 weeks–3 months), II (3–6 months), and III (>6 months). Tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT) and D-dimer levels, antithrombin activity (AT), and platelet count (PLT) were measured on admission and after rehabilitation. Results: Rehabilitation resulted in an increase in TF in group III (p < 0.050), and decrease in TFPI (p < 0.022) and PLT (p < 0.042) in group II as well as AT in group I (p < 0.009). Compared to control group without SCI, TF, TFPI, and TAT were significantly higher in all SCI groups both before and after rehabilitation. All SCI groups had elevated D-dimer, which decreased after rehabilitation in the whole study group (p < 0.001) and group I (p < 0.001). Conclusion: No decrease in activation of TF-dependent coagulation was observed after a 4-week rehabilitation regardless of time elapsed since SCI. However, D-dimer levels decreased significantly, which may indicate reduction of high fibrinolytic potential, especially when rehabilitation was done <3 months after SCI.