bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in the Compositions of Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities Due to Microhabitat Effects Induced by Simulated Nitrogen Deposition of a Bamboo Forest in Wetland
Authors: Li Weicheng , Sheng Haiyan , Ekawati Desy , Jiang Yueping , Yang Huimin
Published: December 2019

Although numerous studies have been published on nitrogen (N) deposition, little is known about its impact on microbial communities in wetland forests. Here, we used simulated nitrogen deposition (SND) to analyze the importance of differences in soil microhabitats in promoting the diversity of soil bacteria and fungi. We compared various levels of SND (control (CK), low N (N30), medium N (N60), and high N (N90)) and found that these were associated with changes in soil microhabitats. Additionally, SND affected soil pH, clay and sand content of the soil, and specific surface area (SSA). Bacteria and fungi responded differently to increased SND levels. The alpha diversity of bacteria decreased with an increased SND level, while fungal abundance, diversity, and community evenness reached their maximum values at the N60 threshold. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), nonparametric multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) coupled with effect size measurements (LefSe) also confirmed that the bacterial composition was different at N90 compared to other levels of SND while that of fungi was different at N60. A higher discriminant level (LDA score ≥4) may be a valuable index of selecting indicator microbial clades sensitive to SND for wetland management. Further, an increased pH was associated with a greater abundance of bacteria and fungi. In addition, the volume contents of clay and SSA were negatively correlated with bacteria but fungi are associated with soil specific gravity (SSG). Overall, in a neutral soil pH environment, pH fluctuation is the main influencing factor in terms of bacterial and fungal abundance and diversity. The diversity of fungi is more dependent on the type and relative content of solid phase components in soil than that of bacteria, implying the presence of species-specific niches for bacteria and fungi. These results demonstrate that changes in SND can induce short-term microbial and microhabitat changes.
Base Cation Fluxes from the Stemflow in Three Mixed Plantations in the Rainy Zone of Western China
Authors: Liu Yilin , Jiang Long , You Chengming , Li Han , Tan Siyi , Tan Bo , Yang Wanqin
Published: December 2019

Base cation transfer from stemflow is an important process for nutrient transfer and plays a key role in maintaining the balance of soil nutrient pools. To research the differences of stemflow chemistry in mixed plantations, we conducted a continuous field experiment in the rainy zone of Western China from December 2016 to November 2017. Three representative mixed plantations, including a conifer–broadleaved mixed plantation, a deciduous broadleaved mixed plantation and a multispecies mixed plantation, were selected to investigate the concentration and flux characteristics of K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in stemflow. The results showed that: (1) the K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ fluxes ranged from 1.75 to 2.44 kg ha−1 year−1, 0.14 to 0.24 kg ha−1 year−1, 1.25 to 2.11 kg ha−1 year−1, and 0.40 to 0.60 kg ha−1 year−1 in these mixed plantations during the one-year observation, and the annual or seasonal (i.e., rainy or dry season) base cation fluxes in the stemflow varied slightly with the plantation types; (2) broadleaved trees had a higher average stemflow base cation contribution rate and flux-based enrichment ratio than coniferous trees, and the enrichment ratios showed a decreasing tendency with increasing trunk diameter; (3) the stemflow base cation concentration was higher in the dry season, while flux was observed to be higher in the rainy season. These results suggested that increasing the proportion of broadleaved species in mixed plantations might improve soil nutrient content and benefit material cycling in subtropical forest ecosystems.
The Impact of Paraffin-Thermal Modification of Beech Wood on Its Biological, Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Reinprecht Ladislav , Repák Miroslav
Published: December 2019

The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood was thermally modified in the presence of paraffin at the temperatures of 190 or 210 °C for 1, 2, 3 or 4 h. A significant increase in its resistance to the brown-rot fungus Poria placenta (by 71.4%–98.4%) and the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor (by 50.1%–99.5%) was observed as a result of all modification modes. However, an increase in the resistance of beech wood surfaces to the mold Aspergillus niger was achieved only under more severe modification regimes taking 4 h at 190 or 210 °C. Water resistance of paraffin-thermally modified beech wood improved—soaking reduced by 30.2%–35.8% and volume swelling by 26.8%–62.9% after 336 h of exposure in water. On the contrary, its mechanical properties worsened—impact bending strength decreased by 17.8%–48.3% and Brinell hardness by 2.4%–63.9%.
Secure WiFi-Direct Using Key Exchange for IoT Device-to-Device Communications in a Smart Environment
Authors: Belghazi Zakariae , Benamar Nabil , Addaim Adnane , Kerrache Chaker Abdelaziz
Published: December 2019

With the rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices around the world, thousands of mobile users share many data with each other daily. IoT communication has been developed in the past few years to ensure direct connection among mobile users. However, wireless vulnerabilities exist that cause security concerns for IoT device-to-device (D2D) communication. This has become a serious debate, especially in smart environments where highly sensitive information is exchanged. In this paper, we study the security requirements in IoT D2D communication. In addition, we propose a novel authentication approach called Secure Key Exchange with QR Code (SeKeQ) to verify user identity by ensuring an automatic key comparison and providing a shared secret key using Diffie-Hellman key agreement with an SHA-256 hash. To evaluate the performance of SeKeQ, we ran a testbed using devices with a WiFi-Direct communication interface. The obtained results depict that our proposal can offer the required security functions including key exchange, data confidentiality, and integrity. In addition, our proposal can reach the same security performances as MANA (Manual Authentication) and UMAC (Universal-Hashing Message Authentication Code) but with 10 times fewer key computations and reduced memory occupancy.
Stability and Lability of Parental Methylation Imprints in Development and Disease
Authors: Farhadova Sabina , Gomez-Velazquez Melisa , Feil Robert
Published: December 2019

DNA methylation plays essential roles in mammals. Of particular interest are parental methylation marks that originate from the oocyte or the sperm, and bring about mono-allelic gene expression at defined chromosomal regions. The remarkable somatic stability of these parental imprints in the pre-implantation embryo—where they resist global waves of DNA demethylation—is not fully understood despite the importance of this phenomenon. After implantation, some methylation imprints persist in the placenta only, a tissue in which many genes are imprinted. Again here, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms are not clear. Mouse studies have pinpointed the involvement of transcription factors, covalent histone modifications, and histone variants. These and other features linked to the stability of methylation imprints are instructive as concerns their conservation in humans, in which different congenital disorders are caused by perturbed parental imprints. Here, we discuss DNA and histone methylation imprints, and why unravelling maintenance mechanisms is important for understanding imprinting disorders in humans.
An Overview of Opportunities for Machine Learning Methods in Underground Rock Engineering Design
Authors: Morgenroth Josephine , Khan Usman T. , Perras Matthew A.
Published: December 2019

Machine learning methods for data processing are gaining momentum in many geoscience industries. This includes the mining industry, where machine learning is primarily being applied to autonomously driven vehicles such as haul trucks, and ore body and resource delineation. However, the development of machine learning applications in rock engineering literature is relatively recent, despite being widely used and generally accepted for decades in other risk assessment-type design areas, such as flood forecasting. Operating mines and underground infrastructure projects collect more instrumentation data than ever before, however, only a small fraction of the useful information is typically extracted for rock engineering design, and there is often insufficient time to investigate complex rock mass phenomena in detail. This paper presents a summary of current practice in rock engineering design, as well as a review of literature and methods at the intersection of machine learning and rock engineering. It identifies gaps, such as standards for architecture, input selection and performance metrics, and areas for future work. These gaps present an opportunity to define a framework for integrating machine learning into conventional rock engineering design methodologies to make them more rigorous and reliable in predicting probable underlying physical mechanics and phenomenon.
Evaluation of Qualitative Dietary Protocol (Diet4Hashi) Application in Dietary Counseling in Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wojtas Natalia , Wadolowska Lidia , Bandurska-Stankiewicz Elżbieta
Published: December 2019

The current state of knowledge related to diet in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is far from satisfactory, as many HT subjects experience several disorders and report reduced quality of life. There are three aims of the study: (1) to develop a qualitative dietary protocol (QDP; ‘Diet4Hashi’) as a simple, graphic–text tool dedicated to TH subjects, (2) to evaluate the use of the QDP in dietetic counseling compared to conventional dietetic counseling (CDC) in HT women, and (3) to assess the impact of both the QDP and the CDC on the diet quality, quality of life, adiposity, and metabolic parameters of HT women. The QDP is based on subject self-monitoring supported with a graphic–text tool to help them in food selection and adequate food frequency consumption, while the CDC on oral explanation and printed sample menus were provided by a dietician. The QDP contains two lists: (A) foods recommended for consumption and (B) foods with limited consumption, along with indicated consumption frequency per day/week/month. Both approaches include the same dietary recommendations for HT extracted from the literature but differ in subject–dietician cooperation. To summarize the evidence regarding dietary recommendations in HT, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases (to March 2019) and the bibliographies of key articles were searched. The study is designed as a dietary intervention lasting six months in two parallel groups: experimental and control. In the experimental group, the QDP will be applied, while in the control group, the CDC will be applied. In total, the study will include a baseline of 100 women with diagnosed HT. The subjects will be randomly allocated into the experimental/control groups (50/50). Data related to diet quality and other lifestyle factors, nutrition knowledge, quality of life, thyroid function, body composition, blood pressure, serum fasting glucose, and lipid profile at baseline and after a six-month follow-up will be collected. This study was conducted to develop a dietary protocol (Diet4Hashi) that is easy to follow for HT subjects, and it will contribute to providing valuable data that are useful to dieticians and physicians. It is anticipated that this graphic–text qualitative dietary protocol, by improving food selection and diet quality, may reduce adiposity and improve metabolic parameters and the quality of life of HT women.
Key Risk Factors Affecting Farmers’ Mental Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Daghagh Yazd Sahar , Wheeler Sarah Ann , Zuo Alec
Published: December 2019

Recently, concern has increased globally over farmers’ mental health issues. We present a systematic review of the outcomes, locations, study designs, and methods of current studies on farmers’ mental health. In particular, this review aims to fill an important gap in understanding of the potential key risk factors affecting farmers’ mental health around the world. 167 articles on farmer mental health were included in a final systematic review using a standardized electronic literature search strategy and PRISMA guidelines. The four most-cited influences on farmers’ mental health in the reviewed literature respectively were pesticide exposure, financial difficulties, climate variabilities/drought, and poor physical health/past injuries. The majority of studies were from developed countries, most specifically from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Comparative studies on the mental health of farmers and other occupational workers showed mixed results, with a larger portion identifying that psychological health disturbances were more common in farmers and farm-workers. Knowledge of farmer psychological disorder risk factors and its impacts are essential for reducing the burden of mental illness. Further research will be required on climate change impacts, developing country farmers’ mental health, and information on how to reduce help-seeking barriers amongst farmers.
Toward Prevention of Doping in Youth Sport: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Correlates of Doping Tendency in Swimming
Authors: Sajber Dorica , Maric Dora , Rodek Jelena , Sekulic Damir , Liposek Silvester
Published: December 2019

Doping is recognized as one of the most important problems in sports, but a limited number of studies have investigated doping problems in youth athletes. This study aimed to evaluate doping tendency (potential doping behavior (PDB)) and correlates of PDB in youth age swimmers. The participants were 241 competitive swimmers (131 females; 15.3 ± 1.1 years of age, all under 18 years old). Variables included predictors and PDB (criterion). Predictors consisted of sociodemographic factors (gender and age), sport-related variables (i.e., experience in swimming and sport achievement), variables explaining coaching strategy and training methodology, consumption of dietary supplements (DS), knowledge about doping, and knowledge about sports nutrition and DS (KSN). In addition to the descriptive statistics and differences between genders, a multinomial regression using PDB as the criterion (negative-, neutral-, or positive-PDB, with a negative-PDB as the reference value) was calculated to define associations between predictors and criterion. With only 71% of swimmers who declared negative-PDB results indicated an alarming figure. Boys with better KSN were more negatively oriented toward positive-PDB (OR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.60–0.95). In girls, lower competitive achievement was evidenced as a risk factor for neutral-PDB (OR: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.24–0.63). Also, higher neutral-PDB (OR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.81–0.96) and positive-PDB (OR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.83–0.99) were identified in girls who began with intensive training in younger age. Because of the alarming figures of PDB, there is an evident need for the development of systematic antidoping educational programs in youth swimming. In doing so, focus should be placed on girls who began intensive training at an earlier age and those who did not achieve high competitive results.
Validation of Submaximal Step Tests and the 6-Min Walk Test for Predicting Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Young and Healthy Participants
Authors: Hong Sung Hyun , Yang Hyuk In , Kim Dong-Il , Gonzales Tomas I. , Brage Soren , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: December 2019

Background: This study aimed to test the validity of three different submaximal tests (i.e., 3-min step test with 20.3-cm step box height (3MST20), 3-min step test with 30-cm step box height (3MST30), and 6-min walk test (6MWT)) in estimating maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in young and healthy individuals. Methods: The 3MST20, 3MST30, 6MWT, as well as the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were performed in 73 participants (37 men and 36 women; mean age: 30.8 ± 9.3 years). All participants visited the clinic three times in a random order for anthropometric measurements, three submaximal tests, and the VO2max test. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to construct the VO2max prediction equations for each submaximal test. Results: The prediction equations developed based on multiple regression analyses for each submaximal tests were as follows: 3MST20: VO2max = 86.0 − 10.9 × sex (male = 1, female = 2) − 0.4 × age − 0.1 × weight − 0.1 × heart rate recovery at 30 s (HRR30s); 3MST30: VO2max = 84.5 − 10.2 × sex (male = 1, female = 2) − 0.4 × age − 0.1 × weight − 0.1 × HRR30s; and 6MWT: VO2max = 61.1 − 11.1 × sex (male = 1, female = 2) − 0.4 × age − 0.2 × weight − 0.2 × (distance walked·10−1). The estimated VO2max values based on formulated equations were 37.0 ± 7.9, 37.3 ± 7.6, and 36.9 ± 7.9 mL∙kg−1∙min−1 derived from the 3MST20, 3MST30, and 6MWT, respectively. These estimated VO2max values were not significantly different from the measured VO2max value, 37.3 mL∙kg−1∙min−1. The estimated VO2max based on the 3MST20, 3MST30, and 6MWT results explained 73.4%, 72.2%, and 74.4% of the variances in the measured VO2max (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The 3MST20, 3MST30, and 6MWT were valid in estimating VO2max in relatively young and healthy Asian individuals.
No More Bricks in the Wall: Adopting Healthy Lifestyles through Physical Education Classes
Authors: Trigueros Rubén , Cangas Adolfo J. , Aguilar-Parra José M. , Álvarez Joaquín F. , García-Más Alexandre
Published: December 2019

Despite the multiple benefits associated with practicing physical activity regularly, less than 20% of the population do it on a daily basis. Physical education classes could contribute, during childhood and adolescence, to consolidating adherence to healthy lifestyle habits. The present study involved 606 secondary school students between the ages of 13 and 19. We analysed the relationships between the perception of psychological control and support for autonomy, the satisfaction and frustration of psychological needs, mind-wandering and mindfulness, positive and negative emotions, motivation towards physical education classes, physical activity and the intention to be physically active—all through a structural equation model, which presented acceptable goodness-of-fit indices. The results showed that students who feel more autonomous see that their psychological needs are met and feel emotionally positive; this will result in the development of autonomous motivation towards physical education classes and physical activity that, in turn, could lead to a greater intention to be physically active.
Monitoring the Water Quality of Small Water Bodies Using High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Yigit Avdan Zehra , Kaplan Gordana , Goncu Serdar , Avdan Ugur
Published: December 2019

Remotely sensed data can reinforce the abilities of water resources researchers and decision-makers to monitor water quality more effectively. In the past few decades, remote sensing techniques have been widely used to measure qualitative water quality parameters. However, the use of moderate resolution sensors may not meet the requirements for monitoring small water bodies. Water quality in a small dam was assessed using high-resolution satellite data from RapidEye and in situ measurements collected a few days apart. The satellite carries a five-band multispectral optical imager with a ground sampling distance of 5 m at its nadir and a swath width of 80 km. Several different algorithms were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients for electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved soils (TDS), water transparency, water turbidity, depth, suspended particular matter (SPM), and chlorophyll-a. The results indicate strong correlation between the investigated parameters and RapidEye reflectance, especially in the red and red-edge portion with highest correlation between red-edge band and water turbidity (r2 = 0.92). Two of the investigated indices showed good correlation in almost all of the water quality parameters with correlation higher than 0.80. The findings of this study emphasize the use of both high-resolution remote sensing imagery and red-edge portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for monitoring several water quality parameters in small water areas.
Multipotent Neurotrophic Effects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yamane Kentaro , Misawa Haruo , Takigawa Tomoyuki , Ito Yoshihiro , Ozaki Toshifumi , Matsukawa Akihiro
Published: December 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in neural tissue loss and so far untreatable functional impairment. In addition, at the initial injury site, inflammation induces secondary damage, and glial scar formation occurs to limit inflammation-mediated tissue damage. Consequently, it obstructs neural regeneration. Many studies have been conducted in the field of SCI; however, no satisfactory treatment has been established to date. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one of the neurotrophic growth factors and has been listed as a candidate medicine for SCI treatment. The highlighted effects of HGF on neural regeneration are associated with its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities. Moreover, HGF exerts positive effects on transplanted stem cell differentiation into neurons. This paper reviews the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of HGF in SCI recovery, and introduces recent advances in the clinical applications of HGF therapy.
Preclinical Evaluation of Ureidosulfamate Carbonic Anhydrase IX/XII Inhibitors in the Treatment of Cancers
Authors: Williams Kaye J. , Gieling Roben G.
Published: December 2019

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are a family of enzymes involved in the pH regulation of metabolically active cells/tissues. Upregulation of the CAIX/XII isoforms is associated with hypoxic tumours and clinically linked with malignant progression, treatment resistance and poor prognosis. The elucidation of the crystal structure of the catalytic domains of CAIX/XII provided the basis for the generation of CAIX/XII selective inhibitors based on the sulfonamide, sulfamate and coumarins chemical structures. Ureido-substituted benzenesulfonamide CAIX/XII inhibitors have shown significant potential, with U-104 (SLC-0111) currently present in clinical Phase I/II. Ureido-substituted sulfamate CAIX/XII inhibitors have received less attention despite encouraging preclinical test results. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), ureidosulfamates revealed a significant antitumour (FC9-398A) and antimetastatic potential (S4). In small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a cancer cell type very sensitive to a dysregulation in CAIX signaling, S4 treatment was particularly effective when combined with cisplatin with no evidence of acquired cisplatin-resistance. These successful anticancer strategies should provide a solid basis for future studies on ureido-substituted sulfamates.
Gel-Based Proteomics of Clinical Samples Identifies Potential Serological Biomarkers for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Thorsen Stine , Gromova Irina , Christensen Ib , Fredriksson Simon , Andersen Claus , Nielsen Hans , Stenvang Jan , Moreira José
Published: December 2019

The burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is considerable—approximately 1.8 million people are diagnosed each year with CRC and of these about half will succumb to the disease. In the case of CRC, there is strong evidence that an early diagnosis leads to a better prognosis, with metastatic CRC having a 5-year survival that is only slightly greater than 10% compared with up to 90% for stage I CRC. Clearly, biomarkers for the early detection of CRC would have a major clinical impact. We implemented a coherent gel-based proteomics biomarker discovery platform for the identification of clinically useful biomarkers for the early detection of CRC. Potential protein biomarkers were identified by a 2D gel-based analysis of a cohort composed of 128 CRC and site-matched normal tissue biopsies. Potential biomarkers were prioritized and assays to quantitatively measure plasma expression of the candidate biomarkers were developed. Those biomarkers that fulfilled the preset criteria for technical validity were validated in a case-control set of plasma samples, including 70 patients with CRC, adenomas, or non-cancer diseases and healthy individuals in each group. We identified 63 consistently upregulated polypeptides (factor of four-fold or more) in our proteomics analysis. We selected 10 out of these 63 upregulated polypeptides, and established assays to measure the concentration of each one of the ten biomarkers in plasma samples. Biomarker levels were analyzed in plasma samples from healthy individuals, individuals with adenomas, CRC patients, and patients with non-cancer diseases and we identified one protein, tropomyosin 3 (Tpm3) that could discriminate CRC at a significant level (p = 0.0146). Our results suggest that at least one of the identified proteins, Tpm3, could be used as a biomarker in the early detection of CRC, and further studies should provide unequivocal evidence for the real-life clinical validity and usefulness of Tpm3.
A Mapping Approach to Identify Player Types for Game Recommendations
Authors: Lee Yeonghun , Jung Yuchul
Published: December 2019

As the size of the domestic and international gaming industry gradually grows, various games are undergoing rapid development cycles to compete in the current market. However, selecting and recommending suitable games for users continues to be a challenging problem. Although game recommendation systems based on the prior gaming experience of users exist, they are limited owing to the cold start problem. Unlike existing approaches, the current study addressed existing problems by identifying the personality of the user through a personality diagnostic test and mapping the personality to the player type. In addition, an Android app-based prototype was developed that recommends games by mapping tag information about the user’s personality and the game. A set of user experiments were conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed mapping model and the recommendation prototype.
Serum Spexin is Correlated with Lipoprotein(a) and Androgens in Female Adolescents
Authors: Bacopoulou Flora , Apostolaki Despoina , Mantzou Aimilia , Doulgeraki Artemis , Pałasz Artur , Tsimaris Pantelis , Koniari Eleni , Efthymiou Vasiliki
Published: December 2019

The Spexin gene is considered the most dysregulated in obese human fat. Limited data suggest that the novel peptide spexin may potentially impact food intake, weight regulation and body adiposity. The aim of this case-control study was to compare fasting serum spexin concentrations between normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OB/OW) adolescent females and explore the relationship between circulating spexin and anthropometric, bone and fat mass, metabolic and hormonal parameters. Eighty post-menarcheal females (mean age ± SD 16.23 ± 2.26 years); 55 NW (mean BMI ± SD 19.72 ± 2.52 kg/m2) and 25 OB/OW (mean BMI ± SD 29.35 ± 3.89 kg/m2) participated in the study. Circulating spexin levels did not differ significantly (p = 0.378) between NW (median (interquartile range), 0.26 (0.17) ng/mL) and OB/OW (median (interquartile range), 0.28 (0.06) ng/mL) adolescents and did not correlate with BMI (rs = −0.090, p = 0.438), % body fat (rs = −0.173, p = 0.409), glucose or insulin resistance indices derived from fasting and oral glucose tolerance states. In the total study sample, spexin concentrations correlated positively with lipoprotein(a) (rs = 0.402, p = 0.046). In the OB/OW adolescents spexin levels correlated positively with testosterone (rs = 0.727, p = 0.011) and free androgen index (rs = 0.755, p = 0.007). In the NW adolescents, spexin concentrations correlated negatively with dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (rs = −0.445, p = 0.038). Results may suggest potential involvement of spexin in the regulation of lipoprotein(a) and of the reproductive/adrenal axis in post-menarcheal adolescent females.
Maximum Glomerular Diameter and Oxford MEST-C Score in IgA Nephropathy: The Significance of Time-Series Changes in Pseudo-R2 Values in Relation to Renal Outcomes
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Moriyama Takahito , Manabe Shun , Kawachi Keiko , Ushio Yusuke , Watanabe Saki , Akihisa Taro , Makabe Shiho , Sato Masayo , Iwasa Naomi , Sawara Yukako , Ohara Mamiko , Taneda Sekiko , Uchida Keiko , Honda Kazuho , Mochizuki Toshio , Tsuchiya Ken , Nitta Kosaku
Published: December 2019

The progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is currently assessed using the Oxford MEST-C score, which uses five indicators (mesangial and endocapillary hypercellularity, segmental sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, and the presence of crescents) but has not yet included any risk factors related to glomerular size. Therefore, we tested whether adding another indicator, maximal glomerular diameter (Max GD), would improve the prognostic ability of this scoring system. The data of 101 adult patients diagnosed with IgAN between March 2002 and September 2004 were reviewed. We used McFadden’s pseudo-R2 and the corrected Akaike information criterion to assess model fit and the concordance (C)-statistic to assess discriminatory ability. A 10 μm increase in Max GD was significantly associated with a composite outcome (≥50% decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate or end-stage renal disease). The receiver operating characteristic analysis determined the cut-off for high vs. low Max GD at 245.9 μm, and adding high Max GD to the MEST-C score significantly improved the model’s discrimination of renal outcomes at 5 and ≥10 years. Thus, including the Max GD in the Oxford classification of IgAN might increase its robustness and provide a more comprehensive prognostic system for clinical settings.
Role of Executive Function in Response to a Problem Solving Based Psychoeducational Intervention in Adolescents with Psychosis: The PIENSA Trial Revisited
Authors: Rapado-Castro Marta , Moreno Carmen , Ruíz-Sancho Ana , Camino Francisco , Arango Celso , Mayoral Maria
Published: December 2019

An improvement in negative symptoms and a reduction in the number of visits to the emergency department have been reported in a problem solving based psychoeducational group intervention (PE) for adolescents with psychosis relative to a nonstructured group (NS). One of the factors that may play a role on the response to PE treatment is executive function (EF), a crucial cognitive domain for problem-solving performance. We aimed to examine the role of EF in response to PE treatment versus an NS group. We examined the associations between changes in cognition and in clinical/functional variables within each treatment group using Spearman-ranked and partial correlation analyses. A total of 22 individuals (mean age: 16.3) were randomized to PE (N = 10) and NS (N = 12). We found an association between improvements in EF performance and a reduction in positive symptoms (rs = –0.756, p = 0.030 for semantic fluency), reduction in negative symptoms (r = 0.758, p = 0.029 for semantic; rs = –0,733, p = 0.025 for verbal fluency), and reduction in the number of visits to the emergency department (r = –0,743, p = 0.035 for semantic fluency) in the PE group. No associations were found in the NS group. Our results suggest that EF may play a role in the specific improvements observed in the PE group. This may have implications in the development of new areas of clinical intervention focusing on the role of cognitive functioning in response to psychosocial treatments in psychosis.
Effective Combined Photodynamic Therapy with Lipid Platinum Chloride Nanoparticles Therapies of Oral Squamous Carcinoma Tumor Inhibition
Authors: Gusti-Ngurah-Putu Eka-Putra , Huang Leaf , Hsu Yih-Chih
Published: December 2019

Encapsulating cisplatin (CDDP) into liposomes to form lipid-platinum-chloride nanoparticles (LPC NPs) has shown a promising anticancer effect in melanoma, bladder, and liver cancer models. This promising anticancer effect of LPC NPs challenges us to study its implications in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, we report the therapeutic efficacy of PDT+LPC on a xenograft model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Results showed that PDT+LPC significantly reduced the tumor volume by up to ~112%. Meanwhile, LPC, PDT+CDDP, or the CDDP group showed ~98.8%, ~73.1%, or ~39.5% volume reductions, respectively. Histological examination suggests that PDT+LPC or LPC treatment showed minimal side effects on renal damage compared to either CDDP or the PDT+CDDP group. Immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) staining on Ki-67, CD31, cleaved caspase-3, TUNEL assays, and western blots of tumor suppressor p53 confirmed consistent results. Most importantly, PDT+LPC prolonged tumor growth inhibition, which leads to minimum chemotherapy treatment administrations. Results suggest that PDT cytotoxicity provided a potent additive effect towards chemotherapy efficacy. Therefore, combined PDT with LPC NPs enhanced the therapeutic outcome in human OSCC.
Molecular Insights into miRNA-Driven Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy: miR-23b Modulates the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Gasiulė Stasė , Dreize Nadezda , Kaupinis Algirdas , Ražanskas Raimundas , Čiupas Laurynas , Stankevičius Vaidotas , Kapustina Žana , Laurinavičius Arvydas , Valius Mindaugas , Vilkaitis Giedrius
Published: December 2019

Although treatment of colorectal cancer with 5-florouracil and oxaliplatin is widely used, it is frequently followed by a relapse. Therefore, there is an urgent need for profound understanding of chemotherapy resistance mechanisms as well as the profiling of predictive markers for individualized treatment. In this study, we identified the changes in 14 miRNAs in 5-fluouracil and 40 miRNAs in oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines by miRNA sequencing. The decrease in miR-224-5p expression in the 5-fluorouracil-resistant cells correlated with drug insensitivity due to its overexpression-induced drug-dependent apoptosis. On the other hand, the miR-23b/27b/24-1 cluster was overexpressed in oxaliplatin-resistant cells. The knockout of miR-23b led to the partial restoration of oxaliplatin susceptibility, showing the essential role of miR-23b in the development of drug resistance by this cluster. Proteomic analysis identified target genes of miR-23b and showed that endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was implicated in oxaliplatin insensibility. Data revealed that EMT markers, such as vimentin and SNAI2, were expressed moderately higher in the oxaliplatin-resistant cells and their expression increased further in the less drug-resistant cells, which had miR-23b knockout. This establishes that the balance of EMT contributes to the drug resistance, showing the importance of the miR-23b-mediated fine-tuning of EMT in oxaliplatin-resistant cancer cells.
FAD/NADH Dependent Oxidoreductases: From Different Amino Acid Sequences to Similar Protein Shapes for Playing an Ancient Function
Authors: Trisolini Lucia , Gambacorta Nicola , Gorgoglione Ruggiero , Montaruli Michele , Laera Luna , Colella Francesco , Volpicella Mariateresa , De Grassi Anna , Pierri Ciro Leonardo
Published: December 2019

Flavoprotein oxidoreductases are members of a large protein family of specialized dehydrogenases, which include type II NADH dehydrogenase, pyridine nucleotide-disulphide oxidoreductases, ferredoxin-NAD+ reductases, NADH oxidases, and NADH peroxidases, playing a crucial role in the metabolism of several prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Although several studies have been performed on single members or protein subgroups of flavoprotein oxidoreductases, a comprehensive analysis on structure–function relationships among the different members and subgroups of this great dehydrogenase family is still missing. Here, we present a structural comparative analysis showing that the investigated flavoprotein oxidoreductases have a highly similar overall structure, although the investigated dehydrogenases are quite different in functional annotations and global amino acid composition. The different functional annotation is ascribed to their participation in species-specific metabolic pathways based on the same biochemical reaction, i.e., the oxidation of specific cofactors, like NADH and FADH2. Notably, the performed comparative analysis sheds light on conserved sequence features that reflect very similar oxidation mechanisms, conserved among flavoprotein oxidoreductases belonging to phylogenetically distant species, as the bacterial type II NADH dehydrogenases and the mammalian apoptosis-inducing factor protein, until now retained as unique protein entities in Bacteria/Fungi or Animals, respectively. Furthermore, the presented computational analyses will allow consideration of FAD/NADH oxidoreductases as a possible target of new small molecules to be used as modulators of mitochondrial respiration for patients affected by rare diseases or cancer showing mitochondrial dysfunction, or antibiotics for treating bacterial/fungal/protista infections.
Accuracy of Computer-Aided Dynamic Navigation Compared to Computer-Aided Static Navigation for Dental Implant Placement: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mediavilla Guzmán Alfonso , Riad Deglow Elena , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Agustín-Panadero Rubén , Hernández Montero Sofía
Published: December 2019

Aim: To analyze the accuracy capability of two computer-aided navigation procedures for dental implant placement. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 dental implants were selected, which were randomly distributed into two study groups, namely, group A, consisting of those implants that were placed using a computer-aided static navigation system (n = 20) (guided implant (GI)) and group B, consisting of those implants that were placed using a computer-aided dynamic navigation system (n = 20) (navigation implant (NI)). The placement of the implants from group A was performed using surgical templates that were designed using 3D implant-planning software based on preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a 3D extraoral surface scan, and the placement of group B implants was planned and performed using the dynamic navigation system. After placing the dental implants, a second CBCT was performed and the degree of accuracy of the planning and placement of the implants was analyzed using therapeutic planning software and Student’s t-test. Results: The paired t-test revealed no statistically significant differences between GI and NI at the coronal (p = 0.6535) and apical (p = 0.9081) levels; however, statistically significant differences were observed between the angular deviations of GI and NI (p = 0.0272). Conclusion: Both computer-aided static and dynamic navigation procedures allow accurate implant placement.
Erythropoiesis In Vitro—A Research and Therapeutic Tool in Thalassemia
Authors: Fibach Eitan
Published: December 2019

Thalassemia (thal) is a hereditary chronic hemolytic anemia due to a partial or complete deficiency in the production of globin chains, in most cases, α or β, which compose, together with the iron-containing porphyrins (hemes), the hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells (RBC). The major clinical symptom of β-thal is severe chronic anemia—a decrease in RBC number and their hemoglobin content. In spite of the improvement in therapy, thal still severely affects the quality of life of the patients and their families and imposes a substantial financial burden on the community. These considerations position β-thal, among other hemoglobinopathies, as a major health and social problem that deserves increased efforts in research and its clinical application. These efforts are based on clinical studies, experiments in animal models and the use of erythroid cells grown in culture. The latter include immortal cell lines and cultures initiated by erythroid progenitor and stem cells derived from the blood and RBC producing (erythropoietic) sites of normal and thal donors, embryonic stem cells, and recently, "induced pluripotent stem cells" generated by manipulation of differentiated somatic cells. The present review summarizes the use of erythroid cultures, their technological aspects and their contribution to the research and its clinical application in thal. The former includes deciphering of the normal and pathological biology of the erythroid cell development, and the latter—their role in developing innovative therapeutics—drugs and methods of gene therapy, as well as providing an alternative source of RBC that may complement or substitute blood transfusions.
Side Effects Associated with Probiotic Use in Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Dore Maria Pina , Bibbò Stefano , Fresi Gianni , Bassotti Gabrio , Pes Giovanni Mario
Published: December 2019

Probiotics demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the safety profile of probiotics is insufficiently explored. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the occurrence of side effects related to probiotic/synbiotic use in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of IBD patients as compared with placebo. Eligible RCTs in adult patients with IBD were identified by accessing the Medline database via PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials up to December 2018. Occurrence of side effects was retrieved and recorded. Data were pooled and the relative risks (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The low-moderate study heterogeneity, assessed by the I2 statistic, allowed to use of a fixed-effects modelling for meta-analysis. Nine RCTs among 2337, including 826 patients (442 treated with probiotics/symbiotic and 384 with placebo) were analyzed. Eight were double-blind RCTs, and six enrolled ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Although the risk for the overall side effects (RR 1.35, 95%CI 0.93–1.94; I2 = 25%) and for gastrointestinal symptoms (RR 1.78, 95%CI 0.99–3.20; I2 = 20%) was higher in IBD patients taking probiotics than in those exposed to placebo, statistical significance was achieved only for abdominal pain (RR 2.59, 95%CI 1.28–5.22; I2 = 40%). In conclusion, despite the small number of RCTs and the variety of probiotic used and schedule across studies, these findings highlight the level of research effort still required to identify the most appropriate use of probiotics in IBD.
Vitamin B2 and Folate Concentrations are Associated with ARA, EPA and DHA Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells of Brazilian Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ued Fábio V. , Mathias Mariana G. , Toffano Roseli B. D. , Barros Tamiris T. , Almada Maria Olímpia R. V. , Salomão Roberta G. , Coelho-Landell Carolina A. , Hillesheim Elaine , Camarneiro Joyce M. , Camelo-Junior José Simon , Aragon Davi C. , Moco Sofia , Kussmann Martin , Kaput Jim , Monteiro Jacqueline P.
Published: December 2019

Vitamins B2, B6, B12, and folate are essential for methylation reactions and possibly influence the transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells (RBC). Associations between B-vitamin biomarkers and fatty acid (FA) profile were analyzed in Brazilian children and adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 249 children and adolescents, aged 9–13 years old. Dietary intake was assessed by the food frequency questionnaire and the healthy eating index (HEI). Biomarkers for vitamins B2, B6, B12, and folate were measured in plasma. The FA profile and the metabolites of one-carbon metabolism were measured in RBC. Associations were tested with multiple linear regression models. An increase of 1 nmol/L in vitamin B2 was associated with an increase of 0.19 mg/dL of EPA, 0.20 mg/dL of ARA, and 0.25 mg/dL of DHA in RBC. An increase of 1 ng/mL in plasma folate was associated with an increase of 0.14 mg/dL of EPA, 0.22 mg/dL of ARA, and 0.21 mg/dL of DHA in RBC. These findings highlight the importance of an adequate intake of vitamin B2 and folate in childhood, since they may improve the FA profile in RBCs and may help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Rice Endosperm Protein Administration to Juvenile Mice Regulates Gut Microbiota and Suppresses the Development of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Related Disorders in Adulthood
Authors: Higuchi Yuki , Hosojima Michihiro , Kabasawa Hideyuki , Kuwahara Shoji , Goto Sawako , Toba Koji , Kaseda Ryohei , Tanaka Takahiro , Kitamura Nobutaka , Takihara Hayato , Okuda Shujiro , Taniguchi Masayuki , Arao Hitoshi , Narita Ichiei , Saito Akihiko
Published: December 2019

Obesity and related disorders, which are increasing in adults worldwide, are closely linked to childhood diet and are associated with chronic inflammation. Rice endosperm protein (REP) intake during adulthood has been reported to improve lipid metabolism and suppress the progression of diabetic kidney disease in animal models. However, the effects of REP intake during childhood on adulthood health are unclear. Therefore, we used a mouse model to experimentally investigate the preconditioning effects of REP intake during childhood on the development of obesity and related disorders in adulthood. Male C57BL/6J mice were pair-fed a normal-fat diet containing casein or REP during the juvenile period and then a high-fat diet (HFD) containing casein or REP during adulthood. Mice fed REP during the juvenile period showed better body weight, blood pressure, serum lipid profiles, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein levels, and glucose tolerance in adulthood than those fed casein during the juvenile period. HFD-induced renal tubulo-glomerular alterations and hepatic microvesicular steatosis were less evident in REP-fed mice than in casein-fed ones. REP intake during the juvenile period improved HFD-induced dysbiosis (i.e., Escherichia genus proliferation and reduced gut microbiota diversity), thereby suppressing endotoxin-related chronic inflammation. Indeed, REP-derived peptides showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, a major producer of LPS. In conclusion, REP supplementation during the juvenile period may regulate the gut microbiota and thus suppress the development of obesity and related disorders in adulthood in mice.