bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide Fontanels, Delayed Speech Development and Hoarse Voice as Useful Signs in the Diagnosis of KBG Syndrome: A Clinical Description of 23 Cases with Pathogenic Variants Involving the ANKRD11 Gene or Submicroscopic Chromosomal Rearrangements of 16q24.3
Authors: Kutkowska-Kaźmierczak Anna , Boczar Maria , Kalka Ewa , Castañeda Jennifer , Klapecki Jakub , Pietrzyk Aleksandra , Barczyk Artur , Malinowska Olga , Landowska Aleksandra , Gambin Tomasz , Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Wiśniowiecka-Kowalnik Barbara , Smyk Marta , Dawidziuk Mateusz , Niepokój Katarzyna , Paczkowska Magdalena , Szyld Paweł , Lipska-Ziętkiewicz Beata , Szczałuba Krzysztof , Kostyk Ewa , Runge Agata , Rutkowska Karolina , Płoski Rafał , Nowakowska Beata , Bal Jerzy , Obersztyn Ewa , Gos Monika
Published: August 2021

KBG syndrome is a neurodevelopmental autosomal dominant disorder characterized by short stature, macrodontia, developmental delay, behavioral problems, speech delay and delayed closing of fontanels. Most patients with KBG syndrome are found to have a mutation in the ANKRD11 gene or a chromosomal rearrangement involving this gene. We hereby present clinical evaluations of 23 patients aged 4 months to 26 years manifesting clinical features of KBG syndrome. Mutation analysis in the patients was performed using panel or exome sequencing and array CGH. Besides possessing dysmorphic features typical of the KBG syndrome, nearly all patients had psychomotor hyperactivity (86%), 81% had delayed speech, 61% had poor weight gain, 56% had delayed closure of fontanel and 56% had a hoarse voice. Macrodontia and a height range of −1 SDs to −2 SDs were noted in about half of the patients; only two patients presented with short stature below −3 SDs. The fact that wide, delayed closing fontanels were observed in more than half of our patients with KBG syndrome confirms the role of the ANKRD11 gene in skull formation and suture fusion. This clinical feature could be key to the diagnosis of KBG syndrome, especially in young children. Hoarse voice is a previously undescribed phenotype of KBG syndrome and could further reinforce clinical diagnosis.
Geomorphological and Statistical Assessment of Tilt-Block Tectonics in the Garhwal Synform: Implications for the Active Tectonics, Garhwal Lesser Himalaya, India
Authors: Rawat Ashish , Banerjee Sayandeep , Sundriyal Yaspal
Published: August 2021

Active tectonics is manifested in geomorphological features such as drainage basins and drainage patterns. Geomorphic parameters asymmetry factor (AF) and transverse topography symmetry factor (T) is calculated for 94 third order basins of the Garhwal synform to decipher the tilt-block tectonics based on remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) techniques. The quantitative analysis of the AF suggests that all the 94 basins are asymmetric and gentle to steeply tilted, indicating active tectonics and early and late stage of development, respectively. The mean vector magnitude (θv) of T suggests the migration of the basin stream towards the south in most basins (60%), suggesting a unidirectional tilting of the tectonic block. The χ2 test for statistical significance indicates that the θv is significant for southern and northern limb basins. The χ2 test affirms that the third order basin position on either side of the main channel of the river basin influences the tilt direction. The regional tectonics suggests migration of the Lansdowne klippe towards the south, as the majority of third order basins show southward tilt. The study provides a quick appraisal of tilting in the tectonic blocks of active margins, such as in the Himalayas.
Do Framed Mental Health Messages on Social Media Influence University Students’ Motivation for Physical Activity?
Authors: Gilbert Georgia , Williamson Chloë , Richards Justin , Collyer Taya Annabelle , Kelly Paul
Published: August 2021

Message framing has been used as a strategy for promoting physical activity (PA) in university students, but the effectiveness of gain-framed (GF), or loss-framed (LF) messages is variable. This study aims to investigate the effects on motivation and PA behaviour of framed messaging on social media in university students. Gain- and loss-framed messages communicated the mental health outcomes of PA. A three-arm feasibility study (n = 148) collected pre-post intervention online questionnaire responses to assess motivation for PA, exercise, active travel, and PA levels, in response to the messaging intervention on Facebook. Both GF and LF messages effectively increased average motivation for PA in comparison to controls (GF by 0.3 (on a 7-point Likert scale), 9% [95% CI: 3–17%], p = 0.007, LF by 0.3, 10% [CI: 3–18%], p = 0.005). Average motivation for exercise increased in comparison to controls (GF by 0.6, 16% [95% CI: 6–26%], p = 0.001, LF by 0.5, 14.6% [95% CI: 5–26%], p < 0.001). Average motivation for active travel increased in comparison to controls (GF by 0.7, 18% [95% CI: 8–29%], p < 0.001, LF by 0.6, 19% [95% CI: 8–30%], p < 0.001). No meaningful differences between GF or LF messages were observed. Framed messages regarding mental health outcomes of PA delivered via social media could be effective for increasing PA motivation in university students. However, based on our results there is no gain- or loss-framed advantage.
How Are Techno-Stressors Associated with Mental Health and Work Outcomes? A Systematic Review of Occupational Exposure to Information and Communication Technologies within the Technostress Model
Authors: Borle Prem , Reichel Kathrin , Niebuhr Fiona , Voelter-Mahlknecht Susanne
Published: August 2021

The technostress model has introduced different factors to consider when assessing how information and communication technologies impact individuals in different work settings. This systematic review gathers evidence regarding associations between occupational exposure to technostress and health or work outcomes. In addition, we highlight typical methodological constraints of the technostress model. We conducted electronic literature searches in June 2020 (PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, PsycArticles) and independently screened 321 articles. We report on 21 articles meeting eligibility criteria (working population, technostress exposure, health or work outcome, quantitative design). The most frequently examined techno-stressors, i.e., factors of technostress, were techno-overload and techno-invasion. Techno-stressors were consistently associated with adverse health and work outcomes, apart from a positive impact on work engagement. However, studies may be subject to considerable conceptual overlap between exposure and outcome measures. Future technostress research would benefit from reducing heterogeneity in technostress measures, assessing their external validity and focussing on specific techno-stressors.
Mechanisms of Ethanol-Induced Cerebellar Ataxia: Underpinnings of Neuronal Death in the Cerebellum
Authors: Mitoma Hiroshi , Manto Mario , Shaikh Aasef G.
Published: August 2021

Ethanol consumption remains a major concern at a world scale in terms of transient or irreversible neurological consequences, with motor, cognitive, or social consequences. Cerebellum is particularly vulnerable to ethanol, both during development and at the adult stage. In adults, chronic alcoholism elicits, in particular, cerebellar vermis atrophy, the anterior lobe of the cerebellum being highly vulnerable. Alcohol-dependent patients develop gait ataxia and lower limb postural tremor. Prenatal exposure to ethanol causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), characterized by permanent congenital disabilities in both motor and cognitive domains, including deficits in general intelligence, attention, executive function, language, memory, visual perception, and communication/social skills. Children with FASD show volume deficits in the anterior lobules related to sensorimotor functions (Lobules I, II, IV, V, and VI), and lobules related to cognitive functions (Crus II and Lobule VIIB). Various mechanisms underlie ethanol-induced cell death, with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress being the main pro-apoptotic mechanisms in alcohol abuse and FASD. Oxidative and ER stresses are induced by thiamine deficiency, especially in alcohol abuse, and are exacerbated by neuroinflammation, particularly in fetal ethanol exposure. Furthermore, exposure to ethanol during the prenatal period interferes with neurotransmission, neurotrophic factors and retinoic acid-mediated signaling, and reduces the number of microglia, which diminishes expected cerebellar development. We highlight the spectrum of cerebellar damage induced by ethanol, emphasizing physiological-based clinical profiles and biological mechanisms leading to cell death and disorganized development.
Identification of Novel Simulants for Toxic Industrial Chemicals and Chemical Warfare Agents for Human Decontamination Studies: A Systematic Review and Categorisation of Physicochemical Characteristics
Authors: James Thomas , Collins Samuel , Marczylo Tim
Published: August 2021

Chemical simulants have long been used in human trials of mass decontamination to determine the efficacy of decontamination interventions against more toxic agents. Until now, reliance has mostly been on individual chemicals as surrogates to specific agents (e.g., methyl salicylate for sulphur mustard). A literature review was conducted to identify chemicals that had been previously tested on human volunteers and that represent diverse physicochemical characteristics in order to create a repository for chemical simulants. Of the 171 unique chemicals identified, 78 were discounted for the risk they could pose to human volunteers, 39 were deemed suitable for use, and a further 54 were considered to be possible simulants but would require further research. Suitable simulants included both solid and liquid chemicals spanning a wide range of physicochemical properties including molecular weight, octanol/water partition coefficient, vapour pressure, and solubility. This review identifies an array of potential simulants suitable for use in human volunteer decontamination studies and is of relevance to future studies on systemic absorption and surface decontamination.
The Development of a Health Promotion Program for Unmarried Mothers Living in Residential Facilities Using Urban Forests: An Intervention Mapping Approach Based on the Transtheoretical Model
Authors: Bang Kyung-Sook , Kim Sungjae , Lee Gumhee , Choi Sinyoung , Shin Da-Ae , Kim Misook
Published: August 2021

Unmarried mothers living in residential facilities (UMLFs) in Korea face complex and challenging physical, psychological, and socioeconomic issues. This study developed a physical and mental health promotion program using urban forests for UMLFs based on the transtheoretical model and evidence. We utilized an intervention mapping approach (IMA) and assessed the needs of UMLFs by analyzing previous quantitative studies. Moreover, we conducted a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study involving nine participants. Based on the needs assessment, important and changeable determinants were identified; further, the program performance and change objectives were classified to achieve the program goals and establish the intervention strategy. We found that physical activity using forests, self-reflection using metaphors, five-sense activities, achievement activities using natural objects, building interpersonal relationships in the forest, and designing future plans, are desirable methods for improving the health of UMLFs. The IMA was deemed appropriate for the systematic development of health promotion programs for UMLFs through clear links among change objectives, theoretical methods, and practice strategies. These results should be applied to future intervention studies.
COVID-19 at the Deep End: A Qualitative Interview Study of Primary Care Staff Working in the Most Deprived Areas of England during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Norman Claire , Wildman Josephine M. , Sowden Sarah
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting people in low-income communities. Primary care staff in deprived areas have unique insights into the challenges posed by the pandemic. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 from the perspective of primary care practitioners in the most deprived region of England. Deep End general practices serve communities in the region’s most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. This study used semi-structured interviews followed by thematic analysis. In total, 15 participants were interviewed (11 General Practitioners (GPs), 2 social prescribing link workers and 2 nurses) with Deep End careers ranging from 3 months to 31 years. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted using video-conferencing software. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis through a social determinants of health lens. Our results are categorised into four themes: the immediate health risks of COVID-19 on patients and practices; factors likely to exacerbate existing deprivation; the role of social prescribing during COVID-19; wider implications for remote consulting. We add qualitative understanding to existing quantitative data, showing patients from low socioeconomic backgrounds have worse outcomes from COVID-19. Deep End practitioners have valuable insights into the impact of social distancing restrictions and remote consulting on patients’ health and wellbeing. Their experiences should guide future pandemic response measures and any move to “digital first” primary care to ensure that existing inequalities are not worsened.
The Impact of Financial and Psychological Wellbeing on Children’s Physical Activity and Screen-Based Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mâsse Louise C. , Edache Iyoma Y. , Pitblado Mark , Hutchison Sarah M.
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the public health measures to combat it, have strained the finances of many families. While parents transitioned to working from home, children transitioned to learning virtually, limiting their organized social and physical activities. Families also reduced the frequency and size of gatherings, impacting psychological wellbeing. This study sought to understand the influence of financial wellbeing on children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities via mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing. In May and June of 2020, 254 Grade 7 Canadian children and their mothers completed separate online surveys assessing family financial wellbeing, mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing, and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the indirect effects of mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing on the relationship between financial wellbeing and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities. Final models were adjusted for potential confounders. Study results indicate a significant indirect association between financial wellbeing and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities via mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing. These findings demonstrate that higher levels of financial wellbeing are associated with better mental and physical health benefits in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Influence of the Coach’s Autonomy Support and Controlling Behaviours on Motivation and Sport Commitment of Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Sevil-Serrano Javier , Abós Ángel , Diloy-Peña Sergio , Egea Pedro L. , García-González Luis
Published: August 2021

The coach is one of the most influential agents in the sport commitment of youth players. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), numerous studies have examined the influence of the coach’s autonomy-supportive behaviours on athletes’ motivation. However, fewer studies have examined the influence of the coach’s controlling behaviours. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the influence of young soccer players’ perception of their coach’s autonomy-supportive and controlling behaviours on the satisfaction and frustration of their basic psychological needs (BPN) and sport commitment. A total of 203 soccer players (86% boys), aged 10–19 years (M = 14.88; SD = 1.54) participated. Coach autonomy support positively predicted BPN satisfaction which, in turn, positively explained sport commitment. Coach intimidation behaviours positively predicted BPN frustration, which, in turn, negatively explained sport commitment. In cross-relationships, autonomy support negatively explained BPN frustration, while intimidation behaviours and the controlling use of rewards negatively predicted BPN satisfaction. To conclude, these results suggest that it is important for the coach not only to support autonomy, but also to avoid the use of controlling behaviours, especially intimidation and controlling use of rewards, because of their influence on the motivational processes and sport commitment of youth soccer players.
Design and Preliminary Evaluation of a Tongue-Operated Exoskeleton System for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Authors: Zhang Zhenxuan , Prilutsky Boris I. , Butler Andrew J. , Shinohara Minoru , Ghovanloo Maysam
Published: August 2021

Stroke is a devastating condition that may cause upper limb paralysis. Robotic rehabilitation with self-initiated and assisted movements is a promising technology that could help restore upper limb function. Previous studies have established that the tongue motion can be used to communicate human intent and control a rehabilitation robot/assistive device. The goal of this study was to evaluate a tongue-operated exoskeleton system (TDS-KA), which we have developed for upper limb rehabilitation. We adopted a tongue-operated assistive technology, called the tongue drive system (TDS), and interfaced it with the exoskeleton KINARM. We also developed arm reaching and tracking tasks, controlled by different tongue operation modes, for training and evaluation of arm motor function. Arm reaching and tracking tasks were tested in 10 healthy participants (seven males and three females, 23–60 years) and two female stroke survivors with upper extremity impairment (32 and 58 years). All healthy and two stroke participants successfully performed the tasks. One stroke subject demonstrated a clinically significant improvement in Fugl-Meyer upper extremity score after practicing the tasks in six 3-h sessions. We conclude that the TDS-KA system can accurately translate tongue commands to exoskeleton arm movements, quantify the function of the arm, and perform rehabilitation training.
Machine Learning Models for Sarcopenia Identification Based on Radiomic Features of Muscles in Computed Tomography
Authors: Kim Young Jae
Published: August 2021

The diagnosis of sarcopenia requires accurate muscle quantification. As an alternative to manual muscle mass measurement through computed tomography (CT), artificial intelligence can be leveraged for the automation of these measurements. Although generally difficult to identify with the naked eye, the radiomic features in CT images are informative. In this study, the radiomic features were extracted from L3 CT images of the entire muscle area and partial areas of the erector spinae collected from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients. The first-order statistics and gray-level co-occurrence, gray-level size zone, gray-level run length, neighboring gray-tone difference, and gray-level dependence matrices were the radiomic features analyzed. The identification performances of the following machine learning models were evaluated: logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), random forest, and extreme gradient boosting (XGB). Sex, coarseness, skewness, and cluster prominence were selected as the relevant features effectively identifying sarcopenia. The XGB model demonstrated the best performance for the entire muscle, whereas the SVM was the worst-performing model. Overall, the models demonstrated improved performance for the entire muscle compared to the erector spinae. Although further validation is required, the radiomic features presented here could become reliable indicators for quantifying the phenomena observed in the muscles of NSCLC patients, thus facilitating the diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Validation of a Brief Screening Instrument for Chemical Intolerance in a Large U.S. National Sample
Authors: Palmer Raymond F. , Walker Tatjana , Kattari David , Rincon Rudy , Perales Roger B. , Jaén Carlos R. , Grimes Carl , Sundblad Dana R. , Miller Claudia S.
Published: August 2021

Background: Chemical intolerance (CI) is characterized by multisystem symptoms triggered by low levels of exposure to xenobiotics including chemicals, foods/food additives, and drugs/medications. Prior prevalence estimates vary from 8–33% worldwide. Clinicians and researchers need a brief, practical screening tool for identifying possible chemical intolerance. This large, population-based study describes the validation of a three-item screening questionnaire, the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI), against the international reference standard used for assessing chemical intolerance, the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Methods: More than 10,000 people in the U.S. responded to the BREESI and the QEESI in a population-based survey. We calculated the overall prevalence of CI in this sample, as well as by gender, age, and income. Common statistical metrics were used to evaluate the BREESI as a screener for CI against the QEESI. Results: The prevalence estimate for QEESI-defined chemical intolerance in the U.S. was 20.39% (95% CI 19.63–21.15%). The BREESI had 91.26% sensitivity (95% CI: 89.20–93.04%) and 92.89% specificity (95% CI: 91.77–93.90%). The positive likelihood ratio was 12.83 (95% CI: 11.07–14.88), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.08–0.12). Logistic regression demonstrates that the predicted probability of CI increased sharply with each increase in the number of BREESI items endorsed (Odds Ratio: 5.3, 95% CI: 4.90–5.75). Conclusions: Chemical intolerance may affect one in five people in the U.S. The BREESI is a new, practical instrument for researchers, clinicians, and epidemiologists. As a screening tool, the BREESI offers a high degree of confidence in case ascertainment. We recommend: screen with the BREESI, confirm with the QEESI.
Hypothermia in Trauma
Authors: van Veelen Michiel J. , Brodmann Maeder Monika
Published: August 2021

Hypothermia in trauma patients is a common condition. It is aggravated by traumatic hemorrhage, which leads to hypovolemic shock. This hypovolemic shock results in a lethal triad of hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis, leading to ongoing bleeding. Additionally, hypothermia in trauma patients can deepen through environmental exposure on the scene or during transport and medical procedures such as infusions and airway management. This vicious circle has a detrimental effect on the outcome of major trauma patients. This narrative review describes the main factors to consider in the co-existing condition of trauma and hypothermia from a prehospital and emergency medical perspective. Early prehospital recognition and staging of hypothermia are crucial to triage to proper care to improve survival. Treatment of hypothermia should start in an early stage, especially the prevention of further cooling in the prehospital setting and during the primary assessment. On the one hand, active rewarming is the treatment of choice of hypothermia-induced coagulation disorder in trauma patients; on the other hand, accidental or clinically induced hypothermia might improve outcomes by protecting against the effects of hypoperfusion and hypoxic injury in selected cases such as patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or traumatic cardiac arrest.
Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation: Perception and Experience of Austrian Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Students
Authors: Scheiber Barbara , Spiegl Claudia , Wiederin Claudia , Schifferegger Erika , Schiefermeier-Mach Natalia
Published: August 2021

The rehabilitation needs of COVID-19 survivors are increasingly recognized, with a focus on combating respiratory and neuromuscular dysfunctions. The aim here was to explore the perception of Austrian physiotherapists and physiotherapy students on post-COVID-19 rehabilitation care and to identify barriers for the application of sufficient rehabilitation. We analysed current knowledge and practical skills in respiratory physiotherapy, performing a cross-sectional national survey among physiotherapists working in outpatient settings and physiotherapy students in their last academic year of bachelor-level education in Austria. Out of 255 survey participants, one-third already had inquiries to treat post-COVID-19 patients, and the majority of respondents expected a further increased inflow of patients with rehabilitation needs (64.2%). Only 11.2% of respondents reported feeling sufficiently informed about post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. A total of 68.2% of students and up to 48.1% of physiotherapists favoured a COVID-19-specific adaptation already in the basic academic education, and 74.1% of survey participants indicated interest in attending specific training. Concerning respiratory physiotherapy, our data showed discrepancies between the estimation of the importance of specific examination and treatment techniques and the level of current experience. There is a clear lack of experience in implementing effective device-based respiratory therapy. Our data indicate an urgent need to develop new education and training programs with a focus on the interdisciplinary rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Biceps Femoris Activation during Hamstring Strength Exercises: A Systematic Review
Authors: Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Labata-Lezaun Noé , López-de-Celis Carlos , Aiguadé-Aiguadé Ramón , Romaní-Sánchez Sergi , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate the biceps femoris long head activation across cross-sectional hamstring strength exercise studies. Methods: A systematic review design was followed. The search strategy conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Sciences databases found a total of 3643 studies. Once inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 29 studies were finally included in this systematic review. A total of 507 participants and 114 different exercises were analyzed. Exercises were evaluated individually and grouped into several categories: Nordics, isokinetic exercises, lunges, squats, deadlifts, good mornings, hip thrusts, bridges, leg curls, swings, hip and back extensions, and others. Results: Results showed the isokinetic and Nordic exercises as the categories with highest biceps femoris activation (>60% of Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction). Nordic hamstring exercise ankle dorsiflexion was the exercise that achieved the highest biceps femoris long head activation (128.1% of its Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction). Conclusions: The results from this systematic review suggest that isokinetic and Nordic exercises seem to be the best option to activate biceps femoris long head. Future studies evaluating the implementation of these exercises in prevention programs are needed.
Fintech Credit and Bank Efficiency: International Evidence
Authors: Le Tu D. Q. , Ho Tin H. , Nguyen Dat T. , Ngo Thanh
Published: August 2021

The expansion of fintech credit around the world is challenging the global banking system. This study investigates the interrelationships between the development of fintech credit and the efficiency of banking systems in 80 countries from 2013 to 2017. The findings indicate a two-way relationship between them. More specifically, a negative relationship between bank efficiency and fintech credit implies that fintech credit is more developed in countries with less efficient banking systems. Meanwhile, a positive impact of fintech credit on the efficiency of banking systems suggests that fintech credit may serve as a wake-up call to the banking system. Therefore, fintech credit should be encouraged by the authorities around the world.
FARMs: A Geospatial Crop Modeling and Agricultural Water Management System
Authors: Kim Jae Sung , Kisekka Isaya
Published: August 2021

To ensure agricultural sustainability and desirable environmental outcomes, stakeholders need systems-based model-driven decision support tools. The objective of this study was to develop a global scale web-based geospatial crop modeling application called Food, Agriculture, and Resource Management system (FARMs), to simplify the application of the crop simulation model —Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) without requiring users to create input weather, climate, and soil files. FARMs was built based on open source Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies and DSSAT to allow for adaptive management through its ability to perform in-season yield predictions for alfalfa and maize, currently. Validation of FARMs against variety trial data in California was acceptable between measured and simulated yields for alfalfa. The work done in this study showed how a complex model like DSSAT can be translated into a useable web-based decision support tool for near-real-time simulation with the help of open-source GIS technologies.
Multistage Impacts of the Heavy Rain Process on the Travel Speeds of Urban Roads
Authors: Li Qiuping , Luo Haowen , Luan Xuechen
Published: August 2021

Heavy rain causes the highest drop in travel speeds compared with light and moderate rain because it can easily induce flooding on road surfaces, which can continue to hinder urban transportation even after the rainfall is over. However, very few studies have specialized in researching the multistage impacts of the heavy rain process on urban roads, and the cumulative effects of heavy rain in road networks are often overlooked. In this study, the heavy rain process is divided into three consecutive stages, i.e., prepeak, peak, and postpeak. The impact of heavy rain on a road is represented by a three-dimensional traffic speed change ratio vector. Then, the k-means clustering method is implemented to reveal the distinct patterns of speed change ratio vectors. Finally, the characteristics of the links in each cluster are analyzed. An empirical study of Shenzhen, China suggests that there are three major impact patterns in links. The differences among links associated with the three impact patterns are related to the road category, travel speeds in no rain days, and the number of transportation facilities. The findings in this research can contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between the heavy rain process and the travel speeds of urban roads and provide valuable information for traffic management and personal travel in heavy rain weather.
Zero Watermarking for the TIN DEM Data Based on the Edge Length
Authors: Zhou Qifei , Zhu Changqing , Ren Na
Published: August 2021

How to keep the fidelity of the digital elevation model (DEM) data is a crucial problem in the current watermarking research, as the watermarked DEM data need to preserve their accuracy. We proposed a zero watermarking method for the triangulated irregular network (TIN) DEM data. It takes full advantage of the characteristics of the edge length in the TIN DEM data. First, the radio of the edge lengths is quantified to the watermark index, and then the comparison of the edge lengths is quantified to the watermark bit. Finally, the watermark is constructed by combing the watermark bits according to the watermark indices with the help of the majority voting mechanism. In the method, the TIN DEM data are only used to construct the watermark, not to be embedded by the watermark. Therefore, the data quality is preserved to the greatest extent. Experiments verify the theoretical achievements of this method and demonstrate the method is lossless to the TIN DEM data. Simulation results also show that the method has good robustness on translation, rotation, scaling, and cropping attacks.
Big Data-Driven Pedestrian Analytics: Unsupervised Clustering and Relational Query Based on Tencent Street View Photographs
Authors: Xue Fan , Li Xiao , Lu Weisheng , Webster Christopher J. , Chen Zhe , Lin Lvwen
Published: August 2021

Recent technological advancements in geomatics and mobile sensing have led to various urban big data, such as Tencent street view (TSV) photographs; yet, the urban objects in the big dataset have hitherto been inadequately exploited. This paper aims to propose a pedestrian analytics approach named vectors of uncountable and countable objects for clustering and analysis (VUCCA) for processing 530,000 TSV photographs of Hong Kong Island. First, VUCCA transductively adopts two pre-trained deep models to TSV photographs for extracting pedestrians and surrounding pixels into generalizable semantic vectors of features, including uncountable objects such as vegetation, sky, paved pedestrian path, and guardrail and countable objects such as cars, trucks, pedestrians, city animals, and traffic lights. Then, the extracted pedestrians are semantically clustered using the vectors, e.g., for understanding where they usually stand. Third, pedestrians are semantically indexed using relations and activities (e.g., walking behind a guardrail, road-crossing, carrying a backpack, or walking a pet) for queries of unstructured photographic instances or natural language clauses. The experiment results showed that the pedestrians detected in the TSV photographs were successfully clustered into meaningful groups and indexed by the semantic vectors. The presented VUCCA can enrich eye-level urban features into computational semantic vectors for pedestrians to enable smart city research in urban geography, urban planning, real estate, transportation, conservation, and other disciplines.
Oxidative Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on Photoactive AgNPs@TiO2 Ceramic Tiles
Authors: Djellabi Ridha , Basilico Nicoletta , Delbue Serena , D’Alessandro Sarah , Parapini Silvia , Cerrato Giuseppina , Laurenti Enzo , Falletta Ermelinda , Bianchi Claudia
Published: August 2021

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic causes serious public health, social, and economic issues all over the globe. Surface transmission has been claimed as a possible SARS-CoV-2 infection route, especially in heavy contaminated environmental surfaces, including hospitals and crowded public places. Herein, we studied the deactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on photoactive AgNPs@TiO2 coated on industrial ceramic tiles under dark, UVA, and LED light irradiations. SARS-CoV-2 inactivation is effective under any light/dark conditions. The presence of AgNPs has an important key to limit the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the dark; moreover, there is a synergistic action when TiO2 is decorated with Ag to enhance the virus photocatalytic inactivation even under LED. The radical oxidation was confirmed as the the central mechanism behind SARS-CoV-2 damage/inactivation by ESR analysis under LED light. Therefore, photoactive AgNPs@TiO2 ceramic tiles could be exploited to fight surface infections, especially during viral severe pandemics.
Disruption of Cytosolic Folate Integrity Aggravates Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Modulates Metastatic Properties in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Shen Po-Wen , Ho Chun-Te , Hsiao Shih-Hsin , Chou Yu-Ting , Chang Yi-Cheng , Liu Jun-Jen
Published: August 2021

Patients with advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are susceptible to malnutrition and develop folate deficiency (FD). We previously found that folate deprivation induces drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma; here, we assessed whether disrupted cytoplasmic folate metabolism could mimic FD-induced metastasis and affect the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). We examined whether cytosolic folate metabolism in NSCLC cells was disrupted by FD or the folate metabolism blocker pemetrexed for 1–4 weeks. Our results revealed an increase in NF-κB overexpression–mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarkers: N-cadherin, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), SOX9, and SLUG. This finding suggests that the disruption of folate metabolism can drastically enhance the metastatic properties of NSCLC cells. Cytosolic FD also affected EGFR-TKI cytotoxicity toward NSCLC cells. Because SLUG and N-cadherin are resistance effectors against gefitinib, the effects of SLUG knockdown in folate antagonist–treated CL1-0 cells were evaluated. SLUG knockdown prevented SLUG/NF-κB/SOX9-mediated invasiveness and erlotinib resistance acquisition and significantly reduced pemetrexed-induced gelatinase activity and MMP gene expression. To summarize, our data reveal two unprecedented adverse effects of folate metabolism disruption in NSCLC cells. Thus, the folic acid status of patients with NSCLC under treatment can considerably influence their prognosis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Quaternary Ammonium Urethane-Dimethacrylate Monomers—A Pilot Study
Authors: Chrószcz Marta W. , Barszczewska-Rybarek Izabela M.
Published: August 2021

Six novel urethane-dimethacrylate analogues (QAUDMAs) were synthesized and characterized. They consisted of the 2,4,4,-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMDI) core and two methacrylate-terminated wings containing quaternary ammonium groups substituted with alkyl chains of 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18 carbon atoms. QAUDMAs, due to the presence of quaternary ammonium groups, may have possible antibacterial effects. Since they showed satisfactory physicochemical properties, they will be subjected to further research towards the development of dental composites with a capacity to reduce secondary caries. The synthesis of QAUDMAs included three stages: (i) transesterification of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), (ii) N-alkylation of the tertiary amino group with alkyl bromide, and (iii) addition of TMDI to the intermediate achieved in the second stage. The formation of QAUDMAs was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR. They were characterized for density (dm), viscosity (η), refractive index (RI), glass transition temperature (Tg), polymerization shrinkage (S), and degree of conversion (DC). QAUDMAs were yellow, viscous resins (the η values ranged from 1.28 × 103 to 1.39 × 104 Pa·s, at 50 °C). Their RI ranged from 1.50 to 1.52, Tg from −31 to −15 °C, DC from 53 to 78%, and S from 1.24 to 2.99%, which is appropriate for dental applications.
Endogenous Enzymatic Activity in Dentin Treated with a Chitosan Primer
Authors: Maravić Tatjana , Baena Eugenia , Mazzitelli Claudia , Josić Uroš , Mancuso Edoardo , Checchi Vittorio , Generali Luigi , Ceballos Laura , Breschi Lorenzo , Mazzoni Annalisa
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of chitosan polymer on dentinal enzymatic activity by means of gelatin and in situ zymography. Human dentin was frozen and ground in a miller. Dentin powder aliquots were demineralized with phosphoric acid and treated with three different concentrations of lyophilized chitosan polymer (1, 0.5 and 0.1 wt%) dissolved in distilled water. Dentin proteins were extracted from each experimental group and electrophoresed under non-reducing conditions in 10% SDS-PAGE containing fluorescein-labeled gelatin. After 48 h in the incubation buffer at 37 °C, proteolytic activity was registered under long-wave UV light scanner and quantified by using Image J software. Furthermore, additional teeth (n = 4) were prepared for the in situ zymographic analysis in unrestored as well as restored dentin pretreated with the same chitosan primers. The registered enzymatic activity was directly proportional to the chitosan concentration and higher in the restored dentin groups (p < 0.05), except for the 0.1% chitosan primer. Chitosan 0.1% only showed faint expression of enzymatic activity compared to 1% and 0.5% concentrations. Chitosan 0.1% dissolved in water can produce significant reduction in MMPs activity and could possibly contribute to bond strength preservation over time.
GSH and Zinc Supplementation Attenuate Cadmium-Induced Cellular Stress and Stimulation of Choline Uptake in Cultured Neonatal Rat Choroid Plexus Epithelia
Authors: Francis Stuart Samantha , Villalobos Alice
Published: August 2021

Choroid plexus (CP) sequesters cadmium and other metals, protecting the brain from these neurotoxins. These metals can induce cellular stress and modulate homeostatic functions of CP, such as solute transport. We previously showed in primary cultured neonatal rat CP epithelial cells (CPECs) that cadmium induced cellular stress and stimulated choline uptake at the apical membrane, which interfaces with cerebrospinal fluid in situ. Here, in CPECs, we characterized the roles of glutathione (GSH) and Zinc supplementation in the adaptive stress response to cadmium. Cadmium increased GSH and decreased the reduced GSH-to-oxidized GSH (GSSG) ratio. Heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70), heme oxygenase (HO-1), and metallothionein (Mt-1) were induced along with the catalytic and modifier subunits of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis. Inhibition of GCL by l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) enhanced stress protein induction and stimulation of choline uptake by cadmium. Zinc alone did not induce Hsp70, HO-1, or GCL subunits, or modulate choline uptake. Zinc supplementation during cadmium exposure attenuated stress protein induction and stimulation of choline uptake; this effect persisted despite inhibition of GSH synthesis. These data indicated up-regulation of GSH synthesis promotes adaptation to cadmium-induced cellular stress in CP, but Zinc may confer cytoprotection independent of GSH.
Myelin Defects in Niemann–Pick Type C Disease: Mechanisms and Possible Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Bernardo Antonietta , De Nuccio Chiara , Visentin Sergio , Martire Alberto , Minghetti Luisa , Popoli Patrizia , Ferrante Antonella
Published: August 2021

Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is a wide-spectrum clinical condition classified as a neurovisceral disorder affecting mainly the liver and the brain. It is caused by mutations in one of two genes, NPC1 and NPC2, coding for proteins located in the lysosomes. NPC proteins are deputed to transport cholesterol within lysosomes or between late endosome/lysosome systems and other cellular compartments, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. The first trait of NPC is the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids, like sphingosine and glycosphingolipids, in the late endosomal and lysosomal compartments, which causes the blockade of autophagic flux and the impairment of mitochondrial functions. In the brain, the main consequences of NPC are cerebellar neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and myelin defects. This review will focus on myelin defects and the pivotal importance of cholesterol for myelination and will offer an overview of the molecular targets and the pharmacological strategies so far proposed, or an object of clinical trials for NPC. Finally, it will summarize recent data on a new and promising pharmacological perspective involving A2A adenosine receptor stimulation in genetic and pharmacological NPC dysmyelination models.
Antagonizing S1P3 Receptor with Cell-Penetrating Pepducins in Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis
Authors: Corvino Angela , Cerqua Ida , Lo Bianco Alessandra , Caliendo Giuseppe , Fiorino Ferdinando , Frecentese Francesco , Magli Elisa , Morelli Elena , Perissutti Elisa , Santagada Vincenzo , Cirino Giuseppe , Granato Elisabetta , Roviezzo Fiorentina , Puliti Elisa , Bernacchioni Caterina , Lavecchia Antonio , Donati Chiara , Severino Beatrice
Published: August 2021

S1P is the final product of sphingolipid metabolism, which interacts with five widely expressed GPCRs (S1P1-5). Increasing numbers of studies have indicated the importance of S1P3 in various pathophysiological processes. Recently, we have identified a pepducin (compound KRX-725-II) acting as an S1P3 receptor antagonist. Here, aiming to optimize the activity and selectivity profile of the described compound, we have synthesized a series of derivatives in which Tyr, in position 4, has been substituted with several natural aromatic and unnatural aromatic and non-aromatic amino acids. All the compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit vascular relaxation induced by KRX-725 (as S1P3 selective pepducin agonist) and KRX-722 (an S1P1-selective pepducin agonist). Those selective towards S1P3 (compounds V and VII) were also evaluated for their ability to inhibit skeletal muscle fibrosis. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to derive information on the preferred conformations of selective and unselective antagonists.
Involvement of Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in RDH12-Related Retinopathies
Authors: Sarkar Hajrah , Toms Maria , Moosajee Mariya
Published: August 2021

Retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) is expressed in photoreceptor inner segments and catalyses the reduction of all-trans retinal (atRAL) to all-trans retinol (atROL), as part of the visual cycle. Mutations in RDH12 are primarily associated with autosomal recessive Leber congenital amaurosis. To further our understanding of the disease mechanisms, HEK-293 cell lines expressing wildtype (WT) and mutant RDH12 were created. The WT cells afforded protection from atRAL-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. Mutant RDH12 cells displayed reduced protein expression and activity, with an inability to protect cells from atRAL toxicity, inducing oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, with upregulation of sXBP1, CHOP, and ATF4. Pregabalin, a retinal scavenger, attenuated atRAL-induced ER stress in the mutant RDH12 cell lines. A zebrafish rdh12 mutant model (rdh12u533 c.17_23del; p.(Val6AlafsTer5)) was generated through CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Mutant fish showed disrupted phagocytosis through transmission electron microscopy, with increased phagosome size at 12 months post-fertilisation. Rhodopsin mislocalisation and reduced expression of atg12 and sod2 indicated early signs of a rod-predominant degeneration. A lack of functional RDH12 results in ER and oxidative stress representing key pathways to be targeted for potential therapeutics.
The Gut-Brain Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease—Current and Future Perspectives
Authors: Günther Claudia , Rothhammer Veit , Karow Marisa , Neurath Markus , Winner Beate
Published: August 2021

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system driven by neural, hormonal, metabolic, immunological, and microbial signals. Signaling events from the gut can modulate brain function and recent evidence suggests that the gut–brain axis may play a pivotal role in linking gastrointestinal and neurological diseases. Accordingly, accumulating evidence has suggested a link between inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and neurodegenerative, as well as neuroinflammatory diseases. In this context, clinical, epidemiological and experimental data have demonstrated that IBD predisposes a person to pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS). Likewise, a number of neurological disorders are associated with changes in the intestinal environment, which are indicative for disease-mediated gut–brain inter-organ communication. Although this axis was identified more than 20 years ago, the sequence of events and underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly defined. The emergence of precision medicine has uncovered the need to take into account non-intestinal symptoms in the context of IBD that could offer the opportunity to tailor therapies to individual patients. The aim of this review is to highlight recent findings supporting the clinical and biological link between the gut and brain, as well as its clinical significance for IBD as well as neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Finally, we focus on novel human-specific preclinical models that will help uncover disease mechanisms to better understand and modulate the function of this complex system.