bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Argus: Traffic Behavior Based Prediction of Internet User Demographics through Hierarchical Neural Network
Authors: Wang Mingda , Liu Zhining , Hu Hangyu , Hu Guangmin
Published: February 2020

Predicting internet user demographics based on traffic behavior analysis can provide effective clues for the decision making of network administrators. Nonetheless, most of the existing researches overly rely on hand-crafted features, and they also suffer from the shallowness of information mining and the limitation in prediction targets. This paper proposes Argus, a hierarchical neural network solution to the prediction of Internet user demographics through traffic analysis. Argus is a hierarchical neural-network structure composed of an autoencoder for embedding and a fully-connected net for prediction. In the embedding layer, the high-level features of the input data are learned, with a customized regularization method to enforce their discriminative power. In the classification layer, the embeddings are converted into the label predictions of the sample. An integrated loss function is provided to Argus for end-to-end learning and architecture control. Argus has exhibited promising performances in experiments based on real-world dataset, where most of the metrics outperform those achieved by common machine learning techniques on multiple prediction targets. Further experiments reveal that the integrated loss function is capable of promoting Argus performance, and the contribution of a specific loss component during the training process is validated. Empirical settings for hyper parameters are given according to the experiments.
Economic Viability and Socio-Environmental Impacts of Solar Home Systems for Off-Grid Rural Electrification in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Swati Anindita , Wang Shouyang , Adnan K M Mehedi , Anser Muhammad Khalid , Ayoub Zeraibi , Ho Thu Hau , Tama Riffat Ara Zannat , Trunina Anna , Hoque Md Mahmudul
Published: February 2020

This study conducted a questionnaire-led survey to explore the financial feasibility and socio-environmental impacts of stand-alone solar home systems (SHS) through stratified random sampling. Based on the above consideration, fifteen cases of studies of various watt peak (Wp) capacities have been investigated to evaluate the economic viability of solar home systems. The results revealed that most of the cases have positive net present value (NPV) and low payback periods, with an internal rate of return (IRR) value ranging from 16% to 131%, which signifies a high rate of investment exchange. Solar home systems are economically profitable for micro-enterprises and households with low-income generation activities as opposed to the households using it only for lighting. The study found that solar home systems with a capacity above 30 Wp are the most economically viable option, which can also avoid 6.15 to 7.34 tonnes of CO2 emissions during the 20 years of life-cycle, while providing different applications including lighting, recreation, information, health, and economic benefits.
The Electrification of Cooking Methods in Korea—Impact on Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Im Hyunji , Kim Yunsoung
Published: February 2020

The electrification of cooking methods in Korea was investigated to understand the impact of different cooking methods on energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the building sector. Annual household cooking energy consumption was compared for the Nowon Energy Zero House Project, a zero-energy housing complex using induction cooktops, and a sample of households that used natural gas for cooking. The results showed that the former consumed less calories (a difference of 2.2 times) and emitted less GHGs (a difference of 2.6 times) compared to gas cooking households. A countrywide scenario analysis was conducted by combining the share of electric cooking households with the projected power generation mix in 2030. Under the 2030 Policy scenario for power generation, and with an electricity cooking share of 20%, cooking-related GHG emissions were projected to be 3.79 million t CO2/year; 3.8% (150,000 t CO2/year) lower than those in the present day, despite a total population increase. The electrification of cooking methods in Korea has the potential to reduce both the energy demand of the building sector and GHG emissions, in synergy with the decarbonization of the power generation sector.
Thermokinetics of Brown Coal during a Fluidized Drying Process
Authors: Plutecki Zbigniew , Sattler Paweł , Ryszczyk Krystian , Duczkowska Anna , Anweiler Stanisław
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the results of research describing the thermokinetics of brown coal’s (lignite) drying process in a fountain-bubble fluidized bed dryer. The drying medium was atmospheric air of a variable temperature in subsequent tests, which ranged from 27 to 70 °C. This paper presents the results of many experimental studies for two different types of brown coal: xylite, from the Bełchatów mine, and earth, from the Turów mine. The two types of brown coal are used to assess different sized coal particles and different air drying temperatures. The functions parameterizing the moisture content of dried coal at different air drying temperatures at any given time are also presented.
Thermal Comfort in the Passenger Compartment Using a 3-D Numerical Analysis and Comparison with Fanger’s Comfort Models
Authors: Khatoon Saboora , Kim Man-Hoe
Published: February 2020

The paper presents the human thermal comfort inside a car cabin using three-dimensional numerical analysis and state of the art comfort models. Vehicular thermal comfort is a must concern factor in modern car manufacturing industries. Numerical simulations have been performed to accurately predict the temperature inside the car cabin and velocity of airflow. The numerical results are then compared using Fanger’s model, the equivalent temperature model and the modified Fanger’s model. A link has been developed using a general thermal comfort index for the considered human thermal comfort models. The general thermal comfort index takes into consideration all the investigated parameters that affect the vehicular thermal comfort thereby evaluating the whole car environment. The thermally comfortable conditions for the driver and passengers in a vehicular cabin are also addressed based on some of the thermal comfort indexes available in literature. In addition, the solar load has also been added using a surface radiation model to consider the environmental heat load effect on cabin thermal comfort.
Maximum Power Point Tracking of PV System Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Takruri Maen , Farhat Maissa , Barambones Oscar , Ramos-Hernanz José Antonio , Turkieh Mohammed Jawdat , Badawi Mohammed , AlZoubi Hanin , Abdus Sakur Maswood
Published: February 2020

This project studies the conditions at which the maximum power point of a photovoltaic (PV) panel is obtained. It shows that the maximum power point is very sensitive to external disturbances such as temperature and irradiation. It introduces a novel method for maximizing the output power of a PV panel when connected to a DC/DC boost converter under variable load conditions. The main contribution of this work is to predict the optimum reference voltage of the PV panel at all-weather conditions using machine learning strategies and to use it as a reference for a Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller that ensures that the DC/DC boost converter provides a stable output voltage and maximum power under different weather conditions and loads. Evaluations of the proposed system, which uses an experimental photovoltaic dataset gathered from Spain, prove that it is robust against internal and external disturbances. They also show that the system performs better when using support vector machines as the machine learning strategy compared to the case when using general regression neural networks.
A Review of the Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) with a Tubular Absorber
Authors: Jiang Chuan , Yu Lei , Yang Song , Li Keke , Wang Jun , Lund Peter D. , Zhang Yaoming
Published: February 2020

The compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is a highly interesting solar collector technology for different low-concentration applications due to no tracking requirement. The CPC with a tubular absorber is the most common type of CPC. Here, a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of this CPC type is presented, including design features, structure, applications, etc. Key design guidelines, structural improvements, and recent developments are also presented.
The Structural Gravity Model and Its Implications on Global Forest Product Trade
Authors: Morland Christian , Schier Franziska , Weimar Holger
Published: February 2020

The gravity model of trade is one of the most common approaches in modern econometrics. In its basic form, the model assumes that income and distance between two partners most likely play a major role in the occurrence of trade. Despite the long history of the gravity model and its high, universal explanatory potential, its application for the forest sector is not broad and refers only to the traditional definition of the gravity approach. However, this traditional approach is not able to explain all aspects of trade at a disaggregated sector level. Consequently, the present study aims to close this research gap and reveal influencing factors for the appearance and the intensity of forest product trade by applying the structural gravity approach. This is done via linear and non-linear estimation methods for the forest sector on the whole and for thirteen forest products in detail. Three major results were found: first, the traditional gravity approach overestimates the impact of the overall income on forest sector trade. Second, the appearance of wood market trade is not always influenced by the same factors as the quantity traded. Third, with increasing processing level, determinants of forest product trade seem to be influenced by different factors.
Chromosome and Genome Divergence between the Cryptic Eurasian Malaria Vector-Species Anopheles messeae and Anopheles daciae
Authors: Naumenko Anastasia N. , Karagodin Dmitriy A. , Yurchenko Andrey A. , Moskaev Anton V. , Martin Olga I. , Baricheva Elina M. , Sharakhov Igor V. , Gordeev Mikhail I. , Sharakhova Maria V.
Published: February 2020

Chromosomal inversions are important drivers of genome evolution. The Eurasian malaria vector Anopheles messeae has five polymorphic inversions. A cryptic species, An. daciae, has been discriminated from An. messeae based on five fixed nucleotide substitutions in the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of ribosomal DNA. However, the inversion polymorphism in An. daciae and the genome divergence between these species remain unexplored. In this study, we sequenced the ITS2 region and analyzed the inversion frequencies of 289 Anopheles larvae specimens collected from three locations in the Moscow region. Five individual genomes for each of the two species were sequenced. We determined that An. messeae and An. daciae differ from each other by the frequency of polymorphic inversions. Inversion X1 was fixed in An. messeae but polymorphic in An. daciae populations. The genome sequence comparison demonstrated genome-wide divergence between the species, especially pronounced on the inversion-rich X chromosome (mean Fst = 0.331). The frequency of polymorphic autosomal inversions was higher in An. messeae than in An. daciae. We conclude that the X chromosome inversions play an important role in the genomic differentiation between the species. Our study determined that An. messeae and An. daciae are closely related species with incomplete reproductive isolation.
Field-Testing and Refinement of the Organisational Health Literacy Responsiveness Self-Assessment (Org-HLR) Tool and Process
Authors: Trezona Anita , Dodson Sarity , Fitzsimon Emma , LaMontagne Anthony D. , Osborne Richard H.
Published: February 2020

Health literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that influence a person’s ability to access, understand and use information to make health-related decisions, which are influenced by the complexity of their health needs and the demands health services place on them. The aim of this study was to field-test the Organisational Health Literacy Responsiveness (Org-HLR) tool and process to determine their utility in assessing health literacy responsiveness and for supporting organisations to plan health literacy-related improvement activities. Four organisations in Victoria, Australia, field-tested the Org-HLR tool. Data were collected through direct observation, participant feedback, and focus groups. Forty-three individuals participated in field-testing activities, and 20 took part in focus group meetings. Themes relating to the applicability and utility of the Org-HLR self-assessment tool and process were identified. Field-testing resulted in a number of refinements to the tool and process. Twenty-eight indicators were removed, 29 were rephrased to improve their clarity, and four new indicators were added. The revised Org-HLR self-assessment tool contains six dimensions, 22 sub-dimensions and 110 performance indicators. The Org-HLR tool and process were perceived as useful for assessing health literacy responsiveness, prioritising improvement activities, and establishing a benchmark for monitoring and evaluation of improvements over time. Testing generated an improved Org-HLR tool and assessment process that are likely to have utility across a broad range of health and social service sector organisations.
Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome and Its Relationship with Ergonomic and Individual Factors in Presbyopic VDT Workers Using Progressive Addition Lenses
Authors: Sánchez-Brau Mar , Domenech-Amigot Begoña , Brocal-Fernández Francisco , Quesada-Rico Jose Antonio , Seguí-Crespo Mar
Published: February 2020

This cross-sectional study estimated computer vision syndrome (CVS) prevalence and analysed its relationship with video display terminal (VDT) exposure, as well as sociodemographic, refractive, environmental, and ergonomic characteristics in 109 presbyopic VDT workers wearing progressive addition lenses (PALs). Usual spectacles were measured with a lens analyser, and subjective refraction was performed by an optometrist. CVS was measured with the CVS-Q©. VDT exposure was collected. Ergonomic evaluations were conducted in a normal working posture looking at the screen. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured (thermohygrometer), and illumination was measured (luxmeter). Descriptive analysis and differences in CVS prevalence, as a function of the explanatory variables, were performed (chi-square test). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with CVS (OR and 95% CI). The mean age was 54.0 ± 4.8 years, and 43.1% were women. The mean hours of VDT use at work was 6.5 ± 1.3 hours/day. The prevalence of CVS was 74.3%. CVS was significantly associated with women (OR 3.40; 95% CI, 1.12–10.33), non-neutral neck posture (OR 3.27; 95% CI, 1.03–10.41) and altered workplace lighting (OR 3.64; 95% CI, 1.22–10.81). Providing training and information to workers regarding the importance of adequate lighting and ergonomic postures during VDT use is advised to decrease CVS and increase workplace quality of life.
Functional Ability, Frailty and Risk of Falls in the Elderly: Relations with Autonomy in Daily Living
Authors: Tornero-Quiñones Inmaculada , Sáez-Padilla Jesús , Espina Díaz Alejandro , Abad Robles Manuel Tomás , Sierra Robles Ángela
Published: February 2020

The objective of this research was to determine the differences in autonomy in both basic activities of daily life in instrumental activities of daily life, as well as functional capacity, fragility and risk of falls between an active group and a sedentary group. The individual associations of functional capacity, fragility and risk of falls were also analyzed, with autonomy in basic activities of daily living and in instrumental activities of daily living in the active group. In this cross-sectional investigation, 139 people from Huelva between 65 and 87 years of age were evaluated (Mean (M) = 73.1; standard deviation (SD) = 5.86); 100 were women and 39 men. The active and sedentary group were composed of 69 and 70 elderly people, respectively. The active group carried out a physical activity program. Among the results, a significant effect was seen in the multivariate contrast of the study variables, V = 0.24, F (5, 137) = 8.58, and p < 0.001; while in the linear regressions in the active group, the Vivifrail with the Barthel Index (Δ Adj. R2 = 0.15) and with the Lawton and Brody Scale (Δ Adj. R2 = 0.22) were used. In conclusion, the active group presented better values in all the variables evaluated in comparison to the sedentary group, establishing statistically significant differences. In addition, in the active group, it has been found that functional capacity is a significant predictive variable of autonomy in instrumental activities of daily living (22%), while fragility and the risk of falls are significant predictors of autonomy in activities of basic daily life (15%).
10-Year Rotavirus Infection Surveillance: Epidemiological Trends in the Pediatric Population of Perugia Province
Authors: de Waure Chiara , Sarnari Laura , Chiavarini Manuela , Ianiro Giovanni , Monini Marina , Alunno Anna , Camilloni Barbara
Published: February 2020

Rotavirus (RV) infections are a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children, and vaccination is currently recommended in Italy, according to the National Immunization Plan 2017–2019. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and molecular RV surveillance in the pediatric population of Perugia province, Umbria. Between September 2007 and August 2018, 663 RV-positive stool specimens were collected from children <15 years of age presenting with gastroenteritis to the emergency room of the Perugia province hospitals who were then hospitalized. Yearly hospitalization rates were expressed per 100,000 persons, and denominators were extrapolated from the National Institute of Statistics. During the 10-year surveillance, the epidemiological trend was fluctuating but slightly decreasing (Max: 89.7 per 100,000 in 2010/2011; Min: 34.8 per 100,000 in 2017/2018). The hospitalization rate was higher in males and in children under five years of age. Among common genotypes, G1P[8] was prevalent most of the years. The uncommon G12P[8] genotype emerged and was the most common in 2012/2013 (58.2%). Afterwards, its circulation remained high. As the Umbria Region started vaccinating from the 2018 birth cohort, our study reviewed pre-vaccination data and will help to assess the protection induced by vaccination and its effect on circulating strains.
Optimal Decisions for Two Risk-Averse Competitive Manufacturers under the Cap-and-Trade Policy and Uncertain Demand
Authors: Sun Hongxia , Yang Jie , Zhong Yang
Published: February 2020

With the increasingly serious problem of environmental pollution, reducing carbon emissions has become an urgent task for all countries. The cap-and-trade (C&T) policy has gained international recognition and has been adopted by several countries. In this paper, considering the uncertainty of market demand, we discuss the carbon emission reduction and price policies of two risk-averse competitive manufacturers under the C&T policy. The two manufacturers have two competitive behaviors: simultaneous decision making and sequential decision making. Two models were constructed for these behaviors. The optimal decisions, carbon emission reduction rate, and price were obtained from these two models. Furthermore, in this paper the effects of some key parameters on the optimal decision are discussed, and some managerial insights are obtained. The results show that the lower the manufacturers’ risk aversion level is, the higher their carbon emission reduction rate and utilities. As the carbon quota increases, the manufacturers’ optimal carbon reduction rate and utilities increase. Considering consumers’ environmental awareness, it is more beneficial for the government to reduce the carbon quota and motivate manufacturers’ internal enthusiasm for emission reduction. The government can, through macro control of the market, make carbon trading prices increase appropriately and encourage manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions.
Encounters with Persons Who Frequently Use Psychiatric Emergency Services: Healthcare Professionals’ Views
Authors: Schmidt Manuela , Stjernswärd Sigrid , Garmy Pernilla , Janlöv Ann-Christin
Published: February 2020

Encounters and interactions between healthcare professionals and patients are central in healthcare services and delivery. Encountering persons who frequently use psychiatric emergency services (PES), a complex patient group in a complex context, may be particularly challenging for healthcare professionals. The aim of the study was to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of such encounters. Data were collected via individual interviews (N = 19) and a focus group interview with healthcare professionals consisting of psychiatric nurses, assistant nurses, and physicians. The data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. This study focused on the latent content of the interview data to gain a rich understanding of the professionals’ experiences of the encounters. Two themes were identified: “Nurturing the encounter with oneself and colleagues for continuous, professional improvement” and “Striving for a meaningful connection with the patient”. The professionals experienced their encounters with persons who frequently use PES as caring, professional, and humane processes. Prerequisites to those encounters were knowing and understanding oneself, having self-acceptance and self-compassion, and working within person-centered cultures and care environments.
Improving Organizational Health Literacy Responsiveness in Cardiac Rehabilitation Using A Co-Design Methodology: Results from The Heart Skills Study
Authors: Aaby Anna , Simonsen Camilla Bakkær , Ryom Knud , Maindal Helle Terkildsen
Published: February 2020

For health services, improving organizational health literacy responsiveness is a promising approach to enhance health and counter health inequity. A number of frameworks and tools are available to help organizations boost their health literacy responsiveness. These include the Ophelia (OPtimising HEalth LIteracy and Access) approach centered on local needs assessments, co-design methodologies, and pragmatic intervention testing. Within a municipal cardiac rehabilitation (CR) setting, the Heart Skills Study aimed to: (1) Develop and test an organizational health literacy intervention using an extended version of the Ophelia approach, and (2) evaluate the organizational impact of the application of the Ophelia approach. We found the approach successful in producing feasible organizational quality improvement interventions that responded to local health literacy needs such as enhanced social support and individualized care. Furthermore, applying the Ophelia approach had a substantial organizational impact. The co-design process in the unit helped develop and integrate a new and holistic understanding of CR user needs and vulnerabilities based on health literacy. It also generated motivation and ownership among CR users, staff, and leaders, paving the way for sustainable future implementation. The findings can be used to inform the development and evaluation of sustainable co-designed health literacy initiatives in other settings.
A Dietary Ketone Ester Normalizes Abnormal Behavior in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pawlosky Robert J. , Kashiwaya Yoshihero , King M. Todd , Veech Richard L.
Published: February 2020

Because of a decreased sensitivity toward insulin, a key regulator of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), Alzheimer’s patients have lower brain glucose utilization with reductions in Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle metabolites such as citrate, a precursor to n-acetyl-aspartate. In the 3xTgAd mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), aging mice also demonstrate low brain glucose metabolism. Ketone metabolism can overcome PDH inhibition and restore TCA cycle metabolites, thereby enhancing amino acid biosynthesis. A ketone ester of d-β-hydroxybutyrate was incorporated into a diet (Ket) and fed to 3xTgAd mice. A control group was fed a calorically matched diet (Cho). At 15 months of age, the exploratory and avoidance-related behavior patterns of the mice were evaluated. At 16.5 months of age, the animals were euthanized, and their hippocampi were analyzed for citrate, α-ketoglutarate, and amino acids. In the hippocampi of the Ket-fed mice, there were higher concentrations of citrate and α-ketoglutarate as well as higher concentrations of glutamate, aspartate and n-acetyl-aspartate compared with controls. There were positive associations between (1) concentrations of aspartate and n-acetyl-aspartate (n = 14, R = 0.9327), and (2) α-ketoglutarate and glutamate (n = 14, R = 0.8521) in animals maintained on either diet. Hippocampal n-acetyl-aspartate predicted the outcome of several exploratory and avoidance-related behaviors. Ketosis restored citrate and α-ketoglutarate in the hippocampi of aging mice. Higher concentrations of n-acetyl-aspartate corresponded with greater exploratory activity and reduced avoidance-related behavior.
Candidate SNP Markers of Atherogenesis Significantly Shifting the Affinity of TATA-Binding Protein for Human Gene Promoters Show Stabilizing Natural Selection as a Sum of Neutral Drift Accelerating Atherogenesis and Directional Natural Selection Slowing It
Authors: Ponomarenko Mikhail , Rasskazov Dmitry , Chadaeva Irina , Sharypova Ekaterina , Drachkova Irina , Oshchepkov Dmitry , Ponomarenko Petr , Savinkova Ludmila , Oshchepkova Evgeniya , Nazarenko Maria , Kolchanov Nikolay
Published: February 2020

(1) Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) regards atherosclerosis-related myocardial infarction and stroke as the main causes of death in humans. Susceptibility to atherogenesis-associated diseases is caused by single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). (2) Methods: Using our previously developed public web-service SNP_TATA_Comparator, we estimated statistical significance of the SNP-caused alterations in TATA-binding protein (TBP) binding affinity for 70 bp proximal promoter regions of the human genes clinically associated with diseases syntonic or dystonic with atherogenesis. Additionally, we did the same for several genes related to the maintenance of mitochondrial genome integrity, according to present-day active research aimed at retarding atherogenesis. (3) Results: In dbSNP, we found 1186 SNPs altering such affinity to the same extent as clinical SNP markers do (as estimated). Particularly, clinical SNP marker rs2276109 can prevent autoimmune diseases via reduced TBP affinity for the human MMP12 gene promoter and therefore macrophage elastase deficiency, which is a well-known physiological marker of accelerated atherogenesis that could be retarded nutritionally using dairy fermented by lactobacilli. (4) Conclusions: Our results uncovered SNPs near clinical SNP markers as the basis of neutral drift accelerating atherogenesis and SNPs of genes encoding proteins related to mitochondrial genome integrity and microRNA genes associated with instability of the atherosclerotic plaque as a basis of directional natural selection slowing atherogenesis. Their sum may be stabilizing the natural selection that sets the normal level of atherogenesis.
Leptin, Adiponectin, and Sam68 in Bone Metastasis from Breast Cancer
Authors: Maroni Paola
Published: February 2020

The most serious aspect of neoplastic disease is the spread of cancer cells to secondary sites. Skeletal metastases can escape detection long after treatment of the primary tumour and follow-up. Bone tissue is a breeding ground for many types of cancer cells, especially those derived from the breast, prostate, and lung. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, bone metastases still have a profound impact on quality of life and survival and are often responsible for the fatal outcome of the disease. Bone and the bone marrow environment contain a wide variety of cells. No longer considered a passive filler, bone marrow adipocytes have emerged as critical contributors to cancer progression. Released by adipocytes, adipokines are soluble factors with hormone-like functions and are currently believed to affect tumour development. Src-associated in mitosis of 68 kDa (Sam68), originally discovered as a protein physically associated with and phosphorylated by c-Src during mitosis, is now recognised as an important RNA-binding protein linked to tumour onset and progression of disease. Sam68 also regulates splicing events and recent evidence reports that dysregulation of these events is a key step in neoplastic transformation and tumour progression. The present review reports recent findings on adipokines and Sam68 and their role in breast cancer progression and metastasis.
Mutual Two-Way Interactions of Curcumin and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Pluta Ryszard , Januszewski Sławomir , Ułamek-Kozioł Marzena
Published: February 2020

Curcumin, an herbal naturally occurring polyphenol, has recently been proposed for the treatment of neurodegenerative, neurological and cancer diseases due to its pleiotropic effect. Recent studies indicated that dysbiosis is associated with the abovementioned and other diseases, and gut microflora may be a new potential therapeutic target. The new working hypothesis that could explain the curative role of curcumin, despite its limited availability, is that curcumin acts indirectly on the brain, affecting the “gut–brain–microflora axis”, a complex two-way system in which the gut microbiome and its composition, are factors that preserve and determine brain health. It is therefore suspected that curcumin and its metabolites have a direct regulatory effect on gut microflora and vice versa, which may explain the paradox between curcumin’s poor bioavailability and its commonly reported therapeutic effects. Curcumin and its metabolites can have health benefits by eliminating intestinal microflora dysbiosis. In addition, curcumin undergoes enzymatic modifications by bacteria, forming pharmacologically more active metabolites than their parent, curcumin. In this review, we summarize a number of studies that highlight the interaction between curcumin and gut microbiota and vice versa, and we consider the possibility of microbiome-targeted therapies using curcumin, particularly in disease entities currently without causal treatment.
Rabs in Signaling and Embryonic Development
Authors: Nassari Sonya , Del Olmo Tomas , Jean Steve
Published: February 2020

Rab GTPases play key roles in various cellular processes. They are essential, among other roles, to membrane trafficking and intracellular signaling events. Both trafficking and signaling events are crucial for proper embryonic development. Indeed, embryogenesis is a complex process in which cells respond to various signals and undergo dramatic changes in their shape, position, and function. Over the last few decades, cellular studies have highlighted the novel signaling roles played by Rab GTPases, while numerous studies have shed light on the important requirements of Rab proteins at various steps of embryonic development. In this review, we aimed to generate an overview of Rab contributions during animal embryogenesis. We first briefly summarize the involvement of Rabs in signaling events. We then extensively highlight the contribution of Rabs in shaping metazoan development and conclude with new approaches that will allow investigation of Rab functions in vivo.
Does Chronic Kidney Disease Facilitate Malignant Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction of Hypertensive Origin?
Authors: Eiros Rocio , Romero-González Gregorio , Gavira Juan Jose , Beloqui Oscar , Colina Inmaculada , Fortún Landecho Manuel , López Begoña , González Arantxa , Díez Javier , Ravassa Susana
Published: February 2020

In hypertensive patients with heart failure (HF) a serum biomarker combination of high carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type-I (PICP) and low carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type-I to matrix metalloproteinase-1 (CITP:MMP-1) ratio identifies a histomolecular phenotype of malignant myocardial fibrosis (mMF) associated with severe diastolic dysfunction (DD) and poor outcomes. As chronic kidney disease (CKD) facilitates MF and DD, we investigated the influence of CKD on the mMF biomarker combination in HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Hypertensives (n = 365), 232 non-HF and 133 HFpEF, were studied, and 35% non-HF and 46% HFpEF patients had CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g). Specific immunoassays were performed to determine biomarkers. Medians were used to establish the high PICP and low CITP:MMP-1 combination. A comparison with non-HF showed that the biomarker combination presence was increased in HFpEF patients, being associated with CKD in all patients. CKD influenced the association of the biomarker combination and HFpEF (p for interaction ≤ 0.019). The E:e’ ratio was associated with the biomarker combination in CKD patients. Among CKD patients with HFpEF, those with the biomarker combination exhibited higher (p = 0.016) E:e’ ratio than those without the pattern. These findings suggest that CKD facilitates the development of biomarker-assessed mMF and DD in hypertensive HFpEF patients.
Cardiovascular Events after Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Global Perspective with Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Tralhão António , Póvoa Pedro
Published: February 2020

Acute cardiovascular disease after community-acquired pneumonia is a well-accepted complication for which definitive treatment strategies are lacking. These complications share some common features but have distinct diagnostic and treatment approaches. We therefore undertook an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting the incidence of overall complications, acute coronary syndromes, new or worsening heart failure, new or worsening arrhythmias and acute stroke, as well as short-term mortality outcomes. To set a framework for future research, we further included a holistic review of the interplay between the two conditions. From 1984 to 2019, thirty-nine studies were accrued, involving 92,188 patients, divided by setting (inpatients versus outpatients) and clinical severity (low risk versus high risk). Overall cardiac complications occurred in 13.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.6–18.9), acute coronary syndromes in 4.5% (95% CI 2.9–6.5), heart failure in 9.2% (95% CI 6.7–12.2), arrhythmias in 7.2% (95% CI 5.6–9.0) and stroke in 0.71% (95% CI 0.1–3.9) of pooled inpatients. During this period, meta-regression analysis suggests that the incidence of overall and individual cardiac complications is decreasing. After adjusting for confounders, cardiovascular events taking place after community-acquired pneumonia independently increase the risk for short-term mortality (range of odds-ratio: 1.39–5.49). These findings highlight the need for effective, large trial based, preventive and therapeutic interventions in this important patient population.
Nintedanib Treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Who Have Been Switched from Pirfenidone Therapy: A Retrospective Case Series Study
Authors: Vianello Andrea , Salton Francesco , Molena Beatrice , Turato Cristian , Graziani Maria Laura , Braccioni Fausto , Frassani Valeria , Sella Dino , Pretto Paolo , Paladini Luciana , Sukthi Andi , Confalonieri Marco
Published: February 2020

Background: The efficacy and effectiveness of nintedanib as a first-line therapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients have been demonstrated by clinical trials and real-life studies. Our aim was to examine the safety profile and effectiveness of nintedanib when it is utilized as a second-line treatment in subjects who have discontinued pirfenidone. Methods: The medical charts of 12 patients who were switched from pirfenidone to nintedanib were examined retrospectively. The drug’s safety was defined by the number of adverse events (AEs) that were reported; disease progression was evaluated based on the patient’s vital status and changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) at 12-month follow-up. Results: The numbers of patients experiencing AEs and of the AEs per patient in our study group didn’t significantly differ with respect to a group of 56 individuals who were taking nintedanib as a first-line therapy during the study period (5/12 vs. 22/56; p = 0.9999, and 0.00 (0.00–1.00) vs. 0.00 (0.00–3.00); p = 0.517, respectively). Two out of the 3 patients who had been switched to nintedanib due to a rapid disease progression showed stabilized FVC values. Conclusions: Nintedanib was found to have an acceptable safety profile in the majority of the IPF patients switched from pirfenidone. Prospective studies are warranted to determine if the drug can effectively delay disease progression in these patients.
Is the Arginase Pathway a Novel Therapeutic Avenue for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Authors: Shosha Esraa , Fouda Abdelrahman Y. , Narayanan S. Priya , Caldwell R. William , Caldwell Ruth B.
Published: February 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans. Clinicians diagnose DR based on its characteristic vascular pathology, which is evident upon clinical exam. However, extensive research has shown that diabetes causes significant neurovascular dysfunction prior to the development of clinically apparent vascular damage. While laser photocoagulation and/or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies are often effective for limiting the late-stage vascular pathology, we still do not have an effective treatment to limit the neurovascular dysfunction or promote repair during the early stages of DR. This review addresses the role of arginase as a mediator of retinal neurovascular injury and therapeutic target for early stage DR. Arginase is the ureohydrolase enzyme that catalyzes the production of L-ornithine and urea from L-arginine. Arginase upregulation has been associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and peripheral vascular dysfunction in models of both types of diabetes. The arginase enzyme has been identified as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease and central nervous system disease including stroke and ischemic retinopathies. Here, we discuss and review the literature on arginase-induced retinal neurovascular dysfunction in models of DR. We also speculate on the therapeutic potential of arginase in DR and its related underlying mechanisms.
Anesthetic Agents and Cardiovascular Outcomes of Noncardiac Surgery after Coronary Stent Insertion
Authors: Yoon Hyun-Kyu , Jun Kwanghoon , Park Sun-Kyung , Ji Sang-Hwan , Jang Young-Eun , Yoo Seokha , Kim Jin-Tae , Kim Won Ho
Published: February 2020

Patients undergoing noncardiac surgery after coronary stent implantation are at an increased risk of thrombotic complications. Volatile anesthetics are reported to have organ-protective effects against ischemic injury. Propofol has an anti-inflammatory action that can mitigate ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the association between anesthetic agents and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral event (MACCE) has never been studied before. In the present study, a total of 1630 cases were reviewed. Four different propensity score matchings were performed to minimize selection bias (propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) vs. volatile anesthetics; TIVA vs. sevoflurane; TIVA vs. desflurane; and sevoflurane vs. desflurane). The incidence of MACCE in these four propensity score-matched cohorts was compared. As a sensitivity analysis, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for MACCE during the postoperative 30 days both in total and matched cohorts (TIVA vs. volatile agent). MACCE occurred in 6.0% of the patients. Before matching, there was a significant difference in the incidence of MACCE between TIVA and sevoflurane groups (TIVA 5.1% vs. sevoflurane 8.2%, p = 0.006). After matching, there was no significant difference in the incidence of MACCE between the groups of any pairs (TIVA 6.5% vs. sevoflurane 7.7%; p = 0.507). The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association of the volatile agent with MACCE (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 0.92–2.37, p = 0.104). In conclusion, the choice of anesthetic agent for noncardiac surgery did not significantly affect the development of MACCE in patients with previous coronary stent implantation. However, further randomized trials are needed to confirm our results.
Cardiovascular and Autonomic Responses to Energy Drinks—Clinical Implications
Authors: Somers Kiran R. , Svatikova Anna
Published: February 2020

There is an increasing consumption of energy drinks both in the United States and worldwide. The components of these beverages are sometimes unclear but commonly include caffeine, sugars, taurine, and B-vitamins. Young people, particularly those engaged in sports, studying, and in the military are especially likely to be consumers of energy drinks. While limited data are available regarding their autonomic and hemodynamic effects, current literature suggests that energy drink consumption is accompanied by increases in blood pressure, sympathetic drive, and also in QT prolongation. There are no systematic long term studies identifying consequences of frequent energy drink consumption. However, multiple anecdotal reports implicate energy drinks in adverse cardiovascular events including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Events such as atrial fibrillation may even occur in otherwise healthy subjects with structurally normal hearts. It is likely that these cardiovascular outcomes are triggered by the hemodynamic, autonomic, and electrocardiographic responses to energy drink consumption. What remains unclear is how concomitant use of other stimulants such as amphetamines and nicotine may interact to potentiate neural and circulatory responses and cardiovascular consequences when combined with energy drinks.
Effective Utilization of Waste Glass as Cementitious Powder and Construction Sand in Mortar
Authors: Wang Yanru , Cao Yubin , Zhang Peng , Ma Yuwei
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the availability of waste glass as alternative materials in sustainable constructions. Collected waste glass was ground into waste glass powder (WGP) with similar particle size distribution as Portland cement (PC) and waste glass sand (WGS) with similar grade as sand. The compressive strength was investigated through the Taguchi test to evaluate the effect of different parameters on WGP-blended mortar, which include WG-replacement rate (G/B, 0, 10%, 20%, 30%), water/binder ratio (w/b, 0.35. 0.40, 0.50, 0.60), cementitious material dosage (Cpaste, 420, 450, 480, 500 kg/m3), and color of powder (green (G) and colorless (C)). The alkali–silica reaction (ASR) expansion risk of WGS-blended mortar was assessed. The experimental results indicated that WGP after 0.5 h grinding could be used as substituted cement in mortar and help to release potential ASR expansion. The replacement rate played a dominant role on strength at both the early or long-term age. The water/binder ratio of 0.35 was beneficial to the compressive strength at three days and 0.50 was better for strength at 60 and 90 days. An optimal value of cementitious material dosage (450 Kg/m3) exited in view of its strength, while the effect of the color of WG was minor. WGS could be graded as standard construction sand and no ASR expansion risk was found even for 100% replacement of regular sand in mortar. Through the comprehensive reuse of waste glass, this study could provide basic knowledge and a concept for the sustainable development of building materials.
Microstructure and Properties of Nanostructured Coating on Ti6Al4V
Authors: Jordanovová Veronika , Losertová Monika , Štencek Michal , Lukášová Tereza , Simha Martynková Gražyna , Peikertová Pavlína
Published: February 2020

Implant surface properties of Ti6Al4V alloy that is currently used as a biocompatible material because of a variety of unique properties can be improved by a self-organized TiO2 layer. The TiO2 nanotubes forming on the titanium-based materials is a relatively recent technology for the surface properties modification and represents pronounced potential in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation that facilitate an implant osseointegration. This work focuses on the influence of surface treatment quality and anodic oxidation parameters on the structure features and properties of TiO2 nanotube coatings. The nanotubes were formed on Ti6Al4V alloy substrates by simultaneous surface oxidation and controlled dissolving of an oxide film in the presence of fluorine ions. The anodization process on ground or polished samples was performed at experimental condition of 30 V for 1 h. The selected anodized samples were heat treated for 2 h at 500 °C under flowing argon. All samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The corrosion rate in physiological solution reached 0.0043, 0.0182, and 0.0998 mm per year for the samples in polished and not-anodized, as-anodized, and anodized-heat treated conditions, respectively.
Experimental Study and Failure Criterion Analysis on Combined Compression-Shear Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Wang Jingrong , Xie Faxiang , Zhang Chuanlong , Ruan Jing
Published: February 2020

To investigate the combined compression-shear performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC), eight groups of concrete specimens under different axial compression ratios were designed, and the composite performance under different axial stresses was carried out by hydraulic servo machine. The uniaxial and tensile splitting strength of SCC were also included in the study. The failure modes of SCC were presented, discussed, and compared with normal concrete (NC). The characteristic points of stress-strain curves of SCC specimens from the experiments were extracted and analyzed under different axial compression stress. Based on the experimental results, the shear strength of compression-shear load was divided into cohesive stress and residual friction stress. The variation of residual stress and cohesive stress under the combined compression-shear stress was analyzed, and the relationship was obtained by numerical regression. Research results indicated that the residual stress increases linearly with the compression stress while the cohesive stress increased at first and then decreased. The research found that the friction coefficient of SCC was much smaller than NC due to the lack of interlocking effect. Utilizing the compression-shear strength of SCC, the material failure criteria of SCC were proposed from the view of shear failure strength and octahedral stress space, which could fit the experimental results confidently following the mathematical regression analysis. The comparison with data from other literature shows favorable consistence with the obtained criteria. The results of the study could be beneficial complement in engineering practices where SCC was applicable.