bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kajian Karakteristik Rumah Kongsi Etnis Tionghoa Udik Di Tangerang Raya
Authors: Alexandra Louis , Khamdevi Muhammar
Published: August 2020

Chinese migrants settled in Malay Archipelago in the 15th century. They carried their culture, especially their traditional houses (Kongsi). They come from Guangdong and Fujian, whose ethnicities are Hokkien, Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew. In Tangerang Raya area there are still a number of these houses that have survived, but are threatened with extinction. Though this house is also one of Indonesia's architectural heritage. So it is important to conduct its architectural research as an initial effort for conservation. What are the architectural characteristics of Kongsi's house in Tangerang Raya? Are there changes and shifts in characteristics that are different from the origin? This study uses qualitative methods by conducting observations of primary data in the field and other secondary data sources. This study aims to examine the character of the space system, the shape-form system, and the stylistic system of Kongsi houses in Tangerang Raya in three locations, namely: Panongan, Sewan, and Teluk Naga. The results showed that Kongsi houses in Tangerang Raya followed the traditional Siheyuan type of Chinese house. But there are some changes and shifts in the form of adaptation to the local local environment; minor on the system of space, moderate on the system of shape, major on the stylistic system.
Collaborative Action Research Network (CARN) & Action Learning, Action Research Association Ltd (ALARA) Conference, October 17-19, 2019, Split, Croatia
Authors: CARN-ALARA
Published: August 2020

On behalf of the two of the foremost and long-standing global action research networks, The Collaborative Action Research Network (CARN) and The Action Learning, Action Research Association Ltd (ALARA) global network and the Department of Pedagogy of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Osijek, Croatia we kindly invite you to our International Scientific Conference.
Towards the Design of a Community-Engaged Data Visualization Course
Authors: Bratt Sharon
Published: August 2020

Educational action research bridges the gap between theory and practice; where the learning design is the proposed hypothesis and the classroom is where it is field-tested by the teacher as researcher (McKernan, 2007; Stenhouse, 1975). Through this lens we see inquiry as a deepened understanding of one’s own practice. The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the design of an introduction to data visualization course with community-engaged learning as its core pedagogy.  Results show that many of the core elements of community-engaged learning were achieved at the exemplary level, based on the assessment matrix developed by Dahan and Seligsohn (2003). Several recommendations emerged, both situational and generalizable, which could enhance the redesign and improve the experience for practitioners who use community-engaged learning as a core pedagogy.
DigiPen: Secondary School Project-Based Learning in Game Design, Digital Arts and Life Skills
Authors: Howe Edward , Ruberg Andres
Published: August 2020

This action research investigates DigiPen, an innovative locally developed secondary school course where students are actively engaged in project-based learning while studying how to work effectively in teams focused on digital game design. Students apply art, math, physics, and computer science knowledge and learn important life skills. DigiPen exemplifies the new British Columbia curriculum with cross-curricular integrated approaches to learning. This mixed-methods study identified five themes: career, life skills, leadership, teamwork, and inclusion. Students indicated DigiPen played a significant role in their higher education choices and career paths. DigiPen shows great promise for providing meaningful project-based learning experiences for students.
Intraventricular Pressure Gradients in Heart Failure
Authors: GUERRA M. , BRÁS-SILVA C. , AMORIM M. J. , MOURA C. , BASTOS P. , LEITE-MOREIRA A. F.
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study was to characterize intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPGs) in an animal model of chronic heart failure. New Zealand rabbits were treated with doxorubicin (heart failure group, n=5) or saline (control group, n=5) and instrumented with pressure catheters placed in the apex and outflow-tract of left ventricle (LV) and with sonomicrometer crystals placed in the apex and base of the LV free wall. In heart failure animals, ventricular filling was delayed and slower when compared with control animals. Moreover, the physiological nonuniformity observed between apical and basal segments in normal hearts was abolished in failing hearts. Simultaneously, physiological IVPGs observed during normal ventricular filling were entirely lost in heart failure animals. During ventricular emptying physiological nonuniformity between apical and basal segments observed in control animals was also abolished in heart failure animals. In failing hearts minimal length occurred later and almost at same time both in apical and in basal myocardial segments. Simultaneously, the characteristic IVPG pattern observed in healthy hearts during systole, which promotes ventricular emptying, was not observed in failing hearts. The present study showed that diastolic IVPGs, a marker of normal ventricular filling, and systolic IVPGs, a marker of normal ventricular emptying, are abolished in heart failure.
The Impact of Four Different Classes of Anesthetics on the Mechanisms of Blood Pressure Regulation in Normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: BENCZE M. , BEHULIAK M. , ZICHA J.
Published: August 2020

Most anesthetics induce characteristic hemodynamic changes leading to blood pressure (BP) reduction but the role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in this BP reduction is unknown. We therefore studied the influence of four widely used anesthetics – pentobarbital (P), isoflurane (ISO), ketamine-xylazine (KX) and chloralose-urethane (CU) – on the participation of these vasoactive systems in BP maintenance. BP effects elicited by the acute sequential blockade of RAS (captopril), SNS (pentolinium) and NO synthase (L-NAME) were compared in conscious and anesthetized Wistar or spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Except for pentobarbital all studied anesthetics evidenced by diminished BP responses to pentolinium. The absolute pentolinium-induced BP changes were always greater in SHR than Wistar rats. KX anesthesia eliminated BP response to pentolinium and considerably enhanced BP response to NO synthase inhibition in SHR. In both rat strains the anesthesia with ISO or CU augmented BP response to captopril, decreased BP response to pentolinium and attenuated BP response to NO synthase inhibition. In conclusion, pentobarbital anesthesia had a modest influence on BP level and its maintenance by the above vasoactive systems. Isoflurane and chloralose-urethane anesthesia may be used in cardiovascular experiments if substantial BP decrease due to altered contribution of RAS, SNS and NO to BP regulation does not interfere with the respective research aim. Major BP reduction (namely in SHR) due to a complete SNS absence is a major drawback of ketamine-xylazine anesthesia.
PEMBERIAN JUS BUAH NAGA UNTUK MENGATASI RISIKO KETIDAKSTABILAN KADAR GLUKOSA DARAH PADA PENDERITA DIABETES MELITUS
Authors: Pramesti Fransiska Tiya , Sukesi Niken
Published: August 2020

Diabetes melitus merupakan sekelompok kelainan heterogen yang ditandai oleh kadar glukosa darah atauhiperglikemia. Penyakit diabetes melitus adalah penyakit yang terjadi akibat gangguan pada pankreas yang tidakdapat menghasilkan insulin sesuai dengan kebutuhan tubuh dan atau ketidakmampuan dalam memecah insulin.Insulin berfungsi untuk menurunkan kadar glukosa darah yang tinggi, sebagai membuka jalan agar glukosa dapatmasuk kedalam sel untuk menghasilkan energy, menekankan produksi gula kehati dan otot, serta mencegahpemecahan lemak sebagai sumber energy sehingga dapat memenuhu kebutuhan nutrisi pada pasien diabetic foot.Tujuan studi kasus ini untuk mengidentifikasi manfaat dari jus buah naga dalam menurunkan kadar glukosa darah.Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif dengan menggunakan metode pendekatan studi kasus. Subjek penelitian iniadalah dua orang pasien yang mengalami diabetes melitus dengan kriteria yang kooperatif. Hasil studimenunjukkan bahwa ada perubahan dalam kadar gula darah menjadi lebih turunn setelah pemberian jus buah naga.Rekomendasi perlu konsentrasi perawat dalam melakukan tindakan untuk meningkatkan kesehatan pasiennya.
In the Age of Synthetic Biology, Will Antimicrobial Peptides be the Next Generation of Antibiotics?
Authors: Jaumaux Félix , P. Gómez de Cadiñanos Luz , Gabant Philippe
Published: August 2020

Antibiotics have changed human health and revolutionised medical practice since the Second World War. Today, the use of antibiotics is increasingly limited by the rise of antimicrobial-resistant strains. Additionally, broad-spectrum antibiotic activity is not adapted to maintaining a balanced microbiome essential for human health. Targeted antimicrobials could overcome these two drawbacks. Although the rational design of targeted antimicrobial molecules presents a formidable challenge, in nature, targeted genetically encoded killing molecules are used by microbes in their natural ecosystems. The use of a synthetic biology approach allows the harnessing of these natural functions. In this commentary article we illustrate the potential of applying synthetic biology towards bacteriocins to design a new generation of antimicrobials.
Cytoprotective Activity of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants
Authors: Valentová Kateřina
Published: August 2020

Numerous chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, chronic respiratory or neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, retinal damage, and others are associated with oxidative stress [...]
Folding of Truncated Granulin Peptides
Authors: Takjoo Rozita , Wilson David , Bansal Paramjit S. , Loukas Alex , Smout Michael J. , Daly Norelle L.
Published: August 2020

Granulins are a family of unique protein growth factors which are found in a range of species and have several bioactivities that include cell proliferation and wound healing. They typically contain six disulfide bonds, but the sequences, structures and bioactivities vary significantly. We have previously shown that an N-terminally truncated version of a granulin from the human liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, can fold independently into a “mini-granulin” structure and has potent wound healing properties in vivo. The incorporation of a non-native third disulfide bond, with respect to the full-length granulin module, was critical for the formation of regular secondary structure in the liver fluke derived peptide. By contrast, this third disulfide bond is not required for a carp granulin-1 truncated peptide to fold independently. This distinction led us to explore granulins from the zebrafish model organism. Here we show that the mini-granulin fold occurs in a naturally occurring paragranulin (half-domain) from zebrafish, and is also present in a truncated form of a full-length zebrafish granulin, suggesting this structure might be a common property in either naturally occurring or engineered N-terminally truncated granulins and the carp granulin-1 folding is an anomaly. The in vitro folding yield is significantly higher in the naturally occurring paragranulin, but only the truncated zebrafish granulin peptide promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts consistent with a growth factor function, and therefore the function of the paragranulin remains unknown. These findings provide insight into the folding and evolution of granulin domains and might be useful in the elucidation of the structural features important for bioactivity to aid the design of more potent and stable analogues for the development of novel wound healing agents.
Body Mass Index and Total Symptom Burden in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Discovery of a U-shaped Association
Authors: Christensen Sarah Friis , Scherber Robyn Marie , Brochmann Nana , Goros Martin , Gelfond Jonathan , Andersen Christen Lykkegaard , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Mesa Ruben
Published: August 2020

Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a global health problem, leading to enhanced mortality and the increased risk of several cancers including essential thrombocythemia (ET), a subtype of the Philadelphia-chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Furthermore, evidence states that BMI is associated with the severity of symptom burden among cancer patients. MPN patients often suffer from severe symptom burden. The purpose of this study was to examine whether deviations from a normal BMI in an MPN population are associated with higher symptom burden and reduced quality of life (QoL). A combined analysis of two large cross-sectional surveys, the Danish Population-based Study, MPNhealthSurvey (n = 2044), and the international Fatigue Study (n = 1070), was performed. Symptoms and QoL were assessed using the validated Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF). Analysis of covariance was used to estimate the effects of different BMI categories on symptom scores while adjusting for age, sex, and MPN subtype. A U-shaped association between BMI and Total Symptom Burden was observed in both datasets with significantly higher mean scores for underweight and obese patients relative to normal weight (mean difference: underweight 5.51 (25.8%), p = 0.006; obese 5.70 (26.6%) p < 0.001). This is an important finding, as BMI is a potentially modifiable factor in the care of MPN patients.
Aberrant BUB1 Overexpression Promotes Mitotic Segregation Errors and Chromosomal Instability in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Fujibayashi Yuto , Isa Reiko , Nishiyama Daichi , Sakamoto-Inada Natsumi , Kawasumi Norichika , Yamaguchi Junko , Kuwahara-Ota Saeko , Matsumura-Kimoto Yayoi , Tsukamoto Taku , Chinen Yoshiaki , Shimura Yuji , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Horiike Shigeo , Taniwaki Masafumi , Handa Hiroshi , Kuroda Junya
Published: August 2020

Chromosome instability (CIN), the hallmarks of cancer, reflects ongoing chromosomal changes caused by chromosome segregation errors and results in whole chromosomal or segmental aneuploidy. In multiple myeloma (MM), CIN contributes to the acquisition of tumor heterogeneity, and thereby, to disease progression, drug resistance, and eventual treatment failure; however, the underlying mechanism of CIN in MM remains unclear. Faithful chromosomal segregation is tightly regulated by a series of mitotic checkpoint proteins, such as budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1 (BUB1). In this study, we found that BUB1 was overexpressed in patient-derived myeloma cells, and BUB1 expression was significantly higher in patients in an advanced stage compared to those in an early stage. This suggested the involvement of aberrant BUB1 overexpression in disease progression. In human myeloma-derived cell lines (HMCLs), BUB1 knockdown reduced the frequency of chromosome segregation errors in mitotic cells. In line with this, partial knockdown of BUB1 showed reduced variations in chromosome number compared to parent cells in HMCLs. Finally, BUB1 overexpression was found to promote the clonogenic potency of HMCLs. Collectively, these results suggested that enhanced BUB1 expression caused an increase in mitotic segregation errors and the resultant emergence of subclones with altered chromosome numbers and, thus, was involved in CIN in MM.
Metasurfaces for Reconfiguration of Multi-Polarization Antennas and Van Atta Reflector Arrays
Authors: Alharbi Mohammed , Alyahya Meshaal A. , Ramalingam Subramanian , Modi Anuj Y. , Balanis Constantine A. , Birtcher Craig R.
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the application of metasurfaces for three different classes of antennas: reconfiguration of surface-wave antenna arrays, realization of high-gain polarization-reconfigurable leaky-wave antennas (LWAs), and performance enhancement of van Atta retrodirective reflectors. The proposed surface-wave antenna is designed by embedding four square ring elements within a metasurface, which improves matching and enhances the gain when compared to conventional square-ring arrays. The design for linear polarization comprises of a 1 × 4 arrangement of ring elements, with a 0.56λ spacing, placed amidst periodic patches. A 2 × 2 arrangement of ring elements is utilized for reconfiguration from linear to circular polarization, where a similar peak gain with better port isolation is realized. A prototype of the 2 × 2 array is fabricated and measured; a good agreement is observed between simulations and measurements. In addition, the concepts of the design of polarization-diverse holographic metasurface LWAs that form a pencil beam in the desired direction with a reconfigurable polarization are discussed. Moreover, recent developments incorporating polarization-reconfigurability in metasurface LWAs are briefly reviewed. In the end, the theory of van Atta arrays is outlined and their monostatic RCS is reviewed. A conventional retrodirective array is designed using aperture-coupled patch antennas with a microstrip-line feeding network, where the scattering from the structure itself degrades the performance of the reflector. This is followed by the integration of judiciously synthesized metasurfaces to reconfigure and improve the performance of retrodirective reflectarrays by removing the above-mentioned undesired scattering from the structure.
Energy Price and Energy Efficiency in China: A Linear and Nonlinear Empirical Investigation
Authors: Hou Peng , Li Yilin , Tan Yong , Hou Yuanjie
Published: August 2020

The empirical conclusions regarding the relationship between energy price and energy efficiency are relatively mixed. This paper systematically examines the influence of energy price on energy efficiency in China based on data from 30 provinces between 2003 and 2017, using linear and nonlinear effect analysis. We found that the impact of energy price on energy efficiency in China was positive in general. However, there existed heterogeneous effects of energy price on energy efficiency in various regions, and the effect differed with differences in energy efficiency levels based on the panel quantile regression analysis. Finally, the nonlinear effect analysis based on the panel threshold model indicated that the effect of energy price on energy efficiency increased with the rise of the environmental regulation level and economic growth rate, while it decreased with the ascent of the degree of energy price distortion and economic development level. In particular, when the value of a region’s economic development level and economic growth rate was within a certain range, the impact was not statistically significant. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding regarding the effect of energy price on energy efficiency in China.
End-of-Life Care in Acute Hospitals: Practice Change Reported by Health Professionals Following Online Education
Authors: Rawlings Deb , Yin Huahua , Devery Kim , Morgan Deidre , Tieman Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Providing quality care for those dying in hospital is challenging for health professionals who receive little training in this. “End of Life Essentials” (EOLE) was developed to address gaps in health professionals’ knowledge, skills and confidence in end-of-life care via the provision of online learning modules and practice resources. This study aimed to determine whether respondents could describe clinical practice change as a result of module completion. Deidentified data were collected between October and November 2018 from learners registered for the online learning modules. Both quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and analysed. The survey design and conduct were reviewed, and ethical approval was obtained. Although the response rate was very low, results from n = 122 learners show improvements in knowledge, skills, awareness and confidence as a result of the undertaking of the learning modules. Two thirds self-reported practice changes (71%, n = 59) following the education, with “communication” cited most commonly (n = 19). The findings suggest that the EOLE education modules can help to improve end-of-life care by increasing health professionals’ awareness of good practice as well as their knowledge, skills and confidence. Online learning has also been reinforced as an appropriate forum for end-of-life education. Following education, implementing what has been learned occurs more easily at a personal level rather than at a team and organisational level. Barriers to and enablers of clinical practice change in hospital are described, including the fact that the organisation may not be responsive to changes or have the relevant resources to support change.
Exploring the Participation Patterns and Impact of Environment in Preschool Children with ASD
Authors: Khalifa Ghaidaa , Rosenbaum Peter , Georgiades Kathy , Duku Eric , Di Rezze Briano
Published: August 2020

Participation in everyday activities at home and in the community is essential for children’s development and well-being. Limited information exists about participation patterns of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examines these participation patterns in both the home and community, and the extent to which environmental factors and social communication abilities are associated with participation. Fifty-four parents of preschool-aged children with ASD completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Young Children and the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication. The children had a mean age of 48.9 (8.4) months. Patterns of participation were studied using descriptive statistics, radar graphs, and Spearman correlations. Children with ASD participated in a variety of activities at home and in the community, but showed a higher participation frequency at home. Parents identified different barriers (e.g., social demands) and supports (e.g., attitudes) in both settings. There was a moderate positive association between children’s social communication abilities and their levels of involvement during participation and the diversity of activities. This study highlights the importance of social communication abilities in the participation of preschool children with ASD, and the need to support parents while they work to improve their child’s participation, especially within their communities.
The Role of the Unitary Prevention Delegates in the Participative Management of Occupational Risk Prevention and Its Impact on Occupational Accidents in the Spanish Working Environment
Authors: Payá Castiblanque Raúl
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research was to study the impact of the unitary prevention delegates (UPDs) on the Spanish working environment. To this end, a cross-sectional study was carried out using microdata from the National Survey on Health and Safety Management in Companies (ENGE-2009) with a sample of 5147 work centres. To measure the relationship between the presence of UPD in workplaces with preventive management indicators and damage to health, individual and multiple logistic regression models were carried out, calculating the crude (cOR) and adjusted (aOR) odds ratios by sociodemographic covariates, with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Ambivalent results were obtained. On the one hand, a positive impact of the UPDs was found, in the management of prevention showing a higher probability of prevention plans being carried out (aOR = 3.97; 95% CI: 3.26–4.83), risk assessments (aOR = 5.96; 95% CI: 4.44–8.01) and preventive actions were planned (aOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.55–3.56), as well as 1.56 times less likely to register minor occupational accidents (aOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53–0.76). On the other hand, the presence of the UPDs did not promote the activation of a participatory culture and did not reduce the probability of suffering serious and fatal accidents at work. In conclusion, UPDs need to activate workers’ participation to improve results.
An Examination on the Transmission of COVID-19 and the Effect of Response Strategies: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Chen Yi-Tui , Yen Yung-Feng , Yu Shih-Heng , Su Emily Chia-Yu
Published: August 2020

The major purpose of this paper was to examine the transmission of COVID-19 and the associated factors that affect the transmission. A qualitative analysis was conducted by comparing the COVID-19 transmission of six countries: China, Korea, Japan, Italy, the USA, and Brazil. This paper attempted to examine the mitigation effectiveness for the transmission of COVID-19 and the pandemic severity. Time to reach the peak of daily new confirmed cases and the maximum drop rate were used to measure the mitigation effectiveness, while the proportion of confirmed cases to population and the mortality rate were employed to evaluate the pandemic severity. Based on the mitigation effectiveness, the pandemic severity, and the mortality rate, the six sample countries were categorized into four types: high mitigation effectiveness vs. low pandemic severity, middle mitigation effectiveness vs. low pandemic severity, high mitigation effectiveness vs. high pandemic severity, and low mitigation effectiveness vs. high pandemic severity. The results found that Korea and China had relatively higher mitigation effectiveness and lower pandemic severity, while the USA and Brazil had the opposite. This paper suggests that viral testing together with contacts tracing, strict implementation of lockdown, and public cooperation play important roles in achieving a reduction in COVID-19 transmission.
Identification of Tools for the Functional and Subjective Assessment of Patients in an Aquatic Environment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cuesta-Vargas Antonio , Martin-Martin Jaime , Gonzalez-Sanchez Manuel , Merchan-Baeza Jose Antonio , Perez-Cruzado David
Published: August 2020

Aquatic therapy is one of the most common treatments for alleviating musculoskeletal pathologies. Its effectiveness has been evaluated with functional tests and questionnaires. Functional tests are used in aquatic therapy; however, in most cases, they are carried out in a non-aquatic environment and, as such, their results may differ from those of tests performed in an aquatic environment. A systematic review was performed to assess the accuracy of functional tests and patient-reported outcomes to assess aquatic therapy interventions. The authors conducted a literature search in July 2019. In total, 70,863 records were identified after duplicates removed. Of these, 14 records were included about functional tests assessment in aquatic environment and 725 records for questionnaires. The majority of the tests had also been assessed in a dry environment, allowing differences and similarities between the tests in the two environments to be observed. Different variables have been assessed in tests included in the present systematic review (cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, kinematic, physiological, kinetic responses and rating of perceived exertion) which are included in the manuscript. Visual Analogue Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey were the assessments most commonly used by the different authors.
Anticancer Potential of Furanocoumarins: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Aspects
Authors: Ahmed Salman , Khan Haroon , Aschner Michael , Mirzae Hamed , Küpeli Akkol Esra , Capasso Raffaele
Published: August 2020

Cancer is one of the most extreme medical conditions in both developing and developed countries around the world, causing millions of deaths each year. Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are key for treatment approaches, but both have numerous adverse health effects. Furthermore, the resistance of cancerous cells to anticancer medication leads to treatment failure. The rising burden of cancer overall requires novel efficacious treatment modalities. Natural medications offer feasible alternative options against malignancy in contrast to western medication. Furanocoumarins’ defensive and restorative impacts have been observed in leukemia, glioma, breast, lung, renal, liver, colon, cervical, ovarian, and prostate malignancies. Experimental findings have shown that furanocoumarins activate multiple signaling pathways, leading to apoptosis, autophagy, antioxidant, antimetastatic, and cell cycle arrest in malignant cells. Additionally, furanocoumarins have been shown to have chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic synergistic potential when used in combination with other anticancer drugs. Here, we address different pathways which are activated by furanocoumarins and their therapeutic efficacy in various tumors. Ideally, this review will trigger interest in furanocoumarins and their potential efficacy and safety as a cancer lessening agents.
Ephs and Ephrins in Adult Endothelial Biology
Authors: Vreeken Dianne , Zhang Huayu , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , van Gils Janine M.
Published: August 2020

Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are important guidance molecules during neurological and vascular development. In recent years, it has become clear that the Eph protein family remains functional in adult physiology. A subset of Ephs and ephrins is highly expressed by endothelial cells. As endothelial cells form the first barrier between the blood and surrounding tissues, maintenance of a healthy endothelium is crucial for tissue homeostasis. This review gives an overview of the current insights of the role of ephrin ligands and receptors in endothelial function and leukocyte recruitment in the (patho)physiology of adult vascular biology.
Involvement of p38 MAPK in Synaptic Function and Dysfunction
Authors: Falcicchia Chiara , Tozzi Francesca , Arancio Ottavio , Watterson Daniel Martin , Origlia Nicola
Published: August 2020

Many studies have revealed a central role of p38 MAPK in neuronal plasticity and the regulation of long-term changes in synaptic efficacy, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). However, p38 MAPK is classically known as a responsive element to stress stimuli, including neuroinflammation. Specific to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), several studies have shown that the p38 MAPK cascade is activated either in response to the Aβ peptide or in the presence of tauopathies. Here, we describe the role of p38 MAPK in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and its implication in an animal model of neurodegeneration. In particular, recent evidence suggests the p38 MAPK α isoform as a potential neurotherapeutic target, and specific inhibitors have been developed and have proven to be effective in ameliorating synaptic and memory deficits in AD mouse models.
Structural Isomerism and Enhanced Lipophilicity of Pyrithione Ligands of Organoruthenium(II) Complexes Increase Inhibition on AChE and BuChE
Authors: Kladnik Jerneja , Ristovski Samuel , Kljun Jakob , Defant Andrea , Mancini Ines , Sepčić Kristina , Turel Iztok
Published: August 2020

The increasing number of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases requires the development of new improved drug candidates, possessing the ability of more efficient treatment as well as less unwanted side effects. Cholinesterase enzymes are highly associated with the development of AD and thus represent important druggable targets. Therefore, we have synthesized eight organoruthenium(II) chlorido complexes 1a–h with pyrithione-type ligands (pyrithione = 1-hydroxypyridine-2(1H)-thione, a), bearing either pyrithione a, its methyl (b-e) or bicyclic aromatic analogues (f–h) and tested them for their inhibition towards electric eel acetylcholinesterase (eeAChE) and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase (hsBuChE). The experimental results have shown that the novel complex 1g with the ligand 1-hydroxyquinoline-2-(1H)-thione (g) improves the inhibition towards eeAChE (IC50 = 4.9 μM) and even more potently towards hsBuChE (IC50 = 0.2 μM) in comparison with the referenced 1a. Moreover, computational studies on Torpedo californica AChE have supported the experimental outcomes for 1g, possessing the lowest energy value among all tested complexes and have also predicted several interactions of 1g with the target protein. Consequently, we have shown that the aromatic ring extension of the ligand a, though only at the appropriate position, is a viable strategy to enhance the activity against cholinesterases.
Protective Effects of Melatonin on Neurogenesis Impairment in Neurological Disorders and Its Relevant Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Leung Joseph Wai-Hin , Cheung Kwok-Kuen , Ngai Shirley Pui-Ching , Tsang Hector Wing-Hong , Lau Benson Wui-Man
Published: August 2020

Neurogenesis is the process by which functional new neurons are generated from the neural stem cells (NSCs) or neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Increasing lines of evidence show that neurogenesis impairment is involved in different neurological illnesses, including mood disorders, neurogenerative diseases, and central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Since reversing neurogenesis impairment was found to improve neurological outcomes in the pathological conditions, it is speculated that modulating neurogenesis is a potential therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. Among different modulators of neurogenesis, melatonin is a particularly interesting one. In traditional understanding, melatonin controls the circadian rhythm and sleep–wake cycle, although it is not directly involved in the proliferation and survival of neurons. In the last decade, it was reported that melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of neurogenesis, and thus it may be a potential treatment for neurogenesis-related disorders. The present review aims to summarize and discuss the recent findings regarding the protective effects of melatonin on the neurogenesis impairment in different neurological conditions. We also address the molecular mechanisms involved in the actions of melatonin in neurogenesis modulation.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and the Aging Spine: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Nouri Aria , Gondar Renato , Cheng Joseph S. , Kotter Mark R.N. , Tessitore Enrico
Published: August 2020

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord injury in the world, but despite this, there remains many areas of uncertainty regarding the management of the condition. This special issue was dedicated to presenting current research topics in DCM. Within this issue, 12 publications are presented, including an introductory narrative overview of DCM and 11 articles comprising 9 research papers and 2 systematic reviews focusing on different aspects, ranging from genetic factors to clinical assessments, imaging, sagittal balance, surgical treatment, and outcome prediction. These articles represented contributions from a diverse group of researchers coming from multiple countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, United States, South Korea, and Canada.
Athlete’s Passport: Prevention of Infections, Inflammations, Injuries and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Mennitti Cristina , Brancaccio Mariarita , Gentile Luca , Ranieri Annaluisa , Terracciano Daniela , Cennamo Michele , La Civita Evelina , Liotti Antonietta , D’Alicandro Giovanni , Mazzaccara Cristina , Frisso Giulia , Pero Raffaela , Lombardo Barbara , Scudiero Olga
Published: August 2020

Laboratory medicine in sports medicine is taking on an ever-greater role in the assessment and monitoring of an athlete’s health condition. The acute or intense exercise practiced by elite athletes can lead to the appearance of infections, inflammations, muscle injuries or cardiovascular disorders, whose diagnosis is not always rapid and efficient, as there is no continuous monitoring of the athlete. The absence of such monitoring can have serious consequences in terms of recovery of the professional athlete. These imbalances can induce metabolic adaptations which translate into alterations of specific parameters in terms of concentration and activity. The aim of this study was to follow the variation of specific biochemical biomarkers in a basketball team participating to the maximum championship during different phases of the agonistic season. The evaluation of serum biomarkers can help doctors to safeguard the athlete’s health and sports trainers to adapt workouts, thus avoiding the appearance of diseases and injuries that in some cases can be underestimated by becoming irreversible ailments that do not allow the athlete to return to a healthy state. This information can be useful to create athlete biologic passports.
Clinical and Imaging Characteristics in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Acute Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Nawabi Jawed , Morotti Andrea , Wildgruber Moritz , Boulouis Gregoire , Kraehling Hermann , Schlunk Frieder , Can Elif , Kniep Helge , Thomalla Götz , Psychogios Marios , Hamm Bernd , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta , Sporns Peter
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose: Intracranial hemorrhage has been observed in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19), but the clinical, imaging, and pathophysiological features of intracranial bleeding during COVID-19 infection remain poorly characterized. This study describes clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with COVID-19 infection who presented with intracranial bleeding in a European multicenter cohort. Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective, observational case series including 18 consecutive patients with COVID-19 infection and intracranial hemorrhage. Data were collected from February to May 2020 at five designated European special care centers for COVID-19. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Intracranial bleeding was diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) of the brain within one month of the date of COVID-19 diagnosis. The clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic findings, therapy and outcomes in COVID-19 patients presenting with intracranial bleeding were analyzed. Results: Eighteen patients had evidence of acute intracranial bleeding within 11 days (IQR 9–29) of admission. Six patients had parenchymal hemorrhage (33.3%), 11 had subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (61.1%), and one patient had subdural hemorrhage (5.6%). Three patients presented with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (16.7%). Conclusion: This study represents the largest case series of patients with intracranial hemorrhage diagnosed with COVID-19 based on key European countries with geospatial hotspots of SARS-CoV-2. Isolated SAH along the convexity may be a predominant bleeding manifestation and may occur in a late temporal course of severe COVID-19.
Traumatic Events in Dual Disorders: Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Blanco Laura , Sió Albert , Hogg Bridget , Esteve Ricard , Radua Joaquim , Solanes Aleix , Gardoki-Souto Itxaso , Sauras Rosa , Farré Adriana , Castillo Claudio , Valiente-Gómez Alicia , Pérez Víctor , Torrens Marta , Amann Benedikt L. , Moreno-Alcázar Ana
Published: August 2020

Psychological trauma has been identified in substance use disorders (SUD) as a major etiological risk factor. However, detailed and systematic data about the prevalence and types of psychological trauma in dual disorders have been scarce to date. In this study, 150 inpatients were recruited and cross-sectionally screened on their substance use severity, psychological trauma symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical severity. One hundred patients fulfilled criteria for a dual disorder, while 50 patients were diagnosed with only SUD. Ninety-four percent of the whole sample suffered from at least one lifetime traumatic event. The prevalence rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis for dual disorder and only SUD was around 20% in both groups; however, patients with dual disorder presented more adverse events, more childhood trauma, more dissociative symptoms, and a more severe clinical profile than patients with only SUD. Childhood maltreatment can also serve as a predictor for developing a dual disorder diagnosis and as a risk factor for developing a more complex and severe clinical profile. These data challenge our current clinical practice in the treatment of patients suffering from dual disorder or only SUD diagnosis and favor the incorporation of an additional trauma-focused therapy in this population. This may improve the prognosis and the course of the illness in these patients.
Phase Angle as an Indicator of Sarcopenia, Malnutrition, and Cachexia in Inpatients with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Hirose Suguru , Nakajima Toshiaki , Nozawa Naohiro , Katayanagi Satoshi , Ishizaka Hayato , Mizushima Yuta , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Nishikawa Kaori , Toyama Yohei , Takahashi Reiko , Arakawa Tomoe , Yasuda Tomohiro , Haruyama Akiko , Yazawa Hiroko , Yamaguchi Suomi , Toyoda Shigeru , Shibasaki Ikuko , Mizushima Takashi , Fukuda Hirotsugu , Inoue Teruo
Published: August 2020

Malnutrition is associated with sarcopenia, cachexia, and prognosis. We investigated the usefulness of phase angle (PhA) as a marker of sarcopenia, cachexia, and malnutrition in 412 hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease. We analyzed body composition with bioelectrical impedance analysis, and nutritional status such as controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score. Both skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and PhA correlated with age, grip strength and knee extension strength (p < 0.0001) in both sexes. The SMI value correlated with CONUT score, Hb, and Alb in males. Phase angle also correlated with CONUT score, Hb, and Alb in males, and more strongly associated with these nutritional aspects. In females, PhA was correlated with Hb and Alb (p < 0.001). In both sexes, sarcopenia incidence was 31.6% and 32.4%; PhA cut-off in patients with sarcopenia was 4.55° and 4.25°; and cachexia incidence was 11.5% and 14.1%, respectively. The PhA cut-off in males with cachexia was 4.15°. Multivariate regression analysis showed that grip strength and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were independent determinants of SMI, whereas grip strength, BNP, and Hb were independent determinants of PhA. Thus, PhA appears to be a useful marker for sarcopenia, malnutrition, and cachexia in hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease.
Fuel Consumption and Emissions of Ocean-Going Cargo Ship with Hybrid Propulsion and Different Fuels over Voyage
Authors: Sui Congbiao , de Vos Peter , Stapersma Douwe , Visser Klaas , Ding Yu
Published: August 2020

Hybrid propulsion and using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the alternative fuel have been applied on automobiles and some small ships, but research investigating the fuel consumption and emissions over the total voyage of ocean-going cargo ships with a hybrid propulsion and different fuels is limited. This paper tries to fill the knowledge gap by investigating the influence of the ship mission profile, propulsion modes and effects of different fuels on the fuel consumption and emissions of the ship over the whole voyage, including transit in open sea and manoeuvring in close-to-port areas. Results show that propulsion control and electric power generation modes have a notable influence on the ship’s fuel consumption and emissions during the voyage. During close-to-port manoeuvres, propelling the ship in power-take-in (PTI) mode and generating the electric power by auxiliary engines rather than the main engine will reduce the local NOx and HC (hydrocarbons) emissions significantly. Sailing the ship on LNG will reduce the fuel consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions notably while producing higher HC emissions than traditional fuels. The hybridisation of the ship propulsion and using LNG together with ship voyage optimisation, considering the ship mission, ship operations and sea conditions, will improve the ship’s fuel consumption and emissions over the whole voyage significantly.
On Second Order q-Difference Equations Satisfied by Al-Salam–Carlitz I-Sobolev Type Polynomials of Higher Order
Authors: Hermoso Carlos , Huertas Edmundo J. , Lastra Alberto , Soria-Lorente Anier
Published: August 2020

This contribution deals with the sequence {Un(a)(x;q,j)}n≥0 of monic polynomials in x, orthogonal with respect to a Sobolev-type inner product related to the Al-Salam–Carlitz I orthogonal polynomials, and involving an arbitrary number j of q-derivatives on the two boundaries of the corresponding orthogonality interval, for some fixed real number q∈(0,1). We provide several versions of the corresponding connection formulas, ladder operators, and several versions of the second order q-difference equations satisfied by polynomials in this sequence. As a novel contribution to the literature, we provide certain three term recurrence formula with rational coefficients satisfied by Un(a)(x;q,j), which paves the way to establish an appealing generalization of the so-called J-fractions to the framework of Sobolev-type orthogonality.
From Food Waste to Innovative Biomaterial: Sea Urchin-Derived Collagen for Applications in Skin Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Ferrario Cinzia , Rusconi Francesco , Pulaj Albana , Macchi Raffaella , Landini Paolo , Paroni Moira , Colombo Graziano , Martinello Tiziana , Melotti Luca , Gomiero Chiara , Candia Carnevali M. Daniela , Bonasoro Francesco , Patruno Marco , Sugni Michela
Published: August 2020

Collagen-based skin-like scaffolds (CBSS) are promising alternatives to skin grafts to repair wounds and injuries. In this work, we propose that the common marine invertebrate sea urchin represents a promising and eco-friendly source of native collagen to develop innovative CBSS for skin injury treatment. Sea urchin food waste after gonad removal was here used to extract fibrillar glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-rich collagen to produce bilayer (2D + 3D) CBSS. Microstructure, mechanical stability, permeability to water and proteins, ability to exclude bacteria and act as scaffolding for fibroblasts were evaluated. Our data show that the thin and dense 2D collagen membrane strongly reduces water evaporation (less than 5% of water passes through the membrane after 7 days) and protein diffusion (less than 2% of BSA passes after 7 days), and acts as a barrier against bacterial infiltration (more than 99% of the different tested bacterial species is retained by the 2D collagen membrane up to 48 h), thus functionally mimicking the epidermal layer. The thick sponge-like 3D collagen scaffold, structurally and functionally resembling the dermal layer, is mechanically stable in wet conditions, biocompatible in vitro (seeded fibroblasts are viable and proliferate), and efficiently acts as a scaffold for fibroblast infiltration. Thus, thanks to their chemical and biological properties, CBSS derived from sea urchins might represent a promising, eco-friendly, and economically sustainable biomaterial for tissue regenerative medicine.
Comparison of Swing and Tilting Check Valves Flowing Compressible Fluids
Authors: Gao Zhi-xin , Liu Ping , Yue Yang , Li Jun-ye , Wu Hui
Published: August 2020

Although check valves have attracted a lot of attention, work has rarely been completed done when there is a compressible working fluid. In this paper, the swing check valve and the tilting check valve flowing high-temperature compressible water vapor are compared. The maximum Mach number under small valve openings, the dynamic opening time, and the hydrodynamic moment acting on the valve disc are chosen to evaluate the difference between the two types of check valves. Results show that the maximum Mach number increases with the decrease in the valve opening and the increase in the mass flow rate, and the Mach number and the pressure difference in the tilting check valve are higher. In the swing check valve, the hydrodynamic moment is higher and the valve opening time is shorter. Furthermore, the valve disc is more stable for the swing check valve, and there is a periodical oscillation of the valve disc in the tilting check valve under a small mass flow rate.