bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Based Active Packaging: Carrageenan Film with Olive Leaf Extract for Lamb Meat Preservation
Authors: Martiny Thamiris Renata , Raghavan Vijaya , Moraes Caroline Costa de , Rosa Gabriela Silveira da , Dotto Guilherme Luiz
Published: November 2020

Carrageenan-based active packaging film was prepared by adding olive leaf extract (OLE) as a bioactive agent to the lamb meat packaging. The OLE was characterized in terms of its phenolic compounds (T.ph), antioxidant activity (AA), oleuropein, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli. The film’s formulation consisted of carrageenan, glycerol as a plasticizer, water as a solvent, and OLE. The effects of the OLE on the thickness, water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), elastic modulus (EM), color, solubility, and antimicrobial capacity of the carrageenan film were determined. The OLE had the following excellent characteristics: the T.ph value was 115.96 mgGAE∙g−1 (d.b), the AA was 89.52%, the oleuropein value was 11.59 mg∙g−1, and the MIC was 50 mg∙mL−1. The results showed that the addition of OLE increased the thickness, EB, and WVP, and decreased the TS and EM of the film. The solubility was not significantly affected by the OLE. The color difference with the addition of OLE was 64.72%, which had the benefit of being a barrier to oxidative processes related to light. The film with the OLE was shown to have an antimicrobial capacity during the storage of lamb meat, reducing the count of psychrophiles five-fold when compared to the samples packed by the control and commercial films; therefore, this novel film has the potential to increase the shelf life of lamb meat, and as such, is suitable for use as active packaging.
Susceptibility to Heart Defects in Down Syndrome Is Associated with Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in HAS 21 Interferon Receptor Cluster and VEGFA Genes
Authors: Balistreri Carmela Rita , Ammoscato Claudia Leonarda , Scola Letizia , Fragapane Tiziana , Giarratana Rosa Maria , Lio Domenico , Piccione Maria
Published: November 2020

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are present in about 40–60% of newborns with Down syndrome (DS). Patients with DS can also develop acquired cardiac disorders. Mouse models suggest that a critical 3.7 Mb region located on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) could explain the association with CHDs. This region includes a cluster of genes (IFNAR1, IFNAR2, IFNGR2, IL10RB) encoding for interferon receptors (IFN-Rs). Other genes located on different chromosomes, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), have been shown to be involved in cardiac defects. So, we investigated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IFNAR2, IFNGR2, IL10RB and VEGFA genes, and the presence of CHDs or acquired cardiac defects in patients with DS. Methods: Individuals (n = 102) with DS, and age- and gender-matched controls (n = 96), were genotyped for four SNPs (rs2229207, rs2834213, rs2834167 and rs3025039) using KASPar assays. Results: We found that the IFNGR2 rs2834213 G homozygous genotype and IL10RB rs2834167G-positive genotypes were more common in patients with DSand significantly associated with heart disorders, while VEGFA rs3025039T-positive genotypes (T/*) were less prevalent in patients with CHDs. Conclusions: We identified some candidate risk SNPs for CHDs and acquired heart defects in DS. Our data suggest that a complex architecture of risk alleles with interplay effects may contribute to the high variability of DS phenotypes.
Reassessment of Long-Term Tsunami Hazards in Samoa Based on Sedimentary Signatures
Authors: Williams Shaun , Titimaea Ausetalia , Bosserelle Cyprien , Simanu Lameko , Prasetya Gegar
Published: November 2020

Investigating tsunamis and cyclones from depositional records enables an understanding of the long-term hazards to coastal communities. In Samoa, whilst a long-term record of tsunamis and cyclones spanning the last few millennia has been previously suggested based on preliminary sediment core/trench studies, a detailed assessment of the characteristics distinguishing these events has not been presented. This study reevaluates the depositional evidence available for Samoa and offers a more robust interpretation of the temporal and spatial records of tsunami events preserved in the Samoan sedimentary record. Tsunami inundation and runup records of the 2009 South Pacific tsunami along with differences in depositional settings, and sedimentary and geochemical characteristics of the associated deposits provide modern analogies for interpreting comparable older event-type deposits deeper in the Samoan geological record. These are aided by the 1990/1991 Cyclones Ofa and Val deposits previously suggested at some sites, which provides a modern analogy for interpreting cyclone-related deposits. Available radiocarbon and radiometric dates for the core/trench sites provide time-indicators to identify contemporaneous events, which we use to interpret the long-term record of tsunamis in this island region.
Gender Medicine and Physiotherapy: A Need for Education. Findings from an Italian National Survey
Authors: Bisconti Mattia , Brindisino Fabrizio , Maselli Filippo
Published: November 2020

Background: Gender medicine permeates all sectors of medicine, from prevention to treatment and rehabilitation; it aims to customize the care path, ensuring equity in the access to health care system services. It is unclear to what extent physiotherapists’ treatment choices align with gender medicine principles. The aim of this survey is to detect the need of Italian physiotherapists to deepen knowledge in gender medicine. Materials and methods: An 18-item survey assessed the characteristics of responders about knowledge of gender medicine. An online survey was performed in 2020 using SurveyMonkey Software. Data were analyzed by statistical regression. Results: A total of 617 physiotherapists voluntarily participated in the study (53.84% of the target population). The majority of responders (68.4%) declared having general information about gender medicine, but 55.43% of them claimed to have heard of it but did not know properly what gender medicine was about; 92.38% of the physiotherapists believed that they needed training to acquire knowledge in gender medicine. Conclusions: Gender equity matters for health. Moderate knowledge of gender medicine’ principles and modest application of these findings were used in clinical practice of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists declared that they need training in gender medicine.
Observations by and Conversations with Health Workers and Hospital Personnel Involved in Transferring Māori Patients and Whānau to Waikato Hospital in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Masters-Awatere Bridgette , Cormack Donna , Graham Rebekah , Brown Rachel
Published: November 2020

The predominant focus of Aotearoa New Zealand’s public health system on biomedical models of health has left little room for meaningful engagement with holistic indigenous approaches. Culturally appropriate provision and support are recognized for their relevance and importance during hospital transferals. Hospital staff involved in transfers to one of New Zealand’s trauma centers share their observations of whānau Māori engagement during an admission away from their home base. Sixteen key informants share their experiences, which are presented as strategies and challenges to whānau engagement. Three main themes highlight challenges within the health system that make it difficult for hospital staff to engage whānau in the desired ways and as often as both parties would like. Key informants described services and practices that are not designed with patients and their whānau in mind; instead they are designed by clinicians around the needs of administrative systems. As employees within the public health system, key informants felt powerless to challenge dominant settings. Nevertheless, employees managed to circumnavigate processes. Our findings highlight the need for continued decolonization and anti-racism work within public health settings.
Telemedicine as a Medical Examination Tool During the Covid-19 Emergency: The Experience of the Onco-Haematology Center of Tor Vergata Hospital in Rome
Authors: Postorino Massimiliano , Treglia Michele , Giammatteo Jacopo , Pallocci Margherita , Petroni Giulia , Quintavalle Giuseppe , Picchioni Ombretta , Cantonetti Maria , Marsella Luigi Tonino
Published: November 2020

Background: Our study analysed the outpatient activity of the onco-hematology Complex Operative Unit (UOC) of Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) center, where, as a result of the sudden and unexpected emergency, healthcare services were provided through telemedicine procedures that can be considered very close to Telehealth. Aim of the study: our retrospective study aimed to assess the widespread use of telemedicine in terms of feasibility and safety related to adverse events, a crucial experience which will make it possible to predict any effective use of such a method in patients with hematological disorders even after the end of the Covid-19 emergency. Materials and methods: At the Day Hospital clinic, from 8 March to 31 May 2020, an outpatient group received 3828 medical teleconsultations and 11,484 additional contacts following the first examination; each patient examined through the telematic method required an average of three supplementary contacts via e-mail or telephone. Results: The follow-up lasted 145 days, and all the events that occurred were monitored. In total, we recorded 16 clinical adverse events, 5 of which classified as major events, and 11 as minor events. Conclusion: The 3828 telematic clinical examinations and the 11,484 additional contacts following the first examination carried out by the onco-haematology UOC of Tor Vergata Hospital, proved how telemedicine, albeit in its basic form, was a key tool in facing the sanitary emergency caused by the sudden spread of Covid-19. An experience that can be considered reliable enough to be replicated in possible post-Covid-19 emergencies. From a medical forensic point of view, the main issues to consider are informed consent, personal data management and professional responsibility profiles.
Protocol of the STRess at Work (STRAW) Project: How to Disentangle Day-to-Day Occupational Stress among Academics Based on EMA, Physiological Data, and Smartphone Sensor and Usage Data
Authors: Bolliger Larissa , Lukan Junoš , Luštrek Mitja , De Bacquer Dirk , Clays Els
Published: November 2020

Several studies have reported on increasing psychosocial stress in academia due to work environment risk factors like job insecurity, work-family conflict, research grant applications, and high workload. The STRAW project adds novel aspects to occupational stress research among academic staff by measuring day-to-day stress in their real-world work environments over 15 working days. Work environment risk factors, stress outcomes, health-related behaviors, and work activities were measured repeatedly via an ecological momentary assessment (EMA), specially developed for this project. These results were combined with continuously tracked physiological stress responses using wearable devices and smartphone sensor and usage data. These data provide information on workplace context using our self-developed Android smartphone app. The data were analyzed using two approaches: 1) multilevel statistical modelling for repeated data to analyze relations between work environment risk factors and stress outcomes on a within- and between-person level, based on EMA results and a baseline screening, and 2) machine-learning focusing on building prediction models to develop and evaluate acute stress detection models, based on physiological data and smartphone sensor and usage data. Linking these data collection and analysis approaches enabled us to disentangle and model sources, outcomes, and contexts of occupational stress in academia.
Assessment of Comfort Variation among Different Types of Driving Agricultural Tractors: Traditional, Satellite-Assisted and Semi-Automatic
Authors: Romano Elio , Bisaglia Carlo , Calcante Aldo , Oberti Roberto , Zani Alberto , Vinnikov Denis , Marconi Andrea , Vitale Ermanno , Bracci Massimo , Rapisarda Venerando
Published: November 2020

Over the past years, in the agricultural field, geo-localization has been introduced in order to develop specific farming processes, optimize resources, and reduce environmental pollution. Researchers have found alternative driving methods to traditional ones, such as assisted and semi-automatic driving. The aim of this study was to monitor the musculoskeletal efforts necessary to carry out different kinds of driving. The muscular strain was assessed using surface electromyographic devices, the distribution of the pressure exerted by the operator’s body on the seat was observed by using two barometric pads applied on the seat back and on the seat, respectively, while the body movements and postures were analyzed through a Microsoft Kinect Camera 3D acquisition system. Results showed a significantly greater muscular activation during manual and assisted driving conditions. The pressure exerted by the operator on the barometric pads was significantly higher in manual and semi-automatic driving modes than in the assisted one. A remarkable increase in the average swinging speed of examined joints was also detected, as well as the distances run by the joints in semi-automatic driving. From our study, assisted driving seems to be the best driving mode both in terms of joint economy and from the efficiency of agricultural processes.
Association of Individual Health Literacy with Preventive Behaviours and Family Well-Being during COVID-19 Pandemic: Mediating Role of Family Information Sharing
Authors: Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Wai Abraham Ka Chung , Zhao Shengzhi , Yip Faustina , Lee Jung Jae , Wong Carlos King Ho , Wang Man Ping , Lam Tai Hing
Published: November 2020

Objective: We tested a model of individual health literacy information sharing with family members, personal preventive behaviours and family well-being during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Hong Kong. Methods: We analysed data of 1501 randomly selected Chinese adults from a cross-sectional survey in Hong Kong from 9 to 23 April, 2020. Individual health literacy about COVID-19 with the items extracted from the questionnaire in World Health Organization Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Action Plan Guidance for COVID-19 preparedness and response, COVID-19 information sharing with family members, preventive behaviours against COVID-19 and family well-being were measured. Structural equation modelling analysis tested the proposed model. Findings: COVID-19 information sharing with family members partially mediated the association between individual health literacy and personal preventive behaviours. The direct effect of 0.24 was shown, and the indirect effect through COVID-19 information sharing with family members was small at 0.03 (Z = 3.66, p < 0.001). Family well-being was associated with personal preventive behaviours against COVID-19. The model was adjusted for sex, age, and socioeconomic status factors and had good fit with RMSEA = 0.04, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.96, and SRMR = 0.02. Conclusion: COVID-19 information sharing with family members was a partial mediator between individual health literacy and personal preventive behaviours against COVID-19. Strategies for enhancing health literacy and preventive measures against COVID-19 are needed to promote family well-being in the pandemic.
Reopening Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Overview and Rapid Systematic Review of Guidelines and Recommendations on Preventive Measures and the Management of Cases
Authors: Lo Moro Giuseppina , Sinigaglia Tiziana , Bert Fabrizio , Savatteri Armando , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Siliquini Roberta
Published: November 2020

Given the limited evidence of school closure effectiveness in containing the pandemic and the consequences for young people, reopening schools with appropriate measures is essential. This overview aimed to describe the main measures planned for the 2020–2021 academic year within the WHO European Region. A rapid systematic review of scientific databases was also performed. The websites of the government, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education of European Region countries were searched through 1 October for official documents about the prevention and management of suspected cases/confirmed cases in primary and secondary schools. To find further suggestions, a rapid systematic review was conducted through 20 October searching Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase. There were 23 official documents. France, Luxembourg, Malta, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, the UK, Spain, and San Marino were considered. Performing the rapid review, 855 records were identified and 7 papers were finally selected. The recommendations mostly agreed. However, there was no consensus on the criteria for the return to school of students that tested positive, and the flexibility between attendance at school and remote education for high-risk children often varied. School closure was commonly considered as the very last resort for COVID-19 control. Studies are required to evaluate the impact of different recommendations during this autumn term.
Living with the Memories—Parents’ Experiences of Their Newborn Child Undergoing Heart Surgery Abroad: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Ólöf , Sjöström-Strand Annica , Kristjánsdóttir Gudrún
Published: November 2020

Parents of children with a congenital heart defect needing complex heart surgery are at high risk of developing health problems. One can assume that parents whose child undergoes heart surgery abroad will undoubtably face added and unique stressors and health vulnerabilities. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the transition experiences of parents of children who underwent a complex heart surgery abroad as newborns 1–5 years ago. The qualitative content analysis methodology by Graneheim and Lundman was used. A purposive sample of twelve parents, whose child had undergone a heart surgery abroad, participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. The overarching theme of “living with the memories” emerged from parents’ experiences, emphasizing the long-lasting impact this stressful event had on their lives. These experiences were characterized by four main categories: (1) being in an unknown situation; (2) feeling connected; (3) wishing to be accepted; and (4) finding closure. The findings show that the transition of having a newborn child undergo heart surgery abroad superimposed on the expected parenthood. That parents need to feel connected and included as legitimate clients was highlighted in their stories of experienced vulnerabilities. The results highlight the need for interdisciplinary teams to support these vulnerable families, particularly with follow-up care.
An mHealth Workplace-Based “Sit Less, Move More” Program: Impact on Employees’ Sedentary and Physical Activity Patterns at Work and Away from Work
Authors: Bort-Roig Judit , Chirveches-Pérez Emilia , Giné-Garriga Maria , Navarro-Blasco Lydia , Bausà-Peris Roser , Iturrioz-Rosell Pedro , González-Suárez Angel M. , Martínez-Lemos Iván , Puigoriol-Juvanteny Emma , Dowd Kieran , Puig-Ribera Anna
Published: November 2020

Background: Most workplace interventions that aim to reduce sedentary behaviour have 38 focused on employees’ sedentary patterns at-work but less have focused on understanding the 39 impact beyond working time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 13-week m-40 health workplace-based ‘sit less, move more’ intervention (Walk@WorkApp; W@W-App) on 41 physical activity (PA) and sitting in desk-based employees at-work and away from work. Methods: Participants (n = 141) were assigned by hospital to an intervention group (IG; used the W@W-App; n = 90) or an active comparison group (A-CG; monitored occupational activity; n = 51). The W@W-App, installed on the participants´ own smartphones, provided real-time feedback for occupational sitting, standing, and stepping, and gave access to automated strategies to sit less and move more at work. Changes between groups were assessed for total sitting time, sedentary bouts and breaks, and light and moderate-to-vigorous PA (activPAL3TM; min/day) between the baseline and after program completion. Results: Compared to the A-CG, employees that used the W@W-App program increased their number of daily breaks and the time spent on short sedentary bouts (<20 min, p = 0.047) during weekends. Changes in shortest sedentary bouts (5–10 min) during weekends were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). No changes in workday PA or sitting were observed. Conclusion: Desk-based employees seemed to transfer the W@W-App program knowledge outside of work. Evaluating the impact of workplace (mHealth-based or not) interventions at work but also away from work would provide a better understating of the impact of such interventions.
Effects of an Educational Program for Professional Caregivers on Behavioral Alterations in Nursing Home Residents: Pilot Study
Authors: Pinazo-Clapés Carolina , Pinazo-Hernandis Sacramento , Sales Alicia
Published: November 2020

This pilot study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a type of non-pharmacological intervention such as the educating and training of professional caregivers on behavioral alterations and prescription of psychotropic drugs of older adults in nursing homes. One hundred and forty-five people from two nursing homes were randomized to either treatment (educational training program for healthcare professionals) or a no-treatment group. Twenty-two professional caregivers in the experimental group received 20 h of a training program. Five data collection points were collected (pre and post, and three follow-ups, all six months apart). Intervention consisted of the behavioral alterations and psychopharmacological treatment. The analysis of variance for repeated measures showed significant differences in the time-group interaction for the educational program’s effectiveness in reducing behavior alterations and psycho-pharmaceuticals’ record. The results show that an improvement in the educating and training of professional caregivers can reduce behavioral alterations (F3,407 = 9.29, p < 0.001, η2= 0.063) and prescription of psychotropic drugs (F2,10 = 18.90, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.117). In addition, these effects are maintained over time. Educating health professionals on ways to care for residents who present behavioral alterations may be one alternative for improving the quality of care that residents receive. Non-pharmacological interventions, besides being individualized and adapted to the needs and experiences of individuals, achieve effects that last longer at low cost. An educational program shows new alternatives to pharmacological intervention, achieving a reduction in behavioral alterations without the costs and effects that psychopharmaceuticals entail.
The Retail Food Environment: Time for a Change
Authors: Moran Alyssa , Roberto Christina
Published: November 2020

Food retailers, manufacturers, and distributors exert powerful influence on our food choices through decisions about stocking, pricing, marketing, and promotional practices [...]
Diagnosis, Classification and Management of Mast Cell Activation Syndromes (MCAS) in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Valent Peter , Akin Cem , Nedoszytko Boguslaw , Bonadonna Patrizia , Hartmann Karin , Niedoszytko Marek , Brockow Knut , Siebenhaar Frank , Triggiani Massimo , Arock Michel , Romantowski Jan , Górska Aleksandra , Schwartz Lawrence , Metcalfe Dean
Published: November 2020

Mast cell activation (MCA) is seen in a variety of clinical contexts and pathologies, including IgE-dependent allergic inflammation, other immunologic and inflammatory reactions, primary mast cell (MC) disorders, and hereditary alpha tryptasemia (HAT). MCA-related symptoms range from mild to severe to life-threatening. The severity of MCA-related symptoms depends on a number of factors, including genetic predisposition, the number and releasability of MCs, organs affected, and the type and consequences of comorbid conditions. In severe systemic reactions, MCA is demonstrable by a substantial increase of basal serum tryptase levels above the individual’s baseline. When, in addition, the symptoms are recurrent, involve more than one organ system, and are responsive to therapy with MC-stabilizing or mediator-targeting drugs, the consensus criteria for the diagnosis of MCA syndrome (MCAS) are met. Based on the etiology of MCA, patients can further be classified as having i) primary MCAS where KIT-mutated, clonal, MCs are detected; ii) secondary MCAS where an underlying IgE-dependent allergy or other reactive MCA-triggering pathology is found; or iii) idiopathic MCAS, where neither a triggering reactive state nor KIT-mutated MCs are identified. Most severe MCA events occur in combined forms of MCAS, where KIT-mutated MCs, IgE-dependent allergies and sometimes HAT are detected. These patients may suffer from life-threatening anaphylaxis and are candidates for combined treatment with various types of drugs, including IgE-blocking antibodies, anti-mediator-type drugs and MC-targeting therapy. In conclusion, detailed knowledge about the etiology, underlying pathologies and co-morbidities is important to establish the diagnosis and develop an optimal management plan for MCAS, following the principles of personalized medicine.
Analysis of the Circulating Tumor Cell Capture Ability of a Slit Filter-Based Method in Comparison to a Selection-Free Method in Multiple Cancer Types
Authors: Takagi Hidenori , Dong Liang , Kuczler Morgan D. , Lombardo Kara , Hirai Mitsuharu , Amend Sarah R. , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: November 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a promising biomarker for cancer liquid biopsy. To evaluate the CTC capture bias and detection capability of the slit filter-based CTC isolation platform (CTC-FIND), we prospectively compared it head to head to a selection-free platform (AccuCyte®-CyteFinder® system). We used the two methods to determine the CTC counts, CTC positive rates, CTC size distributions, and CTC phenotypes in 36 patients with metastatic cancer. Between the two methods, the median CTC counts were not significantly different and the total counts were correlated (r = 0.63, p < 0.0001). The CTC positive rate by CTC-FIND was significantly higher than that by AccuCyte®-CyteFinder® system (91.7% vs. 66.7%, p < 0.05). The median diameter of CTCs collected by CTC-FIND was significantly larger (13.0 μm, range 5.2–52.0 vs. 10.4 μm, range 5.2–44.2, p < 0.0001). The distributions of CTC phenotypes (CK+EpCAM+, CK+EpCAM− or CK−EpCAM+) detected by both methods were similar. These results suggested that CTC-FIND can detect more CTC-positive cases but with a bias toward large size of CTCs.
Foam Cell Induction Activates AMPK But Uncouples Its Regulation of Autophagy and Lysosomal Homeostasis
Authors: LeBlond Nicholas D. , Nunes Julia R. C. , Smith Tyler K. T. , O’Dwyer Conor , Robichaud Sabrina , Gadde Suresh , Côté Marceline , Kemp Bruce E. , Ouimet Mireille , Fullerton Morgan D.
Published: November 2020

The dysregulation of macrophage lipid metabolism drives atherosclerosis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of cellular energetics and plays essential roles regulating macrophage lipid dynamics. Here, we investigated the consequences of atherogenic lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation on downstream immunometabolic signaling in primary mouse macrophages. A variety of atherogenic low-density lipoproteins (acetylated, oxidized, and aggregated forms) activated AMPK signaling in a manner that was in part due to CD36 and calcium-related signaling. In quiescent macrophages, basal AMPK signaling was crucial for maintaining markers of lysosomal homeostasis as well as levels of key components in the lysosomal expression and regulation network. Moreover, AMPK activation resulted in targeted upregulation of members of this network via transcription factor EB. However, in lipid-induced macrophage foam cells, neither basal AMPK signaling nor its activation affected lysosomal-associated programs. These results suggest that while the sum of AMPK signaling in cultured macrophages may be anti-atherogenic, atherosclerotic input dampens the regulatory capacity of AMPK signaling.
Impact of Genetic Variations and Epigenetic Mechanisms on the Risk of Obesity
Authors: Chiurazzi Martina , Cozzolino Mauro , Orsini Roberta Clara , Di Maro Martina , Di Minno Matteo Nicola Dario , Colantuoni Antonio
Published: November 2020

Rare genetic obesity disorders are characterized by mutations of genes strongly involved in the central or peripheral regulation of energy balance. These mutations are effective in causing the early onset of severe obesity and insatiable hunger (hyperphagia), suggesting that the genetic component can contribute to 40–70% of obesity. However, genes’ roles in the processes leading to obesity are still unclear. This review is aimed to summarize the current knowledge of the genetic causes of obesity, especially monogenic obesity, describing the role of epigenetic mechanisms in obesity and metabolic diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, with the metabolic processes they control, will permit adequate management and prevention of obesity.
Multi-Omics Integration Highlights the Role of Ubiquitination in CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Mercado-Gómez Maria , Lopitz-Otsoa Fernando , Azkargorta Mikel , Serrano-Maciá Marina , Lachiondo-Ortega Sofia , Goikoetxea-Usandizaga Naroa , Rodríguez-Agudo Rubén , Fernández-Ramos David , Bizkarguenaga Maider , Juan Virginia Gutiérrez-de , Lectez Benoît , Aloria Kerman , Arizmendi Jesus M. , Simon Jorge , Alonso Cristina , Lozano Juan J. , Avila Matias A. , Banales Jesus M. , Marin Jose J. G. , Beraza Naiara , Mato José M. , Elortza Félix , Barrio Rosa , Sutherland James D. , Mayor Ugo , Martínez-Chantar María L. , Delgado Teresa C.
Published: November 2020

Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins that occurs in chronic liver disease. Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification that is crucial for a plethora of physiological processes. Even though the ubiquitin system has been implicated in several human diseases, the role of ubiquitination in liver fibrosis remains poorly understood. Here, multi-omics approaches were used to address this. Untargeted metabolomics showed that carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis promotes changes in the hepatic metabolome, specifically in glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. Gene ontology analysis of public deposited gene array-based data and validation in our mouse model showed that the biological process “protein polyubiquitination” is enriched after CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Finally, by using transgenic mice expressing biotinylated ubiquitin (bioUb mice), the ubiquitinated proteome was isolated and characterized by mass spectrometry in order to unravel the hepatic ubiquitinated proteome fingerprint in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Under these conditions, ubiquitination appears to be involved in the regulation of cell death and survival, cell function, lipid metabolism, and DNA repair. Finally, ubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is induced during CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and associated with the DNA damage response (DDR). Overall, hepatic ubiquitome profiling can highlight new therapeutic targets for the clinical management of liver fibrosis.
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation by Intrinsically Disordered Protein Regions of Viruses: Roles in Viral Life Cycle and Control of Virus–Host Interactions
Authors: Brocca Stefania , Grandori Rita , Longhi Sonia , Uversky Vladimir
Published: November 2020

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are unable to adopt a unique 3D structure under physiological conditions and thus exist as highly dynamic conformational ensembles. IDPs are ubiquitous and widely spread in the protein realm. In the last decade, compelling experimental evidence has been gathered, pointing to the ability of IDPs and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), a phenomenon driving the formation of membrane-less organelles (MLOs). These biological condensates play a critical role in the spatio-temporal organization of the cell, where they exert a multitude of key biological functions, ranging from transcriptional regulation and silencing to control of signal transduction networks. After introducing IDPs and LLPS, we herein survey available data on LLPS by IDPs/IDRs of viral origin and discuss their functional implications. We distinguish LLPS associated with viral replication and trafficking of viral components, from the LLPS-mediated interference of viruses with host cell functions. We discuss emerging evidence on the ability of plant virus proteins to interfere with the regulation of MLOs of the host and propose that bacteriophages can interfere with bacterial LLPS, as well. We conclude by discussing how LLPS could be targeted to treat phase separation-associated diseases, including viral infections.
FAHFAs Regulate the Proliferation of C2C12 Myoblasts and Induce a Shift toward a More Oxidative Phenotype in Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Benlebna Melha , Balas Laurence , Pessemesse Laurence , Bonafos Béatrice , Fouret Gilles , Pavlin Laura , Goustard Bénédicte , Gaillet Sylvie , Durand Thierry , Coudray Charles , Feillet-Coudray Christine , Casas François
Published: November 2020

Branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are endogenous lipids reported to have antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Since skeletal muscle is a major target for insulin, the aim of this study is to explore for the first time the influence of several FAHFAs in C2C12 myoblasts and in skeletal muscle phenotype in mice. Here, we show that eleven FAHFAs belonging to different families inhibit C2C12 myoblast proliferation. In addition, all FAHFAs decreased mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity without affecting reactive oxygen species production and the mitochondrial network. During C2C12 myoblasts differentiation, we found that two of the most active lipids, 9-PAHPA and 9-OAHPA, did not significantly affect the fusion index and the expression of myosin heavy chains. However, we found that three months’ intake of 9-PAHPA or 9-OAHPA in mice increased the expression of more oxidative myosin in skeletal muscle without affecting skeletal muscle mass, number, and mean fiber area, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress parameters. In conclusion, our study indicated that the eleven FAHFAs tested decreased the proliferation rate of C2C12 myoblasts, probably through the inhibition of mitochondrial activity. In addition, we found that 9-PAHPA or 9-OAHPA supplementation in mice induced a switch toward a more oxidative contractile phenotype of skeletal muscle. These data suggest that the increase in insulin sensitivity previously described for these two FAHFAs is of muscular origin.
Adipokines in the Skin and in Dermatological Diseases
Authors: Kovács Dóra , Fazekas Fruzsina , Oláh Attila , Törőcsik Dániel
Published: November 2020

Adipokines are the primary mediators of adipose tissue-induced and regulated systemic inflammatory diseases; however, recent findings revealed that serum levels of various adipokines correlate also with the onset and the severity of dermatological diseases. Importantly, further data confirmed that the skin serves not only as a target for adipokine signaling, but may serve as a source too. In this review, we aim to provide a complex overview on how adipokines may integrate into the (patho) physiological conditions of the skin by introducing the cell types, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and sebocytes, which are known to produce adipokines as well as the signals that target them. Moreover, we discuss data from in vivo and in vitro murine and human studies as well as genetic data on how adipokines may contribute to various aspects of the homeostasis of the skin, e.g., melanogenesis, hair growth, or wound healing, just as to the pathogenesis of dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and melanoma.
A New Method for Refined Recognition for Heart Disease Diagnosis Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Song Weibo
Published: November 2020

The proper evaluation of heart health requires professional medical experience. Therefore, in clinical diagnosis practice, the development direction is to reduce the high dependence of the diagnosis process on medical experience and to more effectively improve the diagnosis efficiency and accuracy. Deep learning has made remarkable achievements in intelligent image analysis technology involved in the medical process. From the aspect of cardiac diagnosis, image analysis can extract more profound and abundant information than sequential electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Therefore, a new region recognition and diagnosis method model of a two-dimensional ECG (2D-ECG) signal based on an image format is proposed. This method can identify and diagnose each refined waveform in the cardiac conduction cycle reflected in the image format ECG signal, so as to realize the rapid and accurate positioning and visualization of the target recognition area and finally get the analysis results of specific diseases. The test results show that compared with the results obtained by a one-dimensional sequential ECG signal, the proposed model has higher average diagnostic accuracy (98.94%) and can assist doctors in disease diagnosis with better visualization effect.
Short-Term Cold Stress Affects Parasitism on the Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus
Authors: Bonsignore Carmelo Peter , Vizzari Giusi , Vono Gregorio , Bernardo Umberto
Published: November 2020

Temperature variation affects interactions involving plants, herbivores, and parasitoids, causing a mismatch between their phenological cycles. In the context of climate change, climatic factors can undergo profound and sudden changes, such as sudden hot or cold snaps. Herein, we show that the number of episodes of short but sustained low temperatures has increased, mainly during May, over the last two decades. We subjected galls induced by the Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) Dryocosmus kuriphilus to cold stress to assess whether and, if so, how it affected the pest and its parasitoids. Over the course of two years, we measured seasonal parasitism, parasitism rates, the relative abundance of each parasitoid species, and ACGW mortality. We found that the cold treatment affected both the pest and the parasitoids, resulting in a reduction in the emergence of ACGWs and differing ratios of species within the parasitoid community. The most striking example was the change in the relative frequency of three species of Eupelmus spp. and Mesopolobus tibialis, which doubled in cold-stressed galls in all chestnut fields. The effects of temperature on the development of the host and the direct effects of cold temperatures on the surface of galls (in terms of the humidity or hardness of the galls) warrant further research in this direction.
Does Postoperative Oral and Intestinal Microbiota Correlate with the Weight-Loss Following Bariatric Surgery?—A Cohort Study
Authors: Stefura Tomasz , Zapała Barbara , Stój Anastazja , Gosiewski Tomasz , Skomarovska Oksana , Krzysztofik Marta , Pędziwiatr Michał , Major Piotr
Published: November 2020

The composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota is associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to verify if, six months after bariatric surgery, patients who achieve satisfying weight-loss after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) have a different composition of oral and intestinal microbiota in comparison with those who do not. This prospective cohort study was conducted between November 2018 and November 2020. Participants underwent either SG or RYGB and were allocated into: Group 1—participants who achieved a percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) of ≥ 50%, and Group 2—patients with %EWL of < 50%. The %EWL was measured 6 months following surgery. At this time, oral swabs were obtained and stool samples were provided. The endpoint was the composition of the gut microbiota. Group 1 comprised 20 participants and Group 2 comprised 11 participants. Group 1 had oral microbiota more abundant in phylum Fusobacteria and intestinal microbiota more abundant in phylum Firmicutes. Group 2 had oral microbiota was more enriched in phylum Actinobacteria and intestinal microbiota was more enriched in phylum Bacteroidetes. The compositions of the microbiota of the oral cavity and large intestine 6 months after bariatric surgery are related to the weight-loss.
Molecular Testing in CML between Old and New Methods: Are We at a Turning Point?
Authors: Soverini Simona , Bernardi Simona , Galimberti Sara
Published: November 2020

Molecular monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) and BCR-ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutation testing have a well consolidated role in the routine management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, as they provide precious information for therapeutic decision-making. Molecular response levels are used to define whether a patient has an “optimal”, “warning”, or “failure” response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Mutation status may be useful to decide whether TKI therapy should be changed and which alternative TKI (or TKIs) are most likely to be effective. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-qPCR) and Sanger sequencing are currently the gold standard for molecular response monitoring and mutation testing, respectively. However, in recent years, novel technologies such as digital PCR (dPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have been evaluated. Here, we critically describe the main features of these old and novel technologies, provide an overview of the recently published studies assessing the potential clinical value of dPCR and NGS, and discuss how the state of the art might evolve in the next years.
JC Virus Seroprevalence and JCVAb Index in Polish Multiple Sclerosis Treatment-Naïve Patients
Authors: Bonek Robert , Guenter Wojciech , Jałowiński Robert , Karbicka Anna , Litwin Anna , Maciejowski Maciej , Zajdel Radosław , Petit Veronique , Rejdak Konrad
Published: November 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment with new agents is associated with the risk of the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The seropositivity and a high index of anti-John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibodies are some of the risk factors for PML development. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-JCVAb and JCVAb index (AI), as well as its correlations with demographic and clinical characteristics in treatment-naïve Polish MS patients. This is a multicenter, prospective, and cross-sectional study involving 665 MS patients. The overall prevalence of anti-JCVAb was 65.3%, while 63.1% of seropositive patients had an index level of >1.5. The seroprevalence was shown to increase along with the patient’s age. Except for age, the prevalence of anti-JCVAb was not associated with demographic or clinical data. No correlations between the index levels and the demographic or clinical data were observed. In Poland, the seroprevalence of anti-JCVAb in treatment-naïve MS patients is one of the highest in Europe. The majority of seropositive patients had an anti-JCV antibody level denoting a high-risk category. This means that we need further studies to be conducted on the individualization of MS treatment in order to provide patients with an appropriate therapeutic safety level.
Surgical Outcome of Refixation versus Exchange of Dislocated Intraocular Lens: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shin Young In , Park Un Chul
Published: November 2020

We compared the surgical outcomes and complications of refixation vs. exchange of dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs) in patients who underwent transscleral suture fixation combined with pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of IOL dislocation. A total of 83 eyes (n = 83 patients) with postoperative follow-up of ≥6 months were evaluated: 40 received refixation of dislocated IOL (refixation group) while 43 received IOL exchange (exchange group) treatment. Treatment outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, corneal cylinder, intraocular pressure (IOP), central macular thickness (CMT), and corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and postoperative complications were retrospectively reviewed. BCVA improvement at 6 months after surgery was comparable between the groups. Postoperative decrease in corneal ECD was significantly greater in the exchange group than in the refixation group, but no significant differences were found in spherical equivalent, corneal cylinder, IOP, or CMT changes. The exchange group experienced significantly more frequent postoperative vitreoretinal complications, such as retinal detachment, choroidal effusion, cystoid macular edema, and secondary epiretinal membrane, than the refixation group. Without any reason to extract the dislocated IOL, reuse of the dislocated IOL would be a better surgical option for transscleral suture fixation to protect corneal endothelial cells and prevent postoperative vitreoretinal complications.
Elastography of Endometrium in Women Taking Tamoxifen: A New Approach to an Old Diagnostic Problem
Authors: Jabłoński Krzysztof , Kurek Łukasz , Żukowski Maciej , Data-Jabłońska Natalia , Żukowska Karolina , Milewska Anna J. , Lipka Aleksandra , Jóźwik Marcin
Published: November 2020

Tamoxifen is a commonly used selective estrogen receptor modulator applied in the treatment for breast cancer. However, in the endometrium, Tamoxifen stimulates tissue growth, cellular transformation, the migration of the cells, and metastatic potential in endometrial cancer. Considering that uterine cancer is the most common neoplasm of the reproductive tract and the third most common neoplastic disease in women, the aim of this study was to investigate if applying elastography in examining the endometrium was beneficial for uterine cancer screening protocols in women on selective estrogen receptor modulator therapy. This study was based on the execution of a classic assessment of the endometrium that included the evaluation of the following: echogenicity, central endometrial stripe, presence of fluid in the uterine lumen, myometrium–endometrium interface, intensity of vascularization and vascular pattern. An ultrasound presentation was then processed and analyzed with elastography. The values of the elastography parameters demonstrated good consistency for the measurement of the softest endometrial layer thickness in elastography. A strong positive correlation (R = 0.56) was demonstrated between the endometrial thickness, as determined by ultrasound examination, and the softest endometrial layer in elastography (p < 0.001). The research showed that the elastography measurements of the width of the softest endometrium layer, based on a population of women taking Tamoxifen, appeared to be a promising option for endometrial cancer screening.