bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dental Unit Waterlines: A Survey of Practices in Eastern France
Authors: Baudet Alexandre , Lizon Julie , Martrette Jean-Marc , Camelot Frédéric , Florentin Arnaud , Clément Céline
Published: November 2019

Water is essential during dental care. Physical and chemical techniques should be used to maintain a good water quality with respect to bacteria, and to ensure the safety of exposed patients and dental staff. The aim of this survey was to assess the modalities used by dental practitioners in Eastern France to maintain the water quality of their dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). A questionnaire about water quality maintenance practices was sent to 870 dental offices in 2016. The questionnaires were completed by 153 dental offices, covering about 223 dental care units. The majority of units were fed by mains water (91.0%), which is generally unfiltered (71.3%). One-third (33.6%) of the units had an independent water bottle reservoir. Flushing, a basic physical technique to improve the quality of units’ outflow water, was practiced in 65.4% of dental offices. Concerning the chemical treatment of water, it was used for 62.1% of the units. An analysis of the microbiological quality of the DUWL water was only carried out in 2.6% of the offices. In conclusion, providing better training to dental staff seems necessary to improve their practices and to generalize procedures that improve the microbiological quality of the water used.
Daily Physical Activity Among Toddlers: Hip and Wrist Accelerometer Assessments
Authors: Kwon Soyang , Honegger Kyle , Mason Maryann
Published: November 2019

Physical activity (PA) habits seem to track over time from as young as early childhood. For children under age 3 years, wearable sensor-measured PA levels have begun to be investigated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of using hip- vs. wrist-worn accelerometers, and to report accelerometer-derived PA metrics among toddlers. A convenience sample of 22 toddlers aged 13 to 35 months and their mothers were recruited for this study. ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers were attached to wrist bands and waist belts. The mothers were asked to affix a wrist band and a waist belt to their participating children during waking hours for four days. They also completed an acceptability survey. Of the 22 toddlers, 19 (86%) had ≥ 3 valid days of hip data, while only 14 (64%) did so for wrist data (p = 0.16). In terms of acceptability, 18 mothers (82%) responded that the 4-day hip wear was easy, while only 13 (59%) responded that the 4-day wrist wear was easy (p = 0.19). Daily light-intensity PA (LPA) was on average 161 min, and daily moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) was on average 47 min, as determined using published hip accelerometer cut-points. There were no significant differences in LPA or MVPA by age or by sex. In conclusion, this study suggests that hip placement of an ActiGraph accelerometer is more feasible than wrist placement among toddlers.
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Projects, More than just Adaptation: Analysis of Social Benefits and Costs in Colombia
Authors: Richerzhagen Carmen , Rodríguez de Francisco Jean , Weinsheimer Felix , Döhnert Alessandro , Kleiner Lukas , Mayer Marjam , Morawietz Julia , Philipp Eric
Published: November 2019

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) projects are increasingly flourishing throughout the globe on the grounds that EbA constitutes a particularly community-friendly solution for adaptation to climate change as it brings about an array of co-benefits. However, the promotion of EbA projects, by development agencies and conservation NGOs, remains blurry as it has not yet been contrasted against evidence on its effectiveness in delivering these benefits. Employing a political ecology perspective, the applied conceptual framework allows for the assessment of the social benefits and costs that EbA projects generate or reinforce and factors that influence the distribution of these social benefits or costs. This research is done in regards to two EbA projects in Colombia: one in the Andes focusing on water provision services from páramos, and the other in a coastal mangrove focusing on regulation services of extreme coastal events. Based on data collected by a qualitative multi-method approach, we find evidence that the assessed EbA projects generate a wide range of perceived social benefits and costs for the local communities living in the vicinity of the project sites. Furthermore, we identify agent-level (i.e., capitals and preferences) as well as structural factors (communication, participation, local and institutional context) that influence the generation and distribution of those social benefits and costs. Finally, this paper illustrates some of the contradictions and tensions in which EbA projects are implemented and how they may end up affecting the adaptive capacity of the communities involved in EbA projects.
Health-Seeking Behavior for Erectile Dysfunction in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients
Authors: Ramli Fitri Fareez , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun , Pakri Mohamed Rashidi Mohamed , Tg Abu Bakar Sidik Tg Mohd Ikhwan , Naina Mohamed Isa
Published: November 2019

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly associated with methadone usage. However, little data is known regarding the health-seeking behavior for ED in the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) population. This study aimed to determine the health-seeking behavior of MMT patients with ED who perceived themselves as having ED. We aimed to assess the attitudes and health-seeking behavior, the effectiveness of the treatment and the factors associated with treatment-seeking behavior. Methods: This was an observational questionnaire-based study. Patients were first screened for ED (n = 154) using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Fifty patients with ED were evaluated for health-seeking behavior for ED. Results: More than half of the patients who thought they had ED (78%) believed their sex life was affected. Most patients (48%) did not seek any information regarding ED. Education level (p = 0.017) and marital status (p = 0.008) were predictive factors of health-seeking behavior. Conclusions: The health-seeking rate among MMT patients with ED needs to be improved. Measures to increase awareness of ED in MMT patients should be taken to overcome the barrier to health-seeking behavior. Health practitioners should take action to screen ED in this population to increase the detection rate and offer appropriate management according to the patients’ needs.
Revisiting John Snow to Meet the Challenge of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease
Authors: Parikh Aashka , Vinnard Christopher , Fahrenfeld Nicole , Davidow Amy L. , Patrawalla Amee , Lardizabal Alfred , Gow Andrew , Panettieri Reynold , Gennaro Maria
Published: November 2019

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous components of the soil and surface water microbiome. Disparities by sex, age, and geography demonstrate that both host and environmental factors are key determinants of NTM disease in populations, which predominates in the form of chronic pulmonary disease. As the incidence of NTM pulmonary disease rises across the United States, it becomes increasingly evident that addressing this emerging human health issue requires a bold, multi-disciplinary research framework that incorporates host risk factors for NTM pulmonary disease alongside the determinants of NTM residence in the environment. Such a framework should include the assessment of environmental characteristics promoting NTM growth in soil and surface water, detailed evaluations of water distribution systems, direct sampling of water sources for NTM contamination and species diversity, and studies of host and bacterial factors involved in NTM pathogenesis. This comprehensive approach can identify intervention points to interrupt the transmission of pathogenic NTM species from the environment to the susceptible host and to reduce NTM pulmonary disease incidence.
Quasi-Randomized Trial of Effects of Perioperative Oral Hygiene Instruction on Inpatients with Heart Diseases Using a Behavioral Six-Step Method
Authors: Omori Chie , Ekuni Daisuke , Ohbayashi Yumiko , Miyake Minoru , Morita Manabu
Published: November 2019

The assessor-blinded, parallel-design, quasi-randomized study (alternating allocation) aimed to determine the effects of the six-step method on postoperative numbers of oral bacteria, periodontal status, and atrial fibrillation (AF) among inpatients with heart diseases and periodontitis. Seventy inpatients who received preoperative periodontal treatment were quasi-randomly assigned to intervention and control groups at University Hospital. The intervention group received intensive oral hygiene instruction using a six-step method for 15 minutes per week and the control group received routine oral hygiene instruction. Significantly fewer oral bacteria were identified on the tongue at discharge compared with baseline in the intervention than the control group (ANCOVA) (large effect size, p = 0.02). Changes in scores for self-efficacy, plaque scores, probed pocket depth, and bleeding on probing between baseline and discharge were significantly greater in the intervention, than in the control group (p < 0.05). The period of postoperative AF (days) was significantly shorter in the intervention, than in the control group (p = 0.019). In conclusion, oral hygiene instruction using the six-step method decreased the numbers of oral bacteria on the tongue and improved self-efficacy, oral health behaviors, oral hygiene status, periodontal status, and period of postoperative AF among inpatients with periodontitis and heart diseases.
Analysis of Tourism Hotspot Behaviour Based on Geolocated Travel Blog Data: The Case of Qyer
Authors: Kaufmann Michael , Siegfried Patrick , Huck Lukas , Stettler Jürg
Published: November 2019

We contribute a system design and a generalized formal methodology to segment tourists based on their geolocated blogging behaviour according to their interests in identified tourist hotspots. Thus, it is possible to identify and target groups that are possibly interested in alternative destinations to relieve overtourism. A pilot application in a case study of Chinese travel in Switzerland by analysing Qyer travel blog data demonstrates the potential of our method. Accordingly, we contribute four conclusions supported by empirical data. First, our method can enable discovery of plausible geographical distributions of tourist hotspots, which validates the plausibility of the data and its collection. Second, our method discovered statistically significant stochastic dependencies that meaningfully differentiate the observed user base, which demonstrates its value for segmentation. Furthermore, the case study contributes two practical insights for tourism management. Third, Chinese independent travellers, which are the main target group of Qyer, are mainly interested in the discovered travel hotspots, similar to tourists on packaged tours, but also show interest in alternative places. Fourth, the proposed user segmentation revealed two clusters based on users’ social media activity level. For tourism research, users within the second cluster are of interest, which are defined by two segmentation attributes: they blogged about more than just one location, and they have followers. These tourists are significantly more likely to be interested in alternative destinations out of the hotspot axis. Knowing this can help define a target group for marketing activities to promote alternative destinations.
Self-Association of Antimicrobial Peptides: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study on Bombinin
Authors: Petkov Peicho , Lilkova Elena , Ilieva Nevena , Litov Leandar
Published: November 2019

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse group of membrane-active peptides which play a crucial role as mediators of the primary host defense against microbial invasion. Many AMPs are found to be fully or partially disordered in solution and to acquire secondary structure upon interaction with a lipid membrane. Here, we report molecular dynamics simulations studies on the solution behaviour of a specific AMP, bombinin H2. We show that in monomeric form in water solution the peptide is somewhat disordered and preferably adopts a helix-loop-helix conformation. However, when more than a single monomer is placed in the solution, the peptides self-associate in aggregates. Within the aggregate, the peptides provide each other with an amphipathic environment that mimics the water–membrane interface, which allows them to adopt a single-helix structure. We hypothesise that this is the mechanism by which bombinin H2 and, possibly, other small linear AMPs reach the target membrane in a functional folded state and are able to effectively exert their antimicrobial action on it.
Targeting Immune-Related Biological Processes in Solid Tumors: We do Need Biomarkers
Authors: Pagni Fabio , Guerini-Rocco Elena , Schultheis Anne Maria , Grazia Giulia , Rijavec Erika , Ghidini Michele , Lopez Gianluca , Venetis Konstantinos , Croci Giorgio Alberto , Malapelle Umberto , Fusco Nicola
Published: November 2019

Immunotherapy has become the standard-of-care in many solid tumors. Despite the significant recent achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, several issues related to patients’ selection for immunotherapy remain unsolved. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that, in this setting, the vision of a single biomarker is somewhat naïve and imprecise, given that immunotherapy does not follow the rules that we have experienced in the past for targeted therapies. On the other hand, additional immune-related biomarkers that are reliable in real-life clinical practice remain to be identified. Recently, the immune-checkpoint blockade has been approved in the US irrespective of the tumor site of origin. Further histology-agnostic approvals, coupled with with tumor-specific companion diagnostics and guidelines, are expected in this field. In addition, immune-related biomarkers can also have a significant prognostic value. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of these biomarkers and their characterization in the management of lung cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cancers, and breast cancer.
Role of Microparticles in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Joint Diseases
Authors: Krajewska-Włodarczyk Magdalena , Owczarczyk-Saczonek Agnieszka , Żuber Zbigniew , Wojtkiewicz Maja , Wojtkiewicz Joanna
Published: November 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) make up a group of chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). The course of these diseases involves chronic inflammation of joints and enthesopathies, which can result in joint damage and disability. Microparticles (MPs) are a group of small spherical membranous vesicles. The structure and cellular origin of MPs, mechanisms that stimulate their secretion and the place of their production, determine their biological properties, which could become manifest in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Microparticles can stimulate synovitis with proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. MPs may also contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases by the formation of immune complexes and complement activation, pro-coagulation activity, activation of vascular endothelium cells, and stimulation of metalloproteinase production. It seems that in the future, microparticles can become a modern marker of disease activity, a response to treatment, and, possibly, they can be used in the prognosis of the course of arthritis. The knowledge of the complexity of MPs biology remains incomplete and it requires further comprehensive studies to explain how they affect the development of rheumatic diseases. This review focuses on the immunopathogenic and therapeutic role of MPs in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory joint diseases.
Targeting DNA Damage Response as a Strategy to Treat HPV Infections
Authors: Banerjee N. Sanjib , Moore Dianne , Parker Cameron J. , Broker Thomas R. , Chow Louise T.
Published: November 2019

Mucosotropic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause prevalent anogenital infections, some of which can progress to cancers. It is imperative to identify efficacious drug candidates, as there are few therapeutic options. We have recapitulated a robust productive program of HPV-18 in organotypic raft cultures of primary human keratinocytes. The HPV E7 protein induces S phase reentry, along with DNA damage response (DDR) in differentiated cells to support viral DNA amplification. A number of small molecule inhibitors of DDR regulators are in clinical use or clinical trials to treat cancers. Here, we used our raft culture system to examine effects of inhibitors of ATR/Chk1 and ATM/Chk2 on HPV infection. The inhibitors impaired S-phase reentry and progression as well as HPV DNA amplification. The Chk1 inhibitor MK-8776 was most effective, reducing viral DNA amplification by 90–99% and caused DNA damage and apoptosis, preferentially in HPV infected cells. We found that this sensitivity was imparted by the E7 protein and report that MK-8776 also caused extensive cell death of cervical cancer cell lines. Furthermore, it sensitized the cells to cisplatin, commonly used to treat advanced cervical cancer. Based on these observations, the Chk1 inhibitors could be potential effective agents to be re-purposed to treat the spectrum of HPV infections in single or combination therapy.
Sequence and Structure Properties Uncover the Natural Classification of Protein Complexes Formed by Intrinsically Disordered Proteins via Mutual Synergistic Folding
Authors: Mészáros Bálint , Dobson László , Fichó Erzsébet , Simon István
Published: November 2019

Intrinsically disordered proteins mediate crucial biological functions through their interactions with other proteins. Mutual synergistic folding (MSF) occurs when all interacting proteins are disordered, folding into a stable structure in the course of the complex formation. In these cases, the folding and binding processes occur in parallel, lending the resulting structures uniquely heterogeneous features. Currently there are no dedicated classification approaches that take into account the particular biological and biophysical properties of MSF complexes. Here, we present a scalable clustering-based classification scheme, built on redundancy-filtered features that describe the sequence and structure properties of the complexes and the role of the interaction, which is directly responsible for structure formation. Using this approach, we define six major types of MSF complexes, corresponding to biologically meaningful groups. Hence, the presented method also shows that differences in binding strength, subcellular localization, and regulation are encoded in the sequence and structural properties of proteins. While current protein structure classification methods can also handle complex structures, we show that the developed scheme is fundamentally different, and since it takes into account defining features of MSF complexes, it serves as a better representation of structures arising through this specific interaction mode.
Building a Workforce for Smart City Governance: Challenges and Opportunities for the Planning and Administrative Professions
Authors: David Nina , McNutt John
Published: November 2019

The growth of smart cities and collateral movements offer new and exciting possibilities for the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for service delivery, civic engagement, and governance. The exponential growth of ICTs and their use in governance both formally and informally highlights the need for urban planners and public administrators who are trained on how to use ICTs to achieve the public interest, maximize the positive impacts of ICTs, and minimize the negative impacts of ICTs. This presents a challenge for professional education to provide a supporting infrastructure that trains urban planners and public administrators for smart city governance in the 21st century. This paper reviews those challenges and suggests changes in content and delivery options that can be implemented in urban planning and public affairs programs.
Gamification as a Supportive Tool for School Children with Dyslexia
Authors: Dymora Paweł , Niemiec Karol
Published: November 2019

Gamification, in its nature, combines not only games but also the whole psychological environment. Thanks to this, a properly prepared implementation of gameplaying can encourage people to compete with others and achieve the set tasks and goals. A person feels fulfilled that through his actions has performed a mission or reached a new level. It stimulates them to continue their activity and self-improvement to be better and beat their records. Its advantage is also that it does not have to be limited to one technology or method—it can be realized both through a simple scenario and a corkboard with results, it can also be embedded, e.g., in a virtual or augmented reality. This article focuses on the gamification of dyslexia, a common disorder of developmental disorders among pupils. It affects about 10%–15% of school-age children. The research narrowed the field of the study to one of the aspects of developmental dyslexia—dysorthography and making spelling mistakes by people affected by this disorder. This work aims to present an original application which is using gamification as a supportive tool for the learning of school children with diagnosed dyslexia. The conducted study was based on the implementation of original algorithms and scenarios of gamification on mobile devices, especially smartphones. School children are following a gamification approach for a specified period. As a conclusion, it can be stated that the proposed framework and gamification can help in the learning of people with dyslexia.
Genes and Variants Underlying Human Congenital Lactic Acidosis—From Genetics to Personalized Treatment
Authors: Bravo-Alonso Irene , Navarrete Rosa , Vega Ana Isabel , Ruíz-Sala Pedro , García Silva María Teresa , Martín-Hernández Elena , Quijada-Fraile Pilar , Belanger-Quintana Amaya , Stanescu Sinziana , Bueno María , Vitoria Isidro , Toledo Laura , Couce María Luz , García-Jiménez Inmaculada , Ramos-Ruiz Ricardo , Martín Miguel Ángel , Desviat Lourdes R. , Ugarte Magdalena , Pérez-Cerdá Celia , Merinero Begoña , Pérez Belén , Rodríguez-Pombo Pilar
Published: November 2019

Congenital lactic acidosis (CLA) is a rare condition in most instances due to a range of inborn errors of metabolism that result in defective mitochondrial function. Even though the implementation of next generation sequencing has been rapid, the diagnosis rate for this highly heterogeneous allelic condition remains low. The present work reports our group’s experience of using a clinical/biochemical analysis system in conjunction with genetic findings that facilitates the taking of timely clinical decisions with minimum need for invasive procedures. The system’s workflow combines different metabolomics datasets and phenotypic information with the results of clinical exome sequencing and/or RNA analysis. The system’s use detected genetic variants in 64% of a cohort of 39 CLA-patients; these variants, 14 of which were novel, were found in 19 different nuclear and two mitochondrial genes. For patients with variants of unknown significance, the genetic analysis was combined with functional genetic and/or bioenergetics analyses in an attempt to detect pathogenicity. Our results warranted subsequent testing of antisense therapy to rescue the abnormal splicing in cultures of fibroblasts from a patient with a defective GFM1 gene. The discussed system facilitates the diagnosis of CLA by avoiding the need to use invasive techniques and increase our knowledge of the causes of this condition.
Prognostic Implication of Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio in Colorectal Cancers: Comparison Depending on Tumor Location
Authors: Pyo Jung-Soo , Shin Young-Min , Kang Dong-Wook
Published: November 2019

Background: The proportion of the number of involved lymph nodes (LNs) to the number of examined LNs—defined as metastatic LN ratio (mLNR)—has been considered as a prognostic parameter. This study aims to elucidate the prognostic implication of the mLNR in colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the tumor location. Methods: We evaluated the correlation between prognoses and the involved and examined LNs as well as mLNR according to the tumor location in 266 surgically resected human CRCs. Besides, to evaluate the optimal cutoff for high and low mLNRs, we investigated the correlation between mLNR and survival according to the various cutoffs. Results: LN metastasis was found in 146 cases (54.9%), and colon and rectal cancers were found in 116 (79.5%) and 30 (20.5%) of the cases, respectively. The mean mLNRs were significantly higher in rectal cancer than in colon cancer (0.38 ± 0.28 vs. 0.21 ± 0.24, P = 0.003). Besides this, the number of involved LNs in rectal cancer was significantly high compared to colon cancer (11.83 ± 10.92 vs. 6.37 ± 7.78, P = 0.014). However, there was no significant difference in the examined LNs between the rectal and colon cancers (31.90 ± 12.28 vs. 36.60 ± 18.11, P = 0.181). In colon cancer, a high mLNR was significantly correlated with worse survival for all cutoffs (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4). However, rectal cancer only showed a significant correlation between high mLNR and worse survival in the subgroup with a cutoff of 0.2. Conclusions: Our results showed that high mLNR was significantly correlated with worse survival. The number of involved LNs and mLNRs were significantly higher in rectal cancer than in colon cancer. The cutoff of 0.2 can be useful for the differentiation of prognostic groups, regardless of tumor location.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Interdependence in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Padureanu Rodica , Albu Carmen Valeria , Mititelu Radu Razvan , Bacanoiu Manuela Violeta , Docea Anca Oana , Calina Daniela , Padureanu Vlad , Olaru Gabriela , Sandu Raluca Elena , Malin Ramona Denise , Buga Ana-Maria
Published: November 2019

The study aims to explore the oxidative status related to inflammation in peripheral blood of stable relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with low disability. In this study, 31 people were included and divided into two groups: an MS group in which 16 relapsing-remitting MS patients with a low disability level (age 38.9 ± 7.08, EDSS median 2.5) were included and a control group that contains 15 healthy volunteers of similar age to the MS group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl level (PCO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as oxidative stress markers, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were analyzed in the peripheral blood sample of the healthy and the MS patients to establish the oxidative stress/inflammatory level using conventional plasma markers. In this study, we showed that the pro-inflammatory status of the relapse-remitting stage of diseases can be easily and accurately appreciated by NLR. An increased NLR is associated with a decreased antioxidant capacity, even in the early stage of neuronal damage. Oxidative stress associated with inflammation aggravates the functional outcome, potentiates neuronal damage, and can accelerate the progression of the disease.
Androgen and Anti-Mullerian Hormone Concentrations at Term in Newborns and Their Mothers with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Kollmann Martina , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Lerchbaum Elisabeth , Lang Uwe , Herzog Sereina A. , Trummer Christian , Scheuchenegger Anna , Ulrich Daniela , Klaritsch Philipp
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not particularly mapped; however, a complex interaction of various factors, such as genetic, environmental and intrauterine factors, can be assumed. Experimental animal studies and clinical observations support the hypothesis that developmental programming by excess intrauterine steroid is relevant. The aim of the study was to investigate whether mothers with and without PCOS exhibit different androgen and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels at the end of pregnancy and how maternal hormone levels are reflected in their offspring. Methods: Between March 2013 and December 2015, we performed a prospective cross-sectional study at the Medical University of Graz. We included 79 women with PCOS according to the ESHRE/ASRM 2003 definition and 354 women without PCOS, both with an ongoing pregnancy ≥37 + 0 weeks of gestation, who gave birth in our institution. Primary outcome parameters were the levels of maternal and neonatal androgens (testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione) and AMH at delivery. Results: Androgen levels in female offspring of PCOS and non-PCOS women at birth did not differ, while maternal hormone levels differed significantly. Androgen levels in PCOS boys were significantly higher when compared to levels in PCOS girls. Discussion: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that maternal androgen excess contributes to elevated androgen concentrations in the female offspring. Nevertheless, the effects of the increased androgen concentrations in mothers on their offspring have to be investigated in future studies.
Heavy Water (D2O) Containing Preservation Solution Reduces Hepatic Cold Preservation and Reperfusion Injury in an Isolated Perfused Rat Liver (IPRL) Model
Authors: Shimada Shingo , Fukai Moto , Shibata Kengo , Sakamoto Sodai , Wakayama Kenji , Ishikawa Takahisa , Kawamura Norio , Fujiyoshi Masato , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: November 2019

Background: Heavy water (D2O) has many biological effects due to the isotope effect of deuterium. We previously reported the efficacy of D2O containing solution (Dsol) in the cold preservation of rat hearts. Here, we evaluated whether Dsol reduced hepatic cold preservation and reperfusion injury. Methods: Rat livers were subjected to 48-hour cold storage in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution or Dsol, and subsequently reperfused on an isolated perfused rat liver. Graft function, injury, perfusion kinetics, oxidative stress, and cytoskeletal integrity were assessed. Results: In the UW group, severe ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) was shown by histopathology, higher liver enzymes leakage, portal resistance, and apoptotic index, oxygen consumption, less bile production, energy charge, and reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio (versus control). The Dsol group showed that these injuries were significantly ameliorated (versus the UW group). Furthermore, cytoskeletal derangement was progressed in the UW group, as shown by less degradation of α-Fodrin and by the inactivation of the actin depolymerization pathway, whereas these changes were significantly suppressed in the Dsol group. Conclusion: Dsol reduced hepatic IRI after extended cold preservation and subsequent reperfusion. The protection was primarily due to the maintenance of mitochondrial function, cytoskeletal integrity, leading to limiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and necrosis pathways.
A Longitudinal, Population-Level, Big-Data Study of Helicobacter pylori-Related Disease across Western Australia
Authors: Wise Michael J. , Lamichhane Binit , Webberley K. Mary
Published: November 2019

Helicobacter pylori, responsible for chronic ulcers and most stomach cancers, infects half of the world’s population. The Urea Breath Test (UBT) is one of the most accurate and reliable non-invasive methods for diagnosing active H. pylori infection. The objective was to use longitudinal, population-wide UBT data for Western Australia to look for H. pylori-related disease patterns. We collected 95,713 UBT results from 77,552 individuals for the years 2010–2015, likely representing all of the UBT samples analysed in Western Australia. Data collected also included sex, age and residential postcode. Other data reported here were inferred via a comparison with the 2011 Australian Census using a specially written Python program. While women appear to have more H. pylori-related disease than men, there is no difference in the disease rates once women’s higher rates of presentation for testing are taken into account. On the other hand, while the treatment strategy for H. pylori infection is generally very effective in Western Australia, failure of the first-line treatment is significantly more common in women than men. Migrants and Aboriginal Australians have elevated rates of H. pylori-related disease, while the rate for non-Aboriginal Australian-born West Australians is very low. However, no significant associations were found with other socio-economic indicators. We conclude that, for some people, H. pylori-related disease is not a solved problem.
Impaired Glucose Metabolism in People with Extremely Elevated High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Low Alcohol Consumption: Results of the Kanagawa Investigation of Total Checkup Data from the National Database-3 (KITCHEN-3)
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Higuchi Ryoko
Published: November 2019

Background: Recently, we have shown that extremely high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which was observed mostly in heavy drinkers, was associated with the incidence of diabetes. However, the observed association was influenced by the consumption of alcohol. Furthermore, it is unknown whether impaired glucose metabolism exists in people with extremely high HDL-C, regardless of their alcohol consumption. Therefore, we addressed this issue in people who did not have a habit of drinking alcohol. Methods: In this community-based cross-sectional study, we included 177,034 participants (40–74 years old) who reported being nondrinkers. We investigated levels of HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HDL-C, and clinical parameters according to 11 levels of HDL-C concentration from 20 to 120 mg/dL or over. Results: A total of 6112 participants with HDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL (3.5%) showed a better lipid profile, higher prevalence amongst women, more habitual exercise, a lower prevalence of smoking, and lower body mass index (BMI). Compared with an HDL-C of 70–79 mg/dL, HDL-C ≤ 69 mg/dL (except an HDL-C of 20–29 mg/dL) and HDL-C ≥ 90 mg/dL were significantly associated with a high HbA1c of ≥6.0%, independently of confounding factors. This finding was distinctly demonstrated in women. Similar trends were observed when high HbA1c was replaced with high FPG (≥110 mg/dL). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that impaired glucose metabolism may exist in people with extremely high HDL-C and who hardly drink alcohol.
Artificial Intelligence for Automatic Measurement of Sagittal Vertical Axis Using ResUNet Framework
Authors: Weng Chi-Hung , Wang Chih-Li , Huang Yu-Jui , Yeh Yu-Cheng , Fu Chen-Ju , Yeh Chao-Yuan , Tsai Tsung-Ting
Published: November 2019

We present an automated method for measuring the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) from lateral radiography of whole spine using a convolutional neural network for keypoint detection (ResUNet) with our improved localization method. The algorithm is robust to various clinical conditions, such as degenerative changes or deformities. The ResUNet was trained and evaluated on 990 standing lateral radiographs taken at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and performs SVA measurement with median absolute error of 1.183 ± 0.166 mm. The 5-mm detection rate of the C7 body and the sacrum are 91% and 87%, respectively. The SVA calculation takes approximately 0.2 s per image. The intra-class correlation coefficient of the SVA estimates between the algorithm and physicians of different years of experience ranges from 0.946 to 0.993, indicating an excellent consistency. The superior performance of the proposed method and its high consistency with physicians proved its usefulness for automatic measurement of SVA in clinical settings.
New Biomarkers of Ferric Management in Multiple Myeloma and Kidney Disease-Associated Anemia
Authors: Banaszkiewicz Małgorzata , Małyszko Jolanta , Vesole David H. , Woziwodzka Karolina , Jurczyszyn Artur , Żórawski Marcin , Krzanowski Marcin , Małyszko Jacek , Batko Krzysztof , Kuźniewski Marek , Krzanowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of clonal plasma cells accounting for approximately 10% of haematological malignancies. MM mainly affects older patients, more often males and is more frequently seen in African Americans. The most frequent manifestations of MM are anaemia, osteolytic bone lesions, kidney failure and hypercalcemia. The anaemia develops secondary to suppression of erythropoiesis by cytokine networks, similarly to the mechanism of anaemia of chronic disease. The concomitant presence of kidney failure, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD) and MM per se, leading to anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) in combination, provoked us to pose the question about their reciprocal dependence and relationship with specific biomarkers; namely, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), hepcidin 25 and zonulin. One or more of these are new biomarkers of ferric management may be utilized in the near future as prognostic predictors for patients with MM and kidney failure.
A New Antibacterial Agent-Releasing Polydimethylsiloxane Coating for Polymethyl Methacrylate Dental Restorations
Authors: Mai Hang-Nga , Kim Do-Yeon , Hyun Dong Choon , Park Ju Hayng , Lee Sang Min , Lee Du-Hyeong
Published: November 2019

Chlorhexidine (CHX) has been incorporated into the composition of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dental restorations to enhance their antimicrobial performance. However, the controlled delivery of CHX remains a challenge. Although previous findings with pure silica or polymer coatings demonstrated the resistance to bacterial adhesion, they did not provide antibacterial activity beyond the coated surface. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are widely used in biomedical science as a transfer medium in drug delivery systems. Here, the MSNs are used to encapsulate CHX, and the combination is added to PDMS. A thin coating film is formed on the PMMA, using oxygen plasma and thermal treatment. The liquid chromatography analysis shows that the coating film has high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity, with a slow and stable release rate of CHX. The cytotoxicity tests also show that the coating does not affect the proinflammatory cytokines, cellular mitotic activity, or apoptotic cell death. The ability of the coating to release CHX indicates that the coating may even be effective against bacteria that are not directly in contact with the surface. This antibacterial protective film is expected to be a novel method to inhibit bacterial activity distal to the coated surfaces of PMMA restorations.
2017 ACC/AHA Blood Pressure Classification and Cardiovascular Disease in 15 Million Adults of Age 20–94 Years
Authors: Lee Hokyou , Cho So Mi Jemma , Park Jong Heon , Park Sungha , Kim Hyeon Chang
Published: November 2019

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) high blood pressure (BP) guideline lowered the cut-off for hypertension, but its age-specific association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains inconclusive in different populations. We evaluated the association between high BP according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline and CVD risks in Koreans aged 20–94 years. In a nationwide health screening cohort, we included 15,508,537 persons aged 20–94 years without prior CVD. BP was categorized into normal, elevated, stage 1 hypertension, or stage 2 hypertension. The primary outcome was a composite CVD hospitalization (myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or heart failure). Over 10 years of follow-up, CVD incidence rates per 100,000 person-years were 105.4, 168.3, 215.9, and 641.2 for normal, elevated BP, stage 1, and stage 2 hypertension, respectively. The age-specific hazard ratios of stage 1 hypertension compared to normal BP were 1.41 (1.34–1.48) at ages 20–34, 1.54 (1.51–1.57) at ages 35–49, 1.38 (1.35–1.40) at ages 50–64, 1.21 (1.19–1.24) at ages 65–79, and 1.11 (1.03–1.19) at ages 80–94 years. With the lowered BP cut-off, 130/80 mmHg, population attributable fraction for CVD was 32.2%. In conclusion, stage 1 hypertension was significantly associated with a higher CVD risk across entire adulthood. The new definition of hypertension may have a substantial population impact on primary CVD prevention.
Identification of Clinical and Laboratory Parameters Associated with the Development of Acute Chest Syndrome during Vaso-Occlusive Episodes in Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A Preliminary Step before Assessing Specific and Early Treatment Strategies
Authors: Madhi Fouad , Kamdem Annie , Jung Camille , Carlier-Gonod Adele , Biscardi Sandra , Busca Jeremy , Arnaud Cecile , Hau Isabelle , Narbey David , Epaud Ralph , Pondarre Corinne
Published: November 2019

This prospective observational study sought to ascertain clinical and laboratory parameters associated with the development of acute chest syndrome (ACS) during vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). It was performed at the pediatric department of the university Intercommunal Créteil hospital. All children with SCD (all sickle genotypes) consecutively admitted from November 2013 to December 2016 for painful VOEs and no evidence of ACS were included. Clinical and laboratory parameters collected at admission and within 48 h after admission were compared for children in whom ACS developed or not. Variables that were statistically significant on univariate analysis or considered to be clinically relevant were included in a multivariable model to ascertain the risk factors associated with the development of ACS during a VOE. The variables retained in the multivariate model were used to construct a predictive score for ACS. For each included child and during the study period, only data from the first VOE and/or the first ACS were analyzed. Among 191 hospitalizations for painful VOEs, for 176 children with SCD, ACS developed in 35 during hospitalization. Mean hospital stay was longer for children with ACS versus VOEs alone (7.6 (±2.3) vs. 3.3 (±1.8) days, p < 0.0001), and all children with ACS versus 28/156 (17.9%) with VOEs alone received red blood cell transfusion (p < 0.0001). The multivariate model retained pain score (≥9/10), pain localization (abdominal or spinal pain or involving more than two limbs), and high reticulocyte (≥260 × 109/L) and neutrophil (>10 × 109/L) counts, at admission, as independently associated with ACS development. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ACS predictive score was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.89), and the negative predictive value was 97.7%. The evolution profiles during the first 48 h differed between children with ACS and VOEs alone, with a more rapid decline of pain score and leucocytosis in children with VOEs. Clinical and laboratory measurements at admission may be simple parameters to identify children with increased risk of ACS development during VOEs and to facilitate early diagnosis of this respiratory complication. Also, the persistent elevation of leukocyte count on day 2 may be considered a sign of evolving ACS.
Study on the Spillover of Sediment during Typical Tidal Processes in the Yangtze Estuary Using a High-Resolution Numerical Model
Authors: Hu Dechao , Wang Min , Yao Shiming , Jin Zhongwu
Published: November 2019

Because of special morphologies and complex runoff–tide interactions, the landward floodtide flows in Yangtze Estuary are observed to spill over from the North to the South Branches, carrying a lot of sediment. To quantitatively clarify the spillover problem, a two-dimensional numerical model using a high-resolution channel-refined unstructured grid is developed for the entire Yangtze Estuary from Datong to river mouths (620 km) and part of the East Sea. The developed model ensures a good description of the river-coast-ocean coupling, the irregular boundaries, and local river regimes in the Yangtze Estuary. In tests, the simulated histories of the tidal level, depth-averaged velocity, and sediment concentration agree well with field data. The spillover of sediment in the Yangtze Estuary is studied using the condition of a spring and a neap tide in dry seasons. For a representative cross-section in the upper reach of the North Branch (QLG), the difference of the cross-sectional sediment flux (CSSF) between floodtide and ebbtide durations is 43.85–11.26 × 104 t/day, accounting for 37.5–34.9% of the landward floodtide CSSF. The mechanics of sediment spillover in Yangtze Estuary are clarified in terms of a successive process comprising the source, transport, and drainage of the spillover sediment.
Effect of Phenolic Particles on Mechanical and Thermal Conductivity of Foamed Sulphoaluminate Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Zhang Xiuzhi , Yang Qing , Li Qinfei , Chen Heng , Zheng Guofa , Cheng Xin
Published: November 2019

Foamed concrete materials based on sulpoaluminate cement were prepared by the chemical foaming method. The effects of water–cement ratio, foaming agent, and foaming stabilizer on the mechanical and thermal properties of foamed concrete were studied. Meanwhile, a portion of cement was replaced with foamed phenolic particles to further optimize the performance of foamed concrete; the results show that when the water–cement ratio was 0.53, the foaming agent content was 5%, the foam stabilizer was 1%, and the substitution of phenolic particles was 20%, the performance indexes of foamed concrete were the best. Methods, describing briefly the main methods or treatments applied: dry density was 278.4 kg/m3, water absorption was 19.9%, compressive strength was 3.01 MPa, and thermal conductivity was 0.072 W/(m·K). By the pore structure analysis of the foamed concrete suing Micro-CT, it was found that when the replacement amount of phenolic particles was 20%, the pore size of foamed concrete was relatively uniform, the minimum D90 was 225 μm respectively. The combination of organic and inorganic matrix and optimized pore structure improved the performance of foamed concrete.
Creep-Induced Screw Preload Loss of Carbon-Fiber Sheet Molding Compound at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Finck David , Seidel Christian , Hausmann Joachim , Rief Thomas
Published: November 2019

The application of chopped-fiber reinforced polymers in screwed connections at high temperatures raises the question of creep under long-term loading. While up to now thermoplastic materials have mainly been the focus of attention when it comes to creep, this paper shows that thermoset carbon-fiber SMCs (sheet mold compounds) can also be affected by this phenomenon. Screwed connections were investigated regarding their loss of preload force at 120 °C ambient temperature. Additionally, strain–time diagrams were recorded at different stress levels at 120 °C in a creep test setup of a universal testing machine by using optical strain tracking of SMC coupons. The transverse modulus under compression in thickness direction was determined in the same test setup. For data application within a FEA (finite element analysis) software power law curves according to Norton–Bailey creep law were fitted in the strain–time graphs. The applicability of the obtained creep law was crosschecked with a test carried out on the loss of preload force of a screwed connection. The developed simulative methodology offers the possibility to simulate various mounting situations of the bolted connection and to investigate measures against the loss of preload force easily. A promising possibility to limit the loss of preload force due to creep was simulatively evaluated.