bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferulic Acid Induces Keratin 6α via Inhibition of Nuclear β-Catenin Accumulation and Activation of Nrf2 in Wound-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Kim Kang-Hoon , Jung Ji Hoon , Chung Won-Seok , Lee Chang-Hun , Jang Hyeung-Jin
Published: April 2021

Injured tissue triggers complex interactions through biological process associated with keratins. Rapid recovery is most important for protection against secondary infection and inflammatory pain. For rapid wound healing with minimal pain and side effects, shilajit has been used as an ayurvedic medicine. However, the mechanisms of rapid wound closure are unknown. Here, we found that shilajit induced wound closure in an acute wound model and induced migration in skin explant cultures through evaluation of transcriptomics via microarray testing. In addition, ferulic acid (FA), as a bioactive compound, induced migration via modulation of keratin 6α (K6α) and inhibition of β-catenin in primary keratinocytes of skin explant culture and injured full-thickness skin, because accumulation of β-catenin into the nucleus acts as a negative regulator and disturbs migration in human epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, FA alleviated wound-induced inflammation via activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) at the wound edge. These findings show that FA is a novel therapeutic agent for wound healing that acts via inhibition of β-catenin in keratinocytes and by activation of Nrf2 in wound-induced inflammation.
Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Repetitive Behaviors and Adaptive Functioning
Authors: Siracusano Martina , Postorino Valentina , Riccioni Assia , Emberti Gialloreti Leonardo , Terribili Monica , Curatolo Paolo , Mazzone Luigi
Published: April 2021

Sex differences in restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been explored with mixed findings. We aimed to investigate sex differences in RRBs through a specific measure—i.e., the Repetitive Behavior Scale Revised (RBS-R)—in a sample of preschool-age and school-age children with ASD. Additionally, we evaluated if RRBs were differently related to adaptive functioning within the male and the female age groups. A sample of 210 ASD individuals (3–18 years; 145 males, 65 females) underwent an in-depth assessment including a cognitive, adaptive functioning evaluation (i.e., the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II)) and RRBs assessment (i.e., RBS-R). No significant sex differences on the RBS-R total score or any RBS-R subscale emerged. Within the group of older participants, RRBs were negatively associated with all adaptive skill domains independently from sex and age. Our results suggest a lack of sex differences in RRBs in our sample. Additionally, our findings highlight the possible negative impact of RRBs on adaptive skills in older individuals with autism, emphasizing the need for autistic individuals of both sexes to undergo an early intervention targeting RRBs, in order to improve their adaptive skills.
Exact Reduction of the Generalized Lotka–Volterra Equations via Integral and Algebraic Substitutions
Authors: Morrison Rebecca E.
Published: April 2021

Systems of interacting species, such as biological environments or chemical reactions, are often described mathematically by sets of coupled ordinary differential equations. While a large number β of species may be involved in the coupled dynamics, often only α<β species are of interest or of consequence. In this paper, we explored how to construct models that include only those given α species, but still recreate the dynamics of the original β-species model. Under some conditions detailed here, this reduction can be completed exactly, such that the information in the reduced model is exactly the same as the original one, but over fewer equations. Moreover, this reduction process suggests a promising type of approximate model—no longer exact, but computationally quite simple.
Elevated Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species within Cerebrospinal Fluid as New Index in the Early Detection of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Hong Jin Young , Kim Hyunseong , Jeon Wan-Jin , Lee Junseon , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: April 2021

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common neurodegenerative condition. However, how neurogenic claudication develops with severe leg pain has not yet been clearly elucidated. Moreover, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) physiology at the lumbosacral level is poorly understood because of the difficulties involved in quantification and visualization. Recent studies have suggested that assessment of mitochondrial function in CSF provides an indirect way to assess neurological disorders and an important feature of disease progression. In this study, we assessed the relevance of endogenous extracellular mitochondria in the CSF of rats after LSS. Mitochondrial changes within the CSF were analyzed following LSS at 1 week using flow cytometry. An increase in cell size and number was observed in CSF with LSS, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also increased within the CSF at 1 week in the LSS group. Elevated mitochondrial ROS and functional changes in the CSF are hallmarks of LSS. The present study is the first to demonstrate that elevated mitochondrial ROS within the CSF is a new index for the early detection of LSS. Moreover, it may represent a potential novel treatment target for LSS.
Inter-Visit Reliability of Smooth Pursuit Neck Torsion Test in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Majcen Rosker Ziva , Vodicar Miha , Kristjansson Eythor
Published: April 2021

Visual disturbances are commonly reported in patients with neck pain. Smooth pursuit neck torsion (SPNT) test performed in neutral position and with trunk rotated under the stationary head has been used to discriminate between those with cervical component and those without. However, no studies investigated the reliability of the SPNT-test in patients with chronic neck pain and healthy controls. The aim of this study was to assess inter-visit reliability of the SPNT-test while applying different amplitudes and velocities of target movement. Thirty-two controls and thirty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The SPNT-test was performed in neutral position and through 45° torsion positions. The test was performed at 20°/s, 30°/s and 40°/s velocities and at 30°, 40° and 50° amplitudes of cyclic sinusoidal target movements. Interclass correlation coefficient and smallest detectable change were calculated for parameters of gain and SPNT-differences. In patients, moderate to good reliability was observed for gain at 40° and 50° amplitudes and for 20°/s and 30°/s velocities, while moderate to excellent reliability for gain was observed in controls. Both groups presented with moderate to good reliability for SPNT-difference. Our findings imply that amplitudes of 40° and 50° and velocities of 20°/s and 30°/s are the most reliable and should be applied in future studies assessing oculomotor functions during the SPNT test.
A Novel Hybrid Active Power Filter with Multi-Coupled Coils
Authors: Xue Gang , Chen Baichao , Tian Cuihua , Yuan Jiaxin , Zhou Yuxiong , Chen Guanru , Luo Yao , Chen Yaojun
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a hybrid active power filter (HAPF) with multi-coupled coils, applied to a medium- and high-voltage power grid. The passive filter of the proposed HAPF adopts the structure of multi-coupled coils to compress the traditional multiple LC branches into one branch which presents the same harmonic impedance characteristics as the former multiple LC branches. In the active power filter of the HAPF, a coupled inductor, instead of a transformer, is used to connect with the passive filter. The coupled inductor has mutual inductances with inductors of the passive filter. Through spatial magnetic coupling, the active power filter can inject compensation current into the power grid to eliminate the residual harmonics and absorb active power from the power grid to maintain the DC capacitor voltage. When the active power filter is open-circuited or short-circuited, the filtering effect of the passive filter can still be guaranteed, which improves the reliability of the filter. The benefits of the proposed HAPF with excellent harmonic filtering performance are that the inductors occupy only 1/3 space as compared with traditional three-tuned LC filter, and very small power of the active power filter. The feasibility of the proposed HAPF is verified through simulations and experiment.
A Low-Voltage, Low-Power Reconfigurable Current-Mode Softmax Circuit for Analog Neural Networks
Authors: Vatalaro Massimo , Moposita Tatiana , Strangio Sebastiano , Trojman Lionel , Vladimirescu Andrei , Lanuzza Marco , Crupi Felice
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a novel low-power low-voltage analog implementation of the softmax function, with electrically adjustable amplitude and slope parameters. We propose a modular design, which can be scaled by the number of inputs (and of corresponding outputs). It is composed of input current–voltage linear converter stages (1st stages), MOSFETs operating in a subthreshold regime implementing the exponential functions (2nd stages), and analog divider stages (3rd stages). Each stage is only composed of p-type MOSFET transistors. Designed in a 0.18 µm CMOS technology (TSMC), the proposed softmax circuit can be operated at a supply voltage of 500 mV. A ten-input/ten-output realization occupies a chip area of 2570 µm2 and consumes only 3 µW of power, representing a very compact and energy-efficient option compared to the corresponding digital implementations.
What Do You Want to Eat? Influence of Menu Description and Design on Consumer’s Mind: An fMRI Study
Authors: Gómez-Carmona Diego , Muñoz-Leiva Francisco , Paramio Alberto , Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco , Cruces-Montes Serafín
Published: April 2021

The main objective of this research was to analyse the active regions when processing dishes with a pleasant (vs. unpleasant) design and the effect of the previously read rational (vs. emotional) description when visualising the dish. The functional magnetic resonance image technique was used for the study. The results showed that participants who visualised pleasant vs. unpleasant dishes became active in several domains (e.g., attention, cognition and reward). On the other side, visualisation of unpleasant dishes activated stronger regions linked to inhibition, rejection, and related ambiguity. We found that subjects who read rational descriptions when visualising pleasant dishes activated regions related to congruence integration, while subjects who visualised emotional descriptions showed an increased neuronal response to pleasant dishes in the regions related to memory, emotion and congruence.
Efficiency of In-Store Interventions to Impact Customers to Purchase Healthier Food and Beverage Products in Real-Life Grocery Stores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Slapø Helena , Schjøll Alexander , Strømgren Børge , Sandaker Ingunn , Lekhal Samira
Published: April 2021

Grocery stores are important settings to promote healthier food and beverage choices. The present paper aims at reviewing the effectiveness of different types of in-store interventions and how they impact sales of different product category in real grocery stores. Systematic search was conducted in six databases. In-store interventions were categorized according to the framework by Kraak et al. (2017) into one or more of eight interventions (e.g., place, profile, portion, pricing, promotion, healthy default picks, prompting and proximity). This systematic theme-based review follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) data screening and selection. Thirty-six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 72 combinations of in-store interventions. The analysis demonstrates that interventions overall had small significant effect size (ES) using Cohen’s d on food purchase behavior (d = 0.17, 95% CI [0.04, 0.09]), with largest ES for pricing (d = 0.21) and targeting fruits and vegetables (d = 0.28). Analysis of ES of in-store interventions show that pricing, and pricing combined with promotion and prompting, effectively impacted purchase behavior. Interventions significantly impacted both sales of healthy and unhealthy products and significantly increased sales of fruits and vegetables, healthy beverage and total volume of healthy products. Results should however be interpreted with some caution, given the relatively low quality of overall evidence and low number of studies and observations for some types of intervention. Further research exploring impact on different in-store interventions and targeting especially unhealthy products are needed.
Building Heat Demand Forecasting by Training a Common Machine Learning Model with Physics-Based Simulator
Authors: Kannari Lotta , Kiljander Jussi , Piira Kalevi , Piippo Jouko , Koponen Pekka
Published: April 2021

Accurate short-term forecasts of building energy consumption are necessary for profitable demand response. Short-term forecasting methods can be roughly classified into physics-based modelling and data-based modelling. Both of these approaches have their advantages and disadvantages and it would be therefore ideal to combine them. This paper proposes a novel approach that allows us to combine the best parts of physics-based modelling and machine learning while avoiding many of their drawbacks. A key idea in the approach is to provide a variety of building parameters as input for an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and train the model with data from a large group of simulated buildings. The hypothesis is that this forces the ANN model to learn the underlying simulation model-based physics, and thus enables the ANN model to be used in place of the simulator. The advantages of this type of model is the combination of robustness and accuracy from a high-detail physics-based model with the inference speed, ease of deployment, and support for gradient based optimization provided by the ANN model. To evaluate the approach, an ANN model was developed and trained with simulated data from 900–11,700 buildings, including equal distribution of office buildings, apartment buildings, and detached houses. The performance of the ANN model was evaluated with a test set consisting of 60 buildings (20 buildings for each category). The normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE) were on average 0.050, 0.026, 0.052 for apartment buildings, office buildings, and detached houses, respectively. The results show that the model was able to approximate the simulator with good accuracy also outside of the training data distribution and generalize to new buildings in new geographical locations without any building specific heat demand data.
Lipschitz Stability in Time for Riemann–Liouville Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Hristova Snezhana , Tersian Stepan , Terzieva Radoslava
Published: April 2021

A system of nonlinear fractional differential equations with the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative is considered. Lipschitz stability in time for the studied equations is defined and studied. This stability is connected with the singularity of the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative at the initial point. Two types of derivatives of Lyapunov functions among the studied fractional equations are applied to obtain sufficient conditions for the defined stability property. Some examples illustrate the results.
Current Status of Traditional Korean Medicine Services in Public Sector: A Study for Integrating Traditional Korean Medicine into Community Care System
Authors: Sung Soo-Hyun , Park Minjung , Kim Jihye , Jeon Sun-Woo , Sung Angela Dong-Min , Lee Eun-Jin , Oh Danny , Park Jung-Youn , Park Jang-Kyung , Kim Kyeong Han
Published: April 2021

Korea is currently executing a pilot program for community care of its aging population and aims to implement community care systems on a national scale by 2025. This study examines the traditional Korean medicine (TKM) service to be provided within community care by understanding the current status of TKM services. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MoHW) sent official letters to 242 local governments (cities, districts, and counties) from October to November 2019 to survey the status of the public TKM services provided in 2018. The items of the survey included basic demographic information as well as information that could reveal how the program was implemented. In 112 local government jurisdictions (response rate 46.3%), a total of 867 TKM service programs were in place. As a result of the survey, it was revealed that they did not have any service manuals or evaluation results. To provide home-care-based TKM service for the elderly as an integrated part of a community care system, it is necessary to develop, distribute, and evaluate a standard service manual including an evaluation index by the central government.
The Potential Impact of Selected Bacterial Strains on the Stress Response
Authors: Anker-Ladefoged Clara , Langkamp Thomas , Mueller-Alcazar Anett
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The composition of the microbiome is subject to a variety of factors, such as eating behavior and the history of medical treatment. The interest in the impact of the microbiome on the stress response is mainly explained by the lack of development of new effective treatments for stress-related diseases. This scoping review aims to present the current state of research regarding the impact of bacterial strains in the gut on the stress response in humans in order to not only highlight these impacts but to also suggest potential intervention options. Methods: We included full-text articles on studies that: (a) were consistent with our research question; and (b) included the variable stress either using biomedical parameters such as cortisol or by examining the subjective stress level. Information from selected studies was synthesized from study designs and the main findings. Results: Seven studies were included, although they were heterogenous. The results of these studies do not allow a general statement about the effects of the selected bacterial strains on the stress response of the subjects and their precise pathways of action. However, one of the works gives evidence that the consumption of probiotics leads to a decrease in blood pressure and others show that stress-induced symptoms (including abdominal pain and headache) in healthy subjects could be reduced. Conclusion: Due to different intake period and composition of the bacterial strains administered to the subjects, the studies presented here can only provide a limited meaningful judgement. As these studies included healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 60 years, a generalization to clinical populations is also not recommended. In order to confirm current effects and implement manipulation of the microbiome as a treatment method for clinical cases, future studies would benefit from examining the effects of the intestinal microbiome on the stress response in a clinical setting.
Factors Affecting the Intention to Modify Lifestyle in the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Group in Korea
Authors: Shim JaeLan , Kim KyungAe
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to identify people at risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) using the Framingham risk score (FRS) and to examine their willingness to modify their lifestyle. A descriptive correlational study with 1229 participants, aged 30–74 years, without cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases who visited a health examination center in South Korea was conducted. Of 1229 participants, 455 were identified as high risk for CVD with an FRS of 10 or higher. A logistic regression analysis confirmed age, sex, muscle training, and weekly drinking frequency as predictors of intention to quit smoking; age, smoking, and waist to height ratio (WHtR) as predictors of intention to quit drinking; sex and WHtR as predictors of intention to engage in physical exercise; and hypertension and body mass index as predictors of intention of muscle training. People at high risk for CVD lack willingness to modify their lifestyle, and aggressive, customized intervention is needed to promote lifestyle modification.
Is Architecture Connected with Intangible Cultural Heritage? Reflections from Architectural Digital Documentation and Interactive Application Design in Three Aegean Islands
Authors: Chatzigrigoriou Pavlos , Nikolakopoulou Vasiliki , Vakkas Theodoros , Vosinakis Spyros , Koutsabasis Panayiotis
Published: April 2021

The research project “Mouseion Topos” (in English: “Museums Place”), focusing on traditional local settlements situated at three Aegean islands, aims to contribute to the promotion of their physiognomy and intangible cultural heritage by connecting regional museums with each settlement. The present article, part of the project’s initial phase, via the application of the HERMeS methodology (version 1 and 2) and the development of the associate digital documentation tools, identifies and records the architectural and urban elements influenced by each settlement’s intangible cultural heritage as listed by UNESCO and presented by their corresponding museums. The research findings revealed connections between the museums’ content and the documented tangible heritage based on the formulated conceptual and heatmaps, which can be used at the early design stages of the current project’s interactive applications, especially in mobile tours. Finally, the research findings verify that despite the limitations and issues for further research, the introduced HERMeS methodology and digital tools are reliable and contribute to the respective field’s theory. The paper also provides beneficial deliberation on digital architectural heritage documentation methods and interactive technologies, highlighting points and areas of interest that the tourist industry, technology designers, museum curators, and architects can employ.
Importance of Bioactive Substances in Sheep’s Milk in Human Health
Authors: Flis Zuzanna , Molik Edyta
Published: April 2021

Sheep’s milk is an important source of bioactive substances that have health-promoting functions for the body. The valuable composition of sheep’s milk is due to the high content of fatty acids, immunoglobulins, proteins, hormones, vitamins and minerals. Many biopeptides found in milk have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive substances of sheep’s milk also show anticancer properties. Sheep’s milk, thanks to its content of CLA and orotic acid, prevents the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Sheep’s milk, as a product rich in bioactive substances, can be used as a medical aid to support the body in the fight against neurological and cancer diseases.
Recent Progress on Supramolecular Luminescent Assemblies Based on Aurophilic Interactions in Solution
Authors: Romo-Islas Guillermo , Gavara Raquel
Published: April 2021

The development of supramolecular systems showing aurophilic interactions in solution is gaining much attention in the last years. This is due to the intriguing photophysical properties of gold(I) complexes, which usually confer to these supramolecular assemblies interesting luminescent properties, as well as the possibility of morphological modulation, through fine tuning of inter- and intramolecular aurophilic interactions, in synergy with the formation of other supramolecular contacts. In this work, an overview of the advances made in this area since 2015 is presented. A large variety of systems showing different spectroscopical and structural topologies has been reported. Moreover, these supramolecular assemblies have proven to be useful in a wide range of applications.
Safety and Feasibility of MitraClip Implantation in Patients with Acute Mitral Regurgitation after Recent Myocardial Infarction and Severe Left Ventricle Dysfunction
Authors: Haberman Dan , Estévez-Loureiro Rodrigo , Benito-Gonzalez Tomas , Denti Paolo , Arzamendi Dabit , Adamo Marianna , Freixa Xavier , Nombela-Franco Luis , Villablanca Pedro , Krivoshei Lian , Fam Neil , Spargias Konstantinos , Czarnecki Andrew , Pascual Isaac , Praz Fabien , Sudarsky Doron , Kerner Arthur , Ninios Vlasis , Gennari Marco , Beeri Ronen , Perl Leor , Danenberg Haim , Poles Lion , Shimoni Sara , Goland Sorel , Caneiro-Queija Berenice , Scianna Salvatore , Moaraf Igal , Schiavi Davide , Scardino Claudia , Corpataux Noé , Echarte-Morales Julio , Chrissoheris Michael , Fernández-Peregrina Estefanía , Di Pasquale Mattia , Regueiro Ander , Vergara-Uzcategui Carlos , Iñiguez-Romo Andres , Fernández-Vázquez Felipe , Dvir Danny , Taramasso Maurizio , Shuvy Mony
Published: April 2021

Patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) after myocardial infarction (MI) have an increased risk of mortality. Transcatheter mitral valve repair may therefore be a suitable therapy. However, data on clinical outcomes of patients in an acute setting are scarce, especially those with reduced left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. We conducted a multinational, collaborative data analysis from 21 centers for patients who were, within 90 days of acute MI, treated with MitraClip due to severe MR. The cohort was divided according to median left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF)—35%. Included in the study were 105 patients. The mean age was 71 ± 10 years. Patients in the LVEF < 35% group were younger but with comparable Euroscore II, multivessel coronary artery disease, prior MI and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Procedure time was comparable and acute success rate was high in both groups (94% vs. 90%, p = 0.728). MR grade was significantly reduced in both groups along with an immediate reduction in left atrial V-wave, pulmonary artery pressure and improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. In-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were not significantly different between the two groups (11% vs. 7%, p = 0.51 and 19% vs. 12%, p = 0.49) and neither was the 3-month re-hospitalization rate. In conclusion, MitraClip intervention in patients with acute severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) due to a recent MI in an acute setting is safe and feasible. Even patients with severe LV dysfunction may benefit from transcatheter mitral valve intervention and should not be excluded.
New “Wrinkle Method” for Intracorporeal Anterior Vaginal Wall Plication during Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Lee Sa Ra , Kim Ju Hee , Kim Sung Hoon , Chae Hee Dong
Published: April 2021

In this study, we introduce a new wrinkle method for intracorporeal anterior vaginal wall plication during sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) aiming to decrease POP recurrence and postoperative vaginal wall mesh erosion. The wrinkle method was performed using robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) on 57 symptomatic POP patients. Sixty-six patients underwent conventional RSC before the development of the wrinkle method. Feasibility and perioperative outcomes were compared. The wrinkle method is not time consuming. The total operative time was shorter in the wrinkle group than in the non-wrinkle group; however, this was attributed to lower adhesiolysis in the wrinkle group. No differences were recorded in the mean estimated blood loss and complication rates between the two groups. In conclusion, although we were unable to confirm that the wrinkle method decreased POP recurrence and vaginal wall mesh erosion after RSC because of the short follow-up period, our preliminary findings are positive in terms of safety. Further long-term well designed randomized controlled trials are required to elucidate the benefits of the wrinkle method.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients with Heart Disease and Preserved Systolic Function: Current Options for Risk Stratification
Authors: Pannone Luigi , Falasconi Giulio , Cianfanelli Lorenzo , Baldetti Luca , Moroni Francesco , Spoladore Roberto , Vergara Pasquale
Published: April 2021

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery disease without severe systolic dysfunction and in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. From a global health perspective, while risk may be lower, the absolute number of SCDs in patients with left ventricle ejection fraction >35% is higher than in those with severely reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (defined as ≤35%). Despite these observations and the high amount of available data, to date there are no clear recommendations to reduce the sudden cardiac death burden in the population with mid-range or preserved left ventricle ejection fraction. Ongoing improvements in risk stratification based on electrophysiological and imaging techniques point towards a more precise identification of patients who would benefit from ICD implantation, which is still an unmet need in this subset of patients. The aim of this review is to provide a state-of-the-art approach in sudden cardiac death risk stratification of patients with mid-range and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and one of the following etiologies: ischemic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, atrial fibrillation or myocarditis.
Evolution of Quality of Life in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Candel-Parra Eduardo , Córcoles-Jiménez María Pilar , Delicado-Useros Victoria , Hernández-Martínez Antonio , Molina-Alarcón Milagros
Published: April 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that results in important functional symptoms, altered mood, and deterioration in quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to determine the evolution of the QoL in persons with PD in the Albacete health district over a two-year period and identify associated sociodemographic, clinical, and socio-health characteristics. A cohort study was conducted of patients at different stages of PD in the Albacete health district. Calculated sample size: 155 patients. Instruments: A purpose-designed questionnaire for data collection and the “Parkinson Disease Questionnaire” (PDQ-39), which measures 8 dimensions and a global index where a higher score indicates worse quality of life. Three measurements were made: baseline, one year, two years. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was conducted. Ethical aspects: informed consent, anonymized data. Results: Mean age 69.51 (standard deviation, SD 8.73) years, 60% male, 75.5% married, and 85.5% lived with family. The most frequent motor symptoms were slow movement (86.23%), postural instability (55.5%), tremor (45.5%), and dyskinesia (24.6%). Among the non-motor symptoms were fatigue (66.2%), pain, daytime somnolence, constipation, and apathy, with approximately 50% each. The mean QoL score at baseline was 27.47 (SD 16.14); 95% CI (confidence interval) 24.91–30.03. At two years, global QoL had slightly worsened (28.3; SD 17.26; 95% CI 25.41–31.18), with a statistically significant worsening in mobility, activities of daily living, and communication, whereas social support improved.
Hyperuricemia as a Marker of Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the POL-AF Registry Study
Authors: Wełnicki Marcin , Gorczyca Iwona , Wójcik Wiktor , Jelonek Olga , Maciorowska Małgorzata , Uziębło-Życzkowska Beata , Wójcik Maciej , Błaszczyk Robert , Rajtar-Salwa Renata , Tokarek Tomasz , Bil Jacek , Wojewódzki Michał , Szpotowicz Anna , Krzciuk Małgorzata , Gawałko Monika , Kapłon-Cieślicka Agnieszka , Tomaszuk-Kazberuk Anna , Szyszkowska Anna , Bednarski Janusz , Bakuła-Ostalska Elwira , Wożakowska-Kapłon Beata , Mamcarz Artur
Published: April 2021

Background: Hyperuricemia is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF). The prevalence of hyperuricemia and its clinical significance in patients with already diagnosed AF remain unexplored. Methods: The Polish Atrial Fibrillation (POL-AF) registry includes consecutive patients with AF hospitalized in 10 Polish cardiology centers from January to December 2019. This analysis included patients in whom serum uric acid (SUA) was measured. Results: From 3999 POL-AF patients, 1613 were included in the analysis. The mean age of the subjects was 72 ± 11.6 years, and the mean SUA was 6.88 ± 1.93 mg/dL. Hyperuricemia was found in 43% of respondents. Eighty-four percent of the respondents were assigned to the high cardiovascular risk group, and 45% of these had SUA >7 mg/dL. Comparison of the extreme SUA groups (<5 mg/dL vs. >7 mg/dL) showed significant differences in renal parameters, total cholesterol concentration, and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). Multivariate regression analysis showed that SUA >7 mg/dL (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.32–2.30) and GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.46–2.48) are significant markers of EF <40% in the study population. Female sex was a protective factor (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56–0.97). The cut-off point for SUA with 60% sensitivity and specificity indicative of an EF <40% was 6.9 mg/dL. Conclusions: Although rarely assessed, hyperuricemia appears to be common in patients with AF. High SUA levels may be a significant biomarker of reduced left ventricular EF in AF patients.
Machine Learning Driven Prediction of Residual Stresses for the Shot Peening Process Using a Finite Element Based Grey-Box Model Approach
Authors: Ralph Benjamin James , Hartl Karin , Sorger Marcel , Schwarz-Gsaxner Andreas , Stockinger Martin
Published: April 2021

The shot peening process is a common procedure to enhance fatigue strength on load-bearing components in the metal processing environment. The determination of optimal process parameters is often carried out by costly practical experiments. An efficient method to predict the resulting residual stress profile using different parameters is finite element analysis. However, it is not possible to include all influencing factors of the materials’ physical behavior and the process conditions in a reasonable simulation. Therefore, data-driven models in combination with experimental data tend to generate a significant advantage for the accuracy of the resulting process model. For this reason, this paper describes the development of a grey-box model, using a two-dimensional geometry finite element modeling approach. Based on this model, a Python framework was developed, which is capable of predicting residual stresses for common shot peening scenarios. This white-box-based model serves as an initial state for the machine learning technique introduced in this work. The resulting algorithm is able to add input data from practical residual stress experiments by adapting the initial model, resulting in a steady increase of accuracy. To demonstrate the practical usage, a corresponding Graphical User Interface capable of recommending shot peening parameters based on user-required residual stresses was developed.
Rapid Assessment of Tsunami Offshore Propagation and Inundation with D-FLOW Flexible Mesh and SFINCS for the 2011 Tōhoku Tsunami in Japan
Authors: Röbke Björn R. , Leijnse Tim , Winter Gundula , van Ormondt Maarten , van Nieuwkoop Joana , de Graaff Reimer
Published: April 2021

This study demonstrates the skills of D-FLOW Flexible Mesh (FM) and SFINCS (Super-Fast INundation of CoastS) in combination with the Delft Dashboard Tsunami Toolbox to numerically simulate tsunami offshore propagation and inundation based on the example of the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami in Japan. Caused by a megathrust earthquake, this is one of the most severe tsunami events in recent history, resulting in vast inundation and devastation of the Japanese coast. The comparison of the simulated with the measured offshore water levels at four DART buoys located in the north-western Pacific Ocean shows that especially the FM but also the SFINCS model accurately reproduce the observed tsunami propagation. The inundation observed at the Sendai coast is well reproduced by both models. All in all, the model outcomes are consistent with the findings gained in earlier simulation studies. Depending on the specific needs of future tsunami simulations, different possibilities for the application of both models are conceivable: (i) the exclusive use of FM to achieve high accuracy of the tsunami offshore propagation, with the option to use an all-in-one model domain (no nesting required) and to add tsunami sediment dynamics, (ii) the combined use of FM for the accurate simulation of the tsunami propagation and of SFINCS for the accurate and time efficient simulation of the onshore inundation and (iii) the exclusive use of SFINCS to get a reliable picture of the tsunami propagation and accurate results for the onshore inundation within seconds of computational time. This manuscript demonstrates the suitability of FM and SFINCS for the rapid and reliable assessment of tsunami propagation and inundation and discusses use cases of the three model combinations that form an important base for tsunami risk management.
Temporal Dominance of B.1.1.7 over B.1.354 SARS-CoV-2 Variant: A Hypothesis Based on Areas of Variant Co-Circulation
Authors: Kostaki Evangelia Georgia , Tseti Ioulia , Tsiodras Sotirios , Pavlakis George N. , Sfikakis Petros P. , Paraskevis Dimitrios
Published: April 2021

Some emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants raise concerns due to their altered biological properties. For both B.1.1.7 and B.1351 variants, named as variants of concern (VOC), increased transmissibility was reported, whereas B.1.351 was more resistant to multiple monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as well as convalescent and vaccination sera. To test this hypothesis, we examined the proportion of VOC over time across different geographic areas where the two VOC, B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, co-circulate. Our comparative analysis was based on the number of SARS-CoV-2 sequences on GISAID database. We report that B.1.1.7 dominates over B.1.351 in geographic areas where both variants co-circulate and the B.1.1.7 was the first variant introduced in the population. The only areas where B.1.351 was detected at higher proportion were South Africa and Mayotte in Africa, where this strain was associated with increased community transmission before the detection of B.1.1.7. The dominance of B.1.1.7 over B.1.351 could be important since B.1.351 was more resistant to certain mAbs, as well as heterologous convalescent and vaccination sera, thus suggesting that it may be transmitted more effectively in people with pre-existing immunity to other VOC. This scenario would lessen the effectiveness of vaccine and urge the need to update them with new strains.
Equity Cost Induced Dichotomy for Optimal Dividends with Capital Injections in the Cramér-Lundberg Model
Authors: Avram Florin , Goreac Dan , Li Juan , Wu Xiaochi
Published: April 2021

We investigate a control problem leading to the optimal payment of dividends in a Cramér-Lundberg-type insurance model in which capital injections incur proportional cost, and may be used or not, the latter resulting in bankruptcy. For general claims, we provide verification results, using the absolute continuity of super-solutions of a convenient Hamilton-Jacobi variational inequality. As a by-product, for exponential claims, we prove the optimality of bounded buffer capital injections (−a,0,b) policies. These policies consist in stopping at the first time when the size of the overshoot below 0 exceeds a certain limit a, and only pay dividends when the reserve reaches an upper barrier b. An exhaustive and explicit characterization of optimal couples buffer/barrier is given via comprehensive structure equations. The optimal buffer is shown never to be of de Finetti (a=0) or Shreve-Lehoczy-Gaver (a=∞) type. The study results in a dichotomy between cheap and expensive equity, based on the cost-of-borrowing parameter, thus providing a non-trivial generalization of the Lokka-Zervos phase-transition Løkka-Zervos (2008). In the first case, companies start paying dividends at the barrier b*=0, while in the second they must wait for reserves to build up to some (fully determined) b*>0 before paying dividends.
Isolation and Characterization of Novel Bacteria Capable of Degrading 1,4-Dioxane in the Presence of Diverse Co-Occurring Compounds
Authors: Tusher Tanmoy Roy , Shimizu Takuya , Inoue Chihiro , Chien Mei-Fang
Published: April 2021

Biodegradation is found to be a promising, cost-effective and eco-friendly option for the treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated by 1,4-dioxane (1,4-D), a highly stable synthetic chemical and probable human carcinogen. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize metabolic 1,4-D-degrading bacteria from a stable 1,4-D-degrading microbial consortium. Three bacterial strains (designated as strains TS28, TS32, and TS43) capable of degrading 1,4-D as a sole carbon and energy source were isolated and identified as Gram-positive Pseudonocardia sp. (TS28) and Gram-negative Dokdonella sp. (TS32) and Afipia sp. (TS43). This study, for the first time, confirmed that the genus Dokdonella is involved in the biodegradation of 1,4-D. The results reveal that all of the isolated strains possess inducible 1,4-D-degrading enzymes and also confirm the presence of a gene encoding tetrahydrofuran/dioxane monooxygenase (thmA/dxmA) belonging to group 5 soluble di-iron monooxygenases (SDIMOs) in both genomic and plasmid DNA of each of the strains, which is possibly responsible for the initial oxidation of 1,4-D. Moreover, the isolated strains showed a broad substrate range and are capable of degrading 1,4-D in the presence of additional substrates, including easy-to-degrade compounds, 1,4-D biodegradation intermediates, structural analogs, and co-contaminants of 1,4-D. This indicates the potential of the isolated strains, especially strain TS32, in removing 1,4-D from contaminated industrial wastewater containing additional organic load. Additionally, the results will help to improve our understanding of how multiple 1,4-D-degraders stably co-exist and interact in the consortium, relying on a single carbon source (1,4-D) in order to develop an efficient biological 1,4-D treatment system.
Gut Microbiome of Indonesian Adults Associated with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Asian City, Yogyakarta
Authors: Therdtatha Phatthanaphong , Song Yayi , Tanaka Masaru , Mariyatun Mariyatun , Almunifah Maisaroh , Manurung Nancy Eka Putri , Indriarsih Siska , Lu Yi , Nagata Koji , Fukami Katsuya , Ikeda Tetsuo , Lee Yuan-Kun , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Nakayama Jiro
Published: April 2021

Indonesia is a developing country facing the national problem of the growing obesity and diabetes in its population due to recent drastic dietary and lifestyle changes. To understand the link between the gut microbiome, diet, and health of Indonesian people, fecal microbiomes and metabolomes of 75 Indonesian adults in Yogyakarta City, including obese people (n = 21), type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients (n = 25), and the controls (n = 29) were characterized together with their dietary and medical records. Variations of microbiomes showed a triangular distribution in the principal component analysis, driven by three dominant bacterial genera, namely Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Romboutsia. The Romboutsia-driven microbiome, characterized by low bacterial diversity and high primary bile acids, was associated with fat-driven obesity. The Bacteroides-driven microbiome, which counteracted Prevotella but was associated with Ruminococcaceae concomitantly increased with high-carbohydrate diets, showed positive correlation with T2D indices but negative correlation with body mass index. Notably, Bacteroides fragilis was increased in T2D patients with a decrease in fecal conjugated bile acids, particularly tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonist with anti-diabetic activity, while these features disappeared in patients administered metformin. These results indicate that the gut microbiome status of Indonesian adults is differently associated with obesity and T2D under their varied dietary habits.
Risk Assessment of Bovine Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II DRB3 Alleles for Perinatal Transmission of Bovine Leukemia Virus
Authors: Borjigin Liushiqi , Lo Chieh-Wen , Bai Lanlan , Hamada Rania , Sato Hirotaka , Yoneyama Shuji , Yasui Anna , Yasuda Sohei , Yamanaka Risa , Mimura Munehito , Inokuma Michihito , Shinozaki Yasuo , Tanaka Naoko , Takeshima Shin-Nosuke , Aida Yoko
Published: April 2021

Perinatal transmission plays a critical role in the spread of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in cattle herds. In the Holstein breed, we previously identified BLV resistant and susceptible bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3 alleles, including BoLA-DRB3*009:02 and *014:01:01 with a low BLV proviral load (PVL), and *015:01 and *012:01 with a high PVL. Here, we evaluated the perinatal BLV transmission risk in dams with different BoLA-DRB3 alleles. BoLA-DRB3 alleles of 120 dam-calf pairs from five dairy farms in Japan were identified; their PVL was quantified using the BLV-Coordination of Common Motifs (CoCoMo)-qPCR-2 assay. Ninety-six dams were BLV-positive, and 29 gave birth to BLV-infected calves. Perinatal transmission frequency was 19% in dams with resistant alleles suppressed to a low PVL level, and 38% and 25% in dams with susceptible and neutral alleles that maintained high PVL levels, respectively. Notably, all calves with resistant alleles were BLV free, whereas 30% of calves with susceptible genes were infected. Thus, vertical transmission risk was extremely lower for dams and calves with resistant alleles compared to those with susceptible alleles. Our results can inform the development of effective BLV eradication programs under field conditions by providing necessary data to allow for optimal selection of dams for breeding.
Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Spondias mangifera Extract Fractions: An In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Approach
Authors: Khalid Mohammad , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Shoaib Ambreen , Arif Muhammad , Foudah Ahmed I. , Afzal Obaid , Ali Abuzer , Ali Amena , Alqahtani Saad S. , Altamimi Abdulmalik S. A.
Published: April 2021

The fruits of Spondias mangifera (S. mangifera) have traditionally been used for the management of rheumatism in the northeast region of India. The present study explores the probable anti-arthritis and anti-inflammatory potential of S. mangifera fruit extract’s ethanolic fraction (EtoH-F). To support this study, we first approached the parameters in silico by means of the active constituents of the plant (beta amyrin, beta sitosterol, oleonolic acid and co-crystallised ligands, i.e., SPD-304) via molecular docking on COX-1, COX-2 and TNF-α. Thereafter, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties were also determined, and finally experimental activity was performed in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro activities of the plant extract fractions were evaluated by means of parameters like 1,1-Diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), free radical-reducing potential, albumin denaturation, and protease inhibitory activity. The in vivo activity was evaluated using parameters like COX, TNF-α and IL-6 inhibition assay and arthritis score in Freund Adjuvant (CFA) models at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. per day of different fractions (hexane, chloroform, alcoholic). The molecular docking assay was performed on COX-1, COX-2 and TNF-α. The results of in vitro studies showed concentration-dependent reduction in albumin denaturation, protease inhibitors and scavenging activity at 500 µg/mL. Administration of the S. mangifera alcoholic fraction at the abovementioned dose resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in arthritis score, paw diameters, TNF-α, IL-6 as compared to diseased animals. The docking results showed that residues show a critical binding affinity with TNF-α and act as the TNF-α antagonist. The alcoholic fraction of S. mangifera extract possesses beneficial effects on rheumatoid arthritis as well as anti-inflammatory potential, and can further can be used as a possible agent for novel target-based therapies for the management of arthritis.