bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACE Inhibitory Properties and Phenolics Profile of Fermented Flours and of Baked and Digested Biscuits from Buckwheat
Authors: Zieliński Henryk , Honke Joanna , Topolska Joanna , Bączek Natalia , Piskuła Mariusz Konrad , Wiczkowski Wiesław , Wronkowska Małgorzata
Published: June 2020

The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and phenolics profile of fermented flours and of baked and digested buckwheat biscuits was studied. The fermentation of buckwheat flour by select lactic acid bacteria (LAB) caused a decrease in ACE inhibitory activity as compared to the non-fermented flour. The baking process significantly reduced the ACE inhibitory activity of biscuits obtained from fermented flours, whereas digestion significantly increased these properties. In non-fermented and fermented flours and buckwheat biscuits before and after in vitro digestion samples, ten phenolic acids and eight flavonoids were found. Highly significant correlations were found between sample concentration of 50% inhibition of ACE (IC50) and total phenolic compounds of fermented flour and biscuits before and after digestion for each applied LAB, thus indicating a link between phenolic compound content and ACE inhibitory activity. In the digested biscuits, the input to ACE inhibitory activity was provided by p-coumaric, sinapic, syringic, vanillic, and protocatechuic acids as well as by kaempherol, quercetin, apigenin, and orientin. Therefore, it can be concluded that cumulative action of those phenolic acids and flavonoids released after digestion is responsible, in part, for the bioaccessible ACE inhibitory activity of buckwheat biscuits.
Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Atheroprotective Properties of Wheat Gluten Protein Hydrolysates in Primary Human Monocytes
Authors: Montserrat-de la Paz Sergio , Rodriguez-Martin Noelia M. , Villanueva Alvaro , Pedroche Justo , Cruz-Chamorro Ivan , Millan Francisco , Millan-Linares Maria C.
Published: June 2020

Bioactive protein hydrolysates have been identified in several sources as possible agents in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. A wheat gluten (WG) concentrate was hydrolyzed by Alcalase under specific conditions. The resulting hydrolysates were evaluated by in vitro cell-free experiments leading to the identification of one bioactive WG protein hydrolysate (WGPH), which was used at 50 and 100 μg/mL on primary human monocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrite levels and RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques were used to analyze the functional activity of WGPH. Our results showed that WGPH hydrolyzed in 45 min (WGPH45A) down-regulated gene expression of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and Interferon gamma (IFNγ) and reduced cytokine release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes. In addition, WGPH45A down-regulated gene-related to atherosclerotic onset. Our results suggest that WGPH45A has a potent anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties, reducing the expression of gene-related inflammation and atherosclerosis that could be instrumental in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.
Are Combined Tourism Forecasts Better at Minimizing Forecasting Errors?
Authors: Gunter Ulrich , Önder Irem , Smeral Egon
Published: June 2020

This study, which was contracted by the European Commission and is geared towards easy replicability by practitioners, compares the accuracy of individual and combined approaches to forecasting tourism demand for the total European Union. The evaluation of the forecasting accuracies was performed recursively (i.e., based on expanding estimation windows) for eight quarterly periods spanning two years in order to check the stability of the outcomes during a changing macroeconomic environment. The study sample includes Eurostat data from January 2005 until August 2017, and out of sample forecasts were calculated for the last two years for three and six months ahead. The analysis of the out-of-sample forecasts for arrivals and overnights showed that forecast combinations taking the historical forecasting performance of individual approaches such as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models, REGARIMA models with different trend variables, and Error Trend Seasonal (ETS) models into account deliver the best results.
Predicting Clinical Dementia Rating Using Blood RNA Levels
Authors: Miller Justin B. , Kauwe John S. K.
Published: June 2020

The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) is commonly used to assess cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease patients and is included in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset. We divided 741 ADNI participants with blood microarray data into three groups based on their most recent CDR assessment: cognitive normal (CDR = 0), mild cognitive impairment (CDR = 0.5), and probable Alzheimer’s disease (CDR ≥ 1.0). We then used machine learning to predict cognitive status using only blood RNA levels. Only one probe for chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) was significant after correction. However, by combining individually nonsignificant probes with p-values less than 0.1, we averaged 87.87% (s = 1.02) predictive accuracy for classifying the three groups, compared to a 55.46% baseline for this study due to unequal group sizes. The best model had an overall precision of 0.902, recall of 0.895, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area of 0.904. Although we identified one significant probe in CLIC1, CLIC1 levels alone were not sufficient to predict dementia status and cannot be used alone in a clinical setting. Additional analyses combining individually suggestive, but nonsignificant, blood RNA levels were significantly predictive and may improve diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, we propose that patient features that do not individually predict cognitive status might still contribute to overall cognitive decline through interactions that can be elucidated through machine learning.
Four Individuals with a Homozygous Mutation in Exon 1f of the PLEC Gene and Associated Myasthenic Features
Authors: Mroczek Magdalena , Durmus Hacer , Töpf Ana , Parman Yesim , Straub Volker
Published: June 2020

We identified the known c.1_9del mutation in the PLEC gene in four unrelated females from consanguineous families of Turkish origin. All individuals presented with slowly progressive limb-girdle weakness without any dermatological findings, and dystrophic changes observed in their muscle biopsies. Additionally, the neurological examination revealed ptosis, facial weakness, fatigability, and muscle cramps in all four cases. In two patients, repetitive nerve stimulation showed a borderline decrement and a high jitter was detected in all patients by single-fiber electromyography. Clinical improvement was observed after treatment with pyridostigmine and salbutamol was started. We further characterize the phenotype of patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R17 clinically, by muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and by describing a common 3.8 Mb haplotype in three individuals from the same geographical region. In addition, we review the neuromuscular symptoms associated with PLEC mutations and the role of plectin in the neuromuscular junction.
PTEN Alterations and Their Role in Cancer Management: Are We Making Headway on Precision Medicine?
Authors: Fusco Nicola , Sajjadi Elham , Venetis Konstantinos , Gaudioso Gabriella , Lopez Gianluca , Corti Chiara , Guerini Rocco Elena , Criscitiello Carmen , Malapelle Umberto , Invernizzi Marco
Published: June 2020

Alterations in the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) occur in a substantial proportion of solid tumors. These events drive tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Given its central role as a downregulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, PTEN is deeply involved in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. This gene is also implicated in the modulation of the DNA damage response and in tumor immune microenvironment modeling. Despite the actionability of PTEN alterations, their role as biomarkers remains controversial in clinical practice. To date, there is still a substantial lack of validated guidelines and/or recommendations for PTEN testing. Here, we provide an update on the current state of knowledge on biologic and genetic alterations of PTEN across the most frequent solid tumors, as well as on their actual and/or possible clinical applications. We focus on possible tailored schemes for cancer patients’ clinical management, including risk assessment, diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment.
Cardiac Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Nr4a1 Mediated Glucose Metabolism Dysregulation in Response to High-Fat Diet
Authors: Men Lihui , Hui Wenting , Guan Xin , Song Tongtong , Wang Xuan , Zhang Siwei , Chen Xia
Published: June 2020

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), with limited alterations in cardiac genomic characteristics known. Cardiac transcriptome analysis was conducted to profile gene signatures in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. A total of 184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between groups. Based on the gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs, the critical role of closely interlocked glucose metabolism was determined in HFD-induced cardiac remodeling DEGs, including Nr4a1, Fgf21, Slc2a3, Pck1, Gck, Hmgcs2, and Bpgm. Subsequently, the expression levels of these DEGs were evaluated in both the myocardium and palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes using qPCR. Nr4a1 was highlighted according to its overexpression resulting from the HFD. Additionally, inhibition of Nr4a1 by siRNA reversed the PA-induced altered expression of glucose metabolism-related DEGs and hexokinase 2 (HK2), the rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, thus indicating that Nr4a1 could modulate glucose metabolism homeostasis by regulating the expression of key enzymes in glycolysis, which may subsequently influence cardiac function in obesity. Overall, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the myocardium transcript molecular framework influenced by HFD and propose Nr4a1 as a key glucose metabolism target in obesity-induced CVD.
Optimized NGS Approach for Detection of Aneuploidies and Mosaicism in PGT-A and Imbalances in PGT-SR
Authors: García-Pascual Carmen M. , Navarro-Sánchez Luis , Navarro Roser , Martínez Lucía , Jiménez Jorge , Rodrigo Lorena , Simón Carlos , Rubio Carmen
Published: June 2020

The detection of chromosomal aneuploidies and mosaicism degree in preimplantation embryos may be essential for achieving pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the robustness of diagnosing homogenous and mosaic aneuploidies using a validated algorithm and the minimal resolution for de novo and inherited deletions and duplications (Del/Dup). Two workflows were developed and validated: (a,b) preimplantation genetic testing for uniform whole and segmental aneuploidies, plus mixtures of euploid/aneuploid genomic DNA to develop an algorithm for detecting mosaicism; and (c) preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements for detecting Del/Dup ≥ 6 Mb. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed with automatic library preparation and multiplexing up to 24–96 samples. Specificity and sensitivity for PGT-A were both 100% for whole chromosomes and segmentals. The thresholds stablished for mosaicism were: euploid embryos (<30% aneuploidy), low mosaic (from 30% to <50%), high mosaic (50–70%) or aneuploid (>70%). In the PGT-SR protocol, changes were made to increase the detection level to ≥6 Mb. This is the first study reporting an accurate assessment of semiautomated-NGS protocols using Reproseq on pools of cells. Both protocols allow for the analysis of homogeneous and segmental aneuploidies, different degrees of mosaicism, and small Del/Dup with high sensitivity and specificity.
Detection of Novel QTLs for Late Blight Resistance Derived from the Wild Potato Species Solanum microdontum and Solanum pampasense
Authors: Meade Fergus , Hutten Ronald , Wagener Silke , Prigge Vanessa , Dalton Emmet , Kirk Hanne Grethe , Griffin Denis , Milbourne Dan
Published: June 2020

Wild potato species continue to be a rich source of genes for resistance to late blight in potato breeding. Whilst many dominant resistance genes from such sources have been characterised and used in breeding, quantitative resistance also offers potential for breeding when the loci underlying the resistance can be identified and tagged using molecular markers. In this study, F1 populations were created from crosses between blight susceptible parents and lines exhibiting strong partial resistance to late blight derived from the South American wild species Solanum microdontum and Solanum pampasense. Both populations exhibited continuous variation for resistance to late blight over multiple field-testing seasons. High density genetic maps were created using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, enabling mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for late blight resistance that were consistently expressed over multiple years in both populations. In the population created with the S. microdontum source, QTLs for resistance consistently expressed over three years and explaining a large portion (21–47%) of the phenotypic variation were found on chromosomes 5 and 6, and a further resistance QTL on chromosome 10, apparently related to foliar development, was discovered in 2016 only. In the population created with the S. pampasense source, QTLs for resistance were found in over two years on chromosomes 11 and 12. For all loci detected consistently across years, the QTLs span known R gene clusters and so they likely represent novel late blight resistance genes. Simple genetic models following the effect of the presence or absence of SNPs associated with consistently effective loci in both populations demonstrated that marker assisted selection (MAS) strategies to introgress and pyramid these loci have potential in resistance breeding strategies.
Diagenetic Clay Minerals and Their Controls on Reservoir Properties of the Shahbazpur Gas Field (Bengal Basin, Bangladesh)
Authors: Hasan Md Nahidul , Yeasmin Rumana , Rahman M. Julleh Jalalur , Potter-McIntyre Sally
Published: June 2020

Clay mineralogy and diagenesis affect the reservoir quality of the Neogene Surma Group in the Hatiya trough of Bengal Basin, Bangladesh. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analyses of diagenetic clay minerals from Shahbazpur#2 well reveal that on average illite is the dominant clay mineral (50%), followed by chlorite (24%), kaolinite (23%) and smectite (2.50%). The absence of smectite at Core-2 (3259.80 m to 3269 m) results from the total transformation of smectite to illite owing to burial depth and high K–feldspar. The diagenetic changes are a result of chemical processes such as cementation, chlorite authigenesis, dissolution, alteration and replacement that have significantly affected the reservoir properties. Cementation plays an important role in reducing reservoir properties with pore and fracture filling cement. The relative percentage of illite and smectite minerals (>90% illite in I/S mixed layer) and Kübler index value (0.34° to 0.76° Δ2θ) indicate a diagenetic zone with subsurface temperatures of 120–180 °C in the studied samples. The temperature range determined using clay percentages and the Kübler index as a geothermometer is supported by observed diagenetic features such as quartz overgrowths, smectite to illite transformations and chlorite coatings. The diagenetic features cause variable reservoir porosity and permeability that are critical in planning exploration and development programs of this field or analog fields across the Bengal Basin.
Inter-Relationships between Frailty, Sarcopenia, Undernutrition and Dysphagia in Older People Who Are Admitted to Acute Frailty and Medical Wards: Is There an Older Adult Quartet?
Authors: Smithard David , Hansjee Dharinee , Henry Darrien , Mitchell Laura , Sabaharwal Arjun , Salkeld Jo , Yeung Eirene , Younus Osman , Swaine Ian
Published: June 2020

Introduction: With increasing age the prevalence of frailty, sarcopenia, undernutrition and dysphagia increases. These are all independent markers of outcome. This study explores the prevalence of these four and explores relationships between them. Methods: A convenience sample of 122 patients admitted to acute medical and frailty wards were recruited. Each was assessed using appropriate screening tools; Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) for frailty, SARC-F for sarcopenia, Nutritional Risk Tool (NRT) for nutritional status and 4QT for dysphagia. Results: The mean age of the participants was 80.53 years (65–99 years), and 50.37% (68) were female. Overall, 111 of the 122 (91.0%) reported the presence of at least one of the quartet. The median CFS was 5 (1–9), with 84 patients (68.9%) having a score of ≥5 (moderate or severely frail); The median SARC-F was 5 (0–10), with 64 patients (52.5%) having a score of ≥5; The median NRT was 0 (0–8) and 33 patients (27.0%) scored ≥ 1. A total of 77 patients (63.1%) reported no difficulty with swallowing/dysphagia (4QT ≥ 1) and 29 (23.7%) had only one factor. Sixteen patients (13.1%) had all four. There was a significant correlation between nutritional status and dysphagia, but not with frailty or sarcopenia. There were significant correlations between frailty and both sarcopenia and dysphagia. Conclusions: In our sample of acute medical and frailty ward patients, there was a much higher prevalence than expected (91%) of either: frailty, sarcopenia, undernutrition or dysphagia. The prevalence of all four was present in 13% of patients. We suggest that frailty, sarcopenia, nutritional risk and dysphagia comprise an “Older Adult Quartet”. Further study is required to investigate the effect of the “Older Adult Quartet” on morbidity and mortality.
Dark Proteome Database: Studies on Disorder
Authors: Perdigão Nelson , Pina Pedro M. C. , Rocha Cátia , Tavares João Manuel R. S. , Rosa Agostinho
Published: June 2020

There is a misconception that intrinsic disorder in proteins is equivalent to darkness. The present study aims to establish, in the scope of the Swiss-Prot and Dark Proteome databases, the relationship between disorder and darkness. Three distinct predictors were used to calculate the disorder of Swiss-Prot proteins. The analysis of the results obtained with the used predictors and visualization paradigms resulted in the same conclusion that was reached before: disorder is mostly unrelated to darkness.
Development of the Cybercrime Rapid Identification Tool for Adolescents
Authors: Wong Dennis Sing-wing , Fung Sai-fu
Published: June 2020

Two studies were conducted to support the development of an eight-item Cybercrime Rapid Identification Tool (CRIT) and evaluate the psychometric properties of the proposed scale on samples of secondary school and university students. The CRIT was developed and evaluated in two cross-sectional studies with 2044 respondents from Hong Kong and China. Study 1 recruited 1533 secondary school students from Hong Kong with a mean age of 14.91 (SD = 1.77) years, and Study 2 recruited 511 university students from mainland China with a mean age of 20.41 (SD = 2.49) years. A stepwise confirmatory factor analytical approach was taken with further verification by exploratory factor analysis based on different samples. Factorial validity was further verified using confirmatory factor analysis. The analyses supported an eight-item scale with a two-factor structure. The eight-item CRIT was found to possess good internal consistency and concurrent validity. The studies offer promising support for the CRIT. It has the potential to advance epistemological methods and clinical research related to cybercrime prevention.
How to Defend COVID-19 in Taiwan? Talk about People’s Disease Awareness, Attitudes, Behaviors and the Impact of Physical and Mental Health
Authors: Hsu Chin-Hsien , Lin Hsiao-Hsien , Wang Chun-Chih , Jhang Shangwun
Published: June 2020

This study explored awareness, attitudes, and behavior in relation to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention among Taiwanese citizens and their physical and mental health statuses. Through collection of 2132 questionnaire responses in field research, the present researchers analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and various approaches. In conclusion, the public’s high level of willingness to share information, sufficient knowledge of and consensus on epidemic prevention between individuals and families, strict compliance with relevant regulations, effective preventive measures, and adequate public facilities have contributed to control of COVID-19. However, vigilance and awareness of the pandemic in some individuals, epidemic-prevention campaigns, and community-based preventive measures were insufficient. Some citizens subsequently suffered from headaches, anxiety, and mood instability. Furthermore, demographic variables (place of residence, sex, age, and occupation) and physical and mental health status produced various effects on citizens’ awareness, attitude, and behavior regarding epidemic prevention as well as the perceived effect of COVID-19 on physical and mental health.
Asymmetry of Musculature and Hand Grip Strength in Bodybuilders and Martial Artists
Authors: Burdukiewicz Anna , Pietraszewska Jadwiga , Andrzejewska Justyna , Chromik Krystyna , Stachoń Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

The functional preference for the upper limb influences the occurrence of bilateral differences in other segments of the human body. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of the applied fighting technique and targeted physical effort on the occurrence of asymmetry in body musculature and isometric strength in bodybuilders and competitors of selected martial arts. Academic athletes practicing judo (J), jiu-jitsu (JJ), and bodybuilding (BB) were examined. The control group (C) consisted of students who do not practice any sports. The assessment of the body structure was conducted through segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis. Moreover, the study took into account the measurements of left- and right-hand grip strength. In judo, the uneven physical exertion of the right and left sides of the body further increases both directional and absolute asymmetry. Bilateral asymmetry of musculature in jiu-jitsu competitors and bodybuilders occurs to a lesser extent. The control group was characterized by cross-asymmetry. So as to avoid the risk of injury of sportsmen, it is important to consistently supervise and correct their body structure, which also includes the symmetrical participation of the active muscle mass in particular segments. The symmetrisation process should be individualized since each particular sportsman has their own side-to-side body morphology.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamic of Malaria Incidence: A Comparison of Two Ecological Zones in Mali
Authors: Ateba François Freddy , Sagara Issaka , Sogoba Nafomon , Touré Mahamoudou , Konaté Drissa , Diawara Sory Ibrahim , Diakité Séidina Aboubacar Samba , Diarra Ayouba , Coulibaly Mamadou D. , Dolo Mathias , Dolo Amagana , Sacko Aissata , Thiam Sidibe M’baye , Sissako Aliou , Sangaré Lansana , Diakité Mahamadou , Koita Ousmane A. , Cissoko Mady , Traore Sékou Fantamady , Winch Peter John , Febrero-Bande Manuel , Shaffer Jeffrey G. , Krogtad Donald J. , Marker Hannah Catherine , Doumbia Seydou , Gaudart Jean
Published: June 2020

Malaria transmission largely depends on environmental, climatic, and hydrological conditions. In Mali, malaria epidemiological patterns are nested within three ecological zones. This study aimed at assessing the relationship between those conditions and the incidence of malaria in Dangassa and Koila, Mali. Malaria data was collected through passive case detection at community health facilities of each study site from June 2015 to January 2017. Climate and environmental data were obtained over the same time period from the Goddard Earth Sciences (Giovanni) platform and hydrological data from Mali hydraulic services. A generalized additive model was used to determine the lagged time between each principal component analysis derived component and the incidence of malaria cases, and also used to analyze the relationship between malaria and the lagged components in a multivariate approach. Malaria transmission patterns were bimodal at both sites, but peak and lull periods were longer lasting for Koila study site. Temperatures were associated with malaria incidence in both sites. In Dangassa, the wind speed (p = 0.005) and river heights (p = 0.010) contributed to increasing malaria incidence, in contrast to Koila, where it was humidity (p < 0.001) and vegetation (p = 0.004). The relationships between environmental factors and malaria incidence differed between the two settings, implying different malaria dynamics and adjustments in the conception and plan of interventions.
Stunting among Preschool Children in India: Temporal Analysis of Age-Specific Wealth Inequalities
Authors: Rajpal Sunil , Kim Rockli , Joe William , Subramanian S.V.
Published: June 2020

Adequate nutritional intake for mothers during pregnancy and for children in the first two years of life is known to be crucial for a child’s lifelong physical and neurodevelopment. In this regard, the global nutrition community has focused on strategies for improving nutritional intake during the first 1000 day period. This is largely justified by the observed steep decline in children’s height-for-age z scores from birth to 23 months and presumed growth faltering at later ages as a reflection of earlier deprivation that is accumulated and irreversible. Empirical evidence on the age-stratified burden of child undernutrition is needed to re-evaluate the appropriate age for nutrition interventions to target among children. Using data from two successive rounds of National Family Health Surveys conducted in 2006 and 2016, the objective of this paper was to analyze intertemporal changes in the age-stratified burden of child stunting across socioeconomic groups in India. We found that child stunting in India was significantly concentrated among children entering preschool age (24 or above months). Further, the temporal reduction in stunting was relatively higher among children aged 36–47 months compared to younger groups (below 12 and 12–23 months). Greater socioeconomic inequalities persisted in stunting among children from 24 months or above age-groups, and these inequalities have increased over time. Children of preschool age (24 or above months) from economically vulnerable households experienced larger reductions in the prevalence of stunting between 2006 and 2016, suggesting that policy research and strategies beyond the first 1000 days could be critical for accelerating the pace of improvement of child nutrition in India.
Redesigning Portable Health Clinic Platform as a Remote Healthcare System to Tackle COVID-19 Pandemic Situation in Unreached Communities
Authors: Sampa Masuda Begum , Hoque Md. Rakibul , Islam Rafiqul , Nishikitani Mariko , Nakashima Naoki , Yokota Fumihiko , Kikuchi Kimiyo , Rahman Md Moshiur , Shah Faiz , Ahmed Ashir
Published: June 2020

Medical staff carry an inordinate risk of infection from patients, and many doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are affected by COVID-19 worldwide. The unreached communities with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, or renal diseases became more vulnerable during this pandemic situation. In both cases, Remote Healthcare Systems (RHS) may help minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This study used the WHO guidelines and Design Science Research (DSR) framework to redesign the Portable Health Clinic (PHC), an RHS, for the containment of the spread of COVID-19 as well as proposed corona logic (C-Logic) for the main symptoms of COVID-19. Using the distributed service platform of PHC, a trained healthcare worker with appropriate testing kits can screen high-risk individuals and can help optimize triage to medical services. PHC with its new triage algorithm (C-Logic) classifies the patients according to whether the patient needs to move to a clinic for a PCR test. Through modified PHC service, we can help people to boost their knowledge, attitude (feelings/beliefs), and self-efficacy to execute preventing measures. Our initial examination of the suitability of the PHC and its associated technologies as a key contributor to public health responses is designed to “flatten the curve”, particularly among unreached high-risk NCD populations in developing countries. Theoretically, this study contributes to design science research by introducing a modified healthcare providing model.
A Resourceful Work Environment Moderates the Relationship between Presenteeism and Health. A Study Using Repeated Measures in the Swedish Working Population
Authors: Bergström Gunnar , Gustafsson Klas , Aboagye Emmanuel , Marklund Staffan , Aronsson Gunnar , Björklund Christina , Leineweber Constanze
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate if the psychosocial work environment moderates the proposed negative impact of presenteeism on future general health. We expect that the negative impact of presenteeism on general health is weaker if the psychosocial work environment is resourceful, and more pronounced if the environment is stressful. Data were derived from the 2008–2018 biennial waves of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH). The final analytic sample consisted of n = 15,779 individuals. We applied repeated measures regression analyses through generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results from the autoregressive GEE models showed statistically significant interaction terms between presenteeism and all four investigated moderators, i.e., job demands, job control, job support and job strain. The results indicate that the psychosocial work environment moderates the negative association between presenteeism and general health and illustrates a buffering effect of the psychosocial work environment. A possible explanation for these results may be that psychosocially resourceful work environments give room for adjustments in the work situation and facilitate recovery. The results also indicate that by investing the psychosocial work environment employers may be able to promote worker health as well as prevent reduced job performance due to presenteeism.
Action after Adverse Events in Healthcare: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Liukka Mari , Steven Alison , Vizcaya Moreno M Flores , Sara-aho Arja M , Khakurel Jayden , Pearson Pauline , Turunen Hannele , Tella Susanna
Published: June 2020

Adverse events are common in healthcare. Three types of victims of patient-related adverse events can be identified. The first type includes patients and their families, the second type includes healthcare professionals involved in an adverse event and the third type includes healthcare organisations in which an adverse event occurs. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesise knowledge, theory and evidence regarding action after adverse events, based on literature published in the last ten years (2009–2018). In the studies critically evaluated (n = 25), key themes emerged relating to the first, second and third victim elements. The first victim elements comprise attention to revealing an adverse event, communication after an event, first victim support and complete apology. The second victim elements include second victim support types and services, coping strategies, professional changes after adverse events and learning about adverse event phenomena. The third victim elements consist of organisational action after adverse events, strategy, infrastructure and training and open communication about adverse events. There is a lack of comprehensive models for action after adverse events. This requires understanding of the phenomenon along with ambition to manage adverse events as a whole. When an adverse event is identified and a concern expressed, systematic damage preventing and ameliorating actions should be immediately launched. System-wide development is needed.
Media Exposure and Anxiety during COVID-19: The Mediation Effect of Media Vicarious Traumatization
Authors: Liu Cong , Liu Yi
Published: June 2020

The rapid spread and high death rates of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in massive panic and anxiety all over the world. People rely heavily on media for information-seeking during the period of social isolation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between media exposure and anxiety, and highlighted the underlying mechanisms mediated by the media vicarious traumatization effect. A total of 1118 Chinese citizens participated in the online survey, who were from 30 provinces in mainland China. Results showed that all four types of media (official media, commercial media, social media, and overseas media) cause vicarious traumatization to their audiences to different degrees. It was also found that the impact of media exposure on anxiety was mediated by media vicarious traumatization: there were full mediation effects for commercial media exposure and overseas media exposure, while there were indirect-only mediation effects for official media exposure and social media exposure. Audiences staying in cities with a relatively severe pandemic were more susceptible to the vicarious traumatization caused by commercial media compared to those staying in Hubei. This study expanded the concept and application of vicarious traumatization to the mediated context, and the findings provided insightful advice to media practitioners in the face of major crisis.
High Mobility and STIs/HIV among Women Informal Cross Border Traders in Southern Mozambique: Exploring Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Salia Joana G , Sidat Mohsin , Dias Sónia F , Martins Maria R O , Craveiro Isabel
Published: June 2020

High circular mobility creates vulnerability and elevates risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We aim to explore knowledge, perceptions of risk, and sexual behaviors in relation to STIs/HIV, in Mozambican women involved in an informal cross border trade (ICBT) and residing in South Mozambique. A cross-sectional quantitative study, in 200 women cross border traders (WICBT), affiliated to the Mukhero Association, using a structured, face-to-face questionnaire, was conducted. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test were used. The median age of participants was 37.0 years (interquartile range (IQR): 31.0–43.0), 100% were literate, travelled on average six times a month. WICBT with a high education level were more likely to have awareness of Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Candidiasis; to self-perceive being at risk of getting HIV, Syphilis, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV); and to test for HIV and Syphilis. Those with a low education level were more likely to have misconceptions about HIV and ever have sex in exchange for money/goods/services. Married participants were more likely to know how to prevent HIV. Participants with a high income were more likely to know about HPV; to self-perceive being at risk of getting Syphilis; to point sex workers as being at higher risk of getting HPV; and to ever test for HIV. WICBT with a low income were more likely to have sex in exchange for money/goods/services. Low and inconsistent knowledge and misconceptions of STIs/HIV, high sexual risky behavior, low perception of risk of getting STIs/HIV among this neglected and key population suggests their increased vulnerability to the STIs/HIV.
Digital versus Conventional Impression Taking Focusing on Interdental Areas: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie , Schubert Victoria , Schmidt Alexander , Wöstmann Bernd , Ruf Sabine , Klaus Katharina
Published: June 2020

Due to the high prevalence of periodontitis, dentists have to face a larger group of patients with periodontally compromised dentitions (PCDs) characterized by pathologic tooth migration and malocclusion. Impression taking in these patients is challenging due to several undercuts and extensive interdental areas (IAs). The aim of this clinical trial was to analyze the ability of analog and digital impression techniques to display the IAs in PCDs. The upper and the lower jaws of 30 patients (n = 60, age: 48–87 years) were investigated with one conventional impression (CVI) using polyvinyl siloxane and four digital impressions with intraoral scanners (IOSs), namely True Definition (TRU), Primescan (PRI), CS 3600 (CAR), and TRIOS 3 (TIO). The gypsum models of the CVIs were digitalized using a laboratory scanner. Subsequently, the percentage of the displayed IAs in relation to the absolute IAs was calculated for the five impression techniques in a three-dimensional measuring software. Significant differences were observed among the impression techniques (except between PRI and CAR, p-value < 0.05). TRU displayed the highest percentage of IAs, followed by PRI, CAR, TIO, and CVI. The results indicated that the IOSs are superior to CVI regarding the ability to display the IAs in PCDs.
A Hybrid Approach Integrating Entropy-AHP and GIS for Suitability Assessment of Urban Emergency Facilities
Authors: Nyimbili Penjani Hopkins , Erden Turan
Published: June 2020

Globalization has become a major issue of focus as rapid urban populations and urbanization effects are on the rise. A critical need arises for effective urban planning for Istanbul in relation to the use of a hybrid approach integrating AHP-Entropy and GIS for emergency facility planning. In this paper, the combination of AHP and Entropy methods was used for evaluating criterion weights subjectively and objectively. These techniques were utilized with regard to the assessment of suitable areas for planning new urban emergency facilities for Istanbul province which experiences increasing urban fire-related emergencies. AHP and Entropy have been used to evaluate the weights of determined criteria from expert preference judgments and GIS for processing, analysis and visualization of the model result in the form of a suitability map for new urban emergency facilities. Validation of the model was performed on the criteria with the strongest influence in the decision outcome and spatially visualized using the sensitivity analysis (SA) method of one-at-a-time (OAT). From the findings, it was estimated that 28.1% of the project area, accounting for a third of it, is likely to be exposed to the risk of urban fires and therefore immediate planning of new urban emergency facilities is recommended for adequate fire service coverage and protection.
Application of Image Segmentation in Surface Water Extraction of Freshwater Lakes using Radar Data
Authors: Zhou Sulong , Kan Pengyu , Silbernagel Janet , Jin Jiefeng
Published: June 2020

Freshwater lakes supply a large amount of inland water resources to sustain local and regional developments. However, some lake systems depend upon great fluctuation in water surface area. Poyang lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, undergoes dramatic seasonal and interannual variations. Timely monitoring of Poyang lake surface provides essential information on variation of water occurrence for its ecosystem conservation. Application of histogram-based image segmentation in radar imagery has been widely used to detect water surface of lakes. Still, it is challenging to select the optimal threshold. Here, we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a segmentation algorithm, the Otsu Method, from both mathematical and application perspectives. We implement the Otsu Method and provide reusable scripts to automatically select a threshold for surface water extraction using Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery on Google Earth Engine, a cloud-based platform that accelerates processing of Sentinel-1 data and auto-threshold computation. The optimal thresholds for each January from 2017 to 2020 are − 14.88 , − 16.93 , − 16.96 and − 16.87 respectively, and the overall accuracy achieves 92 % after rectification. Furthermore, our study contributes to the update of temporal and spatial variation of Poyang lake, confirming that its surface water area fluctuated annually and tended to shrink both in the center and boundary of the lake on each January from 2017 to 2020.
Differences in Gene Expression Profile of Primary Tumors in Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma—Do They Exist?
Authors: Szpak-Ulczok Sylwia , Pfeifer Aleksandra , Rusinek Dagmara , Oczko-Wojciechowska Malgorzata , Kowalska Malgorzata , Tyszkiewicz Tomasz , Cieslicka Marta , Handkiewicz-Junak Daria , Fujarewicz Krzysztof , Lange Dariusz , Chmielik Ewa , Zembala-Nozynska Ewa , Student Sebastian , Kotecka-Blicharz Agnieszka , Kluczewska-Galka Aneta , Jarzab Barbara , Czarniecka Agnieszka , Jarzab Michal , Krajewska Jolanta
Published: June 2020

Molecular mechanisms of distant metastases (M1) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are poorly understood. We attempted to analyze the gene expression profile in PTC primary tumors to seek the genes associated with M1 status and characterize their molecular function. One hundred and twenty-three patients, including 36 M1 cases, were subjected to transcriptome oligonucleotide microarray analyses: (set A—U133, set B—HG 1.0 ST) at transcript and gene group level (limma, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA)). An additional independent set of 63 PTCs, including 9 M1 cases, was used to validate results by qPCR. The analysis on dataset A detected eleven transcripts showing significant differences in expression between metastatic and non-metastatic PTC. These genes were validated on microarray dataset B. The differential expression was positively confirmed for only two genes: IGFBP3, (most significant) and ECM1. However, when analyzed on an independent dataset by qPCR, the IGFBP3 gene showed no differences in expression. Gene group analysis showed differences mainly among immune-related transcripts, indicating the potential influence of tumor immune infiltration or signal within the primary tumor. The differences in gene expression profile between metastatic and non-metastatic PTC, if they exist, are subtle and potentially detectable only in large datasets.
Acquisition of the Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuronal Identity
Authors: Mesman Simone , Smidt Marten P.
Published: June 2020

The mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) group of neurons comprises molecularly distinct subgroups, of which the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are the best known, due to the selective degeneration of the SN during Parkinson’s disease. However, although significant research has been conducted on the molecular build-up of these subsets, much is still unknown about how these subsets develop and which factors are involved in this process. In this review, we aim to describe the life of an mdDA neuron, from specification in the floor plate to differentiation into the different subsets. All mdDA neurons are born in the mesodiencephalic floor plate under the influence of both SHH-signaling, important for floor plate patterning, and WNT-signaling, involved in establishing the progenitor pool and the start of the specification of mdDA neurons. Furthermore, transcription factors, like Ngn2, Ascl1, Lmx1a, and En1, and epigenetic factors, like Ezh2, are important in the correct specification of dopamine (DA) progenitors. Later during development, mdDA neurons are further subdivided into different molecular subsets by, amongst others, Otx2, involved in the specification of subsets in the VTA, and En1, Pitx3, Lmx1a, and WNT-signaling, involved in the specification of subsets in the SN. Interestingly, factors involved in early specification in the floor plate can serve a dual function and can also be involved in subset specification. Besides the mdDA group of neurons, other systems in the embryo contain different subsets, like the immune system. Interestingly, many factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons are similarly involved in immune system development and vice versa. This indicates that similar mechanisms are used in the development of these systems, and that knowledge about the development of the immune system may hold clues for the factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons, which may be used in culture protocols for cell replacement therapies.
Picropodophyllotoxin, an Epimer of Podophyllotoxin, Causes Apoptosis of Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Through ROS-Mediated JNK/P38 MAPK Pathways
Authors: Kwak Ah-Won , Yoon Goo , Lee Mee-Hyun , Cho Seung-Sik , Shim Jung-Hyun , Chae Jung-Il
Published: June 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a major histologic type of esophageal cancer, is one of the frequent causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Picropodophyllotoxin (PPT) is the main component of Podophyllum hexandrum root with antitumor activity via apoptosis-mediated mechanisms in several cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism of the PPT effects in apoptosis induction in cancer remains ambiguous. Hence, in this study, we evaluate the anti-cancer effects of PPT in apoptotic signaling pathway-related mechanisms in ESCC cells. First, to verify the effect of PPT on ESCC cell viability, we employed an MTT assay. PPT inhibited the viability of ESCC cells in time- and dose-dependent manners. PPT induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and annexin V-stained cell apoptosis through the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 pathways. Furthermore, the treatment of KYSE 30 and KYSE 450 ESCC cells with PPT induced apoptosis involving the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress- and apoptosis-related proteins by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and multi-caspase activation. In conclusion, our results indicate that the apoptotic effect of PPT on ESCC cells has the potential to become a new anti-cancer drug by increasing ROS levels and inducing the JNK/p38 signaling pathways.
Synergistic Activation of Toll-Like and NOD Receptors by Complementary Antigens as Facilitators of Autoimmune Disease: Review, Model and Novel Predictions
Authors: Root-Bernstein Robert
Published: June 2020

Persistent activation of toll-like receptors (TLR) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins (NOD) in the innate immune system is one necessary driver of autoimmune disease (AD), but its mechanism remains obscure. This study compares and contrasts TLR and NOD activation profiles for four AD (autoimmune myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis) and their animal models. The failure of current AD theories to explain the disparate TLR/NOD profiles in AD is reviewed and a novel model is presented that explains innate immune support of persistent chronic inflammation in terms of unique combinations of complementary AD-specific antigens stimulating synergistic TLRs and/or NODs. The potential explanatory power of the model is explored through testable, novel predictions concerning TLR- and NOD-related AD animal models and therapies.