bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interplay between Housing Environmental Attributes and Design Exposures and Psychoneuroimmunology Profile—An Exploratory Review and Analysis Paper in the Cancer Survivors’ Mental Health Morbidity Context
Authors: Hernandez-Garcia Eva , Chrysikou Evangelia , Kalea Anastasia Z.
Published: October 2021

Adult cancer survivors have an increased prevalence of mental health comorbidities and other adverse late-effects interdependent with mental illness outcomes compared with the general population. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) heralds an era of renewed call for actions to identify sustainable modalities to facilitate the constructs of cancer survivorship care and health care delivery through physiological supportive domestic spaces. Building on the concept of therapeutic architecture, psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) indicators—with the central role in low-grade systemic inflammation—are associated with major psychiatric disorders and late effects of post-cancer treatment. Immune disturbances might mediate the effects of environmental determinants on behaviour and mental disorders. Whilst attention is paid to the non-objective measurements for examining the home environmental domains and mental health outcomes, little is gathered about the multidimensional effects on physiological responses. This exploratory review presents a first analysis of how addressing the PNI outcomes serves as a catalyst for therapeutic housing research. We argue the crucial component of housing in supporting the sustainable primary care and public health-based cancer survivorship care model, particularly in the psychopathology context. Ultimately, we illustrate a series of interventions aiming at how housing environmental attributes can trigger PNI profile changes and discuss the potential implications in the non-pharmacological treatment of cancer survivors and patients with mental morbidities.
Disturbed Lipid Metabolism in Diabetic Patients with Manifest Coronary Artery Disease Is Associated with Enhanced Inflammation
Authors: Buschmann Katja , Gramlich Yves , Chaban Ryan , Oelze Matthias , Hink Ulrich , Münzel Thomas , Treede Hendrik , Daiber Andreas , Duerr Georg Daniel
Published: October 2021

Background: Diabetic vasculopathy plays an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) with oxidative stress as a strong mediator. This study aims to elucidate the underlying pathomechanisms of diabetic cardiac vasculopathy leading to coronary disease with an emphasis on the role of oxidative stress. Therefore, novel insights into antioxidant pathways might contribute to new strategies in the treatment and prevention of diabetic CAD. Methods: In 20 patients with insulin-dependent or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM/NIDDM) and 39 non-diabetic (CTR) patients, myocardial markers of oxidative stress, vasoactive proteins, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), activated phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS), and antioxidant enzymes, e.g., tetrahydrobiopterin generating dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), heme oxygenase (HO-1), as well as serum markers of inflammation, e.g., E-selectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lipid metabolism, e.g., high- and low-density lipoptrotein (HDL- and LDL-cholesterol) were determined in specimens of right atrial tissue and in blood samples from type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Results: IDDM/NIDDM increased markers of inflammation (e.g., E-selectin, p = 0.005 and IL-6, p = 0.051), decreased the phosphorylated myocardial p-eNOS (p = 0.032), upregulated the myocardial stress response protein HO-1 (p = 0.018), and enhanced the serum LDL-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p = 0.019). However, the oxidative stress markers in the myocardium and the expression of vasoactive proteins (eNOS, DHFR) showed only marginal adverse changes in patients with IDDM/NIDDM. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia and myocardial inflammation seem to be the major determinants of diabetic CAD complications. Dysregulation in pro-oxidative enzymes might be attributable to the severity of CAD and oxidative stress levels in all included patients undergoing CABG.
Anthropometric Characterization and Physical Performance by Age and Biological Maturation in Young Tennis Players
Authors: Luna-Villouta Pablo , Paredes-Arias Marcelo , Flores-Rivera Carol , Hernández-Mosqueira Claudio , Souza de Carvalho Ricardo , Faúndez-Casanova César , Vásquez-Gómez Jaime , Vargas-Vitoria Rodrigo
Published: October 2021

The objective was to analyze anthropometric and physical performance variables as a function of chronological age and biological maturity in young Chilean tennis players. The study was observational, cross-sectional, with descriptive and analytical characteristics. Eighty-seven tennis players were evaluated (58 men 15.1 ± 0.8 years and 29 women, 15.3 ± 0.8 years). The measured anthropometric variables were a sprint test of 20m; a modified agility test; a sit-and-reach test and shoulder flexibility; manual grip strength; horizontal jump in feet; a medicine ball throw; a countermovement vertical jump; an abalakov vertical jump and a 20-m shuttle-run test. The growth velocity acceleration peak (APHV), skeletal muscle mass and fat mass were calculated, R2 and standard error of estimate (SEE) were examined. The results show that chronological age explained the anthropometric variables between 1 and 23% in men and 1 and 29% in women; by biological age, variables were explained between 3 and 53% in men and 2 and 42% in women. Of the physical performance variables, chronological age described between 2 and 24% of them in men and 1 and 29% in women; the same were explained by biological age between 1 and 19% in men and 1 and 26% in women. We conclude that anthropometric variables showed a better relationship with biological age, except for volume of fat tissue, while physical performance variables showed low association with both biological and chronological age.
Optimization Strategy of Traditional Block Form Based on Field Investigation—A Case Study of Xi’an Baxian’an, China
Authors: Feng Wei , Ding Wei , Yin Yingdi , Lin Qixian , Zheng Meng , Fei Miaomiao
Published: October 2021

Rapid urbanization has caused environmental problems such as the urban heat island and air pollution, which are unfavorable to residents. Urban traditional blocks are facing the dual challenges of restoration and protection. This paper proposes adaptive transformation strategies for improving the microclimate of traditional areas. We selected Baxian’an Block in Xi’an city, simulated the air temperature and wind speed during summer and winter using ENVI-met, and studied the correlationship between morphological parameters (average building height, building density, enclosure degree, height fall, aspect ratio, and sky view factor) and air temperature and wind speed ratio. The case study revealed that the wind speed ratio of Baxian’an is relatively different in summer, reaching a maximum of 0.61, meaning that the ventilation capacity is significantly affected by the architectural form of the block. Finally, suggestions for the optimal design of the block’s form are provided: the building density should be less than 50%, the average building height should be more than 50 m, the enclosure degree should be less than 0.2, the height fall should be more than 41.7 m, and the sky view factor should be less than 0.5. This study can provide data and support for improving the planning and design standards of traditional residential areas.
Effects of Regular Long-Term Circuit Training (Once per Week) on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Previously Sedentary Adults
Authors: Menz Verena , Gatterer Hannes , Amin Sachin B. , Huber Reinhard , Burtscher Martin
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the study was (1) to investigate the effects of regular long-term circuit training (once per week) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in sedentary adults and (2) to compare training progress with the effects of continued exercise participation by regularly active age-matched individuals. Ten sedentary, middle-aged (51 ± 6 years) individuals (sedentary group, SG) of both sexes performed 32 weeks (1 training session/week) of supervised circuit training and 10 weeks of self-managed training. Effects were compared to an age-matched group (51 ± 8 years; n = 10) of regularly active individuals (active group, AG). CRF (expressed as peak oxygen uptake: VO2peak; peak power output: PPO) and systemic blood pressure (BP) during the incremental test were measured at the start and after the training intervention. CRF decreased significantly within the AG (VO2peak: 43.1 ± 7.3 vs. 40.3 ± 6.5 mL/min/kg, p < 0.05; PPO: 3.3 ± 0.6 vs. 3.1 ± 0.6; p < 0.05) but was maintained in the SG. In addition, significant improvements in restoration of the oxygen level in leg muscles after exercise and reduced systolic BP (180 ± 14 vs. 170 ± 17 mmHg, p = 0.01) at submaximal exercise were found within the SG. However, differences in changes from pre to post did not reach significance between groups. In contrast to the regularly active individuals, circuit training once per week over 32 weeks prevented the aging-related decline of CRF in previously sedentary subjects and reduced systolic BP during submaximal exercise, indicating improved exercise tolerance.
Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention (E-Fit) on Bone Density, Muscle Function, and Quality of Life in Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lau Rufina Wing-Lum , Cheuk Ka-Yee , Ng Bobby Kin-Wah , Tam Elisa Man-Shan , Hung Alec Lik-Hang , Cheng Jack Chun-Yiu , Hui Stanley Sai-Chuen , Lam Tsz-Ping
Published: October 2021

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients have lower physical activity levels than normal adolescents, and there is an association with poorer bone and muscle health. This study evaluated the effects of a home-based exercise intervention (E-Fit) on bone mineral density (BMD), muscle function, and quality of life (QoL) in AIS-affected girls. Methods: A total of 40 AIS females aged 11 to 14 years were randomly assigned to the E-Fit or control group. The E-Fit group performed modified 7-min high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 5 days per week for 6 months. Outcome measures including BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), muscle strength and endurance tests, physical activity levels, and QoL using self-reported questionnaires were assessed at baseline and at 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Results: In total, 14 patients in the E-Fit and 16 in the control group completed the study. The E-Fit group showed a marginally significant interaction effect in the whole body areal BMD at the 6- (p = 0.096) and 12-month follow-ups (p = 0.085). The left arm lean mass in the E-Fit group showed a statistically significant interaction effect between the 6- and 12-month follow-ups (p = 0.046). The E-Fit group showed improvements in physical activity participation, as measured by the Modified Baecke Questionnaire (MBQ), with a significant interaction effect in work index (p = 0.043), sport index (p = 0.050), and total score (p = 0.016) from baseline to the 12-month follow-up. Improvement on self-image were noted in E-Fit group across time. Conclusions: The present results provided some evidence to support the positive benefits of E-Fit for bone health and muscle function in AIS girls.
The Use of Digital Portfolio in Higher Education before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Domene-Martos Soledad , Rodríguez-Gallego Margarita , Caldevilla-Domínguez David , Barrientos-Báez Almudena
Published: October 2021

This study is focused on the advantages and disadvantages of using a digital portfolio to improve the learning and evaluation processes in the initial teacher training of 4th-year students in the University of Seville (Spain). One of the interests of this research was to compare the learning capacities perceived by the students to improve their learning process before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative, descriptive methodology was applied, identifying the most relevant dimensions, categories and codes for the analysis, management and interpretation of the opinions of the students, with a research triangulation (Cohen’s kappa coefficient) and a coding performed using the ATLAS.ti 8.4 software. The results show that the advantages with greater percentage correspond to the following categories: learning, usefulness of OneDrive, autonomy and evaluation. The greatest disadvantages detected were: time, uncertainty, usefulness of OneDrive and autonomy. There are differences in the perceptions of the students, between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, about the learning capacities developed with the use of digital portfolio, since they consider that they have acquired more significant learning, greater self-regulation of their learning and greater reflection capacity.
The Relationship between Sustainable Built Environment, Art Therapy and Therapeutic Design in Promoting Health and Well-Being
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yang Zulan , Osmani Mohamed
Published: October 2021

At present, a smart city from the perspective of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasizes the importance of providing citizens with promising health and well-being. However, with the continuous impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the increase of city population, the health of citizens is facing new challenges. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the relationship between building, environment, landscape design, art therapy (AT), and therapeutic design (TD) in promoting health within the context of sustainable development. It also summarizes the existing applied research areas and potential value of TD that informs future research. This paper adopts the macro-quantitative and micro-qualitative research methods of bibliometric analysis. The results show that: the built environment and AT are related to sustainable development, and closely associated with health and well-being; the application of TD in the environment, architecture, space, and landscape fields promotes the realization of SDGs and lays the foundation for integrating digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) into the design process to potentially solve the challenges of TD; and the principle of TD can consider design elements and characteristics from based on people’s health needs to better promote human health and well-being.
Towards a Parsimonious Pathway Model of Modifiable and Mediating Risk Factors Leading to Diabetes Risk
Authors: Ho Yi-Ching Lynn , Lee Vivian Shu Yi , Ho Moon-Ho Ringo , Lin Gladis Jing , Thumboo Julian
Published: October 2021

Modifiable risk factors are of interest for chronic disease prevention. Few studies have assessed the system of modifiable and mediating pathways leading to diabetes mellitus. We aimed to develop a pathway model for Diabetes Risk with modifiable Lifestyle Risk factors as the start point and Physiological Load as the mediator. As there are no standardised risk thresholds for lifestyle behaviour, we derived a weighted composite for Lifestyle Risk. Physiological Load was based on an index using clinical thresholds. Sociodemographics are non-modifiable risk factors and were specified as covariates. We used structural equation modeling to test the model, first using 2014/2015 data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey. Next, we fitted a smaller model with longitudinal data (2007/2008 to 2014/2015), given limited earlier data. Both models showed the indirect effects of Lifestyle Risk on Diabetes Risk via the mediator of Physiological Load, whereas the direct effect was only supported in the cross-sectional analysis. Specifying Lifestyle Risk as an observable, composite variable incorporates the cumulative effect of risk behaviour and differentiates this study from previous studies assessing it as a latent construct. The parsimonious model groups the multifarious risk factors and illustrates modifiable pathways that could be applied in chronic disease prevention efforts.
COVID-19 Infection in Academic Dental Hospital Personnel; A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abu-Hammad Osama , Alnazzawi Ahmad , Babkair Hamzah , Jambi Safa , Mirah Maher , Abdouh Ismail , Aljohani Rahaf Saeed , Ayeq Rahaf , Ghazi Layan , Al-subhi Heba , Dar-Odeh Najla
Published: October 2021

Background: Close patient contact is an essential component of clinical dental education, which can expose students and faculty to risk of COVID-19 and its sequelae. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted among faculty and clinical students at an academic dental hospital in Al Madinah western Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was distributed to collect data on prevalence, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and long-term health and socioeconomic complications of COVID-19 infection. Results: Prevalence of COVID-19 was 19.6% among a total of 316 students and faculty. Participants cited family and friends as the primary source of infection (40.3%). Among cross-infection control practices, they cited failure to practice distancing as the primary reason for infection transmission (61.3%). The disease was symptomatic in 85.5% of infected personnel. Most frequently reported clinical manifestations were: fever, cough, malaise, and diarrhoea (74.1%, 56.5%, 40.3%, 32.3%, respectively). A proportion of 37.1% of infected personnel stated that they had long COVID-19, and 58.3% of infected students reported deteriorated academic achievement. Conclusions: One in five of clinical dental students and their faculty had COVID-19. Most cases were symptomatic, and a large proportion developed long COVID or adverse socioeconomic consequences. Regardless of the severity of symptoms encountered during the acute stage of COVID-19 infection, all infected dental healthcare personnel should be followed, especially those who report long COVID. Continuous follow-up and assistance for infected students may be warranted to mitigate the potential academic and mental drawbacks caused by the pandemic. Dental schools should adopt clear policies regarding COVID-19 transmission and prevention and should implement them in their infection-control education and training.
Association of BMI, Physical Activity with Academic Performance among Female Students of Health Colleges of King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhazmi Amani , Aziz Farah , Hawash Manal Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Body mass index (BMI) is an indicator to detect weight category and known to influence the academic achievements of students. The present study assesses the association of BMI, physical activity with academic performance among undergraduate female students of health colleges, King Khalid University (KKU). Responses from 379 participants were analyzed in the study. Data collection was done by administering an online questionnaire using the university website portal. The questionnaire consists of two sections: the first section includes demographic information along with cumulative Grade point average (GPA) and another section rated student’s physical activity. A high frequency of respondents (53.6%) ranged within the normal BMI category. For academic performance, the majority (79.9%) of students reported high GPA scores with a mean of 4.28 ± 0.41. Upon correlation, academic performance was found negatively correlated with BMI at 0.0001 level of significance, and insignificantly correlated with physical activity. The present study observed that more than half of the respondents had normal BMI. An inverse relationship was observed between BMI and academic performance, showing participants within the normal BMI category achieved significantly higher GPA. In contrast, physical activity directly influenced the academic performance of the subjects. Therefore, the study suggests to enact counselling centers, health clubs in universities urging the students to adopt regular exercise and healthy lifestyle which could prepare them in achieving future endeavors.
Home Se-Cure: A Home Care Service for Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Buttiron Webber Tania , Giuliano Silvia , Patrone Carlotta , Briata Irene Maria , Franconeri Maria , Marceca Francesca , Magnani Monica , Paciolla Fortuna , Provinciali Nicoletta , Defferrari Carlotta , Clavarezza Matteo , D’Amico Mauro , Gozza Alberto , Boitano Monica , Alessio-Mazzola Mattia , Cevasco Isabella , DeCensi Andrea
Published: October 2021

Cancer patients are exposed to a greater risk of COVID-19 infection, resulting in treatment delays and unnecessary hospitalizations. International authorities have suggested reducing visits to hospitals and guarantee continuity of care. We developed a home care project called Home Se-Cure (HSC) to guarantee the continuity of oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous cancer therapy during COVID-19. The Home Se-Cure project included cancer patients living near Galliera Hospital. Patients received home visits by registered nurses (RNs), whoperformed blood tests and delivered cancer therapies. Patients were instructed to take drugs after blood test results and therapy confirmation by oncologists. Sixty-six patients decided to participate and 38 declined the service. A customer satisfaction questionnaire was administered to a subgroup of patients participating in the project. The most prevalent disease in the HSC group was prostate cancer. The mean age of the patients in HSC was 78.4 years and 68.9 in the decliner group. The majority of the HSC participants appreciated the project because they could stay at home (71%) and reduce the risk of COVID-19 contagion (67.7%). Compared to decliners, the time the study group saved was 2033 hours. HSC guaranteed the continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic by reducing the number of patients in the hospital and avoiding crowds in the waiting room.
A Systematic Review on Foster Parents’ Psychological Adjustment and Parenting Style—An Evaluation of Foster Parents and Foster Children Variables
Authors: Mancinelli Elisa , Dell’Arciprete Gaia , Salcuni Silvia
Published: October 2021

The current systematic review aimed to evaluate the variables influencing foster parents’ parenting stress, distress and parenting style, thereby supporting their adjustment and well-being as well as that of foster children. A PRISMA-guided search was conducted in three databases. Observational studies examining parenting stress, parenting distress (subsuming anxiety, depression and stress symptoms) and parenting style—all assessed through validated tools—were considered. A total of 16 studies were included, comprising N = 1794 non-relative foster parents (age range = 30–67 years). Results showed heightened parenting stress over time, both overall and compared to parents at large. Neither foster parents’ nor foster children’s socio-demographic characteristics significantly contributed to the increase in parenting stress; yet child-related stress and children’s externalizing problems were its main predictors. Foster parents’ couple cooperation was associated with reduced parenting stress. Moreover, the authoritative parenting style was associated with parental warmth, while the authoritarian style was associated with foster parents’ greater perceived burden, greater criticism and rejection toward the foster child. Evidence supports the mutual influence between foster parents and children. Foster care services should support foster parents’ needs within a concentric modular system, to ultimately provide better care for both foster parents and children.
“Nobody Listened”. Mothers’ Experiences and Needs Regarding Professional Support Prior to Their Admission to an Infant Mental Health Day Clinic
Authors: Nuyts Tinne , Van Haeken Sarah , Crombag Neeltje , Singh Binu , Ayers Susan , Garthus-Niegel Susan , Braeken Marijke Anne Katrien Alberta , Bogaerts Annick
Published: October 2021

Challenges during the perinatal period can lead to maternal distress, negatively affecting mother-infant interaction. This study aims to retrospectively explore the experiences and needs regarding professional support of mothers with difficulties in mother-infant interaction prior to their admission to an infant mental health day clinic. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 mothers who had accessed an infant mental health day clinic because of persistent severe infant regulatory problems impairing the wellbeing of the infant and the family. Data were transcribed and analyzed using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL). Three themes were identified: ‘experience of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood’; ‘difficult care paths’; and ‘needs and their fulfillment’. The first theme consisted of three subthemes: (1) ‘reality does not meet expectations’, (2) ‘resilience under pressure’, and (3) ‘despair’. Mothers experienced negative feelings that were in contradiction to the expected positive emotions associated with childbirth and motherhood. Resilience-related problems affected the mother-child relationship, and infants’ regulatory capacities. Determined to find solutions, different healthcare providers were consulted. Mothers’ search for help was complex and communication between healthcare providers was limited because of a fragmented care provision. This hindered the continuity of care and appropriate referrals. Another pitfall was the lack of a broader approach, with the emphasis on the medical aspects without attention to the mother-child dyad. An integrated care pathway focusing on the early detection of resilience-related problems and sufficient social support can be crucial in the prevention and early detection of perinatal and infant mental health problems.
The Mediation Effect of Phobic Anxiety on the Treatment Outcome of Activity and Participation across Age: Comparison between Online and Face-to-Face Rehabilitation Aftercare of an RCT
Authors: Gao Lingling , Dahmen Alina , Keller Franziska Maria , Becker Petra , Lippke Sonia
Published: October 2021

The efficacy of internet and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) has been demonstrated with different mental health disorders, but little is known about the mediating effect of phobic anxiety on activity and participation and the differential effect of age. The current study tested a moderated mediation model with short-term change in phobic anxiety mediating between treatment (IMI vs. face-to-face, F2F) and long-term change in activity and participation, and age of patients moderating this mediation. Participants (N = 142) were recruited from psychosomatic rehabilitation clinics and randomized into the IMI psychosomatic aftercare or F2F psychosomatic aftercare. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted using R software. Results showed that the long-term treatment effects of activity and participation (βc = −0.18, p = 0.034; βc’ = −0.13, p = 0.145) were improved through the successful decrease of phobic anxiety (βa = −0.18, p = 0.047; βb = 0.37, p = 0.010). Older patients benefited equally from both IMI and F2F interventions regarding short-term treatment change in phobic anxiety, while younger participants benefited more from IMI (βAge*Treatment = 0.20, p = 0.004). IMIs targeting mental disorders can improve activity and participation along with phobic anxiety, especially in younger individuals. The needs of older patients should be considered with the development and improvement of IMIs.
Fingerprint Positioning Method for Dual-Band Wi-Fi Based on Gaussian Process Regression and K-Nearest Neighbor
Authors: Cao Hongji , Wang Yunjia , Bi Jingxue , Sun Meng , Qi Hongxia , Xu Shenglei
Published: October 2021

Since many Wi-Fi routers can currently transmit two-band signals, we aimed to study dual-band Wi-Fi to achieve better positioning results. Thus, this paper proposes a fingerprint positioning method for dual-band Wi-Fi based on Gaussian process regression (GPR) and the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm. In the offline stage, the received signal strength (RSS) measurements of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals at the reference points (RPs) are collected and normalized to generate the online dual-band fingerprint, a special fingerprint for dual-band Wi-Fi. Then, a dual-band fingerprint database, which is a dedicated fingerprint database for dual-band Wi-Fi, is built with the dual-band fingerprint and the corresponding RP coordinates. Each dual-band fingerprint constructs its positioning model with the GPR algorithm based on itself and its neighborhood fingerprints, and its corresponding RP coordinates are the label of this model. The neighborhood fingerprints are found by the spatial distances between RPs. In the online stage, the measured RSS values of dual-band Wi-Fi are used to generate the online dual-band fingerprint and the 5 GHz fingerprint. Due to the better stability of the 5 GHz signal, an initial position is solved with the 5 GHz fingerprint and the KNN algorithm. Then, the distances between the initial position and model labels are calculated to find a positioning model with the minimum distance, which is the optimal positioning model. Finally, the dual-band fingerprint is input into this model, and the output of this model is the final estimated position. To evaluate the proposed method, we selected two scenarios (A and B) as the test area. In scenario A, the mean error (ME) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the proposed method were 1.067 and 1.331 m, respectively. The ME and RMSE in scenario B were 1.432 and 1.712 m, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve a better positioning effect compared with the KNN, Rank, Coverage-area, and GPR algorithms.
A Visual Analytics Web Platform for Detecting High Wind Energy Potential in Urban Environments by Employing OGC Standards
Authors: Koukofikis Athanasios , Coors Volker
Published: October 2021

Moving into the third decade of the 21st century, smart cities are becoming a vital concept of advancement of the quality of life. Without any doubt, cities today can generate data of high velocity which can be used in plethora of applications. The wind flow inside a city is an area of several studies which span from pedestrian comfort and natural ventilation to wind energy yield. We propose a Visual Analytics platform based on a server-client web architecture capable of identifying areas with high wind energy potential by employing 3D technologies and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards. The assessment of a whole city or sub-regions will be supported by integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) outcomes with historical wind sensor readings. The results, in 3D space, of such analysis could be used by a wide audience, including city planners and citizens, for locating installation points of small-scale horizontal or vertical axis wind turbines in an urban area. A case study in an urban quarter of Stuttgart is used to evaluate the interactiveness of the proposed workflow. The results show an adequate performance, although there is a lot of room for improvement in future work.
Accessibility of Vaccination Centers in COVID-19 Outbreak Control: A GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach
Authors: Alemdar Kadir Diler , Kaya Ömer , Çodur Muhammed Yasin , Campisi Tiziana , Tesoriere Giovanni
Published: October 2021

The most important protective measure in the pandemic process is a vaccine. The logistics and administration of the vaccine are as important as its production. The increasing diffusion of electronic devices containing geo-referenced information generates a large production of spatial data that are essential for risk management and impact mitigation, especially in the case of disasters and pandemics. Given that vaccines will be administered to the majority of people, it is inevitable to establish vaccination centres outside hospitals. Site selection of vaccination centres is a major challenge for the health sector in metropolitan cities due to the dense population and high number of daily cases. A poor site selection process can cause many problems for the health sector, workforce, health workers, and patients. To overcome this, a three-step solution approach is proposed: (i) determining eight criteria using from the experience of the advisory committee, (ii) calculating criterion weights using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and performing spatial analysis of criteria using Geographic Information System (GIS), (iii) assigning potential vaccination centres by obtaining a suitability map and determining service areas. A case study is performed for Bağcılar, Istanbul district, using the proposed methodology. The results show that the suitable areas are grouped in three different areas of the district. The proposed methodology provides an opportunity to execute a scientific and strategic vaccination programme and to create a map of suitable vaccination centres for the countries.
Exploring the Connection between Urban 3D Form and Building Energy Performance and the Influencing Mechanism
Authors: Wang Deng , Zhang Guoqin , Lin Tao , Hu Xinyue , Zhao Zhuoqun , Shi Longyu
Published: October 2021

Continuous growth of building energy consumption CO2 emission (BECCE) threatens urban sustainable development. Urban form is an important factor affecting BECCE. Compactness is a significant urban morphological characteristic. There is currently a lack of research on the effect of urban three-dimensional (3D) compactness on BECCE. To clarify the research value of 3D compactness, we investigated whether 3D compactness has a stronger impact on BECCE than two-dimensional (2D) compactness. A total of 288 buildings of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) were divided into 5 zones according to building climate demarcation. As BECCE is affected mainly by four aspects (socioeconomic condition, building features, macroclimate, and urban form), the BECCE driven by urban form (BECCE-f) in each zone was calculated firstly using the partial least square regression model. Normalized compactness index (NCI) and normalized vertical compactness index (NVCI) were calculated with Python to quantify urban 2D and 3D compactness within a 1 km buffer of PBOC buildings. The mean NCI and NVCI values of each zone were adopted as 2D and 3D compactness of this zone. Gray correlation analysis of the five zones showed that the connection between the NVCI and BECCE-f is stronger than that between NCI and BECCE-f. Based on this, we believe that the emphasis of later research should be shifted to urban 3D form, not just 2D elements. 3D form can describe the real urban form in a more accurate and detailed manner. Emphasizing 3D morphological characteristics in studies of the relationship between urban form and building energy performance is more meaningful and valuable than only considering 2D characteristics. The impact mechanism of urban form on BECCE-f should also be analyzed from the perspective of 3D form. This study also provides beneficial solutions to building energy saving and low-carbon building construction.
Development of Novel Quinoline-Based Sulfonamides as Selective Cancer-Associated Carbonic Anhydrase Isoform IX Inhibitors
Authors: Shaldam Moataz , Nocentini Alessio , Elsayed Zainab M. , Ibrahim Tamer M. , Salem Rofaida , El-Domany Ramadan A. , Capasso Clemente , Supuran Claudiu T. , Eldehna Wagdy M.
Published: October 2021

A new series of quinoline-based benzenesulfonamides (QBS) were developed as potential carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs). The target QBS CAIs is based on the 4-anilinoquinoline scaffold where the primary sulphonamide functionality was grafted at C4 of the anilino moiety as a zinc anchoring group (QBS 13a–c); thereafter, the sulphonamide group was switched to ortho- and meta-positions to afford regioisomers 9a–d and 11a–g. Moreover, a linker elongation approach was adopted where the amino linker was replaced by a hydrazide one to afford QBS 16. All the described QBS have been synthesized and investigated for their CA inhibitory action against hCA I, II, IX and XII. In general, para-sulphonamide derivatives 13a–c displayed the best inhibitory activity against both cancer-related isoforms hCA IX (KIs = 25.8, 5.5 and 18.6 nM, respectively) and hCA XII (KIs = 9.8, 13.2 and 8.7 nM, respectively), beside the excellent hCA IX inhibitory activity exerted by meta-sulphonamide derivative 11c (KI = 8.4 nM). The most promising QBS were further evaluated for their anticancer and pro-apoptotic activities on two cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7). In addition, molecular docking simulation studies were applied to justify the acquired CA inhibitory action of the target QBS.
Human Antibody Domains and Fragments Targeting Neutrophil Elastase as Candidate Therapeutics for Cancer and Inflammation-Related Diseases
Authors: Chu Xiaojie , Sun Zehua , Baek Du-San , Li Wei , Mellors John W. , Shapiro Steven D. , Dimitrov Dimiter S.
Published: October 2021

Neutrophil elastase (NE) is a serine protease released during neutrophil maturation. High levels of NE are related to lung tissue damage and poor prognosis in cancer; thus, NE is a potential target for therapeutic immunotherapy for multiple lung diseases and cancers. Here, we isolate and characterize two high-affinity, specific, and noncompetitive anti-NE antibodies Fab 1C10 and VH 1D1.43 from two large phage-displayed human Fab and VH libraries. After fusion with human IgG1 Fc, both of them (VH-Fc 1D1.43 and IgG1 1C10) inhibit NE enzymatic activity with VH-Fc 1D1.43 showing comparable inhibitory effects to that of the small molecule NE inhibitor SPCK and IgG1 1C10 exhibiting even higher (2.6-fold) activity than SPCK. Their epitopes, as mapped by peptide arrays combined with structural modeling, indicate different mechanisms for blocking NE activity. Both VH-Fc and IgG1 antibodies block NE uptake by cancer cells and fibroblast differentiation. VH-Fc 1D1.43 and IgG1 1C10 are promising for the antibody-based immunotherapy of cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Insulin Resistance and Cancer: In Search for a Causal Link
Authors: Chiefari Eusebio , Mirabelli Maria , La Vignera Sandro , Tanyolaç Sinan , Foti Daniela Patrizia , Aversa Antonio , Brunetti Antonio
Published: October 2021

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition which refers to individuals whose cells and tissues become insensitive to the peptide hormone, insulin. Over the recent years, a wealth of data has made it clear that a synergistic relationship exists between IR, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Although the underlying mechanism(s) for this association remain unclear, it is well established that hyperinsulinemia, a hallmark of IR, may play a role in tumorigenesis. On the other hand, IR is strongly associated with visceral adiposity dysfunction and systemic inflammation, two conditions which favor the establishment of a pro-tumorigenic environment. Similarly, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, in IR states, have been often associated with tumorigenesis in numerous types of human cancer. In addition to these observations, it is also broadly accepted that gut microbiota may play an intriguing role in the development of IR-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cancer, whereas potential chemopreventive properties have been attributed to some of the most commonly used antidiabetic medications. Herein we provide a concise overview of the most recent literature in this field and discuss how different but interrelated molecular pathways may impact on tumor development.
Structure-Based Functional Analysis of a Hormone Belonging to an Ecdysozoan Peptide Superfamily: Revelation of a Common Molecular Architecture and Residues Possibly for Receptor Interaction
Authors: Chen Yun-Ru , Hsiao Nai-Wan , Lee Yi-Zong , Huang Shiau-Shan , Chang Chih-Chun , Tsai Jyuan-Ru , Lin Hui-Chen , Toullec Jean-Yves , Lee Chi-Ying , Lyu Ping-Chiang
Published: October 2021

A neuropeptide (Sco-CHH-L), belonging to the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) superfamily and preferentially expressed in the pericardial organs (POs) of the mud crab Scylla olivacea, was functionally and structurally studied. Its expression levels were significantly higher than the alternative splice form (Sco-CHH) in the POs, and increased significantly after the animals were subjected to a hypo-osmotic stress. Sco-CHH-L, but not Sco-CHH, significantly stimulated in vitro the Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the posterior (6th) gills. Furthermore, the solution structure of Sco-CHH-L was resolved using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, revealing that it has an N-terminal tail, three α-helices (α2, Gly9−Asn28; α3, His34−Gly38; and α5, Glu62−Arg72), and a π-helix (π4, Cys43−Tyr54), and is structurally constrained by a pattern of disulfide bonds (Cys7–Cys43, Cys23–Cys39, and Cys26–Cys52), which is characteristic of the CHH superfamily-peptides. Sco-CHH-L is topologically most similar to the molt-inhibiting hormone from the Kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus with a backbone root-mean-square-deviation of 3.12 Å. Ten residues of Sco-CHH-L were chosen for alanine-substitution, and the resulting mutants were functionally tested using the gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity assay, showing that the functionally important residues (I2, F3, E45, D69, I71, and G73) are located at either end of the sequence, which are sterically close to each other and presumably constitute the receptor binding sites. Sco-CHH-L was compared with other members of the superfamily, revealing a folding pattern, which is suggested to be common for the crustacean members of the superfamily, with the properties of the residues constituting the presumed receptor binding sites being the major factors dictating the ligand–receptor binding specificity.
Potential Novel Thioether-Amide or Guanidine-Linker Class of SARS-CoV-2 Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors Identified by High-Throughput Virtual Screening Coupled to Free-Energy Calculations
Authors: Jukič Marko , Janežič Dušanka , Bren Urban
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, represents a new pathogen from the family of Coronaviridae that caused a global pandemic of COVID-19 disease. In the absence of effective antiviral drugs, research of novel therapeutic targets such as SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) becomes essential. This viral protein is without a human counterpart and thus represents a unique prospective drug target. However, in vitro biological evaluation testing on RdRp remains difficult and is not widely available. Therefore, we prepared a database of commercial small-molecule compounds and performed an in silico high-throughput virtual screening on the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp using ensemble docking. We identified a novel thioether-amide or guanidine-linker class of potential RdRp inhibitors and calculated favorable binding free energies of representative hits by molecular dynamics simulations coupled with Linear Interaction Energy calculations. This innovative procedure maximized the respective phase-space sampling and yielded non-covalent inhibitors representing small optimizable molecules that are synthetically readily accessible, commercially available as well as suitable for further biological evaluation and mode of action studies.
Human Serum Extracellular Vesicle Proteomic Profile Depends on the Enrichment Method Employed
Authors: Azkargorta Mikel , Iloro Ibon , Escobes Iraide , Cabrera Diana , Falcon-Perez Juan M. , Elortza Felix , Royo Felix
Published: October 2021

The proteomic profiling of serum samples supposes a challenge due to the large abundance of a few blood proteins in comparison with other circulating proteins coming from different tissues and cells. Although the sensitivity of protein detection has increased enormously in the last years, specific strategies are still required to enrich less abundant proteins and get rid of abundant proteins such as albumin, lipoproteins, and immunoglobulins. One of the alternatives that has become more promising is to characterize circulating extracellular vesicles from serum samples that have great interest in biomedicine. In the present work, we enriched the extracellular vesicles fraction from human serum by applying different techniques, including ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and two commercial precipitation methods based on different mechanisms of action. To improve the performance and efficacy of the techniques to promote purity of the preparations, we have employed a small volume of serum samples (<100 mL). The comparative proteomic profiling of the enriched preparations shows that ultracentrifugation procedure yielded a larger and completely different set of proteins than other techniques, including mitochondrial and ribosome related proteins. The results showed that size exclusion chromatography carries over lipoprotein associated proteins, while a polymer-based precipitation kit has more affinity for proteins associated with granules of platelets. The precipitation kit that targets glycosylation molecules enriches differentially protein harboring glycosylation sites, including immunoglobulins and proteins of the membrane attack complex.
CHIR99021, trough GSK-3β Targeting, Reduces Epithelioid Sarcoma Cell Proliferation by Activating Mitotic Catastrophe and Autophagy
Authors: Russi Sabino , Sgambato Alessandro , Bochicchio Anna Maria , Zoppoli Pietro , Aieta Michele , Capobianco Alba Maria Lucia , Ruggieri Vitalba , Zifarone Emanuela , Falco Geppino , Laurino Simona
Published: October 2021

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare disease representing <1% of soft tissue sarcomas. Current therapies are based on anthracycline alone or in combination with ifosfamide or other cytotoxic drugs. ES is still characterized by a poor prognosis with high rates of recurrence. Indeed, for years, ES survival rates have remained stagnant, suggesting that conventional treatments should be revised and improved. New therapeutic approaches are focused to target the key regulators of signaling pathways, the causative markers of tumor pathophysiology. To this end, we selected, among the drugs to which an ES cell line is highly sensitive, those that target signaling pathways known to be dysregulated in ES. In particular, we found a key role for GSK-3β, which results in up-regulation in tumor versus normal tissue samples and associated to poor prognosis in sarcoma patients. Following this evidence, we evaluated CHIR99021, a GSK-3 inhibitor, as a potential drug for use in ES therapy. Our data highlight that, in ES cells, CHIR99021 induces cell cycle arrest, mitotic catastrophe (MC) and autophagic response, resulting in reduced cell proliferation. Our results support the potential efficacy of CHIR99021 in ES treatment and encourage further preclinical and clinical studies.
The Role of MAPK3/1 and AKT in the Acquisition of High Meiotic and Developmental Competence of Porcine Oocytes Cultured In Vitro in FLI Medium
Authors: Procházka Radek , Bartková Alexandra , Němcová Lucie , Murín Matej , Gad Ahmed , Marcollová Kateřina , Kinterová Veronika , Lucas-Hahn Andrea , Laurinčík Jozef
Published: October 2021

The developmental potential of porcine oocytes cultured in vitro was remarkably enhanced in a medium containing FGF2, LIF and IGF1 (FLI) when compared to a medium supplemented with gonadotropins and EGF (control). We analyzed the molecular background of the enhanced oocyte quality by comparing the time course of MAPK3/1 and AKT activation, and the expression of genes controlled by these kinases in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) cultured in FLI and the control medium. The pattern of MAPK3/1 activation in COCs was very similar in both media, except for a robust increase in MAPK3/1 phosphorylation during the first hour of culture in the FLI medium. The COCs cultured in the FLI medium exhibited significantly higher activity of AKT than in the control medium from the beginning up to 16 h of culture; afterwards a deregulation of AKT activity occurred in the FLI medium, which was not observed in the control medium. The expression of cumulus cell genes controlled by both kinases was also modulated in the FLI medium, and in particular the genes related to cumulus-expansion, signaling, apoptosis, antioxidants, cell-to-cell communication, proliferation, and translation were significantly overexpressed. Collectively, these data indicate that both MAPK3/1 and AKT are implicated in the enhanced quality of oocytes cultured in FLI medium.