bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Note on Buyers’ Behavior in Auctions with an Outside Option
Authors: Maslov Alexander
Published: July 2020

In this note I show that the equilibrium in cutoff strategies observed in auctions with a buy-it-now price may also arise in markets where objects are sold simultaneously by auctions and posted prices. However, contrary to auctions with a buy-it-now price where buyers need to know only the total number of players in the market, in the latter environment buyers must also observe the number of active bidders in the auction for the equilibrium to exist in cutoff strategies.
Debate on the Physics of Galactic Rotation and the Existence of Dark Matter
Authors: Hofmeister Anne M. , Criss Robert E.
Published: July 2020

This Special Issue was motivated by the disparate explanations of galactic dynamics promulgated by different philosophical camps [...]
Consequence of Paradigm Shift with Repeat Landscapes in Reptiles: Powerful Facilitators of Chromosomal Rearrangements for Diversity and Evolution
Authors: Ahmad Syed , Singchat Worapong , Jehangir Maryam , Panthum Thitipong , Srikulnath Kornsorn
Published: July 2020

Reptiles are notable for the extensive genomic diversity and species richness among amniote classes, but there is nevertheless a need for detailed genome-scale studies. Although the monophyletic amniotes have recently been a focus of attention through an increasing number of genome sequencing projects, the abundant repetitive portion of the genome, termed the “repeatome”, remains poorly understood across different lineages. Consisting predominantly of transposable elements or mobile and satellite sequences, these repeat elements are considered crucial in causing chromosomal rearrangements that lead to genomic diversity and evolution. Here, we propose major repeat landscapes in representative reptilian species, highlighting their evolutionary dynamics and role in mediating chromosomal rearrangements. Distinct karyotype variability, which is typically a conspicuous feature of reptile genomes, is discussed, with a particular focus on rearrangements correlated with evolutionary reorganization of micro- and macrochromosomes and sex chromosomes. The exceptional karyotype variation and extreme genomic diversity of reptiles are used to test several hypotheses concerning genomic structure, function, and evolution.
Flavonoids as Potential Drugs for VPS13-Dependent Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Soczewka Piotr , Flis Krzysztof , Tribouillard-Tanvier Déborah , di Rago Jean-Paul , Santos Cláudia N. , Menezes Regina , Kaminska Joanna , Zoladek Teresa
Published: July 2020

Several rare neurodegenerative diseases, including chorea acanthocytosis, are caused by mutations in the VPS13A–D genes. Only symptomatic treatments for these diseases are available. Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a unique VPS13 gene and the yeast vps13Δ mutant has been proven as a suitable model for drug tests. A library of drugs and an in-house library of natural compounds and their derivatives were screened for molecules preventing the growth defect of vps13Δ cells on medium with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Seven polyphenols, including the iron-binding flavone luteolin, were identified. The structure–activity relationship and molecular mechanisms underlying the action of luteolin were characterized. The FET4 gene, which encodes an iron transporter, was found to be a multicopy suppressor of vps13Δ, pointing out the importance of iron in response to SDS stress. The growth defect of vps13Δ in SDS-supplemented medium was also alleviated by the addition of iron salts. Suppression did not involve cell antioxidant responses, as chemical antioxidants were not active. Our findings support that luteolin and iron may target the same cellular process, possibly the synthesis of sphingolipids. Unveiling the mechanisms of action of chemical and genetic suppressors of vps13Δ may help to better understand VPS13A–D-dependent pathogenesis and to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Identification of High Molecular Variation Loci in Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Mammillaria (Cactaceae, Caryophyllales)
Authors: Chincoya Delil A. , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Estrada Karel , Díaz-Velásquez Clara E. , González-Rodríguez Antonio , Vaca-Paniagua Felipe , Dávila Patricia , Arias Salvador , Solórzano Sofía
Published: July 2020

In plants, partial DNA sequences of chloroplasts have been widely used in evolutionary studies. However, the Cactaceae family (1500–1800 species) lacks molecular markers that allow a phylogenetic resolution between species and genera. In order to identify sequences with high variation levels, we compared previously reported complete chloroplast genomes of seven species of Mammillaria. We identified repeated sequences (RSs) and two types of DNA variation: short sequence repeats (SSRs) and divergent homologous loci. The species with the highest number of RSs was M. solisioides (256), whereas M. pectinifera contained the highest amount of SSRs (84). In contrast, M. zephyranthoides contained the lowest number (35) of both RSs and SSRs. In addition, five of the SSRs were found in the seven species, but only three of them showed variation. A total of 180 homologous loci were identified among the seven species. Out of these, 20 loci showed a molecular variation of 5% to 31%, and 12 had a length within the range of 150 to 1000 bp. We conclude that the high levels of variation at the reported loci represent valuable knowledge that may help to resolve phylogenetic relationships and that may potentially be convenient as molecular markers for population genetics and phylogeographic studies.
High Rates of Three Common GJB2 Mutations c.516G>C, c.-23+1G>A, c.235delC in Deaf Patients from Southern Siberia Are Due to the Founder Effect
Authors: Zytsar Marina V. , Bady-Khoo Marita S. , Danilchenko Valeriia Yu. , Maslova Ekaterina A. , Barashkov Nikolay A. , Morozov Igor V. , Bondar Alexander A. , Posukh Olga L.
Published: July 2020

The mutations in the GJB2 gene (13q12.11, MIM 121011) encoding transmembrane protein connexin 26 (Cx26) account for a significant portion of hereditary hearing loss worldwide. Earlier we found a high prevalence of recessive GJB2 mutations c.516G>C, c.-23+1G>A, c.235delC in indigenous Turkic-speaking Siberian peoples (Tuvinians and Altaians) from the Tyva Republic and Altai Republic (Southern Siberia, Russia) and proposed the founder effect as a cause for their high rates in these populations. To reconstruct the haplotypes associated with each of these mutations, the genotyping of polymorphic genetic markers both within and flanking the GJB2 gene was performed in 28 unrelated individuals homozygous for c.516G>C (n = 18), c.-23+1G>A (n = 6), or c.235delC (n = 4) as well as in the ethnically matched controls (62 Tuvinians and 55 Altaians) without these mutations. The common haplotypes specific for mutations c.516G>C, c.-23+1G>A, or c.235delC were revealed implying a single origin of each of these mutations. The age of mutations estimated by the DMLE+ v2.3 software and the single marker method is discussed in relation to ethnic history of Tuvinians and Altaians. The data obtained in this study support a crucial role of the founder effect in the high prevalence of GJB2 mutations c.516G>C, c.-23+1G>A, c.235delC in indigenous populations of Southern Siberia.
TCGA Pan-Cancer Genomic Analysis of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) Related Genes
Authors: Armendáriz-Castillo Isaac , López-Cortés Andrés , García-Cárdenas Jennyfer , Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Leone Paola E. , Pérez-Villa Andy , Yumiceba Verónica , Zambrano Ana K. , Guerrero Santiago , Paz-y-Miño César
Published: July 2020

Telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMM) are used by cancer cells to avoid apoptosis, 85–90% reactivate telomerase, while 10–15% use the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Due to anti-telomerase-based treatments, some tumors switch from a telomerase-dependent mechanism to ALT; in fact, the co-existence between both mechanisms has been observed in some cancers. Although different elements in the ALT pathway are uncovered, some molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Therefore, with the aim to identify potential molecular markers for the study of ALT, we combined in silico approaches in a 411 telomere maintenance gene set. As a consequence, we conducted a genomic analysis of these genes in 31 Pan-Cancer Atlas studies from The Cancer Genome Atlas and found 325,936 genomic alterations; from which, we identified 20 genes highly mutated in the cancer studies. Finally, we made a protein-protein interaction network and enrichment analysis to observe the main pathways of these genes and discuss their role in ALT-related processes, like homologous recombination and homology directed repair. Overall, due to the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ALT cancers, we proposed a group of genes, which after ex vivo validations, could represent new potential therapeutic markers in the study of ALT.
Nurses’ Self-Assessment of Caring Behaviors in Nurse–Patient Interactions: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vujanić Jasenka , Prlić Nada , Lovrić Robert
Published: July 2020

Nurse–patient interactions based on caring behaviors ensure better working conditions and better-quality healthcare. The aim of this quantitative study is to examine how nurses self-assess the frequency of applying caring behaviors in nurse–patient interactions and to identify the differences in the application frequency of caring behaviors in relation to work experience and education level. The respondents were Bachelor of Science (BSc) nurses and nurses with basic training (VET) employed in different clinical departments of the Clinical Hospital Center in Croatia. The survey used the “Caring Nurse–Patient Interactions Scale (Nurse Version)”. The respondents assessed the caring behaviors from the subscale “needs” as the most frequently applied (median (Me): 4.7; interquartile range (IQR): 4.4–4.9), while the least frequently applied were the procedures from the subscale “sensitivity” (Me: 3.8; IQR: 3.2–4.3). The VET nurses reported applying caring behaviors to the subscales “hope” (p < 0.001), “problem-solving” (p = 0.003), and “environment” (p = 0.021) more frequently than BSc nurses did. Compared with less experienced respondents, the respondents with more than 30 years of work experience applied the caring behaviors on the subscales “sensitivity” (p = 0.009), “expression of emotions” (p = 0.001), “problem-solving” (p = 0.008), and especially “humanism” and “spirituality” (p < 0.001) more frequently. The results indicate that respondents are more focused on applying skills or carrying out a task than on caring behaviors which is about demonstrating compassion, loving kindness, and relationships.
Does It Matter Who Exhibits More Green Purchase Behavior of Cosmetic Products in Asian Culture? A Multi-Group Analysis Approach
Authors: Quoquab Farzana , Jaini Azila , Mohammad Jihad
Published: July 2020

This study attempts to investigate the moderating effect of gender on value-belief-norm relationships. In addition, this study aims to investigate the factors that affect green purchase behavior of cosmetics products. Particularly, this study investigates the causal relationships between values and pro-environmental beliefs, pro-environmental beliefs and personal norms and personal norms and green purchase behavior. An online survey was carried out which yielded 240 usable responses among which 79 responses were obtained from males and 161 from females. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, partial least square (PLS-SEM) approach and multi-group analysis (MGA) technique. Results revealed that all direct relationships were supported by the data. It was also found that gender moderates the relationships between altruistic values and pro-environmental beliefs, pro-environmental beliefs and personal norms and personal norms and green purchase behavior. Nevertheless, gender did not moderate the link between hedonic value and pro-environmental beliefs. This study contributes to the existing literature by considering gender as a moderator, which is comparatively new in the green purchase behavior literature. In addition, this study examines few new linkages: more specifically, incorporating hedonic value in value-belief link and adapting value-belief-norm (VBN) theory in measuring consumers’ green purchase behavior.
Investigating Cumulative Exposures among 3- to 4-Year-Old Children Using Wearable Ultrafine Particle Sensors and Language Environment Devices: A Pilot and Feasibility Study
Authors: Schultz Amy A. , Malecki Kristen M.C. , Olson Maddie M. , Selman Saliha B. , Olaiya Oona-Ife , Spicer Alexandra , Schauer James J. , Edwards Ross , Kirkorian Heather L. , Dilworth-Bart Janean
Published: July 2020

Interdisciplinary approaches are needed to measure the additive or multiplicative impacts of chemical and non-chemical stressors on child development outcomes. The lack of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental health and child development has led to a gap in the development of effective intervention strategies. It is hypothesized that a broader systems approach can support more effective interventions over time. To achieve these goals, detailed study protocols are needed. Researchers in child development typically focus on psychosocial stressors. Less attention is paid to chemical and non-chemical stressors and how the interaction of these stressors may impact child development. This feasibility study aims to bridge the gap between child development and environmental epidemiology research by trialing novel methods of gathering ultrafine particle data with a wearable air sensor, while simultaneously gathering language and noise data with the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system. Additionally, psychosocial data (e.g., parenting quality, caregiver depression, and household chaos) was gathered from parent reports. Child participants (age 3–4 years) completed cognitive tasks to assess self-regulation and receptive language skills, and provided a biospecimen analyzed for inflammatory biomarkers. Data collection was completed at two time points, roughly corresponding to fall and spring. Twenty-six participants were recruited for baseline data, and 11 participants completed a follow-up session. Preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to gather personal Particulate Matter (PM2.5), language, and noise data, cognitive assessments, and biospecimens from our sample of 3-4-year-old children. While there are obstacles to overcome when working with this age group, future studies can benefit from adapting lessons learned regarding recruitment strategies, study design, and protocol implementation.
Social Networks’ Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: Health Media vs. Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Pérez-Escoda Ana , Jiménez-Narros Carlos , Perlado-Lamo-de-Espinosa Marta , Pedrero-Esteban Luis Miguel
Published: July 2020

An increased use of social networks is one of the most far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the traditional media, as the main drivers of social communication in crisis situations, individual profiles have emerged supported by social networks, which have had a similar impact to the more specialized communication media. This is the hypothesis of the research presented, which is focused on health communication and based on a virtual ethnography methodology with the use of social metrics. The aim is to understand the relationship established between the population in general and digital media in particular through the measurement of engagement. In this regard, a comparative study was carried out that describes this phenomenon over a period of six months on three social networks: YouTube, Twitter and Instagram, with a sample composed of specialized health media versus healthcare professionals. The results point to a new communications model that opens up a new space for agents whose content has a degree of engagement comparable to and even exceeding that of digital media specialized in health communication. The conclusions show that the crisis of the pandemic has accelerated the transformation of the communication sector, creating new challenges for the communication industry, media professionals, and higher education institutions related to market demands.
Urinary Metals Concentrations and Biomarkers of Autoimmunity among Navajo and Nicaraguan Men
Authors: Scammell Madeleine , Sennett Caryn , Laws Rebecca , Rubin Robert , Brooks Daniel , Amador Juan , López-Pilarte Damaris , Ramirez-Rubio Oriana , Friedman David , McClean Michael ,   Navajo Birth Cohort Study Team, Lewis Johnnye , Erdei Esther
Published: July 2020

Metals are suspected contributors of autoimmune disease among indigenous Americans. However, the association between metals exposure and biomarkers of autoimmunity is under-studied. In Nicaragua, environmental exposure to metals is also largely unexamined with regard to autoimmunity. We analyzed pooled and stratified exposure and outcome data from Navajo (n = 68) and Nicaraguan (n = 47) men of similar age and health status in order to characterize urinary concentrations of metals, compare concentrations with the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) male population, and examine the associations with biomarkers of autoimmunity. Urine samples were analyzed for metals via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serum samples were examined for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) at 1:160 and 1:40 dilutions, using an indirect immunofluorescence assay and for specific autoantibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations of urinary metals with autoimmune biomarkers, adjusted for group (Navajo or Nicaraguan), age, and seafood consumption. The Nicaraguan men had higher urinary metal concentrations compared with both NHANES and the Navajo for most metals; however, tin was highest among the Navajo, and uranium was much higher in both populations compared with NHANES. Upper tertile associations with ANA positivity at the 1:160 dilution were observed for barium, cesium, lead, strontium and tungsten.
Evolution of External Health Costs of Electricity Generation in the Baltic States
Authors: Lu Jintao , Zhang Chong , Ren Licheng , Liang Mengshang , Strielkowski Wadim , Streimikis Justas
Published: July 2020

Implementation of strict policies for mitigating climate change has a direct impact on public health as far as the external health costs of electricity generation can be reduced, thanks to the reduction of emission of typical pollutants by switching to cleaner low carbon fuels and achieving energy efficiency improvements. Renewables have lower external health costs due to the lower life cycle emission of typical air pollutants linked to electricity generation, such as SO2, NOx, particulate matter, NH3, or NMVOC (Non-methane volatile organic compounds), which all appear to have serious negative effects on human health. Our case study performed in the Baltic States analyzed the dynamics of external health costs in parallel with the dynamics of the main health indicators in these countries: life expectancy at birth, mortality rates, healthy life years, self-perceived health, and illness indicators. We employed the data for external health costs retrieved from the CASES database, as well as the health statistics data compiled from the EUROSTAT database. The time range of the study was 2010–2018 due to the availability of consistent health indicators for the EU Member States. Our results show that the decrease of external health costs had a positive impact on the increase of the self-perceived good health and reduction of long-standing illness as well as the decrease of infant death rate. Our conclusions might be useful for other countries as well as for understanding the additional benefits of climate change mitigation policies and tracking their positive health impacts. The cooperation initiatives on clean energy and climate change mitigation between countries like One Belt One Road initiative by the Chinese government can also yield additional benefits linked to the public health improvements.
P300 Measures and Drive-Related Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fang Chao , Zhang Yamei , Zhang Mingyi , Fang Qun
Published: July 2020

Detecting signs for an increased level of risk during driving are critical for the effective prevention of road traffic accidents. The current study searched for literature through major databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, IEEE, and ScienceDirect. A total of 14 articles that measured P300 components in relation to driving tasks were included for a systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk factors investigated in the reviewed articles were summarized in five categories, including reduced attention, distraction, alcohol, challenging situations on the road, and negative emotion. A meta-analysis was conducted at both behavioral and neural levels. Behavioral performance was measured by the reaction time and driving performance, while the neural response was measured by P300 amplitude and latency. A significant increase in reaction time was identified when drivers were exposed to the risk factors. In addition, the significant effects of a reduced P300 amplitude and prolonged P300 latency indicated a reduced capacity for cognitive information processing. There was a tendency of driving performance decrement in relation to the risk factors, however, the effect was non-significant due to considerable variations and heterogeneity across the included studies. The results led to the conclusion that the P300 amplitude and latency are reliable indicators and predictors of the increased risk in driving. Future applications of the P300-based brain–computer interface (BCI) system may make considerable contributions toward preventing road traffic accidents.
The “Silent Reserves” of the Patriarchal Chinese Welfare System: Women as “Hidden” Contributors to Chinese Social Policy
Authors: Wang Yingqi , Liu Tao
Published: July 2020

Scholars of social inequality in China have commonly concentrated on strata-related social welfare systems that divide the population into urban and rural dwellers, and additionally, into different welfare classes such as civil servants, employees, and migrant workers. Following Esping-Andersen, Siaroff, Sainsbury, and others, this paper brings the perspective of “gendering welfare” into the study of Chinese social policy. Focusing upon two major social policy branches in China—the old age pension insurance system and care services within the household—it discusses the role of Chinese women in these two fields. Through a gender-sensitive analysis, this paper elaborates the social phenomenon of “silent reserves” (namely, women) within the Chinese welfare regime. While women assume a crucial role in intrafamily care services, constituting the chief contributors of long-term care and childcare, their care contributions at home are not recognized as “social achievements” and are not monetarily compensated by the patriarchal Chinese welfare state. In addition, this paper argues that women are systematically disadvantaged by pension insurance arrangements. Furthermore, the individualization of care services in the intrafamily context weakens the pension entitlements of women, since their unpaid care constrains their ability to maintain full-time jobs in the labor market.
DANGER! Crisis Health Workers at Risk
Authors: Harrell Mason , Selvaraj Saranya A. , Edgar Mia
Published: July 2020

The occupational hazards of health workers (HWs) in standard work environments have been well defined in both the developed and developing world during routine working conditions. Less defined are the hazards to HWs during pandemics, epidemics, natural disasters, wars, conflicts, and other crises. How do crises affect the infrastructure of medical systems? What are the distinct needs of the patient population during crises? What are the peculiarities of the Crisis Health Worker (CHW)? What are the known CHWs’ occupational risks? What are the protective factors? By means of a PubMed search, we synthesized the most relevant publications to try to answer these questions. Failures of healthcare infrastructure and institutions include CHW shortages, insufficient medical supplies, medications, transportation, poorly paid health workers, security concerns, and the absence of firm guidance in health policy. Healthcare needs affecting the patient population and CHWs include crisis-induced injury and illness, hazardous exposures, communicable diseases, mental healthcare, and continuity of care for pre-crisis medical conditions. CHWs’ occupational hazards include supply deficiencies, infectious disease transmission, long working hours, staff shortages, financial reimbursements, mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, and inconsistent access to clean water, electricity, and Internet. CHWs suffer from injuries and illnesses that range from immediate, debilitating injuries to chronic, unforeseen effects like mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, anxiety, burnout, and even post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). Protective factors include personal traits such as adaptability and resilience as well as skills learned through structured education and training. Success will be achieved by constructively collaborating with local authorities, local health workers, national military, foreign military, and aid organizations.
Characteristics of Type-2 Diabetics Who are Prone to High-Cost Medical Care Expenses by Bayesian Network
Authors: Sase Yuji , Kumagai Daiki , Suzuki Teppei , Yamashina Hiroko , Tani Yuji , Fujiwara Kensuke , Tanikawa Takumi , Enomoto Hisashi , Aoyama Takeshi , Nagai Wataru , Ogasawara Katsuhiko
Published: July 2020

Objective: This study aims to determine the characteristics of Type 2 diabetic patients who are more likely to cause high-cost medical expenses using the Bayesian network model. Methods: The 2011–2015 receipt data of Iwamizawa city, Japan were collected from the National Health Insurance Database. From the record, we identified patients with Type 2 diabetes with the following items: age, gender, area, number of days provided medical services, number of diseases, number of medical examinations, annual healthcare expenditures, and the presence or absence of hospitalization. The Bayesian network model was applied to identify the characteristics of the patients, and four observed values were changed using a model for patients who paid at least 3607 USD a year for medical expenses. The changes in the conditional probability of the annual healthcare expenditures and changes in the percentage of patients with high-cost medical expenses were analyzed. Results: After changing the observed value, the percentage of patients with high-cost medical expense reimbursement increased when the following four conditions were applied: the patient “has ever been hospitalized”, “had been provided medical services at least 18 days a year”, “had at least 14 diseases listed on medical insurance receipts”, and “has not had specific health checkups in five years”. Conclusions: To prevent an excessive rise in healthcare expenditures in Type 2 diabetic patients, measures against complications and promoting encouragement for them to undergo specific health checkups are considered as effective.
Enhancing Learner Motivation and Classroom Social Climate: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Valero-Valenzuela Alfonso , Camerino Oleguer , Manzano-Sánchez David , Prat Queralt , Castañer Marta
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze how motivation and classroom social climate was enhanced in the teaching–learning context throughout a Pedagogical Model of Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) implementation using a mixed method approach. An educational program was applied during an academic year in a student sample of primary and secondary school. A total of 44 sessions with 54 participants, between 11 and 16 years old (M = 13.41 years, SD = 1.73) were video-recorded. A multilevel triangulation design of mixed method research was applied to merge: (a) the Observational System of Teaching Oriented Responsibility (OSTOR), which revealed how the students’ behavior patterns shifted an alongside the interventions with (b) a set of five complementary questionnaires: Motivation toward Education Scale (EME), Responsibility Questionnaire (PSRQ), Basic Psychological Needs Questionnaire (PNSE), Questionnaire to assess social school climate (CECSCE) and Questionnaire of School Violence (CUVE). The mixed methods design confirmed that both the observational and the inferential analysis show an improvement of the TPSR implementation in the student’s responsibility and satisfaction and the social climate of the classroom. The other variables, although they were also improved, did not do it significantly; all the motivation dimensions showed higher values, except for amotivation and violence.
Applying Lean in Process Innovation in Healthcare: The Case of Hip Fracture
Authors: Morales-Contreras Manuel Francisco , Chana-Valero Pedro , Suárez-Barraza Manuel F. , Saldaña Díaz Andrés , García García Elena
Published: July 2020

Academic literature and practitioners acknowledge that there is a need to improve efficiency and service quality in the healthcare industry. In Spain, osteoporotic fractures represent a great cost in socio-economic and morbi-mortality terms, hip fracture being the surgical pathology with the second highest consumption of resources. The research questions that govern this study concern the use of Lean principles to identify waste, and an evaluation of the application of an innovative approach in the hip fracture surgery process. A research design based on a case study and action research was developed. Findings relate to (i) the identification of the main types of waste or muda (being the most frequent delay, transportation, over-processing and defects); (ii) the analysis of existing processes based on a Lean approach (identifying opportunities for improvement as a reduction of the number of steps and participants, improving communication, automation, standardization, etc.); and (iii) the application of an innovative process based on the Lean approach and action research in the healthcare industry. This research provides insights for academia, practitioners, management, and society: waste identification and process redesign helps to continue the improvement of operations, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance services, providing benefits to patients, families, hospital employees, and the healthcare system.
Spatial Metadata Usability Evaluation
Authors: Kalantari Mohsen , Syahrudin Syahrudin , Rajabifard Abbas , Subagyo Hardi , Hubbard Hannah
Published: July 2020

Spatial metadata is a critical part of any spatial data infrastructure, which enables the organising, sharing, discovery and use of spatial data. This paper highlights a knowledge gap in the usability of the metadata systems for the end–users. It then addresses the gap by applying the User Centred Design approach to investigate the usability of metadata records. The research engages with end–users concerning efficiency and effectiveness of metadata systems, and end–users’ satisfaction and expectations. The results indicate significant gaps with the effectiveness and efficiency of metadata systems for spatial data discovery and selection. Inconsistency and irrelevant information in the metadata records were found in the title, keywords, abstracts, data quality and other elements of the metadata. Additionally, essential improvements were identified for user interfaces. Discouraging presentation of the metadata is a prominent problem found in the interface of the metadata systems.
Arming Oncolytic Adenoviruses: Effect of Insertion Site and Splice Acceptor on Transgene Expression and Viral Fitness
Authors: Farrera-Sal Martí , de Sostoa Jana , Nuñez-Manchón Estela , Moreno Rafael , Fillat Cristina , Bazan-Peregrino Miriam , Alemany Ramon
Published: July 2020

Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) present limited efficacy in clinics. The insertion of therapeutic transgenes into OAds genomes, known as “arming OAds”, has been the main strategy to improve their therapeutic potential. Different approaches were published in the decade of the 2000s, but with few comparisons. Most armed OAds have complete or partial E3 deletions, leading to a shorter half-life in vivo. We generated E3+ OAds using two insertion sites, After-fiber and After-E4, and two different splice acceptors linked to the major late promoter, either the Ad5 protein IIIa acceptor (IIIaSA) or the Ad40 long fiber acceptor (40SA). The highest transgene levels were obtained with the After-fiber location and 40SA. However, the set of codons of the transgene affected viral fitness, highlighting the relevance of transgene codon usage when arming OAds using the major late promoter.
Therapeutic Potentials of Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Diabetes and Diabetic Complications
Authors: Hu Wei , Song Xiang , Yu Haibo , Sun Jingyu , Zhao Yong
Published: July 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are nano-to-micrometer vesicles released from nearly all cellular types. EVs comprise a mixture of bioactive molecules (e.g., mRNAs, miRNAs, lipids, and proteins) that can be transported to the targeted cells/tissues via the blood or lymph circulation. Recently, EVs have received increased attention, owing to their emerging roles in cell-to-cell communication, or as biomarkers with the therapeutic potential to replace cell-based therapy. Diabetes comprises a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia that cause the development of life-threatening complications. The impacts of conventional clinical treatment are generally limited and are followed by many side effects, including hypoglycemia, obesity, and damage to the liver and kidney. Recently, several studies have shown that EVs released by stem cells and immune cells can regulate gene expression in the recipient cells, thus providing a strategy to treat diabetes and its complications. In this review, we summarize the results from currently available studies, demonstrating the therapeutic potentials of EVs in diabetes and diabetic complications. Additionally, we highlight recommendations for future research.
Dual Inhibition of CDK4/6 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Impairs Energy Metabolism in MPM Cancer Cells
Authors: Bonelli Mara , Terenziani Rita , Zoppi Silvia , Fumarola Claudia , La Monica Silvia , Cretella Daniele , Alfieri Roberta , Cavazzoni Andrea , Digiacomo Graziana , Galetti Maricla , Petronini Pier Giorgio
Published: July 2020

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy associated to asbestos exposure. One of the most frequent genetic alteration in MPM patients is CDKN2A/ARF loss, leading to aberrant activation of the Rb pathway. In MPM cells, we previously demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of targeting this signaling with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib in combination with PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. Here, we investigated whether such combination may have an impact on cell energy metabolism. Methods: The study was performed in MPM cells of different histotypes; metabolic analyses were conducted by measuring GLUT-1 expression and glucose uptake/consumption, and by SeaHorse technologies. Results: MPM cell models differed for their ability to adapt to metabolic stress conditions, such as glucose starvation and hypoxia. Independently of these differences, combined treatments with palbociclib and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors inhibited cell proliferation more efficaciously than single agents. The drugs alone reduced glucose uptake/consumption as well as glycolysis, and their combination further enhanced these effects under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Moreover, the drug combinations significantly impaired mitochondrial respiration as compared with individual treatments. These metabolic effects were mediated by the concomitant inhibition of Rb/E2F/c-myc and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Conclusions: Dual blockade of glycolysis and respiration contributes to the anti-tumor efficacy of palbociclib-PI3K/mTOR inhibitors combination.
Resolution-Associated Lactoferrin Peptides Limit LPS Signaling and Cytokine Secretion from Human Macrophages
Authors: Lutaty Aviv , Soboh Soaad , Schif-Zuck Sagie , Ariel Amiram
Published: July 2020

The neutrophil granule protein lactoferrin is cleaved and accumulates in efferocytic macrophages as inflammation is resolved. Two peptides present within a resolution-associated 17 kDa fragment of lactoferrin promote the termination of inflammation in vivo by enhancing murine macrophage reprogramming. Here, we report that these two bioactive tripeptides, phenylalanine-lysine-aspartic acid and phenylalanine-lysine-glutamic acid (FKD and FKE, respectively), inhibit ERK and cJun activation following human macrophage exposure to LPS. In addition, these peptides at low concentrations (1–10 μM) modulate human macrophage reprogramming to an anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving phenotype. This was reflected by inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 secretion and increased IL-10 levels. Moreover, we found naturally occurring FKE analogs (FKECH and FKECHLA) can recapitulate the activity of the short peptide in regulating macrophage cytokine secretion, whereas a reversed EKF peptide was inert in this respect. Curiously, FKD and FKE also regulated cytokine production by bone marrow-derived mouse macrophages, but in a very different fashion than their effect on human macrophages. Thus, lactoferrin peptides limit pro-inflammatory signaling and cytokine production by LPS-activated human macrophages and thereby enhance the resolution of inflammation.
Regeneration of Damaged Tendon-Bone Junctions (Entheses)—TAK1 as a Potential Node Factor
Authors: Friese Nina , Gierschner Mattis Benno , Schadzek Patrik , Roger Yvonne , Hoffmann Andrea
Published: July 2020

Musculoskeletal dysfunctions are highly prevalent due to increasing life expectancy. Consequently, novel solutions to optimize treatment of patients are required. The current major research focus is to develop innovative concepts for single tissues. However, interest is also emerging to generate applications for tissue transitions where highly divergent properties need to work together, as in bone-cartilage or bone-tendon transitions. Finding medical solutions for dysfunctions of such tissue transitions presents an added challenge, both in research and in clinics. This review aims to provide an overview of the anatomical structure of healthy adult entheses and their development during embryogenesis. Subsequently, important scientific progress in restoration of damaged entheses is presented. With respect to enthesis dysfunction, the review further focuses on inflammation. Although molecular, cellular and tissue mechanisms during inflammation are well understood, tissue regeneration in context of inflammation still presents an unmet clinical need and goes along with unresolved biological questions. Furthermore, this review gives particular attention to the potential role of a signaling mediator protein, transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1), which is at the node of regenerative and inflammatory signaling and is one example for a less regarded aspect and potential important link between tissue regeneration and inflammation.
The Time-Feature of Uric Acid Excretion in Hyperuricemia Mice Induced by Potassium Oxonate and Adenine
Authors: Wen Shaoshi , Wang Dan , Yu Haiyang , Liu Mengyang , Chen Qian , Bao Ruixia , Liu Lin , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: July 2020

Hyperuricemia is an important risk factor of chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess the time-feature relationship of hyperuricemia mouse model on uric acid excretion and renal function. A hyperuricemia mouse model was established by potassium oxonate (PO) and adenine for 21 days. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to determine plasma uric acid level. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was applied to observe kidney pathological changes, and Western blot was used to detect renal urate transporters’ expression. In hyperuricemia mice, plasma uric acid level increased significantly from the 3rd day, and tended to be stable from the 7th day, and the clearance rate of uric acid decreased greatly from the 3rd day. Further study found that the renal organ of hyperuricemia mice showed slight damage from the 3rd day, and significantly deteriorated renal function from the 10th day. In addition, the expression levels of GLUT9 and URAT1 were upregulated from the 3rd day, while ABCG2 and OAT1 were downregulated from the 3rd day, and NPT1 were downregulated from the 7th day in hyperuricemia mice kidney. This paper presents a method suitable for experimental hyperuricemia mouse model, and shows the time-feature of each index in a hyperuricemia mice model.
Proteome Analysis of Molecular Events in Oral Pathogenesis and Virus: A Review with a Particular Focus on Periodontitis
Authors: Tsuchida Sachio
Published: July 2020

Some systemic diseases are unquestionably related to periodontal health, as periodontal disease can be an extension or manifestation of the primary disease process. One example is spontaneous gingival bleeding, resulting from anticoagulant treatment for cardiac diseases. One important aspect of periodontal therapy is the care of patients with poorly controlled disease who require surgery, such as patients with uncontrolled diabetes. We reviewed research on biomarkers and molecular events for various diseases, as well as candidate markers of periodontal disease. Content of this review: (1) Introduction, (2) Periodontal disease, (3) Bacterial and viral pathogens associated with periodontal disease, (4) Stem cells in periodontal tissue, (5) Clinical applications of mass spectrometry using MALDI-TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS-based proteomic analyses, (6) Proteome analysis of molecular events in oral pathogenesis of virus in GCF, saliva, and other oral Components in periodontal disease, (7) Outlook for the future and (8) Conclusions. This review discusses proteome analysis of molecular events in the pathogenesis of oral diseases and viruses, and has a particular focus on periodontitis.
Topic Jerk Detector: Detection of Tweet Bursts Related to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster
Authors: Nagaya Hiroshi , Hayashi Teruaki , A. Torii Hiroyuki , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: July 2020

In recent disaster situations, social media platforms, such as Twitter, played a major role in information sharing and widespread communication. These situations require efficient information sharing; therefore, it is important to understand the trends in popular topics and the underlying dynamics of information flow on social media better. Developing new methods to help us in these situations, and testing their effectiveness so that they can be used in future disasters is an important research problem. In this study, we proposed a new model, “topic jerk detector.” This model is ideal for identifying topic bursts. The main advantage of this method is that it is better fitted to sudden bursts, and accurately detects the timing of the bursts of topics compared to the existing method, topic dynamics. Our model helps capture important topics that have rapidly risen to the top of the agenda in respect of time in the study of specific social issues. It is also useful to track the transition of topics more effectively and to monitor tweets related to specific events, such as disasters. We attempted three experiments that verified its effectiveness. First, we presented a case study applied to the tweet dataset related to the Fukushima disaster to show the outcomes of the proposed method. Next, we performed a comparison experiment with the existing method. We showed that the proposed method is better fitted to sudden burst accurately detects the timing of the bursts of the topic. Finally, we received expert feedback on the validity of the results and the practicality of the methodology.
ResNet-Locust-BN Network-Based Automatic Identification of East Asian Migratory Locust Species and Instars from RGB Images
Authors: Ye Sijing , Lu Shuhan , Bai Xuesong , Gu Jinfeng
Published: July 2020

Locusts are agricultural pests found in many parts of the world. Developing efficient and accurate locust information acquisition techniques helps in understanding the relation between locust distribution density and structural changes in locust communities. It also helps in understanding the hydrothermal and vegetation growth conditions that affect locusts in their habitats in various parts of the world as well as in providing rapid and accurate warnings on locust plague outbreak. This study is a preliminary attempt to explore whether the batch normalization-based convolutional neural network (CNN) model can be applied used to perform automatic classification of East Asian migratory locust (AM locust), Oxya chinensis (rice locusts), and cotton locusts. In this paper, we present a way of applying the CNN technique to identify species and instars of locusts using the proposed ResNet-Locust-BN model. This model is based on the ResNet architecture and involves introduction of a BatchNorm function before each convolution layer to improve the network’s stability, convergence speed, and classification accuracy. Subsequently, locust image data collected in the field were used as input to train the model. By performing comparison experiments of the activation function, initial learning rate, and batch size, we selected ReLU as the preferred activation function. The initial learning rate and batch size were set to 0.1 and 32, respectively. Experiments performed to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed ResNet-Locust-BN model show that the model can effectively distinguish AM locust from rice locusts (93.60% accuracy) and cotton locusts (97.80% accuracy). The model also performed well in identifying the growth status information of AM locusts (third-instar (77.20% accuracy), fifth-instar (88.40% accuracy), and adult (93.80% accuracy)) with an overall accuracy of 90.16%. This is higher than the accuracy scores obtained by using other typical models: AlexNet (73.68%), GoogLeNet (69.12%), ResNet 18 (67.60%), ResNet 50 (80.84%), and VggNet (81.70%). Further, the model has good robustness and fast convergence rate.
Bacterial Colonization within the First Six Weeks of Life and Pulmonary Outcome in Preterm Infants <1000 g
Authors: Lauer Tina , Behnke Judith , Oehmke Frank , Baecker Johanna , Gentil Katrin , Chakraborty Trinad , Schloter Michael , Gertheiss Jan , Ehrhardt Harald
Published: July 2020

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a multifactorial disease mainly provoked by pre- and postnatal infections, mechanical ventilation, and oxygen toxicity. In severely affected premature infants requiring mechanical ventilation, association of bacterial colonization of the lung and BPD was recently disclosed. To analyze the impact of bacterial colonization of the upper airway and gastrointestinal tract on moderate/severe BPD, we retrospectively analyzed nasopharyngeal and anal swabs taken weekly during the first 6 weeks of life at a single center in n = 102 preterm infants <1000 g. Colonization mostly occurred between weeks 2 and 6 and displayed a high diversity requiring categorization. Analyses of deviance considering all relevant confounders revealed statistical significance solely for upper airway colonization with bacteria with pathogenic potential and moderate/severe BPD (p = 0.0043) while no link could be established to the Gram response or the gastrointestinal tract. Our data highlight that specific colonization of the upper airway poses a risk to the immature lung. These data are not surprising taking into account the tremendous impact of microbial axes on health and disease across ages. We suggest that studies on upper airway colonization using predefined categories represent a feasible approach to investigate the impact on the pulmonary outcome in ventilated and non-ventilated preterm infants.