bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down-Regulation of miR-23a-3p Mediates Irradiation-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis
Authors: Sabirzhanov Boris , Makarevich Oleg , Barrett James , Jackson Isabel L. , Faden Alan I. , Stoica Bogdan A.
Published: May 2020

Radiation-induced central nervous system toxicity is a significant risk factor for patients receiving cancer radiotherapy. Surprisingly, the mechanisms responsible for the DNA damage-triggered neuronal cell death following irradiation have yet to be deciphered. Using primary cortical neuronal cultures in vitro, we demonstrated that X-ray exposure induces the mitochondrial pathway of intrinsic apoptosis and that miR-23a-3p plays a significant role in the regulation of this process. Primary cortical neurons exposed to irradiation show the activation of DNA-damage response pathways, including the sequential phosphorylation of ATM kinase, histone H2AX, and p53. This is followed by the p53-dependent up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family molecules, including the BH3-only molecules PUMA, Noxa, and Bim, leading to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and the release of cytochrome c, which activates caspase-dependent apoptosis. miR-23a-3p, a negative regulator of specific pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family molecules, is rapidly decreased after neuronal irradiation. By increasing the degradation of PUMA and Noxa mRNAs in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), the administration of the miR-23a-3p mimic inhibits the irradiation-induced up-regulation of Noxa and Puma. These changes result in an attenuation of apoptotic processes such as MOMP, the release of cytochrome c and caspases activation, and a reduction in neuronal cell death. The neuroprotective effects of miR-23a-3p administration may not only involve the direct inhibition of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 molecules downstream of p53 but also include the attenuation of secondary DNA damage upstream of p53. Importantly, we demonstrated that brain irradiation in vivo results in the down-regulation of miR-23a-3p and the elevation of pro-apoptotic Bcl2-family molecules PUMA, Noxa, and Bax, not only broadly in the cortex and hippocampus, except for Bax, which was up-regulated only in the hippocampus but also selectively in isolated neuronal populations from the irradiated brain. Overall, our data suggest that miR-23a-3p down-regulation contributes to irradiation-induced intrinsic pathways of neuronal apoptosis. These regulated pathways of neurodegeneration may be the target of effective neuroprotective strategies using miR-23a-3p mimics to block their development and increase neuronal survival after irradiation.
Sex Specific Determinants in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Contartese Deyanira , Tschon Matilde , De Mattei Monica , Fini Milena
Published: May 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent joint disease that primarily affects about 10% of the world’s population over 60 years old. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the preclinical studies regarding sex differences in OA, with particular attention to the molecular aspect and gene expression, but also to the histopathological aspects. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) were screened for eligible studies. In vitro and in vivo papers written in English, published in the last 11 years (2009–2020) were eligible. Participants were preclinical studies, including cell cultures and animal models of OA, evaluating sex differences. Independent extraction of articles and quality assessments were performed by two authors using predefined data fields and specific tools (Animals in Research Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guideline and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool). Twenty-three studies were included in the review: 4 in vitro studies, 18 in vivo studies, and 1 both in vitro and in vivo study. From in vitro works, sex differences were found in the gene expression of inflammatory molecules, hormonal receptors, and in responsiveness to hormonal stimulation. In vivo research showed a great heterogeneity of animal models mainly focused on the histopathological aspects rather than on the analysis of sex-related molecular mechanisms. This review highlights that many gaps in knowledge still exist; improvementsin the selection and reporting of animal models, the use of advanced in vitro models, and multiomics analyses might contribute to developing a personalized gender-based medicine.
Systemic Exposure to Air Pollution Induces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mouse Brain, Contributing to Neurodegeneration Onset
Authors: Milani Chiara , Farina Francesca , Botto Laura , Massimino Luca , Lonati Elena , Donzelli Elisabetta , Ballarini Elisa , Crippa Luca , Marmiroli Paola , Bulbarelli Alessandra , Palestini Paola
Published: May 2020

In northern Italy, biomass burning-derived (BB) particles and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are considered the most significant contributors to ultrafine particle (UFP) emission. However, a comparison between their impact on different brain regions was not investigated until now. Therefore, male BALB/c mice were treated with a single or three consecutive intratracheal instillations using 50 µg of UFPs in 100 µL of isotonic saline solution or 100 µL of isotonic saline solution alone, and brains were collected and analyzed. Proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as Alzheimer’s disease markers, were examined in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and the rest of the brain (RoB). Histopathological examination of the brain was also performed. Moreover, correlations among different brain, pulmonary, and cardiovascular markers were performed, allowing us to identify the potentially most stressful UFP source. Although both acute exposures induced inflammatory pathways in mouse brain, only DEP showed strong oxidative stress. The sub-acute exposure also induced the modulation of APP and BACE1 protein levels for both UFPs. We observed that DEP exposure is more harmful than BB, and this different response could be explained by this UFP’s different chemical composition and reactivity.
Preventive Effects of Neuroprotective Agents in a Neonatal Rat of Photothrombotic Stroke Model
Authors: Yi Yoon Young , Shin Hyo Jung , Choi Seung Gyu , Kang Joon Won , Song Hee-Jung , Kim Sung Koo , Kim Dong Woon
Published: May 2020

Neonatal ischemic stroke has a higher incidence than childhood stroke. Seizures are the first sign for the need for clinical assessment in neonates, but many questions remain regarding treatments and follow-up modalities. In the absence of a known pathophysiological mechanism, only supportive care is currently provided. Stroke-induced microglia activation and neuroinflammation are believed to play a central role in the pathological progression of neonatal ischemic stroke. We induced a photothrombotic infarction with Rose Bengal in neonatal rats to investigate the effects of pre- and post-treatment with Aspirin (ASA), Clopidogrel (Clop), and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which are known for their neuroprotective effects in adult stroke. Pre-stroke medication ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury and reduces infarct volume by reducing microglia activation, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cytokine release. Post-stroke administration of ASA, Clop, and CoQ10 increased motor function and reduced the volume of infarction, and the statistical evidence was stronger than that seen in the pre-stroke treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that ASA, Clop, and CoQ10 treatment before and after the stroke reduced the scope of stroke lesions and increased behavioral activity. It suggests that ASA, Clop, and CoQ10 medication could significantly have neuroprotective effects in the neonates who have suffered strokes.
The Role of Selected Chemokines and Their Receptors in the Development of Gliomas
Authors: Groblewska Magdalena , Litman-Zawadzka Ala , Mroczko Barbara
Published: May 2020

Among heterogeneous primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), gliomas are the most frequent type, with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) characterized with the worst prognosis. In their development, certain chemokine/receptor axes play important roles and promote proliferation, survival, metastasis, and neoangiogenesis. However, little is known about the significance of atypical receptors for chemokines (ACKRs) in these tumors. The objective of the study was to present the role of chemokines and their conventional and atypical receptors in CNS tumors. Therefore, we performed a thorough search for literature concerning our investigation via the PubMed database. We describe biological functions of chemokines/chemokine receptors from various groups and their significance in carcinogenesis, cancer-related inflammation, neo-angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the role of chemokines in glioma development, with particular regard to their function in the transition from low-grade to high-grade tumors and angiogenic switch. We also depict various chemokine/receptor axes, such as CXCL8-CXCR1/2, CXCL12-CXCR4, CXCL16-CXCR6, CX3CL1-CX3CR1, CCL2-CCR2, and CCL5-CCR5 of special importance in gliomas, as well as atypical chemokine receptors ACKR1-4, CCRL2, and PITPMN3. Additionally, the diagnostic significance and usefulness of the measurement of some chemokines and their receptors in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of glioma patients is also presented.
From Increased Fluid Shear Stress to Natural Bypass Growth
Authors: Deindl Elisabeth , Quax Paul H. A.
Published: May 2020

This Special Issue enqueues a series of publications dealing with arteriogenesis, which is the growth of a natural bypass from pre-existing arteriolar connections, as defined by Wolfgang Schaper, Werner Risau and Ramon Munoz-Chapuli in the late nineties of the last century [...]
Lipid–Protein and Protein–Protein Interactions in the Pulmonary Surfactant System and Their Role in Lung Homeostasis
Authors: Cañadas Olga , Olmeda Bárbara , Alonso Alejandro , Pérez-Gil Jesús
Published: May 2020

Pulmonary surfactant is a lipid/protein complex synthesized by the alveolar epithelium and secreted into the airspaces, where it coats and protects the large respiratory air–liquid interface. Surfactant, assembled as a complex network of membranous structures, integrates elements in charge of reducing surface tension to a minimum along the breathing cycle, thus maintaining a large surface open to gas exchange and also protecting the lung and the body from the entrance of a myriad of potentially pathogenic entities. Different molecules in the surfactant establish a multivalent crosstalk with the epithelium, the immune system and the lung microbiota, constituting a crucial platform to sustain homeostasis, under health and disease. This review summarizes some of the most important molecules and interactions within lung surfactant and how multiple lipid–protein and protein–protein interactions contribute to the proper maintenance of an operative respiratory surface.
An Evaluation of the In Vitro Roles and Mechanisms of Silibinin in Reducing Pyrazinamide- and Isoniazid-Induced Hepatocellular Damage
Authors: Goh Zhang-He , Tee Jie Kai , Ho Han Kiat
Published: May 2020

Tuberculosis remains a significant infectious lung disease that affects millions of patients worldwide. Despite numerous existing drug regimens for tuberculosis, drug-induced liver injury is a major challenge that limits the effectiveness of these therapeutics. Two drugs that form the backbone of the commonly administered quadruple antitubercular regimen, that is, pyrazinamide (PZA) and isoniazid (INH), are associated with such hepatotoxicity. Yet, we lack safe and effective alternatives to the antitubercular regimen. Consequently, current research largely focuses on exploiting the hepatoprotective effect of nutraceutical compounds as complementary therapy. Silibinin, a herbal product widely believed to protect against various liver diseases, potentially provides a useful solution given its hepatoprotective mechanisms. In our study, we identified silibinin’s role in mitigating PZA- and INH-induced hepatotoxicity and elucidated a deeper mechanistic understanding of silibinin’s hepatoprotective ability. Silibinin preserved the viability of human foetal hepatocyte line LO2 when co-administered with 80 mM INH and decreased apoptosis induced by a combination of 40 mM INH and 10 mM PZA by reducing oxidative damage to mitochondria, proteins, and lipids. Taken together, this proof-of-concept forms the rational basis for the further investigation of silibinin’s hepatoprotective effect in subsequent preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Mitochondrial Dysfunctions: A Red Thread across Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Stanga Serena , Caretto Anna , Boido Marina , Vercelli Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Mitochondria play a central role in a plethora of processes related to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and genomic integrity. They contribute to preserving the optimal functioning of cells and protecting them from potential DNA damage which could result in mutations and disease. However, perturbations of the system due to senescence or environmental factors induce alterations of the physiological balance and lead to the impairment of mitochondrial functions. After the description of the crucial roles of mitochondria for cell survival and activity, the core of this review focuses on the “mitochondrial switch” which occurs at the onset of neuronal degeneration. We dissect the pathways related to mitochondrial dysfunctions which are shared among the most frequent or disabling neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Can mitochondrial dysfunctions (affecting their morphology and activities) represent the early event eliciting the shift towards pathological neurobiological processes? Can mitochondria represent a common target against neurodegeneration? We also review here the drugs that target mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases.
Unravelling the Biology of Adult Cardiac Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes to Foster Endogenous Cardiac Regeneration and Repair
Authors: Mancuso Teresa , Barone Antonella , Salatino Alessandro , Molinaro Claudia , Marino Fabiola , Scalise Mariangela , Torella Michele , De Angelis Antonella , Urbanek Konrad , Torella Daniele , Cianflone Eleonora
Published: May 2020

Cardiac remuscularization has been the stated goal of the field of regenerative cardiology since its inception. Along with the refreshment of lost and dysfunctional cardiac muscle cells, the field of cell therapy has expanded in scope encompassing also the potential of the injected cells as cardioprotective and cardio-reparative agents for cardiovascular diseases. The latter has been the result of the findings that cell therapies so far tested in clinical trials exert their beneficial effects through paracrine mechanisms acting on the endogenous myocardial reparative/regenerative potential. The endogenous regenerative potential of the adult heart is still highly debated. While it has been widely accepted that adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) are renewed throughout life either in response to wear and tear and after injury, the rate and origin of this phenomenon are yet to be clarified. The adult heart harbors resident cardiac/stem progenitor cells (CSCs/CPCs), whose discovery and characterization were initially sufficient to explain CM renewal in response to physiological and pathological stresses, when also considering that adult CMs are terminally differentiated cells. The role of CSCs in CM formation in the adult heart has been however questioned by some recent genetic fate map studies, which have been proved to have serious limitations. Nevertheless, uncontested evidence shows that clonal CSCs are effective transplantable regenerative agents either for their direct myogenic differentiation and for their paracrine effects in the allogeneic setting. In particular, the paracrine potential of CSCs has been the focus of the recent investigation, whereby CSC-derived exosomes appear to harbor relevant regenerative and reparative signals underlying the beneficial effects of CSC transplantation. This review focuses on recent advances in our knowledge about the biological role of exosomes in heart tissue homeostasis and repair with the idea to use them as tools for new therapeutic biotechnologies for “cell-less” effective cardiac regeneration approaches.
CRISPR-Cas9-Based Mutagenesis of the Mucormycosis-Causing Fungus Lichtheimia corymbifera
Authors: Ibragimova Sandugash , Szebenyi Csilla , Sinka Rita , Alzyoud Elham I. , Homa Mónika , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Nagy Gábor , Papp Tamás
Published: May 2020

Lichtheimia corymbifera is considered as one of the most frequent agents of mucormycosis. The lack of efficient genetic manipulation tools hampers the characterization of the pathomechanisms and virulence factors of this opportunistic pathogenic fungus. Although such techniques have been described for certain species, the performance of targeted mutagenesis and the construction of stable transformants have remained a great challenge in Mucorales fungi. In the present study, a plasmid-free CRISPR-Cas9 system was applied to carry out a targeted gene disruption in L. corymbifera. The described method is based on the non-homologous end-joining repair of the double-strand break caused by the Cas9 enzyme. Using this method, short, one-to-five nucleotide long-targeted deletions could be induced in the orotidine 5′-phosphate decarboxylase gene (pyrG) and, as a result, uracil auxotrophic strains were constructed. These strains are applicable as recipient strains in future gene manipulation studies. As we know, this is the first genetic modification of this clinically relevant fungus.
Machine Learning Based Sentiment Text Classification for Evaluating Treatment Quality of Discharge Summary
Authors: Waheeb Samer Abdulateef , Ahmed Khan Naseer , Chen Bolin , Shang Xuequn
Published: May 2020

Patients’ discharge summaries (documents) are health sensors that are used for measuring the quality of treatment in medical centers. However, extracting information automatically from discharge summaries with unstructured natural language is considered challenging. These kinds of documents include various aspects of patient information that could be used to test the treatment quality for improving medical-related decisions. One of the significant techniques in literature for discharge summaries classification is feature extraction techniques from the domain of natural language processing on text data. We propose a novel sentiment analysis method for discharge summaries classification that relies on vector space models, statistical methods, association rule, and extreme learning machine autoencoder (ELM-AE). Our novel hybrid model is based on statistical methods that build the lexicon in a domain related to health and medical records. Meanwhile, our method examines treatment quality based on an idea inspired by sentiment analysis. Experiments prove that our proposed method obtains a higher F1 value of 0.89 with good TPR (True Positive Rate) and FPR (False Positive Rate) values compared with various well-known state-of-the-art methods with different size of training and testing datasets. The results also prove that our method provides a flexible and effective technique to examine treatment quality based on positive, negative, and neutral terms for sentence-level in each discharge summary.
Fast-Gated 16 × 1 SPAD Array for Non-Line-of-Sight Imaging Applications
Authors: Renna Marco , Nam Ji Hyun , Buttafava Mauro , Villa Federica , Velten Andreas , Tosi Alberto
Published: May 2020

In this paper we present a novel single-photon detector specifically designed for Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) imaging applications within the framework of the DARPA REVEAL program. The instrument is based on a linear 16 × 1 Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) array operated in fast-gated mode by a novel fast-gating Active Quenching Circuit (AQC) array, which enables the detectors with sub-ns transitions thanks to a SPAD-dummy approach. The detector exhibits a timing resolution better than 50 ps (Full Width at Half Maximum - FWHM) at a measurement repetition rate up to 40 MHz, and provides 16 independent outputs compatible with commercial Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting (TCSPC) instrumentation. The instrument has been experimentally characterized and operated in preliminary NLOS imaging acquisitions where a 40 × 60 cm hidden object is successfully reconstructed by scanning over a grid of 150 × 150 positions.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta3 is Required for Cardiovascular Development
Authors: Chakrabarti Mrinmay , Al-Sammarraie Nadia , Gebere Mengistu G. , Bhattacharya Aniket , Chopra Sunita , Johnson John , Peña Edsel A. , Eberth John F. , Poelmann Robert E. , Gittenberger-de Groot Adriana C. , Azhar Mohamad
Published: May 2020

Transforming growth factor beta3 (TGFB3) gene mutations in patients of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD1) and Loeys-Dietz syndrome-5 (LDS5)/Rienhoff syndrome are associated with cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac fibrosis, cleft palate, aortic aneurysms, and valvular heart disease. Although the developing heart of embryos express Tgfb3, its overarching role remains unclear in cardiovascular development and disease. We used histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses of Tgfb3−/− fetuses and compared them to wildtype littermate controls. The cardiovascular phenotypes were diverse with approximately two thirds of the Tgfb3−/− fetuses having one or more cardiovascular malformations, including abnormal ventricular myocardium (particularly of the right ventricle), outflow tract septal and alignment defects, abnormal aortic and pulmonary trunk walls, and thickening of semilunar and/or atrioventricular valves. Ventricular septal defects (VSD) including the perimembranous VSDs were observed in Tgfb3−/− fetuses with myocardial defects often accompanied by the muscular type VSD. In vitro studies using TGFβ3-deficient fibroblasts in 3-D collagen lattice formation assays indicated that TGFβ3 was required for collagen matrix reorganization. Biochemical studies indicated the ‘paradoxically’ increased activation of canonical (SMAD-dependent) and noncanonical (MAP kinase-dependent) pathways. TGFβ3 is required for cardiovascular development to maintain a balance of canonical and noncanonical TGFβ signaling pathways.
Pax9 and Gbx2 Interact in the Pharyngeal Endoderm to Control Cardiovascular Development
Authors: Stothard Catherine A. , Mazzotta Silvia , Vyas Arjun , Schneider Jurgen E. , Mohun Timothy J. , Henderson Deborah J. , Phillips Helen M. , Bamforth Simon D.
Published: May 2020

The correct formation of the aortic arch arteries depends on a coordinated and regulated gene expression profile within the tissues of the pharyngeal arches. Perturbation of the gene regulatory networks in these tissues results in congenital heart defects affecting the arch arteries and the outflow tract of the heart. Aberrant development of these structures leads to interruption of the aortic arch and double outlet right ventricle, abnormalities that are a leading cause of morbidity in 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (DS) patients. We have recently shown that Pax9 functionally interacts with the 22q11DS gene Tbx1 in the pharyngeal endoderm for 4th pharyngeal arch artery morphogenesis, with double heterozygous mice dying at birth with interrupted aortic arch. Mice lacking Pax9 die perinatally with complex cardiovascular defects and in this study we sought to validate further potential genetic interacting partners of Pax9, focussing on Gbx2 which is down-regulated in the pharyngeal endoderm of Pax9-null embryos. Here, we describe the Gbx2-null cardiovascular phenotype and demonstrate a genetic interaction between Gbx2 and Pax9 in the pharyngeal endoderm during cardiovascular development.
Return to Sport after Anatomic and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Papalia Rocco , Ciuffreda Mauro , Albo Erika , De Andreis Chiara , Diaz Balzani Lorenzo Alirio , Alifano Anna Maria , Fossati Chiara , Macaluso Andrea , Borzuola Riccardo , De Vincentis Antonio , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the rate of return to sport in elderly patients who underwent anatomic (ATSA) and reverse (RTSA) total shoulder arthroplasty, to assess postoperative pain and functional outcomes and to give an overview of postoperative rehabilitation protocols. A systematic search in Pubmed-Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was carried out to identify eligible randomized clinical trials, observational studies, or case series that evaluated the rate of return to sport after RTSA or ATSA. Six retrospective studies, five case series, and one prospective cohort study were included in this review. The overall rate of return to sport was 82% (95% CI 0.76–0.88, p < 0.01). Patients undergoing ATSA returned at a higher rate (90%) (95% CI 0.80–0.99, p < 0.01) compared to RTSA (77%) (95% CI 0.69–0.85, p < 0.01). Moreover, the results showed that patients returned to sport at the same or a higher level in 75% of cases. Swimming had the highest rate of return (84%), followed by fitness (77%), golf (77%), and tennis (69%). Thus, RTSA and ATSA are effective to guarantee a significative rate of return to sport in elderly patients. A slightly higher rate was found for the anatomic implant.
Development and Validation of a Risk Score to Predict Low Birthweight Using Characteristics of the Mother: Analysis from BUNMAP Cohort in Ethiopia
Authors: Hassen Hamid Y. , Gebreyesus Seifu H. , Endris Bilal S. , Roro Meselech A. , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2020

At least one ultrasound is recommended to predict fetal growth restriction and low birthweight earlier in pregnancy. However, in low-income countries, imaging equipment and trained manpower are scarce. Hence, we developed and validated a model and risk score to predict low birthweight using maternal characteristics during pregnancy, for use in resource limited settings. We developed the model using a prospective cohort of 379 pregnant women in South Ethiopia. A stepwise multivariable analysis was done to develop the prediction model. To improve the clinical utility, we developed a simplified risk score to classify pregnant women at high- or low-risk of low birthweight. The accuracy of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plot. All accuracy measures were internally validated using the bootstrapping technique. We evaluated the clinical impact of the model using a decision curve analysis across various threshold probabilities. Age at pregnancy, underweight, anemia, height, gravidity, and presence of comorbidity remained in the final multivariable prediction model. The AUC of the model was 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.78 to 0.88). The decision curve analysis indicated the model provides a higher net benefit across ranges of threshold probabilities. In general, this study showed the possibility of predicting low birthweight using maternal characteristics during pregnancy. The model could help to identify pregnant women at higher risk of having a low birthweight baby. This feasible prediction model would offer an opportunity to reduce obstetric-related complications, thus improving the overall maternal and child healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.
Role of Menopausal Transition and Physical Activity in Loss of Lean and Muscle Mass: A Follow-Up Study in Middle-Aged Finnish Women
Authors: Juppi Hanna-Kaarina , Sipilä Sarianna , Cronin Neil J. , Karvinen Sira , Karppinen Jari E. , Tammelin Tuija H. , Aukee Pauliina , Kovanen Vuokko , Kujala Urho M. , Laakkonen Eija K.
Published: May 2020

In midlife, women experience hormonal changes due to menopausal transition. A decrease especially in estradiol has been hypothesized to cause loss of muscle mass. This study investigated the effect of menopausal transition on changes in lean and muscle mass, from the total body to the muscle fiber level, among 47–55-year-old women. Data were used from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study, where 234 women were followed from perimenopause to early postmenopause. Hormone levels (estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone), total and regional body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT) scans), physical activity level (self-reported and accelerometer-measured) and muscle fiber properties (muscle biopsy) were assessed at baseline and at early postmenopause. Significant decreases were seen in lean body mass (LBM), lean body mass index (LBMI), appendicular lean mass (ALM), appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), leg lean mass and thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Menopausal status was a significant predictor for all tested muscle mass variables, while physical activity was an additional significant contributor for LBM, ALM, ALMI, leg lean mass and relative muscle CSA. Menopausal transition was associated with loss of muscle mass at multiple anatomical levels, while physical activity was beneficial for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass.
Pentaglobin® Efficacy in Reducing the Incidence of Sepsis and Transplant-Related Mortality in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Carlone Giorgia , Torelli Lucio , Maestro Alessandra , Zanon Davide , Barbi Egidio , Maximova Natalia
Published: May 2020

The 12-month mortality rate in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains high, especially with respect to transplant-related mortality (TRM), which includes mortality due to infection complications through the aplasia phase. The aim of this study was to determine whether the administration of Pentaglobin® could decrease TRM by lowering sepsis onset or weakening sepsis through the aplasia phase. One hundred and ninety-nine pediatric patients who had undergone HSCT were enrolled in our retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups: the Pentaglobin group, which had received Pentaglobin® in addition to the standard antibiotic treatment protocol established for the aplasia phase, and the Control group, which received only the standard treatment. As compared to the control group outcome, Pentaglobin® led to a significant decrease in the days of temperature increase (p < 0.001) and a reduced infection-related mortality rate (p = 0.04). In addition, the number of antibiotics used to control infections, and the number of antibiotic therapy changes needed following first-line drug failure, were significantly lowered in the Pentaglobin group as compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). With respect to the onset of new infections following the primary infection detected, the Pentaglobin group showed a significant reduction for bacterial events, as compared to the control group (p < 0.03). Pentaglobin® use in patients undergoing HSCT seems to produce a significant decrease in infection-associated TRM rate.
Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Kidney Outcomes: True Renoprotection, Loss of Muscle Mass or Both?
Authors: Post Adrian , Groothof Dion , Eisenga Michele F. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: May 2020

Inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) have emerged as practice-changing treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing both the risk of cardiovascular events and kidney events. However, regarding the latter, caution is warranted, as these kidney endpoints are defined using glomerular filtration rate estimations based on creatinine, the non-enzymatic product of creatine residing in muscles. Creatinine-based estimations of the glomerular filtration rate are only valid if the treatment has no effect on changes in muscle mass over time. Yet, circumstantial evidence suggests that treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors does result in a loss of muscle mass, rendering serum creatinine-based kidney endpoints invalid. Currently, it cannot be excluded that the described renoprotective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors is in part or in whole the consequence of a loss of muscle mass. Post-hoc analyses of existing trials or new trials based on kidney function markers independent of muscle mass can provide more definitive answers on the proposed renoprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors.
Strain State Detection in Composite Structures: Review and New Challenges
Authors: Arena Maurizio , Viscardi Massimo
Published: May 2020

Developing an advanced monitoring system for strain measurements on structural components represents a significant task, both in relation to testing of in-service parameters and early identification of structural problems. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review on strain detection techniques in composite structures. The review represented a good opportunity for direct comparison of different novel strain measurement techniques. Fibers Bragg grating (FBG) was discussed as well as non-contact techniques together with semiconductor strain gauges (SGs), specifically infrared (IR) thermography and the digital image correlation (DIC) applied in order to detect strain and failure growth during the tests. The challenges of the research community are finally discussed by opening the current scenario to new objectives and industrial applications.
Role of Tafazzin in Mitochondrial Function, Development and Disease
Authors: Chin Michael T. , Conway Simon J.
Published: May 2020

Tafazzin, an enzyme associated with the rare inherited x-linked disorder Barth Syndrome, is a nuclear encoded mitochondrial transacylase that is highly conserved across multiple species and plays an important role in mitochondrial function. Numerous studies have elucidated the mechanisms by which Tafazzin affects mitochondrial function, but its effects on development and susceptibility to adult disease are incompletely understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight previous functional studies across a variety of model organisms, introduce recent studies that show an important role in development, and also to provide an update on the role of Tafazzin in human disease. The profound effects of Tafazzin on cardiac development and adult cardiac homeostasis will be emphasized. These studies underscore the importance of mitochondrial function in cardiac development and disease, and also introduce the concept of Tafazzin as a potential therapeutic modality.
Assessment of Mechanisms for Particle Migration in Semi-Solid High Pressure Die Cast Aluminium-Silicon Alloys
Authors: Law Madeleine , Hulme-Smith Christopher Neil , Matsushita Taishi , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: May 2020

In semi-solid metal high pressure die casting and in conventional high pressure die casting, it is common to find a defect band just below the surface of the component. The formation of these bands is not fully understood. However, there are several theories as how they occur, and it has been suggested that segregation is caused by the migration of aluminium-rich externally solidified crystals. In the present work the formation of these bands is investigated theoretically by reviewing suitable potential mechanisms for the migration of such crystals. Two mechanisms are identified as the most probable: Saffman lift force and the Mukai-Lin-Laplace effect. However, it was not possible to identify which of these two mechanisms acted in the case studies. Further testing is required to identify the mechanism that is causing the migration of the aluminium globules and suitable tests are proposed.
Computational Modelling of the Impacts of Saltmarsh Management Interventions on Hydrodynamics of a Small Macro-Tidal Estuary
Authors: Bennett William G. , van Veelen Thomas J. , Fairchild Tom P. , Griffin John N. , Karunarathna Harshinie
Published: May 2020

Saltmarshes are considered as natural coastal defences. However, owing to the large context dependency, there is much discussion over their effectiveness in providing coastal protection and the necessity of additional coastal defence interventions. The macro-tidal Taf Estuary in south-west Wales was chosen as the case study in this paper to investigate the effects of anthropogenic coastal defence interventions such as construction of hard defences, managed realignment, and altering land use of the saltmarshes on the complex hydrodynamics of the estuary. A coupled flow–wave–vegetation model, developed using the Delft3D coastal modelling software, was used. The wave and current attenuation role of saltmarshes during two contrasting storm conditions was modelled, with and without saltmarsh management interventions. The study reveals that certain saltmarsh management interventions can have widespread impacts on the hydrodynamics of the estuary. Altering the land use by allowing extensive grazing of saltmarsh by livestock was found to have the largest impact on wave attenuation, where wave heights on the marsh almost doubled when compared with the no-intervention scenario. On the other hand, managed realignment has a significant impact on tidal currents, where tidal currents reached 0.5 m/s at certain locations. Changes in estuarine hydrodynamics can lead to undesired impacts on flooding and erosion, which stresses the importance of understanding the effects of localized anthropogenic coastal management interventions on the entire estuarine system.
Prediction of the Side Drift Force of Full Ships Advancing in Waves at Low Speeds
Authors: Liu Shukui , Papanikolaou Apostolos
Published: May 2020

In this study, we analyze the experimental results of the mean sway (side drift) forces of six full type ships at low speeds in regular waves of various directions and compare them with numerical results of the in-house 3D panel code NEWDRIFT. It is noted that the mean sway force is most significant in relatively short waves, with the peak being observed at λ/LPP ≈ 0.5–0.6. For λ/LPP > 1.0, the corresponding value is rather small. We also observe a solid recurring pattern of the mean sway force acting on the analyzed full type ships. On this basis, we proceed to approximate the mean sway force with an empirical formula, in which only the main ship particulars and wave parameters are used. Preliminary validation results show that the developed empirical formula, which is readily applicable in practice, can accurately predict the mean sway force acting on a full ship, at both zero and non-zero speeds.
Trace Elements in Home-Processed Food Obtained from Unconventional Animals
Authors: Carpenè Emilio , Andreani Giulia , Ferlizza Enea , Menotta Simonetta , Fedrizzi Giorgio , Isani Gloria
Published: May 2020

Wild animals have been used as food since ancient times and, currently, the consumption of unconventional animals is increasing worldwide. The process of cooking meat using traditional recipes includes a variety of ingredients, which can influence the total metal intake from the diet. In this study, the concentrations of eight essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Ni, Mo, and Co) and six non-essential (Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, As, and Cr) trace elements were determined in home-processed food obtained from snails and from three common species of game animals (woodcock, pheasant, and hare), seasoned with anchovies, mushrooms, and different vegetables using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In general, Fe was the most abundant trace element, ranging from 18 ± 8 µg/g in pheasant to 99 ± 76 µg/g in snail, and Co was the least abundant, ranging from 0.007 ± 0.003 µg/g in hare to 0.093 ± 0.048 µg/g in snail. Regarding the non-essential trace elements, Pb concentrations showed wide variations, reaching a concentration of 17.30 µg/g in hare, while Cd concentrations were higher in snail, ranging from 0.18 to 0.46 µg/g. These alternative food sources can offer an important contribution to the human nutritional requirements of essential trace elements, in particular of Fe. The high concentrations of Pb and Cd present in some samples should be considered as potentially dangerous for the consumers.
Complementary SEM-AFM of Swelling Bi-Fe-O Film on HOPG Substrate
Authors: Sobola Dinara , Ramazanov Shikhgasan , Konečný Martin , Orudzhev Farid , Kaspar Pavel , Papež Nikola , Knápek Alexandr , Potoček Michal
Published: May 2020

The objective of this work is to study the delamination of bismuth ferrite prepared by atomic layer deposition on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrate. The samples’ structures and compositions are provided by XPS, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and Raman spectroscopy. The resulting films demonstrate buckling and delamination from the substrates. The composition inside the resulting bubbles is in a gaseous state. It contains the reaction products captured on the surface during the deposition of the film. The topography of Bi-Fe-O thin films was studied in vacuum and under atmospheric conditions using simultaneous SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Besides complementary advanced imaging, a correlative SEM-AFM analysis provides the possibility of testing the mechanical properties by using a variation of pressure. In this work, the possibility of studying the surface tension of the thin films using a joint SEM-AFM analysis is shown.
Simultaneous Compositional and Grain Size Measurements Using Laser Opto-Ultrasonic Dual Detection for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Ma Yuyang , Hu Xiujuan , Hu Zhenlin , Sheng Ziqian , Ma Shixiang , Chu Yanwu , Wan Qing , Luo Wei , Guo Lianbo
Published: May 2020

Metal-based additive manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive technique with great potential across multiple industries; however, its manufacturing quality is unstable, leading to an urgent requirement for component properties detection. The distribution of grain size has an important effect on many mechanical properties in AM, while the distribution of added elements, such as titanium (Ti), has a measurable effect on the grain size of an aluminum (Al) alloy. Therefore, the detection of the distributions of grain size and elements is of great significance for AM. In this study, we investigated the distribution of grain size and elements simultaneously for wire + arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with an Al alloy using laser opto-ultrasonic dual (LOUD) detection. The average grain size obtained from the acoustic attenuation of ultrasonic signals was consistent with the results of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.981 for linear fitting. The Ti element distribution obtained from optical spectra showed that the enrichment of Ti corresponded to the grain refinement area in the detected area. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra showed that the spectral peaks were moved from Al to AlTi and Al2Ti forms in the Ti-rich areas, which confirmed the LOUD results. The results indicated that LOUD detection holds promise for becoming an effective method of analyzing the mechanical and chemical properties of components simultaneously, which could help explain the complex physical and chemical changes in AM and ultimately improve the manufacturing quality.
Mechanical and Non-Destructive Testing of Plasterboards Subjected to a Hydration Process
Authors: Ranachowski Zbigniew , Ranachowski Przemysław , Dębowski Tomasz , Brodecki Adam , Kopec Mateusz , Roskosz Maciej , Fryczowski Krzysztof , Szymków Mateusz , Krawczyk Ewa , Schabowicz Krzysztof
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of plasterboards’ humidity absorption on their performance. Specimens’ hydration procedure consisted of consecutive immersing in water and subsequent drying at room temperature. Such a procedure was performed to increase the content of moisture within the material volume. The microstructural observations of five different plasterboard types were performed through optical and scanning electron microscopy. The deterioration of their properties was evaluated by using a three-point bending test and a subsequent ultrasonic (ultrasound testing (UT)) longitudinal wave velocity measurement. Depending on the material porosity, a loss of UT wave velocity from 6% to 35% and a considerable decrease in material strength from 70% to 80% were observed. Four types of approximated formulae were proposed to describe the dependence of UT wave velocity on board moisture content. It was found that the proposed UT method could be successfully used for the on-site monitoring of plasterboards’ hydration processes.
Modified Biopolymer Adsorbents for Column Treatment of Sulfate Species in Saline Aquifers
Authors: Solgi Mostafa , G. Tabil Lope , D. Wilson Lee
Published: May 2020

In the present study, variable forms of pelletized chitosan adsorbents were prepared and their sulfate uptake properties in aqueous solution was studied in a fixed-bed column system. Unmodified chitosan pellets (CP), cross-linked chitosan pellets with glutaraldehyde (CL–CP), and calcium-doped forms of these pellets (Ca–CP, Ca–CL–CP) were prepared, where the removal efficiencies and breakthrough curves were studied. Dynamic adsorption experiments were conducted at pH 4.5 and 6.5 with a specific flow rate of 3 mL/min, fixed-bed height of 200 mm, and an initial sulfate concentration of 1000 mg/L. Breakthrough parameters demonstrated that Ca–CP had the best sulfate removal among the adsorbents, where the following adsorption parameters were obtained: breakthrough time (75 min), exhaust time (300 min), maximum sulfate adsorption capacity (qmax; 46.6 mg/g), and sulfate removal (57%) at pH 4.5. Two well-known kinetic adsorption models, Thomas and Yoon-Nelson, were fitted to the experimental kinetic data to characterize the breakthrough curves. The fixed-bed column experimental results were well-fitted by both models and the maximum adsorption capacity (46.9 mg/g) obtained was for the Ca–CP adsorbent. A regeneration study over four adsorption-desorption cycles suggested that Ca–CP is a promising adsorbent for sulfate removal in a fixed-bed column system.
Distributions of Potential and Contact-Induced Charges in Conventional Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Akaike Kouki
Published: May 2020

The interfaces of dissimilar materials play central roles in photophysical events in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Depth profiles of electrostatic potential and contact-induced charges determine the energy-level lineup of the frontier orbitals at electrode/organic and organic heterointerfaces. They are critical for the elementary processes in an OPV cell, such as generation and diffusion of free carriers. A simple electrostatic model describes the energetics in organic heterojunctions supported by an electrode, and experiments via photoelectron spectroscopy and the Kelvin probe method validate the potential distribution in the stacking direction of the device. A comparative study has clarified the significance of Fermi-level pinning and resulting electrostatic fields in determining the energy-level alignment. In this review, we discuss how parameters of device constituents affect the distributions of potential and the dark charges in conventional OPVs comprising metallophthalocyanine and C60 as donor and acceptor, respectively. The results of previous studies, together with additional numerical simulations, suggest that a number of the factors influence the depth profiles of the dark charge and potential, such as the work function of bottom materials, layer thickness, structural inhomogeneity at interfaces, top electrode, and stacking sequence.