bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Food Safety and Hygiene Training on Food Handlers
Authors: Insfran-Rivarola Andrea , Tlapa Diego , Limon-Romero Jorge , Baez-Lopez Yolanda , Miranda-Ackerman Marco , Arredondo-Soto Karina , Ontiveros Sinue
Published: August 2020

Foodborne diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies have shown that the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers are important factors in preventing foodborne illness. The purpose of this research is to assess the effects of training interventions on knowledge, attitude, and practice on food safety and hygiene among food handlers at different stages of the food supply chain. To this end, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with close adherence to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched for training interventions among food handlers in five databases. Randomized control trials (RCT), quasi-RCTs, controlled before–after, and nonrandomized designs, including pre–post studies, were analyzed to allow a more comprehensive assessment. The meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model to calculate the effect sizes (Hedges’s g) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Out of 1094 studies, 31 were included. Results showed an effect size of 1.24 (CI = 0.89–1.58) for knowledge, an attitude effect size of 0.28 (CI = 0.07–0.48), and an overall practice effect size of 0.65 (CI = 0.24–1.06). In addition, subgroups of self-reported practices and observed practices presented effect sizes of 0.80 (CI = 0.13–1.48) and 0.45 (CI = 0.15–0.76) respectively.
Is a Consumer Perception of Salt Modification a Sensory or a Behavioural Phenomenon? Insights from a Bread Study
Authors: Kuhar Aleš , Korošec Mojca , Bolha Anja , Pravst Igor , Hristov Hristo
Published: August 2020

Salt plays a major role in food manufacturing and affects the technological and sensory properties of foods. At the same time, high dietary salt intake increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and represents a considerable public health concern. In many populations, bread is a major contributor to salt intake and is therefore targeted by health policies recommending salt reduction reformulations. However, producers are often reluctant to reduce salt content due to fears of potential negative effects on consumer acceptability and drops in sales. The present work aims to assess the effect of salt content on consumers’ hedonic liking and perception of saltiness intensity, as well as the interaction of these two. The study was conducted using two market-leading bread types (white and multigrain) and bread samples with the national average (reference), reduced (−15%) and increased (+10%) salt levels. A sensory evaluation study (n = 200) was done including a questionnaire on attitudes and behaviour regarding bread and salt, enabling the exploration of individual differences in reactions to modified levels of salt content. The latter only affected hedonic liking for the multigrain sample with 15% salt reduction but not for others, which discloses the importance of the bread matrix; and it did not affect the perception of saltiness intensity. Penalty analysis revealed that perceived non-optimal saltiness results in significantly penalised hedonic liking scores. Segmentation based on perceived saltiness disclosed the explanatory importance of underlying consumer behaviour dimensions which should be considered in designing bread reformulations.
Chitosan in Sparkling Wines Produced by the Traditional Method: Influence of Its Presence during the Secondary Fermentation
Authors: Castro Marín Antonio , Riponi Claudio , Chinnici Fabio
Published: August 2020

Chitosan is a polysaccharide admitted in winemaking as clarifying, antimicrobial and chelating agent. In addition, evidence about its antioxidant and radical scavenging activities have been recently reported in wine conditions. As an insoluble adjuvant, chitosan efficacy also depends on the duration of its contact with the matrix. In the case of sparkling wines obtained following the traditional method, for instance, the addition of chitosan before the secondary fermentation would permit a prolonged contact of the polymer with wine and yeast lees. However, information on the effects of this practice on final products is totally unknown. In this work, the addition of chitosan during the secondary fermentation of a traditional sparkling wine production method has been investigated for its effects on both the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the resulting wine. After 12 months of “sur lie” maturation, chitosan was found to increase the protein and amino acid content of wines up to about 50% and 9%, respectively, with limited change of phenolics and organic acids. Volatile compounds, particularly esters, were increased as well, which was reflected by higher values for fruity character and aroma intensity after sensory tests. Foaming features, evaluated by sensory and physical measurements, were also positively affected.
Influence of Cold Storage on Pear Physico-Chemical Traits and Antioxidant Systems in Relation to Superficial Scald Development
Authors: Caracciolo Giuseppina , Magri Anna , Petriccione Milena , Maltoni Maria Luigia , Baruzzi Gianluca
Published: August 2020

Superficial scald is the most common physiological disorder in apples and pears and causes huge economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the different scald susceptibilities of seven pear cultivars/selections during five months of cold storage (CS). Four advanced pear selections and three commercial cultivars were harvested from an orchard located in Emilia-Romagna region, and cold stored at −1 °C and 85% relative humidity (RH).After 90, 120, and 150 days, fruits of each cultivar and selection were removed for ripening for 4 d, after which scald damage, physico-chemical and nutraceutical traits, and enzymatic antioxidant systems were evaluated on peel and pulp. ‘Abbé Fétel’, ‘Falstaff’, and ‘CREA 171’ did not showed superficial scald symptoms after 90 days, while ‘Doyenne du Comice’ and ‘CREA 264’ showed the highest susceptibility. After 90 days, CS ‘Falstaff’ and ‘CREA 179’ showed the highest total polyphenol content (TPH) in peel, followed by ‘Doyenne du Comice’ and ‘AbbéFétel’; lowest TPH was detected in ‘CREA 264’. After 120 and 150 days of CS, ‘Abbé Fétel’ and ‘CREA 171’ showed the highest peel TPH. ‘CREA 264’ and ‘CREA 125’ reached the lowest values of TPH during the three CS time periods. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were higher in the peel of scald-resistant than that in scald-susceptible pear cultivars/advanced selections. Superficial scald induced an increase in polyphenoloxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase activities involved in fruit-browning during CS. Furthermore, we observed an increase in lipoxygenase activity and consequent membrane damage in both the peel and flesh of the fruit. This study indicates that pear cultivars/advanced selections have different superficial scald susceptibilities that enable them to induce the activity of several antioxidant enzymes, following CS.
X-ray Spectral Evolution of High Energy Peaked Blazars
Authors: Gaur Haritma
Published: August 2020

The synchrotron hump of the high energy peaked blazars generally lies in the 0.1–10 keV range and such sources show extreme flux and spectral variability in X-ray bands. Various spectral studies showed that the X-ray spectra of high energy peaked blazars are curved and better described by the log-parabolic model. The curvature is attributed to the energy dependent statistical acceleration mechanism. In this work, we review the X-ray spectral studies of high energy peaked blazars. It is found that the log-parabolic model well describes the spectra in a wide energy interval around the peak. The log-parabolic model provides the possibility of investigating the correlation between the spectral parameters derived from it. Therefore, we compiled the studies of correlations between the various parameters derived from the log-parabolic model and their implications to describe the variability mechanism of blazars.
Genetic Diversity of Hydro Priming Effects on Rice Seed Emergence and Subsequent Growth under Different Moisture Conditions
Authors: Nakao Yoshihiro , Sone Chiharu , Sakagami Jun-Ichi
Published: August 2020

Seed priming refers to seed enhancement methods that stimulate seed metabolism. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of hydro priming efficacy in 27 different genotypes of rice under dry to wet soil moisture conditions. The genotypes included 21 genotypes of Oryza sativa, five genotypes of Oryza glaberrima, and one genotype of NERICA (New Rice for Africa). The treated rice seeds were sown in plastic boxes under four soil moisture conditions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (w/w)). The genotypes were categorized into six groups based on growth parameters using hierarchical cluster analysis. Furthermore, emergence properties were investigated by using principal component analysis based on the mean emergence time of control and primed seeds. Seed priming enhanced growth performance under the moderate dry conditions of 10% and 15% soil moisture. Meanwhile, priming efficacy was low in water stress conditions of 5% and 20% soil moisture. There were wide-ranging genotypic differences of priming efficacy under 20% soil moisture condition. Our findings indicate that the anaerobic-tolerant genotypes tend to exhibit priming efficacy under high soil moisture conditions. Furthermore, one group included all upland genotypes of Oryza sativa. This group originally adapted to 10% and 15% of dry conditions, and seed priming improved their features greatly.
Application of Nonhydraulic Delineation Method of Flood Hazard Areas Using LiDAR-Based Data
Authors: Ureta J. Carl , Zurqani Hamdi A. , Post Christopher J. , Ureta Joan , Motallebi Marzieh
Published: August 2020

Fluvial dynamics are an important aspect of land-use planning as well as ecosystem conservation. Lack of floodplain and flood inundation maps can cause severe implication on land-use planning and development as well as in disaster management. However, flood hazard delineation traditionally involves hydrologic models and uses hydraulic data or historical flooding frequency. This entails intensive data gathering, which leads to extensive amount of cost, time, and complex models, while typically only covers a small portion of the landscape. Therefore, alternative approaches had to be explored. This study explores an alternative approach in delineating flood hazard areas through a straightforward interpolation process while using high-resolution LiDAR-based datasets. The objectives of this study are: (1) to delineate flood hazard areas through a straightforward, nonhydraulic, and interpolation procedure using high-resolution (LiDAR-based) datasets and (2) to determine whether using high-resolution data, coupled with a straightforward interpolation procedure, will yield reliable potential flood hazard maps. Results showed that a straightforward interpolation method using LiDAR-based data produces a reliable potential flood zone map. The resulting map can be used as supplementary information for rapid analysis of the topography which could have implications in area development planning and ecological management and best practices.
A Landscape without Nonhuman Primates? The Case of the Barbary Macaque, Macaca sylvanus, (Linnaeus, 1758) and Its Interaction with Humans throughout Recorded Time
Authors: Veracini Cecilia
Published: August 2020

Cultural and physical landscapes can be regarded as a result of the interaction among humans, nonhumans and a vast array of ecological factors. Nonhuman primates are our closest relatives and play a role in many cultural manifestations of mankind. Therefore interface between humans and other primates can create complex social and ecological spaces, new physical and cultural landscapes. This work, based on historical, artistic, archaeozoological, anthropological and biological data aims to review the history of the interactions between humans and the Barbary macaque since Antiquity. Adopting a cross-disciplinary approach, it will explore the Barbary macaque/human interface across history, with special emphasis on the cultural impact and influence this species has had on the different Mediterranean civilizations.
Evaluation of an End-of-Life Essentials Online Education Module on Chronic Complex Illness End-of-Life Care
Authors: Rawlings Deb , Winsall Megan , Yin Huahua , Devery Kim , Morgan Deidre D.
Published: August 2020

Chronic complex illness/multimorbidity is a leading cause of death worldwide. Many people with chronic complex illnesses die in hospital, with the overall quality of end-of-life care requiring substantial improvement, necessitating an increase in the knowledge of the health professionals caring for them. End-of-Life-Essentials (EOLE) offers online education modules for health professionals working in acute hospitals, including one on chronic complex illness. A quantitative pre–post-evaluation analysis was undertaken on data from learners (n = 1489), who completed a questionnaire related to knowledge gained from module completion between December 2018 and November 2019. A qualitative post-evaluation analysis was also conducted using data on learner responses to a question posed between May and November 2019. Results showed a significant positive impact on learners’ knowledge, skill, attitude, and confidence in providing end-of-life care to patients living with chronic complex illness. The majority (82.9%, n = 900) intended to change their practice after module completion. A total of n = 559 qualitative comments were analysed thematically, with three major themes emerging: Patient centred care and care planning, Discussion of prognosis, and Valued communication skills. This evaluation has demonstrated that healthcare professionals could benefit from this education to improve quality of care of the dying.
Catchment-Scale Flood Modelling in Data-Sparse Regions Using Open-Access Geospatial Technology
Authors: Ekeu-wei Iguniwari Thomas , Blackburn George Alan
Published: August 2020

Consistent data are seldom available for whole-catchment flood modelling in many developing regions, hence this study aimed to explore an integrated approach for flood modelling and mapping by combining available segmented hydrographic, topographic, floodplain roughness, calibration, and validation datasets using a two-dimensional Caesar-Lisflood hydrodynamic model to quantify and recreate the extent and impact of the historic 2012 flood in Nigeria. Available segments of remotely-sensed and in situ datasets (including hydrological, altimetry, digital elevation model, bathymetry, aerial photo, optical imagery, and radar imagery data) available to different degrees in the Niger-South hydrological area were systematically integrated to draw maximum benefits from all available data. Retrospective modelling, calibration, and validation were undertaken for the whole Niger- South hydrological catchment area of Nigeria, and then these data were segmented into sub-domains for re-validation to understand how data variability and uncertainties impact the accuracy of model outcomes. Furthermore, aerial photos were applied for the first time in the study area for flood model validation and for understanding how different physio-environmental properties influenced the synthetic aperture radar flood delineation capacity in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study demonstrates how the complementary strengths of open, readily available geospatial datasets and tools can be leveraged to model and map flooding within acceptable levels of uncertainty for flood risk management.
Lamin A/C and the Immune System: One Intermediate Filament, Many Faces
Authors: Saez Angela , Herrero-Fernandez Beatriz , Gomez-Bris Raquel , Somovilla-Crespo Beatriz , Rius Cristina , Gonzalez-Granado Jose M.
Published: August 2020

Nuclear envelope lamin A/C proteins are a major component of the mammalian nuclear lamina, a dense fibrous protein meshwork located in the nuclear interior. Lamin A/C proteins regulate nuclear mechanics and structure and control cellular signaling, gene transcription, epigenetic regulation, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, and cell migration. The immune system is composed of the innate and adaptive branches. Innate immunity is mediated by myeloid cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These cells produce a rapid and nonspecific response through phagocytosis, cytokine production, and complement activation, as well as activating adaptive immunity. Specific adaptive immunity is activated by antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells (APCs) and the cytokine microenvironment, and is mainly mediated by the cellular functions of T cells and the production of antibodies by B cells. Unlike most cell types, immune cells regulate their lamin A/C protein expression relatively rapidly to exert their functions, with expression increasing in macrophages, reducing in neutrophils, and increasing transiently in T cells. In this review, we discuss and summarize studies that have addressed the role played by lamin A/C in the functions of innate and adaptive immune cells in the context of human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, pathogen infections, and cancer.
Sestrin2 Phosphorylation by ULK1 Induces Autophagic Degradation of Mitochondria Damaged by Copper-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kim Heejeong , Jeon Byeong Tak , Kim Isaac M. , Bennett Sydney J. , Lorch Carolyn M. , Viana Martonio Ponte , Myers Jacob F. , Trupp Caroline J. , Whipps Zachary T. , Kundu Mondira , Chung Soonkyu , Sun Xinghui , Khalimonchuk Oleh , Lee Jaekwon , Ro Seung-Hyun
Published: August 2020

Selective autolysosomal degradation of damaged mitochondria, also called mitophagy, is an indispensable process for maintaining integrity and homeostasis of mitochondria. One well-established mechanism mediating selective removal of mitochondria under relatively mild mitochondria-depolarizing stress is PINK1-Parkin-mediated or ubiquitin-dependent mitophagy. However, additional mechanisms such as LC3-mediated or ubiquitin-independent mitophagy induction by heavy environmental stress exist and remain poorly understood. The present study unravels a novel role of stress-inducible protein Sestrin2 in degradation of mitochondria damaged by transition metal stress. By utilizing proteomic methods and studies in cell culture and rodent models, we identify autophagy kinase ULK1-mediated phosphorylation sites of Sestrin2 and demonstrate Sestrin2 association with mitochondria adaptor proteins in HEK293 cells. We show that Ser-73 and Ser-254 residues of Sestrin2 are phosphorylated by ULK1, and a pool of Sestrin2 is strongly associated with mitochondrial ATP5A in response to Cu-induced oxidative stress. Subsequently, this interaction promotes association with LC3-coated autolysosomes to induce degradation of mitochondria damaged by Cu-induced ROS. Treatment of cells with antioxidants or a Cu chelator significantly reduces Sestrin2 association with mitochondria. These results highlight the ULK1-Sestrin2 pathway as a novel stress-sensing mechanism that can rapidly induce autophagic degradation of mitochondria under severe heavy metal stress.
Public Data Integrity Verification Scheme for Secure Cloud Storage
Authors: Ping Yuan , Zhan Yu , Lu Ke , Wang Baocang
Published: August 2020

Although cloud storage provides convenient data outsourcing services, an untrusted cloud server frequently threatens the integrity and security of the outsourced data. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to design security schemes allowing the users to check the integrity of data with acceptable computational and communication overheads. In this paper, we first propose a public data integrity verification scheme based on the algebraic signature and elliptic curve cryptography. This scheme not only allows the third party authority deputize for users to verify the outsourced data integrity, but also resists malicious attacks such as replay attacks, replacing attack and forgery attacks. Data privacy is guaranteed by symmetric encryption. Furthermore, we construct a novel data structure named divide and conquer hash list, which can efficiently perform data updating operations, such as deletion, insertion, and modification. Compared with the relevant schemes in the literature, security analysis and performance evaluations show that the proposed scheme gains some advantages in integrity verification and dynamic updating.
Wing Geometric Morphometrics as a Tool for the Identification of Culex Subgenus Mosquitoes of Culex (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Simões Roseli França , Wilke André Barretto Bruno , Chagas Carolina Romeiro Fernandes , Menezes Regiane Maria Tironi de , Suesdek Lincoln , Multini Laura Cristina , Silva Fabiana Santos , Grech Marta Gladys , Marrelli Mauro Toledo , Kirchgatter Karin
Published: August 2020

Culex is the largest subgenus within the genus Culex that includes important vectors of diseases. The correct identification of mosquitoes is critical for effective control strategies. Wing geometric morphometrics (WGM) has been used to identify mosquito species alongside traditional identification methods. Here, WGM was used for eleven Culex species from São Paulo, Brazil, and one from Esquel, Argentina. Adult mosquitoes were collected using CDC (Centers for Disease Control) traps, morphologically identified and analyzed by WGM. The canonical variate analysis (CVA) was performed and a Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree was constructed to illustrate the patterns of species segregation. A cross-validated reclassification test was also carried out. From 110 comparisons in the cross-validated reclassification test, 87 yielded values higher than 70%, with 13 comparisons yielding 100% reclassification scores. Culexquinquefasciatus yielded the highest reclassification scores among the analyzed species, corroborating with the results obtained by the CVA, in which Cx. quinquefasciatus was the most distinct species. The high values obtained at the cross-validated reclassification test and in the NJ analysis as well as the segregation observed at the CVA made it possible to distinguish among Culex species with high degrees of confidence, suggesting that WGM is a reliable tool to identify Culex species of the subgenus Culex.
A Novel Role of Growth Differentiation Factor (GDF)-15 in Overlap with Sedentary Lifestyle and Cognitive Risk in COPD
Authors: Hirano Tsunahiko , Doi Keiko , Matsunaga Kazuto , Takahashi Shun , Donishi Tomohiro , Suga Kazuyoshi , Oishi Keiji , Yasuda Kasumi , Mimura Yusuke , Harada Misa , Suizu Sumiteru , Murakawa Keita , Chikumoto Ayumi , Ohteru Yuichi , Matsuda Kazuki , Uehara Sho , Hamada Kazuki , Ohata Shuichiro , Murata Yoriyuki , Yamaji Yoshikazu , Asami-Noyama Maki , Edakuni Nobutaka , Kakugawa Tomoyuki
Published: August 2020

Sedentary behavior and cognitive impairment have a direct impact on patients’ outcomes. An energy metabolic disorder may be involved in the overlap of these comorbid conditions (motoric cognitive risk (MCR)) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to explore the linkage between a proapoptotic protein, growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15, and MCR. Physical activity (PA), cognitive function (Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: MOCA-J), and the serum GDF-15 levels were assessed in healthy subjects (n = 14), asthmatics (n = 22), and COPD patients (n = 28). In the entire cohort, serum GDF-15 had negative correlations with exercise (Ex) (ρ = −0.43, p < 0.001) and MoCA-J (ρ = −0.44, p < 0.001), and Ex and MOCA-J showed a positive correlation (ρ = 0.52, p < 0.0001). Compared to healthy subjects and asthmatics, COPD patients showed the highest serum GDF-15 levels and had a significantly higher proportion of subjects with MCR (both sedentary lifestyle (EX < 1.5) and cognitive risk (MoCA-J ≤ 25)). Also, we found that serum GDF-15 has a screening potential (100% sensitivity) greater than aging (67% sensitivity) for detecting MCR in COPD patients. In conclusion, higher serum GDF-15 had interrelationships with a sedentary lifestyle and cognitive risk. This protein was not disease-specific but could be a screening biomarker to detect MCR related to poor health outcomes of COPD patients.
Self-Limiting versus Rotary Subjective Carious Tissue Removal: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial—2-Year Results
Authors: Ali Ahmed H. , Thani Farah Ben , Foschi Federico , Banerjee Avijit , Mannocci Francesco
Published: August 2020

Background: the aim of this study was to assess the 2-year pulp survival of deep carious lesions in teeth excavated using a self-limiting protocol in a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: At baseline, 101 teeth with deep carious lesions in 86 patients were excavated randomly using self-limiting or control protocols. Standardized clinical examination and periapical radiographs of teeth were performed after 1- and 2-year follow-ups (REC 14/LO/0880). Results: During the 2-year period of the study, 24 teeth failed (16 and 8 at T12 and T24, respectively). Final analysis shows that 39/63 (61.9%) of teeth were deemed successful (16/33 (48.4%) and 23/30 (76.6%) in the control and experimental groups, respectively with a statistically significant difference (z score = 2.3, p = 0.021). Of teeth with severe and mild symptoms at T0, 42.9% and 36.7% respectively failed at T24 (p > 0.05). Within the self-limiting group, there was a lower success in premolars compared to molars (p < 0.05). Conclusion: after 2 years, there was a statistically significant higher pulp survival rate of teeth with deep carious lesions excavated using self-limiting protocols in patients with reversible pulpitis. Molars showed higher success than premolars in teeth excavated using the self-limiting protocol. There was no statistically significant association between the outcome and the severity of symptoms at T0 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03071588).
Association between Left Atrial Deformation and Brain Involvement in Patients with Anderson-Fabry Disease at Diagnosis
Authors: Esposito Roberta , Russo Camilla , Santoro Ciro , Cocozza Sirio , Riccio Eleonora , Sorrentino Regina , Pontillo Giuseppe , Luciano Federica , Imbriaco Massimo , Brunetti Arturo , Pisani Antonio
Published: August 2020

Background: Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) can induce both central nervous system white matter lesions (WMLs) and cardiac abnormalities including left atrial (LA) dysfunction. We sought to evaluate the possible interrelations of LA structure and function impairment with the presence of WMLs in AFD patients. Methods 22 AFD patients and 22 controls, matched for age and sex, underwent an echo-Doppler exam including quantification of peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS). AFD patients underwent also a 3-T brain magnetic resonance imaging with a visual quantification of WMLs by Fazekas’ score (FS) on 3D FLAIR images. Results AFD patients had significantly higher left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMi) and relative wall thickness, and lower PALS compared to controls. Among AFD patients, 9 showed a FS = 0, and 13 a FS > 1. AFD patients with FS ≥ 1 showed lower PALS (29.4 ± 6.7 vs. 37.2 ± 3.9%, p = 0.003) than those with FS = 0, without difference in LA volume index and LVMi. In AFD patients, FS was inversely related to PALS (r = −0.49, p < 0.0001), even after adjusting for LVMi (r = −0.43, p < 0.05). Conclusions In the absence of significant alterations in LA size, AFD patients had lower PALS compared to controls. The inverse association between PALS and presence of WMLs indicates a possible parallel early involvement of heart and brain.
Integrating Comorbidities and Phenotype-Based Medicine in Patient-Centered Medicine in COPD
Authors: Lopez-Campos José Luis , Ruiz-Duque Borja , Carrasco-Hernandez Laura , Caballero-Eraso Candelaria
Published: August 2020

Despite recent notable innovations in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), no major advances in patient-centered medicine have been achieved. Current guidelines base their proposals on the average results from clinical trials, leading to what could be termed ‘means-based’ medical practice. However, the therapeutic response is variable at the patient level. Additionally, the variability of the clinical presentation interacts with comorbidities to form a complex clinical scenario for clinicians to deal with. Consequently, no consensus has been reached over a practical approach for combining comorbidities and disease presentation markers in the therapeutic algorithm. In this context, from the patients’ first visit, the clinician faces four major dilemmas: (1) establishing the correct diagnosis of COPD as opposed to other airway diseases, such as bronchial asthma; (2) deciding on the initial therapeutic approach based on the clinical characteristics of each case; (3) setting up a study strategy for non-responding patients; (4) pursuing a follow-up strategy with two well-defined periods according to whether close or long-term follow-up is required. Here, we will address these major dilemmas in the search for a patient-centered approach to COPD management and suggest how to combine them all in a single easy-to-use strategy.
Carbon Sources Supporting Macro-Invertebrate Communities in Restored Mangrove Forests from Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam
Authors: Van Hieu Pham , Hoang Ha Nguyen Thi , Viet Dung Luu , Omori Koji
Published: August 2020

Mangrove forests are important in providing habitats for complex communities of terrestrial and marine fauna. Moreover, they are recognized as highly productive ecosystems in providing nutrients to mangrove food webs or exporting them to nearby coastal waters. In the present study, stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were applied to examine the changes in the diets of benthic invertebrate communities following mangrove restoration. The isotope signature of invertebrate tissues varied among the forest ages and locations and ranged from 3.7 ± 1.0 to 13.9 ± 1.1‰ and −26.6 ± 0.5 to −15.0 ± 0.4‰ for δ15N and δ13C, respectively. The results showed that the food source assimilation of macro-invertebrates is slightly altered from a mixture of benthic microalgae and marine phytoplankton in the mudflat to a combination of benthic microalgae and sediment organic matter in the Sonneratia caseolaris and the Kandelia obovata forests. Therefore, the diets of macro-invertebrates varied following forest ages and the position of the forest in the intertidal zone. These insights from the present study are useful for the effective conservation and restoration of mangrove forests in Vietnam and worldwide.
Analysis of APPL1 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with a Phenotype of Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young
Authors: Ivanoshchuk Dinara E. , Shakhtshneider Elena V. , Rymar Oksana D. , Ovsyannikova Alla K. , Mikhailova Svetlana V. , Orlov Pavel S. , Ragino Yuliya I. , Voevoda Mikhail I.
Published: August 2020

The APPL1 gene encodes a protein mediating the cross-talk between adiponectin and insulin signaling. Recently, it was found that APPL1 mutations can cause maturity onset diabetes of the young, type 14. Here, an analysis of APPL1 was performed in patients with a maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) phenotype, and prevalence of these mutations was estimated in a Russian population, among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and MODY patients. Whole-exome sequencing or targeted sequencing was performed on 151 probands with a MODY phenotype, with subsequent association analysis of one of identified variants, rs11544593, in a white population of Western Siberia (276 control subjects and 169 T2DM patients). Thirteen variants were found in APPL1, three of which (rs79282761, rs138485817, and rs11544593) are located in exons. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of rs11544593 alleles and genotypes between T2DM patients and the general population. In the MODY group, AG rs11544593 genotype carriers were significantly more frequent (AG vs. AA + GG: odds ratio 1.83, confidence interval 1.15–2.90, p = 0.011) compared with the control group. An association of rs11544593 with blood glucose concentration was revealed in the MODY group. The genotyping data suggest that rs11544593 may contribute to carbohydrate metabolism disturbances.
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Affected in ALS
Authors: Le Gall Laura , Anakor Ekene , Connolly Owen , Vijayakumar Udaya , Duddy William , Duguez Stephanie
Published: August 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal late-onset condition characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Mutations in more than 30 genes are associated to the disease, but these explain only ~20% of cases. The molecular functions of these genes implicate a wide range of cellular processes in ALS pathology, a cohesive understanding of which may provide clues to common molecular mechanisms across both familial (inherited) and sporadic cases and could be key to the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Here, the different pathways that have been investigated in ALS are summarized, discussing in detail: mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, axonal transport dysregulation, glutamate excitotoxicity, endosomal and vesicular transport impairment, impaired protein homeostasis, and aberrant RNA metabolism. This review considers the mechanistic roles of ALS-associated genes in pathology, viewed through the prism of shared molecular pathways.
A Fuzzy-Statistical Tolerance Interval from Residuals of Crisp Linear Regression Models
Authors: Al-Kandari Maryam , Adjenughwure Kingsley , Papadopoulos Kyriakos
Published: August 2020

Linear regression is a simple but powerful tool for prediction. However, it still suffers from some deficiencies, which are related to the assumptions made when using a model like normality of residuals, uncorrelated errors, where the mean of residuals should be zero. Sometimes these assumptions are violated or partially violated, thereby leading to uncertainties or unreliability in the predictions. This paper introduces a new method to account for uncertainty in the residuals of a linear regression model. First, the error in the estimation of the dependent variable is calculated and transformed to a fuzzy number, and this fuzzy error is then added to the original crisp prediction, thereby resulting in a fuzzy prediction. The results are compared to a fuzzy linear regression with crisp input and fuzzy output, in terms of their ability to represent uncertainty in prediction.
Advances and Novel Approaches in Discrete Optimization
Authors: Werner Frank
Published: August 2020

Discrete optimization is an important area of applied mathematics which is at the intersection of several disciplines and covers both theoretical and practical aspects [...]
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Laser Welded 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy under High Strain Rates
Authors: Nie Jincheng , Li Shengci , Zhong Huilong , Hu Changjing , Lin Xiangsong , Chen Jiqiang , Guan Renguo
Published: August 2020

Laser welding is widely used for the joining of aluminum alloy in the automotive industry, and the vehicles produced are inevitably subjected to high strain rate loading during their service. Therefore, this paper studied the mechanical properties of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and its laser welded joint at strain rates between 0.0003 and 1000 s−1. Results showed that the microstructure of welded material (WM) was much finer than base material (BM), typical columnar crystals grew perpendicularly to the fusion line, and the minimum hardness value (~56 HV) was obtained inside WM. The strength and dynamic factors of BM and WM increased with increasing strain rate, and the strength of WM was less sensitive to strain rate compared with BM. The strain rate effect was not homogenous in the plastic deformation region. The modified Johnson–Cook (J–C) model which introduced the term C = C1 + C2·ε could well describe the dynamic plastic deformation of BM. However, the fitted results of the simplified J–C model were overall better than the modified J–C model for WM, especially for high strain rate (1000 s−1). These findings will benefit the determination of the dynamic deformation behavior of laser welded aluminum alloy under high strain rates, and could provide a better understanding of lightweight and the safety of vehicles.
Contact Fatigue Strength of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) in Gear Applications
Authors: Goergen Fabian , Mevissen Dieter , Masaggia Stefano , Veneri Enrico , Brimmers Jens , Brecher Christian
Published: August 2020

Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) is widely implemented to achieve lightweight and optimized components in power transmissions (e.g., internal gear in planetary stages), by substituting steel castings or a combination of Ductile Iron and steel-assembled structures. In this paper, the contact fatigue of two ADI grades (ADI J/S900-8; ADI J/S1200-3) is investigated by disk-on-disk tests. The disk-on-disk contact is an analogy model of the tooth contact and represents the tribological conditions at a specific point on the path of contact. The experimental results cover the endurance limit as well as the short time fatigue behavior for both ADI variants. In addition, the pitting characteristics and microstructural changes are analyzed in order to get a further understanding of the fatigue behavior of ADI.
Study on Plastic Deformation Behavior of Mo-10Ta under Ultra-High Strain Rate
Authors: Song Ping , Li Wen-Bin , Zheng Yu , Song Jiu-Peng , Jiang Xiang-Cao , Yan Bin-You
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the deformation behavior of the Mo-10Ta alloy with a strain rate range of 102–105 s−1. The Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of deformation conditions on the stress-strain relationship and strain rate sensitivity of the material within a strain rate range of 0.001–4500 s−1. The Shaped Charge Jet (SCJ) forming experiments under detonation loading was conducted to clarify the dynamic response and microstructure evolution of the material within an ultra-high strain rates range of 104–105 s−1. Based on the stress-strain relationship of Mo-10Ta alloy at high temperature (286–873 K) and high strain rate (460–4500 s−1), the influence of temperature and strain rate on the activation energy Q was analyzed. The results indicate that the material strain rate sensitivity increased with the increase in strain rate and strain. Meanwhile, the activation energy Q decreased as the temperature and strain rate increased. The plasticity of the Mo-10Ta alloy under the condition of SCJ forming was substantially enhanced compared with that under quasi-static deformation. The material grain was also refined under ultra-high strain rate, as reflected by the reduction in grain size from 232 μm to less than 10 μm.
A Remote-Controlled Robotic System with Safety Protection Strategy Based on Force-Sensing and Bending Feedback for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Zhou Junqiang , Mei Ziyang , Miao Jia , Mao Jingsong , Wang Lingyun , Wu Dezhi , Sun Daoheng , Zhao Yang
Published: August 2020

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the common choice of non-open surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) now. In this study, a simple TACE robotic system of 4-degree-of-freedom is proposed to get higher accuracy and stability of the surgery operation and reduce X-ray exposure time of the surgeons. The master–slave control strategy is adopted in the robotic system and a customized sigmoid function is designed to optimize the joystick control of the master–slave robotic control system. A force-sensing module is developed to sense the resistance of the guide wire in linear delivery motion and an auxiliary bending feedback method based on constraint pipe with a film sensor is proposed. With two force-sensing methods, the safety strategy of robotic motion with 9 different motion constraint coefficients is given and a human–computer interface is developed. The TACE robot would monitor the value of the force sensor and the analog voltage of the film sensor to adopt the corresponding motion constraint coefficient in every 10 ms. Vascular model experiments were performed to validate the robotic system, and the results showed that the safety strategy could improve the reliability of the operation with immediate speed constraint and avoid potential aggressive delivery.
Anti-Biofilm Properties of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 Probiotics against G. vaginalis
Authors: Sabbatini Samuele , Monari Claudia , Ballet Nathalie , Decherf Amélie Cayzeele , Bozza Silvia , Camilloni Barbara , Perito Stefano , Vecchiarelli Anna
Published: August 2020

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by the presence of a polymicrobial biofilm where Gardnerella vaginalis plays a key role. Previously, we demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM (French National Collection of Cultures of Microorganisms) I-3856 is helpful in resolving experimental simulated BV in mice. In this study, we analyzed its capacity to affect G. vaginalis biofilms and to potentiate the activity of standard antimicrobial agents. We also investigated the anti-biofilm activity of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103), a well-known strain for its intestinal healthy benefits. Biofilm biomass was assessed by crystal violet staining, and G. vaginalis viability was assessed by a colony forming unit (CFU) assay. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated that S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as well as L. rhamnosus GG were able (i) to significantly inhibit G. vaginalis biofilm formation, (ii) to markedly reduce G. vaginalis viability among the biomass constituting the biofilm, (iii) to induce disaggregation of preformed biofilm, and (iv) to kill a consistent amount of bacterial cells in a G. vaginalis preformed biofilm. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 strongly potentiates the metronidazole effect on G. vaginalis biofilm viability. These results suggest that S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as well as L. rhamnosus GG could be potential novel therapeutic agents against bacterial vaginosis.
Anti-Biofilm Activity of a Low Weight Proteinaceous Molecule from the Marine Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 against Marine Bacteria and Human Pathogen Biofilms
Authors: Doghri Ibtissem , Portier Emilie , Desriac Florie , Zhao Jean Michel , Bazire Alexis , Dufour Alain , Rochette Vincent , Sablé Sophie , Lanneluc Isabelle
Published: August 2020

Pseudoalteromonas bacteria are known as potential bioactive metabolite producers. Because of the need to obtain natural molecules inhibiting the bacterial biofilms, we investigated the biofilm inhibitory activity of the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 against the pioneer surface colonizer Roseovarius sp. VA014. The anti-biofilm activity from the culture supernatant of Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 (SNIIIA004) was characterized in microtiter plates (static conditions/polystyrene surface) and in flow cell chambers (dynamic conditions/glass surface). The Pseudoalteromonas exoproducts exhibited an inhibition of Roseovarius sp. VA014 biofilm formation as well as a strong biofilm dispersion, without affecting the bacterial growth. Microbial adhesion to solvent assays showed that SNIIIA004 did not change the broad hydrophilic and acid character of the Roseovarius strain surface. Bioassay-guided purification using solid-phase extraction and C18 reverse-phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was performed from SNIIIA004 to isolate the proteinaceous active compound against the biofilm formation. This new anti-biofilm low weight molecule (< 3kDa), named P004, presented a wide spectrum of action on various bacterial biofilms, with 71% of sensitive strains including marine bacteria and human pathogens. Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 is a promising source of natural anti-biofilm compounds that combine several activities.
Effective Utilization of Limonitic Nickel Laterite via Pressurized Densification Process and Its Relevant Mechanism
Authors: Xue Yuxiao , Zhu Deqing , Pan Jian , Guo Zhengqi , Yang Congcong , Tian Hongyu , Duan Xi , Huang Qingzhou , Pan Liaoting , Huang Xuezhong
Published: August 2020

Limonitic laterite contains low iron and nickel grades and much high smelting minerals and loss on ignition (LOI), identified as refractory iron ore for sintering. Thus, sinter pot tests of limonitic laterite via pressurized densification sintering and its intensification mechanism were conducted, and the industrial application prospect was explored. The results indicate that the sintering performance of the limonitic laterite of the new process is significantly improved with the tumble index and productivity increased by 19.2% and 18.6%, respectively, and solid fuel rate lowered by 10.3%. The external pressure field promotes the synchronization of heat front velocity and combustion front velocity for better sintering heat and mass transfer conditions, which also greatly improves the mineral compositions and microstructure of the product sinter. The microstructure is converted from large thin-wall pores into small thin-wall or large thick-wall pores with the sinter porosity decreased by 42.4%. Much close interlocking texture between hercynite and silico-ferrite of calcium and alumina (SFCA) is formed with hercynite grains aggregation and growth, and SFCA amount substantially increased. The better sintering performance will bring about a remarkable economic benefit of 282.78 million RMB/a if the industrial application is implemented. The pressurized densification sintering process is considered as one of the effective technologies for improving limonitic laterite sintering.
Heat-Killed Fusobacterium nucleatum Triggers Varying Heme-Related Inflammatory and Stress Responses Depending on Primary Human Respiratory Epithelial Cell Type
Authors: Koike Ryo , Cueno Marni E. , Nodomi Keiko , Tamura Muneaki , Kamio Noriaki , Tanaka Hajime , Kotani Ai , Imai Kenichi
Published: August 2020

Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is generally an opportunistic oral pathogen that adheres to mammalian mucosal sites, triggering a host inflammatory response. In general, Fn is normally found within the human oral cavity; however, it was previously reported that Fn is a risk factor for certain respiratory diseases. Surprisingly, this was never fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the virulence potential of heat-killed Fn on primary human tracheal, bronchial, and alveolar epithelial cells. In this study, we measured the secretion of inflammatory- (IL-8 and IL-6), stress- (total heme and hydrogen peroxide), and cell death-related (caspase-1 and caspase-3) signals. We established that the inflammatory response mechanism varies in each epithelial cell type: (1) along tracheal cells, possible Fn adherence would trigger increased heme secretion and regulated inflammatory response; (2) along bronchial cells, potential Fn adherence would simultaneously initiate an increase in secreted H2O2 and inflammatory response (ascribable to decreased secreted heme amounts); and (3) along alveolar cells, putative Fn adherence would instigate the increased secretion of inflammatory responses attributable to a decrease in secreted heme levels. Moreover, regardless of the epithelial cell-specific inflammatory mechanism, we believe these are putative, not harmful. Taken together, we propose that any potential Fn-driven inflammation along the respiratory tract would be initiated by differing epithelial cell-specific inflammatory mechanisms that are collectively dependent on secreted heme.