bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modelling of Structures Adjacent to Retaining Walls Subjected to Earthquake Loading
Authors: Guan Xiaoyu , Madabhushi Gopal S. P.
Published: December 2020

In an urban environment, it is often necessary to locate structures close to existing retaining walls due to congestion in space. When such structures are in seismically active zones, the dynamic loading attracted by the retaining wall can increase. In a novel approach taken in this paper, finite element-based numerical analyses are presented for the case of a flexible, cantilever sheet pile wall with and without a structure on the backfill side. This enables a direct comparison of the influence exerted by the structure on the dynamic behaviour of the retaining wall. In this paper, the initial static bending moments and horizontal stresses prior to application of any earthquake loading are compared to Coulomb’s theory. The dynamic behaviour of the retaining wall is compared in terms of wall-top accelerations and bending moments for different earthquake loadings. The dynamic structural rotation induced by the differential settlements of the foundations is presented. The accelerations generated in the soil body are considered in three zones, i.e., the free field, the active and the passive zones. The differences caused by the presence of the structure are highlighted. Finally, the distribution of horizontal soil pressures generated by the earthquake loading behind the wall, and in front of the wall is compared to the traditional Mononobe-Okabe type analytical solutions.
Protein Intake, Protein Mealtime Distribution and Seafood Consumption in Elderly Norwegians: Associations with Physical Function and Strength
Authors: Nygård Linda Kornstad , Dahl Lisbeth , Mundal Ingunn , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Rokstad Anne Marie Mork
Published: December 2020

Protein intake is considered important in the maintenance of muscle health in ageing. However, both the source and mealtime distribution of protein might affect the intake of protein and its effect on muscle protein synthesis. In this study, protein intake, mealtime distribution of protein, and seafood consumption were assessed in 92 older adults (aged 65+), and associations with physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)), grip strength and gait speed were assessed in a multiple linear regression analysis. The participants had a mean age of 73 ± 8.9 years. Mean protein intake was 1.1 g/kg body weight. Protein intake was well distributed, with coefficient of variance between meals (CV meals) 0.6 ± 0.3. However, dinner had the highest protein intake. No associations were found between the nutrition factors and physical performance or strength; however, this result might have been caused by a ceiling effect in the chosen test batteries, as the mean score on SPPB was 10.3 ± 2.7, and 48.9% of the participants reached the top score of 12 points. Mean grip strength was 44.4 ± 9.4 kg (men) and 26.2 ± 6.8 kg (women). Mean gait speed was 1.0 ± 0.3 m/s. The interaction analysis suggests that there might be gender differences in the effect of seafood consumption on gait speed.
Parental and Familial Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels in Early Adolescence: A Prospective Study
Authors: Maric Dora , Kvesic Ivan , Lujan Ivana Kujundzic , Bianco Antonino , Zenic Natasa , Separovic Vlatko , Terzic Admir , Versic Sime , Sekulic Damir
Published: December 2020

Parental/familial factors are important determinants of the physical activity level (PAL) in children and adolescents, but studies rarely prospectively evaluate their relationships. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in physical activity levels among adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina over a two-year period and to determine parental/familial predictors of PAL in early adolescence. A total of 651 participants (50.3% females) were tested at baseline (beginning of high school education; 14 years old on average) and at follow-up (approximately 20 months later). The predictors included sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender) and parental/familial factors (socioeconomic status of the family, maternal and paternal education, conflict with parents, parental absence from home, parental questioning, and parental monitoring). Physical activity levels were evidenced by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A; criterion). Boys were more active than girls, both at baseline (t-test = 3.09, p < 0.001) and at follow-up (t-test = 3.4, p < 0.001). Physical activity level decreased over the observed two-year period (t-test = 16.89, p < 0.001), especially in boys, which is probably a consequence of drop-out from the sport in this period. Logistic regression evidenced parental education as a positive predictor of physical activity level at baseline (OR [95% CI]; 1.38 [1.15–170], 1.35 [1.10–1.65]), and at follow-up (1.35 [1.11–1.69], 1.29 [1.09–1.59], for maternal and paternal education, respectively). Parents with a higher level of education are probably more informed about the importance of physical activity on health status, and thus transfer this information to their children as well. The age from 14 to 16 years is likely a critical period for maintaining physical activity levels in boys, while further studies of a younger age are necessary to evaluate the dynamics of changes in physical activity levels for girls. For maintaining physical activity levels in adolescence, special attention should be paid to children whose parents are less educated, and to inform them of the benefits of an appropriate physical activity level and its necessity for maintaining proper health and growth.
Echocardiography Abnormal Findings and Laboratory Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a High Volume Center in New York City
Authors: Pang Li , Stahl Eric P. , Fujikura Kana , Chen Michelle , Li Weijia , Zhang Ming , Levsky Jeffrey M. , Travin Mark I. , Ho Edwin C. , Goldberg Ythan , Taub Cynthia C.
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: This study sought to explore how the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected the echocardiography (TTE) laboratory operations at a high volume medical center in New York City. Changes in cardiac imaging study volume, turn-around time, and abnormal findings were analyzed and compared to a pre-pandemic period. (2) Methods: Volume of all cardiac imaging studies and TTE reports between 11 March 2020 to 5 May 2020 and the same calendar period in 2019 were retrospectively identified and compared. (3) Results: During the pandemic, our center experienced a 46.72% reduction in TTEs, 82.47% reduction in transesophageal echocardiograms, 83.16% reduction in stress echo, 70.32% reduction in nuclear tests, 46.25% reduction in calcium score, 73.91% reduction in coronary computed tomography angiography, and 87.23% reduction in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. TTE findings were overall similar between 2020 and 2019 (all p ≥ 0.05), except for a significantly higher right ventricular systolic pressure in 2020 (39.8 ± 14.2 vs. 34.6 ± 11.2 mmHg, p = 0.012). (4) Conclusions: Despite encountering an influx of critically ill patients, our hospital center experienced a reduction in the number of cardiac imaging studies, which likely represents a change in both patient mindset and physician management approach.
Groundwater and Solute Budget (A Case Study from Sabkha Matti, Saudi Arabia)
Authors: Saeed Waleed , Shouakar-Stash Orfan , Wood Warren , Parker Beth , Unger André
Published: December 2020

Sabkha Matti is the largest inland sabkha (2950 km2) in the Arabian Peninsula. The drainage area supporting this sabkha is >250,000 km2 and is the discharge point for part of the ten thousand meter thick regional groundwater systems ranging in age from Precambrian through Miocene in the Rub’ al Khali structural basin. A hydrologic budget was constructed for this sabkha, where water fluxes were calculated on the basis of hydraulic gradient and conductivities measured in both shallow and deep wells. The evaporation rates from the surface of the sabkha were estimated from the published data and indicate that almost all the annual rainfall is lost by surface evaporation. The water flux multiplied by its solute concentration showed that nearly all the solutes in the sabkha were derived by upward leakage from the underlying regional aquifers rather than the weathering of the aquifer framework, from precipitation, or from other sources. Steady-state estimates within a rectilinear control volume of the sabkha indicate that about 1 m3/year of water enters by lateral groundwater flow, 2 m3/year of water exits by lateral groundwater flow, 20 m3/year enters by upward leakage, 780 m3/year enters by recharge from rainfall, and 780 m3/year is lost by evaporation. The proposed conceptual model of the hydrology for sabkha Matti is assumed to apply to the rest of the inland sabkhas of the Arabia Peninsula and to many ancient environments of deposition observed in the geologic record.
Self-Isolation Due to COVID-19 Is Linked to Small One-Year Changes in Depression, Sleepiness, and Insomnia: Results from a Clinic for Sleep Disorders in Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Ubara Ayaka , Sumi Yukiyoshi , Ito Kazuki , Matsuda Arichika , Matsuo Masahiro , Miyamoto Towa , Kadotani Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

We aimed to analyze (a) the changes in depression, sleepiness, insomnia, and sleep habits in relation to the degree of self-isolation and (b) the effects of changes in sleep habits and social interactions on depression, insomnia, and sleepiness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We enrolled 164 patients who visited the sleep outpatient clinic in Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital. We compared the sleep habits, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9: PHQ-9), insomnia (Athens Insomnia Scale: AIS), and sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale: ESS) of patients during the period from April to July 2019 vs. May 2020 (a period of self-isolation due to COVID-19). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated no significant differences in PHQ-9, ESS, and AIS scores between 2019 and 2020 within both the strong self-isolation group and no/little self-isolation group. With respect to sleep habits, earlier bedtime (p = 0.006) and increased sleep duration (p = 0.014) were found in the strong self-isolation group. The former (p = 0.009) was also found in the no/little self-isolation group, but we found significant differences in sleep duration between the no/little self-isolation group and the strong self-isolation group (p = 0.047). Therefore, self-isolation due to COVID-19 had relatively small one-year effects on depression, sleepiness, and insomnia in a clinical population.
The Influence of Social Isolation on the Preventive Behaviors for Non-Communicable Diseases in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuko , Yamada Masako , Hapsari Elsi Dwi , Matsuo Hiroya
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to examine the relationship between one’s physical status related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and social isolation, and to identify lifestyle behaviors for the prevention of NCDs associated with social isolation among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate lifestyle behaviors for NCD prevention associated with social isolation in Japanese adults aged 60 years and above in a community setting. Out of 57 participants, 17.5% were not socially participative, 66.7% hardly ever, 29.8% sometimes, and 3.5% often felt loneliness. Non-social participation and loneliness were negatively related to the frequency of vegetable and fruit intake. Additionally, loneliness was positively associated with one’s duration of smoking and current smoking habits, and negatively associated with the frequency of moderate-intensity activities, with marginal significance. Those with non-social participation or loneliness were less likely to eat a healthy diet and live a smoke-free lifestyle. The findings of this study suggest that a mutual health support system in the community and the development of community-based approaches for the prevention of NCDs among Japanese older adults are needed.
Mercury in Pancreatic Cells of People with and without Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Pamphlett Roger , Colebatch Andrew J. , Doble Philip A. , Bishop David P.
Published: December 2020

Toxic metals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. Human exposure to mercury is widespread, but it is not known how often mercury is present in the human pancreas and which cells might contain mercury. We therefore aimed to determine, in people with and without pancreatic cancer, the distribution and prevalence of mercury in pancreatic cells. Paraffin-embedded sections of normal pancreatic tissue were obtained from pancreatectomy samples of 45 people who had pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and from autopsy samples of 38 people without pancreatic cancer. Mercury was identified using two methods of elemental bio-imaging: (1) With autometallography, inorganic mercury was seen in islet cells in 14 of 30 males (47%) with pancreatic cancer compared to two of 17 males (12%) without pancreatic cancer (p = 0.024), and in 10 of 15 females (67%) with pancreatic cancer compared to four of 21 females (19%) without pancreatic cancer (p = 0.006). Autometallographic mercury was present in acinar cells in 24% and in periductal cells in 11% of people with pancreatic cancer, but not in those without pancreatic cancer. (2) Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of mercury in islets that stained with autometallography and detected cadmium, lead, chromium, iron, nickel and aluminium in some samples. In conclusion, the genotoxic metal mercury is found in normal pancreatic cells in more people with, than without, pancreatic cancer. These findings support the hypothesis that toxic metals such as mercury contribute to the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer.
Environmental Practices in Firms Located in Underpopulated Rural Areas in Spain: The Case of the Province of Teruel
Authors: Esteban-Salvador Luisa , Gargallo-Castel Ana Felicitas , Pérez-Sanz Javier
Published: December 2020

This study aims to develop a better understanding of what drives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in environmental practices in isolated rural areas. Despite a growing literature on environmental behavior in different contexts, the green activities of SMEs in rural areas remains underexposed. This neglect is remarkable, and deserves attention given the serious depopulation problems they have to face, and the economic and social challenges that lie ahead. Using unique data from 141 SMEs in one of the most sparsely populated regions in the European Union, we study the influence of territorial relations on firms’ environmental conduct. Our results suggest that different territorial factors have some impact on the adoption of environmental practices. We report evidence indicative of the role of these factors in shaping environmental decisions. Finally, we offer suggestions for future research that could further develop our understanding of environmental management decisions in rural and underpopulated areas.
Situation of India in the COVID-19 Pandemic: India’s Initial Pandemic Experience
Authors: Siddiqui Azizah F. , Wiederkehr Manuel , Rozanova Liudmila , Flahault Antoine
Published: December 2020

In this article, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 through screening and surveillance methods adopted in India, as well as the potential health system, social, political, and economic consequences. The research was done in a chronological manner, and data was collected between 30 January 2020 till 12 June 2020. Initial containment measures, including point of entry screenings and testing protocols, appeared insufficient. However, testing capacity was gradually expanded after the commencement of a nation-wide lockdown. Modeling predictions have shown varying results on the emergence of cases depending on the infectiousness of asymptomatic individuals, with a peak predicted in mid-July having over two million cases. The country also faces risks of the economic plunge by losing approximately 4% of its gross domestic product, due to containment measures and reduction in goods importation. The low public health expenditure combined with a lack of infrastructure and low fiscal response implies several challenges to scale up the COVID-19 response and management. Therefore, an emergency preparedness and response plan is essential to integrate into the health system of India.
Alcohol and Road Accidents Involving Pedestrians as Unprotected Road Users
Authors: Lasota Dorota , Al-Wathinani Ahmed , Krajewski Paweł , Goniewicz Krzysztof , Pawłowski Witold
Published: December 2020

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of all road fatalities involve vulnerable road users, i.e., pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Poland is classified as one of the European Union (EU) countries marked by low road safety, with a higher frequency of accidents involving pedestrians compared to other EU countries (31% of all fatalities). Among unprotected road users, a significant group of victims are pedestrians, who are often under the influence of alcohol. This study aims to analyze the impact of alcohol on the risk of occurrence and consequences of road accidents among pedestrians. The source of data was the medical documentation of the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Medical University of Warsaw. In more than half of pedestrian deaths, the presence of alcohol was found; regardless of the place of the event and the place of death, among the victims under the influence of alcohol, males dominated; the average age of the victims under the influence of alcohol was significantly lower compared to the average age of sober victims, with younger victims being significantly more likely to die at the scene of the accident, especially in rural areas; significantly higher alcohol concentrations were found in males, in victims who died at the scene of the accident, and with victims of accidents in rural areas. Among pedestrian traffic accident fatalities, the most numerous group comprised young men under the influence of alcohol. In rural areas, a higher percentage of pedestrian victims died at the scene as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. These areas should be subject to intensive preventive measures to increase the safety of pedestrians as unprotected road users.
Addendum: Lallana, M.J. et al. Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Associated Gastroprotection in a Cohort of Workers. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 1836
Authors: Lallana María , Feja Cristina , Aguilar-Palacio Isabel , Malo Sara , Rabanaque María
Published: December 2020

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Woman, Mother, Wet Nurse: Engine of Child Health Promotion in the Spanish Monarchy (1850–1910)
Authors: Siles-González José , Romera-Álvarez Laura , Dios-Aguado Mercedes , Ugarte-Gurrutxaga Mª. Idioia , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario
Published: December 2020

In Spain, the wet nurse increased the survival of children through care and breastfeeding of other women’s children. They had a great development together with the Spanish monarchy between 1850 and 1910. The aim is to identify the role of wet nurses in the Spanish monarchy and the survival of the royal infants (s. XIX–XX). A scoping review is presented to study documents about the wet nurse in the Spanish monarchy. Applying the dialectical structural model of care (DSMC). Recognizing five thematic blocks that shape the historical-cultural model. Books, decrees and databases were analyzed: Scopus, Scielo, Dialnet, Cuiden, Medline/Pubmed, CINAHL, Science Direct and Google Scholar, from January to July 2020. The selection process was rigorous because it was difficult to choose. They had to overcome medical and moral exams. The selected rural northern wet nurses emigrated to Madrid. The contract was regulated by laws and paid. Wet nurses were hired by the monarchy due to health problems of the biological mother and a need for greater offspring. The wet nurse wore a typical costume, a symbol of wealth. The northern wet nurses hired by the monarchists have been the engine that has promoted the health of infants through the breastfeeding process.
Source Apportionment of Ambient Black Carbon during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Anil Ismail , Alagha Omar
Published: December 2020

Black carbon (BC) particles being emitted from mobile and stationary emission sources as a result of combustion activities have significant impacts on human health and climate change. A lot of social activities have been halted during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which has evidently enhanced the ambient and indoor air quality. This paper investigates the possible emission sources and evaluates the meteorological conditions that may affect the dispersion and transport of BC locally and regionally. Ground-level equivalent BC (eBC) measurements were performed between January 2020 and July 2020 at a university campus located in Dammam city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The fossil fuel (eBCff) and biomass burning (eBCbb) fractions of total eBC (eBCt) concentrations were estimated as 84% and 16%, respectively, during the entire study period. The mean eBCbb, eBCff, and eBCt concentrations during the lockdown reduced by 14%, 24%, and 23%, respectively. The results of statistical analyses indicated that local fossil fuel burning emissions and atmospheric conditions apparently affected the observed eBC levels. Long-range potential source locations, including Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, distributed zones in the Arabian Gulf, and United Arab Emirates and regional source areas, such as the Arabian Gulf coastline of the KSA, Bahrain, and Qatar, were associated with moderate to high concentrations observed at the receptor site as a result of cluster analysis and concentration-weighted trajectory analysis methods.
The Healthiness of Food and Beverages on Price Promotion at Promotional Displays: A Cross-Sectional Audit of Australian Supermarkets
Authors: Grigsby-Duffy Lily , Schultz Sally , Orellana Liliana , Robinson Ella , Cameron Adrian J. , Marshall Josephine , Backholer Kathryn , Sacks Gary
Published: December 2020

Supermarket environments can strongly influence purchasing decisions. Price promotions are recognised as a particularly persuasive tactic, but the healthiness of price promotions in prominent in-store locations is understudied. This study compared the prevalence and magnitude of price promotions on healthy and unhealthy food and beverages (foods) displayed at prominent in-store locations within Australian supermarkets, including analyses by supermarket group and area-level socio-economic position. A cross-sectional in-store audit of price promotions on foods at key display areas was undertaken in 104 randomly selected stores from major Australian supermarket groups (Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and independents) in Victoria, Australia. Of the display space dedicated to foods with price promotions, three of the four supermarket groups had a greater proportion of display space devoted to unhealthy (compared to healthy) foods at each promotional location measured (end of aisles: 66%; island bins: 53%; checkouts: 88%). Aldi offered very few price promotions. Few measures varied by area-level socio-economic position. This study demonstrated that price promotions at prominent in-store locations in Australian supermarkets favoured unhealthy foods. Marketing of this nature is likely to encourage the purchase of unhealthy foods, highlighting the need for retailers and policy-makers to consider addressing in-store pricing and placement strategies to encourage healthier food environments.
Intervention Effects of the Health Promotion Programme “Join the Healthy Boat” on Objectively Assessed Sedentary Time in Primary School Children in Germany
Authors: Kobel Susanne , Dreyhaupt Jens , Wartha Olivia , Kettner Sarah , Hoffmann Belinda , Steinacker Jürgen M.
Published: December 2020

Sedentary behaviour (SB) in children is related to negative health consequences that can track into adulthood. The programme “Join the Healthy Boat” promotes reduced screen time and a less sedentary lifestyle in schoolchildren. This study investigated the effects of the programme on children’s SB. For one year, teachers delivered the programme. A total of 231 children (7.0 ± 0.6 years) participated in the cluster-randomised study; there were 154 one year later at follow-up. Children’s SB was assessed using multi-sensor accelerometery, screen time via parental questionnaire. Effects were analysed using (linear) mixed effects regression models. At baseline, children spent 211 (±89) min daily in SB, at follow-up 259 (±109) min/day with no significant difference between the intervention (IG) and control group (CG). SB was higher during weekends (p < 0.01, for CG and IG). However, at follow-up, daily screen time decreased in IG (screen time of >1 h/day: baseline: 33.3% vs. 27.4%; follow-up: 41.2% vs. 27.5%, for CG and IG, respectively). This multi-dimensional, low-threshold intervention for one year does not seem to achieve a significant reduction in children’s SB, although screen time decreased in IG. Therefore, it should be considered that screen time cannot be the key contributor to SB and should not solely be used for changing children’s SB. However, if screen time is targeted, interventions should promote the replacement of screen time with active alternatives.
Flood Susceptibility Mapping through the GIS-AHP Technique Using the Cloud
Authors: Swain Kishore Chandra , Singha Chiranjit , Nayak Laxmikanta
Published: December 2020

Flood susceptibility mapping is essential for characterizing flood risk zones and for planning mitigation approaches. Using a multi-criteria decision support system, this study investigated a flood susceptible region in Bihar, India. It used a combination of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographic information system (GIS)/remote sensing (RS) with a cloud computing API on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Five main flood-causing criteria were broadly selected, namely hydrologic, morphometric, permeability, land cover dynamics, and anthropogenic interference, which further had 21 sub-criteria. The relative importance of each criterion prioritized as per their contribution toward flood susceptibility and weightage was given by an AHP pair-wise comparison matrix (PCM). The most and least prominent flood-causing criteria were hydrologic (0.497) and anthropogenic interference (0.037), respectively. An area of ~3000 sq km (40.36%) was concentrated in high to very high flood susceptibility zones that were in the vicinity of rivers, whereas an area of ~1000 sq km (12%) had very low flood susceptibility. The GIS-AHP technique provided useful insights for flood zone mapping when a higher number of parameters were used in GEE. The majorities of detected flood susceptible areas were flooded during the 2019 floods and were mostly located within 500 m of the rivers’ paths.
From Massive Trajectory Data to Traffic Modeling for Better Behavior Prediction in a Usage-Based Insurance Context
Authors: Blais Philippe , Badard Thierry , Duchesne Thierry , Côté Marie-Pier
Published: December 2020

Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) is an insurance framework that has made its appearance in the last few years. It allows direct measurement of the traveling of policyholders, hence the growing interest of the industry to better understand driving behaviors. UBI generates large data volumes, from which events can be extracted, like harsh brakes or accelerations. Still, these events are measured without contextual information, which limits their explanatory power. Traffic is one of these types of contextual information that may have great potential, but access to such data remains an issue. Solutions exist, like traffic data from external providers, but for insurance companies that conduct business over large areas, this could result in very large costs. This paper demonstrates that data from insurance companies acquired via UBI can be used to model traffic. A method based on link travel time is proposed and tested on four Canadian cities. Then, routes created with the model are compared with those created using Google Maps. The results show that for 38 routes with an average length of around 5 km, the difference between the travel time of the routes of the proposed model and Google Maps is as small as one second on average.
Length Polymorphism and Methylation Status of UPS29 Minisatellite of the ACAP3 Gene as Molecular Biomarker of Epilepsy. Sex Differences in Seizure Types and Symptoms
Authors: Suchkova Irina O. , Borisova Elena V. , Patkin Eugene L.
Published: December 2020

Epilepsy is a neurological disease with different clinical forms and inter-individuals heterogeneity, which may be associated with genetic and/or epigenetic polymorphisms of tandem-repeated noncoding DNA. These polymorphisms may serve as predictive biomarkers of various forms of epilepsy. ACAP3 is the protein regulating morphogenesis of neurons and neuronal migration and is an integral component of important signaling pathways. This study aimed to carry out an association analysis of the length polymorphism and DNA methylation of the UPS29 minisatellite of the ACAP3 gene in patients with epilepsy. We revealed an association of short UPS29 alleles with increased risk of development of symptomatic and cryptogenic epilepsy in women, and also with cerebrovascular pathologies, structural changes in the brain, neurological status, and the clinical pattern of seizures in both women and men. The increase of frequency of hypomethylated UPS29 alleles in men with symptomatic epilepsy, and in women with both symptomatic and cryptogenic epilepsy was observed. For patients with hypomethylated UPS29 alleles, we also observed structural changes in the brain, neurological status, and the clinical pattern of seizures. These associations had sex-specific nature similar to a genetic association. In contrast with length polymorphism epigenetic changes affected predominantly the long UPS29 allele. We suppose that genetic and epigenetic alterations UPS29 can modify ACAP3 expression and thereby affect the development and clinical course of epilepsy.
The Cellular Prion Protein: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer
Authors: Go Gyeongyun , Lee Sang Hun
Published: December 2020

Studies on the cellular prion protein (PrPC) have been actively conducted because misfolded PrPC is known to cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion disease. PrPC is a glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface glycoprotein that has been reported to affect several cellular functions such as stress protection, cellular differentiation, mitochondrial homeostasis, circadian rhythm, myelin homeostasis, and immune modulation. Recently, it has also been reported that PrPC mediates tumor progression by enhancing the proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. In addition, PrPC regulates cancer stem cell properties by interacting with cancer stem cell marker proteins. In this review, we summarize how PrPC promotes tumor progression in terms of proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and cancer stem cell properties. In addition, we discuss strategies to treat tumors by modulating the function and expression of PrPC via the regulation of HSPA1L/HIF-1α expression and using an anti-prion antibody.
Regulation of Beclin 1-Mediated Autophagy by Oncogenic Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Vega-Rubín-de-Celis Silvia , Kinch Lisa , Peña-Llopis Samuel
Published: December 2020

Beclin 1 is a major regulator of autophagy, and it is a core component of the class III PI3K complexes. Beclin 1 is a highly conserved protein and its function is regulated in a number of ways, including post-translational modifications. Several studies indicate that receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases regulate autophagy activity in cancer, and some suggest the importance of Beclin 1 tyrosine phosphorylation in this process. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the mechanism whereby some oncogenic tyrosine kinases regulate autophagy through Beclin 1.
Still Living Better through Chemistry: An Update on Caloric Restriction and Caloric Restriction Mimetics as Tools to Promote Health and Lifespan
Authors: Almendáriz-Palacios Carla , Mousseau Darrell D. , Eskiw Christopher H. , Gillespie Zoe E.
Published: December 2020

Caloric restriction (CR), the reduction of caloric intake without inducing malnutrition, is the most reproducible method of extending health and lifespan across numerous organisms, including humans. However, with nearly one-third of the world’s population overweight, it is obvious that caloric restriction approaches are difficult for individuals to achieve. Therefore, identifying compounds that mimic CR is desirable to promote longer, healthier lifespans without the rigors of restricting diet. Many compounds, such as rapamycin (and its derivatives), metformin, or other naturally occurring products in our diets (nutraceuticals), induce CR-like states in laboratory models. An alternative to CR is the removal of specific elements (such as individual amino acids) from the diet. Despite our increasing knowledge of the multitude of CR approaches and CR mimetics, the extent to which these strategies overlap mechanistically remains unclear. Here we provide an update of CR and CR mimetic research, summarizing mechanisms by which these strategies influence genome function required to treat age-related pathologies and identify the molecular fountain of youth.
Gremlin-1 Promotes Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells by Activating STAT3-MMP13 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sung Nam Ji , Kim Na Hui , Surh Young-Joon , Park Sin-Aye
Published: December 2020

Gremlin-1 (GREM1), one of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, can directly bind to BMPs. GREM1 is involved in organogenesis, tissue differentiation, and organ fibrosis. Recently, numerous studies have reported the oncogenic role of GREM1 in cancer. However, the role of GREM1 in metastasis of breast cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The role of GREM1 in breast cancer progression was assessed by measuring growth, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. An orthotopic breast cancer mouse model was used to investigate the role of GREM1 in lung metastasis of breast cancer cells. GREM1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells, while its overexpression increased their growth, migration, and invasion. Cells with Grem1-knockdown showed much lower tumor growth rates and lung metastasis than control cells. GREM1 enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). A positive correlation between GREM1 and MMP13 expression was observed in breast cancer patients. GREM1 activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcription factor involved in the expression of MMP13. Our study suggests that GREM1 can promote lung metastasis of breast cancer cells through the STAT3-MMP13 pathway. In addition, GREM1 might be a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer metastasis.
The Arabidopsis Mitochondrial Glutaredoxin GRXS15 Provides [2Fe-2S] Clusters for ISCA-Mediated [4Fe-4S] Cluster Maturation
Authors: Azam Tamanna , Przybyla-Toscano Jonathan , Vignols Florence , Couturier Jérémy , Rouhier Nicolas , Johnson Michael K.
Published: December 2020

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins are crucial for many cellular functions, particularly those involving electron transfer and metabolic reactions. An essential monothiol glutaredoxin GRXS15 plays a key role in the maturation of plant mitochondrial Fe-S proteins. However, its specific molecular function is not clear, and may be different from that of the better characterized yeast and human orthologs, based on known properties. Hence, we report here a detailed characterization of the interactions between Arabidopsis thaliana GRXS15 and ISCA proteins using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments demonstrated that GRXS15 interacts with each of the three plant mitochondrial ISCA1a/1b/2 proteins. UV-visible absorption/CD and resonance Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that coexpression of ISCA1a and ISCA2 resulted in samples with one [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster per ISCA1a/2 heterodimer, but cluster reconstitution using as-purified [2Fe-2S]-ISCA1a/2 resulted in a [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster-bound ISCA1a/2 heterodimer. Cluster transfer reactions monitored by UV-visible absorption and CD spectroscopy demonstrated that [2Fe-2S]-GRXS15 mediates [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster assembly on mitochondrial ferredoxin and [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster assembly on the ISCA1a/2 heterodimer in the presence of excess glutathione. This suggests that ISCA1a/2 is an assembler of [4Fe-4S]2+ clusters, via two-electron reductive coupling of two [2Fe-2S]2+ clusters. Overall, the results provide new insights into the roles of GRXS15 and ISCA1a/2 in effecting [2Fe-2S]2+ to [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster conversions for the maturation of client [4Fe-4S] cluster-containing proteins in plants.
The Gut Microbiota: A Potential Gateway to Improved Health Outcomes in Breast Cancer Treatment and Survivorship
Authors: Sampsell Kara , Hao Desirée , Reimer Raylene A.
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. The disease and its treatments exert profound effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. There are many factors that impact an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer, their response to treatments, and their risk of recurrence. The community of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, the gut microbiota, affects human health through metabolic, neural, and endocrine signaling, and immune activity. It is through these mechanisms that the gut microbiota appears to influence breast cancer risk, response to treatment, and recurrence. A disrupted gut microbiota or state of ‘dysbiosis’ can contribute to a biological environment associated with higher risk for cancer development as well as contribute to negative treatment side-effects. Many cancer treatments have been shown to shift the gut microbiota toward dysbiosis; however, the microbiota can also be positively manipulated through diet, prebiotic and probiotic supplementation, and exercise. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the current understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota and breast cancer and to highlight potential strategies for modulation of the gut microbiota that could lead to improved clinical outcomes and overall health in this population.
Adaptive Asset Management for Flood Protection: The FAIR Framework in Action
Authors: Vonk Bart , Klerk Wouter Jan , Fröhle Peter , Gersonius Berry , den Heijer Frank , Jordan Philipp , Radu Ciocan Ulf , Rijke Jeroen , Sayers Paul , Ashley Richard
Published: December 2020

Uncertainties about climate change consequences, changing societal requirements and system complexity require flood protection asset managers to continuously evaluate their asset management policies and practice to manage risk and improve the resilience of their assets. However, there are many challenges in doing this, with asset operators often facing conflicting interests and major uncertainties about the future needs for asset performance. In the EU Interreg IV FAIR project, flood protection asset owners and operators, with scientific partners from the North Sea Region of Europe collaborated to develop practical guidance for adaptive asset management of flood protection infrastructure. The central component of this guidance is the FAIR framework, presented here. The framework combines insights and principles from ISO 55000 on asset management and ISO 14090 on climate adaptation with asset operator experiences to provide a practical guide for integration of asset management considerations within both strategic and operational contexts via a tactical handshake. This is a means to avoid the common lack of connection between strategic plans and operational practice. The applicability of the framework is illustrated with examples from Pilot Cases within the FAIR project, in which its value in terms of improved asset management and reduced costs has been demonstrated.
Approaches and Tools to Study the Roles of Juvenile Hormones in Controlling Insect Biology
Authors: Noriega Fernando G. , Nouzova Marcela
Published: December 2020

The juvenile hormones (JHs) are a group of sesquiterpenoids synthesized by the corpora allata. They play critical roles during insect development and reproduction. To study processes that are controlled by JH, researchers need methods to identify and quantify endogenous JHs and tools that can be used to increase or decrease JH titers in vitro and in vivo. The lipophilic nature of JHs, coupled with the low endogenous titers, make handling and quantification challenging. JH titers in insects can easily be increased by the topical application of JH analogs, such as methoprene. On the other hand, experimentally reducing JH titers has been more difficult. New approaches to modulate JH homeostasis have been established based on advances in RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. This review will summarize current advances in: (1) the detection and quantification of JHs from insect samples; (2) approaches to manipulating JH titers; and (3) next-generation tools to modulate JH homeostasis.
Exposure of Humans to Attacks by Deer Keds and Consequences of Their Bites—A Case Report with Environmental Background
Authors: Maślanko Weronika , Bartosik Katarzyna , Raszewska-Famielec Magdalena , Szwaj Ewelina , Asman Marek
Published: December 2020

Insects of the genus Lipoptena, e.g., Lipoptena cervi and Lipoptena fortisetosa, are hematophagic ectoparasites mainly attacking deer, roe deer, moose, horses, and cattle. Humans may also be incidental hosts for these insects. The species are vectors of numerous pathogens, including Bartonella schoenbuchensis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Due to the short time of feeding on humans, usually painless bites, and an initially small trace at the site of the bite, the symptoms reported by the patient may not be associated with deer ked infestation and infection with pathogens transmitted by these arthropods. The aim of the study was to describe the consequences of L. cervi bites in humans with detailed documentation of the development of skin lesions. The knowledge about skin lesions arising after deer ked bites may be useful in clinical practice for monitoring patients for the presence of pathogens transmitted by the parasites.
Precise Water Leak Detection Using Machine Learning and Real-Time Sensor Data
Authors: Alves Coelho João , Glória André , Sebastião Pedro
Published: December 2020

Water is a crucial natural resource, and it is widely mishandled, with an estimated one third of world water utilities having loss of water of around 40% due to leakage. This paper presents a proposal for a system based on a wireless sensor network designed to monitor water distribution systems, such as irrigation systems, which, with the help of an autonomous learning algorithm, allows for precise location of water leaks. The complete system architecture is detailed, including hardware, communication, and data analysis. A study to discover the best machine learning algorithm between random forest, decision trees, neural networks, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to fit leak detection is presented, including the methodology, training, and validation as well as the obtained results. Finally, the developed system is validated in a real-case implementation that shows that it is able to detect leaks with a 75% accuracy.
Influence of Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming (PIPS) on Root Canal Disinfection and Post-Operative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mandras Narcisa , Pasqualini Damiano , Roana Janira , Tullio Vivian , Banche Giuliana , Gianello Elena , Bonino Francesca , Cuffini Anna Maria , Berutti Elio , Alovisi Mario
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a PIPS (photon-induced photoacoustic streaming) Er:YAG laser to reduce the root canal system bacterial count in vivo in comparison to the traditional irrigation technique. The post-operative patients’ quality of life (QoL) after endodontic therapy was evaluated through a questionnaire. Fifty-four patients affected by pulp necrosis with or without apical periodontitis biofilm disease were selected for endodontic treatment and randomly assigned to Group A (n = 27) with traditional irrigation and Group B (n = 27), with PIPS irrigation applied according to the protocol. Shaping was performed with ProGlider and ProTaper Next, and irrigation was performed with 5% NaOCl and 10% EDTA. Intracanal samples for culture tests were collected before and after irrigation. The microbiological analysis was evaluated by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality and Mann–Whitney tests (p < 0.05). A self-assessment questionnaire was used to evaluate the QoL during the 7 days after treatment; differences were analysed with Student’s t-test. Irrigation with the PIPS device was significantly effective in reducing bacterial counts, which were higher for facultative than obligate anaerobic strains, particularly for Gram-negative bacteria, without statistical significance (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences among the QoL indicators, except for the maximum pain (p = 0.02), eating difficulty (p = 0.03) and difficulty performing daily functions (p = 0.02) in the first few days post-treatment. PIPS may represent an aid to root canal disinfection not affecting the patients’ QoL, particularly for the first day after treatment.
Application of the BIM Method in the Management of the Maintenance in Port Infrastructures
Authors: Valdepeñas Paola , Esteban Pérez María Dolores , Henche Carlos , Rodríguez-Escribano Raúl , Fernández Gonzalo , López-Gutiérrez José-Santos
Published: December 2020

This work represents a paradigm shift in the approach to manage port infrastructure maintenance where the use of the building information modeling (BIM) method is very scarce, and it is now beginning. The new infrastructure conservation management method proposed in this manuscript combines traditional methods with new technology, covering the gap of the implementation of BIM in port maintenance. This new technology is the BIM method, and its use is already mandatory in public infrastructure projects in some countries. In this work, the BIM method is applied to the management of the conservation of port infrastructures to show the benefits that can be obtained using it. After the analysis of the state of the art in the conservation of port infrastructures, two of the main maritime works of the Outer Port of A Coruña were modeled in Revit. This as-built model serves as an inventory model and forms a large database of all the information regarding the conservation of the structures. In this way, all the data on the conservation of the port’s infrastructures are concentrated in a single source of information in which, in addition, there is a three-dimensional and georeferenced representation of the port in question. The main finding of this work is the development of a step by step method to implement BIM philosophy in port maintenance, highlighting the positive and negative points detected during the validation of the method in a real case, detecting future improvement research lines. Although BIM has a lot of advantages and possibilities just now, some improvements are still necessary.