bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Visual Patterns of Construction Hazard Recognition Strategies
Authors: Cheng Rui , Wang Jiaming , Liao Pin-Chao
Published: August 2021

Visual cognitive strategies in construction hazard recognition (CHR) signifies prominent value for the development of CHR computer vision techniques and safety training. Nonetheless, most studies are based on either sparse fixations or cross-sectional (accumulative) statistics, which lack consideration of temporality and yielding limited visual pattern information. This research aims to investigate the temporal visual search patterns for CHR and the cognitive strategies they imply. An experimental study was designed to simulate CHR and document participants’ visual behavior. Temporal qualitative comparative analysis (TQCA) was applied to analyze the CHR visual sequences. The results were triangulated based on post-event interviews and show that: (1) In the potential electrical contact hazards, the intersection of the energy-releasing source and wire that reflected their interaction is the cognitively driven visual area that participants tend to prioritize; (2) in the PPE-related hazards, two different visual strategies, i.e., “scene-related” and “norm-guided”, can usually be generalized according to the participants’ visual cognitive logic, corresponding to the bottom-up (experience oriented) and top-down (safety knowledge oriented) cognitive models. This paper extended recognition-by-components (RBC) model and gestalt model as well as providing feasible practical guide for safety trainings and theoretical foundations of computer vision techniques for CHR.
The Effect of Group Music Therapy with Physical Activities to Prevent Frailty in Older People Living in the Community
Authors: Sun Feng-Ching , Li Hui-Chi , Wang Hsiu-Hung
Published: August 2021

Background: The frail elderly are prone to falls and fractures, which can result in dependency, disability, admission to institutions, and even death. They are at increased risk of frailty due to decreased physical activity, cognitive decline, and depression. Some evidence suggests that music therapy with physical activities may be particularly beneficial. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the intervention effect of music therapy with physical activities (MTPA) on frail elderly in the community. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was adopted. We selected 10 community care centers in southern Taiwan, in which elderly people over the age of 65 were assigned to a MTPA group and a comparison group after obtaining their informed consent. The MTPA group performed group music activities once a week for 120 min for 12 weeks, while the comparison group only continued with their daily activities. Instruments in this study included the Kihon Checklist, Senior Fitness Test (with Body Mass Index (BMI) and seven physical fitness items), Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF). Results: A total of 132 community elders agreed to participate in this study, and 122 completed both the pretest and posttest, with 62 in the music therapy group and 60 in the comparison group. The results of ANCOVA showed that after intervention, except for BMI, the Kihon frailty assessment, seven fitness scores individually and in total, MMSE, and depression showed significant improvements in the music therapy group relative to the comparison group (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: MTPA can improve the frailty index, cognitive function, depression, and physical fitness index in the community elderly. The results of this study can be used as a reference for the design of activities for the community elderly, to provide them with appropriate activities, improve their physical functions, and improve or delay their disability.
Six Sigma in Health Literature, What Matters?
Authors: Hernández-Lara Ana-Beatriz , Sánchez-Rebull Maria-Victoria , Niñerola Angels
Published: August 2021

Six Sigma has been widely used in the health field for process or quality improvement, constituting a quite profusely investigated topic. This paper aims at exploring why some studies have more academic and societal impact, attracting more attention from academics and health professionals. Academic and societal impact was addressed using traditional academic metrics and alternative metrics, often known as altmetrics. We conducted a systematic search following the PRISMA statement through three well-known databases, and identified 212 papers published during 1998–2019. We conducted zero-inflated negative binomial regressions to explore the influence of bibliometric and content determinants on traditional academic and alternative metrics. We observe that the factors influencing alternative metrics are more varied and difficult to apprehend than those explaining traditional impact metrics. We also conclude that, independently of how the impact is measured, the paper’s content, rather than bibliometric characteristics, better explains its impact. In the specific case of research on Six Sigma applied to health, the papers with more impact address process improvement focusing on time and waste reduction. This study sheds light on the aspects that better explain publications’ impact in the field of Six Sigma application in health, either from an academic or a societal point of view.
Effect of Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Oil Cake on the Properties of Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Bio-Composites
Authors: Paciorek-Sadowska Joanna , Borowicz Marcin , Isbrandt Marek
Published: August 2021

Rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foam formulations were modified by evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil cake as a bio-filler in the amount of 5 to 50 wt.%. The obtained foams were tested in terms of processing parameters, cellular structure (SEM analysis), physico-mechanical properties (apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness, accelerated aging tests), thermal insulation properties (thermal conductivity coefficient, closed cells content, absorbability and water absorption), flammability, smoke emission, and thermal properties. The obtained results showed that the amount of bio-filler had a significant influence on the morphology of the modified foams. Thorough mixing of the polyurethane premix allowed better homogenization of the bio-filler in the polyurethane matrix, resulting in a regular cellular structure. This resulted in an improvement in the physico-mechanical and thermal insulation properties as well as a reduction in the flammability of the obtained materials. This research provided important information on the management of the waste product from the edible oil industry and the production process of fire-safe RPU/PIR foams with improved performance properties. Due to these beneficial effects, it was found that the use of evening primrose oil cake as a bio-filler for RPU/PIR foams opens a new way of waste management to obtain new “green” materials.
OTX2 Homeoprotein Functions in Adult Choroid Plexus
Authors: Planques Anabelle , Oliveira Moreira Vanessa , Benacom David , Bernard Clémence , Jourdren Laurent , Blugeon Corinne , Dingli Florent , Masson Vanessa , Loew Damarys , Prochiantz Alain , Di Nardo Ariel A.
Published: August 2021

The choroid plexus is an important blood barrier that secretes cerebrospinal fluid, which essential for embryonic brain development and adult brain homeostasis. The OTX2 homeoprotein is a transcription factor that is critical for choroid plexus development and remains highly expressed in adult choroid plexus. Through RNA sequencing analyses of constitutive and conditional knockdown adult mouse models, we reveal putative functional roles for OTX2 in adult choroid plexus function, including cell signaling and adhesion, and show that OTX2 regulates the expression of factors that are secreted into the cerebrospinal fluid, notably transthyretin. We also show that Otx2 expression impacts choroid plexus immune and stress responses, and affects splicing, leading to changes in the mRNA isoforms of proteins that are implicated in the oxidative stress response and DNA repair. Through mass spectrometry analysis of OTX2 protein partners in the choroid plexus, and in known non-cell-autonomous target regions, such as the visual cortex and subventricular zone, we identify putative targets that are involved in cell adhesion, chromatin structure, and RNA processing. Thus, OTX2 retains important roles for regulating choroid plexus function and brain homeostasis throughout life.
Three-Body Excitations in Fock-Space Coupled-Cluster: Fourth Order Perturbation Correction to Electron Affinity and Its Relation to Bondonic Formalism
Authors: Basumallick Suhita , Putz Mihai V. , Pal Sourav
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present a formulation of highly correlated Fock-space multi-reference coupled-cluster (FSMRCC) methods, including approximate triples on top of the FSMRCC with singles and doubles, which correct the electron affinities by at least at third and up to the fourth order in perturbation. We discuss various partial fourth-order schemes, which are reliable and yet computationally more efficient than the full fourth-order triples scheme. The third-order scheme is called MRCCSD+T*(3). We present two approximate fourth-order schemes, MRCCSD+T*−a(4) and MRCCSD+T*(4). The results that are presented allow one to choose an appropriate fourth-order scheme, which is less expensive and right for the problem. All these schemes are based on the effective Hamiltonian scheme, and provide a direct calculation of the vertical electron affinities. We apply these schemes to a prototype Li2 molecule, using four different basis sets, as well as BeO and CH+. We have calculated the vertical electron affinities of Li2 at the geometry of the neutral Li2 molecule. We also present the vertical ionization potentials of the Li2 anion at the geometry of the anion ground state. We have also shown how to calculate adiabatic electron affinity, though in that case we lose the advantages of direct calculation. BeO has been examined in two basis sets. For CH+, four different basis sets have been used. We have presented the partial fourth-order schemes to the EA in all the basis sets. The results are analyzed to illustrate the importance of triples, as well as highlight computationally efficient partial fourth-order schemes. The choice of the basis set on the electron affinity calculation is also emphasized. Comparisons with available experimental and theoretical results are presented. The general fourth-order schemes, which are conceptually equivalent with the Fock-space multi-reference coupled-cluster singles, doubles, and triplets (MRCCSD+T) methods, based on bondonic formalism, are also presented here in a composed way, for quantum electronic affinity.
Contributions of TOR Signaling on Photosynthesis
Authors: Song Yun , Alyafei Mohammed Salem , Masmoudi Khaled , Jaleel Abdul , Ren Maozhi
Published: August 2021

The target of rapamycin (TOR) protein kinase is an atypical Ser/Thr protein kinase and evolutionally conserved among yeasts, plants, and mammals. TOR has been established as a central hub for integrating nutrient, energy, hormone, and environmental signals in all the eukaryotes. Despite the conserved functions across eukaryotes, recent research has shed light on the multifaceted roles of TOR signaling in plant-specific functional and mechanistic features. One of the most specific features is the involvement of TOR in plant photosynthesis. The recent development of tools for the functional analysis of plant TOR has helped to uncover the involvement of TOR signaling in several steps preceding photoautotrophy and maintenance of photosynthesis. Here, we present recent novel findings relating to TOR signaling and its roles in regulating plant photosynthesis, including carbon nutrient sense, light absorptions, and leaf and chloroplast development. We also provide some gaps in our understanding of TOR function in photosynthesis that need to be addressed in the future.
Drug Discovery of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) from the Computational Perspective: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chong Li Chuin , Gandhi Gayatri , Lee Jian Ming , Yeo Wendy Wai Yeng , Choi Sy-Bing
Published: August 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), one of the leading inherited causes of child mortality, is a rare neuromuscular disease arising from loss-of-function mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which encodes the SMN protein. When lacking the SMN protein in neurons, patients suffer from muscle weakness and atrophy, and in the severe cases, respiratory failure and death. Several therapeutic approaches show promise with human testing and three medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to date. Despite the shown promise of these approved therapies, there are some crucial limitations, one of the most important being the cost. The FDA-approved drugs are high-priced and are shortlisted among the most expensive treatments in the world. The price is still far beyond affordable and may serve as a burden for patients. The blooming of the biomedical data and advancement of computational approaches have opened new possibilities for SMA therapeutic development. This article highlights the present status of computationally aided approaches, including in silico drug repurposing, network driven drug discovery as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted drug discovery, and discusses the future prospects.
Adaptive Immunity and the Risk of Autoreactivity in COVID-19
Authors: Moody Rhiane , Wilson Kirsty , Flanagan Katie L. , Jaworowski Anthony , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: August 2021

While first and foremost considered a respiratory infection, COVID-19 can result in complications affecting multiple organs. Immune responses in COVID-19 can both protect against the disease as well as drive it. Insights into these responses, and specifically the targets being recognised by the immune system, are of vital importance in understanding the side effects of COVID-19 and associated pathologies. The body’s adaptive immunity recognises and responds against specific targets (antigens) expressed by foreign pathogens, but not usually to target self-antigens. However, if the immune system becomes dysfunctional, adaptive immune cells can react to self-antigens, which can result in autoimmune disease. Viral infections are well reported to be associated with, or exacerbate, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In COVID-19 patients, both new onset MS and SLE, as well as the occurrence of other autoimmune-like pathologies, have been reported. Additionally, the presence of autoantibodies, both with and without known associations to autoimmune diseases, have been found. Herein we describe the mechanisms of virally induced autoimmunity and summarise some of the emerging reports on the autoimmune-like diseases and autoreactivity that is reported to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Mechanisms Mediating the Regulation of Peroxisomal Fatty Acid Beta-Oxidation by PPARα
Authors: Tahri-Joutey Mounia , Andreoletti Pierre , Surapureddi Sailesh , Nasser Boubker , Cherkaoui-Malki Mustapha , Latruffe Norbert
Published: August 2021

In mammalian cells, two cellular organelles, mitochondria and peroxisomes, share the ability to degrade fatty acid chains. Although each organelle harbors its own fatty acid β-oxidation pathway, a distinct mitochondrial system feeds the oxidative phosphorylation pathway for ATP synthesis. At the same time, the peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway participates in cellular thermogenesis. A scientific milestone in 1965 helped discover the hepatomegaly effect in rat liver by clofibrate, subsequently identified as a peroxisome proliferator in rodents and an activator of the peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation pathway. These peroxisome proliferators were later identified as activating ligands of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα), cloned in 1990. The ligand-activated heterodimer PPARα/RXRα recognizes a DNA sequence, called PPRE (Peroxisome Proliferator Response Element), corresponding to two half-consensus hexanucleotide motifs, AGGTCA, separated by one nucleotide. Accordingly, the assembled complex containing PPRE/PPARα/RXRα/ligands/Coregulators controls the expression of the genes involved in liver peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation. This review mobilizes a considerable number of findings that discuss miscellaneous axes, covering the detailed expression pattern of PPARα in species and tissues, the lessons from several PPARα KO mouse models and the modulation of PPARα function by dietary micronutrients.
Low Psychological Resilience in Older Individuals: An Association with Increased Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and the Presence of Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Majnarić Ljiljana Trtica , Bosnić Zvonimir , Guljaš Silva , Vučić Domagoj , Kurevija Tomislav , Volarić Mile , Martinović Ivo , Wittlinger Thomas
Published: August 2021

The term resilience, which has been present in science for almost half a century, stands for the capacity of some system needed to overcome an amount of disturbance from the environment in order to avoid a change to another stable state. In medicine, the concept of resilience means the ability to deal with daily stress and disturbance to our homeostasis with the intention of protecting it from disturbance. With aging, the organism becomes more sensitive to environmental impacts and more susceptible to changes. Mental disturbances and a decline in psychological resilience in older people are potentiated with many social and environmental factors along with a subjective perception of decreasing health. Distinct from findings in younger age groups, mental and physical medical conditions in older people are closely associated with each other, sharing common mechanisms and potentiating each other’s development. Increased inflammation and oxidative stress have been recognized as the main driving mechanisms in the development of aging diseases. This paper aims to reveal, through a translational approach, physiological and molecular mechanisms of emotional distress and low psychological resilience in older individuals as driving mechanisms for the accelerated development of chronic aging diseases, and to systematize the available information sources on strategies for mitigation of low resilience in order to prevent chronic diseases.
PPARs-Orchestrated Metabolic Homeostasis in the Adipose Tissue
Authors: Sun Chen , Mao Shuyu , Chen Siyu , Zhang Wenxiang , Liu Chang
Published: August 2021

It has been more than three decades since peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) were first discovered. Many investigations have revealed the central regulators of PPARs in lipid and glucose homeostasis in response to different nutrient conditions. PPARs have attracted much attention due to their ability to improve metabolic syndromes, and they have also been proposed as classical drug targets for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus. In parallel, adipose tissue is known to play a unique role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and metabolic syndromes due to its ability to “safely” store lipids and secrete cytokines that regulate whole-body metabolism. Adipose tissue relies on a complex and subtle network of transcription factors to maintain its normal physiological function, by coordinating various molecular events, among which PPARs play distinctive and indispensable roles in adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, adipokine secretion, and insulin sensitivity. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of PPARs with special emphasis on the roles of the different isotypes in adipocyte biology.
Tideglusib, a Non-ATP Competitive Inhibitor of GSK-3β as a Drug Candidate for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Martínez-González Loreto , Gonzalo-Consuegra Claudia , Gómez-Almería Marta , Porras Gracia , de Lago Eva , Martín-Requero Ángeles , Martínez Ana
Published: August 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common degenerative motor neuron disease in adults. About 97% of ALS patients present TDP-43 aggregates with post-translational modifications, such as hyperphosphorylation, in the cytoplasm of affected cells. GSK-3β is one of the protein kinases involved in TDP-43 phosphorylation. Up-regulation of its expression and activity is reported on spinal cord and cortex tissues of ALS patients. Here, we propose the repurposing of Tideglusib, an in-house non-ATP competitive GSK-3β inhibitor that is currently in clinical trials for autism and myotonic dystrophy, as a promising therapeutic strategy for ALS. With this aim we have evaluated the efficacy of Tideglusib in different experimental ALS models both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we observed that GSK-3β activity is increased in lymphoblasts from sporadic ALS patients, with a simultaneous increase in TDP-43 phosphorylation and cytosolic TDP-43 accumulation. Treatment with Tideglusib decreased not only phospho-TDP-43 levels but also recovered its nuclear localization in ALS lymphoblasts and in a human TDP-43 neuroblastoma model. Additionally, we found that chronic oral treatment with Tideglusib is able to reduce the increased TDP-43 phosphorylation in the spinal cord of Prp-hTDP-43A315T mouse model. Therefore, we consider Tideglusib as a promising drug candidate for ALS, being proposed to start a clinical trial phase II by the end of the year.
Derivation of Mouse Parthenogenetic Advanced Stem Cells
Authors: Wei Mengyi , Zhang Jindun , Liu Jia , Zhao Chaoyue , Cao Shuo , Yan Xiaojie , Wu Baojiang , Bao Siqin
Published: August 2021

Parthenogenetic embryos have been widely studied as an effective tool related to paternal and maternal imprinting genes and reproductive problems for a long time. In this study, we established a parthenogenetic epiblast-like stem cell line through culturing parthenogenetic diploid blastocysts in a chemically defined medium containing activin A and bFGF named paAFSCs. The paAFSCs expressed pluripotent marker genes and germ-layer-related genes, as well as being alkaline-phosphatase-positive, which is similar to epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs). We previously showed that advanced embryonic stem cells (ASCs) represent hypermethylated naive pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Here, we converted paAFSCs to ASCs by replacing bFGF with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), CHIR99021, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in a culture medium, and we obtained parthenogenetic advanced stem cells (paASCs). The paASCs showed similar morphology with ESCs and also displayed a stronger developmental potential than paAFSCs in vivo by producing chimaeras. Our study demonstrates that maternal genes could support parthenogenetic EpiSCs derived from blastocysts and also have the potential to convert primed state paAFSCs to naive state paASCs.
Applicability of Scrape Loading-Dye Transfer Assay for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogen Testing
Authors: Sovadinová Iva , Upham Brad L. , Trosko James E. , Babica Pavel
Published: August 2021

Dysregulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is recognized as one of the key hallmarks for identifying non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). Currently, there is a demand for in vitro assays addressing the gap junction hallmark, which would have the potential to eventually become an integral part of an integrated approach to the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC. The scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) technique is a simple assay for the functional evaluation of GJIC in various in vitro cultured mammalian cells and represents an interesting candidate assay. Out of the various techniques for evaluating GJIC, the SL-DT assay has been used frequently to assess the effects of various chemicals on GJIC in toxicological and tumor promotion research. In this review, we systematically searched the existing literature to gather papers assessing GJIC using the SL-DT assay in a rat liver epithelial cell line, WB-F344, after treating with chemicals, especially environmental and food toxicants, drugs, reproductive-, cardio- and neuro-toxicants and chemical tumor promoters. We discuss findings derived from the SL-DT assay with the known knowledge about the tumor-promoting activity and carcinogenicity of the assessed chemicals to evaluate the predictive capacity of the SL-DT assay in terms of its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for identifying carcinogens. These data represent important information with respect to the applicability of the SL-DT assay for the testing of NGTxC within the IATA framework.
Cell Signaling in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Zugaza José L.
Published: August 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of specific subsets of neurons [...]
Pivotal Role of Corneal Fibroblasts in Progression to Corneal Ulcer in Bacterial Keratitis
Authors: Nishida Teruo , Sugioka Koji , Fukuda Ken , Murakami Junko
Published: August 2021

The shape and transparency of the cornea are essential for clear vision. However, its location at the ocular surface renders the cornea vulnerable to pathogenic microorganisms in the external environment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two such microorganisms and are responsible for most cases of bacterial keratitis. The development of antimicrobial agents has allowed the successful treatment of bacterial keratitis if the infection is diagnosed promptly. However, no effective medical treatment is available after progression to corneal ulcer, which is characterized by excessive degradation of collagen in the corneal stroma and can lead to corneal perforation and corneal blindness. This collagen degradation is mediated by both infecting bacteria and corneal fibroblasts themselves, with a urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)-plasmin-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) cascade playing a central role in collagen destruction by the host cells. Bacterial factors stimulate the production by corneal fibroblasts of both uPA and pro-MMPs, released uPA mediates the conversion of plasminogen in the extracellular environment to plasmin, and plasmin mediates the conversion of secreted pro-MMPs to the active form of these enzymes, which then degrade stromal collagen. Bacterial factors also stimulate expression by corneal fibroblasts of the chemokine interleukin-8 and the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, both of which contribute to recruitment and activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and these cells then further stimulate corneal fibroblasts via the secretion of interleukin-1. At this stage of the disease, bacteria are no longer necessary for collagen degradation. In this review, we discuss the pivotal role of corneal fibroblasts in corneal ulcer associated with infection by P. aeruginosa or S. aureus as well as the development of potential new modes of treatment for this condition.
A Combination of Celecoxib and Glucosamine Sulfate Has Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects: Results from an In Vitro Study on Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: Cheleschi Sara , Tenti Sara , Giannotti Stefano , Veronese Nicola , Reginster Jean-Yves , Fioravanti Antonella
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of a combination of celecoxib and prescription-grade glucosamine sulfate (GS) in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes and their possible mechanism of action. Chondrocytes were treated with celecoxib (1.85 µM) and GS (9 µM), alone or in combination with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) and a specific nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor (BAY-11-7082, 1 µM). Gene expression and release of some pro-inflammatory mediators, metalloproteinases (MMPs), and type II collagen (Col2a1) were evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA; apoptosis and mitochondrial superoxide anion production were assessed by cytometry; B-cell lymphoma (BCL)2, antioxidant enzymes, and p50 and p65 NF-κB subunits were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Celecoxib and GS alone or co-incubated with IL-1β significantly reduced expression and release of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, prostaglandin (PG)E2, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and MMPs, while it increased Col2a1, compared to baseline or IL-1β. Both drugs reduced apoptosis and superoxide production; reduced the expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nuclear factor erythroid; increased BCL2; and limited p50 and p65. Celecoxib and GS combination demonstrated an increased inhibitory effect on IL-1β than that observed by each single treatment. Drugs effects were potentiated by pre-incubation with BAY-11-7082. Our results demonstrated the synergistic effect of celecoxib and GS on OA chondrocyte metabolism, apoptosis, and oxidative stress through the modulation of the NF-κB pathway, supporting their combined use for the treatment of OA.
Effect of New Eco-Polyols Based on PLA Waste on the Basic Properties of Rigid Polyurethane and Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Foams
Authors: Borowicz Marcin , Isbrandt Marek , Paciorek-Sadowska Joanna
Published: August 2021

The aim of the presented research was to obtain two new eco-polyols based on waste polylactide (PLA) and to check the effect on the properties of rigid polyurethane (RPU) foams and, based on these, rigid polyurethane/polyisocyanurate (RPU/PIR) foams. The synthesis of eco-polyols was based on the transesterification reaction of melted PLA with diethylene glycol in the presence of an organometallic catalyst. Properties of the obtained eco-polyols were examined for their potential as raw materials for synthesis of rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams, i.e., hydroxyl value, acid value, density, viscosity, pH, water content. Spectroscopic studies (FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR) were also carried out. Results of these tests confirmed the assumed chemical structure of the new polyols. RPU and RPU/PIR foam formulations were developed based on the obtained analytical results. Partial replacement of petrochemical polyol by eco-polyols in RPU and RPU/PIR foams decreased the value of apparent density, compressive strength, brittleness and water absorption. Moreover, all foams modified by eco-polyols showed higher resistance to aging. All RPU/PIR foams and most PRU foams modified by eco-polyols from waste PLA had better functional properties than the reference foams based on petrochemical polyol.
Physiological and Molecular Analysis Reveals the Differences of Photosynthesis between Colored and Green Leaf Poplars
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Lingyu , Cheng Guanghao , Shu Xiaochun , Wang Ning , Zhang Fengjiao , Zhuang Weibing , Wang Zhong
Published: August 2021

Leaf coloration changes evoke different photosynthetic responses among different poplar cultivars. The aim of this study is to investigate the photosynthetic difference between a red leaf cultivar (ZHP) and a green leaf (L2025) cultivar of Populus deltoides. In this study, ‘ZHP’ exhibited wide ranges and huge potential for absorption and utilization of light energy and CO2 concentration which were similar to those in ‘L2025’ and even showed a stronger absorption for weak light. However, with the increasing light intensity and CO2 concentration, the photosynthetic capacity in both ‘L2025’ and ‘ZHP’ was gradually restricted, and the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in ‘ZHP’ was significantly lower than that in ‘L2025’under high light or high CO2 conditions, which was mainly attributed to stomatal regulation and different photosynthetic efficiency (including the light energy utilization efficiency and photosynthetic CO2 assimilation efficiency) in these two poplars. Moreover, the higher anthocyanin content in ‘ZHP’ than that in ‘L2025’ was considered to be closely related to the decreased photosynthetic efficiency in ‘ZHP’. According to the results from the JIP-test, the capture efficiency of the reaction center for light energy in ‘L2025’ was significantly higher than that in ‘ZHP’. Interestingly, the higher levels of light quantum caused relatively higher accumulation of QA- in ‘L2025’, which blocked the electron transport and weakened the photosystem II (PSII) performance as compared with ‘ZHP’; however, the decreased capture of light quantum also could not promote the utilization of light energy, which was the key to the low photosynthetic efficiency in ‘ZHP’. The differential expressions of a series of photosynthesis-related genes further promoted these specific photosynthetic processes between ‘L2025’ and ‘ZHP’.
The Role of Low-Energy Electron Interactions in cis-Pt(CO)2Br2 Fragmentation
Authors: Cipriani Maicol , Svavarsson Styrmir , Ferreira da Silva Filipe , Lu Hang , McElwee-White Lisa , Ingólfsson Oddur
Published: August 2021

Platinum coordination complexes have found wide applications as chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs in synchronous combination with radiation (chemoradiation) as well as precursors in focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) for nano-scale fabrication. In both applications, low-energy electrons (LEE) play an important role with regard to the fragmentation pathways. In the former case, the high-energy radiation applied creates an abundance of reactive photo- and secondary electrons that determine the reaction paths of the respective radiation sensitizers. In the latter case, low-energy secondary electrons determine the deposition chemistry. In this contribution, we present a combined experimental and theoretical study on the role of LEE interactions in the fragmentation of the Pt(II) coordination compound cis-PtBr2(CO)2. We discuss our results in conjunction with the widely used cancer therapeutic Pt(II) coordination compound cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl2 (cisplatin) and the carbonyl analog Pt(CO)2Cl2, and we show that efficient CO loss through dissociative electron attachment dominates the reactivity of these carbonyl complexes with low-energy electrons, while halogen loss through DEA dominates the reactivity of cis-Pt(NH3)2Cl2.
Characterization of Osteogenesis and Chondrogenesis of Human Decellularized Allogeneic Bone with Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue, and Wharton’s Jelly
Authors: Chen Cheng-Fong , Chen Yi-Chun , Fu Yu-Show , Tsai Shang-Wen , Wu Po-Kuei , Chen Chao-Ming , Chang Ming-Chau , Chen Wei-Ming
Published: August 2021

Allogeneic bone grafts are a promising material for bone implantation due to reduced operative trauma, reduced blood loss, and no donor-site morbidity. Although human decellularized allogeneic bone (hDCB) can be used to fill bone defects, the research of revitalizing hDCB blocks with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for osteochondral regeneration is missing. The hMSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and Wharton’s jelly (BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UMSCs, respectively) are potential candidates for bone regeneration. This study characterized the potential of hDCB as a scaffold for osteogenesis and chondrogenesis of BMMSCs, ADMSCs, and UMSCs. The pore sizes and mechanical strength of hDCB were characterized. Cell survival and adhesion of hMSCs were investigated using MTT assay and F-actin staining. Alizarin Red S and Safranin O staining were conducted to demonstrate calcium deposition and proteoglycan production of hMSCs after osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, respectively. A RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the expression levels of osteogenic and chondrogenic markers in hMSCs. Results indicated that BMMSCs and ADMSCs exhibited higher osteogenic potential than UMSCs. Furthermore, ADMSCs and UMSCs had higher chondrogenic potential than BMMSCs. This study demonstrated that chondrogenic ADMSCs- or UMSCs-seeded hDCB might be potential osteochondral constructs for osteochondral regeneration.
BRAF Modulates Stretch-Induced Intercellular Gap Formation through Localized Actin Reorganization
Authors: Hollósi Anna , Pászty Katalin , Kellermayer Miklós , Charras Guillaume , Varga Andrea
Published: August 2021

Mechanical forces acting on cell–cell adhesion modulate the barrier function of endothelial cells. The actively remodeled actin cytoskeleton impinges on cell–cell adhesion to counteract external forces. We applied stress on endothelial monolayers by mechanical stretch to uncover the role of BRAF in the stress-induced response. Control cells responded to external forces by organizing and stabilizing actin cables in the stretched cell junctions. This was accompanied by an increase in intercellular gap formation, which was prevented in BRAF knockdown monolayers. In the absence of BRAF, there was excess stress fiber formation due to the enhanced reorganization of actin fibers. Our findings suggest that stretch-induced intercellular gap formation, leading to a decrease in barrier function of blood vessels, can be reverted by BRAF RNAi. This is important when the endothelium experiences changes in external stresses caused by high blood pressure, leading to edema, or by immune or cancer cells in inflammation or metastasis.
Mitochondrial Genomes of Hestina persimilis and Hestinalis nama (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): Genome Description and Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: Wu Yupeng , Fang Hui , Wen Jiping , Wang Juping , Cao Tianwen , He Bo
Published: August 2021

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Hestina persimilis and Hestinalis nama (Nymphalidae: Apaturinae) were acquired. The mitogenomes of H. persimilis and H. nama are 15,252 bp and 15,208 bp in length, respectively. These two mitogenomes have the typical composition, including 37 genes and a control region. The start codons of the protein-coding genes (PCGs) in the two mitogenomes are the typical codon pattern ATN, except CGA in the cox1 gene. Twenty-one tRNA genes show a typical clover leaf structure, however, trnS1(AGN) lacks the dihydrouridine (DHU) stem. The secondary structures of rrnL and rrnS of two species were predicted, and there are several new stem loops near the 5′ of rrnL secondary structure. Based on comparative genomic analysis, four similar conservative structures can be found in the control regions of these two mitogenomes. The phylogenetic analyses were performed on mitogenomes of Nymphalidae. The phylogenetic trees show that the relationships among Nymphalidae are generally identical to previous studies, as follows: Libytheinae\Danainae + ((Calinaginae + Satyrinae) + Danainae\Libytheinae + ((Heliconiinae + Limenitidinae) + (Nymphalinae + (Apaturinae + Biblidinae)))). Hestinalisnama is apart from Hestina, and closely related to Apatura, forming monophyly.
Analysis of Gender Differences in the Rotational Alignment of the Distal Femur in Kinematically Aligned and Mechanically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Cho Byung-Woo , Hong Hyoung-Taek , Koh Yong-Gon , Choi Jeehoon , Park Kwan-Kyu , Kang Kyoung-Tak
Published: August 2021

To compare the angle between the external rotation references of the femoral components in the axial plane by gender and lower limb alignment in Korean patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Magnetic resonance (MR) images of 1273 patients were imported into a modeling software and segmented to develop three-dimensional femoral bony and cartilaginous models. The surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA), posterior condylar axis (PCA), the kinematically aligned axis (KAA), and anteroposterior axis were used as rotational references in the axial plane for mechanically aligned (MA) TKA. The relationship among axes were investigated. Among 1273 patients, 942 were female and 331 were male. According to lower limb alignment, the varus and valgus knee groups comprised 848 and 425 patients, respectively. All measurements, except PCA-sTEA, differed significantly between men and women; all measurements, except PCA-sTEA, did not differ significantly between the varus and valgus knee groups. In elderly Korean patients with OA, rotational alignment of the distal femur showed gender differences, but no differences were seen according to lower limb alignment. The concern for malrotation of femoral components during kinematically aligned TKA is less in Koreans than in Caucasians and relatively less in women than in men. In MA TKA, malrotation of the femoral components can be avoided by setting different rotational alignments for the genders.
Risk Factors and Outcomes Following Septostomy during Fetoscopic Surgery for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Brock Clifton O. , Bergh Eric P. , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar A. , Ruano Rodrigo , Johnson Anthony , Papanna Ramesha
Published: August 2021

Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) of placental anastomoses is the preferred treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Iatrogenic septostomy (IOS) during FLP is associated with increased risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify risk factors for IOS and quantify the resultant outcomes. This is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected cases of TTTS in monochorionic diamniotic twins following FLP at a single center. Pre-operative ultrasound characteristics and operative technique (i.e., cannula size, total energy used) were compared between cases with vs. without IOS. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were also compared. Of 475 patients that had FLP, 33 (7%) were complicated by IOS. There was no association between operative technique and IOS. IOS was more common with later diagnosis, but less likely when selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) was present. Survival was similar between groups (76% vs. 76% dual survivors, p = 0.95); however, IOS was associated with earlier delivery (29.7 vs. 32.0 wks, p < 0.01) and greater composite neonatal morbidity (25% vs. 8% in both twins, p = 0.02). Risks of IOS at greater gestational ages without sFGR may be related to a larger collapsed intervening membrane area and the resulting increased risk of puncture on entry.
Acupuncture Relieved Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Huang Chien-Chen , Ho Tsung-Jung , Ho Hsin-Yueh , Chen Pei-Yu , Tu Cheng-Hao , Huang Yu-Chuen , Lee Yu-Chen , Sun Mao-Feng , Chen Yi-Hung
Published: August 2021

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a disabling side effect caused by neurotoxic chemotherapy. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on CIPN. Twenty eligible breast cancer patients receiving taxane chemotherapy treatment were recruited and randomly divided into verum acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. Each group received 15 treatments over 9 weeks. Quantitative tactile detection thresholds were measured using Semmes–Weinstein monofilament testing (SWM). The World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx), and the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) were measured before and after treatment. The between-group comparison of SWM revealed that the verum acupuncture group had more improvement of touch perception thresholds compared to the sham acupuncture group. The average pain severity in the BPI-SF of the verum acupuncture group was significantly lower than that of the sham acupuncture group. There were no significant differences in the FACT/GOG-Ntx trial outcome index and WHOQOL-BREF scores between the acupuncture and sham groups. The results suggest that acupuncture can alleviate the neuropathic pain of CIPN and improve touch perception thresholds.
Flecainide in Ventricular Arrhythmias: From Old Myths to New Perspectives
Authors: Lavalle Carlo , Trivigno Sara , Vetta Giampaolo , Magnocavallo Michele , Mariani Marco Valerio , Santini Luca , Forleo Giovanni Battista , Grimaldi Massimo , Badagliacca Roberto , Lanata Luigi , Ricci Renato Pietro
Published: August 2021

Flecainide is an IC antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) that received in 1984 Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and subsequently for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, flecainide is mainly employed for sinus rhythm maintenance in AF and the treatment of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVA) in absence of ischaemic and structural heart disease on the basis of CAST data. Recent studies enrolling patients with different structural heart diseases demonstrated good effectiveness and safety profile of flecainide. The purpose of this review is to assess current evidence for appropriate and safe use of flecainide, 30 years after CAST data, in the light of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the field of ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart disease.
Low Muscle Mass in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: Correlations with Vascular Calcification and Vascular Access Failure
Authors: Kim Seok-hyung , Choi Gwangho , Song Youngjin , Yoon Hojung , Jeong Hae Min , Gu Jae Eon , Han Miyeun , Heo Jongho , Yoo Jeong-Ju , Yoon Jong-woo , Kim Hyunsuk
Published: August 2021

Background: Sarcopenia involves an age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass with functional disability or low muscle strength. Vascular calcification (VC) occurs commonly in patients with chronic kidney disease, in whom it is associated with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the correlations of low muscle mass with the quantified vascular calcification score (VCS) of the arm of vascular access, as well as whether low muscle mass is associated with the incidence of vascular access failure. Methods: The VCS was measured on non-contrast, arm computed tomography using the Agatston method. The lower muscle mass (LMM) group comprised subjects whose skeletal muscle mass of the lower extremities, as measured using bioelectrical impedance, was lower than the median. Higher VC was defined as a score of 500 or above, corresponding to the highest 40% of VCS. The relationship between LMM and VC was explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Seventy-five patients were included, of whom forty-two (56.0%) were men. The median age was 64 years (interquartile range 58–72 years). Of the 75 patients, 73 satisfied the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia. The median hemodialysis vintage was 49.4 months (range 32.1–99.2 months). No significant differences were found between the non-LMM and LMM groups in sex, end-stage renal disease etiology, and type of vascular access, although the LMM group showed significantly older age and hemodialysis vintage. LMM presented a significant association with VC (hazard ratio (HR) 3.562; 95% CI, 1.341–9.463; p = 0.011). Upon adjustment for hemodialysis vintage, diabetes, and systolic blood pressure, LMM demonstrated an independent association with VC (HR, 10.415; 95% CI, 2.357–46.024; p = 0.002). The risk of vascular access failure was higher in the LMM group (HR, 3.652; 95%, CI 1.135–11.749; p = 0.03). VC was a full mediator in the relationship of LMM with recurrent vascular access failure. Conclusions: We quantified LMM via bioimpedance analysis and found a heretofore-unreported association between LMM and vascular access failure. LMM increases the risk of VC and has the potential to predict vascular access failure.