bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Applications of Patient-Specific 3D Printed Models in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Sun Zhonghua
Published: November 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been increasingly used in medicine with applications in many different fields ranging from orthopaedics and tumours to cardiovascular disease. Realistic 3D models can be printed with different materials to replicate anatomical structures and pathologies with high accuracy. 3D printed models generated from medical imaging data acquired with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound augment the understanding of complex anatomy and pathology, assist preoperative planning and simulate surgical or interventional procedures to achieve precision medicine for improvement of treatment outcomes, train young or junior doctors to gain their confidence in patient management and provide medical education to medical students or healthcare professionals as an effective training tool. This article provides an overview of patient-specific 3D printed models with a focus on the applications in cardiovascular disease including: 3D printed models in congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection, and aortic valvular disease. Clinical value of the patient-specific 3D printed models in these areas is presented based on the current literature, while limitations and future research in 3D printing including bioprinting of cardiovascular disease are highlighted.
Photosensitizer-Trapped Gold Nanocluster for Dual Light-Responsive Phototherapy
Authors: Byun Junho , Kim Dongyoon , Choi Jaehyun , Shim Gayong , Oh Yu-Kyoung
Published: November 2020

Photoresponsive nanomaterials have recently received great attention in the field of cancer therapy. Here, we report a photosensitizer-trapped gold nanocluster that can facilitate dual light-responsive cancer therapy. We utilized methylene blue (MB) as a model photosensitizer, gold nanocluster as a model photothermal agent, and a polymerized DNA as the backbone of the nanocluster. We synthesized MB-intercalated gold DNA nanocluster (GMDN) via reduction and clustering of gold ions on a template consisting of MB-intercalated long DNA. Upon GMDN treatment, cancer cells revealed clear cellular uptake of MB and gold clusters; following dual light irradiation (660 nm/808 nm), the cells showed reactive oxygen species generation and increased temperature. Significantly higher cancer cell death was observed in cells treated with GMDN and dual irradiation compared with non-irradiated or single light-irradiated cells. Mice systemically injected with GMDN showed enhanced tumor accumulation compared to that of free MB and exhibited increased temperature upon near infrared irradiation of the tumor site. Tumor growth was almost completely inhibited in GMDN-treated tumor-bearing mice after dual light irradiation, and the survival rate of this group was 100% over more than 60 days. These findings suggest that GMDN could potentially function as an effective phototherapeutic for the treatment of cancer disease.
Nimotuzumab Site-Specifically Labeled with 89Zr and 225Ac Using SpyTag/SpyCatcher for PET Imaging and Alpha Particle Radioimmunotherapy of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Positive Cancers
Authors: Solomon Viswas Raja , Barreto Kris , Bernhard Wendy , Alizadeh Elahe , Causey Patrick , Perron Randy , Gendron Denise , Alam Md. Kausar , Carr Adriana , Geyer C. Ronald , Fonge Humphrey
Published: November 2020

To develop imaging and therapeutic agents, antibodies are often conjugated randomly to a chelator/radioisotope or drug using a primary amine (NH2) of lysine or sulfhydryl (SH) of cysteine. Random conjugation to NH2 or SH groups can require extreme conditions and may affect target recognition/binding and must therefore be tested. In the present study, nimotuzumab was site-specifically labeled using ∆N-SpyCatcher/SpyTag with different chelators and radiometals. Nimotuzumab is a well-tolerated anti-EGFR antibody with low skin toxicities. First, ΔN-SpyCatcher was reduced using tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP), which was followed by desferoxamine-maleimide (DFO-mal) conjugation to yield a reactive ΔN-SpyCatcher-DFO. The ΔN-SpyCatcher-DFO was reacted with nimotuzumab-SpyTag to obtain stable nimotuzumab-SpyTag-∆N-SpyCatcher-DFO. Radiolabeling was performed with 89Zr, and the conjugate was used for the in vivo microPET imaging of EGFR-positive MDA-MB-468 xenografts. Similarly, ∆N-SpyCatcher was conjugated to an eighteen-membered macrocyclic chelator macropa-maleimide and used to radiolabel nimotuzumab-SpyTag with actinium-225 (225Ac) for in vivo radiotherapy studies. All constructs were characterized using biolayer interferometry, flow cytometry, radioligand binding assays, HPLC, and bioanalyzer. MicroPET/CT imaging showed a good tumor uptake of 89Zr-nimotuzumab-SpyTag-∆N-SpyCatcher with 6.0 ± 0.6%IA/cc (n = 3) at 48 h post injection. The EC50 of 225Ac-nimotuzumab-SpyTag-∆N-SpyCatcher and 225Ac-control-IgG-SpyTag-∆N-SpyCatcher against an EGFR-positive cell-line (MDA-MB-468) was 3.7 ± 3.3 Bq/mL (0.04 ± 0.03 nM) and 18.5 ± 4.4 Bq/mL (0.2 ± 0.04 nM), respectively. In mice bearing MDA-MB-468 EGFR-positive xenografts, 225Ac-nimotuzumab-SpyTag-∆N-SpyCatcher significantly (p = 0.0017) prolonged the survival of mice (64 days) compared to 225Ac-control IgG (28.5 days), nimotuzumab (28.5 days), or PBS-treated mice (30 days). The results showed that the conjugation and labeling using SpyTag/∆N-SpyCatcher to nimotuzumab did not significantly (p > 0.05) alter the receptor binding of nimotuzumab compared with a non-specific conjugation approach. 225Ac-nimotuzumab-SpyTag-∆N-SpyCatcher was effective in vitro and in an EGFR-positive triple negative breast cancer xenograft model.
Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells: A Double-Edged Sword in Cancer?
Authors: Maggi Enrico , Veneziani Irene , Moretta Lorenzo , Cosmi Lorenzo , Annunziato Francesco
Published: November 2020

Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC2s) belong to the family of helper ILCs which provide host defense against infectious agents, participate in inflammatory responses and mediate lymphoid organogenesis and tissue repair, mainly at the skin and mucosal level. Based on their transcriptional, phenotypic and functional profile, ILC2s mirror the features of the adaptive CD4+ Th2 cell subset, both contributing to the so-called type 2 immune response. Similar to other ILCs, ILC2s are rapidly activated by signals deriving from tissue and/or other tissue-resident immune cells. The biologic activity of ILCs needs to be tightly regulated in order to prevent them from contributing to severe inflammation and damage in several organs. Indeed, ILC2s display both enhancing and regulatory roles in several pathophysiological conditions, including tumors. In this review, we summarize the actual knowledge about ILC2s ability to induce or impair a protective immune response, their pro- or antitumor activity in murine models, human (children and adults) pathologies and the potential strategies to improve cancer immunotherapy by exploiting the features of ILC2s.
Integrative p53, micro-RNA and Cathepsin Protease Co-Regulatory Expression Networks in Cancer
Authors: Soond Surinder M. , Kozhevnikova Maria V. , Townsend Paul A. , Zamyatnin Andrey A.
Published: November 2020

As the direct regulatory role of p53 and some of its isoform proteins are becoming established in modulating gene expression in cancer research, another aspect of this mode of gene regulation that has captured significant interest over the years is the mechanistic interplay between p53 and micro-RNA transcriptional regulation. The input of this into modulating gene expression for some of the cathepsin family members has been viewed as carrying noticeable importance based on their biological effects during normal cellular homeostasis and cancer progression. While this area is still in its infancy in relation to general cathepsin gene regulation, we review the current p53-regulated micro-RNAs that are generating significant interest through their regulation of cathepsin proteases, thereby strengthening the link between activated p53 forms and cathepsin gene regulation. Additionally, we extend our understanding of this developing relationship to how such micro-RNAs are being utilized as diagnostic or prognostic tools and highlight their future uses in conjunction with cathepsin gene expression as potential biomarkers within a clinical setting.
Extracellular MicroRNAs as Intercellular Mediators and Noninvasive Biomarkers of Cancer
Authors: Ortiz-Quintero Blanca
Published: November 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are released by different types of cells through highly regulated mechanisms under normal and pathological conditions. These extracellular miRNAs can be delivered into recipient cells for functional purposes, acting as cell-to-cell signaling mediators. It has been discovered that cancer cells release miRNAs into their surroundings, targeting normal cells or other cancer cells, presumably to promote tumor development and progression. These extracellular miRNAs are associated with oncogenic mechanisms and, because they can be quantified in blood and other bodily fluids, may be suitable noninvasive biomarkers for cancer detection. This review summarizes recent evidence of the role of extracellular miRNAs as intercellular mediators, with an emphasis on their role in the mechanisms of tumor development and progression and their potential value as biomarkers in solid tumors. It also highlights the biological characteristics of extracellular miRNAs that enable them to function as regulators of gene expression, such as biogenesis, gene silencing mechanisms, subcellular compartmentalization, and the functions and mechanisms of release.
Role of the KEAP1-NRF2 Axis in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Clerici Sara , Boletta Alessandra
Published: November 2020

NRF2 is a transcription factor that coordinates the antioxidant response in many different tissues, ensuring cytoprotection from endogenous and exogenous stress stimuli. In the kidney, its function is essential in appropriate cellular response to oxidative stress, however its aberrant activation supports progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies in renal cell carcinoma, similarly to what happens in other nonrenal cancers. While at the moment direct inhibitors of NRF2 are not available, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate its hyperactivation in specific tumor types is crucial as it may open new therapeutic perspectives. Here, we focus our attention on renal cell carcinoma, describing how NRF2 hyperactivation can contribute to tumor progression and chemoresistance. Furthermore, we highlight the mechanism whereby the many pathways that are generally altered in these tumors converge to dysregulation of the KEAP1-NRF2 axis.
Identification of VRK1 as a New Neuroblastoma Tumor Progression Marker Regulating Cell Proliferation
Authors: Colmenero-Repiso Ana , Gómez-Muñoz María A. , Rodríguez-Prieto Ismael , Amador-Álvarez Aida , Henrich Kai-Oliver , Pascual-Vaca Diego , Okonechnikov Konstantin , Rivas Eloy , Westermann Frank , Pardal Ricardo , Vega Francisco M.
Published: November 2020

Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common pediatric cancers and presents a poor survival rate in affected children. Current pretreatment risk assessment relies on a few known molecular parameters, like the amplification of the oncogene MYCN. However, a better molecular knowledge about the aggressive progression of the disease is needed to provide new therapeutical targets and prognostic markers and to improve patients’ outcomes. The human protein kinase VRK1 phosphorylates various signaling molecules and transcription factors to regulate cell cycle progression and other processes in physiological and pathological situations. Using neuroblastoma tumor expression data, tissue microarrays from fresh human samples and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), we have determined that VRK1 kinase expression stratifies patients according to tumor aggressiveness and survival, allowing the identification of patients with worse outcome among intermediate risk. VRK1 associates with cell cycle signaling pathways in NB and its downregulation abrogates cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Through the analysis of ChIP-seq and methylation data from NB tumors, we show that VRK1 is a MYCN gene target, however VRK1 correlates with NB aggressiveness independently of MYCN gene amplification, synergizing with the oncogene to drive NB progression. Our study also suggests that VRK1 inhibition may constitute a novel cell-cycle-targeted strategy for anticancer therapy in neuroblastoma.
Inhibiting the P2X4 Receptor Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth In Vitro and In Vivo, Suggesting a Potential Clinical Target
Authors: He Jiepei , Zhou Yuhan , Arredondo Carrera Hector M. , Sprules Alexandria , Neagu Ramona , Zarkesh Sayyed Amin , Eaton Colby , Luo Jian , Gartland Alison , Wang Ning
Published: November 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. The P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) is the most ubiquitously expressed P2X receptor in mammals and is positively associated with tumorigenesis in many cancer types. However, its involvement in PCa progression is less understood. We hypothesized that P2X4R activity enhanced tumour formation by PCa cells. We showed that P2X4R was the most highly expressed, functional P2 receptor in these cells using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and a calcium influx assay. The effect of inhibiting P2X4R on PCa (PC3 and C4-2B4 cells) viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were examined using the selective P2XR4 antagonists 5-BDBD and PSB-12062. The results demonstrated that inhibiting P2X4R impaired the growth and mobility of PCa cells but not apoptosis. In BALB/c immunocompromised nude mice inoculated with human PC3 cells subcutaneously, 5-BDBD showed anti-tumourigenic effects. Finally, a retrospective analysis of P2RX4 expression in clinical datasets (GDS1439, GDS1746, and GDS3289) suggested that P2X4R was positively associated with PCa malignancy. These studies suggest that P2X4R has a role in enhancing PCa tumour formation and is a clinically targetable candidate for which inhibitors are already available and have the potential to suppress disease progression.
Overview of Void Fraction Measurement Techniques, Databases and Correlations for Two-Phase Flow in Small Diameter Channels
Authors: Gardenghi Álvaro Roberto , Filho Erivelto dos Santos , Chagas Daniel Gregório , Scagnolatto Guilherme , Oliveira Rodrigo Monteiro , Tibiriçá Cristiano Bigonha
Published: November 2020

Void fraction is one of the most important parameters for the modeling and characterization of two-phase flows. This manuscript presents an overview of void fraction measurement techniques, experimental databases and correlations, in the context of microchannel two-phase flow applications. Void fraction measurement techniques were reviewed and the most suitable techniques for microscale measurements were identified along its main characteristics. An updated void fraction experimental database for small channel diameter was obtained including micro and macrochannel two-phase flow data points. These data have channel diameter ranging from 0.5 to 13.84 mm, horizontal and vertical directions, and fluids such as air-water, R410a, R404a, R134a, R290, R12 and R22 for both diabatic and adiabatic conditions. New published void fraction correlations as well high cited ones were evaluated and compared to this small-diameter void fraction database in order to quantify the prediction error of them. Moreover, a new drift flux correlation for microchannels was also developed, showing that further improvement of available correlations is still possible. The new correlation was able to predict the microchannel database with mean absolute relative error of 9.8%, for 6% of relative improvement compared to the second-best ranked correlation for small diameter channels.
Effect of Barley Antifreeze Protein on Dough and Bread during Freezing and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Authors: Ding Xiangli , Li Tingting , Zhang Hui , Guan Chengran , Qian Jianya , Zhou Xiaoyan
Published: November 2020

In order to verify the cryoprotective effect of an antifreeze protein (BaAFP-1) obtained from barley on bread dough, the effect of BaAFP-1 on the rheological properties, microstructure, fermentation, and baking performance including the proofing time and the specific volume of bread dough and bread crumb properties during freezing treatment and freeze-thaw cycles were analysed. BaAFP-1 reduced the rate of decrease in storage modulus and loss modulus values during freezing treatment and freeze-thaw cycles. It influenced the formation and the shape of ice formed during freezing and inhibited ice recrystallization during freeze-thaw. BaAFP-1 maintained gas production ability and gas retention properties, protected gluten network and the yeast cells from deterioration caused by ice formation and ice crystals recrystallisation in dough samples during freezing treatment and freeze-thaw treatment. It slow down the increase rate of hardness of bread crumb. The average area of pores in bread crumbs decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as the total number of pores increased (p < 0.05), and the addition of BaAFP-1 inhibited this deterioration. These results confirmed the cryoprotective activity of BaAFP-1 in bread dough during freezing treatment and freeze-thaw cycles.
Environmentally Friendly Hydrothermal Processing of Melon by-Products for the Recovery of Bioactive Pectic-Oligosaccharides
Authors: Rico Xiana , Gullón Beatriz , Yáñez Remedios
Published: November 2020

Melon by-products, that currently lack high value-added applications, could be a sustainable source of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and antioxidants. In this work, melon peels were extracted with water to remove free sugars, and the water-insoluble solids (WISs) were subjected to hydrothermal processing. The effect of temperature on the composition of the obtained liquors and their total phenolic content was evaluated. The selected liquors were also characterized by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC–PAD), and its phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–MS/MS). In addition, the spent solids from the hydrothermal treatment were characterized and their potential use was assessed. At the optimal conditions of 140 °C (severity 2.03), the total oligosaccharide yield accounted for 15.24 g/100 g WIS, of which 10.07 g/100 g WIS were oligogalacturonides. The structural characterization confirmed the presence of partially methyl esterified oligogalacturonides with a wide range of polymerization degrees. After precipitation, 16.59 g/100 g WIS of pectin were recovered, with a galacturonic acid content of 55.41% and high linearity.
Cyclospora Cayetanensis—Major Outbreaks from Ready to Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Hadjilouka Agni , Tsaltas Dimitris
Published: November 2020

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a coccidian protozoan that causes cyclosporiasis, a severe gastroenteric disease, especially for immunocompromised patients, children, and the elderly. The parasite is considered as an emerging organism and a major contributor of gastroenteritis worldwide. Although the global prevalence of cyclosporiasis morbidity and mortality has not been assessed, global concern has arisen since diarrheal illness and gastroenteritis significantly affect both developing countries and industrialized nations. In the last two decades, an increasing number of foodborne outbreaks has been associated with the consumption of fresh produce that is difficult to clean thoroughly and is consumed without processing. Investigations of these outbreaks have revealed the necessity to increase the awareness in clinicians of this infection, since this protozoan is often ignored by surveillance systems, and to establish control measures to reduce contamination of fresh produce. In this review, the major cyclosporiasis outbreaks linked to the consumption of ready to eat fresh fruits and vegetables are presented.
Critical Analysis of Pork QMRA Focusing on Slaughterhouses: Lessons from the Past and Future Trends
Authors: Hdaifeh Ammar , Khalid Tahreem , Boué Géraldine , Cummins Enda , Guillou Sandrine , Federighi Michel , Tesson Vincent
Published: November 2020

Foodborne microbial diseases have a significant impact on public health, leading to millions of human illnesses each year worldwide. Pork is one of the most consumed meat in Europe but may also be a major source of pathogens introduced all along the farm-to-fork chain. Several quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) have been developed to assess human health risks associated with pork consumption and to evaluate the efficiency of different risk reduction strategies. The present critical analysis aims to review pork QMRA. An exhaustive search was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology. It resulted in identification of a collection of 2489 papers including 42 on QMRA, after screening. Among them, a total of 29 studies focused on Salmonella spp. with clear concern on impacts at the slaughterhouse, modeling the spreading of contaminations and growth at critical stages along with potential reductions. Along with strict compliance with good hygiene practices, several potential risk mitigation pathways were highlighted for each slaughterhouse step. The slaughterhouse has a key role to play to ensure food safety of pork-based products but consideration of the whole farm-to-fork chain is necessary to enable better control of bacteria. This review provides an analysis of pork meat QMRA, to facilitate their reuse, and identify gaps to guide future research activities.
Leuconostoc citreum TR116 as a Microbial Cell Factory to Functionalise High-Protein Faba Bean Ingredients for Bakery Applications
Authors: Hoehnel Andrea , Bez Jürgen , Sahin Aylin W. , Coffey Aidan , Arendt Elke K. , Zannini Emanuele
Published: November 2020

Grain legumes, such as faba beans, have been investigated as promising ingredients to enhance the nutritional value of wheat bread. However, a detrimental effect on technological bread quality was often reported. Furthermore, considerable amounts of antinutritional compounds present in faba beans are a subject of concern. Sourdough-like fermentation can positively affect baking performance and nutritional attributes of faba bean flours. The multifunctional lactic acid bacteria strain Leuconostoc citreum TR116 was employed to ferment two faba bean flours with different protein contents (dehulled flour (DF); high-protein flour (PR)). The strain’s fermentation profile (growth, acidification, carbohydrate metabolism and antifungal phenolic acids) was monitored in both substrates. The fermentates were applied in regular wheat bread by replacing 15% of wheat flour. Water absorption, gluten aggregation behaviour, bread quality characteristics and in vitro starch digestibility were compared to formulations containing unfermented DF and PR and to a control wheat bread. Similar microbial growth, carbohydrate consumption as well as production of lactic and acetic acid were observed in both faba bean ingredients. A less pronounced pH drop as well as a slightly higher amount of antifungal phenolic acids were measured in the PR fermentate. Fermentation caused a striking improvement of the ingredients’ baking performance. GlutoPeak measurements allowed for an association of this observation with an improved gluten aggregation. Given its higher potential to improve protein quality in cereal products, the PR fermentate seemed generally more promising as functional ingredient due to its positive impact on bread quality and only moderately increased starch digestibility in bread.
Origin Determination of Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) on a Worldwide and Regional Level by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Chemometrics
Authors: Segelke Torben , von Wuthenau Kristian , Kuschnereit Anita , Müller Marie-Sophie , Fischer Markus
Published: November 2020

To counteract food fraud, this study aimed at the differentiation of walnuts on a global and regional level using an isotopolomics approach. Thus, the multi-elemental profiles of 237 walnut samples from ten countries and three years of harvest were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the resulting element profiles were evaluated with chemometrics. Using support vector machine (SVM) for classification, validated by stratified nested cross validation, a prediction accuracy of 73% could be achieved. Leave-one-out cross validation was also applied for comparison and led to less satisfactory results because of the higher variations in sensitivity for distinct classes. Prediction was still possible using only elemental ratios instead of the absolute element concentrations; consequently, a drying step is not mandatory. In addition, the isotopolomics approach provided the classification of walnut samples on a regional level in France, Germany, and Italy, with accuracies of 91%, 77%, and 94%, respectively. The ratio of the model’s accuracy to a random sample distribution was calculated, providing a new parameter with which to evaluate and compare the performance of classification models. The walnut cultivar and harvest year had no observable influence on the origin differentiation. Our results show the high potential of element profiling for the origin authentication of walnuts.
Lagged Association of Ambient Outdoor Air Pollutants with Asthma-Related Emergency Department Visits within the Pittsburgh Region
Authors: Byrwa-Hill Brandy M. , Venkat Arvind , Presto Albert A. , Rager Judith R. , Gentile Deborah , Talbott Evelyn
Published: November 2020

Asthma affects millions of people globally and is especially concerning in populations living with poor air quality. This study examines the association of ambient outdoor air pollutants on asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits in children and adults throughout the Pittsburgh region. A time-stratified case-crossover design is used to analyze the lagged effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants, e.g., ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) on asthma-related ED visits (n = 6682). Single-, double-, and multi-pollutant models are adjusted for temperature and analyzed using conditional logistic regression. In children, all models show an association between O3 and increased ED visits at lag day 1 (OR: 1.12, 95% CI, 1.03–1.22, p < 0.05) for the double-pollutant model (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20, p < 0.01). In adults, the single-pollutant model shows associations between CO and increased ED visits at lag day 5 (OR: 1.13, 95% CI, 1.00–1.28, p < 0.05) and average lag days 0–5 (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.00–1.49, p < 0.05), and for NO2 at lag day 5 (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.07, p < 0.05). These results show an association between air pollution and asthma morbidity in the Pittsburgh region and underscore the need for mitigation efforts to improve public health outcomes.
Numerical Simulation of Na-Tech Cascading Disasters in a Large Oil Depot
Authors: Zhang Shaobiao , Xu Dayong , Shen Gansu , Liu Junguo , Yang Lili
Published: November 2020

The mechanism of natural-hazard-triggered technological (Na-tech) cascading disasters is complex, and the extent to which their damage is aggravated by various secondary events is difficult to quantify. This study selected a large oil depot and constructed a full-scale three-dimensional scene model based on the surrounding geographical environment. The discrete element method (DEM), finite element method (FEM) and finite volume method (FVM) were employed to conduct numerical simulations of the process and consequences of the following Na-tech disasters: heavy-rainfall-induced landslide → blocks impacting an oil transportation pipeline and breaking it → oil leaking, spreading and resulting in a vapor cloud explosion. According to the results, the maximum impact of the 1 m3 of sliding mass formed in the landslide on the pipeline was over 7 MN (meganewton), and the pipeline fractured completely when it was loaded with a contact force of only 1.44 MN. The numerical simulation methods revealed the mechanism of Na-tech cascading disasters in a large oil depot and quantified the consequences of each event in the cascading disasters.
Association between Household Exposure to Secondhand Smoke and Dental Caries among Japanese Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Saho Hikari , Taniguchi-Tabata Ayano , Ekuni Daisuke , Yokoi Aya , Kataoka Kouta , Fukuhara Daiki , Toyama Naoki , Islam Md Monirul , Sawada Nanami , Nakashima Yukiho , Nakahara Momoko , Deguchi Junya , Uchida-Fukuhara Yoko , Yoneda Toshiki , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Morita Manabu
Published: November 2020

The long-term effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) on dental caries among Japanese young adults remain unclear. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate whether household exposure to SHS is associated with dental caries in permanent dentition among Japanese young adults. The study sample included 1905 first-year university students (age range: 18–19 years) who answered a questionnaire and participated in oral examinations. The degree of household exposure to SHS was categorized into four levels according to the SHS duration: no experience (−), past, current SHS < 10 years, and current SHS ≥ 10 years. Dental caries are expressed as the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score. The relationships between SHS and dental caries were determined by logistic regression analysis. DMFT scores (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile)) were significantly higher in the current SHS ≥ 10 years (median: 1.0 (0.0, 3.0)) than in the SHS—(median: 0.0 (0.0, 2.0)); p = 0.001). DMFT ≥ 1 was significantly associated with SHS ≥ 10 years (adjusted odds ratio: 1.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.20–1.87, p < 0.001). Long-term exposure to SHS (≥10 years) was associated with dental caries in permanent dentition among Japanese young adults.
Associations between Intensity, Frequency, Duration, and Volume of Physical Activity and the Risk of Stroke in Middle- and Older-Aged Chinese People: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Donghui , Bian Yuqian , Zeng Zixin , Cui Yiran , Wang Yafeng , Yu Chuanhua
Published: November 2020

Context: Persuasive evidence has shown the inverse associations between physical activity (PA) and the risk of stroke. However, few studies have investigated the associations between different dimensions (intensity, frequency, duration, volume) of PA and the risk of stroke. Objective: To investigate the associations between different dimensions of PA and the risk of stroke in total participants and subgroups. Method: This study included 6250 individuals aged 45 years old and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). PA was divided into vigorous PA (VPA), moderate PA (MPA), and light PA (LPA), and described in different dimensions (intensity, frequency, duration, volume). Stroke was defined on the basis of self-reported diagnosis and related treatments. Binary logistic regression models were established to assess the associations between different dimensions of PA and the risk of stroke in total participants and subgroups stratified by sex. Results: Individuals taking VPA with a frequency of 3–5 d/w, duration of ≥240 min/d, volume of ≥300 min/w had lower risks of strokes in total participants (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13, 0.75; OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.94; OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.99, respectively). However, significant associations of VPA with the risk of stroke in men were only observed in the duration of ≥240 min/d and volume of ≥300 min/w (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.93; OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.99, respectively) whereas no significance in women. Compared with individuals taking no MPA, inverse significant associations between the risk of stroke and any level of frequency, duration and volume in MPA were observed in total sample (OR ranging from 0.16–0.40, all p < 0.05), whereas significant associations between the risk of stroke and MPA were found in men except the duration of 10–29 min/d and volume of 150–299 min/w (OR ranging from 0.26–0.35, all p < 0.05), and in women except the frequency of 1–2 d/w and duration of ≥240 min/d (OR ranging from 0.14–0.49, all p < 0.05). No significant associations could be observed in total participants and subgroups between LPA and the risk of stroke. Conclusion: This study revealed some significant associations between different dimensions of PA, especially MPA, and the risk of stroke. Furthermore, the difference of association was observed in the groups with different sex. Further prospective study is needed to determine deeper associations between PA and the risk of stroke.
A Blended Cognitive–Behavioral Intervention for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Branquinho Mariana , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Fonseca Ana
Published: November 2020

Despite the existence of effective treatment for postpartum depression, few women seek professional help, indicating the need for a new and innovative format of treatment that can overcome help-seeking barriers. This article presents the study protocol for a blended cognitive–behavioral intervention for the treatment of postpartum depression, by integrating face-to-face sessions with a web-based program (Be a Mom) into one treatment protocol. This study will be a two-arm, noninferiority randomized controlled trial comparing blended intervention to usual treatment for postpartum depression provided in healthcare centers. Portuguese postpartum adult women diagnosed with postpartum depression (according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder) will be recruited during routine care appointments in local healthcare centers and will be eligible to participate. Measures will be completed at baseline, postintervention, and at three- and six-month follow-ups. The primary outcome will be depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include anxiety symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, marital satisfaction, maternal self-efficacy, and mother–child bonding. Cost-effectiveness analysis and mediator and moderator analysis will be conducted. This study will provide insight into the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a blended psychological intervention in the Portuguese context and increase the empirically validated treatment options for postpartum depression.
Teacher Training Can Make a Difference: Tools to Overcome the Impact of COVID-19 on Primary Schools. An Experimental Study
Authors: Pozo-Rico Teresa , Gilar-Corbí Raquel , Izquierdo Andrea , Castejón Juan-Luis
Published: November 2020

Overcoming the impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on primary schools is an emerging need and priority in the current social welfare system. Accordingly, this study presents an empirical learning package to support teachers, who perform frontline work in schools, in coping with stress, preventing burnout, improving their information and communications technology (ICT) competency, and introducing the principles of emotional intelligence (EI) in the classroom. The participants included 141 primary school teachers (M = 38.4 years, SD = 6.84; 54.6% women). They were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in the 14-week teacher training program, whereas the control group did not participate in the program or receive any other training during the intervention. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (time x group) was performed to identify the effects of the teacher training program. Teachers who participated in the training program evaluated it positively and showed significant differences compared to the control group in their abilities to cope with stress and avoid burnout, their ICT competency, and their introduction of EI in the classroom. Implications for supporting teachers are discussed.
Feasibility of the Schizophrenia Hope Scale-9: A Psychometric Study
Authors: Choe Kwisoon , Ryu Eunjung , Kim Sunghee
Published: November 2020

Hope is essential in rehabilitating persons with schizophrenia, though scales to measure hope are not appropriate for this population. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify the psychometric properties of the Schizophrenia Hope Scale-9 (SHS-9) using data from 83 people with schizophrenia in four mental health centers and 762 healthy persons from two universities in South Korea. The total SHS-9 score is calculated by adding all items’ scores and ranges from 0 to 18. The mean (standard deviation) SHS-9 score of the participants with schizophrenia and healthy participants was 11.53 (SD = 4.78) and 14.78 (SD = 3.19), respectively. Lower scores indicate a lower level of hope. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.92 with a four-week test-retest reliability of 0.89. Criterion-related construct validity was established by examining the correlation between the SHS-9 and the State-Trait Hope Inventory scores. Divergent validity was identified through a negative relationship of SHS-9 with the Beck Hopelessness Scale. In persons with schizophrenia and healthy college students, Bartlett’s test of sphericity yielded χ2 = 465.03 (p < 0.001) and χ2 = 2679.24 (p < 0.001) respectively. The values of the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy were 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. The construct validity of the SHS-9 was confirmed through principal component analysis with extraction methods, which resulted in a one-factor solution, accounting for 61.83% of the total item variance. This study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of the SHS-9; therefore, it could be used to study the relationships between hope and other variables (e.g., depression and recovery) in persons with schizophrenia and measure the effect of psychosocial interventions on their hope.
Are Loneliness and Social Isolation Associated with Quality of Life in Older Adults? Insights from Northern and Southern Europe
Authors: Beridze Giorgi , Ayala Alba , Ribeiro Oscar , Fernández-Mayoralas Gloria , Rodríguez-Blázquez Carmen , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Vicente , Rojo-Pérez Fermina , Forjaz Maria João , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Loneliness and social isolation have detrimental effects on health in old age; however, the prospective associations with quality of life (QoL) remain unclear. Furthermore, despite the existence of a European north-south gradient in the distribution of loneliness and social isolation, little is known whether the associations are context-specific. We investigated the relationships between loneliness, social isolation and QoL of older adults residing in the North (Sweden) and South (Spain) of Europe. Methods: Study sample consisted of 2995 Swedish and 4154 Spanish older adults who participated in waves six and seven of the Study on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Loneliness and social isolation were measured at the baseline, and QoL was measured at the baseline and follow-up using CASP-12. Prospective associations were assessed via multivariate linear regression. Results: In Sweden, subjects with higher vs. lower loneliness had 1.01 (95% CI: −1.55, −0.40) units lower QoL, while every standard deviation increase in social isolation was associated with a 0.27 (95% CI: −0.42, −0.09)-unit decrease in QoL. In Spain, every standard deviation increase in social isolation was associated with a 0.66 (95% CI: −1.11, −0.22)-unit decrease in QoL. The association was stronger in subjects aged ≤65 years old and those with no chronic diseases. The association with loneliness was not statistically significant in Spain. Conclusion: Loneliness and social isolation are prospectively associated with decreased QoL among older adults, yet the associations are contextually bound. Future interventions should target both exposures, among others, in order to increase QoL in this group.
Could Training in an Anatomical Model Be Useful to Teach Different Neovagina Surgical Techniques? A Descriptive Study about Knowledge and Experience of Techniques for Neovagina Surgery
Authors: Sanchez-Ferrer María Luísa , Grimbizis Grigoris , Nisolle Michele , Salmeron-González Enrique , Gómez-Pérez Luis , Sánchez del Campo Francisco , Acién Maribel
Published: November 2020

Neovagina surgery in patients with vaginal agenesis is rare. No consensus exists regarding the best surgical technique. The aims of the current study were to show a new Thiel-embalmed cadaveric model to teach the surgical steps for different techniques of neovagina surgery and to evaluate opinions of this surgical teaching procedure. Four techniques—modified McIndoe, Vecchietti, Davydov, and vulvoperineal pediculated flaps—were recorded using an external camera and/or laparoscopic vision during their execution in a dissection room on “feminized” male cadavers. To determine the opinion of this teaching model, we designed an anonymous online survey that was available to participants via a computer application. After watching the video, more than 92% of participants agreed that feminized male cadavers were an excellent procedure for teaching these surgical techniques. Before watching this video, the most employed techniques were the McIndoe and Vecchietti procedures. After watching the video, modified McIndoe and vulvoperineal flaps were preferred by participants because they were considered to be easier to perform. It was considered that this model was useful for training neovagina techniques and, moreover, it should be recommended before techniques were performed on a real patient. Further investigation is needed to validate this model.
Genome Editing by CRISPR-Cas: A Game Change in the Genetic Manipulation of Chlamydomonas
Authors: Ghribi Manel , Nouemssi Serge Basile , Meddeb-Mouelhi Fatma , Desgagné-Penix Isabel
Published: November 2020

Microalgae are promising photosynthetic unicellular eukaryotes among the most abundant on the planet and are considered as alternative sustainable resources for various industrial applications. Chlamydomonas is an emerging model for microalgae to be manipulated by multiple biotechnological tools in order to produce high-value bioproducts such as biofuels, bioactive peptides, pigments, nutraceuticals, and medicines. Specifically, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has become a subject of different genetic-editing techniques adapted to modulate the production of microalgal metabolites. The main nuclear genome-editing tools available today include zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and more recently discovered the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated protein (Cas) nuclease system. The latter, shown to have an interesting editing capacity, has become an essential tool for genome editing. In this review, we highlight the available literature on the methods and the applications of CRISPR-Cas for C. reinhardtii genetic engineering, including recent transformation methods, most used bioinformatic tools, best strategies for the expression of Cas protein and sgRNA, the CRISPR-Cas mediated gene knock-in/knock-out strategies, and finally the literature related to CRISPR expression and modification approaches.
Rapid Transcriptional Reprogramming Triggered by Alteration of the Carbon/Nitrogen Balance Has an Impact on Energy Metabolism in Nostoc sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Gollan Peter J. , Muth-Pawlak Dorota , Aro Eva-Mari
Published: November 2020

Nostoc (Anabaena) sp. PCC 7120 is a filamentous cyanobacterial species that fixes N2 to nitrogenous compounds using specialised heterocyst cells. Changes in the intracellular ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N balance) is known to trigger major transcriptional reprogramming of the cell, including initiating the differentiation of vegetative cells to heterocysts. Substantial transcriptional analysis has been performed on Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 during N stepdown (low to high C/N), but not during C stepdown (high to low C/N). In the current study, we shifted the metabolic balance of Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 cultures grown at 3% CO2 by introducing them to atmospheric conditions containing 0.04% CO2 for 1 h, after which the changes in gene expression were measured using RNAseq transcriptomics. This analysis revealed strong upregulation of carbon uptake, while nitrogen uptake and metabolism and early stages of heterocyst development were downregulated in response to the shift to low CO2. Furthermore, gene expression changes revealed a decrease in photosynthetic electron transport and increased photoprotection and reactive oxygen metabolism, as well a decrease in iron uptake and metabolism. Differential gene expression was largely attributed to change in the abundances of the metabolites 2-phosphoglycolate and 2-oxoglutarate, which signal a rapid shift from fluent photoassimilation to glycolytic metabolism of carbon after transition to low CO2. This work shows that the C/N balance in Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 rapidly adjusts the metabolic strategy through transcriptional reprogramming, enabling survival in the fluctuating environment.
Friction-Induced Vibration Suppression via the Tuned Mass Damper: Optimal Tuning Strategy
Authors: Hu Jia Lin , Habib Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Friction-induced vibrations are a significant problem in various engineering applications, while dynamic vibration absorbers are an economical and effective tool for suppressing various kinds of vibrations. In this study, the archetypal mass-on-moving-belt model with an attached dynamic vibration absorber was considered. By adopting an analytical procedure, the optimal tuning of the absorber’s parameters was defined. Furthermore, the bifurcations occurring at the loss of stability were analytically investigated; this analysis illustrated that a properly chosen nonlinearity in the absorber’s stiffness permits controlling the supercritical or subcritical character of the bifurcation. However, a numerical analysis of the system’s dynamics, despite confirming the analytical results, also illustrated that the system’s global behavior is only slightly affected by the bifurcation character. Indeed, a dynamic vibration absorber possessing a perfectly linear restoring force function seems to provide the optimal performance; namely, it minimizes the velocity range for which stick–slip oscillations exists.
Comparison of Biocompatibility of Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers and Epoxy Resin-Based Sealer on Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells
Authors: Oh Hanseul , Kim Egan , Lee Sukjoon , Park Soyeon , Chen Dongzi , Shin Su-Jung , Kim Euiseong , Kim Sunil
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of calcium silicate-based sealers (CeraSeal and EndoSeal TCS) and epoxy resin-based sealer (AH-Plus) in terms of cell viability, inflammatory response, expression of mesenchymal phenotype, osteogenic potential, cell attachment, and morphology, of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). hPDLSCs were acquired from the premolars (n = 4) of four subjects, whose ages extended from 16 to 24 years of age. Flow cytometry analysis showed stemness of hPDLSCs was maintained in all materials. In cell viability test, AH-Plus showed the lowest cell viability, and CeraSeal showed significantly higher cell viability than others. In ELISA test, AH-Plus showed higher expression of IL-6 and IL-8 than calcium silicate-based sealers. In an osteogenic potential test, AH-Plus showed a lower expression level than other material; however, EndoSeal TCS showed a better expression level than others. All experiments were repeated at least three times per cell line. Scanning electronic microscopy studies showed low degree of cell proliferation on AH-Plus, and high degree of cell proliferation on calcium silicate-based sealers. In this study, calcium silicate-based sealers appear to be more biocompatible and less cytotoxic than epoxy-resin based sealers.