bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Car-Following Model and Its Applications in the V2X Environment: A Historical Review
Authors: Han Junyan , Shi Huili , Chen Longfei , Li Hao , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: December 2021

The application of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology has resulted in the traffic environment being different from how it was in the past. In the V2X environment, the information perception ability of the driver–vehicle unit is greatly enhanced. With V2X technology, the driver–vehicle unit can obtain a massive amount of traffic information and is able to form a connection and interaction relationship between multiple vehicles and themselves. In the traditional car-following models, only the dual-vehicle interaction relationship between the object vehicle and its preceding vehicle was considered, making these models unable to be employed to describe the car-following behavior in the V2X environment. As one of the core components of traffic flow theory, research on car-following behavior needs to be further developed. First, the development process of the traditional car-following models is briefly reviewed. Second, previous research on the impacts of V2X technology, car-following models in the V2X environment, and the applications of these models, such as the calibration of the model parameters, the analysis of traffic flow characteristics, and the methods that are used to estimate a vehicle’s energy consumption and emissions, are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the achievements and shortcomings of these studies along with trends that require further exploration are discussed. The results that were determined here can provide a reference for the further development of traffic flow theory, personalized advanced driving assistance systems, and anthropopathic autonomous-driving vehicles.
Numerical Study for Unsteady Waves Generated by Flow over a Permeable Wavy Bed
Authors: Magdalena Ikha , Firdaus Kemal
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we formulate a numerical model to study unsteady waves generated by fluid flow over a permeable wavy bed. The model is derived from boundary value problems using potential theory. We solve the model numerically using a finite difference method. As a result, we found that the flow over a porous layer generates wave disturbed by bumps on the porous layer. The simulation also showed that the wave profile shifts from the permeable bed. The results of this study can be incorporated into the design of submerged artificial and natural breakwaters.
Urea Gel Electrophoresis in Studies of Conformational Changes of Transferrin on Binding and Transport of Non-Ferric Metal Ions
Authors: Levina Aviva , Wang Boer , Lay Peter A.
Published: December 2021

Transferrin (Tf) is a crucial transporter protein for Fe(III), but its biological role in binding other metal ions and their delivery into cells remain highly controversial. The first systematic exploration of the effect of non-Fe(III) metal ion binding on Tf conformation has been performed by urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (urea-PAGE), which is commonly used for nucleic acids but rarely for proteins. Closed Tf conformation, similar to that caused by Fe(III)-Tf binding, was formed for In(III), V(III) or Cr(III) binding to Tf. In all these cases, metal distribution between Tf lobes and/or the rate of metal release under acidic conditions differed from that of Fe(III)-Tf. By contrast, Ga(III) and V(IV) did not form closed Tf conformation under urea-PAGE conditions. Apart from Fe(III), only In(III) was able to increase the proportion of closed Tf conformation in whole serum. These results suggest that Tf is unlikely to act as a natural carrier of any metal ion, except Fe(III), into cells but can reduce toxicity of exogenous metal ions by binding them in serum and preventing their entry into cells.
Application of Gelatin Composite Coating in Pork Quality Preservation during Storage and Mechanism of Gelatin Composite Coating on Pork Flavor
Authors: Li Haoxin , Tang Renrun , Mustapha Wan Aida Wan , Liu Jia , Hasan K. M. Faridul , Li Xin , Huang Mingzheng
Published: December 2021

Gelatin coating is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of meat products. Aiming at solving the problem of flavor deterioration during the storage of pork at room temperature, pork coating technology was developed to preserve the pork at 25 °C, and the comprehensive sensory analysis of vision, touch, smell, and taste was used to study the effect of coating on preservation of pork flavor. Herein, uncoated (control) and coated pork samples (including gelatin coating and gelatin coating incorporated with ginger essential oil) were analyzed to investigate the integrity of pork periodically during storage at 25 °C for weight loss, color, texture (springiness, chewiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and hardness), microstructure, odor (electronic nose), taste (electronic tongue), volatile flavor substance, and taste ingredients. The results suggested that ginger essential oil (GEO) gelatin coating and gelatin coating can effectively inhibit the loss of water dispersion and slow down the oxidation reaction, coating treatments could significantly (p < 0.05) retarded the weight loss of pork slices, with values of 20.19%, 15.95%, 13.12% for uncoated, gelatin coated, and GEO-gelatin coated samples during 24 h of storage, respectively. Compared with control group, the color, texture, smell, and taste evaluations demonstrated that coating treatments had improved sensory and texture attributes during the storage period. Furthermore, the comprehensive results from the physical property assays (especially the texture), morphological assay and volatile odor assays showed that the GEO-fish gelatin composite coating had better preservation effect on pork flavor than the fish gelatin coating. The study suggests that the gelatin composite coating could be developed as a prospective active packaging to preserve pork meat at room temperature.
Association of TNF-α 308G/A and LEPR Gln223Arg Polymorphisms with the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Trapali Maria , Houhoula Dimitra , Batrinou Anthimia , Kanellou Anastasia , Strati Irini F. , Siatelis Argyris , Halvatsiotis Panagiotis
Published: December 2021

The objective of the present study was to identify the association of the TNF-α- 308G/A and leptin receptor (LEPR) Gln223Arg polymorphisms with the risk of development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 160 volunteers were studied: 108 with T2DM and 52 participants as control, who served as the control group. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for the genomic region of TNF-α- 308G/A and LEPR Gln223Arg were carried out. Results: The frequency of LEPR Gln223Arg genotypes in T2DM and control groups showed significant differences in the distribution of genotypes (p < 0.05). The frequency also of TNF-α- 308G/A genotypes in T2DM and control subjects showed significant differences in the distribution of genotypes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that there are significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and alleles between the individuals with T2DM and control subjects (p < 0.05).
Cytological, Biochemical, and Transcriptomic Analyses of a Novel Yellow Leaf Variation in a Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) SCBG COP15
Authors: Li Ji , Wu Kunlin , Li Lin , Wang Meina , Fang Lin , Zeng Songjun
Published: December 2021

The genus Paphiopedilum, belonging to the Orchidaceae, has high ornamental value. Leaf variations can considerably improve the economic and horticultural value of the orchids. In the study, a yellow leaf mutant of a Paphiopedilum hybrid named P. SCBG COP15 was identified during the in vitro plant culture process; however, little is known about their molecular mechanisms. For this, RNA-seq libraries were created and used for the transcriptomic profiling of P. SCBG COP15 and the yellow mutant. The Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoid contents in the yellow leaves decreased by approximately 75.99%, 76.92%, and 56.83%, respectively, relative to the green leaves. Decreased chloroplasts per cell and abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure were observed by electron microscopic investigation in yellowing leaves; photosynthetic characteristics and Chl fluorescence parameters were also decreased in the mutant. Altogether, 34,492 unigenes were annotated by BLASTX; 1,835 DEGs were identified, consisting of 697 upregulated and 1138 downregulated DEGs. HEMA, CRD, CAO, and CHLE, involved in Chl biosynthesis, were predicted to be key genes responsible for leaf yellow coloration. Our findings provide an essential genetic resource for understanding the molecular mechanism of leaf color variation and breeding new varieties of Paphiopedilum with increased horticultural value.
TimesVector-Web: A Web Service for Analysing Time Course Transcriptome Data with Multiple Conditions
Authors: Jang Jaeyeon , Hwang Inseung , Jung Inuk
Published: December 2021

From time course gene expression data, we may identify genes that modulate in a certain pattern across time. Such patterns are advantageous to investigate the transcriptomic response to a certain condition. Especially, it is of interest to compare two or more conditions to detect gene expression patterns that significantly differ between them. Time course analysis can become difficult using traditional differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis methods since they are based on pair-wise sample comparison instead of a series of time points. Most importantly, the related tools are mostly available as local Software, requiring technical expertise. Here, we present TimesVector-web, which is an easy to use web service for analysing time course gene expression data with multiple conditions. The web-service was developed to (1) alleviate the burden for analyzing multi-class time course data and (2) provide downstream analysis on the results for biological interpretation including TF, miRNA target, gene ontology and pathway analysis. TimesVector-web was validated using three case studies that use both microarray and RNA-seq time course data and showed that the results captured important biological findings from the original studies.
Preclinical Research in McArdle Disease: A Review of Research Models and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Villarreal-Salazar Mónica , Brull Astrid , Nogales-Gadea Gisela , Andreu Antoni L. , Martín Miguel A. , Arenas Joaquín , Santalla Alfredo , Lucia Alejandro , Vissing John , Krag Thomas O. , Pinós Tomàs
Published: December 2021

McArdle disease is an autosomal recessive disorder of muscle glycogen metabolism caused by pathogenic mutations in the PYGM gene, which encodes the skeletal muscle-specific isoform of glycogen phosphorylase. Clinical symptoms are mainly characterized by transient acute “crises” of early fatigue, myalgia and contractures, which can be accompanied by rhabdomyolysis. Owing to the difficulty of performing mechanistic studies in patients that often rely on invasive techniques, preclinical models have been used for decades, thereby contributing to gain insight into the pathophysiology and pathobiology of human diseases. In the present work, we describe the existing in vitro and in vivo preclinical models for McArdle disease and review the insights these models have provided. In addition, despite presenting some differences with the typical patient’s phenotype, these models allow for a deep study of the different features of the disease while representing a necessary preclinical step to assess the efficacy and safety of possible treatments before they are tested in patients.
Comprehensive miRNA and DNA Microarray Analyses Reveal the Response of Hepatic miR-203 and Its Target Gene to Protein Malnutrition in Rats
Authors: Takahashi Kaoru , Jia Huijuan , Takahashi Shoko , Kato Hisanori
Published: December 2021

Adequate protein nutrition is essential for good health. Effects of protein malnutrition in animals have been widely studied at the mRNA level with the development of DNA microarray technology. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted attention for their function in regulating gene expression and have been studied in several disciplines, fewer studies have clarified the effects of protein malnutrition on miRNA alterations. The present study aimed to elucidate the relationship between protein malnutrition and miRNAs. Six-week old Wistar male rats were fed a control diet (20% casein) or a low-protein diet (5% casein) for two weeks, and their livers were subjected to both DNA microarray and miRNA array analysis. miR-203 was downregulated and its putative target Hadhb (hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase β subunit), known to regulate β-oxidation of fatty acids, was upregulated by the low-protein diet. In an in vitro experiment, miR-203 or its inhibitor were transfected in HepG2 cells, and the pattern of Hadhb expression was opposite to that of miR-203 expression. In addition, to clarifying the hepatic miRNA profile in response to protein malnutrition, these results showed that a low-protein diet increased Hadhb expression through downregulation of miR-203 and induced β-oxidation of fatty acids.
Archaeoseismic Evidence of Surface Faulting in 1703 Norcia Earthquake (Central Italian Apennines, Mw 6.9)
Authors: Galli Paolo , Peronace Edoardo , Messina Paolo
Published: December 2021

We present the first evidence of surface rupture along the causative fault of the 14 January 1703 earthquake (Mw 6.9, Italian central Apennines). This event was sourced by the ~30 km-long, Norcia fault system, responsible for another catastrophic event in Roman times, besides several destructive earthquakes in the last millennium. A dozen paleoseismological excavations have already investigated the surface ruptures occurred during the Holocene along the Cascia-Mt Alvagnano segments, as well as along secondary splays close to the Medieval Norcia Walls. Remarkably, the master fault bounding the Norcia-Campi basins have never be proved to rupture at the surface. An antique limekiln that was improvidently set across the main fault scarp provides the amazing evidence of an abrupt offset in the 1703 earthquake, which likely occurred during a liming process of carbonate stones. Obviously, the limekiln became useless, and was progressively buried by slope debris. The amount of the offset and the kinematics indicators surveyed in the site allow the strengthening of our knowledge on the seismogenic potential of the Norcia fault system, on its geomorphic rule, and on its impact on the human activities.
Machine Learning in Assessing the Performance of Hydrological Models
Authors: Rozos Evangelos , Dimitriadis Panayiotis , Bellos Vasilis
Published: December 2021

Machine learning has been employed successfully as a tool virtually in every scientific and technological field. In hydrology, machine learning models first appeared as simple feed-forward networks that were used for short-term forecasting, and have evolved into complex models that can take into account even the static features of catchments, imitating the hydrological experience. Recent studies have found machine learning models to be robust and efficient, frequently outperforming the standard hydrological models (both conceptual and physically based). However, and despite some recent efforts, the results of the machine learning models require significant effort to interpret and derive inferences. Furthermore, all successful applications of machine learning in hydrology are based on networks of fairly complex topology that require significant computational power and CPU time to train. For these reasons, the value of the standard hydrological models remains indisputable. In this study, we suggest employing machine learning models not as a substitute for hydrological models, but as an independent tool to assess their performance. We argue that this approach can help to unveil the anomalies in catchment data that do not fit in the employed hydrological model structure or configuration, and to deal with them without compromising the understanding of the underlying physical processes.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) Curves in Arid Areas: Wadi AL-Lith, Saudi Arabia as a Case Study
Authors: Elsebaie Ibrahim H. , El Alfy Mohamed , Kawara Atef Qasem
Published: December 2021

In arid areas, flashflood water management is a major concern due to arid climate ambiguity. The examining and derivation of intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves in an urban arid area under a variety of terrain patterns and climatic changes is anticipated. Several flood events have been reported in the Al-Lith region of western Saudi Arabia that took away many lives and caused disruption in services and trade. To find and examine the extremities and IDF curves, daily rainfall data from 1966 to 2018 is used. The IDF curves are created for a variety of return periods and climate scenarios in three terrain variabilities. This research examines various distributions to estimate the maximum rainfall for several metrological stations with varying return periods and terrain conditions. Three main zones are identified based on ground elevation variability and IDF distributions from upstream in the eastern mountainous area to downstream in the western coastal area. These IDF curves can be used to identify vulnerable hotspot areas in arid areas such as the Wadi AL-Lith, and flood mitigation steps can be suggested to minimize flood risk.
Early Biomarkers of Periodontitis: New Challenges for a Personalized Medicine Approach
Authors: Isola Gaetano
Published: December 2021

Recently, the concept of precision medicine has attracted attention [...]
A Study on the Correlations between Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work-Related Psychosocial Factors among Nursing Aides in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Yang Man-Hua , Jhan Chao-Jie , Hsieh Pei-Chi , Kao Chieh-Chun
Published: December 2021

Background: Among the nursing aides employed at long-term care facilities (LTCFs), those with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are most likely to experience disability or develop an intention to leave. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of work-related psychological factors among nursing aides in LTCFs with MSDs in Taiwan. Methods: Purposive sampling was used in this cross-sectional study to enrol 308 nursing aides from residential LTCFs in Taiwan as research subjects. A demographic and job background survey, a job content questionnaire (JCQ), and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) were used to collect data. Results: Lower job control associated with higher psychological job demands, and lower social support was associated with more severe MSDs for the nursing aides (p < 0.001). Among the MSDs reported by nursing aides in LTCFs, lower back pain was the most serious. In addition, nationality, age, exercise habits, chronic diseases, worksite, lack of rest time, lack of assistive devices, low coworker support, and high psychological job demands were significant factors affecting MSDs. In total, 42.1% of the variance in MSDs among nursing aides in LTCFs was explained. Conclusions: Work-related psychological factors among nursing aides in LTCFs have an important association with MSDs. For nursing aides, coworker support should be improved, and their psychological demands at work should be reduced.
The Health and Wellbeing of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples around the Globe: Ensuring and Promoting Best Practice in Research
Authors: Griffiths Kalinda , Diaz Abbey , Whop Lisa J. , Cunningham Joan
Published: December 2021

Indigenous and Tribal peoples account for approximately 6 [...]
Negative Ion Purifier Effects on Indoor Particulate Dosage to Small Airways
Authors: Duan Mengjie , Wang Lijuan , Meng Xingyan , Fu Linzhi , Wang Yi , Liang Wannian , Liu Li
Published: December 2021

Indoor air quality is an important health factor as we spend more than 80% of our time indoors. The primary type of indoor pollutant is particulate matter, high levels of which increase respiratory disease risk. Therefore, air purifiers are a common choice for addressing indoor air pollution. Compared with traditional filtration purifiers, negative ion air purifiers (NIAPs) have gained popularity due to their energy efficiency and lack of noise. Although some studies have shown that negative ions may offset the cardiorespiratory benefits of air purifiers, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we conducted a full-scale experiment using an in vitro airway model connected to a breathing simulator to mimic inhalation. The model was constructed using computed tomography scans of human airways and 3D-printing technology. We then quantified the effects of NIAPs on the administered dose of 0.5–2.5 μm particles in the small airway. Compared with the filtration purifier, the NIAP had a better dilution effect after a 1-h exposure and the cumulative administered dose to the small airway was reduced by 20%. In addition, increasing the negative ion concentration helped reduce the small airway exposure risk. NIAPs were found to be an energy-efficient air purification intervention that can effectively reduce the small airway particle exposure when a sufficient negative ion concentration is maintained.
Psychomedical Interventions with Transgender People in Portugal and Brazil: A Critical Approach
Authors: Rodrigues Liliana , Soares Matilde , Nogueira Conceição
Published: December 2021

This study aims to analyze biopsychomedical interventions with transgender people. For this purpose, we carried out 35 semi-structured interviews with people who self-identify as transsexuals and transvestites in Brazil and Portugal. The responses of the study participants were systematized according to a thematic analysis, which led to the emergence of the following three main themes: “institutional power”, “expectations of trans-bodies”, and “experiences in health services”. This study demonstrates how some trans people perform bodily modifications to fight the transphobia they experience throughout their lives. In addition, they believe that, by making their bodies conform to each other, they may become more attractive and desirable. The process of cisnormativity is, furthermore, conveyed by the idea present in the answers of some respondents: that having “integrated” bodies means facing less discrimination and that they will, therefore, obtain more satisfactory ways of personally and socially experiencing their identities. This study contributes to a deepening critical reflection on the experiences/exclusions of trans people, especially in the psychomedical context of “normalization” devices. Hence, just as social structures produce and sustain transphobia, the same structures are responsible for combating it.
Patients’ Perspective on Their Experience of Dental Treatments Covered by Public Health Insurance in Romania—A Pilot Study
Authors: Cărămidă Mariana , Țâncu Ana Maria Cristina , Imre Marina , Dumitrache Mihaela Adina , Mihai Christina , Sfeatcu Ruxandra
Published: December 2021

Although the aims of any public health coverage are prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and maintenance, dental services are hardly ever included in services. The goal of our pilot study is to assess the perspective of a group of adult patients on their covered dental treatments. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 patients who reported their perception by filling in a questionnaire. All the collected data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Most of the subjects (40.7%, n = 57) were treatment oriented, visiting the dentist only in an emergency situation. A total of 40.7% (n = 57) of the participants stated that all the dental treatments had coverage and 22.8% (n = 13) had to split their treatment plan because of the insurance budget limit. The subjects who had chosen covered dental services because they considered it was a right they should benefit from (53.7%, n = 22) and those who had chosen covered dental services because of financial reasons (29.3%, n = 12) were more frequently unsatisfied with the types of covered dental services. The reduced level of satisfaction was associated mainly with the list of dental procedures accepted for coverage and also with younger and highly educated patients. For a more accurate description, the present study should be completed by future studies not only on a representative population at national level, but also by assessing the perspective of dental professionals.
Music Listening and Homeostatic Regulation: Surviving and Flourishing in a Sonic World
Authors: Reybrouck Mark , Podlipniak Piotr , Welch David
Published: December 2021

This paper argues for a biological conception of music listening as an evolutionary achievement that is related to a long history of cognitive and affective-emotional functions, which are grounded in basic homeostatic regulation. Starting from the three levels of description, the acoustic description of sounds, the neurological level of processing, and the psychological correlates of neural stimulation, it conceives of listeners as open systems that are in continuous interaction with the sonic world. By monitoring and altering their current state, they can try to stay within the limits of operating set points in the pursuit of a controlled state of dynamic equilibrium, which is fueled by interoceptive and exteroceptive sources of information. Listening, in this homeostatic view, can be adaptive and goal-directed with the aim of maintaining the internal physiology and directing behavior towards conditions that make it possible to thrive by seeking out stimuli that are valued as beneficial and worthy, or by attempting to avoid those that are annoying and harmful. This calls forth the mechanisms of pleasure and reward, the distinction between pleasure and enjoyment, the twin notions of valence and arousal, the affect-related consequences of music listening, the role of affective regulation and visceral reactions to the sounds, and the distinction between adaptive and maladaptive listening.
Influence of Perceived Stress and Stress Coping Adequacy on Multiple Health-Related Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: Hirooka Nobutaka , Kusano Takeru , Kinoshita Shunsuke , Nakamoto Hidetomo
Published: December 2021

Stress is a primary target of national health promotion efforts such as Healthy Japan in the 21st century (HJ21). However, little is known about how the combination of perceived stress and coping adequacy influence health-related lifestyle behaviors in line with national health promotion. This study assessed the association between combined perceived stress and coping adequacy and multiple health-related lifestyle behaviors in HJ21 practices. This cross-sectional survey that included specialists in health management comprehensively assessed multiple health-related lifestyle behaviors in accordance with HJ21. Total health-related lifestyle behavior scores were calculated and perceived stress and coping adequacy were recorded and categorized into four groups with group 1 to 4 being high to none, and highly adequate to not at all, respectively. The average total lifestyle behavior scores (standard deviation [SD]) were 35.1 (3.5), 33.7 (3.6), 31.8 (3.8), and 30.5 (4.9) for groups 1 to 4 of coping adequacy (p < 0.001). Further, individuals who had higher stress coping adequacy had better multiple health-related lifestyle behaviors after adjusting for demographic factors and perceived stress in the linear trend among the groups. Stress coping skills might be an essential target for stress reduction, ultimately leading to health promotion for disease prevention and longevity.
Geographic Disparities in Readmissions for Peripheral Artery Disease in South Carolina
Authors: Witrick Brian , Kalbaugh Corey A. , Shi Lu , Mayo Rachel , Hendricks Brian
Published: December 2021

Readmissions constitute a major health care burden among peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. This study aimed to 1) estimate the zip code tabulation area (ZCTA)-level prevalence of readmission among PAD patients and characterize the effect of covariates on readmissions; and (2) identify hotspots of PAD based on estimated prevalence of readmission. Thirty-day readmissions among PAD patients were identified from the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office All Payers Database (2010–2018). Bayesian spatial hierarchical modeling was conducted to identify areas of high risk, while controlling for confounders. We mapped the estimated readmission rates and identified hotspots using local Getis Ord (G*) statistics. Of the 232,731 individuals admitted to a hospital or outpatient surgery facility with PAD diagnosis, 30,366 (13.1%) experienced an unplanned readmission to a hospital within 30 days. Fitted readmission rates ranged from 35.3 per 1000 patients to 370.7 per 1000 patients and the risk of having a readmission was significantly associated with the percentage of patients who are 65 and older (0.992, 95%CI: 0.985–0.999), have Medicare insurance (1.013, 1.005–1.020), and have hypertension (1.014, 1.005–1.023). Geographic analysis found significant variation in readmission rates across the state and identified priority areas for targeted interventions to reduce readmissions.
Colorado Burden of Disease, Injuries and Risk Factors, 1990–2019: A Sub-Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Roux Jen , Rojas-Rueda David
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Health disparities across the United States (U.S.) are increasing. Large variations in risk factors and health outcomes have been described among states from the U.S. (2) AIM. This study aims to describe health trends in morbidity, mortality, and risk factors from 1990 to 2019 in the State of Colorado. (3) Methods: We describe the measures of health loss for 286 causes of death, 369 diseases and injuries, and 87 risk factors for the state of Colorado from the Global Burden of Disease project estimates between 1990 to 2019. (4) Results: We found that 21,171 and 40,724 deaths were estimated in 1990 and 2019, respectively, in Colorado. The leading cause of death, in both sexes, in 1990 and 2019 was ischemic heart disease (IHD). The top leading disability-adjusted life years (DALY) diagnoses were IHD, followed by low back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and opioid use disorder. In 2019, the top risk factors by DALYs in Colorado were smoking, drug use, high body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high systolic blood pressure. (5) Conclusion: Non-communicable diseases and their related risk factors are the top leading causes of DALYs in Colorado. Findings support the need for policies to prevent non-communicable diseases, with special attention to musculoskeletal disorders and interventions to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
Lateral Kangaroo Care in Hemodynamic Stability of Extremely Preterm Infants: Protocol Study for a Non-Inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial CANGULAT
Authors: Collados-Gómez Laura , Esteban-Gonzalo Laura , López-López Candelas , Jiménez-Fernández Lucía , Piris-Borregas Salvador , García-García Esther , Fernández-Gonzalo Juan Carlos , Martínez-Miguel Esther
Published: December 2021

Introduction: This study aims to assess the efficacy of the modified kangaroo care lateral position on the thermal stability of preterm neonates versus conventional kangaroo care prone position. Material and methods: A non-inferiority randomized parallel clinical trial. Kangaroo care will be performed in a lateral position for the experimental group and in a prone position for the control group preterm. The study will take place at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a University Hospital. The participants will be extremely premature infants (under 28 weeks of gestational age) along the first five days of life, hemodynamically stable, with mother or father willing to do kangaroo care and give their written consent to participate in the study. The sample size calculated was 35 participants in each group. When the premature infant is hemodynamically stable and one of the parents stays in the NICU, the patient will be randomized into two groups: an experimental group or a control group. The primary outcome is premature infant axillary temperature. Neonatal pain level and intraventricular hemorrhage are secondary outcomes. Discussion: There is no scientific evidence on modified kangaroo care lateral position. Furthermore, there is little evidence of increased intraventricular hemorrhage association with the lateral head position necessary in conventional or prone kangaroo care in extremely premature newborns. Kangaroo care is a priority intervention in neonatal units increasing the time of use more and more, making postural changes necessary to optimize comfort and minimize risks with kangaroo care lateral position as an alternative to conventional prone position kangaroo care. Meanwhile, it is essential to ensure that the conventional kangaroo care prone position, which requires the head to lay sideways, is a safe position in terms of preventing intraventricular hemorrhage in the first five days of life of children under 28 weeks of gestational age. Trial registration at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03990116.
Human Factor Risk Modeling for Shipyard Operation by Mapping Fuzzy Fault Tree into Bayesian Network
Authors: Liu Yang , Ma Xiaoxue , Qiao Weiliang , Luo Huiwen , He Peilong
Published: December 2021

The operational activities conducted in a shipyard are exposed to high risk associated with human factors. To investigate human factors involved in shipyard operational accidents, a double-nested model was proposed in the present study. The modified human factor analysis classification system (HFACS) was applied to identify the human factors involved in the accidents, the results of which were then converted into diverse components of a fault tree and, as a result, a single-level nested model was established. For the development of a double-nested model, the structured fault tree was mapped into a Bayesian network (BN), which can be simulated with the obtained prior probabilities of parent nodes and the conditional probability table by fuzzy theory and expert elicitation. Finally, the developed BN model is simulated for various scenarios to analyze the identified human factors by means of structural analysis, path dependencies and sensitivity analysis. The general interpretation of these analysis verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology to evaluate the human factor risks involved in operational accidents in a shipyard.
Teleworking—An Economic and Social Impact during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Data Mining Analysis
Authors: Belostecinic Grigore , Mogoș Radu Ioan , Popescu Maria Loredana , Burlacu Sorin , Rădulescu Carmen Valentina , Bodislav Dumitru Alexandru , Bran Florina , Oancea-Negescu Mihaela Diana
Published: December 2021

The health crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has induced, among other things, an increase in the importance of remote work or teleworking (TL) in the current period. The objective of this research is to identify the economic and social impact of telework in changing the behavior of employees in Romania. The research was conducted approximately one year after the onset of the pandemic until the beginning of the vaccination period in Romania. The research proposed includes three main directions of analysis of the extracted data, which are related to telework efficiency, this being considered one of the most important indicators for a company. In order to obtain conclusive results, we used a mixed methodology, combining results obtained through a survey based on a self-administered electronic questionnaire, with a data mining analysis. Detailed analysis of the groups identified based on work efficiency allowed us to highlight the most common employee profiles. This analysis was doubled by a second classification experiment, which provided us a more detailed analysis of the groups identified based on job satisfaction and highlighted the most common employee profiles. The expansion of telework in various economic areas is a result of adaptation to the new economic and social conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Changes in Stress Coping, Alcohol Use, Cigarette Smoking and Physical Activity during COVID-19 Related Lockdown in Medical Students in Poland
Authors: Kosendiak Aureliusz , Król Magdalena , Ściskalska Milena , Kepinska Marta
Published: December 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly limited social contacts, thus contributing to deepening isolation. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 exerted on humanity not only a physical impact but also a psychological one, often increasing the feeling of stress. The long-term effects of such a state could include the management of depression, so our study aimed to analyze groups of medical students in different periods of the pandemic (at the beginning of the pandemic, after half a year of the pandemic, after one year of the pandemic) in order to assess the impact of this situation on coping with stress. The impact of the pandemic on the development of stress factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking was also studied. The level of physical activity in the context of coping with an uncertain situation was also assessed. The impact of the above-mentioned factors on the behavior of students, including the Mini-COPE questionnaire, AUDIT test, the Fagerström test and the IPAQ questionnaire was analyzed. It has been shown that as the pandemic and the lockdown progressed, patients consumed more often or larger amounts of alcohol, smoked more cigarettes, and levels of physical activity decreased. All these factors may have had some impact on the deterioration of coping with stress among the respondents, which would indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to an increase in the sense of stress among the students.
Multidimensional Urban Vitality on Streets: Spatial Patterns and Influence Factor Identification Using Multisource Urban Data
Authors: Li Qian , Cui Caihui , Liu Feng , Wu Qirui , Run Yadi , Han Zhigang
Published: December 2021

Urban vitality is a key indicator for measuring urban development. This topic has been trending in urban planning and sustainable development, and significant progress has been made in measuring single indicators of urban vitality based on parcel or block units. With the continuous development of smart sensing technology, multisource urban data are becoming increasingly abundant. The application of such data to measure the multidimensional urban vitality of street space, reflecting multiple functions of an urban space, can significantly improve the accuracy of urban vitality analyses and promote the construction of people-oriented healthy cities. In this study, streets were taken as the analysis unit, and multisource data such as the trajectories of taxies and shared bicycles, user reviews and cultural facility points of interest (POIs) in Chengdu, a city in southwestern China, were used to identify spatial patterns of urban vitality on streets across social, economic and cultural dimensions. The correlation between the built environment factors and the multidimensional urban vitality on the street was analyzed using a multiple regression model. The spatial distribution of the different dimensions of urban vitality of the street space in Chengdu varies to a certain extent. It is common for areas with high social vitality to have production and life centers nearby. High economic vitality centers are typically found along busy streets with a high concentration of businesses. Areas with high cultural vitality centers tend to be concentrated on the city’s central streets. Land use, transportation, external environment, population and employment are all closely linked to urban vitality on streets. The crowd counting and POI density have the greatest impact on multidimensional urban vitality. The crowd and the level of service facilities profoundly affect social interaction, trade activities and cultural communication. The goodness of fit (R2) of the regression models for social, economic and cultural vitality are 0.590, 0.423 and 0.409, respectively. Using multisource urban data, our findings can help stakeholders better understand the spatial patterns and influencing factors of multidimensional urban vitality on streets and provide sustainable urban planning and development strategies for the future.
Disrupting Neurons and Glial Cells Oneness in the Brain—The Possible Causal Role of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mielcarska Matylda Barbara , Skowrońska Katarzyna , Wyżewski Zbigniew , Toka Felix Ngosa
Published: December 2021

Current data strongly suggest herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection in the brain as a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The consequences of HSV-1 brain infection are multilateral, not only are neurons and glial cells damaged, but modifications also occur in their environment, preventing the transmission of signals and fulfillment of homeostatic and immune functions, which can greatly contribute to the development of disease. In this review, we discuss the pathological alterations in the central nervous system (CNS) cells that occur, following HSV-1 infection. We describe the changes in neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes related to the production of inflammatory factors, transition of glial cells into a reactive state, oxidative damage, Aβ secretion, tau hyperphosphorylation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Further, HSV-1 infection can affect processes observed during brain aging, and advanced age favors HSV-1 reactivation as well as the entry of the virus into the brain. The host activates pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) for an effective antiviral response during HSV-1 brain infection, which primarily engages type I interferons (IFNs). Future studies regarding the influence of innate immune deficits on AD development, as well as supporting the neuroprotective properties of glial cells, would reveal valuable information on how to harness cytotoxic inflammatory milieu to counter AD initiation and progression.
Changes in Homogalacturonan Metabolism in Banana Peel during Fruit Development and Ripening
Authors: Ning Tong , Chen Chengjie , Yi Ganjun , Chen Houbin , Liu Yudi , Fan Yanjie , Liu Jing , Chen Shule , Wei Sixuan , Li Zexuan , Tan Yehuan , He Zhenting , Xu Chunxiang
Published: December 2021

Though numerous studies have focused on the cell wall disassembly of bananas during the ripening process, the modification of homogalacturonan (HG) during fruit development remains exclusive. To better understand the role of HGs in controlling banana fruit growth and ripening, RNA-Seq, qPCR, immunofluorescence labeling, and biochemical methods were employed to reveal their dynamic changes in banana peels during these processes. Most HG-modifying genes in banana peels showed a decline in expression during fruit development. Four polygalacturonase and three pectin acetylesterases showing higher expression levels at later developmental stages than earlier ones might be related to fruit expansion. Six out of the 10 top genes in the Core Enrichment Gene Set were HG degradation genes, and all were upregulated after softening, paralleled to the significant increase in HG degradation enzyme activities, decline in peel firmness, and the epitope levels of 2F4, CCRC-M38, JIM7, and LM18 antibodies. Most differentially expressed alpha-1,4-galacturonosyltransferases were upregulated by ethylene treatment, suggesting active HG biosynthesis during the fruit softening process. The epitope level of the CCRC-M38 antibody was positively correlated to the firmness of banana peel during fruit development and ripening. These results have provided new insights into the role of cell wall HGs in fruit development and ripening.
Biological Implications of a Stroke Therapy Based in Neuroglobin Hyaluronate Nanoparticles. Neuroprotective Role and Molecular Bases
Authors: Peinado María Ángeles , Ovelleiro David , del Moral María Luisa , Hernández Raquel , Martínez-Lara Esther , Siles Eva , Pedrajas José Rafael , García-Martín María Luisa , Caro Carlos , Peralta Sebastián , Morales María Encarnación , Ruiz María Adolfina , Blanco Santos
Published: December 2021

Exogenous neuroprotective protein neuroglobin (Ngb) cannot cross the blood–brain barrier. To overcome this difficulty, we synthesized hyaluronate nanoparticles (NPs), able to deliver Ngb into the brain in an animal model of stroke (MCAO). These NPs effectively reached neurons, and were microscopically identified after 24 h of reperfusion. Compared to MCAO non-treated animals, those treated with Ngb-NPs showed survival rates up to 50% higher, and better neurological scores. Tissue damage improved with the treatment, but no changes in the infarct volume or in the oxidative/nitrosative values were detected. A proteomics approach (p-value < 0.02; fold change = 0.05) in the infarcted areas showed a total of 219 proteins that significantly changed their expression after stroke and treatment with Ngb-NPs. Of special interest, are proteins such as FBXO7 and NTRK2, which were downexpressed in stroke, but overexpressed after treatment with Ngb-NPs; and ATX2L, which was overexpressed only under the effect of Ngb. Interestingly, the proteins affected by the treatment with Ngb were involved in mitochondrial function and cell death, endocytosis, protein metabolism, cytoskeletal remodeling, or synaptic function, and in regenerative processes, such as dendritogenesis, neuritogenesis, or sinaptogenesis. Consequently, our pharmaceutical preparation may open new therapeutic scopes for stroke and possibly for other neurodegenerative pathologies.
Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Enhanced Therapeutic Utility in Ischemic Vascular Diseases
Authors: Elshaer Sally L. , Bahram Salma H. , Rajashekar Pranav , Gangaraju Rajashekhar , El-Remessy Azza B.
Published: December 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent stem cells isolated from various tissue sources, including but not limited to bone marrow, adipose, umbilical cord, and Wharton Jelly. Although cell-mediated mechanisms have been reported, the therapeutic effect of MSCs is now recognized to be primarily mediated via paracrine effects through the secretion of bioactive molecules, known as the “secretome”. The regenerative benefit of the secretome has been attributed to trophic factors and cytokines that play neuroprotective, anti-angiogenic/pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory roles. The advancement of autologous MSCs therapy can be hindered when introduced back into a hostile/disease environment. Barriers include impaired endogenous MSCs function, limited post-transplantation cell viability, and altered immune-modulatory efficiency. Although secretome-based therapeutics have gained popularity, many translational hurdles, including the heterogeneity of MSCs, limited proliferation potential, and the complex nature of the secretome, have impeded the progress. This review will discuss the experimental and clinical impact of restoring the functional capabilities of MSCs prior to transplantation and the progress in secretome therapies involving extracellular vesicles. Modulation and utilization of MSCs–secretome are most likely to serve as an effective strategy for promoting their ultimate success as therapeutic modulators.