bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Good, The Bad, and the Minimum Tolerable”: Exploring Expectations of Institutional Food
Authors: Andreassen Hanne , Gjerald Olga , Hansen Kai Victor
Published: April 2021

There is a tendency towards greater expectations of consumer goods and services in society—what was once judged as ideal may now be a bare minimum. This presents a challenge for food providers in the upcoming decades. As the more demanding baby boomer cohort ages, health institutions of the future will face challenges meeting their food expectations. The purpose of this study was to explore expectation type dynamics and function with updated empirical material on aging consumers expectations of institutional food and advance our current understanding of how consumers evaluate their expectations. This qualitative study employed in-depth semi structured interviews with 14 informants between the age of 58–79. Content analysis was performed to capture the informants’ food expectations based on the expectation hierarchy proposed by Santos and Boote. Analyzing the content and relationship between different expectation types led to three main findings: expectation functions and content, interconnectedness, and the role of affect. Based on the findings, this study contributes by making several propositions for future research and proposes an updated expectancy–disconfirmation model. Importantly, this study provides novel knowledge that can help health institutions understand and meet aging consumers expectations of institutional food.
Application of NMR and Chemometrics for the Profiling and Classification of Ale and Lager American Craft Beer
Authors: Vasas Morgan , Tang Fenfen , Hatzakis Emmanuel
Published: April 2021

In this paper, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR)-based metabolomics were applied for the discrimination of ale and lager craft American beers. A modified pulse sequence that allows the efficient suppression of the water and ethanol peaks was used to achieve high-quality spectra with minimal sample preparation. The initial chemometrics analysis generated models of low predictive power, indicating the high variability in the groups. Due to this variability, we tested the effect of various data pretreatment and chemometrics approaches to improve the model’s performance. Spectral alignment was found to improve the classification significantly, while the type of normalization also played an important role. NMR combined with statistical and machine-learning techniques such as orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and random forest was able to discriminate between ale and lager beers, thus providing an important tool for the quality control and analysis of these products.
Valorization of Greenhouse Horticulture Waste from a Biorefinery Perspective
Authors: Moreno Antonio D. , Duque Aleta , González Alberto , Ballesteros Ignacio , Negro María José
Published: April 2021

Greenhouse cultivation and harvesting generate considerable amounts of organic waste, including vegetal waste from plants and discarded products. This study evaluated the residues derived from tomato cultivation practices in Almería (Spain) as sugar-rich raw materials for biorefineries. First, lignocellulose-based residues were subjected to an alkali-catalyzed extrusion process in a twin-screw extruder (100 °C and 6–12% (w/w) NaOH) to assess maximum sugar recovery during the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis step. A high saccharification yield was reached when using an alkali concentration of 12% (w/w), releasing up to 81% of the initial glucan. Second, the discarded tomato residue was crushed and centrifuged to collect both the juice and the pulp fractions. The juice contained 39.4 g of sugars per 100 g of dry culled tomato, while the pulp yielded an extra 9.1 g of sugars per 100 g of dry culled tomato after an enzymatic hydrolysis process. The results presented herein show the potential of using horticulture waste as an attractive sugar source for biorefineries, including lignocellulose-based residues when effective fractionation processes, such as reactive extrusion technology, are available.
Polyelectrolyte Gels Formed by Filamentous Biopolymers: Dependence of Crosslinking Efficiency on the Chemical Softness of Divalent Cations
Authors: Cruz Katrina , Wang Yu-Hsiu , Oake Shaina A. , Janmey Paul A.
Published: April 2021

Filamentous anionic polyelectrolytes are common in biological materials. Some examples are the cytoskeletal filaments that assemble into networks and bundled structures to give the cell mechanical resistance and that act as surfaces on which enzymes and other molecules can dock. Some viruses, especially bacteriophages are also long thin polyelectrolytes, and their bending stiffness is similar to those of the intermediate filament class of cytoskeletal polymers. These relatively stiff, thin, and long polyelectrolytes have charge densities similar to those of more flexible polyelectrolytes such as DNA, hyaluronic acid, and polyacrylates, and they can form interpenetrating networks and viscoelastic gels at volume fractions far below those at which more flexible polymers form hydrogels. In this report, we examine how different types of divalent and multivalent counterions interact with two biochemically different but physically similar filamentous polyelectrolytes: Pf1 virus and vimentin intermediate filaments (VIF). Different divalent cations aggregate both polyelectrolytes similarly, but transition metal ions are more efficient than alkaline earth ions and their efficiency increases with increasing atomic weight. Comparison of these two different types of polyelectrolyte filaments enables identification of general effects of counterions with polyelectrolytes and can identify cases where the interaction of the counterions and the filaments exhibits stronger and more specific interactions than those of counterion condensation.
Effects of Living Conditions, Subjective Integration, and Social Networks on Health-Related Quality of Life among the Migrant Elderly Following Children in Jinan, China
Authors: Tian Tingting , Kong Fanlei , Li Shixue
Published: April 2021

With accelerated urbanization in China, an increasing number of the migrant elderly following children (MEFC) have appeared. This study aims to explore the effects of living conditions, subjective integration, and social networks on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of MEFC in Jinan, China. HRQOL was assessed by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, which included the mental component summary (MCS) and the physical component summary (PCS). Univariate analyses and binary logistic regression were used to investigate the association between the above indicators and HRQOL. A total of 656 MEFC were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling, 25.2% and 25.0% of whom were defined as poor MCS and poor PCS, respectively. Those who understood the local dialect, could trust others, and connected with friends were more likely to have good MCS; those with a nanny, faulty elevator, and no support from their spouse were the reverse. MEFC who were trans-city, had no elevator or a faulty elevator, and went to the hospital alone were more likely to have poor PCS; those who approved of living conditions in their hometowns were the reverse. Results indicated that better living conditions, stronger subjective integration, and wider social networks led to higher HRQOL of MEFC. Implications of the government, communities, and families of MEFC were given to improve their HRQOL.
How Do Middle-Aged Chinese Men and Women Balance Caregiving and Employment Income?
Authors: Chai Huamin , Fu Rui , Coyte Peter C.
Published: April 2021

Unpaid family caregivers might suffer losses in income as a result of care provision. Here we used data from the baseline survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study to assess the relationship between hours of weekly caregiving provided to grandchildren/parents/parents-in-law and individual’s monthly employment income. Our study sample comprised 3718 middle-aged Chinese adults who were of working age (45–60 years). For women and men separately, we used a likelihood-based method to determine a caregiving threshold in a two-stage Heckman selection procedure. Instrumental variables were used to rule out the endogeneity of caregiving hours. Our analysis revealed a negative association between caregiving and income for women that depended on a caregiving threshold of 63 h per week. There was an absence of caregiving-income relationship among men. These results offer new insights into the opportunity costs of unpaid caregiving and support tailored policies to protect the financial well-being of female caregivers.
Sex and Limb Differences in Lower Extremity Alignment and Kinematics during Drop Vertical Jumps
Authors: Chun Youngmin , Bailey Joshua P. , Kim Jinah , Lee Sung-Cheol , Lee Sae Yong
Published: April 2021

Sex and limb differences in lower extremity alignments (LEAs) and dynamic lower extremity kinematics (LEKs) during a drop vertical jump were investigated in participants of Korean ethnicity. One hundred healthy males and females participated in a drop vertical jump, and LEAs and LEKs were determined in dominant and non-dominant limbs. A 2-by-2 mixed model MANOVA was performed to compare LEAs and joint kinematics between sexes and limbs (dominant vs. non-dominant). Compared with males, females possessed a significantly greater pelvic tilt, femoral anteversion, Q-angle, and reduced tibial torsion. Females landed on the ground with significantly increased knee extension and ankle plantarflexion with reduced hip abduction and knee adduction, relatively decreased peak hip adduction, knee internal rotation, and increased knee abduction and ankle eversion. The non-dominant limb showed significantly increased hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation; knee flexion and internal rotation; and ankle inversion at initial contact. Further, the non-dominant limb showed increased peak hip and knee flexion, relatively reduced peak hip adduction, and increased knee abduction and internal rotation. It could be suggested that LEAs and LEKs observed in females and non-dominant limbs might contribute to a greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Associations between Daily Movement Distribution, Bone Structure, Falls, and Fractures in Older Adults: A Compositional Data Analysis Study
Authors: Moradell Ana , Rodríguez-Gómez Irene , Fernández-García Ángel Iván , Navarrete-Villanueva David , Marín-Puyalto Jorge , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Villa-Vicente José Gerardo , González-Gross Marcela , Ara Ignacio , Casajús José Antonio , Gómez-Cabello Alba , Vicente-Rodríguez Germán
Published: April 2021

With aging, bone density is reduced, increasing the risk of suffering osteoporosis and fractures. Increasing physical activity (PA) may have preventive effects. However, until now, no studies have considered movement behaviors with compositional data or its association to bone mass and structure measured by peripheral computed tomography (pQCT). Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate these associations and to describe movement behavior distribution in older adults with previous falls and fractures and other related risk parameters, taking into account many nutritional and metabolic confounders. In the current study, 70 participants above 65 years old (51 females) from the city of Zaragoza were evaluated for the EXERNET-Elder 3.0 project. Bone mass and structure were assessed with pQCT, and PA patterns were objectively measured by accelerometry. Prevalence of fear of falling, risk of falling, and history of falls and fractures were asked through the questionnaire. Analyses were performed using a compositional data approach. Whole-movement distribution patterns were associated with cortical thickness. In regard to other movement behaviors, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) showed positive association with cortical thickness and total true bone mineral density (BMD) at 38% (all p < 0.05). In addition, less light PA (LPA) and MVPA were observed in those participants with previous fractures and fear of falling, whereas those at risk of falling and those with previous falls showed higher levels of PA. Our results showed positive associations between higher levels of MVPA and volumetric bone. The different movement patterns observed in the groups with a history of having suffered falls or fractures and other risk outcomes suggest that different exercise interventions should be designed in these populations in order to improve bone and prevent the risk of osteoporosis and subsequent fractures.
Analysis of the Associations between Arthritis and Fall Histories in Korean Adults
Authors: Lee Jung Woo , Kang Seong Hun , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: the purpose of the present study was to analyze the associations between arthritis and fall histories in Korean adults. (2) Methods: data from the 2015 and 2017 Korean Community Health Survey were analyzed. In total, 322,962 participants aged ≥40 years were included. The participants were divided into two different groups. First, the participants were divided into the ‘arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) for entire life’ and ‘nonarthritis for entire life (comparison I)’ groups. Subsequently, the participants were divided into the ‘current arthritis’ and ‘noncurrent arthritis (comparison II)’ groups. Afterwards, we analyzed the prevalence odds ratios (pORs) of the fall histories of the participants using a logistic regression analysis with the 95% confidence interval (CI). The variables of income, education level, region of residence, smoking status, alcohol consumption, obesity, subjective health status, stress level, physical activity, and sleep hours were adjusted for as covariates. (3) Results: both the arthritis for entire life and current arthritis groups had higher prevalence rates of falls than the comparison I and comparison II groups, respectively (each p < 0.001). The pORs of falling ≥1 time and ≥2 times per year in the arthritis for the entire life group were 1.42 (95% CI = 1.38–1.46) and 1.69 (95% CI = 1.62–1.76), respectively. The adjusted pORs for falling ≥1 time and ≥2 times per year in the current arthritis group were 1.35 (95% CI = 1.31–1.39) and 1.56 (95% CI = 1.50–1.63), respectively. (4) Conclusions: previous arthritis has a significant impact on the risk of falling.
Deformation Characteristics of Tianjiaba Landslide Induced by Surcharge
Authors: Zhang Longju , Wang Xingang , Xia Tangdai , Yang Baocun , Yu Bingqi
Published: April 2021

The Tianjiaba landslide on the Hang Rui expressway was located in the south of Sinan County, Tongren City, Guizhou Province. From the night of 2 July to the morning of 3 July 2011, numerous house cracks, foundation subsidence, and surface cracks suddenly occurred in the Tudiwan and Tianjiaba villages on the north and south sides of the management area. Based on the field geological survey, drilling, pit exploration, surface displacement, fracture observation, and deep displacement monitoring data analysis the deformation characteristics and causes of the Tianjiaba landslide were comprehensively analyzed. In this study, the landslide was divided into three areas, in which fracture group 3 was the most severe. Among the ten inclinometer holes, the sliding surface displacement of No.8 inclinometer hole was the largest, i.e., 25 mm. The sliding surface slopes of fracture groups 1, 2, and 3 were small, i.e., 12.25°, 4.97° and 6.62° to 4.64°, respectively. The results showed that the displacement values of different positions of the landslide were different, and the ground displacement value was larger than the sliding surface displacement value. The maximum displacement of the ground was 242.68 mm, which is larger than the maximum displacement of the inclinometer hole. Because the displacement of the upper part was greater than that of the lower part, bulging cracks formed in the lower part of the landslide. When the displacement of the upper part was less than that of the lower part, tension cracks formed in the lower part of the landslide. According to the surface cracks and displacement values of inclinometer holes on the sliding surface, the landslide was in the initial sliding stage and filling the platform of the management area on the hillside was the main cause of the landslide.
A Hybrid GLM Model for Predicting Citywide Spatio-Temporal Metro Passenger Flow
Authors: Han Yong , Peng Tongxin , Wang Cheng , Zhang Zhihao , Chen Ge
Published: April 2021

Accurate prediction of citywide short-term metro passenger flow is essential to urban management and transport scheduling. Recently, an increasing number of researchers have applied deep learning models to passenger flow prediction. Nevertheless, the task is still challenging due to the complex spatial dependency on the metro network and the time-varying traffic patterns. Therefore, we propose a novel deep learning architecture combining graph attention networks (GAT) with long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, which is called the hybrid GLM (hybrid GAT and LSTM Model). The proposed model captures the spatial dependency via the graph attention layers and learns the temporal dependency via the LSTM layers. Moreover, some external factors are embedded. We tested the hybrid GLM by predicting the metro passenger flow in Shanghai, China. The results are compared with the forecasts from some typical data-driven models. The hybrid GLM gets the smallest root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) in different time intervals (TIs), which exhibits the superiority of the proposed model. In particular, in the TI 10 min, the hybrid GLM brings about 6–30% extra improvements in terms of RMSE. We additionally explore the sensitivity of the model to its parameters, which will aid the application of this model.
Structural Investigation and Molecular Modeling Studies of Strobilurin-Based Fungicides Active against the Rice Blast Pathogen Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Kunova Andrea , Palazzolo Luca , Forlani Fabio , Catinella Giorgia , Musso Loana , Cortesi Paolo , Eberini Ivano , Pinto Andrea , Dallavalle Sabrina
Published: April 2021

The increasing emergence of fungicide-resistant pathogens requires urgent solutions for crop disease management. Here, we describe a structural investigation of new fungicides obtained by combining strobilurin and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor pharmacophores. We identified compounds endowed with very good activity against wild-type Pyricularia oryzae, combined in some cases with promising activity against strobilurin-resistant strains. The first three-dimensional model of P. oryzae cytochrome bc1 complex containing azoxystrobin as a ligand was developed. The model was validated with a set of commercially available strobilurins, and it well explains both the resistance mechanism to strobilurins mediated by the mutation G143A and the activity of metyltetraprole against strobilurin-resistant strains. The obtained results shed light on the key recognition determinants of strobilurin-like derivatives in the cytochrome bc1 active site and will guide the further rational design of new fungicides able to overcome resistance caused by G143A mutation in the rice blast pathogen.
The Effect of Far-Infrared Therapy on the Peritoneal Expression of Glucose Degradation Products in Diabetic Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Chang Chia-Ning , Niu Chih-Yuan , Tan Ann Charis , Chan Chia-Hao , Chen Chun-Fan , Chen Tz-Heng , Li Szu-Yuan , Chen Yung-Tai , Chen Fan-Yu , Liu Wen-Sheng , Lin Chih-Ching , Wei Guor-Jien
Published: April 2021

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment modality for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Dextrose is a common osmotic agent used in PD solutions and its absorption may exacerbate diabetes mellitus, a common complication of ESRD. PD solutions also contain glucose degradation products (GDPs) that may lead to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), a severe complication of PD. A previous study showed that far-infrared (FIR) therapy improved a patient’s gastrointestinal symptoms due to EPS. Due to limited literature on the matter, this study aims to investigate dialysate GDPs and peritoneal function in diabetic patients on PD. Thirty-one PD patients were enrolled and underwent 40 min of FIR therapy twice daily for six months. We demonstrated the effect of FIR therapy on the following: (1) decrease of methylglyoxal (p = 0.02), furfural (p = 0.005), and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (p = 0.03), (2) increase of D/D0 glucose ratio (p = 0.03), and (3) decrease of potassium levels (p = 0.008) in both DM and non-DM patients, as well as (4) maintenance and increase of peritoneal Kt/V in DM and non-DM patients, respectively (p = 0.03). FIR therapy is a non-invasive intervention that can decrease dialysate GDPs in PD patients by improving peritoneal transport rate and solute removal clearance, while also maintaining dialysis adequacy.
The Photosystem II Assembly Factor Ycf48 from the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Is Lipidated Using an Atypical Lipobox Sequence
Authors: Knoppová Jana , Yu Jianfeng , Janouškovec Jan , Halada Petr , Nixon Peter J. , Whitelegge Julian P. , Komenda Josef
Published: April 2021

Photochemical energy conversion during oxygenic photosynthesis is performed by membrane-embedded chlorophyll-binding protein complexes. The biogenesis and maintenance of these complexes requires auxiliary protein factors that optimize the assembly process and protect nascent complexes from photodamage. In cyanobacteria, several lipoproteins contribute to the biogenesis and function of the photosystem II (PSII) complex. They include CyanoP, CyanoQ, and Psb27, which are all attached to the lumenal side of PSII complexes. Here, we show that the lumenal Ycf48 assembly factor found in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is also a lipoprotein. Detailed mass spectrometric analysis of the isolated protein supported by site-directed mutagenesis experiments indicates lipidation of the N-terminal C29 residue of Ycf48 and removal of three amino acids from the C-terminus. The lipobox sequence in Ycf48 contains a cysteine residue at the −3 position compared to Leu/Val/Ile residues found in the canonical lipobox sequence. The atypical Ycf48 lipobox sequence is present in most cyanobacteria but is absent in eukaryotes. A possible role for lipoproteins in the coordinated assembly of cyanobacterial PSII is discussed.
Hyperprogressive Disease: Main Features and Key Controversies
Authors: Arasanz Hugo , Zuazo Miren , Bocanegra Ana , Chocarro Luisa , Blanco Ester , Martínez Maite , Morilla Idoia , Fernández Gonzalo , Teijeira Lucía , Morente Pilar , Echaide Miriam , Castro Natalia , Fernández Leticia , Garnica Maider , Ramos Pablo , Escors David , Kochan Grazyna , Vera Ruth
Published: April 2021

Along with the positioning of immunotherapy as a preferential treatment for a wide variety of neoplasms, a new pattern of response consisting in a sudden acceleration of tumor growth has been described. This phenomenon has received the name of “hyperprogressive disease”, and several definitions have been proposed for its identification, most of them relying on radiological criteria. However, due to the fact that the cellular and molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated yet, there is still some debate regarding whether this fast progression is induced by immunotherapy or only reflects the natural course of some highly aggressive neoplasms. Moreover, contradictory results of trials including patients with different cancer types suggest that both the incidence, the associated factors and the implications regarding prognosis might differ depending on tumor histology. This article intends to review the main publications regarding this matter and critically approach the most controversial aspects.
Modeling Rett Syndrome with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Mechanistic Outcomes and Future Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Gomes Ana Rita , Fernandes Tiago G. , Cabral Joaquim M.S. , Diogo Maria Margarida
Published: April 2021

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Among many different roles, MeCP2 has a high phenotypic impact during the different stages of brain development. Thus, it is essential to intensively investigate the function of MeCP2, and its regulated targets, to better understand the mechanisms of the disease and inspire the development of possible therapeutic strategies. Several animal models have greatly contributed to these studies, but more recently human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been providing a promising alternative for the study of RTT. The rapid evolution in the field of hPSC culture allowed first the development of 2D-based neuronal differentiation protocols, and more recently the generation of 3D human brain organoid models, a more complex approach that better recapitulates human neurodevelopment in vitro. Modeling RTT using these culture platforms, either with patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) or genetically-modified hPSCs, has certainly contributed to a better understanding of the onset of RTT and the disease phenotype, ultimately allowing the development of high throughput drugs screening tests for potential clinical translation. In this review, we first provide a brief summary of the main neurological features of RTT and the impact of MeCP2 mutations in the neuropathophysiology of this disease. Then, we provide a thorough revision of the more recent advances and future prospects of RTT modeling with human neural cells derived from hPSCs, obtained using both 2D and organoids culture systems, and its contribution for the current and future clinical trials for RTT.
Technological Aspects for Pleasant Learning: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Quezada Ramiro , Rivera Luis , Delgadillo Rosa , Cajo Byron Hidalgo
Published: April 2021

The teaching–learning process, at each educational level, is often an open problem for educators and researchers related to the stated topic. Researchers combine emerging technologies to formulate learning tools in order to understand the abstract contents of the subjects; however, the problem still persists. A technological learning tool would be effective when projected into an educational model that looks at motivation, usability, engagement, and technological acceptability. Some of these aspects could be attributed through the use of augmented reality and games. The aim of this work is to analyze, in the literature, the trends of learning models based on computer technologies for an effective and enjoyable learning activity. The analysis of the literature in that context—emphasizing acceptability, categories, entertainment, educational models—shows that it is still not well explored.
Multidisciplinary Unit Improves Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Rheumatic Diseases and Hereditary Thrombophilias: An Observational Study
Authors: Añón-Oñate Isabel , Cáliz-Cáliz Rafael , Rosa-Garrido Carmen , Pérez-Galán María José , Quirosa-Flores Susana , Pancorbo-Hidalgo Pedro L.
Published: April 2021

Rheumatic diseases (RD) and hereditary thrombophilias (HT) can be associated with high-risk pregnancies. This study describes obstetric outcomes after receiving medical care at a multidisciplinary consultation (MC) and compares adverse neonatal outcomes (ANOs) before and after medical care at an MC. This study is a retrospective observational study among pregnant women with RD and HT treated at an MC of a university hospital (southern Spain) from 2012 to 2018. Absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. A total of 198 pregnancies were registered in 143 women (112 with RD, 31 with HT), with 191 (96.5%) pregnancies without ANOs and seven (3.5%) pregnancies with some ANOs (five miscarriages and two foetal deaths). Results previous to the MC showed 60.8% of women had more than one miscarriage, with 4.2% experiencing foetal death. MC reduced the ANO rate by AAR = 60.1% (95%CI: 51.6−68.7%). The NNT to avoid one miscarriage was 1.74 (95%CI: 1.5–2.1) and to avoid one foetal death NNT = 35.75 (95CI%: 15.2–90.9). A total of 84.8% of newborns and 93.2% of women did not experience any complication. As a conclusion, the follow-up of RD or HT pregnant women in the MC drastically reduced the risk of ANOs in this population with a previous high risk.
Going “Green” in the Prevention and Management of Atherothrombotic Diseases: The Role of Dietary Polyphenols
Authors: Reis Ana , Rocha Sara , de Freitas Victor
Published: April 2021

During the 20th century processed and ready-to-eat foods became routinely consumed resulting in a sharp rise of fat, salt, and sugar intake in people’s diets. Currently, the global incidence of obesity, raised blood lipids, hypertension, and diabetes in an increasingly aged population contributes to the rise of atherothrombotic events and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality. Drug-based therapies are valuable strategies to tackle and help manage the socio-economic impact of atherothrombotic disorders though not without adverse side effects. The inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids to human diets, as recommended by WHO offers a valuable nutritional strategy, alternative to drug-based therapies, to be explored in the prevention and management of atherothrombotic diseases at early stages. Though polyphenols are mostly associated to color and taste in foods, food flavonoids are emerging as modulators of cholesterol biosynthesis, appetite and food intake, blood pressure, platelet function, clot formation, and anti-inflammatory signaling, supporting the health-promoting effects of polyphenol-rich diets in mitigating the impact of risk factors in atherothrombotic disorders and CVD events. Here we overview the current knowledge on the effect of polyphenols particularly of flavonoid intake on the atherothrombotic risk factors and discuss the caveats and challenges involved with current experimental cell-based designs.
Balneotherapy for Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cao Chun-Feng , Ma Kun-Long , Li Qian-Lu , Luan Fu-Jun , Wang Qun-Bo , Zhang Ming-Hua , Viswanath Omar , Myrcik Dariusz , Varrassi Giustino , Wang Hai-Qiang
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: The efficiency of balneotherapy (BT) for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains elusive. (2) Methods: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 31 May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with at least one indicator were included, i.e., pain, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Tender Points Count (TPC), and Beck’s Depression Index (BDI). The outcome was reported as a standardized mean difference (SMD), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and I2 for heterogeneity at three observational time points. GRADE was used to evaluate the strength of evidence. (3) Results: Amongst 884 citations, 11 RCTs were included (n = 672). Various BT regimens were reported (water types, duration, temperature, and ingredients). BT can benefit FMS with statistically significant improvement at different time points (pain of two weeks, three and six months: SMD = −0.92, −0.45, −0.70; 95% CI (−1.31 to −0.53, −0.73 to −0.16, −1.34 to −0.05); I2 = 54%, 51%, 87%; GRADE: very low, moderate, low; FIQ: SMD = −1.04, −0.64, −0.94; 95% CI (−1.51 to −0.57, −0.95 to −0.33, −1.55 to −0.34); I2 = 76%, 62%, 85%; GRADE: low, low, very low; TPC at two weeks and three months: SMD = −0.94, −0.47; 95% CI (−1.69 to −0.18, −0.71 to −0.22); I2 = 81%, 0; GRADE: very low, moderate; BDI at six months: SMD = −0.45; 95% CI (−0.73 to −0.17); I2 = 0; GRADE: moderate). There was no statistically significant effect for the TPC and BDI at the remaining time points (TPC at six months: SMD = −0.89; 95% CI (−1.85 to 0.07); I2 = 91%; GRADE: very low; BDI at two weeks and three months: SMD = −0.35, −0.23; 95% CI (−0.73 to 0.04, −0.64 to 0.17); I2 = 24%, 60%; GRADE: moderate, low). (4) Conclusions: Very low to moderate evidence indicates that BT can benefit FMS in pain and quality-of-life improvement, whereas tenderness and depression improvement varies at time phases. Established BT regimens with a large sample size and longer observation are needed.
The Role of Soluble Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Meszaros Martina , Kunos Laszlo , Tarnoki Adam Domonkos , Tarnoki David Laszlo , Lazar Zsofia , Bikov Andras
Published: April 2021

Intermittent hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is related to inflammation and metabolic abnormalities. Soluble low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (sLRP-1) is involved in anti-inflammatory and metabolic processes. However, its ligand, calreticulin (CALR) promotes pro-inflammatory responses and apoptosis. Our aim was to analyse the levels of these biomarkers in OSA. We recruited 46 patients with OSA and 30 control subjects. Inpatient sleep study was performed and fasting plasma samples were collected. Triglyceride glucose index (TyG) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated. Plasma sLRP-1 levels were significantly lower in the OSA group compared to the controls (1.67 (0.90–2.11) mg/L vs. 1.99 (1.53–3.51) mg/L; p = 0.04) after adjustment for age, gender, BMI and lipid profile. Plasma sLRP-1 concentrations were inversely related to age (r = −0.29), BMI (r = −0.35), cigarette pack years (r = −0.31), LDL-C (r = −0.34) and triglyceride levels (r = −0.27), TyG (r = −0.37) and AIP (r = −0.27) as well as to the oxygen desaturation index (ODI, r = −0.24; all p < 0.05). BMI (p = 0.01) and ODI (p = 0.04) were independent predictors for low sLRP-1 levels. CALR did not differ significantly between the two groups (0.23 (0.17–0.34) ng/mL vs. 0.24 (0.20–0.36) ng/mL p = 0.76). We detected lower sLRP-1 levels in subjects with OSA which could contribute to metabolic abnormalities associated with this disease.
The Effects of Silver-Releasing Foam Dressings on Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing
Authors: Wang Yu-Chi , Lee Hsiao-Chen , Chen Chien-Lin , Kuo Ming-Chun , Ramachandran Savitha , Chen Rong-Fu , Kuo Yur-Ren
Published: April 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication in diabetic patients and lead to high morbidity and mortality. Numerous dressings have been developed to facilitate wound healing of DFUs. This study investigated the wound healing efficacy of silver-releasing foam dressings versus silver-containing cream in managing outpatients with DFUs. Sixty patients with Wagner Grade 1 to 2 DFUs were recruited. The treatment group received silver-releasing foam dressing (Biatain® Ag Non-Adhesive Foam dressing; Coloplast, Humlebaek, Denmark). The control group received 1% silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream. The ulcer area in the silver foam group was significantly reduced compared with that in the SSD group after four weeks of treatment (silver foam group: 76.43 ± 7.41%, SSD group: 27.00 ± 4.95%, p < 0.001). The weekly wound healing rate in the silver foam group was superior to the SSD group during the first three weeks of treatment (p < 0.05). The silver-releasing foam dressing is more effective than SSD in promoting wound healing of DFUs. The effect is more pronounced in the initial three weeks of the treatment. Thus, silver-releasing foam could be an effective wound dressing for DFUs, mainly in the early period of wound management.
Variable Expressivity and Allelic Heterogeneity in Type 2 Familial Partial Lipodystrophy: The p.(Thr528Met) LMNA Variant
Authors: Araújo-Vilar David , Fernández-Pombo Antía , Victoria Berta , Mosquera-Orgueira Adrián , Cobelo-Gómez Silvia , Castro-Pais Ana , Hermida-Ameijeiras Álvaro , Loidi Lourdes , Sánchez-Iglesias Sofía
Published: April 2021

Type 2 familial partial lipodystrophy, or Dunnigan disease, is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution. This rare condition results from variants principally affecting exons 8 and 11 of the LMNA gene. In this study, five FPLD2-diagnosed patients carrying the c.1583C>T, p.(Thr528Met) variant in exon 9 of the LMNA gene and with obvious clinical heterogeneity were evaluated. Specific polymorphisms in LMNA and in PPARG were also detected. Exhaustive clinical course, physical examination, biochemical features and family history were recorded, along with the assessment of anthropometric features and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Preadipocytes obtained from a T528M patient were treated with the classic adipose differentiation medium with pioglitazone. Various adipogenes were evaluated by real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence was used to study intracellular localization of emerin, lamin A and its precursors. As demonstrated with Oil red O staining, the preadipocytes of the T528M patient failed to differentiate, the expression of various adipogenic genes was reduced in the lipodystrophic patient and immunofluorescence studies showed an accumulation of farnesylated prelamin A in T528M cells. We conclude that the T528M variant in LMNA could lead to FPLD2, as the adipogenic machinery is compromised.
Elevated Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 as the Independent Risk Factor of Delirium after Cardiac Surgery. A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kaźmierski Jakub , Miler Piotr , Pawlak Agnieszka , Jerczyńska Hanna , Woźniak Joanna , Frankowska Emilia , Brzezińska Agnieszka , Woźniak Katarzyna , Krejca Michał , Wilczyński Mirosław
Published: April 2021

Background: The pathogenesis of postoperative delirium is largely unknown. The primary objective of this study is to assess whether increased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are associated with postoperative delirium in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. The secondary objective is to investigate whether any association between raised inflammatory biomarkers levels and delirium is related to surgical and anesthetic procedures or mediated by pre-existing psychiatric conditions associated with raised pro-inflammatory markers levels. Methods: The patients were screened for cognitive impairment one day preoperatively with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination Test and the Clock Drawing Test. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders was established on the basis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria. Blood samples were collected pre- and postoperatively for hsCRP and chemokine levels. Results: Postoperative delirium developed in 34% (61 of 177) of patients. Both pre- and postoperative hsCRP, and preoperative MCP-1 levels were associated with postoperative delirium in univariate comparisons; p = 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively. However, according to a multivariable logistic regression analysis, only a raised MCP-1 concentration before surgery was independently associated with postoperative delirium, and related to advancing age, preoperative anxiety disorders and prolonged intubation. Conclusions: The present study suggests that an elevated preoperative MCP-1 concentration is associated with delirium after cardiac surgery. Monitoring of this inflammatory marker may reveal the cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients who are at risk of neuropsychiatric syndromes development.
Expression Patterns in Reductive Iron Assimilation and Functional Consequences during Phagocytosis of Lichtheimia corymbifera, an Emerging Cause of Mucormycosis
Authors: Stanford Felicia Adelina , Matthies Nina , Cseresnyés Zoltán , Figge Marc Thilo , Hassan Mohamed I. Abdelwahab , Voigt Kerstin
Published: April 2021

Iron is an essential micronutrient for most organisms and fungi are no exception. Iron uptake by fungi is facilitated by receptor-mediated internalization of siderophores, heme and reductive iron assimilation (RIA). The RIA employs three protein groups: (i) the ferric reductases (Fre5 proteins), (ii) the multicopper ferroxidases (Fet3) and (iii) the high-affinity iron permeases (Ftr1). Phenotyping under different iron concentrations revealed detrimental effects on spore swelling and hyphal formation under iron depletion, but yeast-like morphology under iron excess. Since access to iron is limited during pathogenesis, pathogens are placed under stress due to nutrient limitations. To combat this, gene duplication and differential gene expression of key iron uptake genes are utilized to acquire iron against the deleterious effects of iron depletion. In the genome of the human pathogenic fungus L. corymbifera, three, four and three copies were identified for FRE5, FTR1 and FET3 genes, respectively. As in other fungi, FET3 and FTR1 are syntenic and co-expressed in L. corymbifera. Expression of FRE5, FTR1 and FET3 genes is highly up-regulated during iron limitation (Fe-), but lower during iron excess (Fe+). Fe- dependent upregulation of gene expression takes place in LcFRE5 II and III, LcFTR1 I and II, as well as LcFET3 I and II suggesting a functional role in pathogenesis. The syntenic LcFTR1 I–LcFET3 I gene pair is co-expressed during germination, whereas LcFTR1 II- LcFET3 II is co-expressed during hyphal proliferation. LcFTR1 I, II and IV were overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to represent high and moderate expression of intracellular transport of Fe3+, respectively. Challenge of macrophages with the yeast mutants revealed no obvious role for LcFTR1 I, but possible functions of LcFTR1 II and IVs in recognition by macrophages. RIA expression pattern was used for a new model of interaction between L. corymbifera and macrophages.
Comparing Biochar-Swine Manure Mixture to Conventional Manure Impact on Soil Nutrient Availability and Plant Uptake—A Greenhouse Study
Authors: Banik Chumki , Koziel Jacek A. , Bonds Darcy , Singh Asheesh K. , Licht Mark A.
Published: April 2021

The use of swine manure as a source of plant nutrients is one alternative to synthetic fertilizers. However, conventional manure application with >90% water and a low C:N ratio results in soil C loss to the atmosphere. Our hypothesis was to use biochar as a manure nutrient stabilizer that would slowly release nutrients to plants upon biochar-swine manure mixture application to soil. The objectives were to evaluate the impact of biochar-treated swine manure on soil total C, N, and plant-available macro- and micronutrients in greenhouse-cultivated corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Neutral pH red oak (RO), highly alkaline autothermal corn stover (HAP), and mild acidic Fe-treated autothermal corn stover (HAPE) biomass were pyrolyzed to prepare biochars. Each biochar was surface-applied to swine manure at a 1:4 (biochar wt/manure wt) ratio to generate mixtures of manure and respective biochars (MRO, MHAP, and MHAPE). Conventional manure (M) control and manure-biochar mixtures were then applied to the soil at a recommended rate. Corn and soybean were grown under these controls and treatments (S, M, MRO, MHAP, and MHAPE) to evaluate the manure-biochar impact on soil quality, plant biomass yield, and nutrient uptake. Soil organic matter significantly (<0.05) increased in all manure-biochar treatments; however, no change in soil pH or total N was observed under any treatment. No difference in soil ammonium between treatments was identified. There was a significant decrease in soil Mehlich3 (M3) P and KCl extractable soil NO3− for all manure-biochar treatments compared to the conventional M. However, the plant biomass nutrient concentrations were not significantly different from control manure. Moreover, an increasing trend of plant total N and decreasing trend of P in the plant under all biochar-manure treatments than the controls were noted. This observation suggests that the presence of biochar is capable of influencing the soil N and P in such a way as not to lose those nutrients at the early growth stages of the plant. In general, no statistical difference in corn or soybean biomass yield and plant nutrient uptake for N, P, and K was observed. Interestingly, manure-biochar application to soil significantly diluted the M3 extractable soil Cu and Zn concentrations. The results attribute that manure-biochar has the potential to be a better soil amendment than conventional manure application to the soil.
The Relationship between Overweight/Obesity and Executive Control in College Students: The Mediating Effect of BDNF and 5-HT
Authors: Si Jing , Zhang Haidi , Zhu Lina , Chen Aiguo
Published: April 2021

The main aim of this study was to explore the association between overweight/obesity and executive control (EC) in young adults, and to further analyze the mediating effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) on the relationship between overweight/obesity and EC. A total of 449 college students aged between 18 and 20 years were recruited for the study between March and December 2019. Their height and weight were then measured professionally. Subsequently, body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by the square of height (m). The EC of the participants was then estimated using the Flanker task, while their serum BDNF levels and 5-HT levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Finally, the multiple intermediary models in SPSS were used to analyze the mediating effect of 5-HT and BDNF between overweight/obesity and EC. The result show that the overweight/obesity of college students was positively correlated with the response of EC (p ≤ 0.005). However, it was negatively correlated with BDNF (p ≤ 0.05) and 5-HT (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, BDNF (p ≤ 0.001) and 5-HT (p ≤ 0.001) were negatively correlated with the response of EC. The BDNF level played a partial mediating role between overweight/obesity and EC that accounted for 7.30% of the total effect value. Similarly, the 5-HT of college students played a partial mediating role between overweight/obesity and EC that accounted for 8.76% of the total effect value. Gender and age had no regulatory effect on the relationship between overweight/obesity, BDNF, 5-HT, and EC. This study provides the evidence that 5-HT and BDNF mediated the association between overweight/obesity and executive control. It is indicated that 5-HT and BDNF might be the biological pathways underpinning the link between overweight/obesity and executive control.
Mathematical Development of a Novel Discrete Hip Deformation Algorithm for the In Silico Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication Modelling of Total Hip Replacements
Authors: Ruggiero Alessandro , Sicilia Alessandro
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the procedure to achieve an accurate deformation model of a total hip replacement (THR) was proposed with the aim to obtain a numerical tool to be simply merged into THR elasto-hydrodynamic computational synovial lubrication algorithms. The approach was based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and was developed in a Matlab code, allowing the definition of the influence matrix and of a boundary conditions vector. It works with linear tetrahedra and performs the displacement calculation for both the acetabular cup and the femoral head, taking into account the anatomical hip relative motion, by coupling them with a cubic interpolation matrix. Two simulations were conducted in order to validate the algorithm and the results were compared with the ones obtained by the commercial software Ansys. The comparison provides a satisfactory agreement in terms of surface deformation, Von Mises stress and strain energy, proving the reliability of the model and the possibility to use the model in the in silico prostheses tribological simulations, avoiding the complexity and the high computational resource requirement coming from the coupling between complex lubrication algorithms and FEM commercial software, and with the possibility to directly act on many key parameter characteristics of the investigated problem.