bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stroke Prediction with Machine Learning Methods among Older Chinese
Authors: Wu Yafei , Fang Ya
Published: March 2020

Timely stroke diagnosis and intervention are necessary considering its high prevalence. Previous studies have mainly focused on stroke prediction with balanced data. Thus, this study aimed to develop machine learning models for predicting stroke with imbalanced data in an elderly population in China. Data were obtained from a prospective cohort that included 1131 participants (56 stroke patients and 1075 non-stroke participants) in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Data balancing techniques including random over-sampling (ROS), random under-sampling (RUS), and synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) were used to process the imbalanced data in this study. Machine learning methods such as regularized logistic regression (RLR), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) were used to predict stroke with demographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used for performance comparison. The top five variables for stroke prediction were selected for each machine learning method based on the SMOTE-balanced data set. The total prevalence of stroke was high in 2014 (4.95%), with men experiencing much higher prevalence than women (6.76% vs. 3.25%). The three machine learning methods performed poorly in the imbalanced data set with extremely low sensitivity (approximately 0.00) and AUC (approximately 0.50). After using data balancing techniques, the sensitivity and AUC considerably improved with moderate accuracy and specificity, and the maximum values for sensitivity and AUC reached 0.78 (95% CI, 0.73–0.83) for RF and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.71–0.73) for RLR. Using AUCs for RLR, SVM, and RF in the imbalanced data set as references, a significant improvement was observed in the AUCs of all three machine learning methods (p < 0.05) in the balanced data sets. Considering RLR in each data set as a reference, only RF in the imbalanced data set and SVM in the ROS-balanced data set were superior to RLR in terms of AUC. Sex, hypertension, and uric acid were common predictors in all three machine learning methods. Blood glucose level was included in both RLR and RF. Drinking, age and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level were also included in RLR, SVM, and RF, respectively. Our study suggests that machine learning methods with data balancing techniques are effective tools for stroke prediction with imbalanced data.
Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms and Neighborhood Changes from Adolescence to Adulthood: Latent Class Growth Analysis and Multilevel Growth Curve Models
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Estrada-Martínez Lorena M.
Published: March 2020

The role of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and racial/ethnic composition on depression has received considerable attention in the United States. This study examines associations between trajectory patterns of neighborhood changes and depressive symptoms using data from Waves I-IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We used latent class growth analysis to determine the number and distribution of person-centered trajectories for neighborhood characteristics, and multilevel growth curve models to examine how belonging to each class impacted depression trajectories from ages 13 to 32 among non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Others (NHO). The distribution of neighborhood SES classes across racial/ethnic groups suggests significant levels of economic inequality, but had no effect on depressive symptoms. A more complex picture emerged on the number and distribution of racial/ethnic composition latent class trajectories. Compared to NHB peers who lived in predominantly NHW neighborhoods from adolescence to adulthood, NHBs in more diverse neighborhoods had lower risk for depressive symptoms. Conversely, Hispanics living in neighborhoods with fewer NHWs had higher risk for depressive symptoms. Among NHOs, living in neighborhoods with a critical mass of other NHOs had a protective effect against depressive symptoms.
Individual and Community Engagement in Response to Environmental Challenges Experienced in Four Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Kaiser Michelle L. , Hand Michelle D. , Pence Erica K.
Published: March 2020

Low-income urban communities, and the individuals that live within them, continue to face disproportionate interconnected social, economic, and environmental challenges related to their built, natural, and social environments. The aim of our phenomenological research study was to elevate the experiences of residents living in low-income urban neighborhoods in terms of their communities’ environmental challenges. Our objectives were to (1) identify challenges across neighborhoods, (2) identify ways individuals and communities are addressing those challenges, and (3) assess the individual and collective efficacy and engagement of communities to lead environmental improvements in neighborhoods. This study brings forward the voices that are often ignored or misunderstood in these communities and uses an ecological-social perspective. We conducted focus groups (N = 68) in four low-income urban neighborhoods across two Ohio cities in the United States. Participants described five key challenges in their communities: Pollution, abandoned buildings with associated crime, low food access and health concerns, trash and illegal dumping, and lack of trees. We assessed engagement and efficacy using two frameworks focused on individual and community readiness to engage in and lead community change. Policymakers should acknowledge the valuable contributions and leadership capacity of residents in low-income communities to implement environmental initiatives.
Disambiguating “Mechanisms” in Pharmacy: Lessons from Mechanist Philosophy of Science
Authors: Abdin Ahmad Yaman , Jacob Claus , Kästner Lena
Published: March 2020

Talk of mechanisms is ubiquitous in the natural sciences. Interdisciplinary fields such as biochemistry and pharmacy frequently discuss mechanisms with the assistance of diagrams. Such diagrams usually depict entities as structures or boxes and activities or interactions as arrows. While some of these arrows may indicate causal or componential relations, others may represent temporal or operational orders. Importantly, what kind of relation an arrow represents may not only vary with context but also be underdetermined by empirical data. In this manuscript, we investigate how an analysis of pharmacological mechanisms in terms of producing and underlying mechanisms—as discussed in the contemporary philosophy of science—may shed light on these issues. Specifically, we shall argue that while pharmacokinetic mechanisms usually describe causal chains of production, pharmacodynamics tends to focus on mechanisms of action underlying the in vivo effects of a drug. Considering the action of thyroid gland hormones in the human body as a case study, we further demonstrate that pharmacodynamic schemes tend to incorporate entities and interactions on multiple levels. Yet, traditional pharmacodynamic schemes are sketched “flat”, i.e., non-hierarchically. We suggest that transforming flat pharmacodynamic schemes into mechanistic multi-level representations may assist in disentangling the different kinds of mechanisms and relations depicted by arrows in flat schemes. The resulting Baumkuchen model provides a powerful and practical alternative to traditional flat schemes, as it explicates the relevant mechanisms and relations more clearly. On a more general note, our discussion demonstrates how pharmacology and related disciplines may benefit from applying concepts from the new mechanist philosophy to guide the interpretation of scientific diagrams.
The Circular Model in Disposal with Municipal Waste. A Case Study of Slovakia
Authors: Pavolová Henrieta , Lacko Roman , Hajduová Zuzana , Šimková Zuzana , Rovňák Martin
Published: March 2020

Mineral resources are life and driving force of the European Union. It is gaining awareness not only in the EU dependent on imports, but also in the world. In the context of the growing population and the growing demands of economies for natural resources, this type of material management has a significant negative impact on the environment. The main aim of the study was to justify the model of circular economy on the national level, based on the disparities between the regions of Slovak republic. To meet the objective, mostly one-factor analysis was implemented. The circular model, which is based on the partial replacement of primary raw materials by secondary ones, should, on the one hand, limit the depletion of natural resources and, on the other hand, reduce the amount of waste produced. The presented work focuses on the issue of sustainable development, which is closely related to the circular economy, and then explains the circular economy model, including the differences from the linear arrangement and possible obstacles to its implementation for the specific conditions of the Slovak republic. From the results, it is clear that the proposed circular model would be helpful to improve the inefficiencies and disparities on the regional and national level.
Bayesian Network-Based Risk Assessment of Single-Phase Grounding Accidents of Power Transmission Lines
Authors: Zhang Jun , Bian Haifeng , Zhao Huanhuan , Wang Xuexue , Zhang Linlin , Bai Yiping
Published: March 2020

With the increasing demand for electricity transmission and distribution, single-phase grounding accidents, which cause great economic losses and casualties, have occurred frequently. In this study, a Bayesian network (BN)-based risk assessment model for representing single-phase grounding accidents is proposed to examine accident evolution from causes to potential consequences. The Bayesian network of single-phase grounding accidents includes 21 nodes that take into account the influential factors of environment, management, equipment and human error. The Bow-tie method was employed to build the accident evolution path and then converted to a BN. The BN conditional probability tables are determined with reference to historical accident data and expert opinion obtained by the Delphi method. The probability of a single-phase grounding accident and its potential consequences in normal conditions and three typical accident scenarios are analyzed. We found that “Storm” is the most critical hazard of single-phase grounding, followed by “Aging” and “Icing”. This study could quantitatively evaluate the single-phase grounding accident in multi-hazard coupling scenarios and provide technical support for occupational health and safety management of power transmission lines.
The Role of Leptin Levels in Adaptation to Cold Climates
Authors: Nikanorova Alena A. , Barashkov Nikolay A. , Nakhodkin Sergey S. , Pshennikova Vera G. , Solovyev Aisen V. , Romanov Georgii P. , Kuzmina Sargylana S. , Sazonov Nikolay N. , Burtseva Tatyana E. , Odland Jon Øyvind , Fedorova Sardana A.
Published: March 2020

Currently, adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ that produces hormone-active substances, including leptin, which can play a key role in thermoregulation processes. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the influence of the climatic environment on leptin levels. A systematic literature search in the databases was carried out on 10 January 2020. Finally, 22 eligible articles were included in the current meta-analysis and a total of 13,320 participants were covered in the final analysis. It was shown that males of the “North” subgroup demonstrated significantly higher levels of leptin (10.02 ng/mL; CI: 7.92–12.13) than males of the “South” subgroup (4.9 ng/mL; CI: 3.71–6.25) (p = 0.0001). On the contrary, in the female group, a similar pattern was not detected (p = 0.91). Apparently, in order to maintain body temperature, higher leptin levels are required. The results of the study indicate that such effects are most pronounced in males and to a smaller extent in females, apparently due to a relatively high initial concentration of leptin in females. The correlation between leptin levels and climatic environment data support the hypothesis of leptin-mediated thermoregulation as an adaptive mechanism to cold climates.
Accuracy Assessment of a UAV Block by Different Software Packages, Processing Schemes and Validation Strategies
Authors: Casella Vittorio , Chiabrando Filiberto , Franzini Marica , Manzino Ambrogio Maria
Published: March 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems are heavily adopted nowadays to collect high-resolution imagery with the purpose of documenting and mapping environment and cultural heritage. Such data are currently processed by programs based on the Structure from Motion (SfM) concept, coming from the computer vision community, rather than from classical photogrammetry. It is interesting to check whether some widely accepted rules coming from old-fashioned photogrammetry still holds: the relation between accuracy and ground sampling distance (GSD), the ratio between the vertical and horizontal accuracy, accuracy estimated on ground control points (GCPs) vs. that estimated with check points (CPs) also in relation to their ratio and distribution. To face the envisaged aspects, the paper adopts a comparative approach, as several programs are used and numerous configurations considered. The paper illustrates the dataset adopted, the carefully tuned processing strategies and bundle block adjustment (BBA) results in terms of accuracy for both GCPs and CPs. Finally, a leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation strategy is proposed to assess the accuracy for one of the proposed configurations. Some of the reported results were previously presented in the 5th GISTAM Conference.
A Proposal for Modeling Indoor–Outdoor Spaces through IndoorGML, Open Location Code and OpenStreetMap
Authors: Cantarero Navarro Rubén , Rubio Ruiz Ana , Dorado Chaparro Javier , Villanueva Molina Felix J. , Santofimia Romero Maria J. , Villa Alises David , Lopez Lopez Juan C.
Published: March 2020

Traditionally, the standards of spatial modeling are oriented to represent the quantitative information of space. However, in recent years an increasingly common challenge is appearing: flexibly and appropriately integrating quantitative information that goes beyond the purely geometric. This problem has been aggravated due to the success of new paradigms such as the Internet of Things. This adds an additional challenge to the representation of this information due to the need to represent characteristic information of the space from different points of view in a model, such as WiFi coverage, dangerous surroundings, etc. While this problem has already been addressed in indoor spaces with the IndoorGML standard, it remains to be solved in outdoor and indoor–outdoor spaces. We propose to take the advantages proposed in IndoorGML, such as cellular space or multi-layered space model representation, to outdoor spaces in order to create indoor–outdoor models that enable the integration of heterogeneous information that represents different aspects of space. We also propose an approach that gives more flexibility in spatial representation through the integration of standards such as OpenLocationCode for the division of space. Further, we suggest a procedure to enrich the resulting model through the information available in OpenStreetMap.
Natural Products Targeting ER Stress, and the Functional Link to Mitochondria
Authors: Martucciello Stefania , Masullo Milena , Cerulli Antonietta , Piacente Sonia
Published: March 2020

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a dynamic organelle essential for intracellular homeostasis maintenance, controlling synthesis, the folding of secreted and membrane-bound proteins, and transport of Ca2+. During cellular stress, ER dysfunction leads to the activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) due to accumulated misfolded proteins in the ER. This condition is referred as ER stress. Mitochondria and ER form a site of close contact (the mitochondria-associated membrane, MAM) which is a major platform exerting important physiological roles in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial fission, autophagosome formation, and apoptosis progression. Natural products have been receiving increasing attention for their ability to interfere with ER stress. Research works have focused on the capacity of these bioactive compounds to induce apoptosis by activating ER stress through the ER stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In this review we discuss the role of natural products in the signaling communication between ER and mitochondria, focusing on the effects induced by ER stress including Ca2+ permeability transition and UPR signaling (protein kinase R-like ER kinase/mitofusin 2).
Peripheral Circulating Exosomal miRNAs Potentially Contribute to the Regulation of Molecular Signaling Networks in Aging
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Jin Kunlin
Published: March 2020

People are living longer than ever. Consequently, they have a greater chance for developing a functional impairment or aging-related disease, such as a neurodegenerative disease, later in life. Thus, it is important to identify and understand mechanisms underlying aging as well as the potential for rejuvenation. Therefore, we used next-generation sequencing to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum exosomes isolated from young (three-month-old) and old (22-month-old) rats and then used bioinformatics to explore candidate genes and aging-related pathways. We identified 2844 mRNAs and 68 miRNAs that were differentially expressed with age. TargetScan revealed that 19 of these miRNAs are predicated to target the 766 mRNAs. Pathways analysis revealed signaling components targeted by these miRNAs: mTOR, AMPK, eNOS, IGF, PTEN, p53, integrins, and growth hormone. In addition, the most frequently predicted target genes regulated by these miRNAs were EIF4EBP1, insulin receptor, PDK1, PTEN, paxillin, and IGF-1 receptor. These signaling pathways and target genes may play critical roles in regulating aging and lifespan, thereby validating our analysis. Understanding the causes of aging and the underlying mechanisms may lead to interventions that could reverse certain aging processes and slow development of aging-related diseases.
Systems Metabolic Alteration in a Semi-Dwarf Rice Mutant Induced by OsCYP96B4 Gene Mutation
Authors: Jiang Limiao , Ramamoorthy Rengasamy , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Kumar Prakash P.
Published: March 2020

Dwarfism and semi-dwarfism are among the most valuable agronomic traits in crop breeding, which were adopted by the “Green Revolution”. Previously, we reported a novel semi-dwarf rice mutant (oscyp96b4) derived from the insertion of a single copy of Dissociator (Ds) transposon into the gene OsCYP96B4. However, the systems metabolic effect of the mutation is not well understood, which is important for understanding the gene function and developing new semi-dwarf mutants. Here, the metabolic phenotypes in the semi-dwarf mutant (M) and ectopic expression (ECE) rice line were compared to the wild-type (WT) rice, by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Compared with WT, ECE of the OsCYP96B4 gene resulted in significant increase of γ-aminobutyrate (GABA), glutamine, and alanine, but significant decrease of glutamate, aromatic and branched-chain amino acids, and some other amino acids. The ECE caused significant increase of monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), but significant decrease of disaccharide (sucrose); induced significant changes of metabolites involved in choline metabolism (phosphocholine, ethanolamine) and nucleotide metabolism (adenosine, adenosine monophosphate, uridine). These metabolic profile alterations were accompanied with changes in the gene expression levels of some related enzymes, involved in GABA shunt, glutamate and glutamine metabolism, choline metabolism, sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, nucleotide metabolism, and shikimate-mediated secondary metabolism. The semi-dwarf mutant showed corresponding but less pronounced changes, especially in the gene expression levels. It indicates that OsCYP96B4 gene mutation in rice causes significant alteration in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and shikimate-mediated secondary metabolism. The present study will provide essential information for the OsCYP96B4 gene function analysis and may serve as valuable reference data for the development of new semi-dwarf mutants.
Neuronal Activity and Its Role in Controlling Antioxidant Genes
Authors: Qiu Jing , Dando Owen , Febery James A. , Fowler Jill H. , Chandran Siddharthan , Hardingham Giles E.
Published: March 2020

Forebrain neurons have relatively weak intrinsic antioxidant defenses compared to astrocytes, in part due to hypo-expression of Nrf2, an oxidative stress-induced master regulator of antioxidant and detoxification genes. Nevertheless, neurons do possess the capacity to auto-regulate their antioxidant defenses in response to electrical activity. Activity-dependent Ca2+ signals control the expression of several antioxidant genes, boosting redox buffering capacity, thus meeting the elevated antioxidant requirements associated with metabolically expensive electrical activity. These genes include examples which are reported Nrf2 target genes and yet are induced in a Nrf2-independent manner. Here we discuss the implications for Nrf2 hypofunction in neurons and the mechanisms underlying the Nrf2-independent induction of antioxidant genes by electrical activity. A significant proportion of Nrf2 target genes, defined as those genes controlled by Nrf2 in astrocytes, are regulated by activity-dependent Ca2+ signals in human stem cell-derived neurons. We propose that neurons interpret Ca2+ signals in a similar way to other cell types sense redox imbalance, to broadly induce antioxidant and detoxification genes.
How Does Epstein–Barr Virus Contribute to Chronic Periodontitis?
Authors: Imai Kenichi , Ogata Yorimasa
Published: March 2020

Chronic periodontitis is spreading worldwide and mutually interacts with systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus. Although periodontopathic bacteria are inevitable pathogens in their onset and progression, many cases are not ascribable to the virulence of these bacteria because the effect of plaque control is limited. In contrast, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in the periodontium has been correlated with chronic periodontitis and has recently been considered as a promising pathogenic candidate for this disease. However, several important questions have yet to be addressed. For instance, although EBV latently infects more than 90% of individuals over the world, why do patients with chronic periodontitis exclusively harbor progeny EBV in the oral cavity? In addition, how does latently infected or reactivated EBV in the periodontium relate to the onset or progression of chronic periodontitis? Finally, is periodontitis incurable because EBV is the pathogen for chronic periodontitis? In this review, we attempt to answer these questions by reporting the current understanding of molecular relations and mechanisms between periodontopathic bacteria and EBV reactivation in the context of how this relationship may pertain to the etiology of chronic periodontitis.
Regulation of the Proteolytic Activity of Cysteine Cathepsins by Oxidants
Authors: Lalmanach Gilles , Saidi Ahlame , Bigot Paul , Chazeirat Thibault , Lecaille Fabien , Wartenberg Mylène
Published: March 2020

Besides their primary involvement in the recycling and degradation of proteins in endo-lysosomal compartments and also in specialized biological functions, cysteine cathepsins are pivotal proteolytic contributors of various deleterious diseases. While the molecular mechanisms of regulation via their natural inhibitors have been exhaustively studied, less is currently known about how their enzymatic activity is modulated during the redox imbalance associated with oxidative stress and their exposure resistance to oxidants. More specifically, there is only patchy information on the regulation of lung cysteine cathepsins, while the respiratory system is directly exposed to countless exogenous oxidants contained in dust, tobacco, combustion fumes, and industrial or domestic particles. Papain-like enzymes (clan CA, family C1, subfamily C1A) encompass a conserved catalytic thiolate-imidazolium pair (Cys25-His159) in their active site. Although the sulfhydryl group (with a low acidic pKa) is a potent nucleophile highly susceptible to chemical modifications, some cysteine cathepsins reveal an unanticipated resistance to oxidative stress. Besides an introductory chapter and peculiar attention to lung cysteine cathepsins, the purpose of this review is to afford a concise update of the current knowledge on molecular mechanisms associated with the regulation of cysteine cathepsins by redox balance and by oxidants (e.g., Michael acceptors, reactive oxygen, and nitrogen species).
Active Disturbance Rejection Control for DC Motor Laboratory Plant Learning Object
Authors: Huba Mikuláš , Hypiusová Mária , Ťapák Peter , Vrancic Damir
Published: March 2020

The paper deals with learning objects for introductory modeling of simple dynamical systems and design of controllers with disturbance observer-based integral action. They can be used to illustrate the design process of state controllers, state and disturbance observers, as well as to get in touch with a popular approach called active disturbance rejection control (ADRC). In both cases, external disturbances along with errors resulting from model inaccuracies are reconstructed using the extended state observer (ESO). In addition to simulation and design of regulators and observers in Matlab/Simulink, the learning objects focus on the development of relevant terminology and competencies in the field of simulation, modeling and experimentation in traditional laboratories, with the support of LMS Moodle and remote control. The main innovativeness of the paper is to clarify the relationship of ADRC to the traditional state space controllers design and modeling by using two types of linear models approximating controlled nonlinear systems.
A Framework for Detecting Intentions of Criminal Acts in Social Media: A Case Study on Twitter
Authors: Resende de Mendonça Ricardo , Felix de Brito Daniel , de Franco Rosa Ferrucio , dos Reis Júlio Cesar , Bonacin Rodrigo
Published: March 2020

Criminals use online social networks for various activities by including communication, planning, and execution of criminal acts. They often employ ciphered posts using slang expressions, which are restricted to specific groups. Although literature shows advances in analysis of posts in natural language messages, such as hate discourses, threats, and more notably in the sentiment analysis; research enabling intention analysis of posts using slang expressions is still underexplored. We propose a framework and construct software prototypes for the selection of social network posts with criminal slang expressions and automatic classification of these posts according to illocutionary classes. The developed framework explores computational ontologies and machine learning (ML) techniques. Our defined Ontology of Criminal Expressions represents crime concepts in a formal and flexible model, and associates them with criminal slang expressions. This ontology is used for selecting suspicious posts and decipher them. In our solution, the criminal intention in written posts is automatically classified relying on learned models from existing posts. This work carries out a case study to evaluate the framework with 8,835,290 tweets. The obtained results show its viability by demonstrating the benefits in deciphering posts and the effectiveness of detecting user’s intention in written criminal posts based on ML.
Polymer Coated Semiconducting Nanoparticles for Hybrid Materials
Authors: Zentel Rudolf
Published: March 2020

This paper reviews synthetic concepts for the functionalization of various inorganic nanoparticles with a shell consisting of organic polymers and possible applications of the resulting hybrid materials. A polymer coating can make inorganic nanoparticles soluble in many solvents as individual particles and not only do low molar mass solvents become suitable, but also polymers as a solid matrix. In the case of shape anisotropic particles (e.g., rods) a spontaneous self-organization (parallel orientation) of the nanoparticles can be achieved, because of the formation of lyotropic liquid crystalline phases. They offer the possibility to orient the shape of anisotropic nanoparticles macroscopically in external electric fields. At least, such hybrid materials allow semiconducting inorganic nanoparticles to be dispersed in functional polymer matrices, like films of semiconducting polymers. Thereby, the inorganic nanoparticles can be electrically connected and addressed by the polymer matrix. This allows LEDs to be prepared with highly fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles (quantum dots) as chromophores. Recent works have aimed to further improve these fascinating light emitting materials.
Bacterial Endosymbiont Diversity among Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Populations in Florida
Authors: Rossitto De Marchi Bruno , Smith Hugh A.
Published: March 2020

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a pest of many economically important agricultural crops and a vector of plant viruses. Bemisia tabaci harbors facultative endosymbiont species that have been implicated in pest status, including tolerance to insecticides, virus transmission efficiency and tolerance to high-temperatures. The facultative endosymbionts reported in B. tabaci include Arsenophonus, Hamiltonella, Wolbachia, Cardinium, Fritschea and Rickettsia. We collected whitefly populations from weed and crop hosts in south Florida and identified the whitefly species as well as the facultative endosymbionts present in these populations by molecular analysis. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis of whiteflies and their endosymbionts was performed. The only facultative endosymbionts found among the B. tabaci populations collected in Florida were Hamiltonella and Rickettsia. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the low genetic diversity of whiteflies and their endosymbionts. Additionally, the phylogenetic tree clustered Rickettsia from Florida in the R1 genetic group. The results will aid to understand the role of the bacterial endosymbionts in the whitefly host.
Insecticidal and Cholinesterase Activity of Dichloromethane Extracts of Tithonia diversifolia on Atta cephalotes Worker Ants (Formicidae: Myrmicinae)
Authors: Pantoja-Pulido Kriss D. , Rodríguez Jonathan , Isaza-Martínez José H. , Gutiérrez-Cabrera Margarita , Colmenares-Dulcey Ana J. , Montoya-Lerma James
Published: March 2020

Leaf-cutter ants are agricultural and urban pests that defy chemical control methods. Laboratory and field studies have revealed repellent and insecticidal activity by the extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae), known as Mexican sunflower, as a promising alternative for the control of the leaf-cutter ant Atta cephalotes. This study evaluated the effects of different extracts (non-polar and polar) of T. diversifolia dry leaves on worker ants from laboratory colonies of A. cephalotes through ingestion and contact. In addition, the biological activity of the extracts as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) was evaluated. A dichloromethane extract at 1000 ppm presented the highest insecticidal activity through ingestion, causing 70% and 90% worker ant mortality after five and seven days of treatment, respectively. The acetylcholinesterase inhibition values showed that the dichloromethane presented the best AChE concentration of inhibition (IC50) at 73.9 ± 11.06 μg/mL, compared to its fractions, which demonstrates that its activity is potentiated when the crude extract is used. Our results can be attributed to the existence of terpenes and sesquiterpene lactones, which are likely inhibitors of AChE, in T. diversifolia.
Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Tables of the Predatory Mite Cheyletus Malaccensis Oudemans at Different Temperatures
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Cui Miao , Xia Liyuan , Yu Qing , Cao Yang , Wu Yi
Published: March 2020

Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans is a predatory mite inhabiting grain depots in China. The relationship between temperature and the population growth rate of C. malaccensis is useful for predicting its population dynamics. Age-stage, two-sex life tables of the predator, C. malaccensis, reared on Acarus siro were constructed under laboratory conditions at 22, 24, 28, 30, and 32 °C, 75% relative humidity, and a 0:24 h (L:D) photoperiod. Increasing temperature shortened the development time of the immature stages. The complete generation time of C. malaccensis ranged from 11.10 d to 27.50 d. Life table parameters showed that 28 °C was the optimum temperature for the growth and development of C. malaccensis; populations could increase rapidly at this temperature. The highest net reproductive rate (R0 = 290.25) and highest fecundity (544.52) occurred at 28 °C. Temperature significantly affected the intrinsic rate of increase (r), fecundity, and finite rate of increase (λ). The values of age-specific fecundity (high to low) were 28 °C > 24 °C > 30 °C > 32 °C > 22 °C, while the values of age-stage-specific fecundity had the same trend.
Impact of Morphine Treatment on Infarct Size and Reperfusion Injury in Acute Reperfused ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Eitel Ingo , Wang Juan , Stiermaier Thomas , Fuernau Georg , Feistritzer Hans-Josef , Joost Alexander , Jobs Alexander , Meusel Moritz , Blodau Christian , Desch Steffen , de Waha-Thiele Suzanne , Langer Harald , Thiele Holger
Published: March 2020

Current evidence regarding the effect of intravenous morphine administration on reperfusion injury and/or cardioprotection in patients with myocardial infarction is conflicting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of morphine administration, on infarct size and reperfusion injury assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in a large multicenter ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) population. In total, 734 STEMI patients reperfused by primary percutaneous coronary intervention <12 h after symptom onset underwent CMR imaging at eight centers for assessment of myocardial damage. Intravenous morphine administration was recorded in all patients. CMR was completed within one week after infarction using a standardized protocol. The clinical endpoint of the study was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 12 months after infarction. Intravenous morphine was administered in 61.8% (n = 454) of all patients. There were no differences in infarct size (17%LV, interquartile range [IQR] 8–25%LV versus 16%LV, IQR 8–26%LV, p = 0.67) and microvascular obstruction (p = 0.92) in patients with versus without morphine administration. In the subgroup of patients with early reperfusion within 120 min and reduced flow of the infarcted vessel (TIMI-flow ≤2 before PCI) morphine administration resulted in significantly smaller infarcts (12%LV, IQR 12–19 versus 19%LV, IQR 10–29, p = 0.035) and reduced microvascular obstruction (p = 0.003). Morphine administration had no effect on hard clinical endpoints (log-rank test p = 0.74) and was not an independent predictor of clinical outcome in Cox regression analysis. In our large multicenter CMR study, morphine administration did not have a negative effect on myocardial damage or clinical prognosis in acute reperfused STEMI. In patients, presenting early ( ≤120 min) morphine may have a cardioprotective effect as reflected by smaller infarcts; but this finding has to be assessed in further well-designed clinical studies
The Role of Mitochondria in Inflammation: From Cancer to Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Missiroli Sonia , Genovese Ilaria , Perrone Mariasole , Vezzani Bianca , Vitto Veronica A. M. , Giorgi Carlotta
Published: March 2020

The main features that are commonly attributed to mitochondria consist of the regulation of cell proliferation, ATP generation, cell death and metabolism. However, recent scientific advances reveal that the intrinsic dynamicity of the mitochondrial compartment also plays a central role in proinflammatory signaling, identifying these organelles as a central platform for the control of innate immunity and the inflammatory response. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunctions have been related to severe chronic inflammatory disorders. Strategies aimed at reestablishing normal mitochondrial physiology could represent both preventive and therapeutic interventions for various pathologies related to exacerbated inflammation. Here, we explore the current understanding of the intricate interplay between mitochondria and the innate immune response in specific inflammatory diseases, such as neurological disorders and cancer.
Quantitative Assessment of Gait Characteristics in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Kalsi-Ryan Sukhvinder , Rienmueller Anna C. , Riehm Lauren , Chan Colin , Jin Daniel , Martin Allan R. , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Akbar Muhammad A. , Massicotte Eric M. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: March 2020

It is challenging to discriminate the early presentation of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) as well as sensitively and accurately distinguishing between mild, moderate, and severe levels of impairment. As gait dysfunction is one of the cardinal symptoms of DCM, we hypothesized that spatiotemporal gait parameters, including the enhanced gait variability index (eGVI), could be used to sensitively discriminate between different severities of DCM. A total of 153 patients recently diagnosed with DCM were recruited and stratified on the basis of DCM severity grades, as measured using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scale. Demographic information and neurological status were collected. Gait assessments were performed using an 8 m walkway. Spearman rank correlation was used to identify relationships between gait parameters and mJOA values as well as the mJOA lower extremity (LE) subscore. Kruskal–Wallis H test was performed to evaluate differences between severity groups, as defined by mJOA classification. A significant and relatively strong correlation was found between the mJOA score and eGVI, as well as between the LE subscore of the mJOA and eGVI. Significant differences in the eGVI (X2(2, N = 153) = 55.04, p < 0.0001, ε2 = 0.36) were found between all groups of DCM severity, with a significant increase in the eGVI as DCM progressed from mild to moderate. The eGVI was the most discriminative gait parameter, which facilitated objective differentiation between varying severities of DCM. Quantitative gait assessments show promise as an accurate and objective tool to diagnose and classify DCM, as well as to potentially evaluate the impact of therapeutic interventions.
Improvement in Subjective Symptoms and Tolerability in Response to Nintedanib Treatment in Elderly Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Takeda Takayuki , Kunimatsu Yusuke , Tani Nozomi , Hashimoto Izumi , Kurono Yuri , Hirose Kazuki
Published: March 2020

The efficacy of nintedanib treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was demonstrated in phase III trials. However, there is limited data on the significance of nintedanib in elderly patients aged ≥75 years. We have retrospectively evaluated 54 newly nintedanib-treated patients including 32 elderly individuals. Potential changes in modified medical research council (mMRC) grade and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) assessment test (CAT) score, as well as in forced vital capacity (FVC) were obtained 6 months before, at the time of, and 6 and 12 months after initiation of nintedanib treatment. Significant differences were observed in CAT scores between 6 months before treatment and baseline (p < 0.001), and between baseline and 6 months (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p < 0.001) after treatment. If subjective improvement is defined as an improvement in mMRC grade or CAT score by 1 or 3 points, respectively, 25 patients (46.3%) have significantly improved after 6 months of treatment. Out of these, all have improved in CAT score. The tolerability of nintedanib was similar in elderly and younger patients. These findings suggest that CAT scores could be useful in the subjective assessment during nintedanib treatment, and that nintedanib is safe and efficient for the treatment of the elderly population.
Cerebellar Astrocytes: Much More Than Passive Bystanders In Ataxia Pathophysiology
Authors: Cerrato Valentina
Published: March 2020

Ataxia is a neurodegenerative syndrome, which can emerge as a major element of a disease or represent a symptom of more complex multisystemic disorders. It comprises several forms with a highly variegated etiology, mainly united by motor, balance, and speech impairments and, at the tissue level, by cerebellar atrophy and Purkinje cells degeneration. For this reason, the contribution of astrocytes to this disease has been largely overlooked in the past. Nevertheless, in the last few decades, growing evidences are pointing to cerebellar astrocytes as crucial players not only in the progression but also in the onset of distinct forms of ataxia. Although the current knowledge on this topic is very fragmentary and ataxia type-specific, the present review will attempt to provide a comprehensive view of astrocytes’ involvement across the distinct forms of this pathology. Here, it will be highlighted how, through consecutive stage-specific mechanisms, astrocytes can lead to non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration and, consequently, to the behavioral impairments typical of this disease. In light of that, treating astrocytes to heal neurons will be discussed as a potential complementary therapeutic approach for ataxic patients, a crucial point provided the absence of conclusive treatments for this disease.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Vascular Risk Factors: A Review of Population Based Studies from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Och Mariusz , Kanclerz Piotr , Leffler Christopher , De Moraes Carlos Gustavo
Published: March 2020

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and as the proportion of those over age 40 increases, so will the prevalence of glaucoma. The pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is unclear and multiple ocular risk factors have been proposed, including intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, ocular blood flow, myopia, central corneal thickness, and optic disc hemorrhages. The purpose of this review was to analyze the association between systemic vascular risk factors (including hypertension, diabetes, age, and migraine) and POAG, based on major epidemiological studies. Reports presenting the association between POAG and systemic vascular risk factors included a total of over 50,000 patients. Several epidemiological studies confirmed the importance of vascular risk factors, particularly hypertension and blood pressure dipping, in the pathogenesis and progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. We found that diabetes mellitus is associated with elevated intraocular pressure, but has no clear association with POAG. No significant correlation between migraine and POAG was found, however, the definition of migraine varied between studies.
Numerical Simulation on Vortex Shedding from a Hydrofoil in Steady Flow
Authors: Hu Jian , Wang Zibin , Zhao Wang , Sun Shili , Sun Cong , Guo Chunyu
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a numerical modeling procedure for the idealization of vortex shedding effects in the wake flow field of a NACA0009 hydrofoil. During the simulation, the lift and drag acting on the hydrofoil were monitored, and the vortex-shedding frequency of the hydrofoil was analyzed. The effects of inflow velocity, trailing-edge thickness, angle of attack, and maximum hydrofoil thickness on vortex shedding were investigated. The results indicate that an increase in the inflow velocity led to an increase in the vortex-shedding frequency and a negligible change in the Strouhal number. Furthermore, as the thickness of the trailing edge increased, the vortex-shedding frequency decreased gradually, whereas the Strouhal number first increased and then decreased. Vortex shedding and lift curve oscillations ceased altogether after the angle of attack of the hydrofoil increased beyond a certain threshold. When the maximum hydrofoil thickness was increased while keeping the thickness and chord length of the trailing edge constant, the vortex-shedding frequency decreased.
Applying the Host-Microbe Damage Response Framework to Candida Pathogenesis: Current and Prospective Strategies to Reduce Damage
Authors: Fidel Paul L. , Yano Junko , Esher Shannon K. , Noverr Mairi C.
Published: March 2020

Disease is a complex outcome that can occur as a result of pathogen-mediated damage, host-mediated damage or both. This has led to the revolutionary concept of the damage response framework (DRF) that defines microbial virulence as a function of host immunity. The DRF outlines six scenarios (classes) of host damage or beneficial outcomes, depending on the microbe and the strength of the immune response. Candida albicans is uniquely adapted to its human host and can exist as either a commensal, colonizing various anatomical sites without causing notable damage, or as a pathogen, with the ability to cause a diverse array of diseases, ranging from mucosal to invasive systemic infections that result in varying levels of microbe-mediated and/or host-mediated damage. We recently categorized six different forms of candidiasis (oropharyngeal, hematogenous, intra-abdominal, gastrointestinal, denture stomatitis, and vulvovaginitis) into independent DRF classes, supporting a contemporary view of unique mechanisms of pathogenesis for these Candida infections. In this review, we summarize the evidence for the pathogenesis of these various forms of candidiasis in the context of the DRF with the further intent to provide insights into strategies to achieve a level of host response or outcome otherwise, that limits host damage.
Withings Body Cardio Versus Gold Standards of Pulse-Wave Velocity and Body Composition
Authors: Collier Scott R. , McCraw Conner , Campany Megan , Lubkemann Austin , StClair Price , Ji Hong , Sandberg Kathryn , Morgan Joseph W. , Smith Caroline J.
Published: March 2020

Home blood pressure monitors are widely used by consumers yet cardiovascular health may be better defined by pulse-wave velocity (PWV). So far, the Withings Body Cardio scale is the only consumer device that has been designed to measure PWV and body composition, including fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), in the home setting. While one study has demonstrated that this device meets the acceptable accuracy standards of the ARTERY Society, no study has accounted for the gravitational effect of standing on a scale on aortic-leg PWV. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of PWV and body composition as determined by the Body Cardio scale. Methods: Measurements of PWV and body composition in healthy, young males and females (n = 20) using the Body Cardio device were compared to PWV assessed by applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor) and body composition analysis determined by air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod). Bland–Altman analysis and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) were used to assess accuracy. Results: Data are reported as the mean bias (95% confidence interval). The Body Cardio overestimated PWV by 0.68 m/s (−0.16, 1.51) and FM by 2.91 kg (−2.91, 8.73). Body Cardio PWV and FM estimations had a MAPE of 9.7% and 25.8%, respectively. The Body Cardio underestimated body mass (BM) and FFM by 0.11 kg (−0.41, 0.18) and 2.87 kg (−9.04, 3.30), respectively. Body Cardio BM and FFM estimations had a MAPE of 0.15% and 5.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The Body Cardio scale provides accurate measures of BM and PWV; however, it should be used cautiously for measures of FM and FFM.