bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Neighborhood Environment and Child Mental Health in Japanese Elementary School Students
Authors: Hosokawa Rikuya , Katsura Toshiki
Published: July 2020

Limited research has examined the relationship between neighborhood environment and mental health outcomes in elementary school students (middle childhood). In countries with high relative poverty, little is known about how neighborhood conditions are related to children’s health after controlling for family socioeconomic status; thus, it is necessary to distinguish the particular neighborhood characteristics relevant to behavioral risk in children, independent of socioeconomic position. Using a self-report survey completed by parents, we assessed neighborhood environment characteristics, children’s behavioral outcomes, and family socioeconomic status in fourth grade students from Nagoya, in Aichi prefecture, Japan (n = 695). A multiple linear regression was conducted to evaluate to what extent neighborhood characteristics predict child behaviors, after adjusting for socioeconomic variables. Greater aesthetic quality, walkability, accessibility of healthy foods, safety, and social cohesion were inversely linked to children’s behavioral problems and positively linked to social competence, suggesting that quality of living environment may affect behavioral outcomes in children, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Developing a quality environment that matches these characteristics may minimize the negative impact of a family’s socioeconomic distress and is likely to aid socioeconomically disadvantaged parents and their children. Thus, policies and programs that enhance the neighborhood environment for socioeconomically disadvantaged families should be promoted.
Qualitative Approach to Environmental Risk Assessment in Transport
Authors: Dvorak Zdenek , Rehak David , David Andrej , Cekerevac Zoran
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a qualitative approach to environmental risk assessment (QAERA) in transport. The approach is described as a model developed for the future software tool which will be utilizable as a risk decision support system. The basic part is aimed on developing a quantitative environmental risk assessment. Thus, this paper describes a set of 6 pillars of safety and security. Accordingly, the paper contains both chosen safety and security indicators and selected criteria for assessing the risk of launching the environmental change of global model thinking in the transport sector. The environmental risk assessment as a global model of thinking was originally based on historical experience but, nowadays, it is changing. Based on new expert knowledge, more precisely, on input of new global data, paper displays an environmental risk assessment with actual interpretation. The discussion of the paper is oriented to support research results, a new knowledge-oriented approach to global climate changes, using suitable risk assessment methods and technics. The result of the paper is a new approach for the modeling of environmental risk assessment in the transport sector.
Relief Alternatives during Resuscitation: Instructions to Teach Bystanders. A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Pujalte-Jesús María José , Leal-Costa César , Ruzafa-Martínez María , Ramos-Morcillo Antonio Jesús , Díaz Agea José Luis
Published: July 2020

To analyze the quality of resuscitation (CPR) performed by individuals without training after receiving a set of instructions (structured and unstructured/intuitive) from an expert in a simulated context, the specific objective was to design a simple and structured CPR learning method on-site. An experimental study was designed, consisting of two random groups with a post-intervention measurement in which the experimental group (EG) received standardized instructions, and the control group (CG) received intuitive or non-standardized instructions, in a public area simulated scenario. Statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.0001) between the EG and the CG for variables: time needed to give orders, pauses between chest compressions and ventilations, depth, overall score, chest compression score, and chest recoil. The average depth of the EG was 51.1 mm (SD 7.94) and 42.2 mm (SD 12.04) for the CG. The chest recoil median was 86.32% (IQR 62.36, 98.87) for the EG, and 58.3% (IQR 27.46, 84.33) in the CG. The use of a sequence of simple, short and specific orders, together with observation-based learning makes possible the execution of chest compression maneuvers that are very similar to those performed by rescuers, and allows the teaching of the basic notions of ventilation. The structured order method was shown to be an on-site learning opportunity when faced with the need to maintain high-quality CPR in the presence of an expert resuscitator until the arrival of emergency services.
Examining How Ambidextrous Leadership Relates to Affective Commitment and Workplace Deviance Behavior of Employees: The Moderating Role of Supervisor–Subordinate Exchange Guanxi
Authors: Wu Mengying , Wang Rongsong , He Peixu , Estay Christophe , Akram Zubair
Published: July 2020

How to regulate employee conduct and engage them in high performance works actively and continuously has always been the important topic for organizations. Based on affective events theory and social exchange theory, a moderated mediating model was constructed with the affective commitment as mediator and the supervisor–subordinate exchange guanxi as moderator. Regression analyses and conditional indirect effects were tested by SPSS and PROCESS with 374 matched supervisor–subordinate pairs. The paper explores the moderated mechanism of supervisor-subordinate guanxi to the chain of “ambidextrous leadership–employee’s affective commitment–workplace deviance behavior.” The results showed that the affective commitment mediated the effect between ambidextrous leadership and employees’ workplace deviance behavior, and supervisor–subordinate exchange guanxi moderated the relationship between ambidextrous leadership and employees’ workplace deviance behavior but also moderated the mediating effect of affective commitment. The results have significances to improve human resource management practices and reduce the workplace deviance behavior of employees.
Coronavirus-Related Health Literacy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Adults during the COVID-19 Infodemic in Germany
Authors: Okan Orkan , Bollweg Torsten Michael , Berens Eva-Maria , Hurrelmann Klaus , Bauer Ullrich , Schaeffer Doris
Published: July 2020

There is an “infodemic” associated with the COVID-19 pandemic—an overabundance of valid and invalid information. Health literacy is the ability to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information, making it crucial for navigating coronavirus and COVID-19 information environments. A cross-sectional representative study of participants ≥ 16 years in Germany was conducted using an online survey. A coronavirus-related health literacy measure was developed (HLS-COVID-Q22). Internal consistency was very high (α = 0.940; ρ = 0.891) and construct validity suggests a sufficient model fit, making HLS-COVID-Q22 a feasible tool for assessing coronavirus-related health literacy in population surveys. While 49.9% of our sample had sufficient levels of coronavirus-related health literacy, 50.1% had “problematic” (15.2%) or “inadequate” (34.9%) levels. Although the overall level of health literacy is high, a vast number of participants report difficulties dealing with coronavirus and COVID-19 information. The participants felt well informed about coronavirus, but 47.8% reported having difficulties judging whether they could trust media information on COVID-19. Confusion about coronavirus information was significantly higher among those who had lower health literacy. This calls for targeted public information campaigns and promotion of population-based health literacy for better navigation of information environments during the infodemic, identification of disinformation, and decision-making based on reliable and trustworthy information.
Gut Microbiota Manipulation as a Tool for Colorectal Cancer Management: Recent Advances in Its Use for Therapeutic Purposes
Authors: Perillo Federica , Amoroso Chiara , Strati Francesco , Giuffrè Maria Rita , Díaz-Basabe Angélica , Lattanzi Georgia , Facciotti Federica
Published: July 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifaceted disease influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. A large body of literature has demonstrated the role of gut microbes in promoting inflammatory responses, creating a suitable microenvironment for the development of skewed interactions between the host and the gut microbiota and cancer initiation. Even if surgery is the primary therapeutic strategy, patients with advanced disease or cancer recurrence after surgery remain difficult to cure. Therefore, the gut microbiota has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target in light of recent promising data in which it seems to modulate the response to cancer immunotherapy. The use of microbe-targeted therapies, including antibiotics, prebiotics, live biotherapeutics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, is therefore considered to support current therapies in CRC management. In this review, we will discuss the importance of host−microbe interactions in CRC and how promoting homeostatic immune responses through microbe-targeted therapies may be useful in preventing/treating CRC development.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Biological and Clinical Features
Authors: Cives Mauro , Mannavola Francesco , Lospalluti Lucia , Sergi Maria Chiara , Cazzato Gerardo , Filoni Elisabetta , Cavallo Federica , Giudice Giuseppe , Stucci Luigia Stefania , Porta Camillo , Tucci Marco
Published: July 2020

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). These neoplasms are highly diverse in their clinical presentation, as well as in their biological evolution. While the deregulation of the Hedgehog pathway is commonly observed in BCC, SCC and MCC are characterized by a strikingly elevated mutational and neoantigen burden. As result of our improved understanding of the biology of non-melanoma skin cancers, innovative treatment options including inhibitors of the Hedgehog pathway and immunotherapeutic agents have been recently investigated against these malignancies, leading to their approval by regulatory authorities. Herein, we review the most relevant biological and clinical features of NMSC, focusing on innovative treatment approaches.
MCF7 Spheroid Development: New Insight about Spatio/Temporal Arrangements of TNTs, Amyloid Fibrils, Cell Connections, and Cellular Bridges
Authors: Pulze Laura , Congiu Terenzio , Brevini Tiziana A. L. , Grimaldi Annalisa , Tettamanti Gianluca , D’Antona Paola , Baranzini Nicolò , Acquati Francesco , Ferraro Federico , de Eguileor Magda
Published: July 2020

Human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7) grow in three-dimensional culture as spheroids that represent the structural complexity of avascular tumors. Therefore, spheroids offer a powerful tool for studying cancer development, aggressiveness, and drug resistance. Notwithstanding the large amount of data regarding the formation of MCF7 spheroids, a detailed description of the morpho-functional changes during their aggregation and maturation is still lacking. In this study, in addition to the already established role of gap junctions, we show evidence of tunneling nanotube (TNT) formation, amyloid fibril production, and opening of large stable cellular bridges, thus reporting the sequential events leading to MCF7 spheroid formation. The variation in cell phenotypes, sustained by dynamic expression of multiple proteins, leads to complex networking among cells similar to the sequence of morphogenetic steps occurring in embryogenesis/organogenesis. On the basis of the observation that early events in spheroid formation are strictly linked to the redox homeostasis, which in turn regulate amyloidogenesis, we show that the administration of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger that reduces the capability of cells to produce amyloid fibrils, significantly affects their ability to aggregate. Moreover, cells aggregation events, which exploit the intrinsic adhesiveness of amyloid fibrils, significantly decrease following the administration during the early aggregation phase of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), an amyloid degrading enzyme.
Recent Advances on Biomarkers of Early and Late Kidney Graft Dysfunction
Authors: Quaglia Marco , Merlotti Guido , Guglielmetti Gabriele , Castellano Giuseppe , Cantaluppi Vincenzo
Published: July 2020

New biomarkers of early and late graft dysfunction are needed in renal transplant to improve management of complications and prolong graft survival. A wide range of potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, measured in different biological fluids (serum, plasma, urine) and in renal tissues, have been proposed for post-transplant delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection (AR), and chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). This review investigates old and new potential biomarkers for each of these clinical domains, seeking to underline their limits and strengths. OMICs technology has allowed identifying many candidate biomarkers, providing diagnostic and prognostic information at very early stages of pathological processes, such as AR. Donor-derived cell-free DNA (ddcfDNA) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are further promising tools. Although most of these biomarkers still need to be validated in multiple independent cohorts and standardized, they are paving the way for substantial advances, such as the possibility of accurately predicting risk of DGF before graft is implanted, of making a “molecular” diagnosis of subclinical rejection even before histological lesions develop, or of dissecting etiology of CAD. Identification of “immunoquiescent” or even tolerant patients to guide minimization of immunosuppressive therapy is another area of active research. The parallel progress in imaging techniques, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to fully exploit the wealth of information provided by biomarkers, leading to improved disease nosology of old entities such as transplant glomerulopathy. Prospective studies are needed to assess whether introduction of these new sets of biomarkers into clinical practice could actually reduce the need for renal biopsy, integrate traditional tools, and ultimately improve graft survival compared to current management.
Nutrition and Psoriasis
Authors: Kanda Naoko , Hoashi Toshihiko , Saeki Hidehisa
Published: July 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by accelerated tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-23/interleukin-17 axis, hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Psoriasis patients are frequently associated with obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, or inflammatory bowel diseases. Psoriasis patients often show unbalanced dietary habits such as higher intake of fat and lower intake of fish or dietary fibers, compared to controls. Such dietary habits might be related to the incidence and severity of psoriasis. Nutrition influences the development and progress of psoriasis and its comorbidities. Saturated fatty acids, simple sugars, red meat, or alcohol exacerbate psoriasis via the activation of nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeats containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 inflammasome, tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-23/interleukin-17 pathway, reactive oxygen species, prostanoids/leukotrienes, gut dysbiosis or suppression of regulatory T cells, while n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, short chain fatty acids, selenium, genistein, dietary fibers or probiotics ameliorate psoriasis via the suppression of inflammatory pathways above or induction of regulatory T cells. Psoriasis patients are associated with dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the deficiency of vitamin D or selenium. We herein present the update information regarding the stimulatory or regulatory effects of nutrients or food on psoriasis and the possible alleviation of psoriasis by nutritional strategies.
Dietary Gluten and Neurodegeneration: A Case for Preclinical Studies
Authors: Mohan Mahesh , Okeoma Chioma M. , Sestak Karol
Published: July 2020

Although celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that primarily involves the intestinal tract, mounting evidence suggests that a sizeable number of patients exhibit neurological deficits. About 40% of the celiac patients with neurological manifestations have circulating antibodies against neural tissue transglutaminase-6 (tTG6). While early diagnosis and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) have been recommended to prevent neurological dysfunction, better therapeutic strategies are needed to improve the overall quality of life. Dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, presence of anti-tTG6 antibodies, and epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis. It is also possible that circulating or gut-derived extracellular structures and including biomolecular condensates and extracellular vesicles contribute to disease pathogenesis. There are several avenues for shaping the dysregulated gut homeostasis in individuals with CD, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and/or neurodegeneration. In addition to GFD and probiotics, nutraceuticals, such as phyto and synthetic cannabinoids, represent a new approach that could shape the host microbiome towards better prognostic outcomes. Finally, we provide a data-driven rationale for potential future pre-clinical research involving non-human primates (NHPs) to investigate the effect of nutraceuticals, such as phyto and synthetic cannabinoids, either alone or in combination with GFD to prevent/mitigate dietary gluten-induced neurodegeneration.
Mitochondrial Respiration Changes in R6/2 Huntington’s Disease Model Mice during Aging in a Brain Region Specific Manner
Authors: Burtscher Johannes , Di Pardo Alba , Maglione Vittorio , Schwarzer Christoph , Squitieri Ferdinando
Published: July 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction is crucially involved in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s Disease (HD). How mitochondria become compromised in HD is poorly understood but instrumental for the development of treatments to prevent or reverse resulting deficits. In this paper, we investigate whether oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) differs across brain regions in juvenile as compared to adult mice and whether such developmental changes might be compromised in the R6/2 mouse model of HD. We study OXPHOS in the striatum, hippocampus, and motor cortex by high resolution respirometry in female wild-type and R6/2 mice of ages corresponding to pre-symptomatic and symptomatic R6/2 mice. We observe a developmental shift in OXPHOS-control parameters that was similar in R6/2 mice, except for cortical succinate-driven respiration. While the LEAK state relative to maximal respiratory capacity was reduced in adult mice in all analyzed brain regions, succinate-driven respiration was reduced only in the striatum and cortex, and NADH-driven respiration was higher as compared to juvenile mice only in the striatum. We demonstrate age-related changes in respirational capacities of different brain regions with subtle deviations in R6/2 mice. Uncovering in situ oxygen conditions and potential substrate limitations during aging and HD disease progression are interesting avenues for future research to understand brain-regional vulnerability in HD.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profile of TPS Gene Family in Dendrobium officinale and the Role of DoTPS10 in Linalool Biosynthesis
Authors: Yu Zhenming , Zhao Conghui , Zhang Guihua , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Duan Jun
Published: July 2020

Terpene synthase (TPS) is a critical enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of terpenes, which possess diverse roles in plant growth and development. Although many terpenes have been reported in orchids, limited information is available regarding the genome-wide identification and characterization of the TPS family in the orchid, Dendrobium officinale. By integrating the D. officinale genome and transcriptional data, 34 TPS genes were found in D. officinale. These were divided into four subfamilies (TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, and TPS-e/f). Distinct tempospatial expression profiles of DoTPS genes were observed in 10 organs of D. officinale. Most DoTPS genes were predominantly expressed in flowers, followed by roots and stems. Expression of the majority of DoTPS genes was enhanced following exposure to cold and osmotic stresses. Recombinant DoTPS10 protein, located in chloroplasts, uniquely converted geranyl diphosphate to linalool in vitro. The DoTPS10 gene, which resulted in linalool formation, was highly expressed during all flower developmental stages. Methyl jasmonate significantly up-regulated DoTPS10 expression and linalool accumulation. These results simultaneously provide valuable insight into understanding the roles of the TPS family and lay a basis for further studies on the regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis by DoTPS in D. officinale.
d-Amino Acids in Plants: Sources, Metabolism, and Functions
Authors: Kolukisaoglu Üner
Published: July 2020

Although plants are permanently exposed to d-amino acids (d-AAs) in the rhizosphere, these compounds were for a long time regarded as generally detrimental, due to their inhibitory effects on plant growth. Recent studies showed that this statement needs a critical revision. There were several reports of active uptake by and transport of d-AAs in plants, leading to the question whether these processes happened just as side reactions or even on purpose. The identification and characterization of various transporter proteins and enzymes in plants with considerable affinities or specificities for d-AAs also pointed in the direction of their targeted uptake and utilization. This attracted more interest, as d-AAs were shown to be involved in different physiological processes in plants. Especially, the recent characterization of d-AA stimulated ethylene production in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed for the first time a physiological function for a specific d-AA and its metabolizing enzyme in plants. This finding opened the question regarding the physiological or developmental contexts in which d-AA stimulated ethylene synthesis are involved in. This question and the ones about the transport characteristics of d-AAs, their metabolism, and their different physiological effects, are the focus of this review.
Corneal UV Protective Effects of a Topical Antioxidant Formulation: A Pilot Study on In Vivo Rabbits
Authors: Palazzo Marisa , Vizzarri Francesco , Ondruška Lubomir , Rinaldi Michele , Pacente Luigi , Guerra Germano , Merolla Francesco , Caruso Ciro , Costagliola Ciro
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a topical antioxidant and ultraviolet (UV) shielding action formulation containing riboflavin and D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) vitamin E against corneal UV-induced damage in vivo rabbit eyes. In vivo experiments were performed using male albino rabbits, which were divided into four groups. The control group (CG) did not receive any UV irradiation; the first group (IG) was irradiated with a UV-B−UV-A lamp for 30 min; the second (G30) and third (G60) groups received UV irradiation for 30 and 60 min, respectively, and were topically treated with one drop of the antioxidant and shielding formulation every 15 min, starting one hour before irradiation, until the end of UV exposure. The cornea of the IG group showed irregular thickening, detachment of residual fragments of the Descemet membrane, stromal fluid swelling with consequent collagen fiber disorganization and disruption, and inflammation. The cornea of the G30 group showed edema, a mild thickening of the Descemet membrane without fibrillar collagen disruption and focal discoloration, or inflammation. In the G60 group, the cornea showed a more severe thickening, a more abundant fluid accumulation underneath the Descemet membrane with focal detachment, and no signs of severe tissue alterations, as were recorded in the IG group. Our results demonstrate that topical application of eye drops containing riboflavin and TPGS vitamin E counteracts UV corneal injury in exposed rabbits.
Genetics in Cartilage Lesions: Basic Science and Therapy Approaches
Authors: Szwedowski Dawid , Szczepanek Joanna , Paczesny Łukasz , Pękała Przemysław , Zabrzyński Jan , Kruczyński Jacek
Published: July 2020

Cartilage lesions have a multifactorial nature, and genetic factors are their strongest determinants. As biochemical and genetic studies have dramatically progressed over the past decade, the molecular basis of cartilage pathologies has become clearer. Several homeostasis abnormalities within cartilaginous tissue have been found, including various structural changes, differential gene expression patterns, as well as altered epigenetic regulation. However, the efficient treatment of cartilage pathologies represents a substantial challenge. Understanding the complex genetic background pertaining to cartilage pathologies is useful primarily in the context of seeking new pathways leading to disease progression as well as in developing new targeted therapies. A technology utilizing gene transfer to deliver therapeutic genes to the site of injury is quickly becoming an emerging approach in cartilage renewal. The goal of this work is to provide an overview of the genetic basis of chondral lesions and the different approaches of the most recent systems exploiting therapeutic gene transfer in cartilage repair. The integration of tissue engineering with viral gene vectors is a novel and active area of research. However, despite promising preclinical data, this therapeutic concept needs to be supported by the growing body of clinical trials.
RETRACTED: López-Valverde et al. Use of Virtual Reality for the Management of Anxiety and Pain in Dental Treatments: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9, 1025
Authors: López-Valverde Nansi , Muriel Fernández Jorge , López-Valverde Antonio , Valero Juan Luis , Ramírez Juan , Flores Fraile Javier , Herrero Payo Julio , Blanco Antona Leticia , Macedo de Sousa Bruno , Bravo Manuel
Published: July 2020

The authors of a recent published paper [...]
Inflammatory Cells in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Tamma Roberto , Ranieri Girolamo , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Annese Tiziana , Oranger Angela , Gaudio Francesco , Musto Pellegrino , Specchia Giorgina , Ribatti Domenico
Published: July 2020

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), known as the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtype, is characterized by high clinical and biological heterogeneity. The tumor microenvironment (TME), in which the tumor cells reside, is crucial in the regulation of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, but it also has profound effects on therapeutic efficacy. The role of immune cells during DLBCL development is complex and involves reciprocal interactions between tumor cells, adaptive and innate immune cells, their soluble mediators and structural components present in the tumor microenvironment. Different immune cells are recruited into the tumor microenvironment and exert distinct effects on tumor progression and therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we focused on the role of macrophages, Neutrophils, T cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells in the DLBCL microenvironment and their implication as target for DLBCL treatment. These new therapies, carried out by the induction of adaptive immunity through vaccination or passive of immunologic effectors delivery, enhance the ability of the immune system to react against the tumor antigens inducing the destruction of tumor cells.
Patient Management in Aortic Stenosis: Towards Precision Medicine through Protein Analysis, Imaging and Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Mourino-Alvarez Laura , Martin-Rojas Tatiana , Corros-Vicente Cecilia , Corbacho-Alonso Nerea , Padial Luis R. , Solis Jorge , Barderas María G.
Published: July 2020

Aortic stenosis is the most frequent valvular disease in developed countries. It progresses from mild fibrocalcific leaflet changes to a more severe leaflet calcification at the end stages of the disease. Unfortunately, symptoms of aortic stenosis are unspecific and only appear when it is too late, complicating patients’ management. The global impact of aortic stenosis is increasing due to the growing elderly population. The disease supposes a great challenge because of the multiple comorbidities of these patients. Nowadays, the only effective treatment is valve replacement, which has a high cost in both social and economic terms. For that reason, it is crucial to find potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic indicators that could help us to detect this disease in its earliest stages. In this article, we comprehensively review several key observations and translational studies related to protein markers that are promising for being implemented in the clinical field as well as a discussion about the role of precision medicine in aortic stenosis.
Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Allied Health Optimisation Clinic for Cancer Patients with Complex Needs
Authors: Ray Hannah , Beaumont Anna , Loeliger Jenelle , Martin Alicia , Marston Celia , Gough Karla , Bordia Shilpa , Ftanou Maria , Kiss Nicole
Published: July 2020

This study examined the feasibility of implementing a multidisciplinary allied health model of care (MOC) for cancer patients with complex needs. The MOC in this retrospective study provided up to eight weeks of nutritional counselling, exercise prescription, fatigue management and psychological support. Implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, fidelity and appropriateness) were evaluated using nine patient interviews, and operational data and medical records of 185 patients referred between August 2017 and December 2018. Adoption, including intention to try and uptake, were acceptable: 88% of referred patients agreed to screening and 71% of eligible patients agreed to clinic participation. Fidelity was mixed, secondary to inpatient admissions and disease progression interrupting patient participation. Clinician compliance with outcome assessment was variable at program commencement (dietetic, 95%; physiotherapy, 91%; occupational therapy, 33%; quality of life, 23%) and low at program completion (dietetic, 32%; physiotherapy, 13%; occupational therapy, 10%; quality of life, 11%) mainly due to non-attendance. Patient interviews revealed high satisfaction and perceived appropriateness. Adoption of the optimisation clinic was acceptable. Interview responses suggest patients feel the clinic is both acceptable and appropriate. This indicates a multidisciplinary model is an important aspect of comprehensive, timely and effective care. However, fidelity was low, secondary to the complexities of the patient cohort.
Effects of 24-Week Exergame Intervention on the Gray Matter Volume of Different Brain Structures in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Leon-Llamas Juan Luis , Villafaina Santos , Murillo-Garcia Alvaro , Dominguez-Muñoz Francisco Javier , Gusi Narcis
Published: July 2020

Background: Exergame-induced changes in the volume of brain gray matter have not been studied in fibromyalgia (FM). This study evaluates the effects of a 24-week exergame-based intervention on the gray matter volume of different brain structures in patients with FM through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A total of 25 FM patients completed 24 weeks of intervention program, and another 25 FM patients did not receive any intervention. T1-weighted MRI was used to assess brain volume, and FreeSurfer software was used to segment the brain regions. Results: No significant effects on gray matter volume of different structures and total gray matter were found. Conclusions: FM patients did not show significant changes in gray matter brain volume between the control and experimental groups after 24 weeks. FM patients showed significant relationships between peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and the left and right regions of the hippocampus and the left and right regions of the amygdala.
Effect of Nickel Doping on the Cure Kinetics of Epoxy/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites
Authors: Jouyandeh Maryam , Karami Zohre , Paran Seyed Mohammad Reza , Mashhadzadeh Amin Hamed , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Bagheri Babak , Zarrintaj Payam , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Vijayan P. Poornima , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2020

This short communication aims to evaluate the cure kinetics of epoxy/NixFe3−xO4 nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) provided support for cure kinetics analysis based on the variation of activation energy (Eα) as a function of the extent of crosslinking reaction, α. The average values of Eα calculated based on Kissinger and Friedman methods were 59.22 and 57.35 kJ/mol for the neat epoxy, 43.37 and 48.74 kJ/mol for the epoxy/Fe3O4, and eventually 50.48 and 49.19 kJ/mol for the epoxy/NixFe3−xO4 nanocomposites. The partial replacement of Fe2+ ion sites in the Fe3O4 crystal lattice by the Ni2+ ions changed to some content the cure kinetic profile because of the fact that a lower level of energy was needed for curing by incorporation of NixFe3−xO4 into the epoxy matrix. The rate of reaction calculated theoretically adequately fitted with experimental profiles obtained in DSC experiments.
Multifaceted Exercise Prescription in the Management of an Overhead Athlete with Suspected Distal Biceps Tendinopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Holshouser Cameron , Jayaseelan Dhinu J.
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose: Distal biceps brachii tendinopathy is an uncommon diagnosis. Various exercise prescriptions have demonstrated efficacy in the management of tendinopathy, although studies frequently focus on the effects of a specific type of muscular contraction (i.e., concentric, isometric, or eccentric). Currently, there is limited research guiding the conservative management of distal biceps tendinopathy, particularly with overhead athletes, and even less evidence reporting a multifaceted exercise prescription for individuals with tendinopathy. The purpose of this case report is to describe the integration of various modes of therapeutic exercise into a rehabilitation program for an overhead athlete with suspected distal biceps brachii tendinopathy. Case Description: A 19-year-old male collegiate baseball pitcher presented to an outpatient physical therapy clinic via direct access for left antecubital pain, which began 6 weeks prior to the evaluation while pitching during try-outs. Following physical examination, distal biceps tendinopathy was the likely clinical diagnosis. Interventions focused on early eccentric exercise eventually progressing to concentric and plyometric activity for return to sport. Outcomes: The patient was seen five times over the course of 4 weeks. He had significant improvements of pain, patient-reported functional outcomes, global rating of change, strength, tenderness, and provocation testing. The patient was able to return to an off-season pitching program. Discussion: An impairment-based and task-specific exercise prescription was effective for this patient with distal biceps tendinopathy. Understanding the biomechanical demands of an individual’s functional limitation, in this case baseball pitching, may assist the decision-making process and optimize outcomes. Additional research into the most effective exercise prescriptions for individuals with uncommon tendinopathies is warranted.
No-Reference Quality Assessment of In-Capture Distorted Videos
Authors: Agarla Mirko , Celona Luigi , Schettini Raimondo
Published: July 2020

We introduce a no-reference method for the assessment of the quality of videos affected by in-capture distortions due to camera hardware and processing software. The proposed method encodes both quality attributes and semantic content of each video frame by using two Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and then estimates the quality score of the whole video by using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), which models the temporal information. The extensive experiments conducted on four benchmark databases (CVD2014, KoNViD-1k, LIVE-Qualcomm, and LIVE-VQC) containing in-capture distortions demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and its ability to generalize in cross-database setup.
Determination of Semi-Empirical Models for Mean Wave Overtopping Using an Evolutionary Polynomial Paradigm
Authors: Altomare Corrado , Laucelli Daniele B. , Mase Hajime , Gironella Xavi
Published: July 2020

The present work employs the so-called Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR) algorithm to build up a formula for the assessment of mean wave overtopping discharge for smooth sea dikes and vertical walls. EPR is a data-mining tool that combines and integrates numerical regression and genetic programming. This technique is here employed to dig into the relationship between the mean discharge and main hydraulic and structural parameters that characterize the problem under study. The parameters are chosen based on the existing and most used semi-empirical formulas for wave overtopping assessment. Besides the structural freeboard or local wave height, the unified models highlight the importance of local water depth and wave period in combination with foreshore slope and dike slope on the overtopping phenomena, which are combined in a unique parameter that is defined either as equivalent or imaginary slope. The obtained models aim to represent a trade-off between accuracy and parsimony. The final formula is simple but can be employed for a preliminary assessment of overtopping rates, covering the full range of dike slopes, from mild to vertical walls, and of water depths from the shoreline to deep water, including structures with emergent toes.
An Experimental and Theoretical Study of Wave Damping due to the Elastic Coating of the Sea Surface
Authors: Shugan Igor , Yang Ray-Yeng , Chen Yang-Yih
Published: July 2020

Flexible plates or membranes located on the sea surface can be effective for attenuation waves approaching the beach. The most efficient structures should be found through comprehensive research using developed experiments and theory. Our experimental work was focused on the wave propagation and attenuation passing through floating elastic structures. The experiments were conducted at the wave flume of Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. The experiment mainly analyzes the reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient and energy loss of the regular wave of intermediate water depth after passing through the elastic structure under different wave steepness and other different wave conditions. Our experiments also explore the comparison of energy dissipation effects and the differences in motion characteristics between different elastic plates and different plate fixing methods. Three elastic materials were tested in the experiments: Latex, cool cotton and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A model of a thin elastic plate covering the sea surface was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the structure of the wave barrier. The results of experiments carried out in the wave flume were compared with theoretical predictions in a wide range of generated waves.
A Theoretical Framework for Bolstering Human-Nature Connections and Urban Resilience via Green Infrastructure
Authors: Parker Jackie , Simpson Greg D.
Published: July 2020

Demand for resources and changing structures of human settlements arising from population growth are impacting via the twin crises of anthropogenic climate change and declining human health. Informed by documentary research, this article explores how Urban Resilience Theory (URT) and Human-Nature Connection Theory (HNCT) can inform urban development that leverages urban green infrastructure (UGI) to mitigate and meditate these two crises. The findings of this article are that UGI can be the foundation for action to reduce the severity and impact of those crises and progress inclusive and sustainable community planning and urban development. In summary, the URT promotes improvement in policy and planning frameworks, risk reduction techniques, adaptation strategies, disaster recovery mechanisms, environmentally sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel energy, the building of social capital, and integration of ecologically sustainable UGI. Further, the HNCT advocates pro-environmental behaviors to increase the amount and accessibility of quality remnant and restored UGI to realize the human health benefits provided by nature, while simultaneously enhancing the ecological diversity and health of indigenous ecosystems. The synthesis of this article postulates that realizing the combined potential of URT and HNCT is essential to deliver healthy urban settlements that accommodate projected urban population growth towards the end of the 21st-century.
In Vitro Evaluation of Lignin-Containing Nanocellulose
Authors: Kim Donguk , Jeong Jaehyeon , Ryu Ji-Ae , Choi Sa Rang , Lee Jung Myoung , Bunch Heeyoun
Published: July 2020

The increasing importance of environmental sustainability has led to the development of new materials that are environmentally friendly, functional, and cost-effective. Lignin-containing cellulose nanomaterials are a common example of these. The advantages of lignocelluloses include their renewability, sustainability, and functionality combined with molecular rigidity and enhanced hydrophobicity. In order to valorize these beneficial traits from lignin-containing nanocellulose, various approaches have been examined in industrial applications. However, the safety of these materials has not been tested or validated in humans. In this study, we tested 21 wt% lignin-containing nanocellulose (L-MFC) in vitro using the human lung and kidney cell lines, H460 and HEK293 cells, respectively. The cytotoxicity of cellulose, L-MFC, and lignin was compared using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt assays. In addition, the gene expressions of HSP70 and HSP90 as cellular stress markers treated with cellulose, L-MFC, and lignin were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Our data indicated little cytotoxicity for cellulose and significant cytotoxicity for lignin and a relatively low level of cytotoxicity for L-MFC, providing the lethal median concentration (LC50) values of L-MFC and lignin. The gene expression of HSP70 and HSP90 was little affected by moderate concentrations of L-MFC. Interestingly, the lignin contained in L-MFC influenced the cell viability and the gene expression of HSP70 and HSP90 less than the same amount of lignin alone. These results indicate that L-MFC displays cell-type-dependent sensitivity and suggest that L-MFC could serve as a new eco-friendly material that is relatively safe for humans.
Optimal Position of Attachment for Removable Thermoplastic Aligner on the Lower Canine Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Kim Won-Hyeon , Hong Kyoungjae , Lim Dohyung , Lee Jong-Ho , Jung Yu , Kim Bongju
Published: July 2020

Malocclusion is considered as a developmental disorder rather than a disease, and it may be affected by the composition and proportions of masseter muscle fibers. Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with diagnosis and care of various irregular bite and/or malocclusion. Recent developments of 3D scanner and 3D printing technology has led to the use of a removable thermoplastic aligner (RTA), which is widely used due to its aesthetic excellence, comfortableness, and time efficiency. However, orthodontics using only an RTA has lower treatment efficacy and accuracy due to the differing movement of teeth from the plan. In order to improve these disadvantages, attachments were used, and biomechanical analyses were performed with and without them. However, there is insufficient research on the movement of teeth and the transfer of load according to the attachment position and shape. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to identify the optimal shape and position of attachments by analyzing various shapes and positions of attachments. Through 3D finite element analysis (FEA), simple tooth shape and mandibular canine shape were extracted in order to construct the orthodontics model which took into account the various shapes and positions of attachments. The optimal shape of a cylinder was derived through the FEA of simple tooth shape and analyzing various positions of attachments on teeth revealed that fixing the attachments at the lingual side of the tooth rather than the buccal side allowed for torque control and an effective movement of the teeth. Therefore, we suggest fixing the attachments at the lingual side rather than the buccal side of the tooth to induce effective movement of teeth in orthodontic treatment with the RTA in case of canine teeth.
Prediction and Measurement of the Damping Ratios of Laminated Polymer Composite Plates
Authors: Sol Hugo , Rahier Hubert , Gu Jun
Published: July 2020

Laminated composites materials are mostly used in dynamically loaded structures. The design of these structures with finite element packages is focused on vibrations, elastic deformations and failure control. Damping is often neglected because of its assumed secondary importance and also because of dearth of information on relevant material properties. This trend is prone to change as it is now realised that damping plays an increasingly important role in vibration comfort, noise radiation and crash simulations. This paper shows in a first step how to identify the orthotropic elastic and damping properties of single layer fibre-reinforced composite material sheets using a new extended version of the Resonalyser procedure. The procedure is based on the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle and uses a mixed numerical experimental method. In a subsequent step, the complex laminate stiffness values are computed using the identified single layer material properties. To validate this approach, the modal damping ratios of arbitrary laminated plates of different materials at several resonance frequencies are predicted and experimentally verified.
Reactive Materials in the Removal of Phosphorus Compounds from Wastewater—A Review
Authors: Gubernat Sylwia , Masłoń Adam , Czarnota Joanna , Koszelnik Piotr
Published: July 2020

Modern technologies designed to treat wastewater containing phosphorus compounds are based on the processes of adsorption and precipitation. In addition, more environmentally friendly and cheaper materials are being sought to ensure greater conformity with overarching assumptions of green chemistry and sustainable development. Against that background, this paper offers a review and analysis of available information on the considered reactive materials that have the capacity to remove phosphorus from wastewater. These materials are categorised as natural (with a sub-division in line with the dominant sorption groups of Al/Fe or Ca/Mg), waste, or man-made. Notably, most studies on sorbents have been carried out in laboratory systems via experimentation under static conditions. Among the natural materials, opoka has the highest sorption capacity of 181.20 g P/kg, while red mud (in the waste material category) is most efficient at binding phosphorus with a level of 345.02 g P/kg. Finally, among the group of commercial materials, Rockfos® has the highest sorption capacity of 256.40 g P/kg. In addition, this paper recognises the effect of composition, pH, and physical properties on a reactive material’s capacity to absorb phosphorus, as well as the possibility for further potential use in the production of fertilisers.