bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test-Retest Reliability and Walk Score® Neighbourhood Walkability Comparison of an Online Perceived Neighbourhood-Specific Adaptation of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Authors: Frehlich Levi , Blackstaffe Anita , McCormack Gavin R.
Published: May 2019

There is a growing public health interest in the contributions of the built environment in enabling and supporting physical activity. However, few tools measuring neighbourhood-specific physical activity exist. This study assessed the reliability of an established physical activity tool (International Physical Activity Questionnaire: IPAQ) adapted to capture perceived neighbourhood-specific physical activity (N-IPAQ) administered via the internet and compared N-IPAQ outcomes to differences in neighbourhood Walk Score®. A sample of n = 261 adults completed an online questionnaire on two occasions at least seven days apart. Questionnaire items captured walking, cycling, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity physical activity, undertaken inside the participant’s perceived neighbourhood in the past week. Intraclass correlations, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Cohen’s Kappa coefficients estimated item test-retest reliability. Regression estimated the associations between self-reported perceived neighbourhood-specific physical activity and Walk Score®. With the exception of moderate physical activity duration, participation and duration for all physical activities demonstrated moderate reliability. Transportation walking participation and duration was higher (p < 0.05) in more walkable neighbourhoods. The N-IPAQ administered online found differences in neighbourhoods that vary in their walkability. Future studies investigating built environments and self-reported physical activity may consider using the online version of the N-IPAQ.
Air Pollution/Irritants, Asthma Control, and Health-Related Quality of Life among 9/11-Exposed Individuals with Asthma
Authors: Yung Janette , Osahan Sukhminder , Friedman Stephen M. , Li Jiehui , Cone James E.
Published: May 2019

Asthma control is suboptimal among World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR) enrollees. Air pollution/irritants have been reported as the most prevalent trigger among World Trade Center responders. We examined the relationship between air pollution/irritants and asthma control. We also evaluated the association of asthma control with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We included 6202 enrollees age ≥18 with a history of asthma who completed the WTCHR asthma survey between 2015 and 2016. Based on modified National Asthma Education and Prevention Program criteria, asthma was categorized as controlled, poorly-controlled, or very poorly-controlled. HRQoL indicators include ≥14 unhealthy days, ≥14 activity limitation days, and self-rated general health. We used multinomial logistic regression for asthma control, and unconditional logistic regression for HRQoL, adjusting for covariates. Overall, 27.1% had poorly-controlled and 32.2% had very poorly-controlled asthma. Air pollution/irritants were associated with poorly-controlled (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.45–1.99) and very poorly-controlled asthma (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.83–2.53). Poor asthma control in turn worsened the HRQoL of asthmatic patients. Very poorly-controlled asthma was significantly associated with ≥14 unhealthy days (AOR = 3.60; 95% CI = 3.02–4.30), ≥14 activity limitation days (AOR = 4.37; 95% CI = 3.48–5.50), and poor/fair general health status (AOR = 4.92; 95% CI = 4.11–5.89). Minimizing World Trade Center (WTC) asthmatic patients’ exposure to air pollution/irritants may improve their disease management and overall well-being.
A Multilevel Terrain Rendering Method Based on Dynamic Stitching Strips
Authors: Zhang Liwei , She Jiangfeng , Tan Junzhong , Wang Biao , Sun Yuchang
Published: May 2019

High-quality terrain rendering has been the focus of many visualization applications over recent decades. Many terrain rendering methods use the strategy of Level of Detail (LOD) to create adaptive terrain models, but the transition between different levels is usually not handled well, which may cause popping artefacts that seriously affect the reality of the terrain model. In recent years, many researchers have tried using modern Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to complete heavy rendering tasks. By leveraging the great power of GPU, high quality terrain models with rich details can be rendered in real time, although the problem of popping artefacts still persists. In this study, we propose a real-time terrain rendering method with GPU tessellation that can effectively reduce the popping artefacts. Coupled with a view-dependent updating scheme, a multilevel terrain representation based on the flexible Dynamic Stitching Strip (DSS) is developed. During rendering, the main part of the terrain model is tessellated into appropriate levels using GPU tessellation. DSSs, generated in parallel, can seamlessly make the terrain transitions between different levels much smoother. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can meet the requirements of real-time rendering and achieve a better visual quality compared with other methods.
Impact and Relevance of the Unfolded Protein Response in HNSCC
Authors: Pluquet Olivier , Galmiche Antoine
Published: May 2019

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) encompass a heterogeneous group of solid tumors that arise from the upper aerodigestive tract. The tumor cells face multiple challenges including an acute demand of protein synthesis often driven by oncogene activation, limited nutrient and oxygen supply and exposure to chemo/radiotherapy, which forces them to develop adaptive mechanisms such as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). It is now well documented that the UPR, a homeostatic mechanism, is induced at different stages of cancer progression in response to intrinsic (oncogenic activation) or extrinsic (microenvironment) perturbations. This review will discuss the role of the UPR in HNSCC as well as in the key processes that characterize the physiology of HNSCC. The role of the UPR in the clinical context of HNSCC will also be addressed.
Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer with High Expression of Androgen Receptor has Less Cytolytic Activity and Worse Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy but Better Survival
Authors: Okano Maiko , Oshi Masanori , Butash Ali Linsk , Asaoka Mariko , Katsuta Eriko , Peng Xuan , Qi Qianya , Yan Li , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: May 2019

Estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer (BC), the most abundant BC subtype, is notorious for poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The androgen receptor (AR) was reported to support estradiol-mediated ER activity in an in vitro system. Recently, ER-positive BC with fewer tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was shown to have a better prognosis, opposite to the trend seen with ER-negative BC. We hypothesized that ER-positive BC with high expression of AR will have fewer TILs and an inferior response to NAC, but with a better prognosis. In both TCGA and METABRIC cohorts, AR expression was significantly higher in ER-positive BCs compared to ER-negatives (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and it correlated with ER expression (R = 0.630, R = 0.509, respectively). In ER-positive tumors, AR high tumors enriched UV response down (NES = 2.01, p < 0.001), and AR low tumors enriched DNA repair (NES = −2.02, p < 0.001). AR high tumors were significantly associated with procancer regulatory T-cells, and AR low tumors were associated with anticancer immune cells, such as CD4, CD8, and Gamma-Delta T-cells and memory B-cells in ER-positive BC (p < 0.01). Further, cytolytic activity was significantly lower in AR high BC in both cohorts. Finally, AR high tumors had a significantly lower rate of attaining pathological complete response to NAC (GSE22358), but better survival. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that high AR has fewer tumor infiltrating lymphocytes as well as cytolytic activity and an inferior response to NAC, but better survival in ER-positive BC.
Leptin-induced Trafficking of KATP Channels: A Mechanism to Regulate Pancreatic β-cell Excitability and Insulin Secretion
Authors: Cochrane Veronica , Shyng Show-Ling
Published: May 2019

The adipocyte hormone leptin was first recognized for its actions in the central nervous system to regulate energy homeostasis but has since been shown to have direct actions on peripheral tissues. In pancreatic β-cells leptin suppresses insulin secretion by increasing KATP channel conductance, which causes membrane hyperpolarization and renders β-cells electrically silent. However, the mechanism by which leptin increases KATP channel conductance had remained unresolved for many years following the initial observation. Recent studies have revealed that leptin increases surface abundance of KATP channels by promoting channel trafficking to the β-cell membrane. Thus, KATP channel trafficking regulation has emerged as a mechanism by which leptin increases KATP channel conductance to regulate β-cell electrical activity and insulin secretion. This review will discuss the leptin signaling pathway that underlies KATP channel trafficking regulation in β-cells.
Circadian (De)regulation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rahman Sadia , Kraljević Pavelić Sandra , Markova-Car Elitza
Published: May 2019

Head and neck cancer encompass different malignancies that develop in and around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and mouth. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) that arise in the flat squamous cells that makeup the thin layer of tissue on the surface of anatomical structures in the head and neck. Each year, HNSCC is diagnosed in more than 600,000 people worldwide, with about 50,000 new cases. HNSCC is considered extremely curable if detected early. But the problem remains in treatment of inoperable cases, residues or late stages. Circadian rhythm regulation has a big role in developing various carcinomas, and head and neck tumors are no exception. A number of studies have reported that alteration in clock gene expression is associated with several cancers, including HNSCC. Analyses on circadian clock genes and their association with HNSCC have shown that expression of PER1, PER2, PER3, CRY1, CRY2, CKIε, TIM, and BMAL1 are deregulated in HNSCC tissues. This review paper comprehensively presents data on deregulation of circadian genes in HNSCC and critically evaluates their potential diagnostics and prognostics role in this type of pathology.
The Volume-Regulated Anion Channel LRRC8/VRAC Is Dispensable for Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Liu Tianbao , Stauber Tobias
Published: May 2019

Cells possess the capability to adjust their volume for various physiological processes, presumably including cell proliferation and migration. The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC), formed by LRRC8 heteromers, is critically involved in regulatory volume decrease of vertebrate cells. The VRAC has also been proposed to play a role in cell cycle progression and cellular motility. Indeed, recent reports corroborated this notion, with potentially important implications for the VRAC in cancer progression. In the present study, we examined the role of VRAC during cell proliferation and migration in several cell types, including C2C12 myoblasts, human colon cancer HCT116 cells, and U251 and U87 glioblastoma cells. Surprisingly, neither pharmacological inhibition of VRAC with 4-[(2-Butyl-6,7-dichloro-2-cyclopentyl-2,3-dihydro-1-oxo-1H-inden-5-yl)oxy]butanoic acid (DCPIB), carbenoxolone or 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropyl-amino)benzoic acid (NPPB), nor siRNA-mediated knockdown or gene knockout of the essential VRAC subunit LRRC8A affected cell growth and motility in any of the investigated cell lines. Additionally, we found no effect of the VRAC inhibition using siRNA treatment or DCPIB on PI3K/Akt signaling in glioblastoma cells. In summary, our work suggests that VRAC is dispensable for cell proliferation or migration.
Molecular Characterization of Influenza Strains in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units during the 2017–2018 Season
Authors: Piralla Antonio , Pariani Elena , Giardina Federica , Galli Cristina , Sapia Davide , Pellegrinelli Laura , Novazzi Federica , Anselmi Giovanni , Rovida Francesca , Mojoli Francesco , Cereda Danilo , Senatore Sabrina , Baldanti Fausto
Published: May 2019

This study aimed at assessing the frequency and the distribution of influenza virus types/subtypes in 172 laboratory-confirmed influenza-positive patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) during the 2017–2018 season in the Lombardy region (Northern Italy), and to investigate the presence of molecular pathogenicity markers. A total of 102/172 (59.3%) patients had influenza A infections (83 A/H1N1pdm09, 2 H3N2 and 17 were untyped), while the remaining 70/172 (40.7%) patients had influenza B infections. The 222G/N mutation in the hemagglutinin gene was identified in 33.3% (3/9) of A/H1N1pdm09 strains detected in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) samples and was also associated with more severe infections, whereas no peculiar mutations were observed for influenza B strains. A single-point evolution was observed in site 222 of A/H1N1pdm09 viruses, which might advantage viral evolution by favouring virus binding and replication in the lungs. Data from 17 paired upper respiratory tract (URT) and LRT samples showed that viral load in LRT samples was mostly higher than that detected in URT samples. Of note, influenza viruses were undetectable in 35% of paired URT samples. In conclusion, LRT samples appear to provide more accurate clinical information than URT samples, thus ensuring correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patients with severe respiratory infections requiring ICU admission.
Cytomegalovirus Infections after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Current Status and Future Immunotherapy
Authors: Cho Sung-Yeon , Lee Dong-Gun , Kim Hee-Je
Published: May 2019

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the critical infectious complications related to host immune recovery. The spectrum of CMV infection is quite extensive, from asymptomatic CMV reactivation presenting mainly as CMV DNAemia to fatal CMV diseases involving gut, liver, lungs, or brain. In addition to organ involvement, CMV reactivation can exert indirect effects such as immunosuppression or graft failure that may result in the development of concurrent infectious complications. Currently, preemptive therapy, which is based on PCR-based monitoring of CMV from blood, is a mainstay enabling improvement in CMV-related outcomes. During the past decades, new antiviral drugs, clinical trials for prophylaxis in high-risk groups, and vaccines for preventing CMV infection have been introduced. In addition, data for immunologic monitoring and adoptive immunotherapy have also been accumulated. Here, we review the current status and recent updates in this field, with future perspectives including immunotherapy in HSCT recipients.
Chitin Nanofibrils and Nanolignin as Functional Agents in Skin Regeneration
Authors: Danti Serena , Trombi Luisa , Fusco Alessandra , Azimi Bahareh , Lazzeri Andrea , Morganti Pierfrancesco , Coltelli Maria-Beatrice , Donnarumma Giovanna
Published: May 2019

Chitin and lignin, by-products of fishery and plant biomass, can be converted to innovative high value bio- and eco-compatible materials. On the nanoscale, high antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizing and anti-aging activity is obtained by controlling their crystalline structure and purity. Moreover, electropositive chitin nanofibrlis (CN) can be combined with electronegative nanolignin (NL) leading to microcapsule-like systems suitable for entrapping both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules. The aim of this study was to provide morphological, physico-chemical, thermogravimetric and biological characterization of CN, NL, and CN-NL complexes, which were also loaded with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as a model of a bioactive molecule. CN-NL and CN-NL/GA were thermally stable up to 114 °C and 127 °C, respectively. The compounds were administered to in vitro cultures of human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) for potential use in skin contact applications. Cell viability, cytokine expression and effects on hMSC multipotency were studied. For each component, CN, NL, CN-NL and CN-NL/GA, non-toxic concentrations towards HaCaT cells were identified. In the keratinocyte model, the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α that resulted were downregulated, whereas the antimicrobial peptide human β defensin-2 was upregulated by CN-LN. The hMSCs were viable, and the use of these complexes did not modify the osteo-differentiation capability of these cells. The obtained findings demonstrate that these biocomponents are cytocompatible, show anti-inflammatory activity and may serve for the delivery of biomolecules for skin care and regeneration.
Dioxin and Related Compound Detection: Perspectives for Optical Monitoring
Authors: Patrizi Barbara , Siciliani de Cumis Mario , Viciani Silvia , D’Amato Francesco
Published: May 2019

Dioxins and related compounds are environmental xenobiotics that are dangerous to human life, due to the accumulation and persistence in the environment and in the food chain. Cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, and damage to the immune system and endocrine system are only a few examples of the impact of such substances in everyday life. For these reasons, it is fundamental to detect and monitor these molecules in biological samples. The consolidated technique for analytical evaluation is gas chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Nowadays, the development of mid-infrared optical components like broadband laser sources, optical frequency combs, high performance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and plasmonic sensors open the way to new techniques for detection and real time monitoring of these organic pollutants in gaseous or liquid phase, with sufficient sensitivity and selectivity, and in short time periods. In this review, we report the latest techniques for the detection of dioxins, furans and related compounds based on optical and spectroscopic methods, looking at future perspectives.
Inhibitory Effects of Plant Trypsin Inhibitors Msti-94 and Msti-16 on Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Alfalfa
Authors: Zhao Hailong , Ullah Hidayat , McNeill Mark Richard , Du Guilin , Hao Kun , Tu Xiongbing , Zhang Zehua
Published: May 2019

The spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis trifolii (Monell)) is a known destructive pest that can significantly reduce alfalfa yields. Two differentially up-regulated alfalfa trypsin inhibitors ‘Msti-94’ and ‘Msti-16’ in transcriptome were verified in terms of their mRNA levels using RT-qPCR. The prokaryotic expression vector was constructed and its biological functions, including phenotypic and physiological responses, were verified through feeding spotted alfalfa aphids with active recombinant protein mixed with an artificial diet. Gene clone and gene prokaryotic expression confirmed that Msti-94 had a size of 651 bp, encoded 216 amino acids with a predicted protein weight of 23.5 kDa, and a pI value of 6.91. Similarly, the size of Msti-16 was 612 bp, encoded 203 amino acids, and had a predicted protein weight of 22.2 kDa with a pI value of 9.06. We concluded that both Msti-94 and Msti-16 acted as a stomach poison with survival rates reduced to 21.7% and 18.3%, respectively, as compared to the control, where the survival rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (60.0%). Aphid reproduction rates were significantly reduced, after 72 h of feeding, in both the Msti-94 and Msti-16 treatments compared to the controls. A concentration of 800 μg/mL (0.8 mg/mL) of recombinant protein and 5000 μg/mL (5 mg/mL) of recombinant expressing bacteria that inhibits the total protease, which ultimately disrupted the activity of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and aminopeptidase.
Value of Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy with 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC in Patients with Primary Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Anzola Luz Kelly , Rivera Josè Nelson , Dierckx Rudi A. , Lauri Chiara , Valabrega Stefano , Galli Filippo , Moreno Lopez Sergio , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Signore Alberto
Published: May 2019

Objectives: Primary Sjögren syndrome (SS) is diagnosed based on the American European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria, but lacks specificity, not only in the involvement of salivary glands, but also in extra-glandular involvement. Whole-body somatostatin receptor scintigraphy with 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy could overcome these limitations. The aims of this study were to evaluate salivary gland uptake of 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC in untreated patients with de-novo diagnosis of SS as compared to control subjects and as compared to conventional sialoscintigraphy with 99mTcO4−. We also aimed to evaluate the involvement of joints. Methods: 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC was used with SS patients and uptake in joints and salivary glands was analyzed semi-quantitatively. Patients also underwent 99mTcO4 sialoscintigraphy. The control group that we analyzed consisted of 30 patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Results: Fifty-two females and 10 males fully met the AECG criteria for SS, and were included. A target background ratio (TBR) >1.18 in submandibular glands correctly classified 93% of the patients with SS in comparison to 27% for 99mTcO4 sialoscintigraphy. The area under the curve (ROC) analysis for TBR in submandibular glands was 0.95. In joints there was a huge variety in uptake. The median TBR was significantly higher in salivary glands in patients with SS compared to controls. Conclusions: 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy identified active inflammatory processes not only in the salivary glands, but, unexpectedly, also in many joints in patients with primary SS, contrary to popular belief. This technique provides an objective parameter to evaluate the inflammation burden in salivary glands and joints and could be used to evaluate response to treatment.
Role of Adipokines in the Association between Thyroid Hormone and Components of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Delitala Alessandro P. , Scuteri Angelo , Fiorillo Edoardo , Lakatta Edward G. , Schlessinger David , Cucca Francesco
Published: May 2019

Metabolic syndrome (MS) increases cardiovascular risk. The role of thyroid hormone on components of MS is unclear. We analyzed a sample of 4733 euthyroid subjects from SardiNIA study. In female thyrotropin (TSH) was significantly and positively associated with triglycerides (Standardized regression coefficients (β) = 0.081, p < 0.001). Free thyroxine (FT4) was positively associated with HDL (β = 0.056, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β = 0.059, p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β = 0.044, p < 0.01), and fasting glucose (β = 0.046, p < 0.01). Conversely, FT4 showed a negative association with waist circumference (β = −0.052, p < 0.001). In TSH was positively associated with triglycerides (β = 0.111, p < 0.001) and FT4 showed a positive association with DBP (β = 0.51, p < 0.01). The addition of leptin and adiponectin to the regression models did not substantially change the impact of thyroid hormones on components of MS. Our data suggest that, even within the euthyroid range, excess of truncal adipose tissue is associated with variations in FT4. Leptin and adiponectin exert an additive effect rather than a causal effect. Additional studies should be performed to determine the clinical significance of this finding.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Show Reduced “Stemness” through an Altered Secretome Profile, Impaired Anti-Oxidative Protection, and Mitochondrial Dynamics Deterioration
Authors: Alicka Michalina , Major Piotr , Wysocki Michał , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: May 2019

The widespread epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), suggests that both disorders are closely linked. Several pre-clinical and clinical studies have showed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) transplantation is efficient and safe. Moreover, scientists have already highlighted the therapeutic capacity of their secretomes. In this study, we used quantitative PCR, a flow cytometry-based system, the ELISA method, spectrophotometry, and confocal and scanning electron microscopy, to compare the differences in proliferation activity, viability, morphology, mitochondrial dynamics, mRNA and miRNA expression, as well as the secretory activity of ASCs derived from two donor groups—non-diabetic and T2D patients. We demonstrated that ASCs from T2D patients showed a reduced viability and a proliferative potential. Moreover, they exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence phenotype, due to excessive oxidative stress. Significant differences were observed in the expressions of miRNA involved in cell proliferations (miR-16-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-145-5p), as well as miRNA and genes responsible for glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity (miR-24-3p, 140-3p, miR-17-5p, SIRT1, HIF-1α, LIN28, FOXO1, and TGFβ). We have observed a similar correlation of miR-16-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-24-3p, 140-3p, miR-17-5p, and miR-145-5p expression in extracellular vesicles fraction. Furthermore, we have shown that ASCT2D exhibited a lower VEGF, adiponectin, and CXCL-12 secretion, but showed an overproduction of leptin. We have shown that type 2 diabetes attenuated crucial functions of ASC, like proliferation, viability, and secretory activity, which highly reduced their therapeutic efficiency.
Evaluation of Biofeedback Usefulness in Masticatory Muscle Activity Management—A Systematic Review
Authors: Florjanski Wojciech , Malysa Andrzej , Orzeszek Sylwia , Smardz Joanna , Olchowy Anna , Paradowska-Stolarz Anna , Wieckiewicz Mieszko
Published: May 2019

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have multifactorial and complex etiology. Regardless of their etiology, all those conditions may result in centrally mediated chronic muscle pain, myalgia, myofascial pain, myofibrotic contracture, myosistis, myospasm, headache and a variety of neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back pain. Biofeedback (BF) is one of methods that has been used for more than 50 years in rehabilitation to facilitate normal movement patterns after injuries. Some studies suggest that biofeedback may be an effective treatment option for patients with different muscle disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of biofeedback in masticatory muscle activity management in the light of current medical literature. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for this systematic review. The authors searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL databases to identify relevant publications. Finally 10 papers were included. Most of the selected studies showed a significant correlation between biofeedback usage and reduction of masticatory muscle activity. By analyzing qualified studies, it can be concluded that biofeedback can be an effective tool in masticatory muscle activity management.
Investigating the Economic and Financial Damage around Currency Peg Failures
Authors: Ellis Colin , Gyoerk Emilia
Published: May 2019

The choice and structure of a country’s exchange rate regime has wide implications for the effectiveness and flexibility of monetary policy tools, as well as for economic and financial stability. We examine 21 instances where exchange rate pegs have been abandoned in the past, to gauge the potential economic damage associated with pegs failing. The sample includes major exchange rate shifts over the past thirty years, spanning from the Latin America currency crises of the 1990s to the peg abandonment in Egypt in 2016. Given the close interconnection of banks to the sovereign and the real economy, risks often flow through to, and can also be magnified by, the banking system. We therefore examine the interaction of currency peg abandonment with the occurrence of a banking crisis to investigate the different circumstances and impacts of exchange rate pegs failing. We have found that countries that simultaneously suffered a systemic banking crisis during the period of exchange rate regime shift also experienced significantly greater economic and financial damage following the adoption of a freely floating exchange rate. Nevertheless, regardless of whether there was a banking crisis, countries start showing signs of recovery after the same amount of time once the currency floated.
A Mineralogical Context for the Organic Matter in the Paris Meteorite Determined by A Multi-Technique Analysis
Authors: Noun Manale , Baklouti Donia , Brunetto Rosario , Borondics Ferenc , Calligaro Thomas , Dionnet Zélia , Le Sergeant d’Hendecourt Louis , Nsouli Bilal , Ribaud Isabelle , Roumie Mohamad , Della-Negra Serge
Published: May 2019

This study is a multi-technique investigation of the Paris carbonaceous chondrite directly applied on two selected 500 × 500 µm² areas of a millimetric fragment, without any chemical extraction. By mapping the partial hydration of the amorphous silicate phase dominating the meteorite sample matrix, infrared spectroscopy gave an interesting glimpse into the way the fluid may have circulated into the sample and partially altered it. The TOF-SIMS in-situ analysis allowed the studying and mapping of the wide diversity of chemical moieties composing the meteorite organic content. The results of the combined techniques show that at the micron scale, the organic matter was always spatially associated with the fine-grained and partially-hydrated amorphous silicates and to the presence of iron in different chemical states. These systematic associations, illustrated in previous studies of other carbonaceous chondrites, were further supported by the identification by TOF-SIMS of cyanide and/or cyanate salts that could be direct remnants of precursor ices that accreted with dust during the parent body formation, and by the detection of different metal-containing large organic ions. Finally, the results obtained emphasized the importance of studying the specific interactions taking place between organic and mineral phases in the chondrite matrix, in order to investigate their role in the evolution story of primitive organic matter in meteorite parent bodies.
Thermal Expansion and Magnetostriction of Laves-Phase Alloys: Fingerprints of Ferrimagnetic Phase Transitions
Authors: Zhou Chao , Bao Huixin , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Chang Tieyan , Chen Kaiyun , Zhang Yin , Tian Fanghua , Zuo Wenliang , Song Xiaoping , Yang Sen , Ren Yang , Ren Xiaobing
Published: May 2019

The magneto–elastic coupling effect correlates to the changes of moment and lattice upon magnetic phase transition. Here, we report that, in the pseudo-binary Laves-phase Tb1-xDyxCo2 system (x = 0.0, 0.7, and 1.0), thermal expansion and magnetostriction can probe the ferrimagnetic transitions from cubic to rhombohedral phase (in TbCo2), from cubic to tetragonal phase (in DyCo2), and from cubic to rhombohedral then to tetragonal phase (in Tb0.3Dy0.7Co2). Furthermore, a Landau polynomial approach is employed to qualitatively investigate the thermal expansion upon the paramagnetic (cubic) to ferrimagnetic (rhombohedral or tetragonal) transition, and the calculated thermal expansion curves agree with the experimental curves. Our work illustrates the correlation between crystal symmetry, magnetostriction, and thermal expansion in ferrimagnetic Laves-phase alloys and provides a new perspective to investigate ferrimagnetic transitions.
Study of Ultrasonic Dispersion of Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Tijun
Published: May 2019

Graphene has outstanding mechanical properties due to its unique structure, and is regarded as an ideal reinforcement of metal matrix composites. However, it is always in an agglomerate form due to its large specific surface area, and thus, it must be first dispersed prior to combining with a matrix, and ultrasonic treatment is considered to be the most effective way. In this work, the effects of parameters of tip ultrasonic treatment, such as ultrasonic time, ultrasonic power, solvent kind, and its temperature, on dispersion and structure of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were studied. The results show that increasing ultrasonic time or ultrasonic power can enhance the dispersion and exfoliation effects of GNPs, but also increase fragmentation degree and disorder degree of C-atom distribution simultaneously. Solvents with low temperature, low viscosity, or high surface tension have similar effects to those of increasing ultrasonic time or power. However, for tap water, a high-surface-tension solvent, it has relatively low fragmentation degree, and good dispersion and exfoliation effects due to the hydrophilicity of GNPs. However, ethyl alcohol is a more suitable solvent because it has excellent volatility and inert reaction characteristics with GNPs and matrix alloys besides a good dispersion effect. The GNPs can achieve the expected status when they are ultrasonically treated for 4 h under a power of 960 W in EA solvent at 35 °C.
Magma Seawater Inhibits Hepatic Lipid Accumulation through Suppression of Lipogenic Enzymes Regulated by SREBPs in Thioacetamide-Injected Rats
Authors: Woo Minji , Noh Jeong Sook , Kim Mi Jeong , Song Yeong Ok , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: May 2019

Thioacetamide (TAA) is known to induce lipid accumulation in the liver. In the present study, we investigated the effects of magma seawater (MS) rich in minerals on hepatic lipid metabolism by evaluating lipogenic enzymes regulated by sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). Rats (n = 10 per group) were intraperitoneally injected with TAA (200 mg/kg bw) thrice a week for seven weeks in combination with a respective experimental diet. Rats in the TAA-treated group received either a chow diet (Control group) or a chow diet containing MS (TMS group, 2.05%) or silymarin (TSM group, 0.05%). Rats in the normal group were injected with PBS as a vehicle and received a chow diet. Rats in the TMS group showed significantly lower hepatic lipid concentrations than rats in the control group (p < 0.05). Hepatic protein expression levels of fatty acid synthase, SREBP-1, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and SREBP-2 were significantly downregulated in the TMS group, whereas carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 levels were upregulated (p < 0.05). Hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were lower in the TMS group, whereas protein levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were elevated (p < 0.05). The effects of MS were comparable to those of silymarin. Our results evidently showed that MS inhibits hepatic lipid accumulation by suppressing lipid synthesis, accompanied by lipid oxidation and elevation of antioxidative status.
Natural Products from Cyanobacteria: Focus on Beneficial Activities
Authors: Demay Justine , Bernard Cécile , Reinhardt Anita , Marie Benjamin
Published: May 2019

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that colonize diverse environments worldwide, ranging from ocean to freshwaters, soils, and extreme environments. Their adaptation capacities and the diversity of natural products that they synthesize, support cyanobacterial success in colonization of their respective ecological niches. Although cyanobacteria are well-known for their toxin production and their relative deleterious consequences, they also produce a large variety of molecules that exhibit beneficial properties with high potential in various fields (e.g., a synthetic analog of dolastatin 10 is used against Hodgkin’s lymphoma). The present review focuses on the beneficial activities of cyanobacterial molecules described so far. Based on an analysis of 670 papers, it appears that more than 90 genera of cyanobacteria have been observed to produce compounds with potentially beneficial activities in which most of them belong to the orders Oscillatoriales, Nostocales, Chroococcales, and Synechococcales. The rest of the cyanobacterial orders (i.e., Pleurocapsales, Chroococcidiopsales, and Gloeobacterales) remain poorly explored in terms of their molecular diversity and relative bioactivity. The diverse cyanobacterial metabolites possessing beneficial bioactivities belong to 10 different chemical classes (alkaloids, depsipeptides, lipopeptides, macrolides/lactones, peptides, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, polyketides, and others) that exhibit 14 major kinds of bioactivity. However, no direct relationship between the chemical class and the respective bioactivity of these molecules has been demonstrated. We further selected and specifically described 47 molecule families according to their respective bioactivities and their potential uses in pharmacology, cosmetology, agriculture, or other specific fields of interest. With this up-to-date review, we attempt to present new perspectives for the rational discovery of novel cyanobacterial metabolites with beneficial bioactivity.
An Algal Metabolite-Based PPAR-γ Agonist Displayed Anti-Inflammatory Effect via Inhibition of the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Ju Zhiran , Su Mingzhi , Li Dandan , Hong Jongki , Im Dong-Soon , Kim Suhkmann , Kim Eun La , Jung Jee H.
Published: May 2019

In our previous study, a synthetic compound, (+)-(R,E)-6a1, that incorporated the key structures of anti-inflammatory algal metabolites and the endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) ligand 15-deoxy-∆12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), exerted significant PPAR-γ transcriptional activity. Because PPAR-γ expressed in macrophages has been postulated as a negative regulator of inflammation, this study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the PPAR-γ agonist, (+)-(R,E)-6a1. Compound (+)-(R,E)-6a1 displayed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages. Compound (+)-(R,E)-6a1 suppressed the expression of proinflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), possibly by the inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. In macrophages, (+)-(R,E)-6a1 suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB, inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα), and IκB kinase (IKK). These results indicated that PPAR-γ agonist, (+)-(R,E)-6a1, exerts anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.
Zebrafish as an Emerging Model for Bioassay-Guided Natural Product Drug Discovery for Neurological Disorders
Authors: Pitchai Arjun , Rajaretinam Rajesh Kannan , Freeman Jennifer L.
Published: May 2019

Most neurodegenerative diseases are currently incurable, with large social and economic impacts. Recently, there has been renewed interest in investigating natural products in the modern drug discovery paradigm as novel, bioactive small molecules. Moreover, the discovery of potential therapies for neurological disorders is challenging and involves developing optimized animal models for drug screening. In contemporary biomedicine, the growing need to develop experimental models to obtain a detailed understanding of malady conditions and to portray pioneering treatments has resulted in the application of zebrafish to close the gap between in vitro and in vivo assays. Zebrafish in pharmacogenetics and neuropharmacology are rapidly becoming a widely used organism. Brain function, dysfunction, genetic, and pharmacological modulation considerations are enhanced by both larval and adult zebrafish. Bioassay-guided identification of natural products using zebrafish presents as an attractive strategy for generating new lead compounds. Here, we see evidence that the zebrafish’s central nervous system is suitable for modeling human neurological disease and we review and evaluate natural product research using zebrafish as a vertebrate model platform to systematically identify bioactive natural products. Finally, we review recently developed zebrafish models of neurological disorders that have the potential to be applied in this field of research.
Exo-Metabolites of Phaseolus vulgaris-Nodulating Rhizobial Strains
Authors: Montes-Grajales Diana , Esturau-Escofet Nuria , Esquivel Baldomero , Martinez-Romero Esperanza
Published: May 2019

Rhizobia are able to convert dinitrogen into biologically available forms of nitrogen through their symbiotic association with leguminous plants. This results in plant growth promotion, and also in conferring host resistance to different types of stress. These bacteria can interact with other organisms and survive in a wide range of environments, such as soil, rhizosphere, and inside roots. As most of these processes are molecularly mediated, the aim of this research was to identify and quantify the exo-metabolites produced by Rhizobium etli CFN42, Rhizobium leucaenae CFN299, Rhizobium tropici CIAT899, Rhizobium phaseoli Ch24-10, and Sinorhizobium americanum CFNEI156, by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Bacteria were grown in free-living cultures using minimal medium containing sucrose and glutamate. Interestingly, we found that even when these bacteria belong to the same family (Rhizobiaceae) and all form nitrogen-fixing nodules on Phaseolus vulgaris roots, they exhibited different patterns and concentrations of chemical species produced by them.
A Low-Cost, Rapidly Integrated Debubbler (RID) Module for Microfluidic Cell Culture Applications
Authors: Williams Matthew J. , Lee Nicholas K. , Mylott Joseph A. , Mazzola Nicole , Ahmed Adeel , Abhyankar Vinay V.
Published: May 2019

Microfluidic platforms use controlled fluid flows to provide physiologically relevant biochemical and biophysical cues to cultured cells in a well-defined and reproducible manner. Undisturbed flows are critical in these systems, and air bubbles entering microfluidic channels can lead to device delamination or cell damage. To prevent bubble entry into microfluidic channels, we report a low-cost, Rapidly Integrated Debubbler (RID) module that is simple to fabricate, inexpensive, and easily combined with existing experimental systems. We demonstrate successful removal of air bubbles spanning three orders of magnitude with a maximum removal rate (dV/dt)max = 1.5 mL min−1, at flow rates required to apply physiological wall shear stress (1–200 dyne cm−2) to mammalian cells cultured in microfluidic channels.
Research on Low-Cost Attitude Estimation for MINS/Dual-Antenna GNSS Integrated Navigation Method
Authors: Wang Hailu , Liu Ning , Su Zhong , Li Qing
Published: May 2019

A high-precision navigation system is required for an unmanned vehicle, and the high-precision sensor is expensive. A low-cost, high-precision, dual-antenna Global Navigation Satellite System/Micro-electromechanical Systems-Inertial Navigation System (GNSS/MINS) combination method is proposed. The GNSS with dual antennas provides velocity, position, and attitude angle information as the measurement information is combined with the MINS. By increasing the heading angle, pitch angle, velocity, the accuracy of the integrated system is improved. The Extended Kalman Filtering (EKF) integrated algorithm simulation is designed to verify the feasibility and is realized based on the Field Programmable Gate Array and Advanced RISC Machine (ARM+FPGA) system. Static and dynamic tests were performed using the Synchronous Position, Attitude and Navigation (SPAN-CPT) as a reference system. The results show that the velocity, position, and attitude angle accuracy were improved. The yaw angle and pitch angle accuracy were 0.2° Root Mean Square (RMS) and 0.3° RMS, respectively. The method can be used as a navigation system for the unmanned vehicle.
Relationship Between HDL Functional Characteristics and Cardiovascular Health and Potential Impact of Dietary Patterns: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bardagjy Allison S. , Steinberg Francene M.
Published: May 2019

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death around the world. Overall diet quality and dietary behaviors are core contributors to metabolic health. While therapeutic targets have traditionally focused on levels of lipoprotein cholesterol when evaluating cardiovascular risk, current perspectives on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) have shifted to evaluating the functionality of this lipoprotein particle. Effects of diet on cardiovascular health are mediated through multiple pathways, but the impact on HDL composition and function deserves greater attention. Potential areas of investigation involve changes in particle characteristics, distribution, microRNA cargo, and other functional changes such as improvements to cholesterol efflux capacity. Various dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and may prevent cardiovascular events. These healthful dietary patterns tend to be rich in plant-based foods, with cardiovascular benefits likely resulting from synergistic effects of the individual dietary components. The purpose of this review is to summarize current perspectives on selected functions of HDL particles and how various dietary patterns affect cardiovascular health biomarkers, with a focus on HDL functionality.
Association of Dietary n3 and n6 Fatty Acids Intake with Hypertension: NHANES 2007–2014
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Sun Baoqi , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: May 2019

We conducted this cross-sectional study in the American general population to explore the association of dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids intake and the risk of hypertension. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2014 in this study. We obtained dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids data through two 24 h dietary recall interviews and n3, n6 fatty acids intake were adjusted by weight. We defined hypertension as now taking prescribed medicine for hypertension or blood pressure above 130/80 mmHg. We applied binary logistic regression, multinomial logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline to evaluate the associations of dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids intake with hypertension. A total of 18,434 participants were included in this study. In the multivariate-adjusted model 2, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of hypertension were 0.58 (0.49–0.68), 0.53 (0.45–0.63), and 0.92 (0.80–1.06) for the highest versus the lowest tertile of dietary n3, n6 fatty acids intake and n6:n3 ratio, respectively. Further excluded participants with hypertension history, the ORs with 95% CI of newly diagnosed hypertension were 0.60 (0.50–0.73), 0.52 (0.43–0.62), and 0.95 (0.79–1.14) for the highest versus lowest tertile of dietary n3, n6 fatty acids intake and n6:n3 ratio, respectively. Dose-response analyses showed that the risk of hypertension was associated with dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids intake. Our study suggested that dietary n3 and n6 fatty acids intake were inversely associated with the risk of hypertension in US adults.