bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial–Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression
Authors: Abaurrea Andrea , Araujo Angela M. , Caffarel Maria M.
Published: August 2021

Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.
Hypoxia in Cancer and Fibrosis: Part of the Problem and Part of the Solution
Authors: Romero Yair , Aquino-Gálvez Arnoldo
Published: August 2021

Adaptive responses to hypoxia are involved in the progression of lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. However, it has not been pointed out that hypoxia may be the link between these diseases. As tumors or scars expand, a lack of oxygen results in the activation of the hypoxia response, promoting cell survival even during chronic conditions. The role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) as master regulators of this adaptation is crucial in both lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which have shown the active transcriptional signature of this pathway. Emerging evidence suggests that interconnected feedback loops such as metabolic changes, fibroblast differentiation or extracellular matrix remodeling contribute to HIF overactivation, making it an irreversible phenomenon. This review will focus on the role of HIF signaling and its possible overlapping in order to identify new opportunities in therapy and regeneration.
Regulation Network of Colorectal-Cancer-Specific Enhancers in the Progression of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Bohan , Ma Yiping , Bi Jinfang , Wang Wenbin , He Anshun , Su Guangsong , Zhao Zhongfang , Shi Jiandang , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2021

Enhancers regulate multiple genes via higher-order chromatin structures, and they further affect cancer progression. Epigenetic changes in cancer cells activate several cancer-specific enhancers that are silenced in normal cells. These cancer-specific enhancers are potential therapeutic targets of cancer. However, the functions and regulation networks of colorectal-cancer-specific enhancers are still unknown. In this study, we profile colorectal-cancer-specific enhancers and reveal their regulation network through the analysis of HiChIP data that were derived from a colorectal cancer cell line and Hi-C and RNA-seq data that were derived from tissue samples by in silico analysis and in vitro experiments. Enhancer–promoter loops in colorectal cancer cells containing colorectal-cancer-specific enhancers are involved in more than 50% of the topological associated domains (TADs) changed in colorectal cancer cells compared to normal colon cells. In addition, colorectal-cancer-specific enhancers interact with 152 genes that are significantly and highly expressed in colorectal cancer cells. These colorectal-cancer-specific enhancer target genes include ITGB4, RECQL4, MSLN, and GDF15. We propose that the regulation network of colorectal-cancer-specific enhancers plays an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer.
The Prion-Like Spreading of Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease: Update on Models and Hypotheses
Authors: Jan Asad , Gonçalves Nádia Pereira , Vaegter Christian Bjerggaard , Jensen Poul Henning , Ferreira Nelson
Published: August 2021

The pathological aggregation of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) and propagation through synaptically coupled neuroanatomical tracts is increasingly thought to underlie the pathophysiological progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Although the precise molecular mechanisms responsible for the spreading of pathological α-syn accumulation in the CNS are not fully understood, growing evidence suggests that de novo α-syn misfolding and/or neuronal internalization of aggregated α-syn facilitates conformational templating of endogenous α-syn monomers in a mechanism reminiscent of prions. A refined understanding of the biochemical and cellular factors mediating the pathological neuron-to-neuron propagation of misfolded α-syn will potentially elucidate the etiology of PD and unravel novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss recent developments on the hypothesis regarding trans-synaptic propagation of α-syn pathology in the context of neuronal vulnerability and highlight the potential utility of novel experimental models of synucleinopathies.
Hierarchical Structure of Protein Sequence
Authors: Nekrasov Alexei , Kozmin Yuri , Kozyrev Sergey , Ziganshin Rustam , de Brevern Alexandre , Anashkina Anastasia
Published: August 2021

Most non-communicable diseases are associated with dysfunction of proteins or protein complexes. The relationship between sequence and structure has been analyzed for a long time, and the analysis of the sequences organization in domains and motifs remains an actual research area. Here, we propose a mathematical method for revealing the hierarchical organization of protein sequences. The method is based on the pentapeptide as a unit of protein sequences. Employing the frequency of occurrence of pentapeptides in sequences of natural proteins and a special mathematical approach, this method revealed a hierarchical structure in the protein sequence. The method was applied to 24,647 non-homologous protein sequences with sizes ranging from 50 to 400 residues from the NRDB90 database. Statistical analysis of the branching points of the graphs revealed 11 characteristic values of y (the width of the inscribed function), showing the relationship of these multiple fragments of the sequences. Several examples illustrate how fragments of the protein spatial structure correspond to the elements of the hierarchical structure of the protein sequence. This methodology provides a promising basis for a mathematically-based classification of the elements of the spatial organization of proteins. Elements of the hierarchical structure of different levels of the hierarchy can be used to solve biotechnological and medical problems.
Dendritic Cells and CCR7 Expression: An Important Factor for Autoimmune Diseases, Chronic Inflammation, and Cancer
Authors: Brandum Emma Probst , Jørgensen Astrid Sissel , Rosenkilde Mette Marie , Hjortø Gertrud Malene
Published: August 2021

Chemotactic cytokines—chemokines—control immune cell migration in the process of initiation and resolution of inflammatory conditions as part of the body’s defense system. Many chemokines also participate in pathological processes leading up to and exacerbating the inflammatory state characterizing chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of dendritic cells (DCs) and the central chemokine receptor CCR7 in the initiation and sustainment of selected chronic inflammatory diseases: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriasis. We revisit the binary role that CCR7 plays in combatting and progressing cancer, and we discuss how CCR7 and DCs can be harnessed for the treatment of cancer. To provide the necessary background, we review the differential roles of the natural ligands of CCR7, CCL19, and CCL21 and how they direct the mobilization of activated DCs to lymphoid organs and control the formation of associated lymphoid tissues (ALTs). We provide an overview of DC subsets and, briefly, elaborate on the different T-cell effector types generated upon DC–T cell priming. In the conclusion, we promote CCR7 as a possible target of future drugs with an antagonistic effect to reduce inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases and an agonistic effect for boosting the reactivation of the immune system against cancer in cell-based and/or immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based anti-cancer therapy.
Application of Carbon Nanoparticles in Oncology and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Lisik Katarzyna , Krokosz Anita
Published: August 2021

Currently, carbon nanoparticles play a large role as carriers of various types of drugs, and also have applications in other fields of medicine, e.g., in tissue engineering, where they are used to reconstruct bone tissue. They also contribute to the early detection of cancer cells, and can act as markers in imaging diagnostics. Their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are also known. This feature is particularly important in dental implantology, where various types of bacterial infections and implant rejection often occur. The search for newer and more effective treatments may lead to future use of nanoparticles on a large scale. In this work, the current state of knowledge on the possible use of nanotubes, nanodiamonds, and fullerenes in therapy is reviewed. Both advantages and disadvantages of the use of carbon nanoparticles in therapy and diagnostics have been indicated.
Grape Phylloxera Genetic Structure Reveals Root–Leaf Migration within Commercial Vineyards
Authors: Wilmink Jurrian , Breuer Michael , Forneck Astrid
Published: August 2021

Depending on their life cycle, grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) leaf-feeding populations are initiated through asexually produced offspring or sexual recombination. The vine’s initial foliar larvae may originate from root-feeding phylloxera or wind-drifted foliar larvae from other habitats. Though some studies have reported phylloxera leaf-feeding in commercial vineyards, it is still unclear if they are genetically distinct from the population structure of these two sources. Using seven SSR-markers, this study analyzed the genetic structure of phylloxera populations in commercial vineyards with different natural infestation scenarios and that of single-plant insect systems that exclude infestation by wind-drifted larvae. We saw that during the vegetation period, phylloxera populations predominately go through their asexual life cycle to migrate from roots to leaves. We provided evidence that such migrations do not exclusively occur through wind-drifted foliar populations from rootstock vines in abandoned thickets, but that root populations within commercial vineyards also migrate to establish V. vinifera leaf populations. Whereas the former scenario generates foliar populations with high genotypic diversity, the latter produces population bottlenecks through founder effects or phylloxera biotype selection pressure. We finally compared these population structures with those of populations in their native habitat in North America, using four microsatellite markers.
Comparison of Distal Radial, Proximal Radial, and Femoral Access in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lee Oh-Hyun , Kim Yongcheol , Son Nak-Hoon , Roh Ji Woong , Im Eui , Cho Deok-Kyu , Choi Donghoon
Published: August 2021

Recent studies have indicated that distal radial access (DRA) is feasible in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The present study aimed to compare DRA, proximal radial access (PRA), and femoral access (FA) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PCI. Data were analyzed for 109 patients with STEMI treated via primary PCI from March 2020 to May 2021. The success rate of DRA was 83.3% (35/42), including seven cases of failed puncture (puncture failure = 5, severe radial artery spasm = 2). Primary PCI via the DRA was successful in all 35 patients. After classifying the patients requiring crossover into a separate group, the percentage of the puncture time in the door-to-wiring time was 2.7% [2.2–4.3], 3.3% [2.3–4.0], 2.6% [1.2–4.9], and 27.0% [13.5–29.3] in the DRA (n = 35), PRA (n = 24), FA (n = 26), and crossover (n = 9) groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Only two local hematomas (≤5 cm) occurred in the DRA group, while one patient in the FA group required surgical treatment and a transfusion for an access-site vascular injury. When performed by an experienced operator, DRA may represent a feasible alternative to other access routes in select patients with STEMI undergoing PCI, such as those with a high risk of bleeding.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia as a Complication of Congenital Anemias. A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Motta Irene , Giannotta Juri , Ferraresi Marta , Barbullushi Kordelia , Revelli Nicoletta , Graziadei Giovanna , Barcellini Wilma , Fattizzo Bruno
Published: August 2021

Congenital anemias may be complicated by immune-mediated hemolytic crisis. Alloantibodies are usually seen in chronically transfused patients, and autoantibodies have also been described, although they are rarely associated with overt autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. Given the lack of data on the AIHA diagnosis and management in congenital anemias, we retrospectively evaluated all clinically relevant AIHA cases occurring at a referral center for AIHA, hemoglobinopathies, and chronic hemolytic anemias, focusing on clinical management and outcome. In our cohort, AIHA had a prevalence of 1% (14/1410 patients). The majority were warm AIHA. Possible triggers were recent transfusion, infection, pregnancy, and surgery. All the patients received steroid therapy as the first line, and about 25% required further treatment, including rituximab, azathioprine, intravenous immunoglobulins, and cyclophosphamide. Transfusion support was required in 57% of the patients with non-transfusion-dependent anemia, and recombinant human erythropoietin was safely administered in one third of the patients. AIHA in congenital anemias may be challenging both from a diagnostic and a therapeutic point of view. A proper evaluation of hemolytic markers, bone marrow compensation, and assessment of the direct antiglobulin test is mandatory.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Current Treatment
Authors: Madias John E.
Published: August 2021

Management of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is currently empirical and supportive, via extrapolation of therapeutic principles worked out for other cardiovascular pathologies. Although it has been emphasized that such non-specific therapies for TTS are consequent to its still elusive pathophysiology, one wonders whether it does not necessarily follow that the absence of knowledge of TTS’ pathophysiological underpinnings should prevent us for searching, designing, or even finding, therapies efficacious for its management. Additionally, it is conceivable that therapy for TTS may be in response to pathophysiological/pathoanatomic/pathohistological consequences (e.g., “myocardial stunning/reperfusion injury”), common to both TTS and coronary artery disease, or other cardiovascular disorders). The present review outlines the whole range of management principles of TTS during its acute phase and at follow-up, including considerations pertaining to the recurrence of TTS, and commences with the idea that occasionally management of TTS should consist of mere observation along the “first do no harm” principle, while self-healing is under way. Finally, some new therapeutic hypotheses (i.e., large doses of insulin infusions in association with the employment of intravenous short- and ultrashort-acting β-blockers) are being entertained, based on previous extensive animal work and limited application in patients with neurogenic cardiomyopathy and TTS.
Current Lack of Evidence for an Effect of Physical Activity Intervention Combined with Pharmacological Treatment on Bone Turnover Biomarkers in People with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Marini Sofia , Barone Giuseppe , Masini Alice , Dallolio Laura , Bragonzoni Laura , Longobucco Yari , Maffei Francesca
Published: August 2021

The process of bone loss occurs silently and progressively with age, often appearing as osteopenia or osteoporosis or related fractures. Given the rapid raise in disease burden and socio-economic costs of these conditions worldwide, drug therapy combined with physical activity can be a useful strategy and bone biomarkers, can represent a useful evaluation tool to assess their effects. The objective of this systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA statement, was to investigate the effects of physical activity interventions combined with drug treatments on bone biomarkers in people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Through PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl, Embase, Trip, a comprehensive literature search was performed. Each study’s quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Out of 582 identified articles, 50 full texts were screened. Only one matched the eligibility criteria. The study, scored as high quality, showed, in both experimental and control groups, an increase of CTX and P1NP bone biomarkers, without statistically significant differences. Based on available evidence, no exhaustive conclusion can be drawn. However, this systematic review critically analyses the literature, highlighting the knowledge gap on combined treatments efficacy assessed by bone biomarkers. Moreover, an outlook is provided for the planning of future studies.
Left Atrial Remodeling and Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels Variation after Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Authors: Pommier Thibaut , Leclercq Thibault , Guenancia Charles , Richard Carole , Porot Guillaume , Laurent Gabriel , Lorgis Luc
Published: August 2021

Background: Few data are available about brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) variation and left atrial remodeling after the left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) technique. Methods: Prospective study included all consecutive patients successfully implanted with an LAAO device. Contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography (CT) was performed before and 6 weeks after the procedure with reverse left atrial remodeling defined by an increase in LA volume >10%, together with blood sampling obtained before, 48 h after device implantation and at the first visit after discharge (30–45 days) for BNP measurement. Results: Among the 43 patients implanted with a complete dataset, mean end-diastolic LA volume was 139 ± 64 mL and 141 ± 62 mL at baseline and during follow-up (45 ± 15 days), respectively, showing no statistical difference (p = 0.45). No thrombus was seen on the atrial side of the device. Peridevice leaks (defined as presence of dye in the LAA beyond the device) were observed in 17 patients (40%) but were trivial or mild. Reverse atrial remodeling (RAR) at 6 weeks was observed in six patients (14%). Despite no difference in BNP levels on admission, median BNP levels at 48 h were slightly increased in RAR patients when compared with controls. During FU, BNP levels were strictly identical in both groups. These results were not modified even when each RAR case was matched with two controls on age, LVEF, creatinine levels and ACE inhibitors treatment to avoid potential confounders. Conclusion: Our study showed that despite the fact that the LAAO technique can induce left atrial remodeling measured by a CT scan, it does not seem to impact BNP levels on the follow-up. The results need to be transposed to clinical outcomes of this expanding population in future studies.
The Role of the 3Rs for Understanding and Modeling the Human Placenta
Authors: Costa Joana , Mackay Ruth , de Aguiar Greca Sophie-Christine , Corti Alessandro , Silva Elisabete , Karteris Emmanouil , Ahluwalia Arti
Published: August 2021

Modeling the physiology of the human placenta is still a challenge, despite the great number of scientific advancements made in the field. Animal models cannot fully replicate the structure and function of the human placenta and pose ethical and financial hurdles. In addition, increasingly stricter animal welfare legislation worldwide is incentivizing the use of 3R (reduction, refinement, replacement) practices. What efforts have been made to develop alternative models for the placenta so far? How effective are they? How can we improve them to make them more predictive of human pathophysiology? To address these questions, this review aims at presenting and discussing the current models used to study phenomena at the placenta level: in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro and in silico. We describe the main achievements and opportunities for improvement of each type of model and critically assess their individual and collective impact on the pursuit of predictive studies of the placenta in line with the 3Rs and European legislation.
Association of Body Composition and Sarcopenia with NASH in Obese Patients
Authors: Schmitz Sophia Marie-Therese , Schooren Lena , Kroh Andreas , Koch Alexander , Stier Christine , Neumann Ulf Peter , Ulmer Tom Florian , Alizai Patrick Hamid
Published: August 2021

Obese patients often suffer from sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity (SO) that can trigger inflammatory diseases including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Sarcopenia and SO can be diagnosed through measuring parameters of body composition such as skeletal muscle mass (SMM), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and fat mass (FM) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of body composition and NASH in patients with obesity. A total of 138 patients with obesity that underwent bariatric surgery were included in this study. BIA was used to estimate body composition. A liver biopsy was taken intraoperatively and histological assessment of NASH was performed. A total of 23 patients (17%) were classified as NASH and 65 patients (47%) met the criteria for borderline NASH. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in patients with NASH compared to borderline NASH and no NASH (56.3 kg/m2 vs. 51.6 kg/m2 vs. 48.6 kg/m2, p = 0.004). Concerning body composition, FM, but also SMM and SMI were significantly higher in patients with NASH (p-values 0.011, 0.005 and 0.006, resp.). Fat mass index (FMI) and weight-adjusted skeletal muscle index (SMI_weight) failed to reach statistical significance (p-values 0.067 and 0.661). In patients with obesity, higher FM were associated with NASH. Contrary to expectations, SMM and SMI were also higher in patients with NASH. Therefore, higher body fat, rather than sarcopenia and SO, might be decisive for development of NASH in patients with obesity.
Phase Composition and Its Spatial Distribution in Antique Copper Coins: Neutron Tomography and Diffraction Studies
Authors: Bakirov Bulat , Saprykina Irina , Kichanov Sergey , Mimokhod Roman , Sudarev Nikolay , Kozlenko Denis
Published: August 2021

The chemical and elementary composition, internal arrangement, and spatial distribution of the components of ancient Greek copper coins were studied using XRF analysis, neutron diffraction and neutron tomography methods. The studied coins are interesting from a historical and cultural point of view, as they are “Charon’s obol’s”. These coins were discovered at the location of an ancient Greek settlement during archaeological excavations on the “Volna-1” necropolis in Krasnodar Region, Russian Federation. It was determined that the coins are mainly made of a bronze alloy, a tin content that falls in the range of 1.1(2)–7.9(3) wt.%. All coins are highly degraded; corrosion and patina areas occupy volumes from ~27 % to ~62 % of the original coin volumes. The neutron tomography method not only provided 3D data of the spatial distribution of the bronze alloy and the patina with corrosion contamination inside coin volumes, but also restored the minting pattern of several studied coins. Taking into account the obtained results, the origin and use of these coins in the light of historical and economic processes of the Bosporan Kingdom are discussed.
Behavior of Offshore Pile in Calcareous Sand—Case Study
Authors: Salem Tarek N. , Elkhawas Nadia M. , Elnady Ahmed M.
Published: August 2021

The erosion of limestone and calcarenite ridges that existed parallel to the Mediterranean shoreline forms the calcareous sand (CS) formation at the surface layer of Egypt’s northern coast. The CS is often combined with broken shells which are considered geotechnically problematic due to their possible crushability and relatively high compressibility. In this research, CS samples collected from a site along the northern coast of Egypt are studied to better understand its behavior under normal and shear stresses. Reconstituted CS specimens with different ratios of broken shells (BS) are also investigated to study the effect of BS ratios on the soil mixture strength behavior. The strength is evaluated using laboratory direct-shear and one-dimensional compression tests (oedometer test). The CS specimens are not exposed to significant crushability even under relatively high-stress levels. In addition, a 3D finite element analysis (FEA) is presented in this paper to study the degradation offshore pile capacity in CS having different percentages of BS. The stress–strain results using oedometer tests are compared with a numerical model, and it gave identical matching for most cases. The effects of pile diameter and embedment depth parameters are then studied for the case study on the northern coast. Three different mixing ratios of CS and BS have been used, CS + 10% BS, CS + 30% BS, and CS + 50% BS, which resulted in a decrease of the ultimate vertical compression pile load capacity by 8.8%, 15%, and 16%, respectively.
State-of-the-Art Dermatophyte Infections: Epidemiology Aspects, Pathophysiology, and Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Martinez-Rossi Nilce M. , Peres Nalu T. A. , Bitencourt Tamires A. , Martins Maíra P. , Rossi Antonio
Published: August 2021

The burden of fungal infections is not widely appreciated. Although these infections are responsible for over one million deaths annually, it is estimated that one billion people are affected by severe fungal diseases. Mycoses of nails and skin, primarily caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, are the most common fungal infections. Trichophyton rubrum appears to be the most common causative agent of dermatophytosis, followed by Trichophyton interdigitale. An estimated 25% of the world’s population suffers from dermatomycosis. Although these infections are not lethal, they compromise the quality of life of infected patients. The outcome of antidermatophytic treatments is impaired by various conditions, such as resistance and tolerance of certain dermatophyte strains. The adage “know your enemy” must be the focus of fungal research. There is an urgent need to increase awareness about the significance of these infections with precise epidemiological data and to improve knowledge regarding fungal biology and pathogenesis, with an emphasis on adaptive mechanisms to tackle adverse conditions from host counteractions. This review outlines the current knowledge about dermatophyte infections, with a focus on signaling pathways required for fungal infection establishment and a broad perspective on cellular and molecular factors involved in antifungal resistance and tolerance.
Macrophage and Dendritic Cell Activation and Polarization in Response to Coccidioidesposadasii Infection
Authors: Diep Anh L. , Tejeda-Garibay Susana , Miranda Nadia , Hoyer Katrina K.
Published: August 2021

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal, respiratory disease caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. The host immune responses that define disease outcome during infection are largely unknown, although T helper responses are required. Adaptive immunity is influenced by innate immunity as antigen-presenting cells activate and educate adaptive responses. Macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) recognition of pathogen surface molecules are critical for Coccidioides clearance. We characterize the broad innate immune responses to Coccidioides by analyzing macrophage and dendritic cell responses to Coccidioides arthroconidia using avirulent, vaccine Coccidioides strain NR-166 (Δcts2/Δard1/Δcts3), developed from parental virulent strain C735. We developed a novel flow cytometry-based method to analyze macrophage phagocytosis to complement traditional image-scoring methods. Our study found that macrophage polarization is blocked at M0 phase and activation reduced, while DCs polarize into proinflammatory DC1s, but not anti-inflammatory DC2, following interaction with Coccidioides. However, DCs exhibit a contact-dependent reduced activation to Coccidioides as defined by co-expression of MHC-II and CD86. In vivo, only modest DC1/DC2 recruitment and activation was observed with avirulent Coccidioides infection. In conclusion, the vaccine Coccidioides strain recruited a mixed DC population in vivo, while in vitro data suggest active innate immune cell inhibition by Coccidioides.
Satisfaction Evaluation of Rural Human Settlements in Northwest China: Method and Application
Authors: Wang Pengyan , Qin Xiaofei , Li Yurui
Published: August 2021

Rural human settlements are an integral part of a rural system. The evaluation of public feedback based on farmers’ satisfaction is a crucial way to understand the current situation of rural human settlements. This paper establishes a framework to evaluate local dwellers’ satisfaction towards the environment of rural human settlements in northwest China from six dimensions involving living conditions, the environment, physical infrastructure, public service, governance, and culture. The empirical study was conducted in Yanchi County, which demonstrates the applicability of this evaluating method. This study shows that the overall degree of satisfaction towards the environment of rural human settlements is relatively high, with a figure of 77.38. However, the satisfaction scores for the six dimensions are uneven, and there are significant differences between the villages. Further, these villages can be divided into three types according to the residents’ satisfaction, and viable strategies are suggested correspondingly. To sustain rural settlement development, the authors argue that more efforts should be put into technology advancement, public participation incentives, and the subsequent maintenance of projects in the long run.
Dynamic Changes in Melbourne’s Urban Vegetation Cover—2001 to 2016
Authors: Timalsina Bhuban , Mavoa Suzanne , Hahs Amy K.
Published: August 2021

Understanding changes in urban vegetation is essential for ensuring sustainable and healthy cities, mitigating disturbances due to climate change, sustaining urban biodiversity, and supporting human health and wellbeing. This study investigates and describes the distribution and dynamic changes in urban vegetation over a 15-year period in Greater Melbourne, Australia. The study investigates how vegetation cover across Melbourne has changed at five-yearly intervals from 2001 to 2016 using the newly proposed dynamic change approach that extends the net change approach to quantify the amount of vegetation gain as well as loss. We examine this question at two spatial resolutions: (1) at the municipal landscape scale to capture broadscale change regardless of land tenure; and (2) at the scale of designated public open spaces within the municipalities to investigate the extent to which the loss of vegetation has occurred on lands that are intended to provide public access to vegetated areas in the city. Vegetation was quantified at four different times (2001, 2006, 2011, 2016), using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Dynamic changes of gain and loss in urban vegetation between the three periods were quantified for six local government areas (LGAs) and their associated public open spaces using a change matrix. The results showed an overall net loss of 64.5 square kilometres of urban vegetation from 2001 to 2016 in six LGAs. When extrapolated to the Greater Melbourne Area, this is approximately equivalent to 109 times the size of Central Park in New York City.
Young Farmers’ Perceptions of Sustainability in a Wine Region in Hungary
Authors: Csizmady Adrienne , Csurgó Bernadett , Kerényi Szabina , Balázs András , Kocsis Veronika , Palaczki Botond
Published: August 2021

Emerging evidence has shown that a sustainable mode of farming contributes to the sustainability of societies. However, agricultural modernization and land concentration have resulted in a decreasing role of agriculture in rural societies everywhere in Europe and also in Hungary. Governmental funds and agendas increasingly focus on the regeneration of rural areas with a special interest in the new generations of farmers. This paper analyses a small wine region in Hungary to explore the perceptions and activities of young farmers regarding sustainability. The paper is based on qualitative sociological research, including 20 semi-structured interviews with wine producers and other key actors of rural development in the region. The analysis focuses on generational change both in wine producer farms and in the wine region. How do farmers approach sustainability, and how does the concept of sustainability contribute to family wine production? How can generational change affect farming approaches and activities, especially changes toward a more sustainable way of farming? Our results show that rural regeneration can be understood not only as a generational renewal; it also includes endogenous development processes and new approaches targeting a more sustainable rural milieu.
Action of Extracellular Proteases of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus Micromycetes on Plasma Hemostasis Proteins
Authors: Osmolovskiy Alexander A. , Schmidt Laura , Orekhova Anastasia V. , Komarevtsev Sergey K. , Kreyer Valeriana G. , Shabunin Sergey V. , Egorov Nikolay S.
Published: August 2021

In this study, we investigated the properties of proteolytic enzymes of two species of Aspergillus, Aspergillus flavus 1 (with a high degree of pathogenicity) and Aspergillus ochraceus L-1 (a conditional pathogen), and their effects on various components of the hemostasis system (in vitro) in the case of their penetration into the bloodstream. We showed that micromycete proteases were highly active in cleaving both globular (albuminolysis) and fibrillar (fibrin) proteins, and, to varying degrees, they could coagulate the plasma of humans and animals (due to proteolysis of factors of the blood coagulation cascade) but were not able to coagulate fibrinogen. The proteases of both Aspergillus fully hydrolyzed thrombi in 120–180 min. Micromycetes did not show hemolytic activity but were able to break down hemoglobin.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as an Emerging Paradigm for Regenerative Therapy and Nano-Medicine: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Panda Biswajit , Sharma Yashvi , Gupta Suchi , Mohanty Sujata
Published: August 2021

Mesenchymal Stem Cells are potent therapeutic candidates in the field of regenerative medicine, owing to their immunomodulatory and differentiation potential. However, several complications come with their translational application like viability, duration, and degree of expansion, long-term storage, and high maintenance cost. Therefore, drawbacks of cell-based therapy can be overcome by a novel therapeutic modality emerging in translational research and application, i.e., exosomes. These small vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells are emerging as new avenues in the field of nano-medicine. These nano-vesicles have caught the attention of researchers with their potency as regenerative medicine both in nanotherapeutics and drug delivery systems. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge in the biology and handling of exosomes, with their limitations and future applications. Additionally, we highlight current perspectives that primarily focus on their effect on various diseases and their potential as a drug delivery vehicle.
Influence of features of the motivation-needed sphere on the formation of emotional burn out syndrome in nurses
Authors: Poretskova Angelina Igorevna , Fomichev Danil Sergeevich
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study the influence of the motivational-need sphere on the formation of burnout syndrome in nurses. Results: a study was carried out to determine the socio-psychological attitudes in the motivational-need-related sphere of nurses, the relationship between the identified attitudes and the level of emotional burnout in nurses was determined. Conclusion: the results of the study confirm the need to identify social and psychological attitudes in the motivational-need-related sphere for possible prevention of burnout syndrome at the initial level, in order to be able to outline individual psychocorrection programs for employees of a medical institution with already formed burnout syndrome.
Labor conflicts among nursing staff: reasons, conditions, control methods and resolutions
Authors: Korshunov Evgeny Nikolaevich Korshunov Evgeny Nikolaevich , Fomichev Danil Sergeevich
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study is existing level of conflicts in the activities of nursing staff and to optimize the ways of managing and resolving conflict situations in the work collective. Results. The level of conflict level of nursing staff of neurological and pulmonological departments was analyzed, the degree of self-assessment of the conflict level of nurses was studied, the main strategies of behavior in the conflict zone were identified and the level of conflict resistance of specialists was determined. Conclusion. The problem of conflicts in the teams of the neurological and pulmonological departments of a medical organization is quite relevant and requires training of nursing personnel in the psychology of communication, and the heads of the nursing service in personnel management and management psychology.
Documental support of the «transfusion» process in nursing practice
Authors: Guseva Larisa Vasilyevna
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to an urgent problem of public health — transfusion of donated blood and (or) its components. The issues of documentary support of the process, which came into force on January 01, 2021, were considered. The role of healthcare professionals in transfusiology is emphasized.
Change in the useful life of property, plant and equipment
Authors: Sotnikova L.V.
Published: August 2021

It has been possible to change the useful life of fixed assets in Russian accounting since 2008, when it became clear that the useful life is an estimated value in accordance with PBU 21/2008 “Changes in estimated values”. However, this was not widely accepted. In accordance with FSB 6/2020 “Fixed assets”, organizations will have to review the useful life annually. Changes in the estimated values are reflected in the accounting and reporting perspective. This article discusses the procedure for applying the prospective method to reflect the effects of changes in the useful life of fixed assets.
Role of Gut Probionts in Enhancing Growth and Disease Resistance in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) Fingerlings
Authors: SRIDHAR MANPAL , SRIDHAR N. , ROBERTSON P.A.W. , AUSTIN B.
Published: August 2021

Seven out of 34 isolates were selected as putative probionts. These were mixed with an equal volume of a lipid oralizer and incorporated into compounded feed pellets to achieve a dose of 5 x 107 bacterial cells•g-1 of fish food and fed to Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fingerlings (average weight 23.69 g) for a period of 25 days. Superior growth (SGR) ranging between 0.32 to 0.57 (P< 0.05) as compared to 0.08 of the control group were obtained in animals fed the probiotic feeds. A challenge of these probiotic fed rainbow trout with intra-peritoneal injections of an inoculum containing x 106 cells•ml-1 of A. Salmonicida (strain PR 107) recorded high survival rates ranging between 38% in group F5 to 78% in group F7 as compared to 20% survival in the animals fed the control diet devoid of any probiotic up to 14 days after challenge. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate the beneficial effects of orally administered probionts in enhancing growth of culture organisms as well as in increasing their resistance to diseases.
Evaluation of Fish Meals as Natural Feed Stimulants on the Feeding Behaviour of Fry and Juveniles of Lates calcarifer (Bloch)
Authors: SINGH R.K. , BALANGE A.K. , KHANDAGALE P.A. , CHAVAN S.L.
Published: August 2021

Six purified diets were prepared for this experiment. Five of these six diets contained fish meals of five different fishes namely Bombay duck, Anchovy, Lesser sardine, Ribbon fish and shrimp head as natural stimulants for sea bass fry and juveniles. These five diets were prepared by adding 10% of each stimulant by weight in the purified diet. The sixth diet (F) was without stimulant and considered as control. The experiment was conducted on sea bass fry, 20 (+0.02) mm total length and juvenile, 217 (+0.15) mm total length by using one fish and two fish per tank respectively. The results indicated that Bombay duck meal containing diet i.e. diet ‘A’ has significant stimulating effect on the feeding behaviour of fry and also in juveniles of sea bass although the positive responses were higher in the case of juveniles (30 in case of fry and 34 in case of juveniles). Further, there were 34 positive responses in the case of two juvenile sea bass per tank experiment where as it was 30 in the case of two fry per tank experiment. The feeding responses were significantly different with two fish per tank as compared to one fish per tank showing that the number of fish had an influence on the feeding behaviour of both fry and juveniles. However, no feeding response was observed in the control diet. The study also revealed that Bombay duck meal is better and superior as feeding stimulant over the other fish meals for the Sea bass fry and juveniles.
Efficiency of Dry Ice and Ice Combination on Improving the Quality and Shelflife of Seerfish (Scomberomorus commersonii) Steaks
Authors: GANESAN P. , JEYASEKARAN G. , ANANDARAJ R. , SHAKILA R. JEYA , SUKUMAR D.
Published: August 2021

Seerfish (Scomberomorus commersonii) steaks stored in a combination of dry ice and ice at a ratio of 1:0.2:0.5 (fish:dry ice:ice) and in dry ice at a ratio of 1:1 (fish:dry ice) were found to be in good quality and sensorialy suitable for consumption when they were stored for 24 h and 30 h, respectively, without reicing. When fish steaks were stored in ice at a ratio of 1:1 (fish:ice) as control, they were in good condition only up to 18 h. Total bacterial load ranged from 105 to 10 8 cfu . g, while total psychrophiles was from 102 to 105 cfu . g. Total lactics and H2S producers were found to be 101 to 104 cfu . g. Total histamine formers were from 102 to 104 cfu . g. Total coliforms were 1600 MPN . g at the end of the storage period. The TMA-N contents were within the limit of acceptability. Histamine contents varied from 0 to 20 ppm. A lowest temperature (–11.9°C) was observed in steaks stored in dry ice. Highest level of CO2 was recorded in steaks stored in both the dry ice and combination of dry ice and ice. Staphylococcus constituted 37% of the flora in fresh fish followed by Proteus, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Alcaligenes, Micrococcus, Acinetobacter and Flavobacterium. Pseudomonas was the dominant flora in both the dry ice-stored and combination of dry ice and ice-stored steaks while in control pack, Proteus was dominant. Thus, a combination of dry ice and ice improved the quality and increased the shelf life of fish steaks by about 6 h compared to ice alone.
Antagonistic Activity of the Gut Microflora Isolated from Farmed Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: SHAKILA R.J. , SARAVANAKUMAR R. , VYLA S.A.P. , JEYASEKARAN G. , JASMINE G.I.
Published: August 2021

The antagonistic action of the gut microflora of the tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) from three different farms (A, B and C) was tested against four bacterial shrimp/fish pathogens viz., Aeromonas hydrophila, A. sobria, Vibrio vulnificus and V. fischeri using the double agar overlay method. The total bacterial load of gut microflora ranged from 106 -108 cfu.g-1. The bacterial composition of shrimp gut predominantly consisted of Vibrio sp. (30-52%) followed by Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Photobacterium sp., Plesiomonas sp. Of the 185 isolates tested, 26.27% showed antagonistic action against fish/shrimp pathogens. The gut microflora, Pseudomonas sp. and Photobacterium sp. of farm A; and Bacillus sp. of farm C inhibited the fish pathogen, A. sobria, while Vibrio sp. and Corynebacterium sp. of farm C inhibited A. hydrophila. Only a single strain of Vibrio sp. (C2) from farm C was found to show antagonistic action against the shrimp pathogen, V. vulnificus. The intestinal gut microflora of shrimp shall therefore be evolved as putative probiotic bacteria to counteract disease problems.
The Relationship of Ova Diameter to Fertilization Rates, Hatching Rates, Survival Percentages and Specific Growth Rates in the Common Carp and Indian Major Carps
Authors: SINGH R.K. , KHANDAGALE P.A. , CHAVAN S.L. , SAPKALE P.H.
Published: August 2021

The effects of different ova diameters on hatching, growth and survival of fry of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. communis, Cyprinidae) and Indian major carps viz.Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala (Cyprinidae) were examined. The four female brooders of different weight and size of each of Cyprinus carpio var. communis, Catla catla; Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala were collected. The highest mean ova diameter was observed in (Cyc 4) 1.235 ± 0.006 mm, (Cc 4) 5.386 ± 0.098 mm, (Lr 4) 4.94 ± 0.167 mm and (Cm 4) 4.95 ± 0.091 mm; highest fertilization rate (Cyc 4) 92.48%, (Cc 4) 85.42%, (Lr 4) 89.64%, (Cm 4) 86.49%; highest hatching percentage (Cyc 4) 82.32%, (Cc 4) 79.67%, (Lr 4) 81.28%, (Cm 4) 80.17% and highest survival (Cyc 4) 75.57%, (Cc 4) 76.36%, (Lr 4) 80.51%, (Cm 4) 68.35% respectively. The specific growth rate was also found highest in Cyprinus carpio var. communis (Cyc 4) 5.94%, Catla catla (Cc 4) 5.62%, Labeo rohita (Lr 4) 5.81% and Cirrhinus mrigala (Cm 4) 5.86% in fry of brooders having maximum weight. The direct relationship of ova diameter to fertilization rate, hatching, survival percentage and the specific growth rate of Cyprinus carpio var. communis, Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala were recorded. However, after the fifth week, the growth rate of spawn reduced in all the groups and was least at the end of the eighth week.
Availability and Breeding Behaviour of Ganga River Prawn Macrobrachium gangeticum (Bate) and Macrobrachium malcolmsonii (H.M. Edwards)
Authors: PRASAD S. , KANAUJIA D.R.
Published: August 2021

Macrobrachium gangeticum and Macrobrachium malcolmsonii prawn species are only available from May to October in the middle stretches of the Ganga river around Patna. The size ranged from 65-215 mm and 60-225 mm total length respectively. The number of M. malcolmsonii was found comparatively much less than that of M. gangeticum. The maximum number of females recorded is in the size range of 95-105 mm and the minimum is 185-205 mm total length in M. malcolmsonii. Maturity is attained at size 75 mm total length and above in both species. The incubation period in M. gangeticum was recorded in 12-14 days and 14 - 17 days in M. malcolmsonii. The color of the eggs in both the species gradually become lighter when the larvae inside the eggs found are fully developed, the color became slight grey. The M. malcolmsonii hatches during the night but M. gangeticum hatches at late night to day. In this paper, efforts have been made to study the availability and breeding behaviour under natural and controlled conditions of both species. It also attempts to study the spawning, incubation and hatching of said species.