bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Makes Indian Management Students Thrive? Role of Decision-Making Discretion, Broad Information Sharing, and Climate of Trust
Authors: Chhajer Raina , Chaudhry Smita
Published: March 2022

Thriving is a psychological state in which individuals experience a sense of vitality and a sense of learning. Thriving come from relational connections with others, and is deeply rooted in social systems. Theoretical literature suggests that thriving occurs in the presence of decision-making discretion, broad information sharing, and a climate of trust. However, no study has investigated these environmental factors empirically. Using a multiple-studies approach, we (a) established valid and reliable scale for each of these environmental factors using experimental vignettes, (b) confirmed the association of decision-making discretion, broad information sharing and climate of trust with thriving, and (c) identified the role of self-determination theory in determining these relationships. Our analysis was based on data collected from 512 Indian management students across five studies. The results indicate significant difference in thriving for high vs. low level for decision-making discretion, broad information sharing and climate of trust. The relationship of these environmental factors with thriving is mainly due to the fulfillment of the need for competence. Competence partially mediates the relationship of decision-making discretion with thriving, and fully mediates the relationship of broad information sharing and climate of trust with thriving. Autonomy, although positively related with the environmental factors, does not lead to thriving. Practical implications, limitations and research avenues are discussed.
Assessment of Preschool’s Inclusive Participation in Social Responsibility Program Under Institutional Pressure: Evidence From China
Authors: Lv Yang , Ma Chenwei , Wu Min , Li Xiaohan , Hao Xinxin
Published: March 2022

China set the goal of expanding early childhood education (ECE) in 2018, by encouraging the development of public interest kindergartens (PIK) to provide high-quality, low-cost preschool services to the general public. This is in response to the challenges of accessibility, affordability, and accountability besetting China’s current ECE system. However, the transition toward PIK has been slow due to various complex problems, including the lackluster willingness of ECE providers to become PIK. To better understand the challenges leading to low participation, this study explores the external pressures affecting ECE providers and evaluates the external factors that influence their level of social responsibility. A stratified-random sampling questionnaire survey solicited responses from 832 ECE personnel representing 261 kindergartens from across China. Our findings suggest that institutional pressure has a positive effect on social responsibility and inclusive participation. We also found that institution visibility positively regulates the relationship between institutional pressure and social responsibility. At the same time, the level of environmental perception positively governs the relationship between social responsibility and participation willingness. Kindergartens should have certain social values, including assuming certain behaviors and participating in social activities in the spirit of social service and ensure multiple subjects’ synergetic governance.
Individuals’ Power Persistence in Teams: A Study Examining the Effects of Individuals’ Competence, Uncooperative Behavior and Team Performance in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Mammassis Constantinos S. , Schmid Petra C.
Published: March 2022

This paper examined (a) the persistence of individuals’ power in teams and (b) the individual- and team-level factors influencing power maintenance and loss in the long-term (i.e., power dynamics). Specifically, and in line with the functional theory of power, we showed that individuals’ state of power in the past exerted a significant behavioral impact on their later state of power, hence, confirming the “power persistence” hypothesis. Furthermore, and in accordance with the conflict theory of power, we found that individuals’ competence positively influenced power above and beyond its persistence. We also showed that individuals’ uncooperative behavior and team performance had a negative and significant effect on individuals’ power above and beyond its persistence. Finally, we discussed the importance of individuals’ power dynamics for effectively managing power struggles in teams.
Shared and Distinct Patterns of Functional Connectivity to Emotional Faces in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Children
Authors: Safar Kristina , Vandewouw Marlee M. , Pang Elizabeth W. , de Villa Kathrina , Crosbie Jennifer , Schachar Russell , Iaboni Alana , Georgiades Stelios , Nicolson Robert , Kelley Elizabeth , Ayub Muhammed , Lerch Jason P. , Anagnostou Evdokia , Taylor Margot J.
Published: March 2022

Impairments in emotional face processing are demonstrated by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is associated with altered emotion processing networks. Despite accumulating evidence of high rates of diagnostic overlap and shared symptoms between ASD and ADHD, functional connectivity underpinning emotion processing across these two neurodevelopmental disorders, compared to typical developing peers, has rarely been examined. The current study used magnetoencephalography to investigate whole-brain functional connectivity during the presentation of happy and angry faces in 258 children (5–19 years), including ASD, ADHD and typically developing (TD) groups to determine possible differences in emotion processing. Data-driven clustering was also applied to determine whether the patterns of connectivity differed among diagnostic groups. We found reduced functional connectivity in the beta band in ASD compared to TD, and a further reduction in the ADHD group compared to the ASD and the TD groups, across emotions. A group-by-emotion interaction in the gamma frequency band was also observed. Greater connectivity to happy compared to angry faces was found in the ADHD and TD groups, while the opposite pattern was seen in ASD. Data-driven subgrouping identified two distinct subgroups: NDD-dominant and TD-dominant; these subgroups demonstrated emotion- and frequency-specific differences in connectivity. Atypicalities in specific brain networks were strongly correlated with the severity of diagnosis-specific symptoms. Functional connectivity strength in the beta network was negatively correlated with difficulties in attention; in the gamma network, functional connectivity strength to happy faces was positively correlated with adaptive behavioural functioning, but in contrast, negatively correlated to angry faces. Our findings establish atypical frequency- and emotion-specific patterns of functional connectivity between NDD and TD children. Data-driven clustering further highlights a high degree of comorbidity and symptom overlap between the ASD and ADHD children.
Teachers’ Responses to Bullying Questionnaire: A Validation Study in Two Educational Contexts
Authors: van Gils Fleur Elisabeth , Colpin Hilde , Verschueren Karine , Demol Karlien , ten Bokkel Isabel Maria , Menesini Ersilia , Palladino Benedetta Emanuela
Published: March 2022

Given the high prevalence and dramatic impact of being bullied at school, it is crucial to get more insight into how teachers can reduce bullying. So far, few instruments have measured elementary teachers’ responses to bullying. This study investigated the validity of the student-reported Teachers’ Responses to Bullying Questionnaire. The factor structure and measurement invariance were tested across two educational contexts among fourth and fifth grade students from Italy (n = 235) and Belgium (n = 667). Furthermore, associations between student-perceived teachers’ responses and students’ bullying behavior were examined. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the predicted five-factor structure, distinguishing Non-Intervention, Disciplinary Methods, Group Discussion, Mediation, and Victim Support. A partial factor means invariance model was found, allowing for valid comparisons between the Italian and Belgian educational contexts. Significant associations were found between self-reported, but not peer-nominated, bullying behavior and most student-perceived teachers’ responses.
A Multi-Center Study on the Relationship Between Developmental Regression and Disease Severity in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Hu Chaoqun , Yang Fan , Yang Ting , Chen Jie , Dai Ying , Jia Feiyong , Wu Lijie , Hao Yan , Li Ling , Zhang Jie , Ke Xiaoyan , Yi Mingji , Hong Qi , Chen Jinjin , Fang Shuanfeng , Wang Yichao , Wang Qi , Jin Chunhua , Li Tingyu , Chen Li
Published: March 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of developmental regression in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to explore its relationship with disease severity.

Methods

We finally included 1,027 ASD children aged 2–5 years from 13 cities in China: 138 with regressive ASD and 889 with non-regressive ASD. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Children Neuropsychological and Behavioral Scale-Revision 2016 (CNBS-R2016) were used to evaluate the core symptoms and developmental status of children in the two groups.

Results

Among the 1,027 ASD children eventually included, 138 (13.44%) cases showed regressive behavior and the average regression occurring age was 24.00 (18.00–27.00) months. Among the regressive children, 105 cases (76.09%) had language regression, 79 cases (57.25%) had social regression, and 4 cases (2.90%) had motor regression. The total scores of ABC and the sub-score of sensory and stereotypic behavior (β = 5.122, 95% CI: 0.818, 9.426, P < 0.05; β = 1.104, 95% CI: 0.120, 2.089, P < 0.05; β = 1.388, 95% CI: 0.038, 2.737, P < 0.05), the SRS total scores and the sub-score of autistic mannerisms (β = 4.991, 95% CI: 0.494, 9.487, P < 0.05; β = 1.297, 95% CI: 0.140, 2.453, P < 0.05) of children in the regressive group were all higher than the non-regressive group. The total developmental quotient (DQ) of CNBS-R2016 and the DQ of gross motor, fine motor, adaptive behavior, language (β = −5.827, 95% CI: −11.529, −0.125, P < 0.05) and personal society in the regressive group were lower than the non-regressive group and the proportion of children with intelligent developmental impairment was higher the non-regressive group.

Conclusion

Regressive autism is mainly manifested as language and social regression. Children with regressive ASD have more severe core symptoms, lower neurodevelopmental level DQ, and more serious disease degree than children with non-regressive ASD, which requires further etiological examinations and more clinical attention.
Family Relationships Under Work From Home: Exploring the Role of Adaptive Processes
Authors: Wu Hongyue , Song Q. Chelsea , Proctor Robert W. , Chen Yunfeng
Published: March 2022

Work-from-home (WFH) influences both work and life, and further impacts family relationships. The current study explored the impacts of WFH on family relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified effective adaptive processes for maintaining family relationships under WFH. Using the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation (VSA) model, the study examined the roles of adaptive processes (spending time with family members and balancing work and life) and demographic differences (gender, age, marital status, and education level) in the relation between WFH and family relationships. Path analysis results based on an online survey (N = 150) suggested that, overall, WFH improved family relationships through proper adaptive processes. WFH had a positive relation to time spent with family members, and this relation was especially salient for workers with lower education levels. While there was no statistically significant overall relation between WFH and work-life balance, older workers tended to engage in increased work-life balance during WFH. Both adaptive processes were positively related to family relationship quality. The findings advance the understanding of family relationships and WFH and provide practical recommendations to enhance family relationships under WFH.
Building and Testing of a Conceptual Model to Describe and Measure the Health of People as Affected by Post-traumatic Stress Disorder During Social Unrest: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Chung Eva Yin-han
Published: March 2022

Background

Social unrest affects people's health and well-being. People's health-related needs during social unrest are concerns in both research and clinical practice. This study aimed to build and test a framework to describe and understand the health status and needs of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during social unrest.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 460 people who had experienced post-traumatic distress as a result of the social unrest in 2019 and 2020 were included. A conceptual model comprised four essential areas, namely posttraumatic distress symptoms, participation restrictions, perceived stigma and functional disability, was built from literature. Part 1 validated four instruments that evaluate and define the factor structure of these four areas, In Part II, structural equation modeling was used to test and validate a combined model.

Results

Factors underlying the four areas were defined. Analysis using structural equation modeling confirmed a best fit of the model. PTSD symptoms, perceived stigma and participation restriction during social unrest contributed significantly to functional disability; PTSD symptoms exerted a direct effect on participation restriction and perceived stigma; and the effect of PTSD symptoms on functional disability was mediated through its influence on perceived stigma during social unrest.

Conclusions

A community-based inclusive approach is essential to understand the holistic needs of people with PTSD during social unrest. To improve health and well-being in addition to evaluating mental health impacts, considering interactions with the rapid change and stressful social environment is essential.
Unique NISTAR-Based Climate GCM Diagnostics of the Earth’s Planetary Albedo and Spectral Absorption Through Longitudinal Data Slicing
Authors: Lacis Andrew A. , Carlson Barbara E. , Russell Gary L. , Marshak Alexander , Su Wenying
Published: March 2022

Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) measurements of Earth’s reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation permit a unique model/data comparison perspective that is not readily available from other satellite data. The key factor is the unique Lissajous orbital viewing geometry from the Lagrangian L1 point, which enables a continuous view of Earth’s sunlit hemisphere. The National Institute of Standards and Technology Advanced Radiometer (NISTAR) is the DSCOVR Mission energy budget instrument, which views the reflected and emitted radiation of the Earth’s sunlit hemisphere by means of single pixel active cavity full-spectrum (Band-A, 0.2–100 μm) and filtered solar wavelength (Band-B, 0.2–4.0 μm; and Band-C, 0.7–4.0 μm) radiometer measurements. An additional solar wavelength photodiode channel (0.3–1.1 μm) provides a calibration reference. The objective of this study is the assessment of climate GCM performance via direct model/data comparisons. Such comparisons are difficult due to quasi-chaotic natural variability present in real-world observational data and in climate GCM simulations. This is where the unique DSCOVR viewing geometry makes possible the longitudinal data slicing methodology for more direct model/data comparison. The key point of the longitudinal slicing approach is that data integration over the entire sunlit hemisphere eliminates the quasi-chaotic meteorological weather-scale noise, while preserving intra-seasonal and planetary-scale variability. The rotation of the Earth that retrieves this climate-style, large-scale longitudinal and seasonal variability. The hemispheric averaging is accomplished automatically in NISTAR measurements with its single-pixel view of the Earth. For climate GCMs, this requires implementing the Sunlit Hemisphere Sampling (SHS) scheme to operate on the GCM run-time output data, utilizing the DSCOVR Satellite Ephemeris data to assure precise viewing geometry between NISTAR measurements and GCM output data, while averaging out the meteorological weather noise. However, GCM generated data are radiative fluxes, while NISTAR (and EPIC) measurements are near-backscattered radiances. Conversing NISTSR measurements into radiative fluxes cannot be accomplished using NISTAR data alone, even with detailed support from conventional satellite data. But the identical viewing geometry of Earth’s sunlit hemisphere, and synergistic analyses of EPIC data make it feasible for this conversion of NISTAR near-backscatter radiances into radiative fluxes.
Chlorpromazine: Paving the Way for a Better Understanding of Schizophrenia
Authors: Sushilkumar Sandhra , Allen Addison Claire , Osier Nico Steel
Published: March 2022

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that impacts quality of life and can require hospital treatment. Schizophrenia is thought to have affected humans throughout history; however, it was first described as a form of mental illness in 1887. Notably, doctors did not effectively treat schizophrenia until 1951, when Dr. Heinz Lehmann discovered that a drug called chlorpromazine could be used to relieve the symptoms of this disorder. Although chlorpromazine was initially used to keep patients asleep during surgery, researchers learned that it was also helpful for mental illnesses. While the causes of mental illness are still not completely understood, the discovery of chlorpromazine taught us a lot about how the brain communicates, and we learned that issues with communication between the brain and the body can lead to some of the symptoms of mental illness. Overall, chlorpromazine paved the way for future drugs and improved the lives of millions!
Physicochemical Characterization of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa cv. Nariño) Co-products Obtained by Wet Milling
Authors: Ortiz-Gómez Vicente , Fernández-Quintero Alejandro , Roa-Acosta Diego Fernando , Bravo-Gómez Jesús Eduardo , Solanilla-Duque Jose Fernando
Published: March 2022

In recent years, great interest has been shown in pseudocereals for their high nutritional value. Wet milling has been used to obtain macromolecules such as proteins and starches. However, the co-products obtained from this food industry have been studied little. A factorial design Box-benhken was used to study the effect of surfactant concentration (SDS), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration and maceration temperature on structural and colorimetric properties. Structural properties were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and color changes by the CIElab tristimulus method (L*, a*, b*). A decrease in temperature and NaOH causes a decrease in lightness (L*), resulting in lower starch content and higher protein content in the co-product. This behavior was correlated with the infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) spectra. The spectra show a possible structural change in the amylose/amylopectin ratio of the starch granule at 1,012 cm−1, 1,077 cm−1, and 1,150 cm−1 bands, which are associated with glycosidic bonds, these bonds were sensitive to NaOH concentration. While those bands assigned to Amide II (1,563 cm−1) and Amide I (1,633 cm−1), were sensitive to the effect of NaOH and maceration temperature, evidencing that protein content in the co-products is variable and depends significantly on the extraction conditions. The co-products obtained by wet milling could be used in the development of functional foods, such as bread, snacks, pasta and other products.
Task Space Model Predictive Control for Vineyard Spraying with a Mobile Manipulator
Authors: Vatavuk Ivo , Vasiljević Goran , Kovačić Zdenko
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a Model Predictive Control (MPC)-based approach for vineyard spraying is presented, able to adapt to different vine row structures and suitable for real-time applications. In the presented approach, the mobile base moves along a row of vines while the robotic arm controls the position and orientation of the spray nozzle. A reference lawnmower pattern trajectory is generated from the vine canopy description, with the aim of minimizing waste while ensuring vine coverage. MPC is used to compute the trajectory of the vehicle along the row and the manipulator tool trajectory, which follow the spray reference, while minimizing vehicle acceleration and tool displacement. The manipulator tool velocity commands provided by the MPC algorithm are tracked using task space control. The presented approach is evaluated in two experiments: a vineyard spraying scenario and an external evaluation scenario in an indoor environment equipped with the Optitrack camera system.
Optimizing Irrigation Strategies to Improve Water Use Efficiency of Cotton in Northwest China Using RZWQM2
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Feng Shaoyuan , Qi Zhiming , Sima Matthew W. , Zeng Fanjiang , Li Lanhai , Cheng Haomiao , Wu Hao
Published: March 2022

Irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is produced mainly in Northwest China, where groundwater is heavily used. To alleviate water scarcity and increase regional economic benefits, a four-year (2016–2019) field experiment was conducted in Qira Oasis, Xingjiang Province, to evaluate irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) in cotton production using the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2), that was calibrated and validated using volumetric soil water content (θ), soil temperature (Tsoil°) and plant transpiration (T), along with cotton growth and yield data collected from full and deficit irrigation experimental plots managed with a newly developed Decision Support System for Irrigation Scheduling (DSSIS). In the validation phase, RZWQM2 adequately simulated (S) topsoil θ and Tsoil°, as well as cotton growth (average index of agreement (IOA) > 0.76). Relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) and percent bias (PBIAS) of cotton seed yield were 8% and 2.5%, respectively, during calibration, and 20% and −10.3% during validation. The cotton crop’s (M) T was well S (−18% < PBIAS < 14% and IOA > 0.95) for both full and deficit irrigation fields. The validated RZWQM2 model was subsequently run with seven irrigation scenarios with 850 to 350 mm water (Irr850, Irr750, Irr700, Irr650, Irr550, Irr450, and Irr350) and long-term (1990–2019) weather data to determine the best IWUE. Simulation results showed that the Irr650 treatment generated the greatest cotton seed yield (4.09 Mg ha−1) and net income (US $3165 ha−1), while the Irr550 treatment achieved the greatest IWUE (6.53 kg ha−1 mm−1) and net water production (0.94 $ m−3). These results provided farmers guidelines to adopt deficit irrigation strategies.
Analysis of Chemical Composition, Amino Acid Content, and Rumen Degradation Characteristics of Six Organic Feeds
Authors: Luo Chenglong , Wang Donghai , Lu Na , Li Haiqing , Liu Gaofei , Cao Zhijun , Yang Hongjian , Li Shengli , Yu Xiong , Shao Wei , Wang Wei
Published: March 2022

The current study was designed to investigate the chemical composition, amino acid content, and rumen degradation characteristics (nylon bag method) of six organic feeds to illustrate their feeding values. The feeds analyzed were: corn grain (CG), soybean cake (SC), wheat bran (WB), corn silage (CS), oat hay (OT), and alfalfa hay (AF). Our results showed that the contents of crude protein (CP) (47.46%) and ether extract (EE) (8.23%) in SC were highest. The contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (65.00%) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (39.16%) in OT were highest. The contents of total amino acid (TAA) (42.95%) and essential amino acid (EAA) (19.73%) in SC were highest. Among SC, WB, and CG, the effective degradation rate (ED) of dry matter (DM) is SC (87.89%) > WB (73.32%) > CG (64.25%); the ED value of CP is CG (82.37%) > WB (82.40%) > SC (60.47%). Among CS, OT, and AF, the effective degradation rate (ED) of DM is CS (72.68%) > OT (59.97%) > AF (58.89%); the ED value of CP is AF (76.46%) > CS (72.03%) > OT (71.99%). In conclusion, the chemical composition, amino acid content, and rumen degradation rate of SC and AF were better than those of the other four feeds.
In Silico Predictions on the Productive Life Span and Theory of Its Developmental Origin in Dairy Cows
Authors: Kharitonov Evgeniy , Cherepanov Gennadiy , Ostrenko Konstantin
Published: March 2022

Animal welfare includes health but also concerns the need for natural factors that contribute to the increase in viability. Therefore, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of the disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death) in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by the value of the reciprocal culling/death rate (reciprocal value of Gompertz function) at the first lactation. This means that this potential of viability is formed during the developmental periods preceding the onset of lactation activity. Therefore, taking into account current data in the field of developmental biology, it can be assumed that the structural prerequisites for viability potential are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life. To prevent unfavorable deviations in these processes due to negative welfare effects, it is advisable to monitor the physiological status of mothers and young animals using biosensors and Big Data systems.
A Food for All Seasons: Stability of Food Preferences in Gorillas across Testing Methods and Seasons
Authors: Vonk Jennifer , Truax Jordyn , McGuire Molly
Published: March 2022

Decisions about which foods to use during training and enrichment for captive animals may be based on invalid assumptions about individuals’ preferences. It is important to assess the stability of food preferences given that one-time preferences are often used to inform which items are offered over a longer period of time. Presenting preference assessments using images of food items allows control over factors such as size, scent, and inadvertent cueing but requires validation. We presented three male gorillas with choices between randomly selected pairs of actual food items from their morning meal using PVC feeders. We also presented the gorillas with two-alternative forced-choice tests between images of these foods on a touchscreen computer. Ranked preferences were correlated across method and seasons. Furthermore, gorillas selected images of preferred over less preferred foods in a validation task on the touchscreen. However, selections of some food items changed within sessions, suggesting that preference may be relative to other contextual factors. Researchers should assess how choices affect subsequent preferences to understand whether animals demonstrate absolute preferences for particular food items, or prefer variety.
Diet Selection by the Italian Hare (Lepus corsicanus de Winton, 1898) in Two Protected Coastal Areas of Latium
Authors: Freschi Pierangelo , Fascetti Simonetta , Riga Francesco , Rizzardini Gabriella , Fortebraccio Mario , Ragni Marco , Paolino Rosanna , Cosentino Carlo
Published: March 2022

This study was focused on the diet and feeding behaviour of Lepus corsicanus in two protected coastal areas of Latium, Castelporziano Presidential Estate (CPE) and Circeo National Park (CNP). Plant frequency was assessed by the quadrat method, while diet composition was determined by microhistological analysis of faecal samples. Over the year, the Italian hare fed on 185 of the 229 plant species identified in vegetation, with most of them ingested in low percentages (≤1%). During the dry season (DS), in both areas, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Cynodon dactylon, and Avena fatua were among the most consumed species. In the wet season (WS) the most common plant species in diet were B. sylvaticum, Poa trivialis, and Carex distachya in CPE and Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus echinatus, and Spartium junceum in CNP. In both sites, considering the annual selection of life forms, grasses and leguminous forbs were preferred, while non-leguminous forbs and shrubs were used less than expected according to their availability. ANOSIM analysis showed significant differences between sites in DS and WS diets. Our study evidenced that the Italian hare behaved as generalist, revealing its capability for exploiting several plant species and to adapt its diet preferences to space-time variation of food availability.
Inflammatory Response of Primary Cultured Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells to Staphylococcus aureus Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Saenz-de-Juano Mara D. , Silvestrelli Giulia , Weber Andres , Röhrig Christian , Schmelcher Mathias , Ulbrich Susanne E.
Published: March 2022

In dairy cows, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is among the most prevalent microorganisms worldwide, causing mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland. Production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a common feature of S. aureus strains, which contributes to its pathogenesis by delivering bacterial effector molecules to host cells. In the current study, we evaluated the differences between five S. aureus mastitis isolates regarding their EV production. We found that different mastitis-related S. aureus strains differ in their behaviour of shedding EVs, with M5512VL producing the largest amount of EVs containing alpha-haemolysin, a strong cytotoxic agent. We stimulated primary cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells (pbMECs) with EVs from the S. aureus strain M5512VL. After 24 h of incubation, we observed a moderate increase in gene expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) but, surprisingly, a lack of an associated pronounced pro-inflammatory response. Our results contribute to understanding the damaging nature of S. aureus in its capacity to effectively affect mammary epithelial cells.
Recovery from Food Waste—Biscuit Doughs Enriched with Pomegranate Peel Powder as a Model of Fortified Aliment
Authors: Nuzzo Domenico , Picone Pasquale , Lozano Sanchez Jesus , Borras-Linares Isabel , Guiducci Alessandro , Muscolino Emanuela , Giacomazza Daniela , Sanfilippo Tiziana , Guggino Rossella , Bulone Donatella , Dispenza Clelia , San Biagio Pier Luigi , Lapasin Romano
Published: March 2022

The aim of the present work is the characterization of biscuit doughs enriched with pomegranate peel powder (PPP) at 3 (PPP3) and 5 (PPP5) wt% in the prospect of developing a fortified aliment as a support of the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract. The total phenolic content of the powder was preliminarily evaluated. Then, the main compounds present in the PPP were identified by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis, being mainly hydrolysable tannins. The PPP was then treated at 180 °C for 20 min to mimic the baking treatment, and its water-soluble fraction (PPPwsf) was then added in the Caco-2 cell culture as a model of the intestinal epithelial barrier to verify its dose-dependent toxicity, ability in counteracting the oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory action. Rheological experiments were performed to predict the macroscopic behavior of the PPP-added doughs during lamination and biscuit baking. SEM investigations gave their contribution to the microscopic comprehension of the dough structure. Finally, a consumer panel composed by thirty volunteers was enrolled to express its opinion on the sensory agreeableness of the biscuits prepared with two different concentrations of PPP compared with the reference dough. The discussion is focused on the biological effects of the main components found in the PPP.
PWM2Vec: An Efficient Embedding Approach for Viral Host Specification from Coronavirus Spike Sequences
Authors: Ali Sarwan , Bello Babatunde , Chourasia Prakash , Punathil Ria Thazhe , Zhou Yijing , Patterson Murray
Published: March 2022

The study of host specificity has important connections to the question about the origin of SARS-CoV-2 in humans which led to the COVID-19 pandemic—an important open question. There are speculations that bats are a possible origin. Likewise, there are many closely related (corona)viruses, such as SARS, which was found to be transmitted through civets. The study of the different hosts which can be potential carriers and transmitters of deadly viruses to humans is crucial to understanding, mitigating, and preventing current and future pandemics. In coronaviruses, the surface (S) protein, or spike protein, is important in determining host specificity, since it is the point of contact between the virus and the host cell membrane. In this paper, we classify the hosts of over five thousand coronaviruses from their spike protein sequences, segregating them into clusters of distinct hosts among birds, bats, camels, swine, humans, and weasels, to name a few. We propose a feature embedding based on the well-known position weight matrix (PWM), which we call PWM2Vec, and we use it to generate feature vectors from the spike protein sequences of these coronaviruses. While our embedding is inspired by the success of PWMs in biological applications, such as determining protein function and identifying transcription factor binding sites, we are the first (to the best of our knowledge) to use PWMs from viral sequences to generate fixed-length feature vector representations, and use them in the context of host classification. The results on real world data show that when using PWM2Vec, machine learning classifiers are able to perform comparably to the baseline models in terms of predictive performance and runtime—in some cases, the performance is better. We also measure the importance of different amino acids using information gain to show the amino acids which are important for predicting the host of a given coronavirus. Finally, we perform some statistical analyses on these results to show that our embedding is more compact than the embeddings of the baseline models.
Prognostic Signature of Chronic Kidney Disease in Advanced Age: Secondary Analysis from the InGAH Study with One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Meyer Anna Maria , Pickert Lena , Heeß Annika , Becker Ingrid , Kurschat Christine , Bartram Malte P. , Benzing Thomas , Polidori Maria Cristina
Published: March 2022

The negative impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on health status and quality of life in older patients has been well documented. However, data on frailty trajectories and long-term outcomes of older CKD patients undergoing structured Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) with multidimensional frailty evaluation are sparse. Here, we analysed records from 375 CKD patients admitted to our university hospital (mean age 77.5 (SD 6.1) years, 36% female) who had undergone a CGA-based calculation of the frailty score with the multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) as well as follow-up evaluations at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge. Based on the MPI score at admission, 21% of the patients were frail and 56% were prefrail. MPI values were significantly associated with KDIGO CKD stages (p = 0.003) and rehospitalisation after 6 months (p = 0.027) and mortality at 3, 6 and 12 months (p = 0.001), independent of chronological age. Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) showed a significantly lower frailty compared to patients with renal replacement therapy (RRT, p = 0.028). The association between frailty and mortality after 12 months appeared particularly strong for KTR (mean MPI 0.43 KTR vs. 0.52 RRT, p < 0.001) and for patients with hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.001). Interestingly, RRT was per se not significantly associated with mortality during follow up. However, compared to patients on RRT those with KTR had a significantly lower grade of care (p = 0.031) and lower rehospitalisation rates at 12 months (p = 0.010). The present analysis shows that the large majority of older CKD inpatients are prefrail or frail and that the risk for CKD-related adverse outcomes on the long term can be accurately stratified by CGA-based instruments. Further studies are needed to explore the prognostic and frailty-related signature of laboratory biomarkers in CKD.
ENT-A010, a Novel Steroid Derivative, Displays Neuroprotective Functions and Modulates Microglial Responses
Authors: Yilmaz Canelif , Rogdakis Thanasis , Latorrata Alessia , Thanou Evangelia , Karadima Eleftheria , Papadimitriou Eleni , Siapi Eleni , Li Ka Wan , Katsila Theodora , Calogeropoulou Theodora , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Alexaki Vasileia Ismini
Published: March 2022

Tackling neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation is particularly challenging due to the complexity of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, as well as the limited drug accessibility to the brain. The activation of tropomyosin-related kinase A (TRKA) receptor signaling by the nerve growth factor (NGF) or the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may combat neurodegeneration and regulate microglial function. In the present study, we synthesized a C-17-spiro-cyclopropyl DHEA derivative (ENT-A010), which was capable of activating TRKA. ENT-A010 protected PC12 cells against serum starvation-induced cell death, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons against NGF deprivation-induced apoptosis and hippocampal neurons against Aβ-induced apoptosis. In addition, ENT-A010 pretreatment partially restored homeostatic features of microglia in the hippocampus of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice, enhanced Aβ phagocytosis, and increased Ngf expression in microglia in vitro. In conclusion, the small molecule ENT-A010 elicited neuroprotective effects and modulated microglial function, thereby emerging as an interesting compound, which merits further study in the treatment of CNS disorders.
Y-Complex Proteins Show RNA-Dependent Binding Events at the Cell Membrane and Distinct Single-Molecule Dynamics
Authors: Hinrichs Rebecca , Pozhydaieva Nadiia , Höfer Katharina , Graumann Peter L.
Published: March 2022

Bacteria are dependent on rapid alterations in gene expression. A prerequisite for rapid adaptations is efficient RNA turnover, with endonuclease RNase Y playing a crucial role in mRNA stability as well as in maturation. In Bacillus subtilis, RNase Y in turn interacts with the so-called “Y-complex” consisting of three proteins, which play important functions in sporulation, natural transformation and biofilm formation. It is thought that the Y-complex acts as an accessory factor in RNase Y regulation but might also have independent functions. Using single-molecule tracking, we show that all three Y-complex proteins exhibit three distinct mobilities, including movement through the cytosol and confined motion, predominantly at membrane-proximal sites but also within the cell center. A transcriptional arrest leads to a strong change in localization and dynamics of YmcA, YlbF and YaaT, supporting their involvement in global RNA degradation. However, Y-complex proteins show distinguishable protein dynamics, and the deletion of yaaT or ylbF shows a minor effect on the dynamics of YmcA. Cell fractionation reveals that YaaT displays a mixture of membrane association and presence in the cytosol, while YlbF and YmcA do not show direct membrane attachment. Taken together, our experiments reveal membrane-associated and membrane-independent activities of Y-complex proteins and a dynamic interplay between them with indirect membrane association of YmcA and YlbF via YaaT.
Placental Neutrophil Infiltration Associated with Tobacco Exposure but Not Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Box David M. , Makkar Abhishek , Yu Zhongxin , Chaaban Hala , Tran Henry H. , Burge Kathryn Y. , Eckert Jeffrey V.
Published: March 2022

Objective: In utero inflammation is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. We hypothesized that maternal tobacco exposure (TE) might induce placental neutrophil infiltration, increasing the risk for BPD. Study design: We compared the composite outcome of BPD and death in a prospective pilot study of TE and no-TE mothers and their infants born <32 weeks. Placental neutrophil infiltration was approximated by neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) ELISA, and total RNA expression was analyzed via NanoString© (Seattle, WA, USA). Result: Of 39 enrolled patients, 44% were classified as tobacco exposure. No significant difference was noted in the infant’s composite outcome of BPD or death based on maternal tobacco exposure. NGAL was higher in placentas of TE vs. non-TE mothers (p < 0.05). Placental RNA analysis identified the upregulation of key inflammatory genes associated with maternal tobacco exposure. Conclusion: Tobacco exposure during pregnancy was associated with increased placental neutrophil markers and upregulated inflammatory gene expression. These findings were not associated with BPD.
Influence of Ultrasonic Vibration towards the Microstructure Refinement and Particulate Distribution of AA7150-B4C Nanocomposites
Authors: Madhukar Pagidi , Mishra Vipin , Selvaraj Nagamuthu , Rao Chilakalapalli Surya Prakasa , Gonal Basavaraja Veeresh Kumar , Seetharam Rathlavath , Chavali Murthy , Mohammad Faruq , Soleiman Ahmed A.
Published: March 2022

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites with single or multiple ceramic reinforcements are finding application in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this research work, novel AA7150-B4C (aluminium7150 alloy–Boron carbide) nanocomposites were successfully fabricated, through the liquid metallurgy route via stir casting method, with the incorporation of B4C nanoparticles with different weight percentages using a novel sequence of a vortex technique and a double stir casting process with ultrasonication. The formed composites have been thoroughly studied for microstructure refinement, nano-particulate distribution, and bonding with the matrix by making use of the optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies (respectively). In addition, the composites were analyzed for the density, porosity, and elemental composition. Further, the composites were tested for the investigation of mechanical properties, like micro-hardness and tensile strength, to investigate the influence of ultrasonic vibration on the arrangement of B4C nano-particulates. The analysis indicated that the mechanical properties of the AA7150-B4C nanocomposites in as-cast condition significantly improved with a gain of 57.7% in strength and 24.5% in hardness compared to the native AA7150 material.
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in 2022: A Review for General Practitioners in Oncology
Authors: Mithoowani Hamid , Febbraro Michela
Published: March 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Canada and a significant cause of morbidity for patients and their loved ones. There have been rapid advances in preventing, screening and treating this disease. Here, we present a contemporary review of treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in Canada based on current best practices. The focus of this review is to highlight recent data in screening for lung cancer, management of patients with early and locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer, as well as management of patients with metastatic disease. There is a special focus on the incorporation of immunotherapy into practice and its associated toxicities.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma/Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate: Overview and Update on Rare Prostate Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Cozzi Salvatore , Bardoscia Lilia , Najafi Masoumeh , Botti Andrea , Blandino Gladys , Augugliaro Matteo , Manicone Moana , Iori Federico , Giaccherini Lucia , Sardaro Angela , Iotti Cinzia , Ciammella Patrizia
Published: March 2022

Adenoid cystic carcinoma/basaloid cell carcinoma of the prostate (ACC/BCC) is a very rare variant of prostate cancer with uncertain behavior. Few cases are reported in the literature. Data on treatment options are scarce. The aim of our work was to retrospectively review the published reports. Thirty-three case reports or case series were analyzed (106 patients in total). Pathological features, management, and follow-up information were evaluated. Despite the relatively low level of evidence given the unavoidable lack of prospective trials for such a rare prostate tumor, the following considerations were made: prostate ACC/BCC is an aggressive tumor often presenting with locally advanced disease and incidental diagnosis occurs during transurethral resection of the prostate for urinary obstructive symptoms. Prostate-specific antigen was not a reliable marker for diagnosis nor follow-up. Adequate staging with Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) should be performed before treatment and during follow-up, while there is no evidence for the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Radical surgery with negative margins and possibly adjuvant radiotherapy appear to be the treatments of choice. The response to androgen deprivation therapy was poor. Currently, there is no evidence of the use of truly effective systemic therapies.
Environmental Exploration of Ultra-Dense Nanobubbles: Rethinking Sustainability
Authors: English Niall J.
Published: March 2022

Nanobubbles are nanoscopic gaseous domains than can exist on solid surfaces or in bulk liquids. They have attracted significant attention in the last decade due to their long-time (meta)stability and ready potential for real-world applications, especially in environmental engineering and more sustainable ecosystems, water treatment, irrigation, and crop growth. After reviewing important nano-bubble science and activity, with some of the latest promising results in agriculture, we point out important directions in applications of nano-bubble phenomena for boosting sustainability, with viewpoints on how to revolutionise best-practice environmental and green sustainability, taking into account economic drivers and impacts. More specifically, it is pointed out how nanobubbles may be used as delivery vehicles, or “nano-carriers”, for nutrients or other agents to specific targets in a variety of ecosystems of environmental relevance, and how core this is to realising a vision of ultra-dense NBs in shaping a positive and lasting impact on ecosystems and our natural environment.
Digital Twins of the Soil Microbiome for Climate Mitigation
Authors: Mukhtar Hussnain , Wunderlich Rainer Ferdinand , Lin Yu-Pin
Published: March 2022

Recent advances in computation power have enabled the creation of digital twins of the microbiome (DTM) to substantially curb soil greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions under global change conditions [...]