bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery and Characterization of a Novel Tomato mlo Mutant from an EMS Mutagenized Micro-Tom Population
Authors: Yan Zhe , Appiano Michela , van Tuinen Ageeth , Meijer-Dekens Fien , Schipper Danny , Gao Dongli , Huibers Robin , Visser Richard G. F. , Bai Yuling , Wolters Anne-Marie A.
Published: May 2021

In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), there are at least three SlMLO (Mildew resistance Locus O) genes acting as susceptibility genes for the powdery mildew disease caused by Oidium neolycopersici, namely SlMLO1, SlMLO5 and SlMLO8. Of the three homologs, the SlMLO1 gene plays a major role since a natural mutant allele called ol-2 can almost completely prevent fungal penetration by formation of papillae. The ol-2 allele contains a 19-bp deletion in the coding sequence of the SlMLO1 gene, resulting in a premature stop codon within the second cytoplasmic loop of the predicted protein. In this study, we have developed a new genetic resource (M200) in the tomato cv. Micro-Tom genetic background by means of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. The mutant M200 containing a novel allele (the m200 allele) of the tomato SlMLO1 gene showed profound resistance against powdery mildew with no fungal sporulation. Compared to the coding sequence of the SlMLO1 gene, the m200 allele carries a point mutation at T65A. The SNP results in a premature stop codon L22* located in the first transmembrane domain of the complete SlMLO1 protein. The length of the predicted protein is 21 amino acids, while the SlMLO1 full-length protein is 513 amino acids. A high-resolution melting (HRM) marker was developed to distinguish the mutated m200 allele from the SlMLO1 allele in backcross populations. The mutant allele conferred recessive resistance that was associated with papillae formation at fungal penetration sites of plant epidermal cells. A comprehensive list of known mlo mutations found in natural and artificial mutants is presented, which serves as a particularly valuable resource for powdery mildew resistance breeding.
Predicting Crenulate Bay Profiles from Wave Fronts: Numerical Experiments and Empirical Formulae
Authors: Buccino Mariano , Tuozzo Sara , Ciccaglione Margherita C. , Calabrese Mario
Published: May 2021

For crenulate-shaped bays, the coastal outline assumes a specific shape related to the predominant waves in the area: it generally consists of a tangential zone downcoast and a curved portion upcoast. Many coastal engineers have attempted to derive an expression of the headland bay shapes that emerge when a full equilibrium is reached (stable or dynamic). However, even though models for static equilibrium bays exist, they are merely of an empirical kind, lacking further insight on relationships between incident wave characteristics and beach shape. In addition, it is commonly believed that shoreline profiles tend to follow wave fronts, but this has been never fully verified. In this paper, we investigate a possible correlation between static equilibrium profiles and wave front shapes. Numerical experiments have been performed using the MIKE 21 Boussinesq Wave module, and the generated wave fronts have been compared to the hyperbolic-tangent equilibrium profile. A thoughtful analysis of results revealed that a single-headland equilibrium profile is merely the wave front translated perpendicularly to the wave direction at the headland tip, without any influence of wave period or in wave direction. A new function called the “wave-front-bay-shape equation” has been obtained, and the application and validation of this formula to the case-study bay of the Bagnoli coast (south-west of Italy) is described in the paper.
The First Polish Isolate of a Novel Species Pectobacterium aquaticum Originates from a Pomeranian Lake
Authors: Babinska Weronika , Motyka-Pomagruk Agata , Sledz Wojciech , Kowalczyk Agnieszka , Kaczynski Zbigniew , Lojkowska Ewa
Published: May 2021

Pectinolytic bacteria from the genus Pectobacterium cause high economic losses in various crops, vegetables, and ornamentals including potato. Thus far, these strains have been isolated from distinct environments such as rotten or asymptomatic plants, soil, and waterways. The prevalence of soft rot Pectobacteriaceae in different depths of Pomeranian lakes was performed by a qualified scuba diver over 2 years of monitoring. It allowed for the isolation and broad characterization of a strain from the newly established species Pectobacterium aquaticum. Phylogenetic analysis on the sequences of dnaX and recA genes revealed the highest similarity of this strain to P. aquaticum CFBP 8637T. In addition to the determination of analytical profile index (API 20E), we discovered that this strain possesses a smooth form of a lipopolysaccharide with O-polysaccharide consisting of mannose, glucose, and abequose. Moreover, the characterized strain, described as P. aquaticum IFB5637, produced plant-cell–wall-degrading enzymes, such as pectinases, cellulases, proteases, and was capable of macerating potato and chicory tissues under laboratory conditions. In view of more frequent irrigation of seed potato fields resulting from the ongoing climate warming, it is important to monitor the occurrence of potential disease-causing agents in natural waterways.
Epigenetic Alterations of Maternal Tobacco Smoking during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nakamura Aurélie , François Olivier , Lepeule Johanna
Published: May 2021

In utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking is the leading cause of birth complications in addition to being associated with later impairment in child’s development. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), miRNAs expression, and histone modifications, belong to possible underlying mechanisms linking maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes and later child’s development. The aims of this review were to provide an update on (1) the main results of epidemiological studies on the impact of in utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking on epigenetic mechanisms, and (2) the technical issues and methods used in such studies. In contrast with miRNA and histone modifications, DNAm has been the most extensively studied epigenetic mechanism with regard to in utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking. Most studies relied on cord blood and children’s blood, but placenta is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool, especially for markers of pregnancy exposures. Some recent studies suggest reversibility in DNAm in certain genomic regions as well as memory of smoking exposure in DNAm in other regions, upon smoking cessation before or during pregnancy. Furthermore, reversibility could be more pronounced in miRNA expression compared to DNAm. Increasing evidence based on longitudinal data shows that maternal smoking-associated DNAm changes persist during childhood. In this review, we also discuss some issues related to cell heterogeneity as well as downstream statistical analyses used to relate maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy and epigenetics. The epigenetic effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy have been among the most widely investigated in the epigenetic epidemiology field. However, there are still huge gaps to fill in, including on the impact on miRNA expression and histone modifications to get a better view of the whole epigenetic machinery. The consistency of maternal tobacco smoking effects across epigenetic marks and across tissues will also provide crucial information for future studies. Advancement in bioinformatic and biostatistics approaches is key to develop a comprehensive analysis of these biological systems.
Factors Associated with Mutations: Their Matching Rates to Cardiovascular and Neurological Diseases
Authors: Lucas Hannah B. , McKnight Ian , Raines Regan , Hijazi Abdullah , Hart Christoph , Lee Chan , Kim Do-Gyoon , Li Wei , Lee Peter H. U. , Shim Joon W.
Published: May 2021

Monogenic hypertension is rare and caused by genetic mutations, but whether factors associated with mutations are disease-specific remains uncertain. Given two factors associated with high mutation rates, we tested how many previously known genes match with (i) proximity to telomeres or (ii) high adenine and thymine content in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) related to vascular stiffening. We extracted genomic information using a genome data viewer. In human chromosomes, 64 of 79 genetic loci involving >25 rare mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms satisfied (i) or (ii), resulting in an 81% matching rate. However, this high matching rate was no longer observed as we checked the two factors in genes associated with essential hypertension (EH), thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), and congenital heart disease (CHD), resulting in matching rates of 53%, 70%, and 75%, respectively. A matching of telomere proximity or high adenine and thymine content projects the list of loci involving rare mutations of monogenic hypertension better than those of other CVDs, likely due to adoption of rigorous criteria for true-positive signals. Our data suggest that the factor–disease matching rate is an accurate tool that can explain deleterious mutations of monogenic hypertension at a >80% match—unlike the relatively lower matching rates found in human genes of EH, TAA, CHD, and familial Parkinson’s disease.
Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Yang Wookyeom , Kim Dasol , Kim Dae Kyoung , Choi Kyung Un , Suh Dong Soo , Kim Jae Ho
Published: May 2021

Ovarian cancer is a fatal gynecological malignancy. Although first-line chemotherapy and surgical operation are effective treatments for ovarian cancer, its clinical management remains a challenge owing to intrinsic or acquired drug resistance and relapse at local or distal lesions. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells inside tumor tissues, and they can self-renew and differentiate. CSCs are responsible for the cancer malignancy involved in relapses as well as resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. These malignant properties of CSCs are regulated by cell surface receptors and intracellular pluripotency-associated factors triggered by internal or external stimuli from the tumor microenvironment. The malignancy of CSCs can be attenuated by individual or combined restraining of cell surface receptors and intracellular pluripotency-associated factors. Therefore, targeted therapy against CSCs is a feasible therapeutic tool against ovarian cancer. In this paper, we review the prominent roles of cell surface receptors and intracellular pluripotency-associated factors in mediating the stemness and malignancy of ovarian CSCs.
KRAS, A Prime Mediator in Pancreatic Lipid Synthesis through Extra Mitochondrial Glutamine and Citrate Metabolism
Authors: Muyinda Isaac James , Park Jae-Gwang , Jang Eun-Jung , Yoo Byong-Chul
Published: May 2021

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-driven pancreatic cancer is very lethal, with a five-year survival rate of <9%, irrespective of therapeutic advances. Different treatment modalities including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy demonstrated only marginal efficacies because of pancreatic tumor specificities. Surgery at the early stage of the disease remains the only curative option, although only in 20% of patients with early stage disease. Clinical trials targeting the main oncogenic driver, KRAS, have largely been unsuccessful. Recently, global metabolic reprogramming has been identified in patients with pancreatic cancer and oncogenic KRAS mouse models. The newly reprogrammed metabolic pathways and oncometabolites affect the tumorigenic environment. The development of methods modulating metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer cells might constitute a new approach to its therapy. In this review, we describe the major metabolic pathways providing acetyl-CoA and NADPH essential to sustain lipid synthesis and cell proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells.
Autophagy and Mitophagy Promotion in a Rat Model of Endometriosis
Authors: Siracusa Rosalba , D’Amico Ramona , Impellizzeri Daniela , Cordaro Marika , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Gugliandolo Enrico , Crupi Rosalia , Salinaro Angela Trovato , Raffone Emanuela , Genovese Tiziana , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Fusco Roberta , Di Paola Rosanna
Published: May 2021

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition affecting patients in reproductive age. The aim of this paper was to assess the effects of the autophagy and mitophagy induction in a rat model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced by the injection of uterine fragments, and rapamycin (0. 5 mg/kg) was administered once per week. One week from the induction, rats were sacrificed, and laparotomy was performed to collect the endometriotic implants and to further process them for molecular analysis. Western blot analysis was conducted on explanted lesions to evaluate the autophagy pathway during the pathology. Elevated phospho-serine/threonine kinase (p-AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expressions were detected in vehicle-treated rats, while Beclin and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 II (LC3II) expressions were low. Additionally, samples collected from vehicle groups indicated low Bnip3, Ambra1, and Parkin expressions, demonstrating impaired autophagy and mitophagy. Rapamycin administration reduced p-AKT and mTOR expressions and increased Beclin and LC3II, Bnip3, Ambra1, and Parkin expressions, activating both mechanisms. We also evaluated the impact of the impaired autophagy and mitophagy pathways on apoptosis and angiogenesis. Rapamycin was administered by activating autophagy and mitophagy, which increased apoptosis (assessed by Western blot analysis of Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved-caspase 3) and reduced angiogenesis (assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial grow factor (VEGF) and CD34) in the lesions. All of these mechanisms activated by the induction of the autophagy and mitophagy pathways led to the reduction in the lesions’ volume, area and diameter.
Chromene-Containing Aromatic Sulfonamides with Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitory Properties
Authors: Angeli Andrea , Kartsev Victor , Petrou Anthi , Pinteala Mariana , Brovarets Volodymyr , Slyvchuk Sergii , Pilyo Stepan , Geronikaki Athina , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: May 2021

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) catalyze the essential reaction of CO2 hydration in all living organisms, being actively involved in the regulation of a plethora of patho/physiological conditions. A series of chromene-based sulfonamides were synthesized and tested as possible CA inhibitors. Their inhibitory activity was assessed against the cytosolic human isoforms hCA I, hCA II and the transmembrane hCA IX and XII. Several of the investigated derivatives showed interesting inhibition activity towards the tumor associate isoforms hCA IX and hCA XII. Furthermore, computational procedures were used to investigate the binding mode of this class of compounds, within the active site of hCA IX.
Prognosis in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The Clinical Challenge of Genomic Integration
Authors: Chen-Liang Tzu-Hua
Published: May 2021

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematopoietic neoplasms characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and myelodysplasia with a variable spectrum of clinical–biological features that can be used to build a prognostic estimation. This review summarizes the current most widely used prognostic scoring systems and gives a general view of the prognostic impact of somatic mutations in MDS patients.
Improving the Catalytic CO2 Reduction on Cs2AgBiBr6 by Halide Defect Engineering: A DFT Study
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Huang Yiao , Shi Zuhao , Chen Xingzhu , Li Neng
Published: May 2021

Pb-free double halide perovskites have drawn immense attention in the potential photocatalytic application, due to the regulatable bandgap energy and nontoxicity. Herein, we first present a study for CO2 conversion on Pb-free halide perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 under state-of-the-art first-principles calculation with dispersion correction. Compared with the previous CsPbBr3, the cell parameter of Cs2AgBiBr6 underwent only a small decrease of 3.69%. By investigating the adsorption of CO, CO2, NO, NO2, and catalytic reduction of CO2, we found Cs2AgBiBr6 exhibits modest adsorption ability and unsatisfied potential determining step energy of 2.68 eV in catalysis. We adopted defect engineering (Cl doping, I doping and Br-vacancy) to regulate the adsorption and CO2 reduction behavior. It is found that CO2 molecule can be chemically and preferably adsorbed on Br-vacancy doped Cs2AgBiBr6 with a negative adsorption energy of −1.16 eV. Studying the CO2 reduction paths on pure and defect modified Cs2AgBiBr6, Br-vacancy is proved to play a critical role in decreasing the potential determining step energy to 1.25 eV. Finally, we probe into the electronic properties and demonstrate Br-vacancy will not obviously promote the process of catalysis deactivation, as there is no formation of deep-level electronic states acting as carrier recombination center. Our findings reveal the process of gas adsorption and CO2 reduction on novel Pb-free Cs2AgBiBr6, and propose a potential strategy to improve the efficiency of catalytic CO2 conversion towards practical implementation.
Whey as an Alternative Nutrient Medium for Growth of Sporosarcina pasteurii and Its Effect on CaCO3 Polymorphism and Fly Ash Bioconsolidation
Authors: Chaparro Sandra , Rojas Hugo , Caicedo Gerardo , Romanelli Gustavo , Pineda Antonio , Luque Rafael , Martínez José
Published: May 2021

Whey in large quantities can cause environmental problems when discarded, because it reduces dissolved oxygen and aquatic life. Nonetheless, it could be used as an easily available and economical alternative to reduce culture medium costs in microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). In this work, a native Sporosarcina pasteurii was isolated and then cultured by using different proportions of whey (W) in nutrient broth (NB). The solids were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, and SEM. The potential applications in bioconsolidation were also studied. Whey concentration was directly related to CaCO3 production. Higher whey concentrations reduced calcium carbonate purity to nearly 80%. All experiments showed calcite and vaterite fractions, where a whey increment in the media increased calcite content and decreased vaterite content, causing a decrease in crystal size. MICP improved compressive strength (CS) in sand and fly ash. The best CS results were obtained by fly ash treated with 25 W-75 NB (37.2 kPa) and sand with 75 W-25 NB (32.1 kPa). Whey changed crystal polymorphism in biogenic CaCO3 production. Material bioconsolidation depends on the CaCO3 polymorph, thus fly ash was effectively bioconsolidated by crystallization of vaterite and sand by crystallization of calcite.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Fe–5Mn–3Al–0.1C High-Strength Lightweight Steel for Automobiles
Authors: Liu Guangming , Wang Jinbin , Ji Yafeng , Hao Runyuan , Li Huaying , Li Yugui , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: May 2021

The hot deformation behavior of a newly designed Fe–5Mn–3Al–0.1C (wt.%) medium manganese steel was investigated using hot compression tests in the temperature range of 900 to 1150 °C, at constant strain rates of 0.1, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 s−1. A detailed analysis of the hot deformation parameters, focusing on the flow behavior, hot processing map, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) critical stress, and nucleation mechanism, was undertaken to understand the hot rolling process of the newly designed steel. The flow behavior is sensitive to deformation parameters, and the Zener–Hollomon parameter was coupled with the temperature and strain rate. Three-dimensional processing maps were developed considering the effect of strain and were used to determine safe and unsafe deformation conditions in association with the microstructural evolution. In the deformation condition, the microstructure of the steel consisted of δ-ferrite and austenite; in addition, there was a formation of DRX grains within the δ-ferrite grains and austenite grains during the hot compression test. The microstructure evolution and two types of DRX nucleation mechanisms were identified; it was observed that discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) is the primary nucleation mechanism of austenite, while continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) is the primary nucleation mechanism of δ-ferrite. The steel possesses unfavorable toughness at the deformation temperature of 900 °C, which is mainly due to the presence of coarse κ-carbides along grain boundaries, as well as the lower strengthening effect of grain boundaries. This study identified a relatively ideal hot processing region for the steel. Further exploration of hot roll tests will follow in the future.
Correlation between Defects and Technical Wear of Materials Used in Traditional Construction
Authors: Konior Jarosław , Rejment Mariusz
Published: May 2021

The degree of technical wear of old buildings, which are made of basic materials (cement, concrete, steel, timber, plaster, brick) using traditional technology, is expressed by the size and intensity of damage to their elements. The topic of the research concerns old residential buildings from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, which are located in the downtown district of Wroclaw, Poland. The descriptive analysis and the analysis of the definitions of defects that occur in the elements of residential buildings, which were performed as random analyzes, do not allow defects to be considered as measurable variables at a level of visual investigation. The major drawback of the method that is used by experts when assessing the technical condition of civil engineering buildings is that it does not numerically express the magnitude (strength) of the defects. Therefore, an attempt was made to numerically express the relationship (if such a relationship exists) between the occurred defects of buildings and the extent of their technical wear process. When calculating the strength of this relationship, the method of determining the point biserial correlation coefficient for the measurable property and the dichotomous property was used. It was found that the direction of the relation is right-hand for all the tested building elements, but the strength of the correlation between the detected defects and technical wear shows a considerable span and depends on the conditions of the apartment house’s maintenance. As a rule, damage caused by water penetration and moisture penetration always shows correlations of at least moderate strength.
Comparative Analysis of Pelletized and Unpelletized Sunflower Husks Combustion Process in a Batch-Type Reactor
Authors: Turzyński Tomasz , Kluska Jacek , Ochnio Mateusz , Kardaś Dariusz
Published: May 2021

This paper describes characteristics of the combustion of sunflower husk (SH), sunflower husk pellets (SHP), and, for comparison, hardwood pellets (HP). The experiments were carried out using a laboratory-scale combustion reactor. A proximate analysis showed that the material may constitute an alternative fuel, with a relatively high heating value (HHV) of 18 MJ/kg. For SHP, both the maximum combustion temperatures (TMAX = 1110 °C) and the kinetic parameters (temperature front velocity vt = 7.9 mm/min, combustion front velocity vc = 8 mm/min, mass loss rate vm = 14.7 g/min) of the process were very similar to those obtained for good-quality hardwood pellets (TMAX = 1090 °C, vt = 5.4 mm/min, vc = 5.2 mm/min, vm = 13.2 g/min) and generally very different form SH (TMAX = 840 °C, vt = 20.7 mm/min, vc = 19 mm/min, vm = 13.1 g/min). The analysis of ash from SH and SHP combustion showed that it has good physicochemical properties (ash melting point temperatures >1500 °C) and is safe for the environment. Furthermore, the research showed that the pelletization of SH transformed a difficult fuel into a high-quality substitute for hardwood pellets, giving a similar fuel consumption density (Fout = 0.083 kg/s·m2 for SHP and 0.077 kg/s·m2 for HP) and power output density (Pρ = MW/m2 for SHP and 1.5 MW/m2 for HP).
Chitosan Adsorbent Derivatives for Pharmaceuticals Removal from Effluents: A Review
Authors: Liakos Efstathios V. , Lazaridou Maria , Michailidou Georgia , Koumentakou Ioanna , Lambropoulou Dimitra A. , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Kyzas George Z.
Published: May 2021

Chitin is mentioned as the second most abundant and important natural biopolymer in worldwide scale. The main sources for the extraction and exploitation of this natural polysaccharide polymer are crabs and shrimps. Chitosan (poly-β-(1 → 4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose) is the most important derivative of chitin and can be used in a wide variety of applications including cosmetics, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, food, etc., giving this substance high value-added applications. Moreover, chitosan has applications in adsorption because it contains amino and hydroxyl groups in its molecules, and can thus contribute to many possible adsorption interactions between chitosan and pollutants (pharmaceuticals/drugs, metals, phenols, pesticides, etc.). However, it must be noted that one of the most important techniques of decontamination is considered to be adsorption because it is simple, low-cost, and fast. This review emphasizes on recently published research papers (2013–2021) and briefly describes the chemical modifications of chitosan (grafting, cross-linking, etc.), for the adsorption of a variety of emerging contaminants from aqueous solutions, and characterization results. Finally, tables are depicted from selected chitosan synthetic routes and the pH effects are discussed, along with the best-fitting isotherm and kinetic models.
Sea Urchin Pigments: Echinochrome A and Its Potential Implication in the Cytokine Storm Syndrome
Authors: Rubilar Tamara , Barbieri Elena S. , Gazquez Ayelén , Avaro Marisa
Published: May 2021

Background: Echinochrome A (EchA) is a pigment from sea urchins. EchA is a polyhydroxylated 1,4-naphthoquinone that contains several hydroxyl groups appropriate for free-radical scavenging and preventing redox imbalance. EchA is the most studied molecule of this family and is an active principle approved to be used in humans, usually for cardiopathies and glaucoma. EchA is used as a pharmaceutical drug. Methods: A comprehensive literature and patent search review was undertaken using PubMed, as well as Google Scholar and Espacenet search engines to review these areas. Conclusions: In the bloodstream, EchA can mediate cellular responses, act as a radical scavenger, and activate the glutathione pathway. It decreases ROS imbalance, prevents and limits lipid peroxidation, and enhances mitochondrial functions. Most importantly, EchA contributes to the modulation of the immune system. EchA can regulate the generation of regulatory T cells, inhibit pro-inflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 cytokine production, while slightly reducing IL-8, TNF-α, INF-α, and NKT, thus correcting immune imbalance. These characteristics suggest that EchA is a candidate drug to alleviate the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS).
The Future of Women and Heart Disease in a Pandemic Era: Let’s Learn from the Past
Authors: Steinbaum Suzanne
Published: May 2021

When the pandemic started in February, about 5 million women were running businesses. Just 2 months later, 25% of those businesses closed. Approximately 2.5 million women have lost their jobs or dropped out of the workforce since the pandemic, but that is just the start of the impact on women. Women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, as the brunt of homelife has fallen on them, and the psychosocial impact will inevitably have a physical impact. The pandemic has revealed the gender inequality that exists from the socioeconomic perspective, but soon we will see the impact from the medical perspective. Predictably, we know that the impact of stress and lack of self-care that women have had to endure heightens heart disease, already the number one killer of all women. Heart disease is 80% preventable based on the major risk factors: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, elevated sugar, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet. But the psychological risk factors drive up biomarkers and the root causes of manifesting disease. Historically, women have been less diagnosed and treated, and less likely to receive lifesaving care in a timely fashion. The pandemic is sure to amplify these issues. Without mitigation and prevention, women’s hearts will suffer. We need to be aware of this now to prepare for the future potential of a significant increase in the incidence of women and heart disease.
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Possibly Due to Unrecognized Celiac Disease in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Braszak-Cymerman Anna , Walczak Marta K. , Iwanik Katarzyna , Kurzawa Paweł , Bryl Wiesław
Published: May 2021

Celiac disease (CD) is widely perceived as a childhood disorder. However, it has been demonstrated that 19–34% of new CD cases are diagnosed in patients over 60 years of age and lack the typical presentation. A 76-year-old female was admitted to the clinic due to a recurrent fever that had lasted over a year accompanied by progressive weakness, weight loss of about 10 kg, dehydration, and malnutrition. The patient had undergone resection of a fragment of the small intestine due to perforation and abscess 13 years previously (at which time no histopathological examinations were performed). During the current hospitalization, despite extensive laboratory, microbiological, and imaging tests, no specific diagnosis was made. Symptomatic treatment and empirical antibiotic therapy were conducted, but the patient died on the twenty-seventh day of hospitalization due to progressive respiratory failure. The autopsy revealed peripheral T-cell lymphoma in the mesentery of the small intestine, uterus, cecum, lung, and mediastinal lymph nodes. Based on the clinical picture, we believe that the lymphoma was induced by long-term, undiagnosed CD. Current knowledge allows us to see age-related differences in the manifestation of celiac disease and to be alert to the possible late-stage complications of the disease. The lack of awareness of how CD’s symptoms vary with age may lead to misdiagnosis and serious consequences of delayed diagnosis, including death.
Unraveling the Etiology of Pediatric Vertigo and Dizziness: A Tertiary Pediatric Center Experience
Authors: Božanić Urbančič Nina , Vozel Domen , Urbančič Jure , Battelino Saba
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: Numerous authors have reported that the commonest type of vertigo in children is migraine-associated vertigo (vestibular migraine and benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood—BPV). We aimed to provide the possible etiological background of vertigo and dizziness in Slovenian children. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series of pediatric vertigo and dizziness children referred to the tertiary pediatric otorhinolaryngology center from 2015 to 2020. Children received a complete audiological and vestibular workup and were referred to pediatric specialists depending on the clinical presentation. Results: Of 257 children (42% male, 58% female) aged 1–17 years (M = 10.9, SD = 4.3 years) in 19.1% vertigo and dizziness were classified as central, in 12.4% as a peripheral vestibular, in 10.9% as a hemodynamic, in 5.8% as a psychological and none as visual by pediatric neurologists, otorhinolaryngologists, cardiologists, psychologists or ophthalmologists, respectively. 40.8% (20) children with central vertigo had BPV (7.8% of all children) and 8.2% (4) migrainous vertigo. In 43.6% (112 children), the etiology remained unclassified. Conclusions: After a thorough multidisciplinary workup, the etiology of vertigo and dizziness was unraveled in the majority of children referred to our tertiary otorhinolaryngology center. The most common cause was central; however, in a considerable number, the etiology remained unclassified. The latter could be attributed to the self-limiting nature of vertigo spells. Hence, a child presenting with dizziness and vertigo requires a multidisciplinary approach, in which referral to a neurologist is, in most cases, essential.
Submarine Tailings in Chile—A Review
Authors: Rodríguez Freddy , Moraga Carlos , Castillo Jonathan , Gálvez Edelmira , Robles Pedro , Toro Norman
Published: May 2021

This review aims to understand the environmental impact that tailings produce on the land and marine ecosystem. Issues related to flora, fauna, and the environment are revised. In the first instance, the origin of the treatment and disposal of marine mining waste in Chile and other countries is studied. The importance of tailings’ valuable elements is analyzed through mineralogy, chemical composition, and oceanographic interactions. Several tailings’ treatments seek to recover valuable minerals and mitigate environmental impacts through leaching, bioleaching, and flotation methods. The analysis was complemented with the particular legislative framework for every country, highlighting those with formal regulations for the disposal of tailings in a marine environment. The available registry on flora and fauna affected by the discharge of toxic metals is explored. As a study case, the “Playa Verde” project is detailed, which recovers copper from marine tailings, and uses phytoremediation to neutralize toxic metals. Countries must regularize the disposal of marine tailings due to the significant impact on the marine ecosystem. The implementation of new technologies is necessary to recover valuable elements and reduce mining waste.
Dynamically Switchable Polarization-Independent Triple-Band Perfect Metamaterial Absorber Using a Phase-Change Material in the Mid-Infrared (MIR) Region
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Cui Fenping , Zheng Gaige
Published: May 2021

A tunable metamaterial absorber (MMA) by reversible phase transitions in a mid-infrared regime is theoretically investigated. The absorber is composed of a molybdenum (Mo)-germanium-antimony-tellurium (Ge2Sb2Te5, GST)-Mo nanodisk structure superimposed on the GST-Al2O3 (aluminum oxide)-Mo film. Studies have shown that the combination of the inlaid metal-medium dielectric waveguide mode and the resonant cavity mode and the excitation of the propagating surface plasmon mode are the main reasons for the formation of the triple-band high absorption. Additionally, through the reversible phase change, the transition from high absorption to high reflection in the mid-infrared region is realized. The symmetry of the absorber eliminates the polarization dependence, and the near unity absorption efficiency can be maintained by incidence angles up to 60°. The presented method will enhance the functionality of the absorber and has the potential for the applications that require active control over light absorption.
The Occurrence of Selected Radionuclides and Rare Earth Elements in Waste at the Mine Heap from the Polish Mining Group
Authors: Smołka-Danielowska Danuta , Walencik-Łata Agata
Published: May 2021

The paper presents the results of research on rare earth elements (REY) and selected radionuclides in barren rocks deposited on a heap at a mine belonging to the Polish Mining Group (the largest producer of hard coal in EU countries). The maximum concentration of REEs determined in silstones was 261.6 mg/kg and in sandstones 221.2 mg/kg. The average uranium and thorium content in silstones was 6.8 mg/kg and 11.6 mg/kg, respectively. On the other hand, the samples of burnt coal shales contain on average 3.5 mg/kg of uranium and 9.7 mg/kg of thorium. In all coal waste samples, the REE values are higher than in hard coal (15.7 mg/kg). Carriers of REY, uranium, and thorium in coal waste are detritic minerals: monazite and xenotime, which are part of the grain skeleton of barren rocks. Coal waste samples are characterized by a variable distribution of REY concentrations as well as a variable content of radionuclides. The 226Ra, 228Ra, and 40K measurements in the investigated samples were performed using the gamma spectrometry technique. The concentrations of the analyzed isotopes differed depending on the mineralogical composition of the investigated samples. The present study results may be important in determining the possibility of utilization of wastes of barren rocks stored in the mine heap and in assessing environmental and radiological hazards.
Assessment of Sulfate Sources under Cold Conditions as a Geochemical Proxy for the Origin of Sulfates in the Circumpolar Dunes on Mars
Authors: Szynkiewicz Anna , Bishop Janice L.
Published: May 2021

Determining aqueous sulfate sources in terrestrial cold environments can provide an insight into the surface hydrological conditions and sulfur cycle on Mars. In this study, we analyzed sulfur and oxygen isotope compositions of secondary sulfate salts (e.g., gypsum, thenardite) in the surficial sediments and soils of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica to determine contributions of sulfate from bedrock chemical weathering and atmospheric deposition under persistent dry polar conditions. The sulfate showed wider variation of δ34S (+15.8‰ to +32.5‰) compared to smaller ranges of δ18O (−8.9‰ to −4.1‰). In contrast, the δ34S of bedrock sulfide showed significantly lower and consistent values across the studied area (−0.6‰ to +3.3‰). Based on the δ34S trends, sulfide weathering may contribute up to 20–50% of secondary sulfate salts in the MDV. While the remaining 50–80% of sulfate inputs may originate from atmospheric deposition (e.g., sea aerosols, dimethulsulfide oxidation), the subglacial brines derived by relicts of seawater and/or lake/pond water influenced by microbial sulfate reduction could also be important sulfate endmembers particularly in the Antarctic lowland thaw zones. Additional field observations of frost, ponding water, and thin gypsum crusts on the terrestrial gypsum dunes at White Sands supports reactivity of gypsum on the surface of these dunes during cold winter conditions. Combined with our improved geochemical model of the sulfur cycle for cold Antarctic settings, we propose that transient liquid water or frost was available in near-surface environments at the time of gypsum formation in the north polar region on Mars. Ice and/or water interaction with basaltic sand of the basal unit (paleo-erg) would have enhanced leaching of sulfate from both sulfide oxidation and atmospheric deposition and resulted in formation of secondary gypsum salts.
Connected Play in Virtual Worlds: Communication and Control Mechanisms in Virtual Worlds for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Du Yao , Grace Thomas D. , Jagannath Krithika , Salen-Tekinbas Katie
Published: May 2021

Technology plays an essential role in shaping youth’s communication and social interactions in online multiplayer games. Due to physical distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 global pandemic, online multiplayer games like Minecraft and Roblox are well-positioned to amplify healthy communication/social connections and mitigate the impact of social isolation. Research so far has been focused on how these gaming environments support youth development from the perspectives of individual stakeholders (e.g., caregivers, educators, designers, and developers). However, features of these games, such as communication and parental controls, are often misaligned with the ways in which children develop communication and social skills. Using a series of case studies of popular virtual worlds and online games, this paper provides an analysis of critical design features that serve youth throughout different stages of childhood and early adolescence. We offer three main contributions: (a) a comparison matrix of similarities and differences in communication and control features between platforms; (b) an evaluation of design features in selected virtual world platforms that promote safe and positive social interactions; and (c) a method for cross-platform comparison aimed at helping researchers, designers, and practitioners examine specific dimensions of social communication and play experience in virtual worlds.
Energy Stored and Capacitance of a Circular Parallel Plate Nanocapacitor
Authors: Ciftja Orion
Published: May 2021

Nanocapacitors have received a great deal of attention in recent years due to the promises of high energy storage density as device scaling continues unabated in the nanoscale era. High energy storage capacity is a key ingredient for many nanoelectronic applications in which the significant consumption of energy is required. The electric properties of a nanocapacitor can be strongly modified from the expected bulk properties due to finite-size effects which means that there is an increased need for the accurate characterization of its properties. In this work, we considered a theoretical model for a circular parallel plate nanocapacitor and calculated exactly, in closed analytic form, the electrostatic energy stored in the nanocapacitor as a function of the size of the circular plates and inter-plate separation. The exact expression for the energy is used to derive an analytic formula for the geometric capacitance of this nanocapacitor. The results obtained can be readily amended to incorporate the effects of a dielectric thin film filling the space between the circular plates of the nanocapacitor.
In Situ Raman Microdroplet Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of CuSCN Electrodeposited on Different Substrates
Authors: Vlčková Živcová Zuzana , Bouša Milan , Velický Matěj , Frank Otakar , Kavan Ladislav
Published: May 2021

Systematic in situ Raman microdroplet spectroelectrochemical (Raman-μSEC) characterization of copper (I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) prepared using electrodeposition from aqueous solution on various substrates (carbon-based, F-doped SnO2) is presented. CuSCN is a promising solid p-type inorganic semiconductor used in perovskite solar cells as a hole-transporting material. SEM characterization reveals that the CuSCN layers are homogenous with a thickness of ca. 550 nm. Raman spectra of dry CuSCN layers show that the SCN− ion is predominantly bonded in the thiocyanate resonant form to copper through its S−end (Cu−S−C≡N). The double-layer capacitance of the CuSCN layers ranges from 0.3 mF/cm2 on the boron-doped diamond to 0.8 mF/cm2 on a glass-like carbon. In situ Raman-μSEC shows that, independently of the substrate type, all Raman vibrations from CuSCN and the substrate completely vanish in the potential range from 0 to −0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl, caused by the formation of a passivation layer. At positive potentials (+0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl), the bands corresponding to the CuSCN vibrations change their intensities compared to those in the as-prepared, dry layers. The changes concern mainly the Cu−SCN form, showing the dependence of the related vibrations on the substrate type and thus on the local environment modifying the delocalization on the Cu−S bond.
Alcohol Consumption Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Obese Patients with COVID-19: A Mendelian Randomization Study Using UK Biobank
Authors: Fan Xiude , Liu Zhengwen , Poulsen Kyle L. , Wu Xiaoqin , Miyata Tatsunori , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Rotroff Daniel M. , Nagy Laura E.
Published: May 2021

Background: Acute and chronic alcohol abuse has adverse impacts on both the innate and adaptive immune response, which may result in reduced resistance to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and promote the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are no large population-based data evaluating potential causal associations between alcohol consumption and COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a Mendelian randomization study using data from UK Biobank to explore the association between alcohol consumption and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and serious clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. A total of 12,937 participants aged 50–83 who tested for SARS-CoV-2 between 16 March to 27 July 2020 (12.1% tested positive) were included in the analysis. The exposure factor was alcohol consumption. Main outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 positivity and death in COVID-19 patients. We generated allele scores using three genetic variants (rs1229984 (Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1B, ADH1B), rs1260326 (Glucokinase Regulator, GCKR), and rs13107325 (Solute Carrier Family 39 Member 8, SLC39A8)) and applied the allele scores as the instrumental variables to assess the effect of alcohol consumption on outcomes. Analyses were conducted separately for white participants with and without obesity. Results: Of the 12,937 participants, 4496 were never or infrequent drinkers and 8441 were frequent drinkers. Both logistic regression and Mendelian randomization analyses found no evidence that alcohol consumption was associated with risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in participants either with or without obesity (All q > 0.10). However, frequent drinking, especially heavy drinking (HR = 2.07, 95%CI 1.24–3.47; q = 0.054), was associated with higher risk of death in patients with obesity and COVID-19, but not in patients without obesity. Notably, the risk of death in frequent drinkers with obesity increased slightly with the average amount of alcohol consumed weekly (All q < 0.10). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that alcohol consumption has adverse effects on the progression of COVID-19 in white participants with obesity, but was not associated with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Celiac Disease-Type Tissue Transglutaminase Autoantibody Deposits in Kidney Biopsies of Patients with IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Nurmi Rakel , Korponay-Szabó Ilma , Laurila Kaija , Huhtala Heini , Niemelä Onni , Mustonen Jukka , Mäkelä Satu , Kaukinen Katri , Lindfors Katri
Published: May 2021

An association between celiac disease and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has been suggested. In celiac disease, in addition to circulating in serum, IgA-class tissue transglutaminase (tTG) autoantibodies are deposited in the small bowel mucosa and extraintestinal organs. In this case series of IgAN patients with or without celiac disease, we studied whether celiac disease-type IgA-tTG deposits occur in kidney biopsies. The study included nine IgAN patients, four of them with celiac disease. At the time of the diagnostic kidney biopsy serum tTG autoantibodies were measured and colocalization of IgA and tTG was investigated in the frozen kidney biopsies. Three IgAN patients with celiac disease had IgA-tTG deposits in the kidney even though in two of these the celiac disease diagnosis had been set years later. These deposits were not found in a patient with already diagnosed celiac disease following a gluten-free diet. Of the five non-celiac IgAN patients, three had IgA-tTG deposits in the kidney. We conclude that tTG-targeted IgA deposits can be found in the kidney biopsies of gluten-consuming IgAN patients but their specificity to celiac disease seems limited.
Vitamin C in Human Health and Disease
Authors: Nowak Dariusz
Published: May 2021

Although the symptoms related to vitamin C deficiency were known in ancient Egypt and eighteenth century Scottish surgeon James Lind found that scurvy (a disease resulting from insufficient dietary ingestion of vitamin C) could be effectively treated with citrus fruit, this vitamin was discovered only in the year 1912 and then after 21 years it was chemically synthetized and introduced to the market as the first vitamin supplement [...]