bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variability of the Vitamin D Receptor Affects Susceptibility to Parkinson’s Disease and Dopaminergic Treatment Adverse Events
Authors: Redenšek Sara , Kristanc Tilen , Blagus Tanja , Trošt Maja , Dolžan Vita
Published: April 2022

Vitamin D is a lipid-soluble molecule and an important transcriptional regulator in many tissues and organs, including the brain. Its role has been demonstrated also in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is responsible for the initiation of vitamin D signaling cascade. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of VDR genetic variability with PD risk and different PD-related phenotypes. We genotyped 231 well characterized PD patients and 161 healthy blood donors for six VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms, namely rs739837, rs4516035, rs11568820, rs731236, rs2228570, and rs1544410. We observed that VDR rs2228570 is associated with PD risk (p < 0.001). Additionally, we observed associations of specific VDR genotypes with adverse events of dopaminergic treatment. VDR rs1544410 (GG vs. GA + AA: p = 0.005; GG vs. GA: p = 0.009) was associated with the occurrence of visual hallucinations and VDR rs739837 (TT vs. GG: p = 0.036), rs731236 (TT vs. TC + CC: p = 0.011; TT vs. TC: p = 0.028; TT vs. CC: p = 0.035), and rs1544410 (GG vs. GA: p = 0.014) with the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension. We believe that the reported study may support personalized approach to PD treatment, especially in terms of monitoring vitamin D level and vitamin D supplementation in patients with high risk VDR genotypes.
Endovascular Treatment Combined With Standard Medical Treatment Improves Outcomes of Posterior Circulation Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dong Shuju , Li Yanbo , Guo Jian , Luo Yaxi , Fang Jinghuan , Tang Li , He Li
Published: April 2022

Aims

Whether endovascular treatment (EVT) can further improve the prognosis of patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCIS) is unclear. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of PCIS patients treated with EVT plus standard medical treatment (SMT) and SMT alone.

Methods

We systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort trials in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to February 2022. The primary outcome was favorable functional outcome of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) with scores of 0–2 or 0–3; secondary outcomes included successful recanalization rate, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after treatment and 90-day mortality.

Results

We identified six studies including 1, 385 PCIS patients (957 with EVT plus SMT; 428 with SMT alone). EVT plus SMT substantially improved 90-day functional outcomes compared with SMT alone [mRS score of 0–2: RR=1.95, 95% CI (1.52 – 2.51), P < 0.001; mRS score of 0–3: RR = 1.85, 95% CI (1.49 – 2.30), P < 0.001, respectively]. Moreover, compared with SMT, combined treatment significantly improved the rate of successful recanalization [RR = 5.03, 95% CI (3.96–6.40), P < 0.001] and reduced 90-day mortality [RR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.63–0.79), P < 0.001] despite a higher risk of ICH [RR = 6.13, 95% CI (2.50–15.02), P < 0.001] and sICH [RR = 10.47, 95% CI [2.79–39.32), P = 0.001].

Conclusion

Low-to-moderate evidence from RCTs and non-RCTs showed that increased ICH and sICH risk of EVT plus SMT did not translate to a higher risk of unfavorable outcomes compared with SMT and could even promote independence at 90 days in a real-world cohort.
Functional and Structural Changes in the Membrane-Bound O-Acyltransferase Family Member 7 (MBOAT7) Protein: The Pathomechanism of a Novel MBOAT7 Variant in Patients With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Shamim Amen , Park Jongho , Jang Ja-Hyun , Kim Ji Hye , Kwon Jeong-Yi , Kim Jong-Won , Kim Kyeong Kyu , Lee Jeehun
Published: April 2022

The membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing 7 (MBOAT7) gene is associated with intellectual disability, early onset seizures, and autism spectrum disorders. This study aimed to determine the pathogenetic mechanism of the MBOAT7 missense variant via molecular modeling. Three patients from a consanguineous family were found to have a homozygous c.757G>A (p.Glu253Lys) variant of MBOAT7. The patients showed prominent dysfunction in gait, swallowing, vocalization, and fine motor function and had intellectual disabilities. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed signal changes in the bilateral globus pallidi and cerebellar dentate nucleus, which differed with age. In the molecular model of human MBOAT7, Glu253 in the wild-type protein is located close to the backbone carbonyl oxygens in the loop near the helix, suggesting that the ionic interaction could contribute to the conformational stability of the funnel. Molecular modeling showed that Lys253 in the mutant protein was expected to alter the surface charge distribution, thereby potentially affecting substrate specificity. Changes in conformational stability and substrate specificity through varied ionic interactions are the suggested pathophysiological mechanisms of the MBOAT7 variant found in patients with intellectual disabilities.
Stroke Related Knowledge, Prevention Practices and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Woldetsadik Fkrte Kebede , Kassa Tesfa , Bilchut Workagegnehu Hailu , Kibret Alemu kassaw , Guadie Yisak Girma , Eriku Getachew Azeze
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Stroke is a global health problem, causing significant morbidities and mortalities in both developing and developed countries. Patients living with chronic diseases like hypertension are at a high risk of stroke. Approximately 80% of strokes could be prevented with necessary preventive practices. There is scarce evidence in the preventive practices in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and prevention practices related to stroke among hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 1st to June 30th, 2021. The study participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered into EPI Info version 7.2.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 23.0. Binary logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify associated factors. The level of significance was determined using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI at a p-value of 0.05.

Results

Participants in this study had adequate knowledge of stroke and good prevention practices in 40.7% (95% CI: 35.9, 45.5) and 51.7% (95 CI: 46.8, 56.5) of cases, respectively. Attending secondary education and above 4.6 (95% CI: 2.08, 10.17), knowing someone who has had a stroke 13.17 (95% CI: 7.3, 23.77), and physical activity 4.05 (95% CI: 2.23, 7.36) were all significantly associated with adequate stroke knowledge. Furthermore, educational status (attending primary education 2.61 (95% CI: 1.44, 4.73) and secondary education and above 3.75 (95% CI: 1.99, 7.05), being an urban dweller 9.65 (95% CI: 5.04, 18.44), duration of hypertension 1.9 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.14), knowing someone with a stroke 2.27 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.93), and physical activity 1.76 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.01) were associated with good stroke prevention practices.

Conclusion

The proportion of participants with good-related knowledge and prevention practice is relatively good.
Signature of Alzheimer’s Disease in Intestinal Microbiome: Results From the AlzBiom Study
Authors: Laske Christoph , Müller Stephan , Preische Oliver , Ruschil Victoria , Munk Matthias H. J. , Honold Iris , Peter Silke , Schoppmeier Ulrich , Willmann Matthias
Published: April 2022

Background

Changes in intestinal microbiome composition have been described in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD patients. Here we investigated how well taxonomic and functional intestinal microbiome data and their combination with clinical data can be used to discriminate between amyloid-positive AD patients and cognitively healthy elderly controls.

Methods

In the present study we investigated intestinal microbiome in 75 amyloid-positive AD patients and 100 cognitively healthy controls participating in the AlzBiom study. We randomly split the data into a training and a validation set. Intestinal microbiome was measured using shotgun metagenomics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to examine the discriminatory ability of intestinal microbiome among diagnostic groups.

Results

The best model for discrimination of amyloid-positive AD patients from healthy controls with taxonomic data was obtained analyzing 18 genera features, and yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.76 in the training set and 0.61 in the validation set. The best models with functional data were obtained analyzing 17 GO (Gene Ontology) features with an AUROC of 0.81 in the training set and 0.75 in the validation set and 26 KO [Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) ortholog] features with an AUROC of 0.83 and 0.77, respectively. Using ensemble learning for these three models including a clinical model with the 4 parameters age, gender, BMI and ApoE yielded an AUROC of 0.92 in the training set and 0.80 in the validation set.

Discussion

In conclusion, we identified a specific Alzheimer signature in intestinal microbiome that can be used to discriminate amyloid-positive AD patients from healthy controls. The diagnostic accuracy increases from taxonomic to functional data and is even better when combining taxonomic, functional and clinical models. Intestinal microbiome represents an innovative diagnostic supplement and a promising area for developing novel interventions against AD.
Neuroglial Senescence, α-Synucleinopathy, and the Therapeutic Potential of Senolytics in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Miller Sean J. , Campbell Cameron E. , Jimenez-Corea Helen A. , Wu Guan-Hui , Logan Robert
Published: April 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder and the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. Despite decades of research, there is still no cure for PD and the complicated intricacies of the pathology are still being worked out. Much of the research on PD has focused on neurons, since the disease is characterized by neurodegeneration. However, neuroglia has become recognized as key players in the health and disease of the central nervous system. This review provides a current perspective on the interactive roles that α-synuclein and neuroglial senescence have in PD. The self-amplifying and cyclical nature of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, α-synucleinopathy, neuroglial senescence, neuroglial chronic activation and neurodegeneration will be discussed. Finally, the compelling role that senolytics could play as a therapeutic avenue for PD is explored and encouraged.
Over 100-Year Preservation and Temporal Fluctuations of Cell Wall Polysaccharides in Marine Sediments
Authors: Salmeán Armando A. , Willats William George Tycho , Ribeiro Sofia , Andersen Thorbjørn Joest , Ellegaard Marianne
Published: April 2022

Polysaccharides constitute an important carbon pool in marine systems, but much is still unknown about the fate and degradation of these compounds. They are derived partly from production in situ, and in coastal areas, they are partly terrestrially derived, originating from freshwater runoff from land. The aim of this study was to test the applicability of high-throughput polysaccharide profiling for plant and algal cell-wall compounds in dated sediment cores from a coastal marine environment, to examine the preservation of cell-wall polysaccharides and explore their potential as proxies for temporal environmental changes. Preserved compounds and remains of organisms are routinely used as paleoenvironmental proxies as the amount and composition of different compounds that can provide insight into past environmental conditions, and novel means for reporting environmental changes are highly sought.
Personality Traits, Technology-Related Teaching Skills, and Coping Mechanisms as Antecedents of Teachers’ Job-Related Affective Well-Being and Burnout in Compulsory and Higher Education Online Teaching Settings
Authors: Stan Rosana
Published: April 2022

Teachers’ job-related well-being has been affected by the sudden shift to emergency remote online teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has totally reshaped the task performance. Therefore, this study attempts to enlighten the possible reasons for the deterioration in teachers’ job-related well-being and proposes an integrated application of three models of prediction for job-related affective well-being and burnout as teachers’ indicators for the well-being in online teaching settings. The first model includes personality traits (extroversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness) measured with the revised neuroticism, extroversion, and openness personality inventory (NEO-PI-R). The second model integrates an indispensable skill for the online teaching which is technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK) as technology-related teaching skill conceptualized by the TPACK framework. The TPACK model is a technology integration that identifies three types of knowledge instructors need to combine for successful EdTech integration - technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (i.e., TPACK). The third model, a multidimensional one, includes coping mechanisms (e.g., problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social support coping, and avoidant coping) as mediators in the relationship between personality traits and TPCK on the one side, and job-related well-being indicators on the other side. Findings from regression analyses were used to test the first two models, and the findings from a mediation analysis were used to test the third model to show that teachers’ TPCK explains a significant amount of variance in the job-related affective well-being of the teachers. The analyses also demonstrate that avoidant coping particularly mediates the relation between burnout and job-related affective well-being during COVID-19 school closures. Results indicate the efficacy of the TPACK model in increasing the job-related well-being of the teachers. The analysis of the data led to recommend that teachers should improve their personal technology-related teaching skills and adopt coping strategies in consistent with their personality traits. Moreover, public schools, as organizations, could advance educational technology programs to enhance technology-related teaching skills with the aim of increasing the well-being of their employees in online teaching settings.
“His Main Problem Was Not Being in a Relationship With God”: Perceptions of Depression, Help-Seeking, and Treatment in Evangelical Christianity
Authors: Lloyd Christopher E. M. , Mengistu Brittney S. , Reid Graham
Published: April 2022

Some Christian communities may understand mental illness as the result of spiritual causes, such as sin, demons, or a lack of faith. Such perceptions are likely to influence how Christian individuals conceptualise and experience their mental health and enact help-seeking behaviours. This study explores perceptions of depression and mental health help-seeking in evangelical Christianity by using a novel qualitative story completion task. A convenience sample of 110 Christian participants from the United Kingdom completed a third-person, fictional story stem featuring a male with depression who entered his local church. A contextualist-informed thematic analysis illustrated how the disclosure of depression was represented as eliciting negative social reactions, potentially rendering individuals with depression as socially dislocated. Stories suggested that, increasingly, evangelical Christians may perceive a spiritualisation of mental illness, which negates reference to psychological, social, and biomedical representations, as unhelpful. Findings reveal the risks of a solely spiritual aetiology of depression and highlight how existing mental ill-health can be exacerbated if fundamentalist beliefs and approaches to therapeutic care are prioritised over holistic models of care. Methodologically, this study demonstrates the value of a rarely-used tool in psychology—the story completion task—for examining socio-cultural discourses and dominant meanings surrounding stigmatised topics or populations.
Lifestyle and Psychological Factors Affecting Eating Habits and Physical Activity Among Government Servants in the States With the Highest Cumulative Cases in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hamzaid Nur Hana , Gumisi Zeesha Gloria Rayner , Ahmad Helme Syaidatul Khafizah , Azmi Norhazirah , Shahril Mohd. Razif
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Like many other countries, the federal government of Malaysia took the initiative to implement nationwide home confinement as a preventive measure in response to the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak, better known as Movement Control Order (MCO). Many have suffered economically, which led to poor states of well-being. This study investigates the relationship between lifestyle, psychological factors affecting eating habits, and physical activity among government servants in states with the highest cumulative cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 210 government servants from four states (Selangor, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor) from May 2021 to June 2021. Three validated questionnaires were used, namely, Emotional-Eater Questionnaire (EEQ), and Malay International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-M) from López-Moreno et al. (1).

Results

There were significant gender differences (P < 0.001) for supplement intake, with 30.4% among men and 62.3% in women. Almost half (49.1%) were classified as emotional or very emotional eaters. Also, a significant difference (P < 0.005) was found in the perception of boredom and apathy between men (35.7%) and women (31.8%). A majority (56.2%) stated that their mood positively affected their eating habits. The total metabolic equivalent of task (MET) for 132 subjects was 3495.8 ± 3862.7 min/week for physical activity. Significant differences were observed between MET and gender (Mann–Whitney U-test: P = 0.019), with men showing higher MET value (5001.4 ± 5354.0 min/week men, 2864.3 ± 2754.3 min/week women). A significant difference was observed among women for body weight and body mass index (BMI) before and during MCO (P < 0.001). For the emotional eater, there were correlations with eating habits before the MCO for quantity of food intake (P = 0.003), frequency of mealtime (P < 0.001), changes of food habits (P = 0.005), cooking methods (P = 0.016), and frequency of food intake (P = 0.020). There is no correlation (P = 0.577) between psychological factors affecting eating habits and physical activity during COVID-19.

Conclusion

Changes were reported before and during MCO on lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity. Such information will help design strategies to improve the economic and health status among government servants in Malaysia during the implementation of MCO or something similar.
FAST Heroes: Results of Cross-Country Implementation of a Global School-Based Stroke Education Campaign
Authors: Tsakpounidou Kalliopi , van der Merwe Jan , Klinke Marianne Elisabeth , Webb Chris , Ouriques Martins Sheila Cristina , Proios Hariklia
Published: April 2022

Background

Educating the at-risk population about stroke symptoms and requirement of calling an ambulance when stroke strikes is challenging. This exploratory cross-country study provides insights to the FAST Heroes educational campaign and outcomes hitherto achieved.

Aims

The primary aim of the study was to measure the transfer of stroke-related knowledge to parents after a global school-based FAST Heroes educational campaign for 5- to 9-year-old children in 14 different countries. The secondary aim was to evaluate parents and teachers' acceptability toward the program.

Methods

The duration of the program was 5 h; 1 h per week, joining face-to-face educational sessions with workbooks, cartoons, web-based learning, and other fun activities. Outcomes were measured before implementation (t1), after implementation (t2), and at 6-month follow-up (t3). Program acceptability and stroke knowledge were evaluated by feedback surveys for teachers and parents.

Results

Worldwide, 4,202 parents completed the program with their children and answered surveys at t1 and t2. They increased their knowledge of three stroke symptoms from 48 to 83% (p < 0.001). All three surveys were completed by 86 parents, who improved their knowledge of stroke symptoms, 55% (t1), 79% (t2), and 94% (t3) (p < 0.001). Overall, the educational messages were successfully passed onward.

Conclusions

Findings confirm the primary aim of the study that is knowledge about stroke transfer well from children to their families through the FAST Heroes program. Second, parents and teachers globally consider the program feasible and worthwhile. The results will inform further rollout of the campaign.
Association of Salt-Reduction Knowledge and Behaviors and Salt Intake in Chinese Population
Authors: Han Bing , Li Chuancang , Zhou Yabing , Zhang Mengge , Zhao Yang , Zhao Ting , Hu Dongsheng , Sun Liang
Published: April 2022

Objective

Excessive salt intake is causally associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Salt-reduction strategies have been rapidly deployed across China since 2017. This study aimed to investigate the association of salt-reduction knowledge and behaviors and salt intake in Chinese population.

Study Design

This study was a national cross-sectional study in China.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was based on data collected during a Chinese adult chronic disease and nutrition surveillance program in 2018 with 7,665 study participants. Salt intake was assessed by calculating 24 h urine sodium from morning urine samples. Logistic regression and mean impact value (MIV) based on the back propagation (BP) artificial neural network were used to screen the potential influencing factors.

Results

A total of 7,665 participants were included in the analysis, with an average age of 54.64 ± 13.26 years, and with men accounting for 42.6%. Only 19.3% of the participants were aware of the Chinese Dietary Guidelines, and only 7.3% of them could accurately identify the level of salt intake recommended in the Chinese Dietary Guidelines. Approximately 41% of the participants adopted salt-reduction behaviors, among whom the number of participants who used less salt when cooking was the highest, and the number of participants who used low sodium salt was the lowest. In the logistic regression, only “No extra salt was added at the table” group showed the effect of salt-reduction, the odds ratio (OR) being 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.95). The MIV result based on the BP neural network showed that the most important salt-reduction behavior was using less salt when cooking, while reducing eating-out behavior and using salt-limiting tools were the least important.

Conclusion

The research shows that the popularization of salt-reduction knowledge and behaviors can reduce the population's salt intake. However, there is still considerable scope for promoting salt-reduction knowledge and behaviors, while the promotion of salt-reduction tools and low-sodium salt still needs to be strengthened.
Patterns of Post-socialist Urban Development in Russia and Germany
Authors: Gerten Christian , Boyko Dmitry , Fina Stefan
Published: April 2022

Since 1990, urbanization in post-socialist countries has frequently resulted in a loss of urban density in the existing building stock while land use patterns at the outskirts of growing city regions began to sprawl. Formerly state-planned and controlled housing forms as well as industrial and business enterprises were suddenly exposed to new market interests and finance-led investments in a globalizing world. In the initial adaptation to socio-economic transformation pressures after the fall of the iron curtain, the countries in question took different approaches in the governance of urbanization trends. The comparison of urban development between Russian and Eastern German city regions showcases two contrasting examples. Urban development in Russian city regions is largely driven by action-oriented political control of land market interests on the project level. Today's Eastern German city regions have adopted the spatial planning regime of former West Germany. Where the German planning regime aims to coordinate long-term planning and decision-making between different tiers of government with an emphasis to empower land use management on the local community level, land use decisions in Russia are formally free of such regulatory frameworks. According to urban metrics that monitor the sustainability of urban development, both approaches result in increasing urban sprawl and related potential adverse impacts on multiple public goods. Experts interviewed for this article frequently attribute this outcome to “catch-up development” that prioritizes economic development over other land use interests. The cumulative negative effects of urban sprawl on land use efficiency are increasingly being recognized, but they are still frequently subordinate to urban development interests.
Cross-Sectional Survey of Prophylactic and Metaphylactic Antimicrobial Use in Layer Poultry Farming in Cameroon: A Quantitative Pilot Study
Authors: Mouiche Mohamed Moctar Mouliom , Wouembe Frank Dupleix Khalen , Mpouam Serge Eugene , Moffo Frédéric , Djuntu Michael , Toukam Claude Michel Wombou , Kameni Jean Marc Feussom , Okah-Nnane Ndode Herman , Awah-Ndukum Julius
Published: April 2022

An evaluation of the patterns of antimicrobial use in livestock can help understand the increasing level of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. This study aimed at evaluating antimicrobial usage in modern layer poultry farms in the West Region of Cameroon. In this light, 70 layer poultry farms and 4 veterinary pharmacies were surveyed. Data on antimicrobial use were collected through interviews using a quantitative-frequency questionnaire and consultation of medical records. The four veterinary pharmacies sold a total of 2.8 tons of antimicrobials (active ingredients) during 2011. At the level of farms, 297 kg of antimicrobials (active ingredients) were used in the 50 layer poultry farms surveyed. Tetracycline, sulfonamides, quinolones, and β-lactams (aminopenicillins) were the most sold and used drugs in layer farms. As for treatment indication, metaphylactic (58.1%) and prophylactic (41.9%) treatments were the most observed practices, and nearly all (99%) treatments were administered per os as remedies to respiratory (33.4%) and digestive (24.7%) tract symptoms. Overall, 78.2% of antimicrobials sold in pharmacies and 67.3% used in the farms belonged to the class of critically important antimicrobials of the WHO categorization of antimicrobials according to their importance to human medicine. Doxycycline, sulfonamide, ampicillin, and streptomycin, which have been banned for layer poultry in the production of eggs for human consumption, were still used in Cameroon. The treatment incidences based on the used daily dose (TIUDD) and animal daily dose (TIADD) were 11.59 and 10.45, respectively. In regard to dosage correctness based on the UDD/ADD ratio, aminoglycosides (100%), macrolides (90.6%), and tetracyclines (74.5%) were the most underdosed, while trimethoprim sulfonamides (45.8%) and β-lactams (35.7%) were overdosed. This study highlights an irrational antimicrobial usage in layer poultry farms. Regulation of the use of antimicrobials and the education of farmers on adequate antimicrobial use are essential to preserve the effectiveness of drugs in both humans and animals.
Gust Alleviation and Wind Tunnel Test by Using Combined Feedforward Control and Feedback Control
Authors: Zhou Yitao , Wu Zhigang , Yang Chao
Published: April 2022

Gust alleviation is of great significance for improving aircraft ride quality and reducing gust load. Using aircraft response (feedback control) and gust disturbance information (feedforward control) to improve the gust alleviation effect is worthy of attention. In this paper, a combined control system (CCS) composed of feedforward control system (FFCS) and feedback control system (FBCS) is designed and analyzed. At the same time, the gust alleviation effect of the CCS, the single FFCS and the single FBCS are analyzed and compared by means of numerical simulation and wind tunnel test, respectively. Taking a flexible wing as the research object, the gust alleviation effects of three control systems under different forms of gust excitation (1-cos discrete gust, sine gust and Dryden turbulence) are analyzed by numerical simulation. In the wind tunnel test, the sine gust generated by a gust generator was used, and the gust alleviation test was carried out under different wind speeds and gust frequencies. The simulation and experimental results show that the CCS has better gust alleviation performance for various gust excitations. When comparing FFCS and FBCS, the FFCS has better robustness and control effect than the FBCS. When comparing FFCS and CCS, the better the alleviation effect of FFCS, the more difficult it is to achieve significant effect improvement by using CCS, which is obtained by adding FBCS on the FFCS.
An Optimized Protocol for Micropropagation and Acclimatization of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Variety ‘Aroma’
Authors: Neri Juan C. , Meléndez-Mori Jegnes Benjamín , Tejada-Alvarado José Jesús , Vilca-Valqui Nuri Carito , Huaman-Huaman Eyner , Oliva Manuel , Goñas Malluri
Published: April 2022

In strawberry micropropagation, several challenges must be overcome to obtain quality plants and achieve high survival rate to ex vitro acclimatization. In this study, therefore, a set of protocols were evaluated to optimize explant (meristem) disinfection, in vitro growth (multiplication and rooting), and ex vitro acclimatization of strawberry. The results showed that explants treated with 1.0% NaClO for 5 min had a lower percentage of contamination, and achieved a higher percentage of viability, height, and number of leaves. In vitro growth was favored by the use of 1 mg L−1 zeatin, since it allowed greater seedling growth (number of shoots, seedling height, number of leaves, number of roots and root length), and a higher pre-acclimation rate (100%). In the acclimatization phase, plants grown in a substrate composed of compost + peat combined with 4 g of humic acid achieved better response in morphological and physiological variables. In fact, the results of this study could be used to cultivate strawberry plants of the ‘Aroma’ variety with high commercial quality.
Analysis of the Genetic Diversity and Family Structure of the Licha Black Pig Population on Jiaodong Peninsula, Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Dong Ruilan , Li Xiao , Cui Chao , Yu Guanghui
Published: April 2022

The Licha black pig, a popular indigenous Chinese pig breed, is known for its multi-vertebral trait and higher lean meat rate. Understanding the current conservation status, family structure, and degree of inbreeding of the Licha black pig population will be useful to maintain a sufficient level of genetic diversity in these animal resources. In the present study, the genetic diversity, population structure, and inbreeding coefficient of this conserved population were analyzed using SNP genotyping data from 209 Licha black pigs. Based on the genomic information, this population was divided into eight different families with boars. The effective population size (Ne), polymorphic marker ratio (PN), expected heterozygosity (He), and observed heterozygosity (Ho) of this population were 8.7, 0.827, 0.3576, and 0.3512, respectively. In addition, a total of 5976 runs of homozygosity (ROHs) were identified, and most of the ROHs (54.9%) were greater than 5 Mb. The genomic inbreeding coefficient of each individual was estimated based on ROHs (FROH) with an average inbreeding coefficient of 0.11 for the population. Five statistics (Ne, PN, Ho, He, and FROH) showed a decrease in the level of genetic diversity and a high degree of inbreeding in this population. Thus, special preservation programs need to be implemented in the future, such as introducing new individuals or improving the mating plan. Altogether, our study provides the first genomic overview of the genetic diversity and population structure of Licha black pigs, which will be useful for the management and long-term preservation of this breed.
Evaluating the Nutritional and Immune Potentiating Characteristics of Unfermented and Fermented Turmeric Camel Milk in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Rats
Authors: Aljutaily Thamer
Published: April 2022

Antioxidative, nutritional, and immune-boosting characteristics of turmeric-camel milk (TCM) and fermented turmeric-camel milk (FTCM) were investigated. A cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression rat model consisting of six experimental groups was carried out to study the effects of TCM and FTCM on weight gain, antioxidant status, immunoglobulin (Igs), pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers. TCM or FTCM were orally administrated at 10 or 20 mL Kg−1 rat weight to CYP-immunosuppressed rats for 2 weeks in the presence of negative (NR) and positive (CYP) control groups. The phytochemical analysis and antioxidant capacity results indicated that TCM and FTCM contained considerable phenolic content with super antioxidant activities. CYP injection affected the rats’ weight directly during the first week and then, a low weight gain percentage was recorded in treated groups at the end of the experiment. The most efficient treatment for recovering rats’ weight was administering TCM and FTCM at 20 mL kg−1. Feed efficiency significantly increased with feeding TCM and FTCM in a dose-dependent manner. A significant improvement was found in WBCs, lymphocytes, and neutrophils count, suggesting that both TCM and FTCM alleviated the CYP-induced immunity suppression in a dose-dependent manner. IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations in the CYP + TCM at 10 or 20 mL kg−1 and CYP + FTCM at 10 or 20 mL kg−1 groups were increased significantly. Concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-TNF-α in the CYP group were significantly lower than in the NR group. Interestingly, both TCM and FTCM, especially with high doses, significantly enhanced cytokines production. Administrating FTCM was more potent than TCM, indicating that TCM with probiotics fermentation potentiated the immunological activity in immunosuppressed rats. Treated rats with TCM and FTCM can reverse CYP inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities, significantly increase GSH, CAT, and SOD, and decrease MDA levels in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, these observations indicated that FTCM exhibits better improvements in weight gain, increased immune biomarkers in terms of WBCs, enhanced pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation responses, and accelerated antioxidant activity in immunosuppressed rats compared with TCM. It could be beneficial and profitable for boosting immunity and protecting against oxidative stress.
Impact of Processing on Antioxidant Rich Foods
Authors: Loizzo Monica Rosa , Tundis Rosa
Published: April 2022

Food is processed to make it safe, to make its shelf-life more stable, and to make it more desirable [...]
Indolium 1 Exerts Activity against Vemurafenib-Resistant Melanoma In Vivo
Authors: Radi Rakan , Huang Christina , Elsey Justin , Jung Yoon H. , Corces Victor G. , Arbiser Jack L.
Published: April 2022

The development of targeted therapies (BRAF/MEK inhibitors) and immunotherapy have had a major impact on the treatment of melanoma. However, the majority of patients with advanced melanomas succumb to their disease. The mechanisms of resistance to both targeted therapies and immunotherapies are numerous and have been well-described. These include the alternative activation of BRAF/MEK signaling, novel compensating mutations in additional oncogenes, and loss of neoantigens. There has been limited development of small molecules that target alternative pathways in melanoma in the last two decades. We have previously identified triphenylmethanes as a class that shows activity against a wide variety of tumors. We have synthesized a novel triphenylmethane, indolium 1, and demonstrated its efficacy against an aggressive vemurafenib-resistant melanoma in vivo. Indolium 1 has a novel mechanism of action against melanoma, in that it results in induction of the tumor-suppressor EPHA3. We believe that pre-IND studies are warranted for this novel compound, given its mechanism of action and ability to inhibit the growth of vemurafenib resistant melanoma in vivo.
Asymmetry of Optic Nerve Head Parameters Measured by Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy in Myopic Anisometropic Eyes
Authors: Gong Weifen , Lu Xuehui , Wang Geng
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the asymmetry of optic nerve head parameters measured by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) in myopic anisometropic eyes. Methods: A total of 36 eyes of 18 healthy myopic anisometropic subjects, defined as cases in which the difference in spherical equivalent (SE) between both eyes is ≥1.5D, were recruited. The optic nerve heads were measured using the Heidelberg retina tomograph II (Heidelberg Engineering, GmBH, Heidelberg, Germany). Differences in optic nerve head parameters between more myopic eyes and fellow eyes were evaluated using the paired-sample t-test. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate factors associated with cup/disc ratio (CDR). Results: The cup/disc area ratio (mean difference 0.07 ± 0.11, P = 0.027), horizontal (mean difference 0.10 ± 0.17, P = 0.033), and vertical CDR (mean difference 0.13 ± 0.18, P = 0.008) were significantly smaller in more myopic eye. Larger disc area was independently and significantly associated with larger cup/disc area ratio (β = 0.561, P = 0.001) and vertical CDR (β = 0.499, P = 0.03). Conclusion: The CDR, horizontal, and vertical CDR were significantly smaller in the more myopic eyes in myopic anisometropic subjects. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the asymmetry of the optic nerve head in myopic anisometropic eyes.
A New Spatial Distance Metric for Verification of Precipitation
Authors: Skok Gregor
Published: April 2022

Precipitation is an essential meteorological variable affecting the biosphere and human societies. At the same time, precipitation is notoriously difficult to predict and verify. A new spatial distance metric for verification of precipitation is presented. It is called the Precipitation Smoothing Distance (PSD). The aim was to develop a measure that would provide a good and meaningful approximation of the displacement of precipitation events in the two fields. An estimate of spatial displacement is very appealing for forecast interpretation because it is easy to understand and mimics how humans tend to judge fields by eye. Contrary to most other distance metrics, the new metric does not require thresholding and can thus be used to analyze binary and non-binary fields (e.g., continuous or multi-level). The analysis of idealized situations showed that the new metric provides a meaningful approximation of the displacement. Typically the estimate of displacement provided by PSD was better than the results provided by most other metrics. The measure is also not overly sensitive to noise, its results are directly related to the actual displacements of precipitation events, and the events with a larger magnitude have a bigger influence on the resulting value. The analysis of ECMWF precipitation forecasts over Europe and North Africa confirmed that the new metric provides a meaningful approximation of the displacement even in more complex real-world situations.
Reducing Capsular Contracture Formation in Breast Augmentation with Silicone Implants: Experimental Study on Rats
Authors: Aladari Nadia , Palaghia Madalina M. , Trofin Ana-Maria , Cojocaru Elena , Ungureanu Carmen , Ianole Victor , Morosan Eugenia , Budacu Cristian C. , Motruc Theodor C. , Pertea Mihaela , Stamate Teodor
Published: April 2022

Silicone implants are frequently used for breast augmentation and reconstruction. However, late complication, such as capsular contracture, remain the most important side effect. In this study we compare different methods for reducing the inflammatory reaction around the silicone implant by introducing one microtextured breast implant in wistar rats. The rats were dividing in 4 groups: the first one was the control group that received untreated implant; in the second we used silicone implants impregnated with rifampin solution, the third one had implant combined with intramuscular dexamethasone injection and the last one had silicone implant associated with autologous centrifuged fat introduced in the implant pocket. The implants and the capsular tissue surrounding were removed after eight weeks. Capsule samples were submitted to histological evaluations. The present study demonstrated that fat grafting may have a role in reducing and preventing capsular contractures after breast augmentation with silicone implants by decreasing the inflammatory process.
Preliminary Statistical Characterizations of the Lowest Kilometer Time–Height Profiles of Rainfall Rate Using a Vertically Pointing Radar
Authors: Jameson Arthur R. , Larsen Michael L.
Published: April 2022

A realistic approach for gathering high-resolution observations of the rainfall rate, R, in the vertical plane is to use data from vertically pointing Doppler radars. After accounting for the vertical air velocity and attenuation, it is possible to determine the fine, spatially resolved drop size spectra and to calculate R for further statistical analyses. The first such results in a vertical plane are reported here. Specifically, we present results using MRR-Pro Doppler radar observations at resolutions of ten meters in height over the lowest 1.28 km, as well as ten seconds in time, over four sets of observations using two different radars at different locations. Both the correlation functions and power spectra are useful for translating observations and numerical model outputs of R from one scale down to other scales that may be more appropriate for particular applications, such as flood warnings and soil erosion, for example. However, it was found in all cases that, while locally applicable radial power spectra could be calculated, because of statistical heterogeneity most of the power spectra lost all generality, and proper correlation functions could not be computed in general except for one 17-min interval. Nevertheless, these results are still useful since they can be combined to develop catalogs of power spectra over different meteorological conditions and in different climatological settings and locations. Furthermore, even with the limitations of these data, this approach is being used to gain a deeper understanding of rainfall to be reported in a forthcoming paper.
Aquaporin-4 in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: A Target of Autoimmunity in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Abe Yoichiro , Yasui Masato
Published: April 2022

Since the discovery of a specific autoantibody in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in 2004, the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has attracted attention as a target of autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. In NMOSD, the autoantibody (NMO-IgG) binds to the extracellular loops of AQP4 as expressed in perivascular astrocytic end-feet and disrupts astrocytes in a complement-dependent manner. NMO-IgG is an excellent marker for distinguishing the disease from other inflammatory demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. The unique higher-order structure of AQP4—called orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs)—as well as its subcellular localization may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Recent studies have also demonstrated complement-independent cytotoxic effects of NMO-IgG. Antibody-induced endocytosis of AQP4 has been suggested to be involved in this mechanism. This review focuses on the binding properties of antibodies that recognize the extracellular region of AQP4 and the characteristics of AQP4 that are implicated in the pathogenesis of NMOSD.
The Change in the Traditional Paradigm of Production under the Influence of Industrial Revolution 4.0
Authors: Rymarczyk Jan
Published: April 2022

The modern history of technical progress is relatively short, as it encompasses merely around 250 years. Within it, we can distinguish four time periods called industrial revolutions. The fourth one of these, which is currently ongoing, is characterized by such ground-breaking inventions as advanced robots, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, 3D printing, automated guided vehicles, cloud technology, augmented reality, big data, blockchain, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. The author argues that under the influence of these inventions, industrial production is gradually becoming fully digitalized, automated, and autonomous. As a consequence, it will be carried out more speedily, flexibly, effectively, and transparently and will be more environmentally friendly. The quality of products will be higher and the costs of their manufacturing lower, and it will be strictly adjusted to the tastes of the consumers. This means that, contrary to the traditional view, represented by Porter, that companies at a given time can only use one of the basic strategies of competition, i.e., low cost, high quality, and market niche, they are able to implement production that meets all three criteria simultaneously. The emergence of the new production paradigm is stimulated by expected economic and environmental benefits as well as political, social, and natural factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors contribute to the breakdown of global supply chains, which causes a tendency to insourcing, which is conditioned by the implementation of intelligent production.
Identification of TPM2 and CNN1 as Novel Prognostic Markers in Functionally Characterized Human Colon Cancer-Associated Stromal Cells
Authors: Mele Valentina , Basso Camilla , Governa Valeria , Glaus Garzon Jesus F. , Muraro Manuele G. , Däster Silvio , Nebiker Christian A. , Mechera Robert , Bolli Martin , Schmidt Alexander , Geiger Roger , Spagnoli Giulio C. , Christoforidis Dimitri , Majno Pietro E. , Borsig Lubor , Iezzi Giandomenica
Published: April 2022

Stromal infiltration is associated with poor prognosis in human colon cancers. However, the high heterogeneity of human tumor-associated stromal cells (TASCs) hampers a clear identification of specific markers of prognostic relevance. To address these issues, we established short-term cultures of TASCs and matched healthy mucosa-associated stromal cells (MASCs) from human primary colon cancers and, upon characterization of their phenotypic and functional profiles in vitro and in vivo, we identified differentially expressed markers by proteomic analysis and evaluated their prognostic significance. TASCs were characterized by higher proliferation and differentiation potential, and enhanced expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers, as compared to MASCs. TASC triggered epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells in vitro and promoted their metastatic spread in vivo, as assessed in an orthotopic mouse model. Proteomic analysis of matched TASCs and MASCs identified a panel of markers preferentially expressed in TASCs. The expression of genes encoding two of them, calponin 1 (CNN1) and tropomyosin beta chain isoform 2 (TPM2), was significantly associated with poor outcome in independent databases and outperformed the prognostic significance of currently proposed TASC markers. The newly identified markers may improve prognostication of primary colon cancers and identification of patients at risk.