bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Vascularization of Biomaterials for Skin and Bone Regeneration by Surface Modification: A Narrative Review on Experimental Research
Authors: Sorg Heiko , Tilkorn Daniel J. , Hauser Jörg , Ring Andrej
Published: July 2022

Artificial tissue substitutes are of great interest for the reconstruction of destroyed and non-functional skin or bone tissue due to its scarcity. Biomaterials used as scaffolds for tissue regeneration are non-vascularized synthetic tissues and often based on polymers, which need ingrowth of new blood vessels to ensure nutrition and metabolism. This review summarizes previous approaches and highlights advances in vascularization strategies after implantation of surface-modified biomaterials for skin and bone tissue regeneration. The efficient integration of biomaterial, bioactive coating with endogenous degradable matrix proteins, physiochemical modifications, or surface geometry changes represents promising approaches. The results show that the induction of angiogenesis in the implant site as well as the vascularization of biomaterials can be influenced by specific surface modifications. The neovascularization of a biomaterial can be supported by the application of pro-angiogenic substances as well as by biomimetic surface coatings and physical or chemical surface activations. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the geometric properties of the three-dimensional biomaterial matrix play a central role, as they guide or even enable the ingrowth of blood vessels into a biomaterial.
Prospective Proteomic Study Identifies Potential Circulating Protein Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Shu Xiao-Ou , Lan Qing , Laszkowska Monika , Cai Qiuyin , Rothman Nathaniel , Wen Wanqing , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiang
Published: July 2022

Background: Proteomics-based technologies are emerging tools used for cancer biomarker discovery. Limited prospective studies have been conducted to evaluate the role of circulating proteins in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Methods: A two-stage case-control proteomics study nested in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study was conducted. A total of 1104 circulating proteins were measured in the discovery phase, consisting of 100 incident CRC cases and 100 individually matched controls. An additional 60 case-control pairs were selected for validation. Protein profiling at both stages was completed using the Olink platforms. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between circulating proteins and CRC risk. The elastic net method was employed to develop a protein score for CRC risk. Results: In the discovery set, 27 proteins showed a nominally significant association with CRC risk, among which 22 were positively and 5 were inversely associated. Six of the 27 protein markers were significantly associated with CRC risk in the validation set. In the analysis of pooled discovery and validation sets, odds ratios (ORs) per standard deviation (SD) increase in levels of these proteins were 1.54 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–2.06) for CD79B; 1.71 (95% CI: 1.24–2.34) for DDR1; 2.04 (95% CI: 1.39–3.01) for EFNA4; 1.54 (95% CI: 1.16–2.02) for FLRT2; 2.09 (95% CI: 1.47–2.98) for LTA4H and 1.88 (95% CI: 1.35–2.62) for NCR1. Sensitivity analyses showed consistent associations for all proteins with the exclusion of cases diagnosed within the first two years after the cohort enrollment, except for CD79B. Furthermore, a five-protein score was developed based on the six proteins identified and showed significant associations with CRC risk in both discovery and validation sets (Discovery: OR1-SD = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.53–3.95; validation: OR1-SD = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.92–8.99). Conclusions: A panel of five protein markers was identified as potential biomarkers for CRC risk. Our findings provide novel insights into the etiology of CRC and may facilitate the risk assessment of the malignancy.
Lobe-Specific Analysis of Sublobar Lung Resection for NSCLC Patients with Tumors ≤ 2 cm
Authors: Lei Xi , Zhou Ning , Zhang Hao , Li Tong , Ren Fan , Zhang Bo , Li Xiongfei , Zu Lingling , Song Zuoqing , Xu Song
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Sublobar resection can be used as an alternative surgical strategy for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, the choice between wedge resection and segmentectomy remains contentious. In this study, we investigated the optimal surgical procedure for sublobar resection in patients with NSCLC ≤ 2 cm with a lobe-specific analysis; (2) Methods: Data for patients with T1N0M0 with a diameter of ≤2 cm who had undergone sublobar resection were retrieved. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the inherent bias, and the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank tests were used to assess the differences in survival; (3) Results: A total of 1882 patients were identified after the PSM. Patients with NSCLC ≤ 2 cm who had undergone segmentectomy showed better survival than those who had undergone wedge resection. However, when NSCLC was ≤1 cm, there was no significant difference in OS between the two groups. This demonstrated an OS advantage of segmentectomy over wedge resection for patients with NSCLC tumors of 1–2 cm (p = 0.024). Further analysis indicated that this survival benefit was only observed in patients with right upper NSCLC of 1–2 cm, but not with NSCLC in the other four lobes; (4) Conclusions: Segmentectomy showed a greater survival benefit than wedge resection only in patients with NSCLC of 1–2 cm, particularly those with primary tumors in the right upper lobe. Therefore, we propose a lobe-specific sublobar resection strategy for early-stage NSCLC patients (tumors of 1–2 cm) who cannot tolerate lobectomy.
Predominance of BRCA2 Mutation and Estrogen Receptor Positivity in Unselected Breast Cancer with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Pujol Pascal , Yauy Kevin , Coffy Amandine , Duforet-Frebourg Nicolas , Gabteni Sana , Daurès Jean-Pierre , Penault Llorca Frédérique , Thomas Frédéric , Hughes Kevin , Turnbull Clare , Galibert Virginie , Rideau Chloé , Corsini Carole , Collet Laetitia , You Benoit , Geneviève David , Philippe Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Background: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitor (PARPi) agents can improve progression-free survival of patients with breast cancer who carry a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant (gBRCA) in both the metastatic and adjuvant setting. Therefore, we need to reassess the frequency of gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 in order to redefine the criteria for women and tumor phenotype that should be tested. Objective: We studied the relative distribution of gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 in unselected populations of women with breast cancer and in unaffected individuals. We also analyzed the proportion of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (ER+) tumors in unselected breast cancer patients with gBRCA. Design: We performed a meta-analysis of studies of unselected breast cancer that analyzed the relative contribution of gBRCA1 versus gBRCA2 among unselected breast cancer cases in gBRCA carriers. We then performed a meta-analysis of gBRCA carriage in unaffected individuals from genome-wide population studies, the gnomAD databank, and case–control studies. Results: The BRCA2 gene was involved in 54% of breast cancer cases in unselected patients with gBRCA (n = 108,699) and 60% of unaffected individuals (n = 238,973) as compared with 38% of the largest gBRCA family cohort (n = 29,700). The meta-analysis showed that 1.66% (95% CI 1.08–2.54) and 1.71% (95% CI 1.33–2.2) of unselected breast cancer patients carried gBRCA1 and gBRCA2, respectively. In a population of unaffected individuals, the frequency of heterozygosity for gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 was estimated at 1/434 and 1/288, respectively. Nearly 0.5% of unaffected individuals in the studied populations carried a gBRCA. Carriage of a gBRCA was 2.5% for patients with ER+ tumors (95% CI 1.5–4.1) and 5.7% (95% CI 5.1–6.2) for those with ER- tumors. Overall, 58% of breast tumors occurring in women carrying a gBRCA were ER+ (n = 86,870). Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that gBRCA2 carriage is predominant in unselected breast cancer patients and unaffected individuals. ER+ tumors among women with gBRCA-related breast cancer are predominant and have been underestimated. Because PARPi agents improve progression-free survival with ER+ gBRCA breast cancer in most clinical trials, breast cancer should be considered, regardless of ER status, for BRCA1/2 screening for therapeutic purposes.
HIF-1α Inhibition Improves Anti-Tumor Immunity and Promotes the Efficacy of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR)
Authors: Song Chang W. , Kim Hyunkyung , Cho Haeun , Kim Mi-Sook , Paek Sun-Ha , Park Heon-Joo , Griffin Robert J. , Terezakis Stephanie , Cho Lawrence Chinsoo
Published: July 2022

High-dose hypofractionated radiation such as SABR (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy) evokes an anti-tumor immune response by promoting a series of immune-stimulating processes, including the release of tumor-specific antigens from damaged tumor cells and the final effector phase of immune-mediated lysis of target tumor cells. High-dose hypofractionated radiation also causes vascular damage in tumors, thereby increasing tumor hypoxia and upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α, the master transcription factors for the cellular response to hypoxia. HIF-1α and HIF-2α are critical factors in the upregulation of immune suppression and are the master regulators of immune evasion of tumors. Consequently, SABR-induced increase in anti-tumor immunity is counterbalanced by the increase in immune suppression mediated by HIFα. Inhibition of HIF-1α with small molecules such as metformin downregulates immunosuppressive pathways, including the expression of immune checkpoints, and it improves or restores the anti-tumor immunity stimulated by irradiation. Combinations of HIFα inhibitors, particularly HIF-1α inhibitors, with immune checkpoint blocking antibodies may represent a novel approach to boost the overall anti-tumor immune profile in patients and thus enhance outcomes after SABR.
An Immune Signature for Risk Stratification and Therapeutic Prediction in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Cancer
Authors: Geng Haigang , Dong Zhongyi , Zhang Linmeng , Yang Chen , Li Tingting , Lin Yuxuan , Ke Shouyu , Xia Xiang , Zhang Zizhen , Zhao Gang , Zhu Chunchao
Published: July 2022

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is the greatest risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). Increasing evidence has clarified that tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is closely related to the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of HP-positive (HP+) GC patients. In this study, we aimed to construct a novel immune-related signature for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of HP+ GC patients. A total of 153 HP+ GC from three different cohorts were included in this study. An Immune-Related prognostic Signature for HP+ GC patients (IRSHG) was established using Univariate Cox regression, the LASSO algorithm, and Multivariate Cox regression. Univariate and Multivariate analyses proved IRSHG was an independent prognostic predictor for HP+ GC patients, and an IRSHG-integrated nomogram was established to quantitatively assessthe prognostic risk. The low-IRSHG group exhibited higher copy number load and distinct mutation profiles compared with the high-IRSHG group. In addition, the difference of hallmark pathways and immune cells infiltration between the two groups was investigated. Notably, tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) analysis indicated that the low-IRSHG group had a higher sensitivity to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, which was validated by an external pabolizumab treatment cohort. Moreover, 98 chemotherapeutic drugs and corresponding potential biomarkers were identified for two groups, and several drugs with potential ability to reverse IRSHG score were identified using CMap analysis. Collectively, IRSHG may serve as a promising biomarker for survival outcome as well as immunotherapy efficacy. Furthermore, it can also help to prioritize potential therapeutics for HP+ GC patients, providing new insight for the personalized treatment of HP-infected GC.
Forecasting COVID-19 Epidemic Trends by Combining a Neural Network with Rt Estimation
Authors: Cinaglia Pietro , Cannataro Mario
Published: July 2022

On 31 December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology was reported in Wuhan (China). The cases were declared to be Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 has been defined as SARS Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Some countries, e.g., Italy, France, and the United Kingdom (UK), have been subjected to frequent restrictions for preventing the spread of infection, contrary to other ones, e.g., the United States of America (USA) and Sweden. The restrictions afflicted the evolution of trends with several perturbations that destabilized its normal evolution. Globally, Rt has been used to estimate time-varying reproduction numbers during epidemics. Methods: This paper presents a solution based on Deep Learning (DL) for the analysis and forecasting of epidemic trends in new positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). It combined a neural network (NN) and an Rt estimation by adjusting the data produced by the output layer of the NN on the related Rt estimation. Results: Tests were performed on datasets related to the following countries: Italy, the USA, France, the UK, and Sweden. Positive case registration was retrieved between 24 February 2020 and 11 January 2022. Tests performed on the Italian dataset showed that our solution reduced the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) by 28.44%, 39.36%, 22.96%, 17.93%, 28.10%, and 24.50% compared to other ones with the same configuration but that were based on the LSTM, GRU, RNN, ARIMA (1,0,3), and ARIMA (7,2,4) models, or an NN without applying the Rt as a corrective index. It also reduced MAPE by 17.93%, the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) by 34.37%, and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) by 43.76% compared to the same model without the adjustment performed by the Rt. Furthermore, it allowed an average MAPE reduction of 5.37%, 63.10%, 17.84%, and 14.91% on the datasets related to the USA, France, the UK, and Sweden, respectively.
Experimental Investigation on Latent Thermal Energy Storages (LTESs) Based on Pure and Copper-Foam-Loaded PCMs
Authors: Falcone Morena , Rehman Danish , Dongellini Matteo , Naldi Claudia , Pulvirenti Beatrice , Morini Gian Luca
Published: July 2022

In this work, a commercial paraffin PCM (RT35) characterized by a change range of the solid-liquid phase transition temperature Ts−l=29–36 °C and the low thermal conductivity λSL=0.2 W/m K is experimentally tested by submitting it to thermal charging/discharging cycles. The paraffin is contained in a case with a rectangular base and heated from the top due to electrical resistance. The aim of this research is to show the benefits that a 95% porous copper metal foam (pore density PD=20PPI) can bring to a PCM-based thermal storage system by simply loading it, due to the consequent increase in the effective thermal conductivity of the medium (λLOAD=7.03 W/m K). The experimental results highlight the positive effects of the copper foam presence, such as the heat conduction improvement throughout the system, and a significant reduction in time for the complete melting of the PCM. In addition, the experimental data highlight that in the copper-foam-loaded PCM the maximum temperature reached during the heating process is lower than 20K with respect to the test with pure PCM, imposing the same heat flux on the top (P=3.5 W/m2).
Mapping Art to a Knowledge Graph: Using Data for Exploring the Relations among Visual Objects in Renaissance Art
Authors: Kouretsis Alexandros , Varlamis Iraklis , Limniati Laida , Pergantis Minas , Giannakoulopoulos Andreas
Published: July 2022

Graph-like structures, which are increasingly popular in data representation, stand out since they enable the integration of information from multiple sources. At the same time, clustering algorithms applied on graphs allow for group entities based on similar characteristics, and discover statistically important information. This paper aims to explore the associations between the visual objects of the Renaissance in the Europeana database, based on the results of topic modeling and analysis. For this purpose, we employ Europeana’s Search and Report API to investigate the relations between the visual objects from this era, spanning from the 14th to the 17th century, and to create clusters of similar art objects. This approach will lead in transforming a cultural heritage database with semantic technologies into a dynamic digital knowledge representation graph that will relate art objects and their attributes. Based on associations between metadata, we will conduct a statistic analysis utilizing the knowledge graph of Europeana and topic modeling analysis.
Molecular Basis of Pathogenic Variants in the Fibrillar Collagens
Authors: Richards Allan J. , Snead Martin P.
Published: July 2022

The fibrillar collagen family is comprised of the quantitatively major types I, II and III collagens and the quantitatively minor types V and XI. These form heterotypic collagen fibrils (composed of more than a single collagen type) where the minor collagens have a regulatory role in controlling fibril formation and diameter. The structural pre-requisites for normal collagen biosynthesis and fibrillogenesis result in many places where this process can be disrupted, and consequently a wide variety of phenotypes result when pathogenic changes occur in these fibrillar collagen genes. Another contributing factor is alternative splicing, both naturally occurring and as the result of pathogenic DNA alterations. This article will discuss how these factors should be taken into account when assessing DNA sequencing results from a patient.
Classic Psychedelics and Human–Animal Relations
Authors: Pöllänen Elin , Osika Walter , Stenfors Cecilia U. D. , Simonsson Otto
Published: July 2022

Previous research has found associations between classic psychedelic use and nature-relatedness, but the link between classic psychedelic use and human–animal relations remains largely unexplored. Using data representative of the US adult population, with regard to age, sex and ethnicity (N = 2822), this pre-registered study assessed lifetime classic psychedelic use, ego dissolution during respondents’ most intense experience using a classic psychedelic, and three measures related to human–animal relations: speciesism, animal solidarity and desire to help animals. The results showed that lifetime classic psychedelic use was negatively associated with speciesism (β = −0.07, p = 0.002), and positively associated with animal solidarity (β = 0.04, p = 0.041), but no association was found with desire to help animals (β = 0.01, p = 0.542). Ego dissolution during the respondents’ most intense experience using a classic psychedelic was negatively associated with speciesism (β = −0.17, p < 0.001), and positively associated with animal solidarity (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and desire to help animals (β = 0.10, p = 0.007). The findings indicate that classic psychedelics and ego dissolution may have an impact on human–animal relations. As these results cannot demonstrate causality, however, future studies should use longitudinal research designs to further explore the potential causal link between classic psychedelic use and human–animal relations.
IL-6 and HSPA1A Gene Polymorphisms May Influence the Levels of the Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Parameters and Their Response to a Chronic Swimming Training
Authors: Kotowska Jadwiga , Jówko Ewa , Cieśliński Igor , Gromisz Wilhelm , Sadowski Jerzy
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the most common polymorphisms in the IL-6 and HSP70 genes affect the circulating heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), as well as inflammatory and prooxidant-antioxidant parameters in healthy men undergoing chronic endurance training. The subjects were randomly assigned to a 12-week swimming training (ST group) or control group (CON). Fasting blood samples were collected pre- and post-study period to assessment: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, serum levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LHs), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and HSP70. Subjects were genotyped for IL-6-174G/C, HSPA1A + 190 G/C and HSPA1B + 1538 A/G single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by real-time PCR. After a 12-week study period, a decrease in TNFα, HSP70, and GPx was observed in the ST group, but not the CON group. IL-6 SNP affected serum TNFα levels (main effect of genotype). Higher TNFα levels (pre- and post-study period) was observed in CC CON than in other IL-6 genotypes of CON and ST groups. However, a post-training decrease in TNFα was observed in both GG and CC IL-6 genotypes of ST group. In turn, only GG IL-6 genotype of the ST group was related to a post-training decrease in HSP70 (main time and genotype interaction). Moreover, pre- and post-training LHs were lower in GG than GC/CC HSPA1A genotypes of the ST group (main genotype effect). In conclusion, polymorphisms within the IL-6 and HSPA1A genes seem to affect baseline levels of some inflammatory parameters and prooxidant-antioxidant status and/or their changes after chronic swimming training. However, the results should be confirmed in a study with a larger sample size, one that includes individuals with sedentary lifestyles.
Association between Daily Physical Activity and Locomotive Syndrome in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ishihara Yoshihiko , Ozaki Hayao , Nakagata Takashi , Yoshihara Toshinori , Natsume Toshiharu , Kitada Tomoharu , Ishibashi Masayoshi , Deng Pengyu , Yamada Yasuyuki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Machida Shuichi , Naito Hisashi
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the association between locomotive syndrome (LS) and daily physical activity (PA) in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study included 80 healthy Japanese older adults (40 men and 40 women; age: 60–79 years). Habitual daily PA was evaluated using a triaxial wrist accelerometer. Participants were divided into two groups based on the results of the two-step test, stand-up test, and 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the statistical relationships between daily PA and category of LS, adjusting for age from adjusted odds ratio (adjusted OR) with the 95 percent confidence intervals (95%CI) and bootstrap 95%CI. The mean step count and time spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were significantly higher among non-LS participants than among LS participants in women, but not in men. Logistic regression analyses indicated that spending longer than 28 min/day on MVPA was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of LS relative to short time category under 28 min/day in women (adjusted OR = 0.12, 95%CI = 0.02–0.59, bootstrap 95%CI = 0.01–0.43), but not in men. This study suggests that in community-dwelling older women, those with higher MVPA had lower odds of LS, and daily MVPA was associated with LS, but not in men. Therefore, the associations between LS and daily physical activity were partly dependent on sex differences.
Does a Polycentric Spatial Structure Help to Reduce Industry Emissions?
Authors: Han Shuaishuai , Miao Changhong
Published: July 2022

City planners are increasingly drawn to ways of transforming urban spatial structure as an important strategy for reducing pollutant emissions. As its main contribution, this paper uses firm-level emissions data to quantify impact mechanisms related to factor flow, firm size, and division of labour. We examine the effects of spatial polycentricity on firm-level industrial emissions, using a pooled cross-sectional model, based on emissions data from individual firms in China. We show that, all else being equal, polycentric spatial structures help to reduce the emissions of industrial firms. This finding is not affected by index measures, changes in industrial structure, or city-sample selection. A mechanism analysis shows that polycentric structures not only enhance the emission-reduction effects of factor flow and firm size, but also reduce firm-level emissions by strengthening the urban division of labour. Our findings support the emission-reduction performance of polycentric spatial structures, promoting the integration of city planning and industrial policies that jointly contribute to reducing firm-level emissions and preventing and controlling air pollution.
A Longitudinal Study on Trajectories of Night Work and Sickness Absence among Hospital Employees
Authors: Krutova Oxana , Koskinen Aki , Peutere Laura , Ervasti Jenni , Virtanen Marianna , Härmä Mikko , Ropponen Annina
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate trajectories of night shift work in irregular shift work across a 12-year follow-up among hospital employees with and without sickness absence (SA). The payroll-based register data of one hospital district in Finland included objective working hours and SA from 2008 to 2019. The number of night shifts per year was used in group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). The results indicate that, among those who had any sickness absence episodes, the amount of night work decreased prior to the first SA. In general, trajectories of night shift work varied from stably high to low-but-increasing trajectories in terms of the number of shifts. However, a group with decreasing pattern of night work was identified only among those with sickness absence episodes but not among those without such episodes. To conclude, the identified trajectories of night work with or without sickness absences may indicate that, among those with sickness absence episodes, night work was reduced due to increasing health problems. Hence, the hospital employees working night shifts are likely a selected population because the employees who work at night are supposed to be healthier than those not opting for night work.
Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Diagnosis of Active Syphilis Infection: Needs, Challenges and the Way Forward
Authors: Pham Minh D. , Ong Jason J. , Anderson David A. , Drummer Heidi E. , Stoové Mark
Published: July 2022

Syphilis, a curable sexually transmitted infection, has re-emerged as a global public health threat with an estimated 5.6 million new cases every year. Pregnant women and men who have sex with men are key target populations for syphilis control and prevention programs. Frequent syphilis testing for timely and accurate diagnosis of active infections for appropriate clinical management is a key strategy to effectively prevent disease transmission. However, there are persistent challenges in the diagnostic landscape and service delivery/testing models that hinder global syphilis control efforts. In this commentary, we summarise the current trends and challenges in diagnosis of active syphilis infection and identify the data gaps and key areas for research and development of novel point-of-care diagnostics which could help to overcome the present technological, individual and structural barriers in access to syphilis testing. We present expert opinion on future research which will be required to accelerate the validation and implementation of new point-of-care diagnostics in real-world settings.
Health Environment and Sustainable Development
Authors: Aparicio-Martínez Pilar , Martinez-Jimenez María Pilar , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesús
Published: July 2022

Although there are multiple definitions of sustainability, it can be defined as the balance of a species and the resources of its environment [...]
Analysis of the Ecological Carrying Capacity of Fish Resources in Shengjin Lake, Anhui Province, China
Authors: Zhang Guiyou , Lu Yan , Fang Zijun , Yang Hong , Wei Zhong
Published: July 2022

The carrying capacity of fish is related to the sustainability of fisheries’ activities in water bodies. The fish carrying capacity of a water body is the maximum fish yield that can be carried by the natural bait organisms in the water body under the ideal natural conditions without feeding and fertilization. The evaluation of fish productivity is an important basis for rational stocking, rational fishing, and the scientific utilization of natural bait resources in a water area. This paper adopts the background data of the Shengjin Lake fishery ecosystem and uses the bait-based estimation method. The results show that (1) the annual yield of silver carp fed on phytoplankton is 1.5 million kg; (2) the annual yield of bighead carp fed on zooplankton is 1.295 million kg; (3) the annual yield of benthos is 310,000 kg; (4) the annual yield of organic detritus is 280,000 kg; and (5) as the coverage of water grass in Shengjin Lake is less than 10%, it should be protected and restored rather than used by fish. In general, the annual maximum carrying capacity of fish in Shengjin Lake is 3.385 million kg, except for water and grass.
A Study of Pandemic Prevention Health Behavior in Adults
Authors: Seong Mihyeon , Bae Kyungeui
Published: July 2022

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the World Health Organization recommended prevention measures to minimize the spread of the pandemic. However, strict compliance with prevention measures requires positive health behavior practices, especially among adults. Therefore, this study investigated adults’ health behaviors in relation to pandemic prevention based on the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). This study used a structural model, applying the HBM and the TPB to explain and predict pandemic prevention behaviors in adults. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 25.0. The results revealed that, in total, 341 adults (age: 20–64 years; males: 167, females: 174; single: 167; married: 164; divorced: 8) participated in this study. Of the 341 participants, 339 had use of the internet and a smartphone. Furthermore, the results revealed that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in relation to pandemic prevention behaviors directly affected people’s intentions to adopt pandemic prevention behaviors. Perceived severity and perceived disability had significant indirect effects on the intention to prevent pandemics; pandemic prevention behavior and perceived behavioral control had a significant effect on pandemic prevention intention. The pandemic prevention education programs suggested in this study have the potential to improve adults’ health behavior in relation to pandemic prevention.
Women Emotional, Cognitive and Physiological Modes of Coping with Daily Urban Environments: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schnell Izhak , Hijazi Basem , Saadi Diana , Tirosh Emanuel
Published: July 2022

Studies on the effect of urban environments on human risk to health and well-being tend to focus on either physiological or cognitive and emotional effects. For each of these effects, several indicators have been proposed. They are determined either by a physiological-emotional theory or by a cognitive theory of direct attention. However, the interrelationships between these indices have not been thoroughly investigated in environmental contexts. Recently, a neuro-visceral model that incorporates all three aspects has been proposed. The present article focuses on understanding the mechanism of coping with urban environments. More specifically, we analyze the interrelations among nine of the more commonly used indices that represent the physiological, emotional and cognitive aspects of coping with urban environments. The data were collected in the following four environments: home, park, city center and residential area. The participants were 72 healthy, middle-class mothers with either high school or postgraduate education. They wherein their fertile age (20–35) with average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.2 and S.D. of 0.8 (48 Arab Muslims and 24 Jewish). They were recruited in a snowball method. Path analysis and principal component analysis are used in order to identify the interrelations among the physiological, cognitive and emotional indices and the directions of these interrelations. According to the findings, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), as measured by Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and primarily the parasympathetic tone (High frequency-HF) is the pivotal mechanism that modulates emotional and cognitive responses to environmental nuisances. The ANS response precedes and may trigger the emotional and the cognitive responses, which are only partially interrelated. It appears that the autonomic balance measured by Standard Deviation of NN interval (SDNN) and HF, the cognitive index of restoration and the emotional indices of discomfort and relaxation are closely interrelated. These seemingly disparate operands work together to form a comprehensive underlying network that apparently causes stress and risk to health in urban environments while restoring health in green environments.
Identification of Priority Implementation Areas and Configuration Types for Green Infrastructure Based on Ecosystem Service Demands in Metropolitan City
Authors: Wang Dongmeng , Hu Yongge , Tang Puxia , Liu Chang , Kong Weihan , Jiao Jie , Kovács Krisztina Filepné , Kong Dezheng , Lei Yakai , Liu Yiping
Published: July 2022

During urbanization in developing countries, fragmentation of green infrastructure due to increasing populations and the expansion of construction land leads to an extremely serious imbalance between the supply and demand for urban ecosystem services. In this study, the central city of Zhengzhou, a central city in central China, was selected as the study area and the excessive demand for six ecosystem services, namely, air purification, flood regulation, heat regulation, hydrological regulation, CO2 sequestration and recreational services, was quantitatively evaluated. The entropy method was used to calculate the weights of various ecosystem services, and spatial overlay analysis was performed to obtain the comprehensive ecosystem service excessive demand. Finally, bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to explore the response of population density to comprehensive excessive demand for ESs. The results of this study indicate that: (1) The most prevalent need is for more CO2 regulation service throughout the study area. (2) Except for hydrological regulation service, the spatial distribution of the remaining highly excessive ecosystem service demands are mostly concentrated in old neighborhoods. (3) Of the six excessively demanded economic services, rainwater regulation obtained the greatest weight, reflecting the poor urban infrastructure configuration for countering the rapidly increasing threat of flooding caused by climate change in the city. (4) The comprehensive ecosystem service excessive demand results show that there are eight priority green infrastructure implementation blocks in the central city of Zhengzhou. (5) There were three agglomeration types between population density and comprehensive excessive demand for ESs: high-high type, low-high type and low-low type. The spatial distribution characteristics of population density and comprehensive ES demand are positively correlated. The results of this study could help to provide information for decision making when delineating the priority areas and types of green infrastructure implementation in developing cities.
Physical Education with Eduball Stimulates Non-Native Language Learning in Primary School Students
Authors: Cichy Ireneusz , Kruszwicka Agnieszka , Palus Patrycja , Przybyla Tomasz , Schliermann Rainer , Wawrzyniak Sara , Klichowski Michal , Rokita Andrzej
Published: July 2022

Although the neuronal mechanisms of action and cognition are related, the division of intellectual and physical lessons is standard in schools. This is surprising, because numerous studies show that integrating physical education (PE) with teaching content stimulates critical skills. For example, several experiments indicate that Eduball-based PE (i.e., lessons in a sports hall during which students play team mini-games with educational balls with printed letters, numbers, and other signs) develops mathematical and language competencies. At the same time, the Eduball method does not slow down learners’ physical development. However, we have little knowledge about the effects of such techniques on non-native language learning. Consequently, the absence of incorporating core academic subjects into PE in dual-language schools or during foreign language education is exceptionally high. Here, we replicated the Eduball experiment, but with the goal of testing this method for non-native language learning. Thus, the intervention occurred in a dual-language primary school and we evaluated second language (L2) learning. As before, we used the technique of parallel groups (experimental and control); in both groups, there were three 45-min PE classes per week. In the experimental class, two of them were held using Eduball. After a half-year experiment, children from the experimental group (one second-grade, N = 14) improved their non-native language skills significantly more than their peers from the control group (one second-grade, N = 12). These findings demonstrate that Eduball-type intervention stimulates non-native language learning in children. Hence, our report suggests that specific body training forms can support L2 learning.
Associations between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Hospital Infrastructure Adaptation and Planning—A Scoping Review
Authors: Ndayishimiye Costase , Sowada Christoph , Dyjach Patrycja , Stasiak Agnieszka , Middleton John , Lopes Henrique , Dubas-Jakóbczyk Katarzyna
Published: July 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on the hospital sector around the world. It has shown the importance of preparing and planning in the future for an outbreak that overwhelms every aspect of a hospital on a rapidly expanding scale. We conducted a scoping review to identify, map, and systemize existing knowledge about the relationships between COVID-19 and hospital infrastructure adaptation and capacity planning worldwide. We searched the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed and hand-searched gray papers published in English between December 2019 and December 2021. A total of 106 papers were included: 102 empirical studies and four technical reports. Empirical studies entailed five reviews, 40 studies focusing on hospital infrastructure adaptation and planning during the pandemics, and 57 studies on modeling the hospital capacity needed, measured mostly by the number of beds. The majority of studies were conducted in high-income countries and published within the first year of the pandemic. The strategies adopted by hospitals can be classified into short-term (repurposing medical and non-medical buildings, remote adjustments, and establishment of de novo structures) and long-term (architectural and engineering modifications, hospital networks, and digital approaches). More research is needed, focusing on specific strategies and the quality assessment of the evidence.
TAS2R38 Bitter Taste Receptor Expression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: New Data on Polypoid Tissue
Authors: Jeruzal-Świątecka Joanna , Borkowska Edyta , Łaszczych Mateusz , Nowicka Zuzanna , Pietruszewska Wioletta
Published: July 2022

Studies have shown differences in TAS2R38 receptor expression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) compared to healthy controls. Known agonists of TAS2R38 stimulate epithelial cells, leading to robust intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production, which damages bacterial membranes, enzymes, and DNA, but also increases ciliary beat frequency. In this study we examined, using qRT-PCR, the expression of TAS2R38 receptor in nasal polyps (NP) of patients with CRS (N = 107) and in inferior turbinate mucosa (ITM) of patients with CRS and controls (N = 39), and confronted it with clinical features and the severity of the disease. The expression was shown in 43 (50.00%) samples of ITM in the study group (N = 107), in 28 (71.79%) in the control group (N = 39) (p = 0.037), and in 43 (46.24%) of NP. There were no differences in levels of the expression in all analyzed tissues. Patients who rated their symptoms at 0–3 showed higher TAS2R38 expression in ITM in comparison to the patients with 8–10 points on the VAS scale (p = 0.020). A noticeable, however not significant, correlation between the TAS2R38 expression in ITM and the Lund–Mackay CT score was shown (p = 0.068; R = −0.28). Patients with coexisting asthma had significantly higher receptor expression in the NP (p = 0.012). Our study is the first to confirm the presence of the TAS2R38 receptor in NP. Expression of the TAS2R38 receptor is reduced in the sinonasal mucosa in patients with more advanced CRS with NP.
In Vitro and In Vivo Modeling of Normal and Leukemic Bone Marrow Niches: Cellular Senescence Contribution to Leukemia Induction and Progression
Authors: Salazar-Terreros Myriam , Vernot Jean-Paul
Published: July 2022

Cellular senescence is recognized as a dynamic process in which cells evolve and adapt in a context dependent manner; consequently, senescent cells can exert both beneficial and deleterious effects on their surroundings. Specifically, senescent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in the bone marrow (BM) have been linked to the generation of a supporting microenvironment that enhances malignant cell survival. However, the study of MSC’s senescence role in leukemia development has been straitened not only by the availability of suitable models that faithfully reflect the structural complexity and biological diversity of the events triggered in the BM, but also by the lack of a universal, standardized method to measure senescence. Despite these constraints, two- and three dimensional in vitro models have been continuously improved in terms of cell culture techniques, support materials and analysis methods; in addition, research on animal models tends to focus on the development of techniques that allow tracking leukemic and senescent cells in the living organism, as well as to modify the available mice strains to generate individuals that mimic human BM characteristics. Here, we present the main advances in leukemic niche modeling, discussing advantages and limitations of the different systems, focusing on the contribution of senescent MSC to leukemia progression.
Tumor-Suppressor Role of the α1-Na/K-ATPase Signalosome in NASH Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Udoh Utibe-Abasi S. , Banerjee Moumita , Rajan Pradeep K. , Sanabria Juan D. , Smith Gary , Schade Mathew , Sanabria Jacqueline A. , Nakafuku Yuto , Sodhi Komal , Pierre Sandrine V. , Shapiro Joseph I. , Sanabria Juan R.
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an estimate of 0.84 million cases every year. In Western countries, because of the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become the major cause of HCC. Intriguingly, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis of HCC from NASH are largely unknown. We hypothesized that the growing uncoupled metabolism during NASH progression to HCC, manifested by lower cell redox status and an apoptotic ‘switch’ activity, follows a dysregulation of α1-Na/K-ATPase (NKA)/Src signalosome. Our results suggested that in NASH-related malignancy, α1-NKA signaling causes upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein survivin and downregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Smac/DIABLO via the activation of the PI3K → Akt pro-survival pathway with concomitant inhibition of the FoxO3 circuit, favoring cell division and primary liver carcinogenesis. Signalosome normalization using an inhibitory peptide resets apoptotic activity in malignant cells, with a significant decrease in tumor burden in vivo. Therefore, α1-NKA signalosome exercises in HCC the characteristic of a tumor suppressor, suggesting α1-NKA as a putative target for clinical therapy.
Comparison of Cell Fusions Induced by Influenza Virus and SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhang Chuyuan , Meng Xinjie , Zhao Hanjun
Published: July 2022

Virus–cell fusion is the key step for viral infection in host cells. Studies on virus binding and fusion with host cells are important for understanding the virus–host interaction and viral pathogenesis for the discovery of antiviral drugs. In this review, we focus on the virus–cell fusions induced by the two major pandemic viruses, including the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. We further compare the cell fusions induced by the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, especially the pH-dependent fusion of the influenza virus and the fusion of SARS-CoV-2 in the type-II transmembrane serine protease 2 negative (TMPRSS2-) cells with syncytia formation. Finally, we present the development of drugs used against SARA-CoV-2 and the influenza virus through the discovery of anti-fusion drugs and the prevention of pandemic respiratory viruses.
Mechanistic Effects of Baicalein on Aqueous Humor Drainage and Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Li Hoi-lam , Shan Sze Wan , Stamer W. Daniel , Li King-kit , Chan Henry Ho-lung , Civan Mortimer M. , To Chi-ho , Lam Thomas Chuen , Do Chi-wai
Published: July 2022

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma that results from impeded fluid drainage. The increase in outflow resistance is caused by trabecular meshwork (TM) cell dysfunction and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Baicalein (Ba) is a natural flavonoid and has been shown to regulate cell contraction, fluid secretion, and ECM remodeling in various cell types, suggesting the potential significance of regulating outflow resistance and IOP. We demonstrated that Ba significantly lowered the IOP by about 5 mmHg in living mice. Consistent with that, Ba increased the outflow facility by up to 90% in enucleated mouse eyes. The effects of Ba on cell volume regulation and contractility were examined in primary human TM (hTM) cells. We found that Ba (1–100 µM) had no effect on cell volume under iso-osmotic conditions but inhibited the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) by up to 70% under hypotonic challenge. In addition, Ba relaxed hTM cells via reduced myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. Using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics, 47 proteins were significantly regulated in hTM cells after a 3-h Ba treatment. Ba significantly increased the expression of cathepsin B by 1.51-fold and downregulated the expression of D-dopachrome decarboxylase and pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor-interacting protein 1 with a fold-change of 0.58 and 0.40, respectively. We suggest that a Ba-mediated increase in outflow facility is triggered by cell relaxation via MLC phosphorylation along with inhibiting RVD in hTM cells. The Ba-mediated changes in protein expression support the notion of altered ECM homeostasis, potentially contributing to a reduction of outflow resistance and thereby IOP.