bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transição demográfica em duas regiões do sul do Brasil: casos do Corede Celeiro e AMEOSC
Authors: Mendes Larissa Zanela , Mendes Thais Zanela , Mueller Airton Adelar , Thesing Nelson José , Kohler Romualdo
Published: February 2021

Este artigo investiga o comportamento demográfico de duas regiões do sul do Brasil: a do Conselho Regional de Desenvolvimento (Corede Celeiro), no Rio Grande do Sul e a Associação dos Municípios do Extremo Oeste de Santa Catarina (AMEOSC), nos anos de 2000 e 2010. O estudo desdobra-se em três temáticas: a fecundidade, o envelhecimento e o padrão migratório. A intenção é verificar como está ocorrendo o processo de transição demográfica estabelecendo um comparativo entre as regiões e identificando possibilidades de ações para minimizar os efeitos dessa nova dinâmica. A pesquisa, que possui metodologia qualitativa, é de natureza descritivo-exploratória. Considerando que no ano de 2020 não houve a realização do Censo Demográfico em decorrência do novo Coronavírus, para o estudo foram utilizados os dados oriundos dos últimos dois Censos do IBGE, além de pesquisas anteriores sobre tais regiões. Como resultados, observou-se que a região Corede Celeiro teve uma perda populacional significativa, principalmente no quantitativo de crianças e de População Economicamente Ativa (PEA); já o segmento idoso aumentou, sinalizando um avançado processo de transição demográfica. Na região AMEOSC houve um aumento no número de habitantes, redução na fecundidade e crescimento no contingente de idosos, demonstrando também passar por um processo de transição demográfica, porém ainda mais intenso que a região Celeira. Verificou-se também uma significativa troca de população, fato que ressalta a relevância que a proximidade geográfica possui para o desenvolvimento regional.
Plasma concentrations of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in patients with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Ďurovcová V , Marek J , Hána V , Matoulek M , Zikán V , Haluzíková D , Kaválková P , Lacinová Z , Kršek M , Haluzík M
Published: February 2021

Serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (FABP-4)
concentrations are linked to human obesity and other features of
metabolic syndrome. Patients with Cushing´s syndrome (CS)
develop numerous features of metabolic syndrome due to chronic
cortisol excess. Here we tested the hypothesis that chronically
increased cortisol levels in CS patients may alter circulating levels
of FABP-4. Fourteen patients with CS, 19 patients with simple
obesity (OB) and 36 healthy control subjects (C) were included in
the study. Serum FABP-4 concentrations were significantly higher
in both CS and OB patients relative to C group, but they did not
differ between CS and OB groups. In a combined population of
all groups, serum FABP-4 levels correlated positively with BMI,
body fat content, serum glucose, triglycerides, HbA1c and HOMA
index and were inversely related to HDL-cholesterol, resting
energy expenditure and freeT3 levels. We conclude that FABP-4
levels are significantly increased in both patients with simple
obesity and obese patients with Cushing´s syndrome. We
suggest that increased FABP-4 concentrations in CS patients are
rather due to their excessive fat accumulation and related
metabolic abnormalities than due to a direct effect of cortisol on
FABP-4 production.
Hair cortisol concentration differs across site and person: localization and consistency of responses to a brief pain stressor
Authors: Sharpley CF , Kauter KG , McFarlane JR
Published: February 2021

Although in vitro studies have shown that cortisol concentrations
in human and animal hair respond to environmental stressors,
few data have been reported regarding the in vivo variability of
hair cortisol to brief pain stressors. As an extension of a previous
study, hair was collected and assayed for cortisol concentrations
from each of three sites (elbow, mid-forearm, wrist) before and
after participants immersed their hand in ice water for 1 min.
Results showed that the “localization” boundary of hair cortisol
responses previously reported was able to be reduced to only
250 mm between sites. Furthermore, all participants showed
considerable variability in hair cortisol across the three sites at
each collection period, although consistency across participants in
overall responsivity of hair cortisol to the pain stressor was
observed.
Differential impact of acute bout of exercise on redox- and oxidative damage-related profiles between untrained subjects and amateur runners
Authors: Falone S , Mirabilio A , Pennelli A , Cacchio M , Di Baldassarre A , Gallina S , Passerini A , Amicarelli F
Published: February 2021

Despite the demonstrated exercise-induced increase in reactive
oxygen species (ROS) production, growing epidemiological
evidence indicates that habitual, moderate physical activity
reduces the incidence of several oxidative stress-based diseases.
This apparent paradox can be explained taking into account that
ROS produced during repeated exercise bouts may act as mild
stressors able to trigger physiological and biomolecular hormetic
responses through a number of redox-sensitive transcription
pathways. Unfortunately, much more limited information is
available from general population-based research, which could
better reflect the condition of common people interested in
achieving and maintaining good fitness levels. The present work
aimed at investigating whether and how exercise-related habits
in non-professional regular runners (n=33) can affect the
systemic anti-oxidative capacity, and the resting serum levels of
typical lipid peroxidation-related by-products and oxidativelydamaged proteins, in comparison with untrained sedentary
individuals (n=25). We also analyzed in both groups the redox
response elicited by a modified Bruce-based maximal exercise
test on the same parameters. Our findings indicated that longterm regular and moderate practice of aerobic physical activity
can increase antioxidant defense systems, lower the resting
protein oxidation processes and reduce the immediate upregulation of lipid-targeting oxidative stress in response to an
acute bout of exercise.
Plasma corticosterone, insulin and glucose changes induced by brief exposure to isoflurane, diethyl ether and CO2 in male rats
Authors: Zardooz H , Rostamkhani F , Zaringhalam J , Faraji Shahrivar F
Published: February 2021

The impact of anesthetic agents on endocrine and metabolic
factors is an important issue. The present study has compared
the effects of a short-term exposure to diethyl ether, isoflurane,
or CO2 on plasma corticosterone, insulin and glucose
concentrations since the duration of anesthetic exposure may
have an effect on those factors. Male rats were divided into fed
and fasted groups. The experimental rats were briefly exposed to
diethyl ether, isoflurane, or CO2 (the degree of anesthesia was
identical), while a control group was not exposed to the
anesthetics. In the fed rats, diethyl ether exposure increased the
levels of plasma glucose. CO2 exposure decreased plasma
corticosterone and increased plasma glucose levels. Isoflurane
exposure caused no changes in plasma corticosterone, glucose,
or insulin levels. In the fasted rats, diethyl ether exposure
increased plasma corticosterone and reduced plasma insulin
levels. The plasma corticosterone and insulin levels were
significantly increased by CO2 exposure. Isoflurane exposure
decreased plasma insulin levels. A brief exposure to either diethyl
ether or CO2 changed the plasma corticosterone, glucose, and
insulin levels in fed and/or fasted rats. However, isoflurane
exposure had the least effect on the concentration of these
factors in both the fed and fasted states.
The phenotypic patterns of essential hypertension are the key to identifying “high blood pressure” genes.
Authors: Korner PI
Published: February 2021

The genes that cause or increase susceptibility to essential
hypertension (EH) and related animal models remain unknown.
Their identification is unlikely to be realized with current genetic
approaches, because of ambiguities in the genotype-phenotype
relationships in these polygenic disorders. In turn, the phenotype
is not just an aggregate of traits, but needs to be related to
specific components of the circulatory control system at different
stages of EH. Hence, clues about important genes must come
through the phenotype, reversing the order of current
approaches. A recent systems analysis has highlighted major
differences in circulatory control in the two main syndromes of
EH: 1) stress-and-salt-related EH (SSR-EH) – a constrictor
hypertension with low blood volume; 2) hypertensive obesity –
SSR-EH plus obesity. Each is initiated through sensitization of
central synapses linking the cerebral cortex to the hypothalamic
defense area. Several mechanisms are probably involved,
including cerebellar effects on baroreflexes. The result is a
sustained increase in sympathetic neural activity at stimulus
levels that have no effect in normal subjects. Subsequent
progression of EH is largely through interactions with non-neural
mechanisms, including changes in concentration of vascular
autacoids (e.g. nitric oxide) and the amplifying effect of structural
changes in large resistance vessels. The rising vasoconstriction
increases heterogeneity of blood flow, causing rarefaction
(decreased microvascular density) and deterioration of vital
organs. SSR-EH also increases food intake in response to stress,
but only 40% of these individuals develop hypertensive obesity.
Their brain ignores the adiposity signals that normally reduce
eating. Hyperinsulinemia masks the sympathetic vasoconstriction
through its dilator action, raises blood volume, whilst renal
nephropathy and other diabetic complications are common. In
each syndrome the neural and non-neural determinants of
hypertension provide targets for identifying high BP genes.
Reading the genome from the phenotype will require new
approaches, such as those used in developmental genetics. In
addition, transgenic technology may help verify hypotheses and
examine whether an observed effect is through single or multiple
mechanisms. To obtain answers will require substantial
collaborative efforts between physiologists and geneticists.
Perilaku Konsumsi Mie Instan Pada Remaja
Authors: Efrizal Wiwin
Published: February 2021

Mie instan sebagai makanan yang bersifat praktis, mudah dihidangkan, enak, banyak pilihan rasa dan harga yang murah sangat digemari berbagai kalangan, termasuk remaja. Meskipun demikian, konsumsi mie instan yang berlebihan dapat menimbulkan bahaya bagi kesehatan. Penulis ingin mengetahui perilaku remaja di Bangka Belitung dalam mengkonsumsi mie instan. Penelitian menggunakan  kuantitatif menggunakan metode angket pada akhir agustus 2020 kepada  45 orang responden  secara acak dan data yang diperoleh dianalisa secara deskriktif dan metode grafik. Pada penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa perilaku konsumsi mie instan telah dilakukan 84,4% responden saat usia Sekolah Dasar dengan prosentase 71,1% mengkonsuminya 1-3 bungkus per minggu. Perilaku lain saat  pengolahan/penyajiannya sebanyak 51,1% responden berpendapat senang menambahkan bumbu/bahan makanan lain untuk meningkatkan rasa/selera dan asupan gizi.
Pengaruh Pijat Punggung Terhadap Tekanan Darah Pada Pasien Hipertensi
Authors: Syah Ardian
Published: February 2021

Penyakit hipertensi merupakan tantangan bagi kesehatan global karena prevalensinya yang tinggi. Studi penelitian tentang upaya untuk penederita hipertensi terus dikembangkan, salah satunya dengan terapi non farmakologi yaitu pijat punggung. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh pijat punggung terhadap tekanan darah pada pasien hipertensi. Desain penelitian ini menggunakan quasi eksperimen dengan pretest-posttest control group. Sampel sebanyak 54 responden terbagi dalam dua kelompok. Kelompok 1 intervensi di berikan pijat punggung dan terapi obat standard, kelompok 2 kontrol hanya mendapatkan terapi obat standard. Hasil analisis Penelitian yang dilakukan Uji Paired t-test dan Wilcoxon pijat punggung menunjukkan nilai signifikan pada status tekanan darah Sistole dan Diastole dengan nilai p= < 0,05. Pada Uji Mann Whitney menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan signifikan pada status Sistole nilai p= < 0,05 dan tidak terdapat perbedaan signifikan pada status tekanan darah Diastole dengan nila p= > 0,05. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini pijat punggung secara statistik dapat menurunkan status tekanan darah Sistole dan Diastole pada pasien hipertensi.
Efektivitas Pelatihan Online Skrining Depresi Pada Lansia Dalam Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Dan Kepercayaan Diri Tenagan Kesehatan
Authors: Pratma Ryan Nuari , Puspitosari Warih Andan
Published: February 2021

Latar belakang: Kesehatan jiwa merupakan keadaan dimana seseorang dapat berkembang secara fisik, mental, spiritual dan sosial. Penyakit yang sering menganggu kesehatan jiwa terutama seseorang yang telah memasuki usia lanjut adalah depresi. Penanganan pencegahan dini dalam meminimalisir terjadinya depresi pada lanjut usia dapat dilakukan dengan cara melakukan tindakan skrining depresi. Skrining memiliki keuntungan dalam penggunaannya yang sederhana, mudah dan relatif murah bertujuan untuk mendeteksi secara dini suatu penyakit pada seseorang sehingga selanjutnya dapat dilakukan diagnosis lengkap dan dapat segera diberikan pengobatan secara dini. Tujuan: Mengidentifikasi pengaruh pelatihan skrining depresi pada lansia terhadap tingkat pengetahuan dan kepercayaan diri tenaga kesehatan dalam melakukan tindakan skrining depresi pada lansia. Metode: Desain penelitian adalah quasy experimental dengan one group pretest and posttest design. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan total sampling. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 22 orang. Intervensi dilakukan oleh tenaga ahli dengan memberikan materi pelatihan skrining depresi pada lansia. Pengetahuan dan kepercayaan diri dinilai sebelum dan setelah intervensi dengan menggunakan kuisioner yang telah divalidasi. Analisis statistik dengan menggunakan program komputer. Analisis bivariat dengan menggunakan uji Paired sample t-test. Hasil: Ada perbedaan signifikan pada tingkat pengetahuan responden antara pretest dan posttest dengan nilai p-value adalah 0,000 (<0,05). Ada perbedaan signifikan pada tingkat kepercayaan diri responden antara pretest dan posttest dengan nilai p-value adalah 0,000 (<0,05). Kesimpulan: Ada pengaruh yang signifikan pada tingkat pengetahuan dan kepercayaan diri responden setelah diberikan pelatihan skrining depresi pada lansia.
Multiscale Modeling of Germinal Center Recapitulates the Temporal Transition From Memory B Cells to Plasma Cells Differentiation as Regulated by Antigen Affinity-Based Tfh Cell Help
Authors: Merino Tejero Elena , Lashgari Danial , García-Valiente Rodrigo , Gao Xuefeng , Crauste Fabien , Robert Philippe A. , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Martínez María Rodríguez , van Ham S. Marieke , Guikema Jeroen E. J. , Hoefsloot Huub , van Kampen Antoine H. C.
Published: February 2021

Germinal centers play a key role in the adaptive immune system since they are able to produce memory B cells and plasma cells that produce high affinity antibodies for an effective immune protection. The mechanisms underlying cell-fate decisions are not well understood but asymmetric division of antigen, B-cell receptor affinity, interactions between B-cells and T follicular helper cells (triggering CD40 signaling), and regulatory interactions of transcription factors have all been proposed to play a role. In addition, a temporal switch from memory B-cell to plasma cell differentiation during the germinal center reaction has been shown. To investigate if antigen affinity-based Tfh cell help recapitulates the temporal switch we implemented a multiscale model that integrates cellular interactions with a core gene regulatory network comprising BCL6, IRF4, and BLIMP1. Using this model we show that affinity-based CD40 signaling in combination with asymmetric division of B-cells result in switch from memory B-cell to plasma cell generation during the course of the germinal center reaction. We also show that cell fate division is unlikely to be (solely) based on asymmetric division of Ag but that BLIMP1 is a more important factor. Altogether, our model enables to test the influence of molecular modulations of the CD40 signaling pathway on the production of germinal center output cells.
Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein 4, a Promising Biomarker for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Li Shuang-Xi , Li Juan , Dong Li-Wei , Guo Zhi-Yong
Published: February 2021

Cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) is located in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plays an important role in stabilizing the structure of ER. Meanwhile, CKAP4 is also found to act as an activated receptor at the cell surface. The multifunction of CKAP4 was gradually discovered with growing research evidence. In addition to the involvement in various physiological events including cell proliferation, cell migration, and stabilizing the structure of ER, CKAP4 has been implicated in tumorigenesis. However, the role of CKAP4 is still controversial in tumor biology, which may be related to different signal transduction pathways mediated by binding to different ligands in various microenvironments. Interestingly, CKAP4 has been recently recognized as a serological marker of several tumors and CKAP4 is expected to be a tumor therapeutic target. Therefore, deciphering the gene status, expression regulation, functions of CKAP4 in different diseases may shed new light on CKAP4-based cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategy. This review discusses the publications that describe CKAP4 in various diseases, especially on tumor promotion and suppression, and provides a detailed discussion on the discrepancy.
Selenium at the Neural Barriers: AReview
Authors: Solovyev Nikolay , Drobyshev Evgenii , Blume Bastian , Michalke Bernhard
Published: February 2021

Selenium (Se) is known to contribute to several vital physiological functions in mammals: antioxidant defense, fertility, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune response. Growing evidence indicates the crucial role of Se and Se-containing selenoproteins in the brain and brain function. As for the other essential trace elements, dietary Se needs to reach effective concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS) to exert its functions. To do so, Se-species have to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and/or blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) of the choroid plexus. The main interface between the general circulation of the body and the CNS is the BBB. Endothelial cells of brain capillaries forming the so-called tight junctions are the primary anatomic units of the BBB, mainly responsible for barrier function. The current review focuses on Se transport to the brain, primarily including selenoprotein P/low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8 (LRP8, also known as apolipoprotein E receptor-2) dependent pathway, and supplementary transport routes of Se into the brain via low molecular weight Se-species. Additionally, the potential role of Se and selenoproteins in the BBB, BCB, and neurovascular unit (NVU) is discussed. Finally, the perspectives regarding investigating the role of Se and selenoproteins in the gut-brain axis are outlined.
“Real-World” Evaluation of Lipid Oxidation Products and Trace Metals in French Fries From Two Chain Fast-Food Restaurants
Authors: Le Gresley Adam , Ampem Gilbert , De Mars Simon , Grootveld Martin , Naughton Declan P.
Published: February 2021

Differences in lipid oxidation products (LOPs) and trace metal concentrations of French fry samples found between two global chain fast-food restaurants in the UK were investigated using high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analyses, respectively, of extracts derived therefrom. Over the course of 3 days and 3 different diurnal time periods, samples of French fries (FFs) were analyzed, and comparisons of two different oil extraction methods were undertaken for the two restaurants involved. The magnitude of concentrations of LOPs extracted from FFs is discussed. Significant differences between 6/7 aldehyde classifications, and aluminum, manganese, vanadium, lead, iron, copper and nickel levels between samples from the two restaurants are also reported. Redox-active transition and further trace metal concentrations inversely correlated with FF oil sample LOP contents; this suggested an antioxidant rather than a pro-oxidant role for them.
Yindan Jiedu Granules, a Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formulation, as a Potential Treatment for Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Liu Jingyuan , Jiang Yuyong , Liu Yao , Pu Lin , Du Chunjing , Li Yuxin , Wang Xiaojing , Ren Jie , Liu Wei , Yang Zhiyun , Chen Zhihai , Song Rui , Xie Wen , Wang Xianbo
Published: February 2021

Background:YindanJiedu Granules (YDJDG) have been newly prescribed as a Chinese herbal formula. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of YDJDG and lopinavir-ritonavir in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: Overall, 131 patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. In addition to standard care, 60 of these patients received YDJDG (YDJDG group) and 71 received lopinavir-ritonavir (lopinavir-ritonavir group). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the characteristics of individuals in the two groups, while the Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the proportion recovery observed.

Results: Cox analysis revealed that YDJDG and CD4 ≥ 660 cells/µL were independent predictive factors of proportion recovery. At baseline, disease types differed between the YDJDG and lopinavir-ritonavir treatment groups. Furthermore, no significant adverse effects or toxicities relevant to YDJDG were observed. The median recovery time was 21 days in the YDJDG group and 27 days in the lopinavir-ritonavir group. After PSM (1:1), 50 patient pairs, YDJDG vs. lopinavir-ritonavir, were analyzed. In the YDJDG group, the proportion of recovered patients was remarkably higher than that observed in the lopinavir-ritonavir group (p = 0.0013), especially for those presenting mild/moderate disease type and CD4 < 660 cells/µL. In the YDJDG group, the mean duration of fever and pulmonary exudative lesions was significantly shorter than that observed in the lopinavir-ritonavir group (p = 0.0180 and p = 0.0028, respectively).

Conclusion: YDJDG reveals the potential to hasten the recovery period in COVID-19 patients with mild/moderate disease type or CD4 < 660 cells/µL by shortening the mean duration of fever and pulmonary exudative lesions.
Conditioned Media of Choroid Plexus Epithelium Cells Attenuates High Pi-Induced Calcification of MOVAS Cells by Inhibiting ROS-Mediated Signal Pathways
Authors: Hui Xin , Wang Mei , Zhang Lijun , Liu Ji , Wang Mengen , Hu Weiwei , Zhang Tongtong , Zhao Shijun , Geng Shangyong , Wang Xianjun , Zheng Zuncheng
Published: February 2021

Vascular calcification was an independent risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCDs). Studies reported that conditioned media of choroid plexus epithelium cells (CPECs-CM) showed potential neuroprotective effects. However, the protective effect of CPECs-CM against vascular calcification (VC) has not been reported yet. Herein, high phosphate (HPi)–induced calcification model in mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS) was established, and the protective effects and underlying mechanism of CPECs-CM against HPi-induced calcification were explored. The results indicated that CPEC cells were successfully isolated and cultured, and CPECs-CM co-treatment significantly inhibited HPi-induced calcification of MOVAS cells through blocking alkaline phosphatase activity and expression. CPECs-CM co-treatment also suppressed reactive oxide species–mediated DNA damage in HPi-treated MOVAS cells. Moreover, dysfunction of MAPKs and PI3K/AKT pathways both contributed to HPi-induced calcification of MOVAS cells, and CPECs-CM co-treatment attenuated HPi-induced calcification by normalizing MAPKs and PI3K/AKT expression. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that CPECs-CM had the potential to inhibit vascular calcification with potent application in chemoprevention and chemotherapy of human CCD.
Tracing the Path Toward Self-Regulated Revision: An Interplay of Instructor Feedback, Peer Feedback, and Revision Goals
Authors: Li Wentao , Zhang Fuhui
Published: February 2021

Building upon Zimmerman’s socio-cognitive view of self-regulation, we explored EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students’ revision and the likely contribution to revision from three salient self-regulating sources: peer feedback, instructor feedback, and revision goals. Data was obtained from 70 Chinese EFL students in a writing class through a 300-word online writing assignment involving online instructor and peer feedback, free-response revision goals, and a required revision. We closely coded students’ revision and then used the same coding scheme to analyze the relative levels of association of revision changes with peer comments, instructor comments and revision goals. We found that: (a) the majority of revision changes have been triggered by three mediating sources, with revision goals as the most significant contributing source. Additionally, most revision changes come from a combination of two or three sources, with the overlap of peer feedback and revision goals accounting for the biggest overlapping contribution for both high and low-level revisions; (b) as for the relationship among the three sources, no significant difference was found between revision goals’ overlap rate with peer feedback and their overlap rate with instructor feedback. Instructor feedback and peer feedback did not overlap very much. Findings suggest that students could revise beyond instructor and peer feedback in their revision efforts guided by their own reflective goals, and peer feedback could function as a more productive and multiple-reader source of revision in comparison with instructor feedback. This study also provided evidence for students’ self-regulated learning of writing through the use of self-regulating resources and charted a route for how writing could be improved.
Translational Application of a Neuro-Scientific Multi-Modal Approach Into Forensic Psychiatric Evaluation: Why and How?
Authors: Scarpazza Cristina , Miolla Alessio , Zampieri Ilaria , Melis Giulia , Sartori Giuseppe , Ferracuti Stefano , Pietrini Pietro
Published: February 2021

A prominent body of literature indicates that insanity evaluations, which are intended to provide influential expert reports for judges to reach a decision “beyond any reasonable doubt,” suffer from a low inter-rater reliability. This paper reviews the limitations of the classical approach to insanity evaluation and the criticisms to the introduction of neuro-scientific approach in court. Here, we explain why in our opinion these criticisms, that seriously hamper the translational implementation of neuroscience into the forensic setting, do not survive scientific scrutiny. Moreover, we discuss how the neuro-scientific multimodal approach may improve the inter-rater reliability in insanity evaluation. Critically, neuroscience does not aim to introduce a brain-based concept of insanity. Indeed, criteria for responsibility and insanity are and should remain clinical. Rather, following the falsificationist approach and the convergence of evidence principle, the neuro-scientific multimodal approach is being proposed as a way to improve reliability of insanity evaluation and to mitigate the influence of cognitive biases on the formulation of insanity opinions, with the final aim to reduce errors and controversies.
Task Control Deficit in Individuals With Non-suicidal Self-Injury
Authors: Lee Seo Jeong , Hyun Myoung Ho
Published: February 2021

Background: Numerous people in clinical settings who have experienced repeated self-injuries explain their non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) as “habitual” or due to “difficulty avoiding impulses related to NSSI.” Previous studies present retrospective reports, where they experience frequent self-injurious urges and try to resist but fail. However, no study has directly investigated repeated behavioral control problems of people who engage in chronic NSSI through behavioral measurements in an experimental setting. The current study sought to investigate whether people who repeatedly attempt NSSI demonstrate deficiency in task control ability called the object-interference (O-I effect).

Methods: The current study performed object interference tasks on 90 participants, of which 45 were those who reported repeated NSSI while 45 comprised the control group.

Results: We observed delayed reaction times for object stimulus compared to abstract stimulus in the NSSI group, indicative of the object interference effect. This reflects task control deficits and difficulties in NSSI related behavioral control in the repeated NSSI group. When NSSI tools were additionally presented as a target stimulus, longer reaction times and more errors were observed in the NSSI group compared to the control group.

Discussion: The current study discusses the clinical implications of the results from diagnostic point of view and provides suggestions for future research for treatment and prevention.
Developing and Publishing Strong Empirical Research in Sustainability Management—Addressing the Intersection of Theory, Method, and Empirical Field
Authors: Seuring Stefan , Stella Tara , Stella Mareike
Published: February 2021

Students starting their research into sustainability management are often driven by a normative assumption of wanting “to do something good” or “save the world” from this or that problem. This also holds for many researchers, where the pressure to do research that has an immediate impact on the local business or natural environment is paramount. This often gets into the way of developing sound research that might pass the review process in strong academic journals. Good (empirical) research builds on the interplay of the theoretical foundation, appropriate research method, and a well-justified selection of the empirical field. The discussion paper offers some guidelines and reflections on how to do this. The core point is that academic papers get cited for their theoretical contribution, so this has to be in the foreground of research question and design. If implemented in the wrong manner upfront, this can usually not be corrected later on, preventing the research to be published in top journals. This has to do with the interplay of theory, method, and empirical field. While we would see theory as the winning factor, methods and empirical field-related choices often constitute what might be called qualifying for hygiene factors. Methods and empirical field would hardly sell the paper on their own, but if done wrongly, they will prevent it from having a chance of being accepted. The paper explores some core ideas around theory, methods, and empirical field and offers some related guidelines on how to link them. This is illustrated at some points borrowed from debates in sustainability management.
Evidence for Aviculture: Identifying Research Needs to Advance the Role of Ex Situ Bird Populations in Conservation Initiatives and Collection Planning
Authors: Rose Paul
Published: February 2021

Birds are the most speciose of all taxonomic groups currently housed in zoos, but this species diversity is not always matched by their inclusion in research output in the peer-reviewed literature. This large and diverse captive population is an excellent tool for research investigation, the findings of which can be relevant to conservation and population sustainability aims. The One Plan Approach to conservation aims to foster tangible conservation relevance of ex situ populations to those animals living in situ. The use of birds in zoo aviculture as proxies for wild-dwelling counterparts is considered from this integrated conservation approach. This paper considers the relevance of ex situ bird populations to field-based conservation action and it illustrates how “added value” to captive populations can be gained from their inclusion in conservation efforts. Current trends in scientific publications that focus on birds are provided to identify patterns in species focus and identification of areas of study that could be relevant to advancing avicultural practices, bird husbandry standards, animal welfare and conservation relevance of such populations. Research into wild birds is extremely useful for furthering how birds are managed in zoological collections. Collaboration between field-based projects that have involved zoo professionals are reviewed, to showcase information transfer from the field to the zoo and vice versa, and the ultimate benefits to aviculture and the added value that can be brought to zoo bird populations. Suggested ideas for research into specific areas of ex situ population management and conservation, and avicultural practices are provided to guide future researchers in their endeavors to ensure we have the evidence needed to care for and conserve birds as appropriately and as viably as possible.
Malignant Melanoma of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Current Treatment Options
Authors: Kohoutova Darina , Worku Dominic , Aziz Hala , Teare Julian , Weir Justin , Larkin James
Published: February 2021

Malignant melanoma (MM) has become the fifth most frequent cancer in the UK. It is the most common carcinoma to metastasize to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. MM particularly has an affinity to spread to the small bowel, which is followed by the involvement of the stomach and large intestine. Excellent endoscopic options including video capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy are available for a precise diagnosis of GI involvement by a metastatic MM. The complete surgical resection of GI metastatic MM in carefully selected patients not only provides symptom control, but has also been associated with an increase in overall survival. The approval of BRAF-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors has transformed therapeutic approaches for patients with metastatic MM over the past decade. Currently, the overall survival of patients with advanced metastatic MM who have been treated with a combination of immunotherapeutic agents reaches 52% at five years. The role of surgery for patients with the metastatic involvement of the GI tract with MM is evolving in the era of effective systemic treatments.
Exploration of the Spanish Version of the Attachment Style Questionnaire: A Comparative Study between Spanish, Italian, and Japanese Culture
Authors: López-de-la-Nieta Oscar , Koeneke Hoenicka Mᵃ Alejandra , Martinez-Rubio José Luis , Shinohara Kazuyuki , Esposito Gianluca , Iandolo Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, there are several human attachment measures, most in the form of questionnaires that assess adult attachment styles. This study investigates the use of Feeney, Noller, Hanrahan, Sperling and Berman’s five-factors Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ, 1994), based on Bartholomew’s four-factors model (1991), and Hazan and Shaver’s three-factors model (1987). Nevertheless, no robust study has explored the ASQ questionnaire in Spanish compared to other cultures, such as Italian and Japanese. Therefore, the linguistic translation of the Spanish version of the ASQ was performed, based on the back-translation methodology. The results indicate that 5-factors ASQ Spanish version explains 43.67% of the variance, similar to the original English-Australian ASQ version. The Italian and Japanese versions explain 49.37% and 52.27% of the variance, respectively. No age correlation for any ASQ factors in the Japanese sample was found; meanwhile, the Spanish and Italian cultures showed a positive correlation with age and “Confidence” and negative correlation with age and “Relationships as Secondary” ASQ factors. Some transcultural differences and possible research approaches are addressed.
Heat Storage of Paraffin-Based Composite Phase Change Materials and Their Temperature Regulation of Underground Power Cable Systems
Authors: Xie Peiling , Huang Haoliang , He Yuchang , Zhang Yueyue , Wei Jiangxiong
Published: February 2021

Excessive heat accumulation in backfill materials causes thermal fatigue damage in underground power cable systems that significantly affects the cable carrying capacity. To improve the thermal conditions of the system, two types of composite phase change materials (CPCMs) were prepared by incorporating paraffin into porous ceramsite (CS)/expanded graphite (EG) in this study. EG and CS can carry 90 and 40 wt.% paraffin, respectively. The phase change temperature of paraffin/CS and paraffin/EG CPCMs was approximately 65 °C, and the corresponding latent heats were 63.38 J/g and 156.4 J/g, respectively. Furthermore, the temperature regulation by CPCMs was evaluated experimentally by designing a setup to simulate the underground power cable system. The reduction in the maximum temperature of the backfill materials with paraffin/CS CPCM and paraffin/EG CPCM was approximately 7.1 °C and 17.1 °C, respectively, compared to reference samples. A similar conclusion was drawn from the heat flux curves. Therefore, the prepared CPCMs could significantly alleviate temperature fluctuations, where the paraffin/EG CPCM provided better temperature regulation than paraffin/CS CPCM. Both materials have potential applications for use in backfill materials for underground power cable systems.
A Pharmacological Analysis of the Activity and Failure of the Medical Treatment of High-Grade Osteosarcoma
Authors: Comandone Alessandro , Boglione Antonella , Comandone Tiziana , Petrelli Fausto
Published: February 2021

Osteosarcomas (OSs) are a group of neoplasms originating from bone cells, usually presenting in three specific age groups: children, young adults, and the elderly. High-grade OS is an extremely malignant tumor mainly due to evolution into metastatic disease, usually in the lungs. Survival of these patients has improved since the 1980s thanks to close cooperation between oncologists, oncological surgeons and orthopedic surgeons. Unfortunately, no progress has been made in the last 30 years and new, more effective drugs are needed. This article reviews the biological and pharmacological basis of the treatment of OS. Models of clinical pharmacology of the active drugs, toxic effects and reasons for primary and secondary resistance to old and new drugs are discussed.
Prandtl Number in Classical Hard-Sphere and One-Component Plasma Fluids
Authors: Khrapak Sergey , Khrapak Alexey
Published: February 2021

The Prandtl number is evaluated for the three-dimensional hard-sphere and one-component plasma fluids, from the dilute weakly coupled regime up to a dense strongly coupled regime near the fluid-solid phase transition. In both cases, numerical values of order unity are obtained. The Prandtl number increases on approaching the freezing point, where it reaches a quasi-universal value for simple dielectric fluids of about ≃1.7. Relations to two-dimensional fluids are briefly discussed.
Amino Acylguanidines as Bioinspired Catalysts for the Asymmetric Aldol Reaction
Authors: Jimeno Ciril
Published: February 2021

The binding and stabilizing effect of arginine residues in certain aldolases served as inspiring source for the development of a family of amino acylguanidine organocatalysts. Screening and optimization led to identify the threonine derivative as the most suitable catalyst for the asymmetric aldol addition of hydroxyacetone, affording the syn diastereomer in high ee. In contrast, the proline derivative yielded the anti diasteromer. MMFF models suggest the presence of an extensive hydrogen bonding network between the acylguanidinium group and the reaction intermediates.
Effects of Melatonin on Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) of Holstein Cow with High SCS
Authors: Wu Hao , Yao Songyang , Wang Tiankun , Wang Jun , Ren Kang , Yang Hai , Ma Wenkui , Ji Pengyun , Lu Yongqiang , Ma Hui , He Changwang , Wei Wenjuan , Zhang Lu , Liu Guoshi
Published: February 2021

Mastitis is a common disease in cows breeding. The milk quality will be significantly reduced with increased milk somatic cells, which often occurs in cows with mastitis. In this study, the influence of seasonal changes, age and lactation stages in the Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) of cows was investigated. Then, the Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) of cows with high somatic cell score (SCS) after melatonin treatment was systemically investigated. The results showed that melatonin significantly suppressed the milk somatic cell score under all of the tested conditions. The melatonin treatment also improved the milk nutritional value by reducing its fat but increasing its lactose and protein contents. The application of melatonin significantly improved the DHI. The beneficial effects of melatonin on DHI are likely attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of melatonin.
Inhalable Thioflavin S for the Detection of Amyloid Beta Deposits in the Retina
Authors: Barton Shawn M. , To Eleanor , Rogers Baxter P. , Whitmore Clayton , Uppal Manjosh , Matsubara Joanne A. , Pham Wellington
Published: February 2021

We present an integrated delivery technology herein employing the aerosolized method to repurpose thioflavin S for imaging amyloid beta (Abeta) deposits in the retina as a surrogate of Abeta in the brain for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. The data showed that wild type (WT) mice also have Abeta deposits in the retinae, albeit much less than 5XFAD mice. Further, only in 5XFAD mice, significant Abeta deposits were found associated with retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in whole-mount and cross-section data. Furthermore, the fluorescent signal depicted from thioflavin S corroborates with Abeta immunohistochemistry staining information. Overall, this probe delivery via inhalation method is also applicable to other Abeta-binding molecules, such as Congo red, curcumin, and thioflavin T. The advantage of imaging retinal amyloid deposits compared to the brain counterparts is that the eye is easily accessible by in vivo imaging and it reduces the effort to design a probe that must cross the formidable blood-brain barrier.
New Polyenes from the Marine-Derived Fungus Talaromyces cyanescens with Anti-Neuroinflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Shin Hee Jae , Anh Cao Van , Cho Duk-Yeon , Choi Dong-Kug , Kang Jong Soon , Trinh Phan Thi Hoai , Choi Byeoung-Kyu , Lee Hwa-Sun
Published: February 2021

Three new polyene compounds, talacyanols A–C (1–3), along with two known compounds, ramulosin (4) and eurothiocin A (5), were isolated from the marine fungus Talaromyces cyanescens derived from a seaweed Caulerpa sp. Structures of 1–5 were established by one-dimensional and two-dimensional (1D/2D) NMR, HR-ESIMS, and the modified Mosher’s methods, as well as comparison with previously reported literature data. All the compounds (1–5) were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic and anti-neuroinflammatory activities. Among them, 1 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against a panel of cancer cell lines (HCT-15, NUGC-3, NCI-H23, ACHN, PC-3, and MDA-MB-231) with GI50 values ranging from 44.4 to 91.6 μM, whereas compounds 2 and 5 exhibited anti-neuroinflammatory effect without cytotoxicity against all the tested cell lines.
Exploring the Distinct Binding and Activation Mechanisms for Different CagA Oncoproteins and SHP2 by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Wang Quan , Zhao Wen-Cheng , Fu Xue-Qi , Zheng Qing-Chuan
Published: February 2021

CagA is a major virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori CagA is geographically subclassified into East Asian CagA and Western CagA, which are characterized by the presence of a EPIYA-D or EPIYA-C segment. The East Asian CagA is more closely associated with gastric cancer than the Western CagA. In this study, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the binding details of SHP2 and EPIYA segments, and to explore the allosteric regulation mechanism of SHP2. Our results show that the EPIYA-D has a stronger binding affinity to the N-SH2 domain of SHP2 than EPIYA-C. In addition, a single EPIYA-D binding to N-SH2 domain of SHP2 can cause a deflection of the key helix B, and the deflected helix B could squeeze the N-SH2 and PTP domains to break the autoinhibition pocket of SHP2. However, a single EPIYA-C binding to the N-SH2 domain of SHP2 cannot break the autoinhibition of SHP2 because the secondary structure of the key helix B is destroyed. However, the tandem EPIYA-C not only increases its binding affinity to SHP2, but also does not significantly break the secondary structure of the key helix B. Our study can help us better understand the mechanism of gastric cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.
A Ru-Complex Tethered to a N-Rich Covalent Triazine Framework for Tandem Aerobic Oxidation-Knoevenagel Condensation Reactions
Authors: Watson Geert , Gohari Derakhshandeh Parviz , Abednatanzi Sara , Schmidt Johannes , Leus Karen , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: February 2021

Herein, a highly N-rich covalent triazine framework (CTF) is applied as support for a RuIII complex. The bipyridine sites within the CTF provide excellent anchoring points for the [Ru(acac)2(CH3CN)2]PF6 complex. The obtained robust RuIII@bipy-CTF material was applied for the selective tandem aerobic oxidation-Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The presented system shows a high catalytic performance (>80% conversion of alcohols to α, β-unsaturated nitriles) without the use of expensive noble metals. The bipy-CTF not only acts as the catalyst support but also provides the active sites for both aerobic oxidation and Knoevenagel condensation reactions. This work highlights a new perspective for the development of highly efficient and robust heterogeneous catalysts applying CTFs for cascade catalysis.
Assessing Socio-Economic Factors Affecting the Implementation of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Mechanism
Authors: Poudyal Beeju , Upadhaya Suraj , Acharya Suman , Khanal Chhetri Bir Bahadur
Published: February 2021

The Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanism has been pursued as a means to provide incentives for achieving conservation goals while also promoting rural development by alleviating poverty. However, the degree to which these goals are met depends on the implementation of the programs, which depends on the desirability and accessibility of programs targeting rural communities. Understanding the factors motivating or dissuading PES is vital for successful implementation. This paper evaluated the determinants of locals’ preference for PES implementation in the Begnas Lake Watershed. We interviewed 180 residents representing upstream and downstream. Factors such as income, the distance between house and lake, knowledge about PES, education, and duration of living in the area significantly determined locals’ attitude towards PES implementation. Their decision to take a stake in the PES program, if implemented, was influenced by income, family size, the distance between house and lake, education, and knowledge about PES. The majority of the household prefer community forestry as an institution and indirect payment as a compensation mechanism. The study suggests that the implementation of PES can contribute to uplifting the livelihood of local communities and conservation of Begnas lake watershed. The study further recommends the involvement of multi-stakeholders for ground-level awareness.