bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Protected Areas Matter? A Systematic Review of the Social and Ecological Impacts of the Establishment of Protected Areas
Authors: Ma Ben , Zhang Yuqian , Hou Yilei , Wen Yali
Published: October 2020

There is growing interest in evaluating the effects of establishing protected areas (PAs). However, the mechanisms through which the establishment of PAs achieved significant positive effects remain unclear, and how different conservation mechanisms have achieved significant positive social and ecological benefits has also not been sufficiently studied. In this study, we systematically reviewed exemplary cases from Asia, Africa, and South America, using panel data to assess the conservation effectiveness of nature reserves and national parks. By surveying 629 literature samples reported in 31 studies, we found that the establishment of PAs has positive influences on poverty reduction, family incomes, household expenditure, employment, forest cover, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and a reduction in forest fragmentation. Furthermore, we analyzed the specific aspects that influence the publication of a paper in a high-impact journal. We found that publication is more likely when the research uses panel data, matching methods of data analysis, large samples, and plots or PAs as research units and has significant evaluation results. Our results suggest that future studies should use panel data and matching method analysis to assess the impacts of PAs from multiple perspectives and focus on the effectiveness of specific conservation mechanisms in achieving positive effects.
Risk of Renal Function Decline in Patients with Ketamine-Associated Uropathy
Authors: Ou Shih-Hsiang , Wu Ling-Ying , Chen Hsin-Yu , Huang Chien-Wei , Hsu Chih-Yang , Chen Chien-Liang , Chou Kang-Ju , Fang Hua-Chang , Lee Po-Tsang
Published: October 2020

Ketamine-associated diseases have been increasing with the rise in ketamine abuse. Ketamine-associated uropathy is one of the most common complications. We investigated the effects of ketamine-associated uropathy on renal health and determined predictors of renal function decline in chronic ketamine abusers. This retrospective cohort study analyzed 51 patients (22 with ketamine-associated hydronephrosis and 29 with ketamine cystitis) from Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan. Primary renal outcome was end-stage renal disease or estimated glomerular filtration rate decline >30% from baseline. Compared with the ketamine cystitis group, the hydronephrosis group had lower initial and final estimated glomerular filtration rates and higher alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels (p < 0.05). Elevated cholestatic liver enzyme levels correlated with renal dysfunction in ketamine-associated uropathy. The hydronephrosis group had a higher proportion of patients reaching endpoints than the ketamine cystitis group (50% and 7%, respectively, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, and initial serum creatinine level, hydronephrosis remained an independent risk factor for renal function deterioration. Ketamine-associated hydronephrosis was a poor renal outcome and strong predictor of renal function decline in chronic ketamine abusers. Elevated cholestatic liver enzyme levels correlated with the severity of ketamine-associated uropathy. Ultrasonography screening of these high-risk groups and regular renal function follow-ups are necessary.
Prevalence, Determinants, and Effects of Food Insecurity among Middle Eastern and North African Migrants and Refugees in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mansour Reima , Liamputtong Pranee , Arora Amit
Published: October 2020

Issues related to poverty and income inequality in high-income countries have led to food insecurity among some population groups, such as migrants and refugees. While there are some studies on the experience of some migrant groups (and other subpopulations), little is known about food security among Middle Eastern and African migrants and refugees. This systematic review identified the prevalence of food insecurity and its effects among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) migrants and refugees in high-income countries. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in this systematic review. Four databases, namely MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PubMed were searched. Three studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which were conducted in USA: two among Sudanese migrant families, and one among Somali refugee women. The rates of reported food insecurity ranged from 40% to 71% and were significantly higher than for the general population. Food insecurity was associated with acculturation and socio-economic factors. Food insecurity adversely impacts the health of MENA migrants and refugees, creating economic implications for individuals, families, the broader community in which they now live, and for governments.
Mental Health Literacy Intervention on Help-Seeking in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bu Danran , Chung Pak-Kwong , Zhang Chun-Qing , Liu Jingdong , Wang Xiang
Published: October 2020

Mental health literacy (MHL) is recognised as a major factor in whether athletes seek help when they experience mental health difficulties. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide a systematic review of the effectiveness of MHL training programmes in improving mental health knowledge and help-seeking and reducing stigma among athletes. To identify intervention studies of MHL programmes, five electronic databases were systematically searched for articles published before May 2020. The selection procedure was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All kinds of study designs were included. Effect sizes were calculated for mental health knowledge, stigma reduction and help-seeking attitudes, intentions and behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed for each study using the Cochrane tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale. Five studies (1239 participants in total) were selected for review. Overall, either small or medium effects were found for mental health knowledge, stigma reduction, help-seeking attitudes, and intentions for post- and follow-up interventions, whereas a null effect was found in help-seeking behaviours for both post- and follow-up interventions. Furthermore, three studies had a low risk of bias, and two had a high risk of bias. MHL interventions can enhance help-seeking attitudes and intentions and mental health knowledge and reduce stigma but do not increase help-seeking behaviours for now. Further studies should evaluate interventions to enhance help-seeking behaviours. Furthermore, the methodological quality of studies, including randomized controlled trials and other designs, should be improved in future research.
Medical Fraud and Abuse Detection System Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Conghai , Xiao Xinyao , Wu Chao
Published: October 2020

It is estimated that approximately 10% of healthcare system expenditures are wasted due to medical fraud and abuse. In the medical area, the combination of thousands of drugs and diseases make the supervision of health care more difficult. To quantify the disease–drug relationship into relationship score and do anomaly detection based on this relationship score and other features, we proposed a neural network with fully connected layers and sparse convolution. We introduced a focal-loss function to adapt to the data imbalance and a relative probability score to measure the model’s performance. As our model performs much better than previous ones, it can well alleviate analysts’ work.
Seafarers’ Physical Activity and Sleep Patterns: Results from Asia-Pacific Sea Routes
Authors: Youn Ik-Hyun , Lee Jung-Min
Published: October 2020

Prolonged ocean voyages constrain the regular physical activity and sleep patterns of seafarers. However, there is a lack of information on seafarers’ physical activity and sleep behavior. The purpose of this study was to systematically examine physical activity and sleep patterns among seafarers using a single wrist-worn accelerometer. Fifty-one senior maritime students (mean age = 22.8 years; 80.0% male) in a university navigation department participated in the study. Data were collected from participants on three sea voyages in the Asia-Pacific region. Indicators of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sleep patterns were compared between several conditions: (1) moored versus sailing, (2) on-navigation duty and off- navigation duty, and (3) day versus night navigation duty. Regardless of conditions, low levels of physical activity and short sleep durations were observed. Independent sample t-tests revealed that time spent doing MVPA was significantly higher when participants were off-duty than when they were on-duty (p < 0.001). Physical activity did not significantly differ between the other two conditions. While total sleep duration was not significantly different between mooring and sailing, the results showed that participants awakened more frequently (p = 0.007) and their sleep was more restless (p < 0.001) while sailing. The results demonstrated that developing effective programs to promote physical activity should be a public health priority for the seafaring population, and serious consideration is required to mitigate sleep disruption during sailing.
Partners’ Relationship Mindfulness Promotes Better Daily Relationship Behaviours for Insecurely Attached Individuals
Authors: Gazder Taranah , Stanton Sarah C. E.
Published: October 2020

Attachment anxiety and avoidance are generally associated with detrimental relationship processes, including more negative and fewer positive relationship behaviours. However, recent theoretical and empirical evidence has shown that positive factors can buffer insecure attachment. We hypothesised that relationship mindfulness (RM)—open or receptive attention to and awareness of what is taking place internally and externally in a current relationship—may promote better day-to-day behaviour for both anxious and avoidant individuals, as mindfulness improves awareness of automatic responses, emotion regulation, and empathy. In a dyadic daily experience study, we found that, while an individual’s own daily RM did not buffer the effects of their own insecure attachment on same-day relationship behaviours, their partner’s daily RM did, particularly for attachment avoidance. Our findings for next-day relationship behaviours, on the other hand, showed that lower (vs. higher) prior-day RM was associated with higher positive partner behaviours on the following day for avoidant individuals and those with anxious partners, showing this may be an attempt to “make up” for the previous day. These findings support the Attachment Security Enhancement Model and have implications for examining different forms of mindfulness over time and for mindfulness training.
Multitemporal Analysis of Deforestation in Response to the Construction of the Tucuruí Dam
Authors: Velastegui-Montoya Andres , Lima Aline de , Adami Marcos
Published: October 2020

The expansion of hydroelectric dams that is planned, and under construction, in the Amazon basin is a proposal to generate “clean” energy, with the purposes of meeting the regional energy demand, and the insertion of Brazil into the international economic market. However, this type of megaproject can change the dynamics of natural ecosystems. In the present article, the spatiotemporal patterns of deforestation according to distance from the reservoir in the vicinity of the lake of Tucuruí, and within a radius of 30 km from it, are analyzed. A linear spectral mixture model of segmented Landsat-thematic mapper (TM), enhanced thematic mapper plus (ETM+), and operational land imager (OLI) images, and proximity analysis were used for the mapping of the land-cover classes in the vicinity of the artificial lake of Tucuruí. Likewise, landscape metrics were determined with the purpose of quantifying the reduction of primary forest, as a mechanism of loss of ecosystem services in the region. These methods were also used for the evaluation of the influence of the distance from the reservoir on the expansion of anthropogenic activities. This methodology was used for the scenarios of pre-inauguration, completion of phase I, beginning of construction phase II, full completion of the Tucuruí hydroelectric project, and the current scenario of the region. The results showed that the highest deforestation rate occurred in the first period of the analysis, due to the areas submerged by the reservoir and due to the anthropogenic disturbances, such as timber extraction, road construction, and the conversion of forests into large areas of agribusiness.
Production of Antioxidant Molecules in Polygonum aviculare (L.) and Senecio vulgaris (L.) under Metal Stress: A Possible Tool in the Evaluation of Plant Metal Tolerance
Authors: Salinitro Mirko , Hoogerwerf Sara , Casolari Sonia , Zappi Alessandro , Melucci Dora , Tassoni Annalisa
Published: October 2020

Plants growing on heavy metal (HM)-polluted soils show toxicity symptoms, such as chlorosis and growth reduction, and undergo oxidative stress due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Plants overcome oxidative stress by producing a wide range of antioxidant molecules, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. The aim of the present work was to study the accumulation of these molecules in response to increasing concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn and to assess whether they can be used as a tool in assessing metal-related stress in Polygonum aviculare and Senecio vulgaris. On average, P. aviculare shoots accumulated lower amounts of metals than S. vulgaris shoots. The uptake of all six elements was correlated and proportional to their concentration in the nutrient solution (ρ > 0.9), with the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) being >1 for most of them. The present research demonstrated that 82% of the samples showed a good correlation (|ρ| > 0.5) between the level of polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity and the metal concentration in plant shoots, confirming that the metal stress level and production of phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity were strictly connected. Nonetheless, the mere quantification of these molecules cannot identify the type of metal that caused the oxidative stress, neither determine the concentration of the stressors. The five tested populations of each species did not show any specific adaptation to the environment of origin.
Identification of Core Genes Involved in the Progression of Cervical Cancer Using an Integrative mRNA Analysis
Authors: Dudea-Simon Marina , Mihu Dan , Irimie Alexandru , Cojocneanu Roxana , Korban Schuyler S. , Oprean Radu , Braicu Cornelia , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: October 2020

In spite of being a preventable disease, cervical cancer (CC) remains at high incidence, and it has a significant mortality rate. Although hijacking of the host cellular pathway is fundamental for developing a better understanding of the human papillomavirus (HPV) pathogenesis, a major obstacle is identifying the central molecular targets involved in HPV-driven CC. The aim of this study is to investigate transcriptomic patterns of HPV-infected and normal tissues to identify novel prognostic markers. Analyses of functional enrichment and interaction networks reveal that altered genes are mainly involved in cell cycle, DNA damage, and regulated cell-to-cell signaling. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data has suggested that patients with unfavorable prognostics are more likely to have DNA repair defects attributed, in most cases, to the presence of HPV. However, further studies are needed to fully unravel the molecular mechanisms of such genes involved in CC.
Cross-Reactivity between Chemical Antibodies Formed to Serum Proteins and Thyroid Axis Target Sites
Authors: Kharrazian Datis , Herbert Martha , Vojdani Aristo
Published: October 2020

In some instances, when chemicals bind to proteins, they have the potential to induce a conformational change in the macromolecule that may misfold in such a way that makes it similar to the various target sites or act as a neoantigen without conformational change. Cross-reactivity then can occur if epitopes of the protein share surface topology to similar binding sites. Alteration of peptides that share topological equivalence with alternating side chains can lead to the formation of binding surfaces that may mimic the antigenic structure of a variant peptide or protein. We investigated how antibodies made against thyroid target sites may bind to various chemical–albumin compounds where binding of the chemical has induced human serum albumin (HSA) misfolding. We found that specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies developed against thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor, 5′-deiodinase, thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) bound to various chemical HSA compounds. Our study identified a new mechanism through which chemicals bound to circulating serum proteins lead to structural protein misfolding that creates neoantigens, resulting in the development of antibodies that bind to key target proteins of the thyroid axis through protein misfolding. For demonstration of specificity of thyroid antibody binding to various haptenic chemicals bound to HSA, both serial dilution and inhibition studies were performed and proportioned to the dilution. A significant decline in these reactions was observed. This laboratory analysis of immune reactivity between thyroid target sites and chemicals bound to HSA antibodies identifies a new mechanism by which chemicals can disrupt thyroid function.
Pharmacological Inhibition of WEE1 Potentiates the Antitumoral Effect of the dl922-947 Oncolytic Virus in Malignant Mesothelioma Cell Lines
Authors: Iannuzzi Carmelina Antonella , Indovina Paola , Forte Iris Maria , Di Somma Sarah , Malfitano Anna Maria , Bruno Martina , Portella Giuseppe , Pentimalli Francesca , Giordano Antonio
Published: October 2020

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos-related cancer, for which no therapy proves to be effective. We have recently shown that the oncolytic adenovirus dl922-947 had antitumor effects in MM cell lines and murine xenografts. Previous studies demonstrated that dl922-947-induced host cell cycle checkpoint deregulation and consequent DNA lesions associated with the virus efficacy. However, the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) can counteract this virus action. Therefore, we assessed whether AZD1775, an inhibitor of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint kinase WEE1, could enhance MM cell sensitivity to dl922-947. Through cell viability assays, we found that AZD1775 synergized with dl922-947 selectively in MM cell lines and increased dl922-947-induced cell death, which showed hallmarks of apoptosis (annexinV-positivity, caspase-dependency, BCL-XL decrease, chromatin condensation). Predictably, dl922-947 and/or AZD1775 activated the DDR, as indicated by increased levels of three main DDR players: phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), phospho-replication protein A (RPA)32, phospho-checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1). Dl922-947 also increased inactive Tyr-15-phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key WEE1 substrate, which is indicative of G2/M checkpoint activation. This increase in phospho-CDK1 was effectively suppressed by AZD1775, thus suggesting that this compound could, indeed, abrogate the dl922-947-induced DNA damage checkpoint in MM cells. Overall, our data suggest that the dl922-947-AZD1775 combination could be a feasible strategy against MM.
Neuroprotective Effects of Chronic Resveratrol Treatment and Exercise Training in the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Broderick Tom L. , Rasool Suhail , Li Rongzi , Zhang Yuxian , Anderson Miranda , Al-Nakkash Layla , Plochocki Jeffrey H. , Geetha Thangiah , Babu Jeganathan Ramesh
Published: October 2020

To date, there is no cure or effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a chronic neurodegenerative condition that affects memory, language, and behavior. AD is characterized by neuroinflammation, accumulation of brain amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers and neurofibrillary tangles, increased neuronal apoptosis, and loss of synaptic function. Promoting regular exercise and a diet containing polyphenols are effective non-pharmacological approaches that prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we measured various conformational toxic species of Aβ and markers of inflammation, apoptosis, endolysosomal degradation, and neuroprotection after 5 months of exercise training (ET), resveratrol (Resv) treatment, or combination treatment in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of AD. Our main results indicate that Resv decreased neuroinflammation and accumulation of Aβ oligomers, increased levels of neurotrophins, synaptic markers, silent information regulator, and decreased markers of apoptosis, autophagy, endolysosomal degradation and ubiquitination in the brains of 3xTg-AD mice. ET improved some markers related to neuroprotection, but when combined with Resv treatment, the benefits achieved were as effective as Resv treatment alone. Our results show that the neuroprotective effects of Resv, ET or Resv and ET are associated with reduced toxicity of Aβ oligomers, suppression of neuronal autophagy, decreased apoptosis, and upregulation of key growth-related proteins.
The ALS-Related σ1R E102Q Mutant Eludes Ligand Control and Exhibits Anomalous Response to Calcium
Authors: Rodríguez-Muñoz María , Cortés-Montero Elsa , Garzón-Niño Javier , Sánchez-Blázquez Pilar
Published: October 2020

Sigma receptor type 1 (σ1R) is a transmembrane protein expressed throughout the central nervous system and in certain peripheral tissues. The human σ1R E102Q mutation causes juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), likely by inducing a series of alterations in calcium efflux from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to mitochondria that affects calcium homeostasis and cellular survival. Here, we report the influence of calcium on σ1R E102Q associations with glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), and transient receptor potential calcium channels A1, V1, and M8. The mutant protein inhibited the binding of calmodulin to these calcium channels and interacted less with BiP than wild-type σ1R, thereby contributing to calcium homeostasis dysfunction. Mutant σ1R, but not wild-type σ1R, strongly bound to histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 1, which regulates neuromuscular synaptic organization and target selection through teneurin 1. While ligands regulated the association of σ1R wild-type with NMDARs and BiP, they failed to modulate the interaction between these proteins and the σ1R E102Q mutant. Thus, the σ1R E102Q mutant exhibited an anomalous response to cytosolic calcium levels, altered affinity for target proteins, and a loss of response to regulatory ligands. We believe that these modifications may contribute to the onset of juvenile ALS.
Gap19, a Cx43 Hemichannel Inhibitor, Acts as a Gating Modifier That Decreases Main State Opening While Increasing Substate Gating
Authors: Lissoni Alessio , Wang Nan , Nezlobinskii Timur , De Smet Maarten , Panfilov Alexander V. , Vandersickel Nele , Leybaert Luc , Witschas Katja
Published: October 2020

Cx43 hemichannels (HCs) are electrically and chemically gated transmembrane pores with low open probability and multiple conductance states, which makes kinetic studies of channel gating in large datasets challenging. Here, we developed open access software, named HemiGUI, to analyze HC gating transitions and investigated voltage-induced HC opening based on up to ≈4000 events recorded in HeLa-Cx43-overexpressing cells. We performed a detailed characterization of Cx43 HC gating profiles and specifically focused on the role of the C-terminal tail (CT) domain by recording the impact of adding an EGFP tag to the Cx43 CT end (Cx43-EGFP) or by supplying the Cx43 HC-inhibiting peptide Gap19 that interferes with CT interaction with the cytoplasmic loop (CL). We found that Gap19 not only decreased HC opening activity to the open state (≈217 pS) but also increased the propensity of subconductance (≈80 pS) transitions that additionally became slower as compared to the control. The work demonstrates that large sample transition analysis allows detailed investigations on Cx43 HC gating and shows that Gap19 acts as a HC gating modifier by interacting with the CT that forms a crucial gating element.
Magnetite Nanoparticles and Essential Oils Systems for Advanced Antibacterial Therapies
Authors: Mihai Antonio David , Chircov Cristina , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Holban Alina Maria
Published: October 2020

Essential oils (EOs) have attracted considerable interest in the past few years, with increasing evidence of their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and insecticidal effects. However, as they are highly volatile, the administration of EOs to achieve the desired effects is challenging. Therefore, nanotechnology-based strategies for developing nanoscaled carriers for their efficient delivery might offer potential solutions. Owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, ability to target a tissue specifically, and primary structures that allow for the attachment of various therapeutics, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are an example of such nanocarriers that could be used for the efficient delivery of EOs for antimicrobial therapies. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the use of EOs as antibacterial agents when coupled with magnetite nanoparticles (NPs), emphasizing the synthesis, properties and functionalization of such NPs to enhance their efficiency. In this manner, systems comprising EOs and MNPs could offer potential solutions that could overcome the challenges associated with biofilm formation on prosthetic devices and antibiotic-resistant bacteria by ensuring a controlled and sustained release of the antibacterial agents.
Improving Cybersafety Maturity of South African Schools
Authors: Kritzinger Elmarie
Published: October 2020

This research investigated the current maturity levels of cybersafety in South African schools. The maturity level indicates if schools are prepared to assist relevant role players (teachers and learners) in establishing a cybersafety culture within the school environment. The research study measured the maturity levels of cybersafety in 24 South African schools by evaluating the four main elements that are needed to improve cybersafety within schools. These elements are (1) leadership and policies, (2) infrastructure, (3) education, and (4) standards and inspection. The study used a UK-approved measurement tool (360safe) to measure the cybersafety maturity of schools within South Africa, using five levels of compliance (Level 1: full compliance, to Level 5: no compliance). The data analysis clearly indicated that all the schools that participated in the study had a significantly low level of cybersafety maturity and compliance. Schools are starting to adopt technology as part of their educational and social approach to prepare learners for the future, but there is a clear lack of supporting cybersafety awareness, policies, practices and procedures within South African schools. The research proposed a step-by-step approach involving a ten-phase cybersafety plan to empower schools to create and grow their own cybersafety culture.
Mechanism of Iron–Sulfur Cluster Assembly: In the Intimacy of Iron and Sulfur Encounter
Authors: Srour Batoul , Gervason Sylvain , Monfort Beata , D’Autréaux Benoit
Published: October 2020

Iron–sulfur (Fe–S) clusters are protein cofactors of a multitude of enzymes performing essential biological functions. Specialized multi-protein machineries present in all types of organisms support their biosynthesis. These machineries encompass a scaffold protein on which Fe–S clusters are assembled and a cysteine desulfurase that provides sulfur in the form of a persulfide. The sulfide ions are produced by reductive cleavage of the persulfide, which involves specific reductase systems. Several other components are required for Fe–S biosynthesis, including frataxin, a key protein of controversial function and accessory components for insertion of Fe–S clusters in client proteins. Fe–S cluster biosynthesis is thought to rely on concerted and carefully orchestrated processes. However, the elucidation of the mechanisms of their assembly has remained a challenging task due to the biochemical versatility of iron and sulfur and the relative instability of Fe–S clusters. Nonetheless, significant progresses have been achieved in the past years, using biochemical, spectroscopic and structural approaches with reconstituted system in vitro. In this paper, we review the most recent advances on the mechanism of assembly for the founding member of the Fe–S cluster family, the [2Fe2S] cluster that is the building block of all other Fe–S clusters. The aim is to provide a survey of the mechanisms of iron and sulfur insertion in the scaffold proteins by examining how these processes are coordinated, how sulfide is produced and how the dinuclear [2Fe2S] cluster is formed, keeping in mind the question of the physiological relevance of the reconstituted systems. We also cover the latest outcomes on the functional role of the controversial frataxin protein in Fe–S cluster biosynthesis.
Identifying Potentially Climatic Suitability Areas for Arma custos (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in China under Climate Change
Authors: Fan Shiyu , Chen Chao , Zhao Qing , Wei Jiufeng , Zhang Hufang
Published: October 2020

Spodoptera frugiperda is a notorious pest that feeds on more than 80 crops, and has spread over 100 countries. Many biological agents have been employed to regulate it, such as Arma custos. A. custos is a polyphagous predatory heteropteran, which can effectively suppress several agricultural and forest pests. Thus, in order to understand where A. custos can survive and where can be released, MaxEnt was used to predict the potentially suitable areas for A. custos in China under climate change conditions. The results show that the annual mean temperature (bio1) and annual precipitation (bio12) are the major factors influencing the distribution of A. custos. The optimal range of the two are 7.5 to 15 °C, 750 to 1200 mm, respectively. The current climate is highly suitable for A. custos in Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Anhui, Hubei, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang Provinces. Considering the currently suitable distribution area of S. frugiperda, artificially reared A. custos is suitable for release in Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, and southeastern Sichuan Provinces. Under the future climatic scenarios, the suitable area will decrease and shift towards the north. Overall, this result can provide a reference framework for future application of A. custos for biological control.
Wolbachia-Mitochondrial DNA Associations in Transitional Populations of Rhagoletis cerasi
Authors: Bakovic Vid , Schebeck Martin , Stauffer Christian , Schuler Hannes
Published: October 2020

The endosymbiont Wolbachia can manipulate arthropod host reproduction by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which results in embryonic mortality when infected males mate with uninfected females. A CI-driven invasion of Wolbachia can result in a selective sweep of associated mitochondrial haplotype. The co-inheritance of Wolbachia and host mitochondrial DNA can therefore provide significant information on the dynamics of an ongoing Wolbachia invasion. Therefore, transition zones (i.e., regions where a Wolbachia strain is currently spreading from infected to uninfected populations) represent an ideal area to investigate the relationship between Wolbachia and host mitochondrial haplotype. Here, we studied Wolbachia-mitochondrial haplotype associations in the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi, in two transition zones in the Czech Republic and Hungary, where the CI-inducing strain wCer2 is currently spreading. The wCer2-infection status of 881 individuals was compared with the two known R. cerasi mitochondrial haplotypes, HT1 and HT2. In accordance with previous studies, wCer2-uninfected individuals were associated with HT1, and wCer2-infected individuals were mainly associated with HT2. We found misassociations only within the transition zones, where HT2 flies were wCer2-uninfected, suggesting the occurrence of imperfect maternal transmission. We did not find any HT1 flies that were wCer2-infected, suggesting that Wolbachia was not acquired horizontally. Our study provides new insights into the dynamics of the early phase of a Wolbachia invasion.
Embryonic Mouse Cardiodynamic OCT Imaging
Authors: Lopez Andrew L. , Wang Shang , Larina Irina V.
Published: October 2020

The embryonic heart is an active and developing organ. Genetic studies in mouse models have generated great insight into normal heart development and congenital heart defects, and suggest mechanical forces such as heart contraction and blood flow to be implicated in cardiogenesis and disease. To explore this relationship and investigate the interplay between biomechanical forces and cardiac development, live dynamic cardiac imaging is essential. Cardiodynamic imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is proving to be a unique approach to functional analysis of the embryonic mouse heart. Its compatibility with live culture systems, reagent-free contrast, cellular level resolution, and millimeter scale imaging depth make it capable of imaging the heart volumetrically and providing spatially resolved information on heart wall dynamics and blood flow. Here, we review the progress made in mouse embryonic cardiodynamic imaging with OCT, highlighting leaps in technology to overcome limitations in resolution and acquisition speed. We describe state-of-the-art functional OCT methods such as Doppler OCT and OCT angiography for blood flow imaging and quantification in the beating heart. As OCT is a continuously developing technology, we provide insight into the future developments of this area, toward the investigation of normal cardiogenesis and congenital heart defects.
Independent Predictors of Mortality in Torso Trauma Injuries
Authors: Bini Roberto , Accardo Caterina , Granieri Stefano , Sammartano Fabrizio , Cimbanassi Stefania , Renzi Federica , Bindi Francesca , Briani Laura , Chiara Osvaldo
Published: October 2020

Noncompressible torso injuries (NCTIs) represent a trauma-related condition with high lethality. This study’s aim was to identify potential prediction factors of mortality in this group of trauma patients at a Level 1 trauma center in Italy. Materials and Methods: A total of 777 patients who had sustained a noncompressible torso injury (NCTI) and were admitted to the Niguarda Trauma Center in Milan from 2010 to 2019 were included. Of these, 166 patients with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg were considered to have a noncompressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH). Demographic data, mechanism of trauma, pre-hospital and in-hospital clinical conditions, diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, and survival outcome were retrospectively recorded. Results: Among the 777 patients, 69% were male and 90.2% sustained a blunt trauma with a median age of 43 years. The comparison between survivors and non-survivors pointed out a significantly lower pre-hospital Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and SBP (p < 0.001) in the latter group. The multivariate backward regression model identified age, pre-hospital GCS and injury severity score (ISS) (p < 0.001), pre-hospital SBP (p = 0.03), emergency department SBP (p = 0.039), performance of torso contrast enhanced computed tomography (CeCT) (p = 0.029), and base excess (BE) (p = 0.008) as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Torso trauma patients who were hemodynamically unstable in both pre- and in-hospital phases with impaired GCS and BE had a greater risk of death. The detection of independent predictors of mortality allows for the timely identification of a subgroup of patients whose chances of survival are reduced.
Relationship between Apical Periodontitis and Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Events: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: González-Navarro Beatriz , Segura-Egea Juan José , Estrugo-Devesa Albert , Pintó-Sala Xavier , Jane-Salas Enric , Jiménez-Sánchez Mari Carmen , Cabanillas-Balsera Daniel , López-López José
Published: October 2020

Aim: Both apical periodontitis (AP) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD), the main cause of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of AP and the oral inflammatory burden in control subjects and patients suffering cardiovascular events, analyzing the possible association between AP and the oral inflammatory burden with MetS. Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 83 patients suffering a cardiovascular event were recruited in the study group (SG), and 48 patients without cardiovascular events were included in the control group (CG). Periapical index (PAI) was used to diagnose AP, and total dental index (TDI) was used to assess the total oral inflammatory burden. Diagnosis of MetS was made by meeting three or more American Heart Association Scientific Statement components. Results: In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the number of teeth with AP (OR = 2.3; 95% C.I. = 1.3–4.3; p = 0.006) and TDI scores (OR = 1.5; 95% C.I. = 1.2–1.9; p = 0.001), significantly correlated with cardiovascular events. MetS was strongly associated (OR = 18.0; 95% C.I. = 6.5–49.7; p = 0000) with cardiovascular events. Higher TDI scores were significantly associated with MetS (OR = 1.3; 95% C.I. = 1.1–1.6; p = 0.003. Neither the number of root-filled teeth (RFT) (OR = 0.9; 95% C.I. = 0.6–1.3; p = 0.61) nor the number of teeth with apical periodontitis (OR = 1.1; 95% C.I. = 0.8–1.7; p = 0.49) were associated with MetS. Conclusions: Apical periodontitis is significantly associated with cardiovascular events. Total oral inflammatory burden assessed by TDI, but not AP alone, is associated with MetS.
Physical Activity in 6.5-Year-Old Children Born Extremely Preterm
Authors: Svedenkrans Jenny , Ekblom Örjan , Domellöf Magnus , Fellman Vineta , Norman Mikael , Bohlin Kajsa
Published: October 2020

Physical activity (PA) can prevent cardiovascular diseases. Because of increased risks of impairments affecting motor activity, PA in children born preterm may differ from that in children born at term. In this prospective cohort study, we compared objectively measured PA in 71 children born extremely preterm (<27 weeks gestational age), to their 87 peers born at term, at 6.5 years of age. PA measured with accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist for 7 consecutive days was compared between index and control children and analyzed for associations to prenatal growth, major neonatal brain injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neonatal septicemia, using ANOVA. Boys born extremely preterm spent on average 22 min less time per day in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than control boys (95% CI: −8, −37). There was no difference in girls. Amongst children born extremely preterm, major neonatal brain injury was associated with 56 min less time in MVPA per day (95%CI: −88, −26). Subgroups of children born extremely preterm exhibit lower levels of physical activity which may be a contributory factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases as adults.
Hypercapnia: An Aggravating Factor in Asthma
Authors: Shigemura Masahiko , Homma Tetsuya , Sznajder Jacob I
Published: October 2020

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disorder with relatively good outcomes in the majority of patients with appropriate maintenance therapy. However, in a small minority, patients can experience severe asthma with respiratory failure and hypercapnia, necessitating intensive care unit admission. Hypercapnia occurs due to alveolar hypoventilation and insufficient removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the blood. Although mild hypercapnia is generally well tolerated in patients with asthma, there is accumulating evidence that elevated levels of CO2 can act as a gaso-signaling molecule, triggering deleterious effects in various organs such as the lung, skeletal muscles and the innate immune system. Here, we review recent advances on pathophysiological response to hypercapnia and discuss potential detrimental effects of hypercapnia in patients with asthma.
Light Pollution Monitoring and Sky Colours
Authors: Kolláth Zoltán , Száz Dénes , Kolláth Kornél , Tong Kai Pong
Published: October 2020

The measurement of night sky quality has become an important task in nature conservation. The primary device used for this task can be a calibrated digital camera. In addition, colour information can be derived from sky photography. In this paper, we provide a test on a concept to gather information about the possible sources of night sky brightness based on digital camera images. This method helps to understand changes in night sky quality due to natural and artificial changes in the environment. We demonstrate that a well-defined colour–colour diagram can differentiate between the different natural and artificial sources of night sky radiance. The colour information can be essential when interpreting long-term evolution of light pollution measurements.
Real-Time Prediction of Large-Scale Ship Model Vertical Acceleration Based on Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Su Yumin , Lin Jianfeng , Zhao Dagang , Guo Chunyu , Wang Chao , Guo Hang
Published: October 2020

In marine environments, ships are bound to be disturbed by several external factors, which can cause stochastic fluctuations and strong nonlinearity in the ship motion. Predicting ship motion is pivotal to ensuring ship safety and providing early warning of risks. This report proposes a real-time ship vertical acceleration prediction algorithm based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent units (GRU) models of a recurrent neural network. The vertical acceleration time history data at the bow, middle, and stern of a large-scale ship model were obtained by performing a self-propulsion test at sea, and the original data were pre-processed by resampling and normalisation via Python. The prediction results revealed that the proposed algorithm could accurately predict the acceleration time history data of the large-scale ship model, and the root mean square error between the predicted and real values was no greater than 0.1. The optimised multivariate time series prediction program could reduce the calculation time by approximately 55% compared to that of a univariate time series prediction program, and the run time of the GRU model was better than that of the LSTM model.
A Child’s Perception of Their Developmental Difficulties in Relation to Their Adult Assessment. Analysis of the INPP Questionnaire
Authors: Demiy Alina , Kalemba Agata , Lorent Maria , Pecuch Anna , Wolańska Ewelina , Telenga Marlena , Gieysztor Ewa Z.
Published: October 2020

This study involved a comparison of the perception of developmental difficulties in a child by the parents, the teacher, and through the child’s self-assessment. Based on the Institute for Neuro-Psychological Psychology (INPP) questionnaire according to S. Goddard Blythe, three groups were examined: schoolchildren, parents, and teachers. Each of them answered a set of 21 questions and assessed the degree of occurrence of a given difficulty for the child on a scale from 0 to 4. The questions concerned psychomotor problems related to balance, motor coordination and concentration, as well as school skills. In total, 49 questionnaires from children and parents and 46 from teachers were used for the study. The mean answer to each question was calculated within the following groups: child–parent, child–teacher, and parent–teacher. The sum of the children’s answer points was significantly higher than the sum of the parents’ answer points (p = 0.037). Children assessed their developmental difficulties more strongly than teachers, but this difference was not statistically significant. The individual difficulties of the children were assessed significantly more seriously or more gently than by the National Scientific Conference “Human health problems—causes, present state, ways for the future” speeches by 44 teacher participants on 5 June 2020. Parents and teachers also assessed the children’s difficulties significantly differently (p = 0.044). The biggest difference in answers concerned the question of maintaining attention. The obtained results indicate a significant difference in the perception of difficulties occurring in the same child by the teacher and the parent. The child’s behavior in school and home environments may be different and, depending on the requirements, assessed differently. Children perceive their difficulties much more seriously than adults. Talking and the support of adults can make it easier for a child to overcome developmental difficulties.
Risk Return Trade-Off in Relaxed Risk Parity Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Gambeta Vaughn , Kwon Roy
Published: October 2020

This paper formulates a relaxed risk parity optimization model to control the balance of risk parity violation against the total portfolio performance. Risk parity has been criticized as being overly conservative and it is improved by re-introducing the asset expected returns into the model and permitting the portfolio to violate the risk parity condition. This paper proposes the incorporation of an explicit target return goal with an intuitive target return approach into a second-order-cone model of a risk parity optimization. When the target return is greater than risk parity return, a violation to risk parity allocations occurs that is controlled using a computational construct to obtain near-risk parity portfolios to retain as much risk parity-like traits as possible. This model is used to demonstrate empirically that higher returns can be achieved than risk parity without the risk contributions deviating dramatically from the risk parity allocations. Furthermore, this study reveals that the relaxed risk parity model exhibits advantageous traits of robustness to expected returns, which should not deter the use of expected returns in risk parity model.
Transformation of Industrial Land in Urban Renewal in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Lai Yani , Chen Ke , Zhang Jinming , Liu Feihu
Published: October 2020

The redevelopment and transformation of industrial land has become an important part of urban renewal in China. This study adopts a spatial perspective to investigate the transformation of industrial land in Shenzhen based on a set of reliable data of all urban redevelopment projects of industrial land from 2010 to 2018. Research shows that the development of the real estate market, local government’s strategic demand for upgrading industrial structure, and the policy objective of improving land use intensity are important factors that affect the industrial land transformation. Industrial land has decreased significantly in urban renewal. About 881.79 ha (76.82%) of industrial land has been transformed into commercial, residential, and new industrial spaces. The planned industrial space is mainly located in the central and western regions, while the new commercial and residential spaces are mainly located outside the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Redevelopment of industrial land has also transferred a certain scale of land to local governments for providing public facilities with an uneven spatial distribution between SEZ and non-SEZ. Therefore, industrial land transformation has brought significant effects on the urban spatial structure of this city. The study concludes with an evaluation of current industrial land redevelopment activities and provides suggestions for sustainable land development in the future.