bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mHealth: Potentials and Risks for Addressing Mental Health and Well-Being Issues Among Nepali Adolescents
Authors: Yilmaz Siobhan K. , Bohara Alok K.
Published: April 2021

Adolescents are slowly being recognized as a generation, worldwide, that may require different policy approaches to improve staggering statistics on their failing well-being, including mental health. By providing the support to allow the next generation to achieve better mental health outcomes, they are going to be more economically successful and the future economic growth of nations can be better assured. Adoption of mobile-based health interventions (e.g., mHealth) has garnered a lot of attention toward this end. While mHealth interventions are growing in popularity, many researchers/policy-makers appear to have neglected assessing potential (indirect) costs/negative consequences from their use. Evidence from the developed world shows strong associations between extensive cell phone use and negative mental health outcomes, but similar research is minimal in developing world contexts. Additionally, the bulk of work on the outcomes of mobile phone use is studied using a unidirectional approach with blinders to front-end motivations. Using primary data from a large-scale, school-based survey of older adolescents in southwestern Nepal (N= 539), this work investigates such a tension between mobile/smartphone usage as a true mobile health (mHealth) opportunity in Nepal or as a potential problem, introducing additional deleterious well-being effects from over-use. Founded in Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT), robust results of analyses using full structural modeling approaches (and traditional regression-based sensitivity analyses) indicate support for the BPNT framework in explaining statistically significant positive associations between bullying and anxiety, as well as, negative associations between bullying and grit, including evidence to support the mediating role of problematic mobile phone use in these relationships. More than 56% of the sample showed indicators of mild to moderate anxiety and over 10% claim experiences of bullying, coupled with over 75% of the sample scoring above the midline of a problematic mobile phone use scale, all of which motivates the relevance of our findings. Potential policy implications of these findings, and mention of other intriguing avenues for future work are further discussed.
Sociodemographic Indicators of Birth Rate in a Low Fertility Country–A Nationwide Study of 310 Finnish Municipalities Covering > 5,000,000 Inhabitants
Authors: Oura Petteri
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims: Declining fertility is a key driver behind the rapid aging of populations worldwide. Finland has experienced a 25% decline in fertility from 2010 to date and ranks low even on the European and Nordic scales. This study aimed to address the association between sociodemographic indicators and birth rate (i.e., live births relative to total population) in Finland.

Methods: Open data on 310 Finnish municipalities were retrieved from the public database of Statistics Finland. Several sociodemographic subdimensions (population structure, education and income, location and living, divorces, car ownership rate, and crime rate), each converted to standard deviation units, were modeled against birth rate at the municipality level using generalized estimating equations.

Results: In this dataset, average annual birth rate was 8.8 per 1,000 individuals. Birth rate was positively associated with change in population size (rate ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.04−1.08), percentage of <15-year-olds (1.29, 1.22−1.36), percentage of individuals living in their birth municipality (1.05, 1.03−1.08), and percentage of foreign language speakers (1.02, 1.01−1.04). In contrast, birth rate was negatively associated with percentage of ≥65-year-olds (0.90, 0.85−0.96), percentage of unemployed individuals (0.98. 0.95−0.99), income (0.92, 0.89−0.96), and number of individuals living in the same household unit (0.94, 0.90−0.98).

Conclusion: The present findings are expected to advance the allocation of resources to areas and subpopulations that have high or low birth rate, and thus contribute to the development of a more family-friendly society. Future studies are encouraged to evaluate the sociodemographic indicators of birth rate in other low fertility countries, and to address the individual-level mechanisms behind the municipality-level associations identified in this study.
Effects of Pre-ovulatory Follicular Fluid of Repeat Breeder Dairy Cows on Bovine Fertility Transcriptomic Markers and Oocytes Maturation and Fertilization Capacity
Authors: Kafi Mojtaba , Ghaemi Mehran , Azari Mehdi , Mirzaei Abdolah , Azarkaman Samad , Torfi Yusof
Published: April 2021

The current study aimed to determine the effects of the preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) of normal heifer (NH) and repeat breeder cows with subclinical endometritis (SCE) or without (nSCE) on oocyte maturation (Experiment 1) and fertilization rates (Experiment 2). Moreover, the pattern of gene expression of cumulus oocyte-complexes was evaluated in Experiment 1. In Experiment 1, nuclear maturation in the nSCE group was higher, compared to that in the SCE group (P = 0.05). In addition, the oocyte nuclear maturation in the normal heifer was significantly higher, in comparison to that of SCE groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean percentage of normal oocyte fertilization was higher in the nSCE group, compared to that in the SCE group (P < 0.05). The expressions of growth differentiation factor, GDF9; steroidogenic acute regulatory, StAR and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, FSHr in the NH group were significantly higher, compared to those in SCE and nSCE groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of all genes in the nSCE group were not significant, in comparison to those in the SCE group (P > 0.05). The supplementation of oocyte maturation medium with FF from pre-ovulatory follicles of repeat breeder cows resulted in less oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion. In conclusion, the lower fertility in RB cows could be ascribed to the lower oocyte maturation rate and less expression of GDF9, StAR, and FSHr in the cumulus-oocyte complexes.
Intervención constructivista narrativa en un estudio de caso único: reelaboración de la historia de maria
Authors: Figueras Vives María , Grañó Solé Núria , Botella García del Cid Lluís
Published: April 2021

En este artículo se presenta un estudio de caso de malestar emocional que fue abordado desde una perspectiva constructivista narrativa. El trabajo incluye en primer lugar la contextualización del caso y la metodología empleada, en segundo lugar la descripción de la cliente, en tercer lugar se describe el marco conceptual que guía la intervención de las terapeutas, en cuarto lugar se evalúan la problemática y las metas de la cliente, en quinto lugar se presenta el plan de tratamiento, a continuación se describe el curso de la terapia y finalmente se realiza la evaluación de los resultados.
Poder, autoridad y relación terapéutica
Authors: Rodríguez Otero José E.
Published: April 2021

Este artículo estudia el concepto, desde un punto de vista histórico y multidisciplinar, de poder y autoridad, así como la relación que tienen con el desarrollo de la relación terapéutica en el ámbito sanitario en general y en el de la Salud Mental en particular. Una buena relación profesional – usuario facilita el cumplimiento terapéutico, reduce las recaídas, la gravedad de las mismas y mejora el funcionamiento psicosocial. Para lograrla es necesario evitar el rechazo ante el poder del profesional e incrementar, desde el punto de vista del usuario, el prestigio y el estatus de autoridad asociado al conocimiento y trabajo del mismo.
Recursos analógicos en psicoterapia (ii). El cine
Authors: Villegas Manuel , Mallor Pilar
Published: April 2021

En el presente artículo se explora la posibilidad de recurrir a determinados títulos de la filmografía para desarrollar de una forma didáctica la comprensión de los conceptos básicos de la teoría del desarrollo moral. Se hace referencia, igualmente, a la posibilidad de utilizar los recursos cinematográficos con otros muchos fines terapéuticos y se sugieren algunos criterios generales para dicha aplicación.
Del individuo al sistema: la perspectiva constructivista como marco integrador
Authors: Feixas Guillem
Published: April 2021

Los fenómenos clínicos pueden conceptualizarse desde tres niveles distintos (individual, interaccional y sistémico). Cada modelo psicoterapéutico tiene su foco principal de aplicación en uno de estos niveles. Entendemos que la epistemología constructivista proporciona un marco integrador, capaz de operar en estos distintos niveles. Nuestra propuesta se basa en la Teoría de los Constructos Personales de Kelly y en el Constructivismo Sistémico, e incorpora una gran diversidad de procedimientos de intervención terapéutica, que se presentan en este artículo: explicitación de la teoría del problema, la rejilla conversacional, el " escalamiento familiar", el cuestionamiento circular, el "nudo" del problema y la entrevista en "zig-zag", el uso de los equipos terapéuticos, el de rituales y el de varias tareas escritas.
Applications and Development of LEDs as Supplementary Lighting for Tomato at Different Latitudes
Authors: Palmitessa Onofrio Davide , Pantaleo Marco Antonio , Santamaria Pietro
Published: April 2021

High-tech greenhouses and artificial light applications aim to improve food production, in line with one of the sustainable development goals of the UN Agenda 2030, namely, “zero hunger”. In the past, the incandescent lamps have been used for supplementary lighting (SL) at higher latitudes to increase greenhouse production during the dark season. Light-emitting diodes (LED) have been replacing gas discharge and incandescent lamps, and their development is expanding SL applications in different agricultural scenarios (e.g., urban farming, middle latitudes). In fact, recent research on LED applications in Mediterranean greenhouses have produced encouraging results. Since middle latitudes have a higher daily light integral (DLI) than higher latitudes in the dark season and climate conditions influence the installed power load of greenhouses, LED installation and management in Mediterranean greenhouses should be different and less expensive in terms of investment and energy consumption. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to outline the state of the art in LED applications and development, with a focus on latitude-related requirements. Tomato was used as a representative crop.
Impact of Supplementary Microbial Additives Producing Antimicrobial Substances and Digestive Enzymes on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Fecal Microflora of Weaning Pigs
Authors: Lee Hyuk-Jun , Noh Hyeon-Tak , Paradhipta Dimas Hand Vidya , Joo Young-Ho , Lee Seong-Shin , Choi Jeong-Seok , Kim Dong-Hyeon , Kim Soo-Ki , Kim Sam-Churl
Published: April 2021

The present study investigated the effects of microbial additives producing antimicrobial and digestive-enzyme activities on the growth performance, blood metabolites, and fecal microflora of weaning pigs from 21 to 42 d of age. A total of 144 weaning pigs (1:1 ratio of gilt and boar; 21 d of age; 7.40 ± 0.53 kg of average body weight) were randomly distributed into four supplementary levels of microbial additive (0 vs. 0.5 vs. 1.0 vs. 1.5% of fresh weight) with three pens of replication, consisting of 12 weaning pigs per pen. All weaning pigs were maintained with the same basal diet for 21 d. Blood and feces were subsampled at day 21. Feed efficiency tended to increase linearly (p = 0.069) with an increasing supplementation level. Insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and blood glucose presented a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) with an increasing supplementation level, and these blood metabolites were highest at the 1% supplementation level. Immunoglobulin G in blood increased linearly by (p < 0.05) increasing the supplementation level. Salmonella and Escherichia coli in feces were decreased linearly by (p < 0.05) increasing the supplementation level. In conclusion, supplementation of microbial additive at 1.0% improved the feed efficiency, blood metabolites, and fecal microflora of weaning pigs.
A Prototype Skin Substitute, Made of Recycled Marine Collagen, Improves the Skin Regeneration of Sheep
Authors: Melotti Luca , Martinello Tiziana , Perazzi Anna , Iacopetti Ilaria , Ferrario Cinzia , Sugni Michela , Sacchetto Roberta , Patruno Marco
Published: April 2021

Skin wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that aims to restore lesioned tissues. Collagen-based skin substitutes are a promising treatment to promote wound healing by mimicking the native skin structure. Recently, collagen from marine organisms has gained interest as a source for producing biomaterials for skin regenerative strategies. This preliminary study aimed to describe the application of a collagen-based skin-like scaffold (CBSS), manufactured with collagen extracted from sea urchin food waste, to treat experimental skin wounds in a large animal. The wound-healing process was assessed over different time points by the means of clinical, histopathological, and molecular analysis. The CBSS treatment improved wound re-epithelialization along with cell proliferation, gene expression of growth factors (VEGF-A), and development of skin adnexa throughout the healing process. Furthermore, it regulated the gene expression of collagen type I and III, thus enhancing the maturation of the granulation tissue into a mature dermis without any signs of scarring as observed in untreated wounds. The observed results (reduced inflammation, better re-epithelialization, proper development of mature dermis and skin adnexa) suggest that sea urchin-derived CBSS is a promising biomaterial for skin wound healing in a “blue biotechnologies” perspective for animals of Veterinary interest.
Immunological Responses and the Antioxidant Status in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Following Replacement of Dietary Fish Meal with Plant Protein
Authors: Reda Rasha M. , Nasr Mohammed A. F. , Ismail Tamer A. , Moustafa Amira
Published: April 2021

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were subjected to a 30-day feeding trial to determine the appropriateness of using plant protein (PP) (soybean and sunflower meal) as a fishmeal (FM) replacement in the diet and its effects on immune status, antioxidant activity, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) gene expression, and disease resistance. A total of 150 C. gariepinus (51.01 ± 0.34 g) were randomly distributed among five groups in triplicate. Five experimental diets were formulated to replace 0 (control), 33.5, 50, 66.5, and 100% FM with soybean and sunflower meal to form the experimental diets (R0, R33.5, R50, R66.5, and R100, respectively). After 30 days, the diet containing PP for FM had no significant impact on total, and differential leukocyte counts determined at the end of the feeding period. The total globulin concentration showed significantly greater differences in the following order R0 > R33.5 > R50 > R66.5 > R100. The R0 group had the highest concentration of serum γ-globulin, while R100 had the lowest concentration. The antioxidant status complements 3 (C3), lysozyme activity (LYZ), and antiprotease activity were not significantly different between R0, R33.5, and R50 groups, while they were significantly lower in R100. The serum nitric oxide activity (NO) exhibited significantly greater differences in the following order R0 > R33.5 > R50 > R66.5 > R100. PACAP was significantly higher in the R33.5 group. The highest cumulative mortality caused by Aeromonas sobria was recorded in the R100 group (60%) and the lowest in the R0 group (30%). In conclusion, the results indicate that the immunological responses and antioxidant status of C. gariepinus were not affected when they consumed a diet with FM replaced by up to 50% with PP (SBM and SFM) with methionine and lysine supplementation, but total globulin, NO, and cumulative mortality were impaired with a diet containing a 100% FM replacement.
Melatonin Treatment in Rams and Their Replacement with Novel Treated Rams Advance First Lambing and Increase Fertility in Sarda Ewe Lambs
Authors: Cosso Giovanni , Luridiana Sebastiano , Pulinas Luisa , Curone Giulio , Pich Giulia , Carcangiu Vincenzo , Mura Maria Consuelo
Published: April 2021

This study aims to find reliable strategies for advancing first mating and shortening the period from weaning to first lambing in ewe lambs. Sarda ewe lambs (n = 400) were selected from two farms and allocated into four separated groups of 100, all of which were exposed to fertile, adult rams over the course of a 50-day breeding period. The first treatment group (RMR) was exposed to four melatonin-treated rams which were replaced every ten days, whilst the second treatment group (RM) was exposed to four melatonin-treated rams which were not replaced. Alternatively, the first control group (RCR) was exposed to four untreated rams which were replaced every ten days, whilst the second control group (RC) was exposed to four untreated rams which were not replaced. In each group, lambing dates, fertility rate, litter size, and distance in days from ram introduction to lambing (DRIL) were recorded. The highest fertility rate was recorded in the RMR group (p ≤ 0.05). Shorter DRIL (p ≤ 0.01) and higher lambing concentrations were recorded in the RM and RMR groups as compared to the controls. The findings indicate that melatonin treatment of rams and their replacement at 10-day intervals results in earlier onset of first mating, increased fertility rate in ewe lambs, and a higher number of ewes that lambs in a shorter time frame.
Triphenilphosphonium Analogs of Chloramphenicol as Dual-Acting Antimicrobial and Antiproliferating Agents
Authors: Pavlova Julia A. , Khairullina Zimfira Z. , Tereshchenkov Andrey G. , Nazarov Pavel A. , Lukianov Dmitrii A. , Volynkina Inna A. , Skvortsov Dmitry A. , Makarov Gennady I. , Abad Etna , Murayama Somay Y. , Kajiwara Susumu , Paleskava Alena , Konevega Andrey L. , Antonenko Yuri N. , Lyakhovich Alex , Osterman Ilya A. , Bogdanov Alexey A. , Sumbatyan Natalia V.
Published: April 2021

In the current work, in continuation of our recent research, we synthesized and studied new chimeric compounds, including the ribosome-targeting antibiotic chloramphenicol (CHL) and the membrane-penetrating cation triphenylphosphonium (TPP), which are linked by alkyl groups of different lengths. Using various biochemical assays, we showed that these CAM-Cn-TPP compounds bind to the bacterial ribosome, inhibit protein synthesis in vitro and in vivo in a way similar to that of the parent CHL, and significantly reduce membrane potential. Similar to CAM-C4-TPP, the mode of action of CAM-C10-TPP and CAM-C14-TPP in bacterial ribosomes differs from that of CHL. By simulating the dynamics of CAM-Cn-TPP complexes with bacterial ribosomes, we proposed a possible explanation for the specificity of the action of these analogs in the translation process. CAM-C10-TPP and CAM-C14-TPP more strongly inhibit the growth of the Gram-positive bacteria, as compared to CHL, and suppress some CHL-resistant bacterial strains. Thus, we have shown that TPP derivatives of CHL are dual-acting compounds targeting both the ribosomes and cellular membranes of bacteria. The TPP fragment of CAM-Cn-TPP compounds has an inhibitory effect on bacteria. Moreover, since the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells possess qualities similar to those of their prokaryotic ancestors, we demonstrate the possibility of targeting chemoresistant cancer cells with these compounds.
New Sequence Type ST3449 in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from a Cystic Fibrosis Patient
Authors: Díaz-Ríos Catalina , Hernández Marta , Abad David , Álvarez-Montes Laura , Varsaki Athanasia , Iturbe David , Calvo Jorge , Ocampo-Sosa Alain A.
Published: April 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most critical bacterial pathogens associated with chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Here we show the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of five consecutive multidrug-resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa collected during a month from a CF patient with end-stage lung disease and fatal outcome. The isolates exhibited distinct colony morphologies and pigmentation and differences in their capacity to produce biofilm and virulence potential evaluated in larvae of Galleria mellonella. Whole genome-sequencing showed that isolates belonged to a novel sequence type ST3449 and serotype O6. Analysis of their resistome demonstrated the presence of genes blaOXA-396, blaPAO, aph(3’)-IIb, catB, crpP and fosA and new mutations in chromosomal genes conferring resistance to different antipseudomonal antibiotics. Genes exoS, exoT, exoY, toxA, lasI, rhlI and tse1 were among the 220 virulence genes detected. The different phenotypic and genotypic features found reveal the adaptation of clone ST3449 to the CF lung environment by a number of mutations affecting genes related with biofilm formation, quorum sensing and antimicrobial resistance. Most of these mutations are commonly found in CF isolates, which may give us important clues for future development of new drug targets to combat P. aeruginosa chronic infections.
Tree-Ring Isotopes Provide Clues for Sink Limitation on Treeline Formation on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Pu Xing , Wang Xiaochun , Lyu Lixin
Published: April 2021

Identifying what determines the high elevation limits of tree growth is crucial for predicting how treelines may shift in response to climate change. Treeline formation is either explained by a low-temperature restriction of meristematic activity (sink limitation) or by the photosynthetic constraints (source limitation) on the trees at the treeline. Our study of tree-ring stable isotopes in two Tibetan elevational transects showed that treeline trees had higher iWUE than trees at lower elevations. The combination of tree-ring δ13C and δ18O data further showed that photosynthesis was higher for trees at the treeline than at lower elevations. These results suggest that carbon acquisition may not be the main determinant of the upper limit of trees; other processes, such as immature tissue growth, may be the main cause of treeline formation. The tree-ring isotope analysis (δ13C and δ18O) suggests that Tibetan treelines have the potential to benefit from ongoing climate warming, due to their ability to cope with co-occurring drought stress through enhanced water use efficiency.
Methodological Aspects for the Implementation of the Air Pesticide Control and Surveillance Network (PESTNet) of the Valencian Region (Spain)
Authors: López Antonio , Ruiz Pablo , Yusà Vicent , Coscollà Clara
Published: April 2021

A large amount of pesticide, applied mainly during agricultural practice, is released into the atmosphere, decreasing air quality and potentially causing public health problems. The Valencian region, after Andalusia, is the Spanish region with the highest consumption of pesticides owing to its large areas of agricultural land and the existence of crops that require intensive use of pesticides. In this work, we describe the sampling and analytical tools developed in the last decade and their transference to the Regional Department for Environment, where the main objective of the research was the creation and implementation of an Air pesticide control and surveillance network (PESTNet) in the Valencian region in Spain. To be able to confirm that the established strategies were appropriate, a pilot scheme comprising three different sampling stations (two rural and one urban) was developed and implemented in 2020. The results showed that as many as 30 pesticides were detected in the three sampling stations, with the frequency detection ranging from 6% (beta-endosulfan, chlorpropham, endosulfan-sulfate, kresoxim-m, prochloraz) to 100% (azoxystrobin, chlorpyrifos-m, metalaxyl-M). On the other hand, the concentrations of the pesticides found oscillated between 14.4 (boscalid) and 4373.0 pg m−3 (chlorpyrifos-m). Moreover, a risk assessment was carried out, and no risks were observed for the studied population (infants, children, and adults) in the evaluated stations.
The PARP Enzyme Family and the Hallmarks of Cancer Part 1. Cell Intrinsic Hallmarks
Authors: Demény Máté A. , Virág László
Published: April 2021

The 17-member poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme family, also known as the ADP-ribosyl transferase diphtheria toxin-like (ARTD) enzyme family, contains DNA damage-responsive and nonresponsive members. Only PARP1, 2, 5a, and 5b are capable of modifying their targets with poly ADP-ribose (PAR) polymers; the other PARP family members function as mono-ADP-ribosyl transferases. In the last decade, PARP1 has taken center stage in oncology treatments. New PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have been introduced for the targeted treatment of breast cancer 1 or 2 (BRCA1/2)-deficient ovarian and breast cancers, and this novel therapy represents the prototype of the synthetic lethality paradigm. Much less attention has been paid to other PARPs and their potential roles in cancer biology. In this review, we summarize the roles played by all PARP enzyme family members in six intrinsic hallmarks of cancer: uncontrolled proliferation, evasion of growth suppressors, cell death resistance, genome instability, reprogrammed energy metabolism, and escape from replicative senescence. In a companion paper, we will discuss the roles of PARP enzymes in cancer hallmarks related to cancer-host interactions, including angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, evasion of the anticancer immune response, and tumor-promoting inflammation. While PARP1 is clearly involved in all ten cancer hallmarks, an increasing body of evidence supports the role of other PARPs in modifying these cancer hallmarks (e.g., PARP5a and 5b in replicative immortality and PARP2 in cancer metabolism). We also highlight controversies, open questions, and discuss prospects of recent developments related to the wide range of roles played by PARPs in cancer biology. Some of the summarized findings may explain resistance to PARPi therapy or highlight novel biological roles of PARPs that can be therapeutically exploited in novel anticancer treatment paradigms.
Prognostic Impact of PD-L1 Expression in pN1 NSCLC: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Eichhorn Florian , Kriegsmann Mark , Klotz Laura V. , Kriegsmann Katharina , Muley Thomas , Zgorzelski Christiane , Christopoulos Petros , Winter Hauke , Eichhorn Martin E.
Published: April 2021

The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a crucial role in immunomodulatory treatment concepts for end-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, its prognostic significance in patients with curative surgical treatment but regional nodal metastases, reflecting tumor spread beyond the primary site, is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic impact of PD-L1 expression in a surgical cohort of 277 consecutive patients with pN1 NSCLC on a tissue microarray. Patients with PD-L1 staining (clone SP263) on >1% of tumor cells were defined as PD-L1 positive. Tumor-specific survival (TSS) of the entire cohort was 64% at five years. Low tumor stage (p < 0.0001) and adjuvant therapy (p = 0.036) were identified as independent positive prognostic factors in multivariate analysis for TSS. PD-L1 negative patients had a significantly better survival following adjuvant chemotherapy than PD-L1 positive patients. The benefit of adjuvant therapy diminished in patients with PD-L1 expression in more than 10% of tumor cells. Stratification towards histologic subtype identified PD-L1 as a significant positive predictive factor for TSS after adjuvant therapy in patients with adenocarcinoma, but not squamous cell carcinoma. Routine PD-L1 assessment in curative intent treatment may help to identify patients with a better prognosis. Further research is needed to elucidate the predictive value of PD-L1 in an adjuvant setting.
Gene Expression Profiling of Pancreas Neuroendocrine Tumors with Different Ki67-Based Grades
Authors: Simbolo Michele , Bilotta Mirna , Mafficini Andrea , Luchini Claudio , Furlan Daniela , Inzani Frediano , Petrone Gianluigi , Bonvissuto Davide , La Rosa Stefano , Schinzari Giovanni , Bianchi Antonio , Rossi Ernesto , Menghi Roberta , Giuliante Felice , Boccia Stefania , Scarpa Aldo , Rindi Guido
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) display variable aggressive behavior. A major predictor of survival is tumor grade based on the Ki67 proliferation index. As information on transcriptomic profiles of PanNETs with different tumor grades is limited, we investigated 29 PanNETs (17 G1, 7 G2, 5 G3) for their expression profiles, mutations in 16 PanNET relevant genes and LINE-1 DNA methylation profiles. A total of 3050 genes were differentially expressed between tumors with different grades (p < 0.05): 1279 in G3 vs. G2; 2757 in G3 vs. G1; and 203 in G2 vs. G1. Mutational analysis showed 57 alterations in 11 genes, the most frequent being MEN1 (18/29), DAXX (7/29), ATRX (6/29) and MUTYH (5/29). The presence and type of mutations did not correlate with the specific expression profiles associated with different grades. LINE-1 showed significantly lower methylation in G2/G3 versus G1 tumors (p = 0.007). The expression profiles of matched primaries and metastasis (nodal, hepatic and colorectal wall) of three cases confirmed the role of Ki67 in defining specific expression profiles, which clustered according to tumor grades, independently from anatomic location or patient of origin. Such data call for future exploration of the role of Ki67 in tumor progression, given its involvement in chromosomal stability.
Extracellular Vesicle Release Promotes Viral Replication during Persistent HCV Infection
Authors: Aydin Yucel , Koksal Ali Riza , Reddy Venu , Lin Dong , Osman Hanadi , Heidari Zahra , Rhadhi Sadeq Mutlab , Wimley William C , Parsi Mansour A , Dash Srikanta
Published: April 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection promotes autophagic degradation of viral replicative intermediates for sustaining replication and spread. The excessive activation of autophagy can induce cell death and terminate infection without proper regulation. A prior publication from this laboratory showed that an adaptive cellular response to HCV microbial stress inhibits autophagy through beclin 1 degradation. The mechanisms of how secretory and degradative autophagy are regulated during persistent HCV infection is unknown. This study was performed to understand the mechanisms of viral persistence in the absence of degradative autophagy, which is essential for virus survival. Using HCV infection of a CD63-green fluorescence protein (CD63-GFP), labeled stable transfected Huh-7.5 cell, we found that autophagy induction at the early stage of HCV infection increased the degradation of CD63-GFP that favored virus replication. However, the late-stage of persistent HCV infection showed impaired autophagic degradation, leading to the accumulation of CD63-GFP. We found that impaired autophagic degradation promoted the release of extracellular vesicles and exosomes. The impact of blocking the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) on virus survival was investigated in persistently infected cells and sub-genomic replicon cells. Our study illustrates that blocking EV and exosome release severely suppresses virus replication without effecting host cell viability. Furthermore, we found that blocking EV release triggers interferon lambda 1 secretion. These findings suggest that the release of EVs is an innate immune escape mechanism that promotes persistent HCV infection. We propose that inhibition of extracellular vesicle release can be explored as a potential antiviral strategy for the treatment of HCV and other emerging RNA viruses.
Erratum: Rémy et al. Isolation and Culture of Human Stem Cells from Apical Papilla under Low Oxygen Concentration Highlight Original Properties. Cells 2019, 8, 1485
Authors: Rémy Murielle , Ferraro Francesca , Le Salver Pierre , Rey Sylvie , Genot Elisabeth , Djavaheri-Mergny Mojgan , Thébaud Noélie , Boiziau Claudine , Boeuf Hélène
Published: April 2021

The authors wish to make the following change to their paper [...]
Role of SNAREs in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Margiotta Azzurra
Published: April 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases are pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous systems characterized by loss of brain functions and problems in movement which occur due to the slow and progressive degeneration of cellular elements. Several neurodegenerative diseases are known such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and many studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying these pathologies have been conducted. Altered functions of some key proteins and the presence of intraneuronal aggregates have been identified as responsible for the development of the diseases. Interestingly, the formation of the SNARE complex has been discovered to be fundamental for vesicle fusion, vesicle recycling and neurotransmitter release. Indeed, inhibition of the formation of the SNARE complex, defects in the SNARE-dependent exocytosis and altered regulation of SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion have been associated with neurodegeneration. In this review, the biological aspects of neurodegenerative diseases and the role of SNARE proteins in relation to the onset of these pathologies are described.
IFN-λ Modulates the Migratory Capacity of Canine Mammary Tumor Cells via Regulation of the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors
Authors: Pingwara Rafał , Kosmala Daria , Woźniak Natalia , Orzechowski Arkadiusz , Mucha Joanna
Published: April 2021

Interactions between neoplastic and immune cells taking place in tumors drive cancer regulatory mechanisms both in humans and animals. IFN-λ, a potent antiviral factor, is also secreted in the tumor; however, its role in tumor development is still unclear. In our study, we investigate the influence of IFN-λ on the canine mammary tumor (CMT) cell survival and their metastatic potential in vitro. First, we examined, by Western blot, the expression of the IFN-λ receptor complex in three CMT cell lines (P114, CMT-U27 and CMT-U309). We showed that only two cell lines (P114 and CMT-U27) express both (IL-28RA and IL-10Rb) receptor subunits and respond to IFN-λ treatment by STAT phosphorylation and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. Using MTT, crystal violet and annexin-V assays, we showed a minimal role of IFN-λ in CMT viability. However, IFN-λ administration had a contradictory effect on cell migration in the scratch test, namely, it increased P114 and decreased CMT-U27 motility. Moreover, we demonstrated that this process is related to the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors; furthermore, it is independent of Akt and ERK signaling pathways. To conclude, we showed that IFN-λ activity is reliant on the expression of two receptor subunits and tumor type, but further investigations are needed.
(3-Aminopropyl)Triethoxysilane-Modified Silver Nanowire Network with Strong Adhesion to Coating Substrates for Highly Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Nam Sangin , Lee Sung-Min , Kim Jin , Oh In-Hyeok , Chang Suk-Tai
Published: April 2021

In this study, adhesion improved silver nanowires (AgNWs) conducting film was produced via the meniscus dragging deposition method. In order to improve adhesion of AgNWs films, the AgNWs were surface-modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and coated over the pristine AgNWs networked film. Based on this strategy, the positively charged amine groups of the APTES-AgNWs and the negatively charged hydroxyl groups of the substrates formed electrostatic bonds, improving the adhesion between the AgNWs and substrates without sacrificing conductivity. AgNWs films on the rigid and flexible substrates were characterized using various analytical techniques. AgNWs networked film exhibited a sheet resistance of 6–22 Ω/sq at the transmittance at 550 nm, corresponding to 74–86% transmittance, confirming promising transparent electrodes. Adhesion of AgNWs film is confirmed based on a peel-off test and AgNWs film maintained a good conductivity even after several peel-off tests.
Numerical Investigation of a Thermal Ablation Porous Media-Based Model for Tumoral Tissue with Variable Porosity
Authors: Andreozzi Assunta , Brunese Luca , Iasiello Marcello , Tucci Claudio , Vanoli Giuseppe Peter
Published: April 2021

Thermal ablation is a minimally or noninvasive cancer therapy technique that involves fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and fewer costs. In this paper, a thermal-ablation bioheat model for cancer treatment is numerically investigated, using a porous media-based model. The main objective is to evaluate the effects of a variable blood volume fraction in the tumoral tissue (i.e., the porosity), in order to develop a more realistic model. A modified local thermal nonequilibrium model (LTNE) is implemented including the water content vaporization in the two phases separately and introducing the variable porosity in the domain, described by a quadratic function changing from the core to the rim of the tumoral sphere. The equations are numerically solved employing the finite-element commercial code COMSOL Multiphysics. Results are compared with the results obtained employing two uniform porosity values (ε = 0.07 and ε = 0.23) in terms of coagulation zones at the end of the heating period, maximum temperatures reached in the domain, and temperature fields and they are presented for different blood vessels. The outcomes highlight how important is to predict coagulation zones achieved in thermal ablation accurately. In this way, indeed, incomplete ablation, tumor recurrence, or healthy tissue necrosis can be avoided, and medical protocols and devices can be improved.
Ultraviolet Light Effects on Cobalt–Thiourea Complexes Crystallization
Authors: Trujillo Villanueva Luis Eduardo , Legorreta García Felipe , Pérez Moreno Fidel , Ramírez Cardona Marius , Chávez Urbiola Edgar Arturo
Published: April 2021

In this work, a cobalt–thiourea complexes crystal synthesis was carried out comparatively with and without ultraviolet light assistance (λ = 253 nm), and its effect was studied. Through the solvent evaporation technique, crystalline forms were obtained, which were analyzed and characterized by different techniques: Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and digital optical microscopy. Crystal’s shape changes were observed when comparing those obtained from the solution with and without ultraviolet (UV) assistance. It was found that the UV light effect on the crystals causes a structural modification of the complex synthesized in the (022) (120) planes and without UV assistance in the (002), (111), (131¯), and (132¯) planes. It is also possible to observe an increase in intensity by Raman spectra identified as Co–S bonds (297 cm−1) for crystals synthesized with UV assistance.
Synthesis of Superconducting InxSn1−xTe (0.04 < x < 0.1) Large Single Crystal by Liquid Transport Method
Authors: Zhu Peng , Li Yongkai , Yang Xiaohui , Yang Ying , Zhang Xin , Lin Xiao , Yang Fan , Li Xiang , Wang Zhiwei
Published: April 2021

In this work, a new crystal growth technique called the liquid transport method was introduced to synthesize single crystals of a topological superconductor candidate, InxSn1−xTe (IST). Crystals with the size of several millimeters were successfully synthesized, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy as well as electronic transport measurements. Lattice parameters decreased monotonously with the increase of indium content while hole density varied in reverse. Superconductivity with the critical temperature (Tc) around 1.6 K were observed, and the hole densities were estimated to be in the order of 1020 cm−3. The upper critical fields (Bc2) were estimated to be 0.68 T and 0.71 T for In0.04Sn0.96Te and In0.06Sn0.94Te, respectively. The results indicated that the quality of our crystals is comparable to that grown by the chemical vapor transport method, but with a relatively larger size. Our work provides a new method to grow large single crystals of IST and could help to solve the remaining open questions in a system that needs large crystals, such as a superconducting pairing mechanism, unconventional superconductivity, and so on.
A Primer on Spider Assemblages in Levantine Caves: The Neglected Subterranean Habitats of the Levant—A Biodiversity Mine
Authors: Gavish-Regev Efrat , Aharon Shlomi , Armiach Steinpress Igor , Seifan Merav , Lubin Yael
Published: April 2021

Caves share unique conditions that have led to convergent adaptations of cave-dwelling animals. In addition, local factors act as filters on regional species-pools to shape the assemblage composition of local caves. Surveys of 35 Levantine caves, distributed along a climate gradient from the mesic in the north of Israel to hyper-arid areas in the south of Israel, were conducted to test the effect of cave characteristics, location, climate, bat presence, and guano level on the spider assemblage. We found 62 spider species and assigned four species as troglobites, 28 as troglophiles, and 30 as accidentals. Precipitation, elevation, latitude, minimum temperature, and guano levels significantly affected the composition of cave-dwelling spider assemblages. Caves situated in the Mediterranean region had higher species richness and abundance, as well as more troglobite and troglophile arachnids. These discoveries contribute to the knowledge of the local arachnofauna and are important for the conservation of cave ecosystems. By comparing spider assemblages of Levantine caves to European caves, we identified gaps in the taxonomic research, focusing our efforts on spider families that may have additional cryptic or yet to be described cave-dwelling spider species. Our faunistic surveys are crucial stages for understanding the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms of arachnid speciation in Levantine caves.
Comparative Assessment of Various Low-Dissipation Combined Models for Three-Terminal Heat Pump Systems
Authors: Li Zhexu , Cao Haibo , Yang Hanxin , Guo Juncheng
Published: April 2021

Thermally driven heat pump systems play important roles in the utilization of low-grade thermal energy. In order to evaluate and compare the performances of three different constructions of thermally driven heat pump and heat transformer, the low-dissipation assumption has been adopted to establish the irreversible thermodynamic models of them in the present paper. By means of the proposed models, the heating loads, the coefficients of performance (COPs) and the optimal relations between them for various constructions are derived and discussed. The performances of different constructions are numerically assessed. More importantly, according to the results obtained, the upper and lower bounds of the COP at maximum heating load for different constructions are generated and compared by the introduction of a parameter measuring the deviation from the reversible limit of the system. Accordingly, the optimal constructions for the low-dissipation three-terminal heat pump and heat transformer are determined within the frame of low-dissipation assumption, respectively. The optimal constructions in accord with previous research and engineering practices for various three-terminal devices are obtained, which confirms the compatibility between the low-dissipation model and endoreversible model and highlights the validity of the application of low-dissipation model for multi-terminal thermodynamic devices. The proposed models and the significant results obtained enrich the theoretical thermodynamic model of thermally driven heat pump systems and may provide some useful guidelines for the design and operation of realistic thermally driven heat pump systems.
Using a Partially Evaporating Cycle to Improve the Volume Ratio Problem of the Trilateral Flash Cycle for Low-Grade Heat Recovery
Authors: Lai Kai-Yuan , Lee Yu-Tang , Lai Ta-Hua , Liu Yao-Hsien
Published: April 2021

This study examined the trilateral flash cycle characteristics (TFC) and partially evaporating cycle (PEC) using a low-grade heat source at 80 °C. The evaporation temperature and mass flow rate of the working fluids and the expander inlet’s quality were optimized through pinch point observation. This can help advance methods in determining the best design points and their operating conditions. The results indicated the partially evaporating cycle could solve the high-volume ratio problem without sacrificing the net power and thermal efficiency performance. When the system operation’s saturation temperature decreased by 10 °C, the net power, thermal efficiency, and volume ratio of the trilateral flash cycle system decreased by approximately 20%. Conversely, with the same operational conditions, the net power and thermal efficiency of the partially evaporating cycle system decreased by only approximately 3%; however, the volume ratio decreased by more than 50%. When the system operating temperature was under 63 °C, each fluid’s volume ratio could decrease to approximately 5. The problem of high excessive expansion would be solved from the features of the partially evaporating cycle, and it will keep the ideal power generation efficiency and improve expander manufacturing.
Chaotic Time-Delay Signature Suppression and Entropy Growth Enhancement Using Frequency-Band Extractor
Authors: Guo Yanqiang , Liu Tong , Zhao Tong , Zhang Haojie , Guo Xiaomin
Published: April 2021

By frequency-band extracting, we experimentally and theoretically investigate time-delay signature (TDS) suppression and entropy growth enhancement of a chaotic optical-feedback semiconductor laser under different injection currents and feedback strengths. The TDS and entropy growth are quantified by the peak value of autocorrelation function and the difference of permutation entropy at the feedback delay time. At the optimal extracting bandwidth, the measured TDS is suppressed up to 96% compared to the original chaos, and the entropy growth is higher than the noise-dominated threshold, indicating that the dynamical process is noisy. The effects of extracting bandwidth and radio frequencies on the TDS and entropy growth are also clarified experimentally and theoretically. The experimental results are in good agreements with the theoretical results. The skewness of the laser intensity distribution is effectively improved to 0.001 with the optimal extracting bandwidth. This technique provides a promising tool to extract randomness and prepare desired entropy sources for chaotic secure communication and random number generation.
Experimental Study of Absorbent Hygiene Product Devolatilization in a Bubbling Fluidized Bed
Authors: Malsegna Barbara , Di Giuliano Andrea , Gallucci Katia
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to investigate the usage of waste from Absorbent Hygienic Products (AHP) as a fuel for gasification or pyrolysis, two attractive routes to obtain valuable products and dispose of this kind of waste. The study experimentally investigated the devolatilization of coarsely shredded materials from diapers, in a laboratory-scale bubbling fluidized bed made of sand, as a representative preparatory step of the above-mentioned thermochemical conversions. Two versions of shredded materials were considered: as-manufactured diapers (AHPam, as a reference), and the cellulosic fraction of sterilized used diapers (AHPus). Results were presented, obtained from physical-chemical characterization of AHPam and AHPus (TGA, CHNS/O, proximate and ultimate analyses, XRF, ICP-AES, SEM-EDS), as well as from their devolatilizations at 500–600–700–800 °C under two different atmospheres (air plus nitrogen, or pure nitrogen as a reference). Generally, temperature influenced syngas composition the most, with better performances under pure nitrogen. At 700–800 °C under pure nitrogen, the highest syngas quality and yield were obtained. For AHPam and AHPus, respectively: (i) H2 equaled 29.5 vol% and 23.7 vol%, while hydrocarbons equaled 14.8 vol% and 7.4 vol% on dry, dilution-free basis; (ii) 53.7 Nl and 46.0 Nl of syngas were produced, per 100 g of fuel. Overall, AHP emerged as an interesting fuel for thermochemical conversions.