bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of an Online Platform to Evaluate the Impact of Social Distancing Measures on Psycho-Physical Well-Being in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Scuri Stefania , Tesauro Marina , Petrelli Fabio , Argento Ninfa , Damasco Genny , Cangelosi Giovanni , Nguyen Cuc Thi Thu , Savva Demetris , Grappasonni Iolanda
Published: June 2022

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) and the worldwide health crisis have significantly changed both people’s habits and lifestyles. Most of the studies found in the literature were carried out on specific professional categories in the socio-health sector, taking into consideration psychological disorders in relation to work. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychological impact on a portion of the normal population subjected to lockdown. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed in the period between 23 March 2020 and 18 May 2020 (during Italian lockdown) using an online platform. The scales GAD-7, IES-r, PHQ-9 and MANSA were used to investigate the level of anxiety, the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder, the severity of depression and the perceived quality of life, respectively. Results: Four hundred and eight Italian subjects responded. Females and younger people were more affected by anxiety and depression. Post-traumatic stress disorder affected about 40% of the population sample, significantly young people and women, thus attesting to an important psychopathological response. About one-fifth of the sample population recorded an unsatisfactory quality of life. Conclusions: The results highlight the need to set up preventive interventions (primary and secondary), trying to focus on the most fragile group of subjects from a psychosocial point of view, in order to obtain a significant reduction in psychophysical damage in terms of relapses and outcomes.
The Effect of Social Isolation Types on Quality of Life during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alhofaian Aisha , Alharazi Ruba , Alaamri Marym , Sofar Samah Mahmoud , Tunsi Afnan , Elhady Mona Mohamed , Almutary Hayfa , Sallam Lujain , Asiri Shuruq
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic that has spread rapidly to six continents, with over 2.5 million deaths from December 2019 to March 2021. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is still growing worldwide, and quarantines have been recommended to prevent the disease’s spread. However, quarantines affect people’s quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of social isolation—quarantine—on QOL during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used in the present study. We obtained data from an online survey conducted in Saudi Arabia. We included a convenience sample of 775 participants in the study. Most of the participants were female (67%), with a mean age of 46 years ranging from 18 to 75 years. Many participants were government employees (n = 308, 39.7%) and had a bachelor’s degree or greater (n = 513, 66.2%). Most of the participants (n = 629, 81%) were free from any chronic disease. Nearly 88% of participants were partially isolated socially owing to COVID-19. Concerning QOL, the means of both the Physical Health Composite Scale and the Mental Health Composite Scale SF-12 scores were 44.7 and 34.6, respectively. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that partially socially isolated participants appeared to have significantly better physical health statuses (M = 44.96, SD = 5.90) than completely socially isolated participants (M = 42.87 ± 7.26). There was no significant social isolation effect on mental health status (t (773) = 2.5, p = 0.115). Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic considerably influenced various aspects of QOL including physical and mental health. Community-based interventions such as online counseling services and wellness programs are required to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact and enhance overall health status and QOL.
Understanding the Geography of Rape through the Integration of Data: Case Study of a Prolific, Mobile Serial Stranger Rapist Identified through Rape Kits
Authors: Lovell Rachel E. , Sabo Danielle , Dissell Rachel
Published: June 2022

Environmental criminological research on rape series is an understudied field due largely to deficiencies in official and publicly available data. Additionally, little is known about the spatial patterns of rapists with a large number of stranger rapes. With a unique integration and application of spatial, temporal, behavioral, forensic, investigative, and personal history data, we explore the geography of rape of a prolific, mobile serial stranger rapist identified through initiatives to address thousands of previously untested rape kits in two U.S. urban, neighboring jurisdictions. Rape kit data provide the opportunity for a more complete and comprehensive understanding of stranger rape series by linking crimes that likely never would have been linked if not for the DNA evidence. This study fills a knowledge gap by exploring the spatial offending patterns of extremely prolific serial stranger rapists. Through the lens of routine activities theory, we explore the motivated offender, the lack of capable guardianship (e.g., built environment), and the targeted victims. The findings have important implications for gaining practical and useful insight into rapists’ use of space and behavioral decision-making processes, effective public health interventions and prevention approaches, and urban planning strategies in communities subjected to repeat targeting by violent offenders.
Characteristics of Korean Children and Adolescents Who Die by Suicide Based on Teachers’ Reports
Authors: Lee Mi-Sun , Jhone Jin Ho , Kim Joon Beom , Kweon Yong-Sil , Hong Hyun Ju
Published: June 2022

We analyzed the clinical characteristics and suicide-related factors of students who died by suicide in Korea in 2016–2020, based on teachers’ reports. Using data on total suicide deaths (N = 654, mean age = 16.0, 52.6% boys) collected by the Ministry of Education of Korea, we investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics and suicide-related factors of suicide deaths in students aged 9–18 years. Considering gender, more boys (52.6%, N = 344) died by suicide than girls (47.4%, N = 310). About 425 (65.0%) of the suicides were among high school students. The most common suicide method was jumping from a high place (70.6%, N = 454), followed by hanging (25.7%, N = 165). Additionally, 9.4% (N = 48) of the students who died by suicide had a history of attempted suicide, 13.4% (N = 73) had attempted self-harm, and 12.8% (N = 48) were acquainted with someone who had died by suicide. Teachers observed 20.6% (N = 120) of the suicide warning signs at school. Girls tended to have higher rates of attempted suicide, emotional problems, and psychiatric disorders than boys. This study was conducted with the largest sample of Korean suicide students observed at school. Effective suicide-related mental health training for teachers could contribute to suicide prevention in students.
Anthropometric Assessment of General and Central Obesity in Urban Moroccan Women
Authors: Rinaldo Natascia , Toselli Stefania , Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Khyatti Meriem , Gihbid Amina , Zaccagni Luciana
Published: June 2022

In the last few decades, North African countries have faced the nutrition transition, leading to an increase in obesity, exacerbated by an extremely low rate of physical activity (PA). Particular attention must be paid to abdominal obesity (one of the metabolic syndrome criteria), which has been linked to several health problems. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight/obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, in a sample of urban Moroccan women and to analyze the anthropometric indicators of metabolic syndrome risk among subsamples with different PA and socio-demographic characteristics. Urban Moroccan women living in Casablanca (n = 304; mean age 37.4 ± 15.6 years) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Data concerning socio-demographic variables, PA behavior, and anthropometric measures (height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences) were directly collected. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and relative fat mass were computed. Comparisons between women with different socio-demographic characteristics were performed through ANCOVA adjusted for age. The results reveal that 39.4% of the women did not practice any PA. The percentage of women above the cutoffs of risk for general and central obesity was more than half for all the indexes, except for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and 19.6% were at a very high risk of health issues. Moreover, being female unmarried, childless, graduates, and students were found to be protective against obesity. In conclusion, Moroccan women have a high level of obesity, especially abdominal, and preventive interventions are needed to reduce the health impact of obesity in this population.
Rapid Estimation of Earthquake Fatalities in Mainland China Based on Physical Simulation and Empirical Statistics—A Case Study of the 2021 Yangbi Earthquake
Authors: Li Yilong , Zhang Zhenguo , Wang Wenqiang , Feng Xuping
Published: June 2022

At present, earthquakes cannot be predicted. Scientific decision-making and rescue after an earthquake are the main means of mitigating the immediate consequences of earthquake disasters. If emergency response level and earthquake-related fatalities can be estimated rapidly and quantitatively, this estimation will provide timely, scientific guidance to government organizations and relevant institutions to make decisions on earthquake relief and resource allocation, thereby reducing potential losses. To achieve this goal, a rapid earthquake fatality estimation method for Mainland China is proposed herein, based on a combination of physical simulations and empirical statistics. The numerical approach was based on the three-dimensional (3-D) curved grid finite difference method (CG-FDM), implemented for graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture, to rapidly simulate the entire physical propagation of the seismic wavefield from the source to the surface for a large-scale natural earthquake over a 3-D undulating terrain. Simulated seismic intensity data were used as an input for the fatality estimation model to estimate the fatality and emergency response level. The estimation model was developed by regression analysis of the data on human loss, intensity distribution, and population exposure from the Mainland China Composite Damaging Earthquake Catalog (MCCDE-CAT). We used the 2021 Ms 6.4 Yangbi earthquake as a study case to provide estimated results within 1 h after the earthquake. The number of fatalities estimated by the model was in the range of 0–10 (five expected fatalities). Therefore, Level IV earthquake emergency response plan should have been activated (the government actually overestimated the damage and activated a Level II emergency response plan). The local government finally reported three deaths during this earthquake, which is consistent with the model predictions. We also conducted a case study on a 2013 Ms7.0 earthquake in the discussion, which further proved the effectiveness of the method. The proposed method will play an important role in post-earthquake emergency response and disaster assessment in Mainland China. It can assist decision-makers to undertake scientifically-based actions to mitigate the consequences of earthquakes and could be used as a reference approach for any country or region.
A Network Analysis of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S): A Large-Scale Cross-Cultural Study in Iran, Bangladesh, and Norway
Authors: Lecuona Oscar , Lin Chung-Ying , Rozgonjuk Dmitri , Norekvål Tone M. , Iversen Marjolein M. , Mamun Mohammed A. , Griffiths Mark D. , Lin Ting-I , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: June 2022

The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to high levels of fear worldwide. Given that fear is an important factor in causing psychological distress and facilitating preventive behaviors, assessing the fear of COVID-19 is important. The seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) is a widely used psychometric instrument to assess this fear. However, the factor structure of the FCV-19S remains unclear according to the current evidence. Therefore, the present study used a network analysis to provide further empirical evidence for the factor structure of FCV-19S. A total of 24,429 participants from Iran (n = 10,843), Bangladesh (n = 9906), and Norway (n = 3680) completed the FCV-19S in their local language. A network analysis (via regularized partial correlation networks) was applied to investigate the seven FCV-19S items. Moreover, relationships between the FCV-19S items were compared across gender (males vs. females), age groups (18–30 years, 31–50 years, and >50 years), and countries (Iran, Bangladesh, and Norway). A two-factor structure pattern was observed (three items concerning physical factors, including clammy hands, insomnia, and heart palpitations; four items concerning psychosocial factors, including being afraid, uncomfortable, afraid of dying, and anxious about COVID-19 news). Moreover, this pattern was found to be the same among men and women, across age groups and countries. The network analysis used in the present study verified the two-factor structure for the FCV-19S. Future studies may consider using the two-factor structure of FCV-19S to assess the fear of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 era.
Assessment of Energy Expenditure of Police Officers Trained in Polish Police Schools and Police Training Centers
Authors: Bertrandt Jerzy , Anyżewska Anna , Łakomy Roman , Lepionka Tomasz , Szarska Ewa , Tomczak Andrzej , Gaździńska Agata , Bertrandt-Tomaszewska Karolina , Kłos Krzysztof , Maculewicz Ewelina
Published: June 2022

Knowledge of the energy expenditure related to the training of policemen allows for assessment of the intensity of the work performed and is an indispensable element of planning and implementing nutrition. This study on energy expenditure comprised a total of 280 persons, students of two Polish police schools and two police training centers. The energy expenditure of policemen was determined based on measurements of the heart rate using Polar RC3 GPS heart rate monitors. The energy expenditure of policemen associated with the training process in the police schools and training centers ranged from 1793 to 3043 kcal/8 h and amounted to 2314 ± 945 kcal/8 h during training on average. The values of energy expenditure related to a typical training day in Polish institutions conducting police training are diverse and depend on the specificity and nature of the training. According to the criteria for assessing the burden of work, the work performed by police officers can be classified as hard work and very hard work.
Analysis of Clinical Parameters, Drug Consumption and Use of Health Resources in a Southern European Population with Diabetes That Did Not Contract COVID-19: A Longitudinal Big Data Study
Authors: Lear-Claveras Ana , Oliván-Blázquez Bárbara , Clavería Ana , Couso-Viana Sabela , Botaya Rosa Magallón
Published: June 2022

The lockdown measures imposed to stop the spread of the virus have affected the general population, but particularly people with chronic diseases such as diabetes. An observational real world data pre-post study of 86,615 individuals over the age of 16, having a medical history in the Aragon (Spain) Health Service and diagnosed with diabetes, without COVID-19 infection was undertaken. Clinical, pharmacological and health resource use variables were collected during the six months prior to the onset of the lockdown and during the six months after the lockdown ended. The Student’s t-test was used to analyse differences in means. Our study does not show clinically relevant changes six months following the end of the strict lockdown. The consumption, by these patients, of hypoglycaemic drugs and the use of health resources continue at below pre-pandemic levels, six months later. The interruption in care for these patients and the lifestyle change resulting from the pandemic do not appear to have had a significant impact on the health of the diabetic population.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detection Using Different Sampling Methods: A Clinical Unicentral Study
Authors: Alonaizan Faisal , AlHumaid Jehan , AlJindan Reem , Bedi Sumit , Dardas Heba , Abdulfattah Dalia , Ashour Hanadi , AlShahrani Mohammed , Omar Omar
Published: June 2022

Rapid antigen detection of SARS-CoV-2 has been widely used. However, there is no consensus on the best sampling method. This study aimed to determine the level of agreement between SARS-CoV-2 fluorescent detection and a real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), using different swab methods. Fifty COVID-19 and twenty-six healthy patients were confirmed via rRT-PCR, and each patient was sampled via four swab methods: oropharyngeal (O), nasal (N), spit saliva (S), and combined O/N/S swabs. Each swab was analyzed using an immunofluorescent Quidel system. The combined O/N/S swab provided the highest sensitivity (86%; Kappa = 0.8), followed by nasal (76%; Kappa = 0.68), whereas the saliva revealed the lowest sensitivity (66%; kappa = 0.57). Further, when considering positive detection in any of the O, N, and S samples, excellent agreements with rRT-PCR were achieved (Kappa = 0.91 and 0.97, respectively). Finally, among multiple factors, only patient age revealed a significant negative association with antigenic detection in the saliva. It is concluded that immunofluorescent detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen is a reliable method for rapid diagnosis under circumstances where at least two swabs, one nasal and one oropharyngeal, are analyzed. Alternatively, a single combined O/N/S swab would improve the sensitivity in contrast to each site swabbed alone.
Better Understanding Adult COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy and Refusal: The Influence of Broader Beliefs about Vaccines
Authors: Boyle John , Nowak Glen , Kinder Rachel , Iachan Ronaldo , Dayton James
Published: June 2022

Published surveys in the United States provide much evidence that COVID-19 vaccination is influenced by disease and vaccine-related risk perceptions. However, there has been little examination of whether individual’s general beliefs about vaccines are also related to COVID-19 vaccination, especially among unvaccinated adults. This study used an August 2021 national survey of 1000 U.S. adults to examine whether general beliefs about vaccines were associated with COVID-19 vaccination status. In addition, it used multivariate analyses to assess the relative contribution of individual vaccine beliefs to current vaccine status independently of COVID-19-specific attitudes and experiences, and demographics. The findings indicated that, collectively, general vaccine beliefs mattered more than demographics, COVID-19-specific risk perceptions, confidence in government, or trust in public health agencies in COVID-19 vaccination status. Overall, the findings affirm the importance of vaccine education and communication efforts that help people understand why vaccines are needed, how vaccine safety is established and monitored, and how vaccines provide protection from infectious diseases. To achieve success among vaccine-hesitant individuals, communication strategies should target vaccine beliefs that most influence vaccination outcomes.
PQBP1: The Key to Intellectual Disability, Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Innate Immunity
Authors: Tanaka Hikari , Okazawa Hitoshi
Published: June 2022

The idea that a common pathology underlies various neurodegenerative diseases and dementias has attracted considerable attention in the basic and medical sciences. Polyglutamine binding protein-1 (PQBP1) was identified in 1998 after a molecule was predicted to bind to polyglutamine tract amino acid sequences, which are associated with a family of neurodegenerative disorders called polyglutamine diseases. Hereditary gene mutations of PQBP1 cause intellectual disability, whereas acquired loss of function of PQBP1 contributes to dementia pathology. PQBP1 functions in innate immune cells as an intracellular receptor that recognizes pathogens and neurodegenerative proteins. It is an intrinsically disordered protein that generates intracellular foci, similar to other neurodegenerative disease proteins such as TDP43, FUS, and hnRNPs. The knowledge accumulated over more than 20 years has given rise to a new concept that shifts in the equilibrium between physiological and pathological processes have their basis in the dysregulation of common protein structure-linked molecular mechanisms.
Role of Nucleolin in Endometrial Precancerous Hyperplasia and Carcinogenesis: Ex Vivo and In Silico Study
Authors: Barzilova Vanya D. , Drury Josephine , Rogers Bryony , Thomas Emily , Ahmed Fareen , Bradfield Alice , Al-Lamee Hannan , Hapangama Dharani K.
Published: June 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecological malignancy. Nucleolin (NCL) is involved in rDNA transcription, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, with high expression associated with worse overall survival (OS) in other adenocarcinomas. Our aims were to assess NCL gene and protein expression and explore the differential expression of NCL-associated genes (NAGs) in endometrial carcinogenesis. Endometrial samples were obtained from 157 women to include healthy, hyperplastic (EH), EC, and metastatic groups. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess NCL gene and protein levels. In silico analysis of NAGs in TCGA and GEO datasets was performed, with the prognostic value determined via Human Protein Atlas. NCL mRNA level of EC was lower than in healthy post-menopausal endometrium (p < 0.01). EH samples had lower NCL immuno-expression scores than healthy pre-menopausal (p < 0.001), benign post-menopausal (p < 0.01), and EC (p < 0.0001) samples. Metastatic lesions demonstrated higher NCL quick scores than primary tissue (p = 0.04). Higher NCL Immuno quick scores carried a worse OS in high-grade EC (p = 0.01). Interrogating Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (TCGA-UCEC) and Uterine Carcinosarcoma (TCGA-UCS) cohorts revealed NCL to be the most highly upregulated gene in carcinosarcoma, with S100A11, LMNB2, RERG, E2F1 and CCNA2 representing key dysregulated NAGs in EC. Since NCL is implicated in transforming hyperplastic glands into cancer, with further involvement in metastasis, it is suggested to be a promising target for better-informed diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of EC.
Inhibitors of Mitochondrial Human Carbonic Anhydrases VA and VB as a Therapeutic Strategy against Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Authors: Micheli Laura , Testai Lara , Angeli Andrea , Carrino Donatello , Pacini Alessandra , Margiotta Francesco , Flori Lorenzo , Supuran Claudiu T. , Calderone Vincenzo , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: June 2022

Neuropathy development is a major dose-limiting side effect of anticancer treatments that significantly reduces patient’s quality of life. The inadequate pharmacological approaches for neuropathic pain management warrant the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Mitochondrial dysfunctions that lead to reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase, cytosolic Ca2+ imbalance, and lactate acidosis are implicated in neuropathic pain pathogenesis. It has been observed that in these deregulations, a pivotal role is played by the mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases (CA) VA and VB isoforms. Hence, preclinical studies should be conducted to assess the efficacy of two novel selenides bearing benzenesulfonamide moieties, named 5b and 5d, and able to inhibit CA VA and VB against paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Acute treatment with 5b and 5d (30–100 mg/kg, per os – p.o.) determined a dose-dependent and long-lasting anti-hyperalgesic effect in the Cold plate test. Further, repeated daily treatment for 15 days with 100 mg/kg of both compounds (starting the first day of paclitaxel injection) significantly prevented neuropathic pain development without the onset of tolerance to the anti-hyperalgesic effect. In both experiments, acetazolamide (AAZ, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) used as the reference drug was partially active. Moreover, ex vivo analysis demonstrated the efficacy of 5b and 5d repeated treatments in reducing the maladaptive plasticity that occurs to glia cells in the lumbar portion of the spinal cord and in improving mitochondrial functions in the brain and spinal cord that were strongly impaired by paclitaxel-repeated treatment. In this regard, 5b and 5d ameliorated the metabolic activity, as observed by the increase in citrate synthase activity, and preserved an optimal mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) value, which appeared depolarized in brains from paclitaxel-treated animals. In conclusion, 5b and 5d have therapeutic and protective effects against paclitaxel-induced neuropathy without tolerance development. Moreover, 5b and 5d reduced glial cell activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in the central nervous system, being a promising candidate for the management of neuropathic pain and neurotoxicity evoked by chemotherapeutic drugs.
TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Intestinal Organoids Infected by Listeria monocytogenes Strains with Different Virulence
Authors: Zhou Cong , Zou Yafang , Huang Jie , Zhao Ziyu , Zhang Yanning , Wei Yeyu , Ye Keping
Published: June 2022

L. monocytogenes, consisting of 13 serotypes, is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen that causes different host reactions depending on its serotypes. In this study, highly toxic L. monocytogenes 10403s resulted in more severe infections and lower survival rates. Additionally, to investigate the remodeling of the host proteome by strains exhibiting differential toxicity, the cellular protein responses of intestinal organoids were analyzed using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The virulent strain 10403s caused 102 up-regulated and 52 down-regulated proteins, while the low virulent strain M7 caused 188 up-regulated and 25 down-regulated proteins. Based on the analysis of gene ontology (GO) and KEGG databases, the expressions of differential proteins in organoids infected by L. monocytogenes 10403s (virulent strain) or M7 (low virulent strain) were involved in regulating essential processes such as the biological metabolism, the energy metabolism, and immune system processes. The results showed that the immune system process, as the primary host defense response to L. monocytogenes, comprised five pathways, including ECM–receptor interaction, the complement and coagulation cascades, HIF-1, ferroptosis, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. As for the L. monocytogenes 10403s vs. M7 group, the expression of differential proteins was involved in two pathways: systemic lupus erythematosus and transcriptional mis-regulation in cancer. All in all, these results revealed that L. monocytogenes strains with different toxicity induced similar biological functions and immune responses while having different regulations on differential proteins in the pathway.
Toxicity of Vanadium during Development of Sea Urchin Embryos: Bioaccumulation, Calcium Depletion, ERK Modulation and Cell-Selective Apoptosis
Authors: Chiarelli Roberto , Scudiero Rosaria , Memoli Valeria , Roccheri Maria Carmela , Martino Chiara
Published: June 2022

Vanadium toxicology is a topic of considerable importance as this metal is widely used in industrial and biomedical fields. However, it represents a potential emerging environmental pollutant because wastewater treatment plants do not adequately remove metal compounds that are subsequently released into the environment. Vanadium applications are limited due to its toxicity, so it is urgent to define this aspect. This metal is associated with sea urchin embryo toxicity as it perturbs embryogenesis and skeletogenesis, triggering several stress responses. Here we investigated its bioaccumulation and the correlation with cellular and molecular developmental pathways. We used cytotoxic concentrations of 1 mM and 500 μM to perform quantitative analyses, showing that vanadium accumulation interferes with calcium uptake during sea urchin development and provokes a disruption in the biomineralization process. At the end of the whole treatment, the accumulation of vanadium was about 14 and 8 μg for embryos treated respectively with 1 mM and 500 μM, showing a dose-dependent response. Then, we monitored the cell signaling perturbation, analyzing key molecular markers of cell survival/cell death mechanisms and the DNA fragmentation associated with apoptosis. This paper clarifies vanadium’s trend to accumulate directly into embryonic cells, interfering with calcium uptake. In addition, our results indicate that vanadium can modulate the ERK pathway and activate a cell-selective apoptosis. These results endorse the sea urchin embryo as an adequate experimental model to study metal-related cellular/molecular responses.
Roles of Notch Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: D’Assoro Antonino , Leon-Ferre Roberto , Braune Eike-Benjamin , Lendahl Urban
Published: June 2022

The Notch signaling pathway is an architecturally simple signaling mechanism, well known for its role in cell fate regulation during organ development and in tissue homeostasis. In keeping with its importance for normal development, dysregulation of Notch signaling is increasingly associated with different types of tumors, and proteins in the Notch signaling pathway can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, depending on the cellular context and tumor type. In addition to a role as a driver of tumor initiation and progression in the tumor cells carrying oncogenic mutations, it is an emerging realization that Notch signaling also plays a role in non-mutated cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss how aberrant Notch signaling can affect three types of cells in the tumor stroma—cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells—and how this influences their interactions with the tumor cells. Insights into the roles of Notch in cells of the tumor environment and the impact on tumor-stroma interactions will lead to a deeper understanding of Notch signaling in cancer and inspire new strategies for Notch-based tumor therapy.
Lysyl Oxidase Family Enzymes and Their Role in Tumor Progression
Authors: Liburkin-Dan Tanya , Toledano Shira , Neufeld Gera
Published: June 2022

The five genes of the lysyl oxidase family encode enzymes that covalently cross-link components of the extracellular matrix, such as various types of collagen and elastin, and, thus, promote the stabilization of extracellular matrixes. Several of these genes, in particular lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) were identified as genes that are upregulated by hypoxia, and promote tumor cells invasion and metastasis. Here, we focus on the description of the diverse molecular mechanisms by which the various lysyl oxidases affect tumor progression. We also describe attempts that have been made, and are still on-going, that focus on the development of efficient lysyl oxidase inhibitors for the treatment of various forms of cancer, and of diseases associated with abnormal fibrosis.
Nano-ZrO2@C, Nano-(ZrC, ZrO2)@C and Nano-ZrC@C Composites Prepared by Plasma-Assisted Carbonization of Zr-Loaded Iminodiacetate-Functionalized Styrene-Divinylbenzene Copolymers
Authors: Martiz Alejandro , Károly Zoltán , Domján Attila , Mohai Miklós , Bereczki Laura , Trif László , Farkas Attila , László Krisztina , Menyhárd Alfréd , Kótai László
Published: June 2022

We have developed an easy route to prepare (nano-ZrO2,nano-ZrCx)@C composites with varying ZrO2/ZrCx content. The process consists of preparing a zirconium-loaded, iminodiacetate-functionalized styrene-divinylbenzene (STY-DVB) copolymer, and its subsequent carbonization in a tube furnace and/or a thermal plasma reactor. Depending on the zirconium salt used (zirconyl chloride, zirconyl nitrate or zirconium (IV) sulfate) in the Zr loading, the Zr-loaded resins resulted in ZrO2@C pre-pyrolizates with C to Zr molar ratios of 5.8, 6.8 and 6.60. This carbon surplus is sufficient for the partial or even complete reduction of ZrO2 into ZrC0.58 at 1400 °C. The reaction products also contain 5 to 55 mass% residual free carbon. The plasma processing of the ZrO2@C composite formed at 1000 °C in a tube furnace led to ZrC0.94@C composites. The transformation of amorphous carbon content during the plasma treatment strongly depended on the atmosphere (He or H2) in the reactor and the anion type of the Zr salt. In the presence of He, amorphous carbon could be completely transformed into graphite. In the presence of H2, amorphous carbon and graphite were found at roughly the same ratio. No ZrO2 could be detected in the plasma-treated samples, whilst different ZrO2 polymorphs were found in the samples prepared in the tube furnace, depending on the synthesis conditions.
Theoretical and Practical Aspects in the Use of Bretschneider Cardioplegia
Authors: Ghiragosian Claudiu , Harpa Marius , Stoica Alexandra , Sânziana Flămînd Oltean , Bălău Radu , Hussein Hussam Al , Elena Ghiragosian-Rusu Simina , Neagoe Radu Mircea , Suciu Horațiu
Published: June 2022

The race for an ideal cardioplegic solution has remained enthusiastic since the beginning of the modern cardiac surgery era. The Bretschneider solution, belonging to the “intracellular cardioplegic” group, is safe and practical in myocardial protection during ischemic time. Over time, some particular concerns have arisen regarding the effects on cardiac metabolism and postoperative myocardial functioning. This paper reviews the most important standpoints in terms of theoretical and practical analyses.
Photodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Patch for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
Authors: Kiss Norbert , Farkas Klára , Tosti Giulio , De Gado Federico , Bergler-Czop Beata , Fazia Gilda , Tammaro Antonella , Cantisani Carmen
Published: June 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an emerging treatment option in the care of actinic keratosis (AK). A self-adhesive 5-ALA patch was recently developed that allows a precise PDT procedure. Here, we review the current literature and report the findings of our case series that observed the outcomes and safety of 5-ALA patch PDT. Ten patients with a total of 40 AKs were treated with a single session of conventional or daylight PDT using 5-ALA patch at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sapienza University of Rome or at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. Complete response was observed in three patients, while partial response was seen in seven patients. Overall tolerability was good or excellent, with local adverse events observed in four patients. This is the first case series reported where the 5-ALA patch was applied using daylight PDT, and its efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of AK were demonstrated. In conclusion, the self-adhesive 5-ALA patch is a convenient application of PDT that provides a well-tolerated and effective treatment option with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
A Novel NKX2-5 Variant in a Child with Left Ventricular Noncompaction, Atrial Septal Defect, Atrioventricular Conduction Disorder, and Syncope
Authors: Yamada Yuya , Yasuda Kazushi , Hata Yukiko , Nishida Naoki , Hirono Keiichi
Published: June 2022

The NKX2-5 gene encodes a transcription factor and is actively involved in heart formation and development. A pediatric case with its variant and left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) has not been reported. A 12-year-old girl with a history of a surgery for atrial septal detect was referred because of syncope during exercise. The electrocardiogram showed atrioventricular block, and the echocardiogram revealed prominent trabeculations in the left ventricular wall, suggesting LVNC. A novel heterozygous variant in the NKX2-5 gene (NM_004387.1: c.255_256delCT, p.Phe86fs) was identified. NKX2-5 variants should be considered in cases with LVNC, congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, and syncope to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Effect of Muscle Loss but Not Fat Loss during Primary Debulking Surgery and Chemotherapy on Prognosis of Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nakayama Naomi , Nakayama Kentaro , Ishibashi Tomoka , Katayama Satoru , Kyo Satoru
Published: June 2022

Although the negative effect of muscle loss during invasive treatment has been widely reported in patients with cancer, its value in patients with ovarian cancer is not clear. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify whether muscle loss during cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy affects prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. We retrospectively recruited 58 patients with ovarian cancer who underwent site reductive surgery and chemotherapy at Shimane University Hospital from March 2006 to November 2013 and for whom pre- and postoperative computed tomography were available. Skeletal muscle changes and fat mass volume during primary debulking surgery and chemotherapy were subsequently investigated at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. Muscle and fat mass loss occurred independently in half of the patients. Muscle loss, but not fat loss, was associated with disease-free survival (p = 0.041 and p = 0.794, respectively) and poor overall survival (p = 0.033 and p = 0.61, respectively). Cancer therapy is invasive and causes compositional changes in the body, such as muscle and fat loss. During cancer therapy, muscle loss, but not fat loss, may be associated with worse prognosis in ovarian cancer.
Comparison of the Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Treated by a Hospital-at-Home Service in Japan during the Alpha and Delta Waves
Authors: Inokuchi Ryota , Jin Xueying , Iwagami Masao , Sun Yu , Sakamoto Ayaka , Ishikawa Masatoshi , Tamiya Nanako
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus infections occurred in repeated waves caused by different variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with the number of patients increasing during each wave. A private after-hours house-call (AHHC) service provides hospital-at-home (HaH) services to patients in Japan requiring oxygen when hospital beds are in short supply. This retrospective study aimed to compare the characteristics of COVID-19 patients treated by the AHHC service during the COVID-19 waves caused by the Alpha (March–June 2021) and Delta (July–December 2021) SARS-CoV-2 variants. All patients with COVID-19 treated by the AHHC service from March to December 2021 while awaiting hospitalization were included. The data were collected from medical records and follow-up telephone interviews. The AHHC service treated 55 and 273 COVID-19 patients during the Alpha and Delta waves, respectively. The patients treated during the Delta wave were significantly younger than those treated during the Alpha wave (median: 63 years and 47 years, respectively; p < 0.001). Disease severity did not differ significantly between the two waves, but the crude case-fatality rate was significantly higher during the Alpha wave (10/55, 18.2%) than during the Delta wave (4/273, 1.4%; p < 0.001). The patient characteristics and outcomes differed between the Alpha and Delta waves.
Development and Validation of Survival Nomograms in Patients with Primary Bladder Lymphoma
Authors: Lin Junyi , Kong Jianbin , Luo Mingli , Shen Zefeng , Fang Shuogui , Hu Jintao , Xu Zixin , Dong Wen , Huang Jian , Lin Tianxin
Published: June 2022

Background: The existing studies on primary bladder lymphoma (PBL) are retrospective analyses based on individual cases or small series studies, and the research on PBL is not unified and in-depth enough at present because of the scarcity of PBL and the lack of relevant literature. This study is designed to develop and validate nomograms for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) prediction in patients with PBL. Methods: According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, 405 patients diagnosed with PBL from 1975 to 2016 were collected and randomly assigned to training (n = 283) and validation (n = 122) cohort. After the multivariable Cox regression, the OS and CSS nomograms were developed. The discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the nomograms were assessed and validated, respectively, by the training and validation cohort. Furthermore, all of the patients were reclassified into high- and low-risk groups and their survival were compared through Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Results: Age, subtype, Ann Arbor stage, radiation and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS and age, sex, and subtype for CSS, then corresponding nomograms predicting the 3- and 5-year survival were constructed. The presented nomograms demonstrated good discrimination and calibration, which the C-index in the training and validation cohort were 0.744 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.705–0.783) and 0.675 (95% CI, 0.603–0.747) for OS nomogram and 0.692 (95% CI, 0.632–0.752) and 0.646 (95% CI, 0.549–0.743) for CSS nomogram, respectively. Furthermore, the nomograms can be used to effectively distinguish Patients with PBL at high risk of death. The clinical usefulness of the nomograms was visually displayed by decision curve analysis. Conclusion: We updated the baseline characteristics of patients with PBL and constructed OS and CSS nomograms to predict their 3- and 5-year survival. Using these nomograms, it would be convenient to individually predict the prognosis of patients with PBL and provide guidance for clinical treatment.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide Biomarkers in Current Clinical and Therapeutic Scenarios of Heart Failure
Authors: Alcidi Gianmarco , Goffredo Giovanni , Correale Michele , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Iacoviello Massimo
Published: June 2022

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its inactive N-terminal fragment, NT-proBNP, are serum biomarkers with key roles in the management of heart failure (HF). An increase in the serum levels of these peptides is closely associated with the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HF such as the presence of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities, myocardial stretch associated with a high filling pressure and neuro-hormonal activation. As BNP and NT-proBNP measurements are possible, several studies have investigated their clinical utility in the diagnosis, prognostic stratification, monitoring and guiding therapy of patients with HF. BNP and NT-proBNP have also been used as criteria for enrollment in randomized trials evaluating the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies for HF. Nevertheless, the use of natriuretic peptides is still limited in clinical practice due to the controversial aspect of their use in different clinical settings. The purpose of this review is to discuss the main issues associated with using BNP and NT-proBNP serum levels in the management of patients with HF under current clinical and therapeutic scenarios.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Candida glabrata
Authors: D’Spain Samantha , Andrade Pilar I. , Brockman Nohelli E. , Fu Jianmin , Wickes Brian L.
Published: June 2022

The use of broad-spectrum antimycotic therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, and indwelling medical devices has contributed to the increased frequency of mucosal and systemic infections caused by Candida glabrata. A major concern for C. glabrata and other Candida spp. infections is the increase in drug resistance. To address these issues, additional molecular tools for the study of C. glabrata are needed. In this investigation, we developed an Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation system for C. glabrata. A number of parameters were investigated to determine their effect on transformation frequency, and then an optimized protocol was developed. The optimal conditions for the transformation of C. glabrata were found to be an infection incubation temperature of 26 °C, 0.2 mM acetosyringone in both induction media and co-culture media, 0.7% agar concentration, and a multiplicity of infection of 50:1 A. tumefaciens to C. glabrata. Importantly, the frequency of multiple integrations was low (5%), demonstrating that A. tumefaciens generally integrates at single sites in C. glabrata, which is consistent with other fungal A. tumefaciens transformation systems. The development of this system in C. glabrata adds another tool for the molecular manipulation of this increasingly important fungal pathogen.
Does a Customized 3D Printing Plate Based on Virtual Reduction Facilitate the Restoration of Original Anatomy in Fractures?
Authors: Shin Seung-Han , Kim Moo-Sub , Yoon Do-Kun , Lee Jae-Jin , Chung Yang-Guk
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the restoration of original anatomy after fixation of sawbone fractures using case-specific 3D printing plates based on virtual reduction (VR). Three-dimensional models of 28 tibia sawbones with cortical marking holes were obtained. The sawbones were fractured at various locations of the shaft and 3D models were obtained. The fractured models were reduced virtually and customized non-locking metal plates that fit the reduced model were produced via 3D printing. The fractured sawbones were actually fixed to the customized plate with nonlocking screws and 3D models were generated. With the proximal fragments of the 3D models overlapped, the changes in length, 3D angulation, and rotation of the distal fragment were evaluated. Compared to the intact model (IN), the virtual reduction model (VR) and the actual fixation model (AF) showed no significant differences in length. Compared to the IN, the VR and the AF had mean 3D angulations of 0.39° and 0.64°, respectively. Compared to the IN model, the VR and the AF showed mean rotations of 0.89° and 1.51°, respectively. A customized plate based on VR facilitates the restoration of near-original anatomy in fractures of tibial sawbone shaft.
Challenges for Corporate Reputation—Online Reputation Management in Times of Global Pandemic
Authors: Pollák František , Markovič Peter
Published: June 2022

The issue of corporate reputation management in the time of accelerated digitization has been a subject of research by academics and practitioners for more than a decade. The aim of this study was to provide an insight into the issue of reputation management in the Internet environment in the time of global pandemic. As for the structure of the research, the study mapped two horizons of events, the first one being the onset of the pandemic in the first half of 2020, and the second one the period of cancellation of antipandemic measures after 24 months. The research was localized in the market of Central Europe, specifically in the online market of the Slovak Republic. This market synthesized two important factors, namely the highly developmental nature and at the same time the increased degree of restraint it experienced during the two years of the pandemic. A sophisticated online reputation analysis (sentiment analysis, analysis of reputation determinants, and data synthesis through the TOR indicator) was performed on a significant sample of e-commerce representatives, the results of which provided relevant findings on reputational challenges and reputational threats. Based on the findings, it can be stated that the market has adapted relatively quickly to the changed conditions. The pandemic represented a market opportunity rather than an existential threat for the subjects examined. It also played the role of an imaginary accelerator in the evolutionary transition from offline to online.