bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of Ethylene Glycol from Glycerol Using an In Vitro Enzymatic Cascade
Authors: Li Kai , Sun Weikang , Meng Wensi , Yan Jinxin , Zhang Yipeng , Guo Shiting , Lü Chuanjuan , Ma Cuiqing , Gao Chao
Published: February 2021

Glycerol is a readily available and inexpensive substance that is mostly generated during biofuel production processes. In order to ensure the viability of the biofuel industry, it is essential to develop complementing technologies for the resource utilization of glycerol. Ethylene glycol is a two-carbon organic chemical with multiple applications and a huge market. In this study, an artificial enzymatic cascade comprised alditol oxidase, catalase, glyoxylate/hydroxypyruvate reductase, pyruvate decarboxylase and lactaldehyde:propanediol oxidoreductase was developed for the production of ethylene glycol from glycerol. The reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) generated during the dehydrogenation of the glycerol oxidation product d-glycerate can be as the reductant to support the ethylene glycol production. Using this in vitro synthetic system with self-sufficient NADH recycling, 7.64 ± 0.15 mM ethylene glycol was produced from 10 mM glycerol in 10 h, with a high yield of 0.515 ± 0.1 g/g. The in vitro enzymatic cascade is not only a promising alternative for the generation of ethylene glycol but also a successful example of the value-added utilization of glycerol.
Phosphoproteomic Landscape of AML Cells Treated with the ATP-Competitive CK2 Inhibitor CX-4945
Authors: Rosales Mauro , Rodríguez-Ulloa Arielis , Besada Vladimir , Ramón Ailyn C. , Pérez George V. , Ramos Yassel , Guirola Osmany , González Luis J. , Zettl Katharina , Wiśniewski Jacek R. , Perera Yasser , Perea Silvio E.
Published: February 2021

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) regulates a plethora of proteins with pivotal roles in solid and hematological neoplasia. Particularly, in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) CK2 has been pointed as an attractive therapeutic target and prognostic marker. Here, we explored the impact of CK2 inhibition over the phosphoproteome of two cell lines representing major AML subtypes. Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis was conducted to evaluate changes in phosphorylation levels after incubation with the ATP-competitive CK2 inhibitor CX-4945. Functional enrichment, network analysis, and database mining were performed to identify biological processes, signaling pathways, and CK2 substrates that are responsive to CX-4945. A total of 273 and 1310 phosphopeptides were found differentially modulated in HL-60 and OCI-AML3 cells, respectively. Despite regulated phosphopeptides belong to proteins involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways, most of these perturbations can be explain by direct CK2 inhibition rather than off-target effects. Furthermore, CK2 substrates regulated by CX-4945 are mainly related to mRNA processing, translation, DNA repair, and cell cycle. Overall, we evidenced that CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 impinge on mediators of signaling pathways and biological processes essential for primary AML cells survival and chemosensitivity, reinforcing the rationale behind the pharmacologic blockade of protein kinase CK2 for AML targeted therapy.
Functional Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acid in Sheep and Goat Milk and Cheeses
Authors: Nudda Anna , Correddu Fabio , Cesarani Alberto , Pulina Giuseppe , Battacone Gianni
Published: February 2021

The inverse association between the groups of odd-chain (OCFA) and branched-chain (BCFA) and the development of diseases in humans have generated interest in the scientific community. In experiment 1, the extent of the passage of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA) from milk fat to fresh cheese fat was studied in sheep and goats. Milk collected in two milk processing plants in west Sardinia (Italy) was sampled every 2 weeks during spring (March, April and May). In addition, a survey was carried out to evaluate the seasonal variation of the OBCFA concentrations in sheep and goats’ cheeses during all lactation period from January to June. Furthermore, to assess the main differences among the sheep and goat cheese, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to cheese fatty acids (FA) profile. Concentrations of OBCFA in fresh cheese fat of both species were strongly related to the FA content in the unprocessed raw milk. The average contents of OBCFA were 4.12 and 4.13 mg/100 mg of FA in sheep milk and cheese, respectively, and 3.12 and 3.17 mg/100 mg of FA in goat milk and cheese, respectively. The OBCFA concentration did no differed between milk and cheese in any species. The content of OBCFA was significantly higher in sheep than goats’ dairy products. The OBCFA composition of the cheese was markedly affected by the period of sampling in both species: odd and branched FA concentrations increased from March to June. The seasonal changes of OBCFA in dairy products were likely connected to variations in the quality of the diet. The PCA confirmed the higher nutritional quality of sheep cheese for beneficial FA, including OBCFA compared to the goat one, and the importance of the period of sampling in the definition of the fatty acids profile.
Deep Learning for Diagnosis of Paranasal Sinusitis Using Multi-View Radiographs
Authors: Jeon Yejin , Lee Kyeorye , Sunwoo Leonard , Choi Dongjun , Oh Dong Yul , Lee Kyong Joon , Kim Youngjune , Kim Jeong-Whun , Cho Se Jin , Baik Sung Hyun , Yoo Roh-eul , Bae Yun Jung , Choi Byung Se , Jung Cheolkyu , Kim Jae Hyoung
Published: February 2021

Accurate image interpretation of Waters’ and Caldwell view radiographs used for sinusitis screening is challenging. Therefore, we developed a deep learning algorithm for diagnosing frontal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinusitis on both Waters’ and Caldwell views. The datasets were selected for the training and validation set (n = 1403, sinusitis% = 34.3%) and the test set (n = 132, sinusitis% = 29.5%) by temporal separation. The algorithm can simultaneously detect and classify each paranasal sinus using both Waters’ and Caldwell views without manual cropping. Single- and multi-view models were compared. Our proposed algorithm satisfactorily diagnosed frontal, ethmoid, and maxillary sinusitis on both Waters’ and Caldwell views (area under the curve (AUC), 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.80), 0.78 (0.72–0.85), and 0.88 (0.84–0.92), respectively). The one-sided DeLong’s test was used to compare the AUCs, and the Obuchowski–Rockette model was used to pool the AUCs of the radiologists. The algorithm yielded a higher AUC than radiologists for ethmoid and maxillary sinusitis (p = 0.012 and 0.013, respectively). The multi-view model also exhibited a higher AUC than the single Waters’ view model for maxillary sinusitis (p = 0.038). Therefore, our algorithm showed diagnostic performances comparable to radiologists and enhanced the value of radiography as a first-line imaging modality in assessing multiple sinusitis.
Effect of Savings on a Gas-Like Model Economy with Credit and Debt
Authors: Chacón-Acosta Guillermo , Ángeles-Sánchez Vanessa
Published: February 2021

In kinetic exchange models, agents make transactions based on well-established microscopic rules that give rise to macroscopic variables in analogy to statistical physics. These models have been applied to study processes such as income and wealth distribution, economic inequality sources, economic growth, etc., recovering well-known concepts in the economic literature. In this work, we apply ensemble formalism to a geometric agents model to study the effect of saving propensity in a system with money, credit, and debt. We calculate the partition function to obtain the total money of the system, with which we give an interpretation of the economic temperature in terms of the different payment methods available to the agents. We observe an interplay between the fraction of money that agents can save and their maximum debt. The system’s entropy increases as a function of the saved proportion, and increases even more when there is debt.
Two-Phase Turbulence Statistics from High Fidelity Dispersed Droplet Flow Simulations in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Sub-Channel with Mixing Vanes
Authors: Saini Nadish , Bolotnov Igor A.
Published: February 2021

In the dispersed flow film boiling regime (DFFB), which exists under post-LOCA (loss-of-coolant accident) conditions in pressurized water reactors (PWRs), there is a complex interplay between droplet dynamics and turbulence in the surrounding steam. Experiments have accredited particular significance to droplet collision with the spacer-grids and mixing vane structures and their consequent positive feedback to the heat transfer recorded in the immediate downstream vicinity. Enabled by high-performance computing (HPC) systems and a massively parallel finite element-based flow solver—PHASTA (Parallel Hierarchic Adaptive Stabilized Transient Analysis)—this work presents high fidelity interface capturing, two-phase, adiabatic simulations in a PWR sub-channel with spacer grids and mixing vanes. Selected flow conditions for the simulations are informed by the experimental data found in the literature, including the steam Reynolds number and collision Weber number (Wec={40,80}), and are characteristic of the DFFB regime. Data were collected from the simulations at an unprecedented resolution, which provides detailed insights into the continuous phase turbulence statistics, highlighting the effects of the presence of droplets and the comparative effect of different Weber numbers on turbulence in the surrounding steam. Further, axial evolution of droplet dynamics was analyzed through cross-sectionally averaged quantities, including droplet volume, surface area and Sauter mean diameter (SMD). The downstream SMD values agree well with the existing empirical correlations for the selected range of Wec. The high-resolution data repository from the simulations herein is expected to be of significance to guide model development for system-level thermal hydraulic codes.
Bioactive Compounds from Vine Shoots, Grape Stalks, and Wine Lees: Their Potential Use in Agro-Food Chains
Authors: Troilo Marica , Difonzo Graziana , Paradiso Vito M. , Summo Carmine , Caponio Francesco
Published: February 2021

The winemaking sector is one of the most productive worldwide, and thus it also generates large amounts of by-products with high environmental impacts. Furthermore, global market trends and government regulations promote industrial alternatives based on sustainable production processes. As a result, several studies have focused their attention on the reuse of grape by-products in the agro-food chain. Vine shoots, grape stalks, and wine lees, although produced to a lesser extent than grape pomace, have increasingly been receiving attention for their applications in the food sector, since they are a good source of functional and bioactive compounds. In this framework, our review highlights the promising results obtained by exploiting the antioxidant and/or antimicrobial activity of vine shoots, grape stalks, and wine lees or their extracts to replace the most common oenological additives and to assay the activity against food pathogens. Further, innovative functional foods and sustainable food packaging have been formulated by taking advantage of polyphenols and fiber, as well as plant bio-stimulants, in order to obtain grapes and wines with high quality characteristics. Overall, these by-products showed the potential to be recycled into the food chain as functional additives for different products and applications, supporting the sustainability of the winemaking sector.
Fractional Punishment of Free Riders to Improve Cooperation in Optional Public Good Games
Authors: Botta Rocio , Blanco Gerardo , Schaerer Christian E.
Published: February 2021

Improving and maintaining cooperation are fundamental issues for any project to be time-persistent, and sanctioning free riders may be the most applied method to achieve it. However, the application of sanctions differs from one group (project or institution) to another. We propose an optional, public good game model where a randomly selected set of the free riders is punished. To this end, we introduce a parameter that establishes the portion of free riders sanctioned with the purpose to control the population state evolution in the game. This parameter modifies the phase portrait of the system, and we show that, when the parameter surpasses a threshold, the full cooperation equilibrium point becomes a stable global attractor. Hence, we demonstrate that the fractional approach improves cooperation while reducing the sanctioning cost.
Does Multidisciplinary Team Simulation-Based Training Improve Obstetric Emergencies Skills?
Authors: Hernández Encarna , Camacho Marcos , Leal-Costa César , Ruzafa-Martínez María , Ramos-Morcillo Antonio Jesús , Cazorla Eduardo , Díaz-Agea José Luis
Published: February 2021

Clinical simulation in obstetrics has turned out to be a tool that can reduce the rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact and evaluate the effects of training with high-fidelity simulation of obstetric emergencies on a multidisciplinary group. The quasi-experimental research study was structured in three phases: a first phase where the most important obstetric emergencies were determined, a second phase of design and development of the selected cases for simulation training, and a third and final phase where the abilities and satisfaction of the multidisciplinary team were analyzed. Three scenarios and their respective evaluation tools of obstetric emergencies were selected for simulation training: postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and breech delivery. The health professionals significantly improved their skills after training, and were highly satisfied with the simulation experience (p < 0.05). An inter-observer agreement between good and excellent reliability was obtained. Regarding conclusions, we can state that high-fidelity obstetric emergency simulation training improved the competencies of the health professionals.
Pain Assessment: Benefits of Using Pain Scales for Surgical Patients in South Bohemian Hospitals
Authors: Olisarova Vera , Tothova Valerie , Cerveny Martin , Dvorakova Vendula , Sadilek Petr
Published: February 2021

Pain is a medical and nursing problem that is common in surgical departments. Inadequate pain management can lead to patient distress, as well as extending the period in which the patient’s quality of life is reduced. The standardized SF-MPQ-2 questionnaire provides nurses with the opportunity to assess pain within a broader context. The aim of this descriptive and exploratory study was to describe the state of pain assessment in surgical patients in the South Bohemian Region and to highlight the benefits of using a standardized tool for proper pain assessment. The research was carried out using a quantitative survey within the South Bohemian Region (Czech Republic). The participants in the study were nurses working in surgical departments in hospitals in the region as well as hospitalized patients. The results show that nurses pay slightly more attention to pain assessments than doctors. We know that, generally, pain decreases with time after surgery. Nonetheless, returning pain, as well as continuous pain, can occur, both of which have an emotional component. The results of this study are directed at nurses and include a call for more effective pain management through improved assessment.
Effect of Short-Term Metro-Rhythmic Stimulations on Gait Variability
Authors: Nowakowska-Lipiec Katarzyna , Michnik Robert , Niedzwiedź Sandra , Mańka Anna , Twardawa Patrycja , Turner Bruce , Romaniszyn-Kania Patrycja , Danecka Aneta , Mitas Andrzej W.
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to define the effect of different short-term metro-rhythmic stimulations on the time and spatial parameters of gait. The secondary goal was to test whether prior instructions on how to respond to stimulations played a significant role in the stimulation by sound stimuli. Experimental tests of gait were conducted on a group of 36 healthy participants: group 1—subjects who were not informed how to react after hearing sound stimuli, group 2—subjects who received a clear instruction before the test to adjust the frequency of taking steps to the rhythm of the music. The gait research was carried out on a Zebris FDM-S (zebris Medical Gmbh, Isny, Germany) treadmill for various sound stimuli (arrhythmic stimulus, rhythmic stimuli at different rate). It was shown that a short-term influence of metro-rhythmic stimulations changes the time and spatial parameters of gait, i.e., gait frequency, length and duration of the gait cycle. The greatest impact on the modification of the time–space parameters of walking is exerted by rhythmic stimuli at a pace different from the frequency of gait at a preferred velocity. Providing information on how to respond to sounds heard may be important in gait therapy with RAS (rhythmic auditory stimulation).
Why Counseling Intervention Fails to Improve Compliance towards Antiretroviral Therapy: Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study among People Living with HIV in Bali Province, Indonesia
Authors: Sawitri Anak Agung Sagung , Sutarsa I Nyoman , Merati Ketut Tuti Parwati , Bakta I Made , Wirawan Dewa Nyoman
Published: February 2021

This study explores the contribution of counseling to improving acceptance of and adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and identifies key issues associated with its implementation. We conducted a longitudinal mixed-methods study in Bali Province between 2015 and 2017. The study participants were 170 newly diagnosed PLHIV and 17 outreach-counselor workers (OWs). We interviewed PLHIV for their experiences in receiving counseling, and acceptance of and adherence to ART. We surveyed four counseling domains (privacy, contents, frequency, and duration) and explored the key findings through in-depth interviews. In addition, 24 exit interviews and record reviews were performed. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Out of 170 PLHIV who received the counseling program, 139 (81.76%) accepted ART, and 52 (37.4%) discontinued ART in six months of follow up. Although counselors covered most of the content (16/17 components), the median time and frequency of counseling were insufficient. Despite a high score of HIV counseling provided to PLHIV in our study location, the overall acceptance of and adherence to ART remains fair or moderate. Our study suggests that counseling before ART initiation is inadequate for improving acceptance and adherence to ART in Bali Province. This reduced effectiveness is influenced by internal issues (interpersonal skills, limited technical capacity) and external factors both from PLHIV and society (stigma, disclosure, discrimination).
Potential Ecological and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Soils in Selected Copper Mining Areas—A Case Study: The Bor Area
Authors: Filimon Marioara Nicoleta , Caraba Ion Valeriu , Popescu Roxana , Dumitrescu Gabi , Verdes Doina , Petculescu Ciochina Liliana , Sinitean Adrian
Published: February 2021

Surface soil samples were collected near the Open Pit Bor (S1) and Open Pit Cerovo (S2), a grassland along the Borska Reka River (S3) and an unpolluted garden near Slatina village (reference site). Spontaneous plants (dandelion, nettle, coltsfoot, and creeping buttercup) and vegetables (onion, garlic, carrot, parsley, celery, potatoes, dill, and sorrel) were obtained from the former three sites and the reference site, respectively. The samples were analyzed for Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb via FAAS. Pollution indices indicated low-to-moderate soil contamination at sites S1, S2, and S3. Cu was the main contaminant of environmental concern, being above the maximum admitted concentration at site S1. Metal levels in spontaneous plants were below phytotoxic levels. Cu content of leafy vegetables and celery roots and Pb content of most vegetables were not safe for human consumption. Metal concentrations tended to be significantly lower in plants than in soils, with only Cu occurring at significantly elevated levels in celery roots and sorrel leaves. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that consumption of carrot roots and especially celery roots grown on unpolluted soils from the Bor area might pose long-term health risks for females and males, with the main contributors being Cu and Fe.
Factors Influencing SDL Readiness and Self-Esteem in a Clinical Adult Nursing Practicum after Flipped Learning Education: Comparison of the Contact and Untact Models
Authors: Cho Mi-Kyoung , Kim Mi Young
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a flipped learning contact model and a flipped learning “untact” model with Korean nursing students undergoing a clinical practicum, and to examine the factors of self-directed learning readiness and self-esteem considering these learning models. The participants included 85 students. Participants were randomly allocated to two models. This study measured self-directed learning readiness, self-esteem, learner motivation, professor–student and clinical instructor–student interactions, confidence in performing core skills, participating in online activities, clinical practice stress, and the friendliness of the two models. Participants’ characteristics were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, and between-group differences regarding characteristics were analyzed using the χ2 test, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA with a Scheffe test. This study conducted independent t-tests for comparison of the between-group adjusted mean difference of the pretest and posttest scores. The influence of the dependent variables on self-directed learning readiness and self-esteem was measured using a stepwise multiple regression method. Among the two models in the practicum, the flipped-mastery contact model (FMCM) showed higher self-directed learning (SDL) readiness and professor–student interaction than those of the flipped-mastery untact model (FMUM) after the clinical practicum was completed. The three influencing factors of SDL readiness were FMCM, learner motivation, and ward friendliness, with an explanatory power of 31.6% (F = 13.96, p < 0.001). Learner motivation, professor–student interaction, and ward friendliness influenced self-esteem, with an explanatory power of 54.7% (F = 34.86, p < 0.001).
Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results
Authors: Uhl Maria , Santos Ricardo R. , Costa Joana , Santos Osvaldo , Virgolino Ana , Evans David S. , Murray Cora , Mulcahy Maurice , Ubong Dorothy , Sepai Ovnair , Lobo Vicente Joana , Leitner Michaela , Benda-Kahri Silvia , Zanini-Freitag Daniela
Published: February 2021

Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens’ perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens’ clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens’ in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens’, experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.
Lower Extremity Muscle Activation in Alternative Footwear during Stance Phase of Slip Events
Authors: Chander Harish , Garner John C. , Wade Chip , Knight Adam C.
Published: February 2021

Muscle activity from the slipping leg have been previously used to analyze slip induced falls. However, the impact of casual alternative footwear on slipping leg muscle activity when exposed to slippery environments is still unknown. The purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of alternative footwear (crocs (CC) and flip-flops (FF)) compared to slip-resistant footwear (LT) on lower extremity muscle activity when exposed to dry gait (NG), unexpected (US), alert (AS), and expected slips (ES). Eighteen healthy males (age: 22.3 ± 2.2 years; height: 177.7 ± 6.9 cm; weight: 79.3 ± 7.6 kg) completed the study in a repeated measures design in three footwear sessions separated by 48 h. Electromyography (EMG) muscle activity from four muscles of the lead/slipping leg was measured during the stance phase of the gait-slip trials. A 3 (footwear) × 4 (gait-slip trials) repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze EMG dependent variables mean, peak, and percent of maximal voluntary contraction. Greater lower extremity muscle activation during the stance phase was seen in US and AS conditions compared to NG and ES. In addition, footwear differences were seen for the alternative footwear (CC and FF) during US and AS, while the low top slip resistant shoe had no differences across all gait trials, suggesting it as the most efficient footwear of choice, especially when maneuvering slippery flooring conditions, either with or without the knowledge of an impending slip.
Alcohol, Other Drugs Use and Mental Health among African Migrant Youths in South Australia
Authors: Mwanri Lillian , Mude William
Published: February 2021

This paper was part of a large study that explored suicide among African youths in South Australia. The paper reports perspectives about alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use and mental health among African migrant and refugee youths in South Australia. The study employed a qualitative inquiry, conducting 23 individual interviews and one focus group discussion with eight participants. An acculturative stress model informed data analysis, interpretation and the discussion of the findings that form the current paper. African migrant and refugee youths revealed challenging stressors, including related to cultural, socioeconomic, living conditions, and pre- and post-migration factors that contributed to mental health problems and the use of AOD in their new country. The traumatic loss of family members and social disruption experienced in their countries of origin were expressed as part of factors leading to migration to Australia. While in Australia, African migrant and refugee youths experienced substantial stressors related to inadequate socioeconomic and cultural support, discrimination, poverty, and unemployment. Participants believed that differences in cultural perspectives about AOD use that existed in Africa and Australia also shaped the experiences of social stressors. Additionally, participants believed that these cultural differences and the identified stressors determined AOD use and mental health problems. The findings highlight the need to understand these social and cultural contexts to improve mental health services and help reduce the use of AOD, which, when problematic, can influence the health and integration experiences of these populations.
Early Child Development Assessments and Their Associations with Long-Term Academic and Economic Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Isquith-Dicker Leah N. , Kwist Andrew , Black Danae , Hawes Stephen E. , Slyker Jennifer , Bergquist Sharon , Martin-Herz Susanne P.
Published: February 2021

Developmental screening instruments were designed as diagnostic tools, but there is growing interest in understanding whether select tools can also be used systematically in research to examine intervention impacts on long-term outcomes. As such, this systematic review aims to examine associations between child development assessment tools and educational attainment, academic achievement, or wealth. We included studies identified in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Educational Resources Information Center if they reported an association between at least one tool from a pre-established list and one outcome of interest after age 10. Of 597 studies identified, 11 met inclusion criteria; three examined educational attainment as the outcome of interest, six examined academic achievement, one wealth, and one both educational attainment and wealth. Intelligence tests were utilized in five of the included studies, neuropsychological/executive function or behavior tools were used in five, and one study used tools across the domains. High-quality studies were identified across all three of the domains, but educational attainment and wealth had the greatest proportion of high-quality studies, as compared to academic achievement. Our review demonstrates the potential for certain child development assessment tools to adequately assess long-term outcomes of interest, but additional prospective studies using validated, culturally appropriate tools are needed. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018092292.
AFFIRM Online: Utilising an Affirmative Cognitive–Behavioural Digital Intervention to Improve Mental Health, Access, and Engagement among LGBTQA+ Youth and Young Adults
Authors: Craig Shelley L. , Leung Vivian W. Y. , Pascoe Rachael , Pang Nelson , Iacono Gio , Austin Ashley , Dillon Frank
Published: February 2021

Digital mental health interventions may enable access to care for LGBTQA+ youth and young adults that face significant threats to their wellbeing. This study describes the preliminary efficacy of AFFIRM Online, an eight-session manualised affirmative cognitive behavioural group intervention delivered synchronously. Participants (Mage = 21.17; SD = 4.52) had a range of sexual (e.g., queer, lesbian, pansexual) and gender (e.g., non-binary, transgender, cisgender woman) identities. Compared to a waitlist control (n = 50), AFFIRM Online participants (n = 46) experienced significantly reduced depression (b = −5.30, p = 0.005, d = 0.60) and improved appraisal of stress as a challenge (b = 0.51, p = 0.005, d = 0.60) and having the resources to meet those challenges (b = 0.27, p = 0.059, d = 0.39) as well active coping (b = 0.36, p = 0.012, d = 0.54), emotional support (b = 0.38, p = 0.017, d = 0.51), instrumental support (b = 0.58, p < 0.001, d = 0.77), positive framing (b = 0.34, p = 0.046, d = 0.42), and planning (b = 0.41, p = 0.024, d = 0.49). Participants reported high acceptability. This study highlights the potential of digital interventions to impact LGBTQA+ youth mental health and explores the feasibility of digital mental health to support access and engagement of youth with a range of identities and needs (e.g., pandemic, lack of transportation, rural locations). Findings have implications for the design and delivery of digital interventions for marginalised youth and young adults.
Trends of Testicular Cancer Mortality-to-Incidence Ratios in Relation to Health Expenditure: An Ecological Study of 54 Countries
Authors: Wang Shao-Chuan , Chang Nai-Wen , Chen Wen-Jung , Yang Min-Hsin , Chen Sung-Lang , Sung Wen-Wei
Published: February 2021

Favorable testicular cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs) are associated with health care disparities, including health care expenditures, but the trends of testicular MIR and health care disparity remain unclear. We evaluated changes in MIR as the difference between 2012 and 2018, termed delta MIR (δMIR). Health care expenditures and the human development index (HDI) were obtained from the World Health Organization and the Human Development Report Office of the United Nations Development Programme. The association between the variables was analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. A total of 54 countries were included in the criteria of data quality reports and missing data. By continent, the most favorable MIR was in Oceania (0.03) while it was 0.36 in Africa. In these areas, the incidence rates were positively correlated to health care expenditure, but the mortality rates showed a reversed correlation. The MIR ranged from 0.01 to 0.34 and the δMIR ranged from −0.05 to 0.34. The favorable MIRs are correlated to high health care expenditure and HDI (all p < 0.001). Interestingly, favorable δMIRs tend to be seen in countries with relatively low health care expenditure and HDI (all p < 0.001). In conclusion, favorable testicular cancer MIRs are associated with high HDI and health care expenditure, but the improvement in MIR between 2012 and 2018 (δMIR) is negatively correlated with HDI and health care expenditure.
Performance Evaluation of Dorsal Vein Network of Hand Imaging Using Relative Total Variation-Based Regularization for Smoothing Technique in a Miniaturized Vein Imaging System: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Kyuseok , Jeong Hyun-Woo , Lee Youngjin
Published: February 2021

Vein puncture is commonly used for blood sampling, and accurately locating the blood vessel is an important challenge in the field of diagnostic tests. Imaging systems based on near-infrared (NIR) light are widely used for accurate human vein puncture. In particular, segmentation of a region of interest using the obtained NIR image is an important field, and research for improving the image quality by removing noise and enhancing the image contrast is being widely conducted. In this paper, we propose an effective model in which the relative total variation (RTV) regularization algorithm and contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) are combined, whereby some major edge information can be better preserved. In our previous study, we developed a miniaturized NIR imaging system using light with a wavelength of 720–1100 nm. We evaluated the usefulness of the proposed algorithm by applying it to images acquired by the developed NIR imaging system. Compared with the conventional algorithm, when the proposed method was applied to the NIR image, the visual evaluation performance and quantitative evaluation performance were enhanced. In particular, when the proposed algorithm was applied, the coefficient of variation was improved by a factor of 15.77 compared with the basic image. The main advantages of our algorithm are the high noise reduction efficiency, which is beneficial for reducing the amount of undesirable information, and better contrast. In conclusion, the applicability and usefulness of the algorithm combining the RTV approach and CLAHE for NIR images were demonstrated, and the proposed model can achieve a high image quality.
Mediating Effects of Risk Perception on Association between Social Support and Coping with COVID-19: An Online Survey
Authors: Li Dian-Jeng , Ko Nai-Ying , Chang Yu-Ping , Yen Cheng-Fang , Chen Yi-Lung
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease which has had a great impact on the public. Further investigations are, therefore, needed to investigate how the public copes with COVID-19. This study aimed to develop a model to estimate the mediating effects of risk perception and confidence on the association between perceived social support and active coping with the COVID-19 pandemic among people in Taiwan. The data of 1970 participants recruited from a Facebook advertisement were analyzed. Perceived social support, active coping with COVID-19, risk perception and confidence were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the direct and indirect effects between variables. The mediation model demonstrated that lower perceived social support was significantly associated with a higher level of active coping with COVID-19, and this was mediated by a higher level of risk perception. The present study identified the importance of risk perception on the public’s coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Well-Being and the Lifestyle Habits of the Spanish Population: The Association between Subjective Well-Being and Eating Habits
Authors: Cabiedes-Miragaya Laura , Diaz-Mendez Cecilia , García-Espejo Isabel
Published: February 2021

The so-called Mediterranean diet is not simply a collection of foodstuffs but an expression of the culture of the countries of the south of Europe, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Despite the link between food and culture, little has been studied about how diet contributes to the well-being of the population. This article aims to analyze the association between subjective well-being and the eating habits of the Spanish population in order to gain a better understanding of the subjective well-being that food culture produces. For this study, we used a representative sample of the Spanish adult population from a survey by the Sociological Research Center (CIS 2017). Three indicators of subjective well-being were used: perceived health, life satisfaction, and feeling of happiness. The independent variables relating to eating habits considered in the analysis were, among others, how often meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and sweets were consumed; how the food was prepared; how often meals were eaten out at restaurants or cafés and how often they were eaten with family or friends. Other independent variables related to lifestyle habits were also included in the analysis, in particular, physical exercise and body mass index. We used ordinal logistic regressions and multiple linear regression models. Our findings coincide in large measure with those obtained in earlier studies where perceived health and income play a key role in evaluating subjective well-being. In turn, several variables related to lifestyle habits, such as consuming sweets and fruits, social interaction around meals, exercising, and body mass index, were also associated with subjective well-being.
Contribution of Drugs Interfering with Protein and Cell Wall Synthesis to the Persistence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: An In Vitro Model
Authors: Mangiaterra Gianmarco , Carotti Elisa , Vaiasicca Salvatore , Cedraro Nicholas , Citterio Barbara , La Teana Anna , Biavasco Francesca
Published: February 2021

The occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) persisters, including viable but non-culturable (VBNC) forms, subpopulations of tolerant cells that can survive high antibiotic doses, is the main reason for PA lung infections failed eradication and recurrence in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, subjected to life-long, cyclic antibiotic treatments. In this paper, we investigated the role of subinhibitory concentrations of different anti-pseudomonas antibiotics in the maintenance of persistent (including VBNC) PA cells in in vitro biofilms. Persisters were firstly selected by exposure to high doses of antibiotics and their abundance over time evaluated, using a combination of cultural, qPCR and flow cytometry assays. Two engineered GFP-producing PA strains were used. The obtained results demonstrated a major involvement of tobramycin and bacterial cell wall-targeting antibiotics in the resilience to starvation of VBNC forms, while the presence of ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime/avibactam lead to their complete loss. Moreover, a positive correlation between tobramycin exposure, biofilm production and c-di-GMP levels was observed. The presented data could allow a deeper understanding of bacterial population dynamics during the treatment of recurrent PA infections and provide a reliable evaluation of the real efficacy of the antibiotic treatments against the bacterial population within the CF lung.
Cells Lacking PA200 Adapt to Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Enhancing Glycolysis via Distinct Opa1 Processing
Authors: Douida Abdennour , Batista Frank , Boto Pal , Regdon Zsolt , Robaszkiewicz Agnieszka , Tar Krisztina
Published: February 2021

The conserved Blm10/PA200 proteins are proteasome activators. Previously, we identified PA200-enriched regions in the genome of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-seq analysis. We also found that selective mitochondrial inhibitors induced PA200 redistribution in the genome. Collectively, our data indicated that PA200 regulates cellular homeostasis at the transcriptional level. In the present study, our aim is to investigate the impact of stable PA200 depletion (shPA200) on the overall transcriptome of SH-SY5Y cells. RNA-seq data analysis reveals that the genetic ablation of PA200 leads to overall changes in the transcriptional landscape of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. PA200 activates and represses genes regulating metabolic processes, such as the glycolysis and mitochondrial function. Using metabolic assays in live cells, we showed that stable knockdown of PA200 does not change basal respiration. Spare respiratory capacity and proton leak however are slightly, yet significantly, reduced in PA200-deficient cells by 99.834% and 84.147%, respectively, compared to control. Glycolysis and glycolytic capacity show a 42.186% and 26.104% increase in shPA200 cells, respectively, compared to control. These data suggest a shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis especially when cells are exposed to oligomycin-induced stress. Furthermore, we observed a preserved long and compact tubular mitochondrial morphology after inhibition of ATP synthase by oligomycin, which might be associated with the glycolytic change of shPA200 cells. The present study also demonstrates that the proteolytic cleavage of Opa1 is affected, and that the level of OMA1 is significantly reduced in shPA200 cells upon oligomycin-induced mitochondrial insult. Together, these findings suggest a role for PA200 in the regulation of metabolic changes in response to selective inhibition of ATP synthase in an in vitro cellular model.
Microglia and Neuroinflammation: What Place for P2RY12?
Authors: Gómez Morillas Albert , Besson Valérie C. , Lerouet Dominique
Published: February 2021

Microglia are immune brain cells involved in neuroinflammation. They express a lot of proteins on their surface such as receptors that can be activated by mediators released in the microglial environment. Among these receptors, purinergic receptor expression could be modified depending on the activation status of microglia. In this review, we focus on P2Y receptors and more specifically on P2RY12 that is involved in microglial motility and migration, the first step of neuroinflammation process. We describe the purinergic receptor families, P2RY12 structure, expression and physiological functions. The pharmacological and genetic tools for studying this receptor are detailed thereafter. Last but not least, we report the contribution of microglial P2RY12 to neuroinflammation in acute and chronic brain pathologies in order to better understand P2RY12 microglial role.
Inflammatory Depression—Mechanisms and Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Authors: Suneson Klara , Lindahl Jesper , Chamli Hårsmar Simon , Söderberg Gustav , Lindqvist Daniel
Published: February 2021

Treatment of depression is hampered by the failure to identify distinct symptom profiles with distinct pathophysiologies that differentially respond to distinct treatments. We posit that inflammatory depression is a meaningful depression subtype associated with specific symptoms and biological abnormalities. We review several upstream, potentially causative, mechanisms driving low-grade inflammation in this subtype of depression. We also discuss downstream mechanisms mediating the link between inflammation and symptoms of depression, including alterations in dopaminergic neurotransmission and tryptophan metabolism. Finally, we review evidence for several non-pharmacological interventions for inflammatory depression, including probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and physical exercise interventions. While some evidence suggests that these interventions may be efficacious in inflammatory depression, future clinical trials should consider enriching patient populations for inflammatory markers, or stratify patients by inflammatory status, to confirm or refute this hypothesis.
Minocycline Impact on Redox Homeostasis of Normal Human Melanocytes HEMn-LP Exposed to UVA Radiation and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Rok Jakub , Rzepka Zuzanna , Maszczyk Mateusz , Beberok Artur , Wrześniok Dorota
Published: February 2021

Minocycline is a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic. In addition to its antibacterial activity, minocycline shows many non-antibiotic, beneficial effects, including antioxidative action. The property is responsible, e.g., for anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects of the drug. However, long-term pharmacotherapy with minocycline may lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin. The reasons for the pigmentation disorders include the deposition of the drug and its metabolites in melanin-containing cells and the stimulation of melanogenesis. The adverse drug reaction raises a question about the influence of the drug on melanocyte homeostasis. The study aimed to assess the effect of minocycline on redox balance in human normal melanocytes HEMn-LP exposed to hydrogen peroxide and UVA radiation. The obtained results indicate that minocycline induced oxidative stress in epidermal human melanocytes. The drug inhibited cell proliferation, decreased the level of reduced thiols, and stimulated the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The described changes were accompanied by an increase in the intracellular level of ROS. On the other hand, pretreatment with minocycline at the same concentrations increased cell viability and significantly attenuated the oxidative stress in melanocytes exposed to hydrogen peroxide and UVA radiation. Moreover, the molecular docking analysis revealed that the different influence of minocycline and other tetracyclines on CAT activity can be related to the location of the binding site.
Biochemical and Computational Studies of the Interaction between a Glucosamine Derivative, NAPA, and the IKKα Kinase
Authors: Lopreiato Mariangela , Di Cristofano Samuele , Cocchiola Rossana , Mariano Alessia , Guerrizio Libera , Scandurra Roberto , Mosca Luciana , Raimondo Domenico , Scotto d’Abusco Anna
Published: February 2021

The glucosamine derivative 2-(N-Acetyl)-L-phenylalanylamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucose (NAPA), was shown to inhibit the kinase activity of IKKα, one of the two catalytic subunits of IKK complex, decreasing the inflammatory status in osteoarthritis chondrocytes. In the present work we have investigated the inhibition mechanism of IKKα by NAPA by combining computational simulations, in vitro assays and Mass Spectrometry (MS) technique. The kinase in vitro assay was conducted using a recombinant IKKα and IKKtide, a 20 amino acid peptide substrate derived from IkBα kinase protein and containing the serine residues Ser32 and Ser36. Phosphorylated peptide production was measured by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS), and the atomic interaction between IKKα and NAPA has been studied by molecular docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD) approaches. Here we report that NAPA was able to inhibit the IKKα kinase activity with an IC50 of 0.5 mM, to decrease the Km value from 0.337 mM to 0.402 mM and the Vmax from 0.0257 mM·min−1 to 0.0076 mM·min−1. The computational analyses indicate the region between the KD, ULD and SDD domains of IKKα as the optimal binding site explored by NAPA. Biochemical data indicate that there is a non-significant difference between Km and Ki whereas there is a statistically significant difference between the two Vmax values. This evidence, combined with computational results, consistently indicates that the inhibition is non-competitive, and that the NAPA binding site is different than that of ATP or IKKtide.