bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Biomarkers of the Mitochondrial Quality Control Are Differently Affected by Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Stress in Marine Bivalves Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus edulis
Authors: Steffen Jennifer B. M. , Falfushynska Halina I. , Piontkivska Helen , Sokolova Inna M.
Published: December 2020

Coastal environments commonly experience strong oxygen fluctuations. Resulting hypoxia/reoxygenation stress can negatively affect mitochondrial functions, since oxygen deficiency impairs ATP generation, whereas a surge of oxygen causes mitochondrial damage by oxidative stress. Marine intertidal bivalves are adapted to fluctuating oxygen conditions, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms that sustain mitochondrial integrity and function during oxygen fluctuations are not yet well understood. We used targeted mRNA expression analysis to determine the potential involvement of the mitochondrial quality control mechanisms in responses to short-term hypoxia (24 h at <0.01% O2) and subsequent reoxygenation (1.5 h at 21% O2) in two hypoxia-tolerant marine bivalves, the Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas and the blue mussels Mytilus edulis. We hypothesized that the genes involved in the mitochondrial quality control will be upregulated during hypoxia, and the less hypoxia-tolerant of the two studied species (M. edulis) will show a stronger dependence on transcriptional upregulation of these pathways than C. gigas. To test these hypotheses, mRNA expression of 17 (C. gigas) and 11 (M. edulis) marker genes involved in mitochondrial fusion, fission, proteolysis and mitophagy was analyzed in the digestive gland of M. edulis and C. gigas in normoxia and during hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) stress. In the mussels, the mRNA expression of the transcripts related to mitochondrial dynamics and quality control was strongly altered during H/R stress showing a shift toward fission, suppression of fusion, an increase in mitochondrial proteolysis and onset of mitophagy. These changes indicate that H/R stress induces mitochondrial injury in M. edulis requiring upregulation of the protective mechanisms to segregate the dysfunctional mitochondria by fission and degrade the oxidative damaged proteins and/or organelles. Unlike mussels, the transcript levels of all studied genes in the oysters remained at the baseline (normoxic) levels during H/R stress. This muted transcriptional response of C. gigas is in agreement with earlier findings showing better ability to maintain cellular homeostasis and higher resistance to apoptosis during H/R stress in the oysters compared with the mussels. The revealed species-specific differences in the expression of the mitochondrial quality control pathways shed light on the potentially important mechanisms of mitochondrial protection against H/R-induced damage that might contribute to hypoxia tolerance in marine bivalves.
Copper-64 Chloride Exhibits Therapeutic Potential in Three-Dimensional Cellular Models of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pinto Catarina I. G. , Bucar Sara , Alves Vítor , Fonseca Alexandra , Abrunhosa Antero J. , da Silva Cláudia L. , Guerreiro Joana F. , Mendes Filipa
Published: December 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer type in men, and in advanced metastatic stages is considerable incurable. This justifies the need for efficient early diagnostic methods and novel therapies, particularly radiopharmaceuticals with the potential for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy (theranostics). We have previously demonstrated, using monolayer-cultured cells, that copper-64 chloride, a promising theranostic agent for PCa, has the potential to induce significant damage in cancer cells while having minimal side effects in healthy tissues. Here, we further explored this compound for its theranostic applications using more advanced PCa cellular models, specifically multicellular spheroids. Namely, we evaluated the cellular uptake of 64CuCl2 in three human PCa spheroids (derived from 22RV1, DU145, and LNCaP cells), and characterized the growth profile and viability of those spheroids as well as the clonogenic capacity of spheroid-derived cells after exposure to 64CuCl2. Furthermore, the populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs), known to be important for cancer resistance and recurrence, present in the spheroid models were also evaluated using two different markers (CD44 and CD117). 64CuCl2 was found to have significant detrimental effects in spheroids and spheroid-derived cells, being able to reduce their growth and impair the viability and reproductive ability of spheroids from both castration-resistant (22RV1 and DU145) and hormone-naïve PCa (LNCaP). Interestingly, resistance to 64CuCl2 treatment seemed to be related with the presence of a CSC population, since the most resistant spheroids, derived from the DU145 cell line, had the highest initial percentage of CSCs among the three cell lines under study. Altogether, these results clearly highlight the theranostic potential of 64CuCl2.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Non-pharmacological Intervention for Cancer-Related Dyspnea
Authors: Yates Patsy , Hardy Janet , Clavarino Alexandra , Fong Kwun M. , Mitchell Geoffrey , Skerman Helen , Brunelli Vanessa , Zhao Isabella
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a brief tailored non-pharmacological intervention comprising breathing retraining and psychosocial support for managing dyspnea in cancer patients.

Design: Multicenter, single blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Four major public hospitals, Brisbane, Australia.

Participants: One hundred and forty four cancer patients, including 81 who received an 8-week tailored intervention and 63 who received standard care.

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of small or non-small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma or lung metastases; completed first line therapy for the disease; average dyspnea rating >2 on (0–10) rating scale in past week; anticipated life expectancy ≥3 months.

Outcomes: The primary outcome measure was change in “worst” dyspnea at 8 weeks compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were change in: dyspnea “at best” and “on average”; distress; perceived control over dyspnea; functional status, psychological distress; and use of non-pharmacological interventions to manage dyspnea at 8 weeks relative to baseline.

Results: The mean age of participants was 67.9 (SD = 9.6) years. Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant: (i) improvement in average dyspnea from T1(M = 4.5, SE = 0.22) to T3 (M = 3.6, SE = 0.24) vs. (M = 3.8, SE = 0.24) to (M = 4.1, SE = 0.26); (ii) greater control over dyspnea from T1 (M = 5.7, SE = 0.28) to T3 (M = 7.5, SE = 0.31) vs. (M = 6.8, SE = 0.32) to (M = 6.6, SE = 0.33); and (iii) greater reduction in anxiety from T1 (M = 5.4, SE = 0.43) to T3 (M = 4.5, SE = 0.45) vs. (M = 4.2, SE = 0.49) to (M = 4.6, SE = 0.50). This study found no intervention effect for best and worst dyspnea, distress from breathlessness, functional status, and depression over time.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates efficacy of tailored non-pharmacological interventions in improving dyspnea on average, control over dyspnea, and anxiety for cancer patients.

Clinical Trial Registration: The trial is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.anzctr.org.au). The registration number is ACTRN12607000087459.
Shaking Table Test on Dynamic Response of Bedding Rock Slopes With Weak Structural Plane Under Earthquake
Authors: Yang Changwei , Zhang Liang , Liu Yang , Tian Denghang , Guo Xueyan , Liu Yang
Published: December 2020

Taking a bedding rock slope with weak structural plane as the prototype, a shaking table test with a similarity ratio of 1:10 is designed and carried out. By analyzing the acceleration and displacement responses at different positions of the slope, the seismic response and instability mechanism of rock bedding slope under different seismic amplitudes, frequencies, and durations are studied. Before the failure of the slope, the rock bedding slope shows an obvious “elevation effect” and “surface effect” under the action of Wenchuan Wolong earthquake wave with different amplitudes. With the increase of the amplitude of the input seismic wave, the elevation effect and the surface effect gradually weaken. When the amplitude of the seismic wave reaches 0.9 g, the rock bedding slope begins to show damage, which demonstrates that the difference of PGA amplification coefficients on both sides of the weak structural plane increases significantly. Compared with the Kobe seismic wave and Wenchuan Wolong seismic wave, the excellent frequency of EL Centro seismic wave is closer to the first-order natural frequency of slope model and produces resonance phenomenon, which leads to the elevation effect of PGA amplification coefficient more significantly. Through the analysis of the instability process of rock bedding slope, it can be found that the failure mechanism of the slope can be divided into two stages: the formation of sliding shear plane and the overall instability of the slope.
Boolean Feedforward Neural Network Modeling of Molecular Regulatory Networks for Cellular State Conversion
Authors: Choo Sang-Mok , Almomani Laith M. , Cho Kwang-Hyun
Published: December 2020

The molecular regulatory network (MRN) within a cell determines cellular states and transitions between them. Thus, modeling of MRNs is crucial, but this usually requires extensive analysis of time-series measurements, which is extremely difficult to obtain from biological experiments. However, single-cell measurement data such as single-cell RNA-sequencing databases have recently provided a new insight into resolving this problem by ordering thousands of cells in pseudo-time according to their differential gene expressions. Neural network modeling can be employed by using temporal data as learning data. In contrast, Boolean network modeling of MRNs has a growing interest, as it is a parameter-free logical modeling and thereby robust to noisy data while still capturing essential dynamics of biological networks. In this study, we propose a Boolean feedforward neural network (FFN) modeling by combining neural network and Boolean network modeling approach to reconstruct a practical and useful MRN model from large temporal data. Furthermore, analyzing the reconstructed MRN model can enable us to identify control targets for potential cellular state conversion. Here, we show the usefulness of Boolean FFN modeling by demonstrating its applicability through a toy model and biological networks.
Laterality of Ovulation and Presence of the Embryo Do Not Affect Uterine Horn Blood Flow During the First Month of Gestation in Llamas
Authors: Ratto Marcelo H. , Urra Felipe , Silva Mauricio
Published: December 2020

We determined if laterality of ovulation and intrauterine embryo location differentially induces changes in the mesometrial/endometrial vascularization area (MEVA) between uterine horns, during and after embryo migration, elongation and implantation in llamas. Adult, non-pregnant and non-lactating llamas (n = 30) were subjected to daily B-mode ultrasound scanning of their ovaries. Llamas with a growing follicle ≥8 mm in diameter in the left (n = 15) or right (n = 15) ovary were assigned to a single mating with an adult fertile or vasectomized male. Power-doppler ultrasonography was used to determine the MEVA in a cross section of the middle segment of both uterine horns. MEVA was determined by off-line measurements using the ImageJ software. MEVA measurements were performed before mating (day 0) and on days 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 after mating in pregnant [llamas with left- (n = 6) or right-sided (n = 6) ovulations] and non-pregnant [llamas with left- (n = 6) or right-sided (n = 6) ovulations] females. Ovulation was confirmed by the disappearance of a follicle (≥8 mm) detected previously. Pregnancy was confirmed by the presence of the embryo proper. MEVA was analyzed by one-way ANOVA for repeated measures using the MIXED Procedure in SAS. If significant (P ≤ 0.05) main effects or interactions were detected, Tukey's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons was used. Ovulation rate did not differ (P = 0.4) between females mated to an intact or vasectomized male and between right- or left-sided ovulations. Three females mated to the intact and 3 to the vasectomized male did not ovulate and were excluded of the study. First observation of fluid inside the gestational sac and of embryo proper, were made exclusively in the left uterine horn, on day 15.8 ± 3.8 and 22 ± 2.7, and 16.7± 2.6 and 27.5 ± 2.8 for pregnant llamas ovulating in the right and left ovary, respectively. Although the MEVA of both uterine horns was affected by time (P < 0.05), it was not affected by physiological status (pregnant vs. non-pregnant; P = 0.9) or laterality of ovulation (P = 0.4). Contrary to expectations, regardless of the laterality of ovulation, in pregnant llamas the left horn did not display a greater MEVA before or after embryo arrival, a trend that was observed during the first 30 days of gestation.
Critical Role of the Maternal Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ravaccia Davide , Ghafourian Taravat
Published: December 2020

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impairments in communication, social interaction, and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviours. Over the past decade, most of the research in ASD has focused on the contribution of genetics, with the identification of a variety of different genes and mutations. However, the vast heterogeneity in clinical presentations associated with this disorder suggests that environmental factors may be involved, acting as a “second hit” in already genetically susceptible individuals. To this regard, emerging evidence points towards a role for maternal immune system dysfunctions. This literature review considered evidence from epidemiological studies and aimed to discuss the pathological relevance of the maternal immune system in ASD by looking at the proposed mechanisms by which it alters the prenatal environment. In particular, this review focuses on the effects of maternal immune activation (MIA) by looking at foetal brain-reactive antibodies, cytokines and the microbiome. Despite the arguments presented here that strongly implicate MIA in the pathophysiology of ASD, further research is needed to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which they alter brain structure and behaviour. Overall, this review has not only shown the importance of the maternal immune system as a risk factor for ASD, but more importantly, has highlighted new promising pathways to target for the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of such a life-changing disorder.
Cytokines and Transgenic Matrix in Autoimmune Diseases: Similarities and Differences
Authors: Szewczak Ludmiła , Donskow-Łysoniewska Katarzyna
Published: December 2020

Autoimmune diseases are increasingly recognized as disease entities in which dysregulated cytokines contribute to tissue-specific inflammation. In organ-specific and multiorgan autoimmune diseases, the cytokine profiles show some similarities. Despite these similarities, the cytokines have different roles in the pathogenesis of different diseases. Altered levels or action of cytokines can result from changes in cell signaling. This article describes alterations in the JAK-STAT, TGF-β and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. There is a special focus on T cells in preclinical models and in patients afflicted with these chronic inflammatory diseases.
A Naphthalimide–Sulfonylhydrazine Conjugate as a Fluorescent Chemodosimeter for Hypochlorite
Authors: Shiraishi Yasuhiro , Nakatani Rikako , Takagi Shunsuke , Yamada Chiharu , Hirai Takayuki
Published: December 2020

Hypochlorite anion (ClO−) is a widely-used disinfectant and a microbicidal agent in the immune system. Accurate detection of ClO− in environmental and biological samples by simply prepared chemosensors/chemodosimeters is important. Herein, we report that a naphthalimide–sulfonylhydrazine conjugate with an imine (C=N) linker, prepared via simple condensation, acts as an effective fluorescent chemodosimeter for ClO−. The molecule exhibits a weak emission, but ClO−-selective cleavage of its C=N bond creates a strong green emission. Ab initio calculation showed that the emission enhancement by ClO− originates from the suppression of intramolecular electron transfer from the photoexcited naphthalimide through the C=N linker. This response enables selective and sensitive detection of ClO− at physiological pH range (7–9) and allows fluorometric ClO− imaging in the presence of cells.
Wave Modeling for the Establishment Potential Area of Offshore Aquaculture in Indonesia
Authors: Zikra Muhammad , Armono Haryo Dwito , Pratama Fahrizal
Published: December 2020

Aquaculture is expected to further improve in the future and can provide 57 percent of fish for human consumption by 2025. In Indonesia, the aquaculture sector produced 5.77% of the world total production in 2014 and increases annually by, on average, 0.62%. Prigi Bay, located in the south of east Java, is one potential area to develop sustainable aquaculture in Indonesia. This study presents numerical wave modeling to investigate the potential area for offshore aquaculture in Prigi Bay. The method used Delft3D Flow and CG WAVE model to simulate wave and current. The superimposed analysis is used to select potential areas between the results of the model and the criteria of environmental parameters. The result shows that the location which meets the aquaculture criteria is located at coordinates 8.311° S–8.322° S and 111.734° E–111.747° E. This site has a depth of around 18–26 m with current velocity between 0.10 and 0.14 m/s and significant a wave height between 0.2–0.4 m. This location is the most suitable location for aquaculture in the Prigi Bay.
Probiotic Properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB5 Isolated from Kimchi Based on Nitrate Reducing Capability
Authors: Sohn Hyejin , Chang You Hyun , Yune Jong Hyeok , Jeong Chang Hee , Shin Dong Min , Kwon Hyuk Cheol , Kim Do Hyun , Hong Sung Wook , Hwang Hyelyeon , Jeong Jong Youn , Han Sung Gu
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Korean radish water kimchi (dongchimi). A total of 800 isolates of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from kimchi, and the strain having reduction and tolerance capability for nitrate and nitrite was selected and identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB5 (LPLB5) by 16S rRNA sequencing. LPLB5 showed higher tolerance to acidic pH values (pH 2.5), 0.3% bile salts, and heat treatment (40, 50, and 60 °C). Antibacterial activity showed strong inhibition against four food-borne pathogenic bacteria (E. coli O157:H7 ATCC 35150, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCCM 12539, Listeria monocytogenes KCCM 40307, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923). The strain did not show any antibiotic resistance, β-hemolytic activity, or ability to produce β-glucuronidase. LPLB5 also exhibited a 30% auto-aggregation ability and 33–60% co-aggregation ability with four pathogenic bacteria (E. coli O157: H7 ATCC 35150, E. coli KCTC 2571, L. monocytogenes ATCC 51776, and S. aureus ATCC 25923). Moreover, the strain showed approximately 40% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical- and 10% 2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical-scavenging activity. In cell culture studies, human colon epithelial cells (Caco-2) were treated with LPLB5 (106 and 107 CFU/mL); the bacteria showed more than 70% adherence onto and a 32% invasion rate into the Caco-2 cells. LPLB5 significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and increased the mRNA expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Our data suggest that LPLB5 is safe and possesses probiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Do Health Professionals Sufficiently Address Patients’ Disposition Toward Changing Their Nutritional and Physical Activity Habits? Findings from a Pilot Study among People with Type 2 Diabetes in Northern Italy
Authors: Wieser Heike , Vittadello Fabio , Comploj Evi , Stummer Harald
Published: December 2020

The aim of our study was to evaluate the disposition of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) toward changing their nutritional and physical activity habits and associated factors—particularly their perceptions about interacting and communicating with four health professions. Working with a local patients’ association, we invited 364 individuals with DM2, all at least 18 years old, to complete a paper-based survey with questions addressing their experiences of interacting and communicating with general practitioners, nurses, dieticians and diabetologists and about their readiness to change targeted habits, their health literacy and their clinical status. Of the 109 questionnaires collected, 100 were eligible for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Regarding nutritional habits, the highest percentage of participants were at the maintenance stage (26%), whereas regarding physical activity habits the highest percentage of participants were at the preparation stage (31%). Significant differences between the habits emerged for four of the five stages and for two psychological processes. The precontemplation stage was most associated with communication-related variables, whereas the maintenance stage was associated with higher health literacy for both habits, and waist-to-height ratio was associated with several stages of change and psychological processes for physical activity habits. Considering aggregated stages (i.e., active or passive stage), significant differences were observed for all psychological processes except readiness to change nutritional habits. Logistic regression analysis revealed associations of the active stage with higher self-efficacy and lower discrepancy processes for both habits. Nutritional habits were associated with normal HbA1c values and physical activity habits with high cholesterol. Understanding the combination of the stages of change and how they relate to psychological processes can afford meaningful insights into the potential internal and external communication skills of health professions and should be examined as possible elements for a patient evaluation model.
Factor-Based Optimization of a Fundamentally-Weighted Portfolio in the Illiquid and Undeveloped Stock Market
Authors: Zoričić Davor , Dolinar Denis , Golubić Zrinka Lovretin
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the possibility of using fundamental weighting as a tool to intentionally tilt a portfolio toward specific and unobservable risk factors in the illiquid and undeveloped Croatian stock market is explored. Thus far, fundamental-weighting has been shown to be able to outperform the cap-weighted index in such environments but no attempt regarding control for implicit factor exposure of such portfolios has been reported. Therefore, in this study principal component analysis is performed to capture the underlying risk factors of the fundamentally-weighted portfolio in order to optimize the portfolio’s performance by minimizing its volatility. Previous attempts focusing purely on portfolio risk reduction by estimating minimum variance portfolios failed both from an in-sample and out-of-sample perspective. Results in this study are based on 22 in-sample and out-of-sample tests in the period from March 2009 till March 2020. On the in-sample estimation basis, the proposed approach significantly improves the portfolio’s performance and, if restrictions to weights are imposed, it can outperform the cap-weighted benchmark. However, out-of-sample testing yielded poor results both in terms of risk and return. Such results are in contrast to findings for the developed markets but corroborate the claim that a broad investment base is needed for successful risk exposure in the long run.
Applying Distributed Ledger Concepts to a Swiss Regional Label Ecosystem
Authors: Malešević Saša , Lustenberger Michael , Spychiger Florian
Published: December 2020

Improving current supply chains by using distributed ledger technology (DLT) has been a highly researched topic during the last years. Currently, there are numerous articles elaborating on how such technologies can theoretically improve supply chains. However, case studies of such concepts and their economic value are scarce. In order to bridge this gap, we collaborated with a regional label company to clarify how a distributed ledger technology would benefit their ecosystem. This work answers the question of how such a prototype would look and whether it adds value. By following design science research practices, we design two artifacts based on requirements gathered in 14 interviews and discuss the artifacts’ elements within an evaluation panel. Our findings show that a distributed ledger application for the regional label ecosystem should have an open and decentralized architecture giving all participants full access to the shared data while still providing security and privacy for sensitive data. Additionally, data capturing should be simple. However, such an application does not add sufficient economic value and is currently of no practical interest in the regional label ecosystem as the expenditure likely exceeds the benefit.
Factors Influencing Mathematics Achievement of University Students of Social Sciences
Authors: Brezavšček Alenka , Jerebic Janja , Rus Gregor , Žnidaršič Anja
Published: December 2020

The paper aims to investigate the main factors influencing the mathematics achievement of social sciences university students in Slovenia. A conceptual model was derived where three categories of variables were taken into account: attitude towards mathematics and math anxiety, engagement in learning activities, and attitude towards involving technology in learning mathematics. Data were collected for seven consecutive academic years and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results showed a very high coefficient of determination for mathematics achievement (0.801), indicating that variables “Perceived Level of Math Anxiety”, “Self-Engagement in Mathematics Course at University”, and “Perceived Usefulness of Technology in Learning Mathematics”, together, explain 80.1% of the total variance. Based on our findings, we can conclude that teaching in secondary school is a crucial determinant for success in mathematics at university. It is essential to identify the best methods for secondary school math teachers which will help them give future students better entry-level knowledge for universities. These methods will, hopefully, also improve the level of mathematics self-confidence, as well as lower the level of math anxiety, which all considerably affect the performance of students in university mathematics.
All Pairs of Pentagons in Leapfrog Fullerenes Are Nice
Authors: Došlić Tomislav
Published: December 2020

A subgraph H of a graph G with perfect matching is nice if G−V(H) has perfect matching. It is well-known that all fullerene graphs have perfect matchings and that all fullerene graphs contain some small connected graphs as nice subgraphs. In this contribution, we consider fullerene graphs arising from smaller fullerenes via the leapfrog transformation, and show that in such graphs, each pair of (necessarily disjoint) pentagons is nice. That answers in affirmative a question posed in a recent paper on nice pairs of odd cycles in fullerene graphs.
An Extended Base Belief Function in Dempster–Shafer Evidence Theory and Its Application in Conflict Data Fusion
Authors: Gan Dingyi , Yang Bin , Tang Yongchuan
Published: December 2020

The Dempster–Shafer evidence theory has been widely applied in the field of information fusion. However, when the collected evidence data are highly conflicting, the Dempster combination rule (DCR) fails to produce intuitive results most of the time. In order to solve this problem, the base belief function is proposed to modify the basic probability assignment (BPA) in the exhaustive frame of discernment (FOD). However, in the non-exhaustive FOD, the mass function value of the empty set is nonzero, which makes the base belief function no longer applicable. In this paper, considering the influence of the size of the FOD and the mass function value of the empty set, a new belief function named the extended base belief function (EBBF) is proposed. This method can modify the BPA in the non-exhaustive FOD and obtain intuitive fusion results by taking into account the characteristics of the non-exhaustive FOD. In addition, the EBBF can degenerate into the base belief function in the exhaustive FOD. At the same time, by calculating the belief entropy of the modified BPA, we find that the value of belief entropy is higher than before. Belief entropy is used to measure the uncertainty of information, which can show the conflict more intuitively. The increase of the value of entropy belief is the consequence of conflict. This paper also designs an improved conflict data management method based on the EBBF to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Association of Low Serum 25OHD Levels with Abnormal Bone Microarchitecture in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Hawkins Carranza Federico , Guadalix Iglesias Sonsoles , De Mingo Dominguez María Luisa , Allo Miguel Gonzalo , Arroba Cristina Martín-Arriscado , Alvares Begoña López , Martínez Diaz-Guerra Guillermo
Published: December 2020

The association of low levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is being studied, as to whether it is a risk factor or as a coincidental one. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency of 25OHD in PTC and its relationship with the trabecular bone score (TBS) and bone mineral density (BMD). This study includes 134 postmenopausal women with PTC, followed for 10 years. BMD was measured with DXA Hologic QDR 4500, and TBS with Med-Imaps iNsight2.0 Software. Mean serum 25OHD was 23.09 ± 7.9 ng/mL and deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency levels were 15.64 ± 2.9, 25.27 ± 2.7, and 34.7 ng/mL, respectively. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were higher in deficiency (57.65 ± 22.6 ng/mL; 29.5 ± 14 U/L) and in insufficiency (45.88 ± 19.8 ng/mL; 23.47 ± 8.8 U/L) compared with sufficiency of 25OHD (47.13 ± 16 and 22.14± 9.7 ng/mL) (p = 0.062 and p = 0.0440, respectively). TBS was lower in patients with 25OHD < 20 ng/mL (1.24 ± 0.13) compared with between 20–29 (1.27 ± 0.13, p < 0.05) and 30 ng/mL (1.31 ± 0.11, p < 0.01). We found low TBS in patients with PTC and long-term follow-up associated with low serum 25OHD levels, not associated with cancer stage, or accumulative iodine radioactive dose. Low 25OHD associated with deleterious bone quality in patients with PTC should be restored for the prevention of fractures.
Update of Probiotics in Human World: A Nonstop Source of Benefactions till the End of Time
Authors: Zommiti Mohamed , Feuilloley Marc G. J. , Connil Nathalie
Published: December 2020

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known for their biotechnological potential. Moreover, LAB are distinguished by amazing criteria: Adjusting the intestinal environment, inhibiting pathogenic microbes in the gastrointestinal tract, ability to reduce pathogen adhesion activity, improving the balance of the microbiota inside the intestine, capabilities of regulating intestinal mucosal immunity, and maintaining intestinal barrier function. The escalating number of research and studies about beneficial microorganisms and their impact on promoting health has attracted a big interest in the last decades. Since antiquity, various based fermented products of different kinds have been utilized as potential probiotic products. Nevertheless, the current upsurge in consumers’ interest in bioalternatives has opened new horizons for the probiotic field in terms of research and development. The present review aims at shedding light on the world of probiotics, a continuous story of astonishing success in various fields, in particular, the biomedical sector and pharmaceutical industry, as well as to display the importance of probiotics and their therapeutic potential in purpose to compete for sturdy pathogens and to struggle against diseases and acute infections. Shadows and future trends of probiotics use are also discussed.
Antibiotic Sensitivity Screening of Klebsiella spp. and Raoultella spp. Isolated from Marine Bivalve Molluscs Reveal Presence of CTX-M-Producing K. pneumoniae
Authors: Håkonsholm Fredrik , Hetland Marit A. K. , Svanevik Cecilie S. , Sundsfjord Arnfinn , Lunestad Bjørn Tore , Marathe Nachiket P.
Published: December 2020

Klebsiella spp. are a major cause of both nosocomial and community acquired infections, with K. pneumoniae being responsible for most human infections. Although Klebsiella spp. are present in a variety of environments, their distribution in the sea and the associated antibiotic resistance is largely unknown. In order to examine prevalence of K. pneumoniae and related species in the marine environment, we sampled 476 batches of marine bivalve molluscs collected along the Norwegian coast. From these samples, K. pneumoniae (n = 78), K. oxytoca (n = 41), K. variicola (n = 33), K. aerogenes (n = 1), Raoultella ornithinolytica (n = 38) and R. planticola (n = 13) were isolated. The number of positive samples increased with higher levels of faecal contamination. We found low prevalence of acquired resistance in all isolates, with seven K. pneumoniae isolates showing resistance to more than one antibiotic class. The complete genome sequence of cefotaxime-resistant K. pneumoniae sensu stricto isolate 2016-1400 was obtained using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina MiSeq based sequencing. The 2016-1400 genome had two contigs, one chromosome of 5,088,943 bp and one plasmid of 191,744 bp and belonged to ST1035. The β-lactamase genes blaCTX-M-3 and blaTEM-1, as well as the heavy metal resistance genes pco, ars and sil were carried on a plasmid highly similar to one found in K. pneumoniae strain C17KP0055 from South-Korea recovered from a blood stream infection. The present study demonstrates that K. pneumoniae are prevalent in the coastal marine environment and that bivalve molluscs may act as a potential reservoir of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K. pneumoniae that may be transmitted through the food chain.
The Taxon Hypothesis Paradigm—On the Unambiguous Detection and Communication of Taxa
Authors: Kõljalg Urmas , Nilsson Henrik R. , Schigel Dmitry , Tedersoo Leho , Larsson Karl-Henrik , May Tom W. , Taylor Andy F. S. , Jeppesen Thomas Stjernegaard , Frøslev Tobias Guldberg , Lindahl Björn D. , Põldmaa Kadri , Saar Irja , Suija Ave , Savchenko Anton , Yatsiuk Iryna , Adojaan Kristjan , Ivanov Filipp , Piirmann Timo , Pöhönen Raivo , Zirk Allan , Abarenkov Kessy
Published: December 2020

Here, we describe the taxon hypothesis (TH) paradigm, which covers the construction, identification, and communication of taxa as datasets. Defining taxa as datasets of individuals and their traits will make taxon identification and most importantly communication of taxa precise and reproducible. This will allow datasets with standardized and atomized traits to be used digitally in identification pipelines and communicated through persistent identifiers. Such datasets are particularly useful in the context of formally undescribed or even physically undiscovered species if data such as sequences from samples of environmental DNA (eDNA) are available. Implementing the TH paradigm will to some extent remove the impediment to hastily discover and formally describe all extant species in that the TH paradigm allows discovery and communication of new species and other taxa also in the absence of formal descriptions. The TH datasets can be connected to a taxonomic backbone providing access to the vast information associated with the tree of life. In parallel to the description of the TH paradigm, we demonstrate how it is implemented in the UNITE digital taxon communication system. UNITE TH datasets include rich data on individuals and their rDNA ITS sequences. These datasets are equipped with digital object identifiers (DOI) that serve to fix their identity in our communication. All datasets are also connected to a GBIF taxonomic backbone. Researchers processing their eDNA samples using UNITE datasets will, thus, be able to publish their findings as taxon occurrences in the GBIF data portal. UNITE species hypothesis (species level THs) datasets are increasingly utilized in taxon identification pipelines and even formally undescribed species can be identified and communicated by using UNITE. The TH paradigm seeks to achieve unambiguous, unique, and traceable communication of taxa and their properties at any level of the tree of life. It offers a rapid way to discover and communicate undescribed species in identification pipelines and data portals before they are lost to the sixth mass extinction.
Hydrocarbon Degradation and Enzyme Activities of Aspergillus oryzae and Mucor irregularis Isolated from Nigerian Crude Oil-Polluted Sites
Authors: Asemoloye Michael Dare , Tosi Solveig , Daccò Chiara , Wang Xiao , Xu Shihan , Marchisio Mario Andrea , Gao Wenyuan , Jonathan Segun Gbolagade , Pecoraro Lorenzo
Published: December 2020

Many free-living saprobic fungi are nature recruited organisms for the degradation of wastes, ranging from lignocellulose biomass to organic/inorganic chemicals, aided by their production of enzymes. In this study, fungal strains were isolated from contaminated crude-oil fields in Nigeria. The dominant fungi were selected from each site and identified as Aspergillus oryzae and Mucor irregularis based on morphological and molecular characterization, with site percentage incidences of 56.67% and 66.70%, respectively. Selected strains response/tolerance to complex hydrocarbon (used engine oil) was studied by growing them on Bushnell Haas (BH) mineral agar supplemented with the hydrocarbon at different concentrations, i.e., 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, with a control having dextrose. Hydrocarbon degradation potentials of these fungi were confirmed in BH broth culture filtrates pre-supplemented with 1% engine oil after 15 days of incubation using GC/MS. In addition, the presence of putative enzymes, laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and lignin peroxidase (LiP) was confirmed in culture filtrates using appropriate substrates. The analyzed fungi grew in hydrocarbon supplemented medium with no other carbon source and exhibited 39.40% and 45.85% dose inhibition response (DIR) respectively at 20% hydrocarbon concentration. An enzyme activity test revealed that these two fungi produced more Lac than MnP and LiP. It was also observed through the GC/MS analyses that while A. oryzae acted on all hydrocarbon components in the used engine oil, M. irregularis only degraded the long-chain hydrocarbons and BTEX. This study confirms that A. oryzae and M. irregularis have the potential to be exploited in the bio-treatment and removal of hydrocarbons from polluted soils.
Nutritional, Physiochemical, and Antioxidative Characteristics of Shortcake Biscuits Enriched with Tenebrio molitor Flour
Authors: Zielińska Ewelina , Pankiewicz Urszula
Published: December 2020

Edible insects, due to their high nutritional value, are a good choice for traditional food supplementation. The effects of partial replacement of wheat flour and butter with mealworm flour (Tenebrio molitor) on the quality attributes of shortcake biscuits were studied. The approximate composition was analyzed, along with the physical properties and color. Moreover, the antioxidant properties, starch digestibility, and glycemic index were determined in vitro. The protein and ash contents in biscuits supplemented with mealworm flour increased, while the carbohydrates content decreased. The increasing insect flour substitution decreased the lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) but increased the redness (a*), total color difference (ΔE), and browning index (BI). The spread factor for the sample with the highest proportion of mealworm flour was significantly higher than the other biscuits. Furthermore, higher additions of mealworm flour increased the antioxidant activity of the biscuits and contributed to an increase in the content of slowly digested starch, with a decrease in the content of rapidly digested starch. Therefore, the results of the research are promising and indicate the possibility of using edible insects to enrich food by increasing the nutritional and health-promoting values.
Volatile Fatty Acids and Biomethane Recovery from Thickened Waste Activated Sludge: Hydrothermal Pretreatment’s Retention Time Impact
Authors: Kakar Farokh laqa , El Sayed Ahmed , Purohit Neha , Elbeshbishy Elsayed
Published: December 2020

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the hydrothermal pretreatment’s retention time influence on the volatile fatty acids and biomethane production from thickened waste activated sludge under mesophilic conditions. Six different retention times of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min were investigated while the hydrothermal pretreatment temperature was kept at 170 °C. The results showed that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) solubilization increased by increasing the hydrothermal pretreatment retention time up to 30 min and stabilized afterwards. The highest COD solubilization of 48% was observed for the sample pretreated at 170 °C for 30 min. Similarly, the sample pretreated at 170 °C for 30 min demonstrated the highest volatile fatty acids yield of 14.5 g COD/Lsubstrate added and a methane yield of 225 mL CH4/g TCODadded compared to 4.3 g COD/Lsubstrate added and 163 mL CH4/g TCODadded for the raw sample, respectively. The outcome of this study revealed that the optimum conditions for solubilization are not necessarily associated with the best fermentation and/or digestion performance.
Biosorption: A Review of the Latest Advances
Authors: Torres Enrique
Published: December 2020

Biosorption is a variant of sorption techniques in which the sorbent is a material of biological origin. This technique is considered to be low cost and environmentally friendly, and it can be used to remove pollutants from aqueous solutions. The objective of this review is to report on the most significant recent works and most recent advances that have occurred in the last couple of years (2019–2020) in the field of biosorption. Biosorption of metals and organic compounds (dyes, antibiotics and other emerging contaminants) is considered in this review. In addition, the use and possibilities of different forms of biomass (live or dead, modified or immobilized) are also considered.
Translation and Validation of the Mindful Self-Care Scale—Chinese Version: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wong Ming Yu Claudia
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Numerous research studies have investigated and identified the high prevalence of poor mental health status among the Chinese population, for example suffering from a high level of anxiety and depression. Moreover, the Chinese population are shown to have a conservative attitude towards mental health problems and a passive help-seeking behaviour when suffering from psychological distress. Therefore, it is important to assess the levels of self-care among the Chinese population, which is considered as the basis for tackling psychological well-being issues by the World Health Organization (WHO). Self-care was conceptualised and measured by the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS), but without being translated and adapted to the Chinese population. The purpose of this study is to translate the scale into Chinese and to conduct a pilot test to validate the scale among the Chinese population. (2) Methods: Participants (N = 161), with 96 females and 65 males, with an age range from 18 to 62, mage = 26.1 (SD = 6.64), were recruited from Hong Kong (n = 63), Taiwan (n = 44), and mainland China (n = 54) using convenience sampling. (3) Results: The results show a satisfying internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.915) without items that need to be deleted as well as an adequate validity, with Kaiser–Mayer–Olkin (KMO) value of 0.856 and significant correlation between self-care and the two variables: self-compassion and well-being (r = 0.403, r = 0.172, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The results preliminarily indicate that the Chinese version of MSCS is reliable and valid. However, test–retest reliability and confirmatory factor analysis should be performed with a larger sample size for further validation.
A Tale of Two Layers: The Mutual Relationship between Bitcoin and Lightning Network
Authors: Martinazzi Stefano , Regoli Daniele , Flori Andrea
Published: December 2020

A major concern of the adoption and scalability of Blockchain technologies refers to their efficient use for payments. In this work, we analyze how Lightning Network (LN), which represents a relevant infrastructural novelty, is influenced by the market dynamics of its referring cryptocurrency, namely Bitcoin. In so doing, we focus on how the LN is efficient in performing transactions and we relate this feature to the market conditions of Bitcoin. By applying the Toda–Yamamoto variant of Granger-causality, we note that market conditions of Bitcoin do not significantly influence the topological configuration of the LN. Hence, although the LN represents a second layer on the Bitcoin blockchain, our findings suggest that its efficient functioning does not appear to be related to the simple market performance of its underlying cryptocurrency and, in particular, of its volatile market fluctuations. This result may therefore contribute to shed light on the practical usage of the LN as a blockchain technology to favor transactions.
Real-Time, Inexpensive, and Portable Measurement of Water Surface Velocity through Smartphone
Authors: Yang Tong , Liu Zhaowei , Chen Yongcan , Yu Yang
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this research is to propose a real-time, inexpensive, and portable method for measuring water surface velocities, in which a particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) system is developed by using a smartphone device. The system uses the mobile camera to capture the tracer floating on the river surface, whose movement is expected to represent the velocity of the water surface. The recorded tracer images are identified from the background by using the normalized RGB color model. The magnification ratio, which transforms the distance in pixel to the real distance, is estimated by using the pre-specified mobile height from the water surface, or the characteristic length of the tracer. The proposed system is built based on the iPhone 6s device. The system is tested in two cases. One case is the artificially generated images recording the movement of table tennis, and the relative error does not exceed 3%. The other is the comparison to the velocity measured by acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCP) in the river, and the relative error is not more than 15%. Finally, the limitation of the proposed method is discussed.