bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Bioinformatics Identify Responders to G-CSF in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Johannesen Siw , Huie J. Russell , Budeus Bettina , Peters Sebastian , Wirth Anna M. , Iberl Sabine , Kammermaier Tina , Kobor Ines , Wirkert Eva , Küspert Sabrina , Tahedl Marlene , Grassinger Jochen , Pukrop Tobias , Schneider Armin , Aigner Ludwig , Schulte-Mattler Wilhelm , Schuierer Gerhard , Koch Winfried , Bruun Tim-Henrik , Ferguson Adam R. , Bogdahn Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Objective: Developing an integrative approach to early treatment response classification using survival modeling and bioinformatics with various biomarkers for early assessment of filgrastim (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) treatment effects in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Filgrastim, a hematopoietic growth factor with excellent safety, routinely applied in oncology and stem cell mobilization, had shown preliminary efficacy in ALS.

Methods: We conducted individualized long-term filgrastim treatment in 36 ALS patients. The PRO-ACT database, with outcome data from 23 international clinical ALS trials, served as historical control and mathematical reference for survival modeling. Imaging data as well as cytokine and cellular data from stem cell analysis were processed as biomarkers in a non-linear principal component analysis (NLPCA) to identify individual response.

Results: Cox proportional hazard and matched-pair analyses revealed a significant survival benefit for filgrastim-treated patients over PRO-ACT comparators. We generated a model for survival estimation based on patients in the PRO-ACT database and then applied the model to filgrastim-treated patients. Model-identified filgrastim responders displayed less functional decline and impressively longer survival than non-responders. Multimodal biomarkers were then analyzed by PCA in the context of model-defined treatment response, allowing identification of subsequent treatment response as early as within 3 months of therapy. Strong treatment response with a median survival of 3.8 years after start of therapy was associated with younger age, increased hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, less aggressive inflammatory cytokine plasma profiles, and preserved pattern of fractional anisotropy as determined by magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI-MRI).

Conclusion: Long-term filgrastim is safe, is well-tolerated, and has significant positive effects on disease progression and survival in a small cohort of ALS patients. Developing and applying a model-based biomarker response classification allows use of multimodal biomarker patterns in full potential. This can identify strong individual treatment responders (here: filgrastim) at a very early stage of therapy and may pave the way to an effective individualized treatment option.
Role of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Sanz Jaime , Montesinos Pau , Sanz Miguel A.
Published: March 2021

The indication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has evolved historically from a widespread use in front-line therapy during the pre-ATRA era to a virtual rejection of this indication for patients treated with modern treatments. HSCT in first complete remission could only be considered for an extremely small fraction of patients with persistent MRD at the end of consolidation or for those who relapse. In the pre-ATO era, relapsed patients were usually treated with readministration of ATRA and chemotherapy as salvage therapy, generally containing high-dose cytarabine and an anthracycline, followed by further post-remission chemotherapy and/or HSCT. ATO-based regimens are presently regarded as the first option for relapsed APL. The selection of the most appropriate post-remission treatment option for patients in second CR (CR2), as well as the modality of HSCT when indicated, depends on several variables, such as pre-transplant molecular status, duration of first remission, age, and donor availability. Although with a moderate level of evidence, based on recent retrospective studies, autologous HSCT would be at present the preferred option for consolidation for patients in molecular CR2. Allogeneic HSCT could be considered in patients with a very early relapse or those beyond CR2. Nevertheless, the superiority of HSCT as consolidation over other alternatives without transplantation has recently been questioned in some studies, which justify a prospective controlled study to resolve this still controversial issue.
Molecular Characteristics, Prognostic Value, and Immune Characteristics of m6A Regulators Identified in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Geng Xiuchao , Zhang Yuhao , Zeng Zhaomu , Zhu Zhongrui , Wang Hong , Yu Wentao , Li Qiang
Published: March 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays crucial roles in a diverse range of physiological and pathological processes, and it is believed that it tremendously promotes neoplasia and progression. However, knowledge of the molecular characteristics of m6A modification, its prognostic value, and the infiltration of immune cell populations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still insufficient. Therefore, a pan-cancer genomic analysis was systematically performed here by examining m6A regulators at the molecular level within 33 multiple cancer types, and the correlations between the expression of m6A molecules were researched using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Based on the above analysis, insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) is upregulated in HNSCC and may serve as an independent prognostic factor of overall survival, thus showing potential as a prognostic biomarker in HNSCC. Genetic alteration analyses elucidated the reasons for the abnormal upregulation of IGF2BP2 in HNSCC. As a result, IGF2BP2 was selected for further univariate and multivariate analyses. The functions of the related genes were annotated through gene set enrichment analysis, and the activation states of multiple biological pathways were shown by gene set variation analysis. We found that LRRC59 and STIP1 may act as IGF2BP2-associated genes to have a regulatory function in the m6A modification. In addition, we found that the status of immune cell infiltration was correlated with the level of IGF2BP2 gene expression. Our results provide supplementation at the molecular level for epigenetic regulation in HNSCC and insight into effective immunotherapy targets and strategies.
Targeting the MDSCs of Tumors In Situ With Inhibitors of the MAPK Signaling Pathway to Promote Tumor Regression
Authors: Yu Jiayun , Li Hanwen , Zhang Zongliang , Lin Weimin , Wei Xiawei , Shao Bin
Published: March 2021

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are one of the major components of the tumor microenvironment. Evidence has shown differences in the functions and fates of MDSCs in the tumor tissue and the periphery. However, the exact mechanism that regulates MDSC function has not been completely clarified. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing of MDSCs derived from the spleen and tumor. Based on the results of our RNA-seq analysis, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) were significantly increased in tumor polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) and monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs). Subsequently, 3 major MAPK pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK), p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK), were studied to analyze the role of MAPKs in MDSCs. The ERK 1/2 inhibitor SCH772984 and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 significantly increased the apoptosis of both PMN-MDSCs and M-MDSCs in vitro. In addition, SCH772984 exerted a strong effect on inhibiting tumor growth. The flow cytometry analysis showed significant increases in the ratio of M1:M2 tumor-associated macrophages, meanwhile the number of CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD69+ and CD8+CD69+ lymphocytes were increased after SCH772984 treatment. Our findings established the effect of MAPKs on the tumor microenvironment via MDSCs and may facilitate the development of new antitumor strategies.
Effectiveness and Safety of Under or Over-dosing of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 148909 Patients From 10 Real-World Studies
Authors: Shen Nan-Nan , Zhang Chi , Wang Na , Wang Jia-Liang , Gu Zhi-Chun , Han Hua
Published: March 2021

Background: In routine clinical practice, non-standard doses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are commonly used in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data on the clinical outcomes of non-standard doses of DOACs are limited.

Methods: The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from their inception until 30 June 2020 for studies that reported the effectiveness or safety outcomes of non-standard doses of DOACs compared with on-label doses of DOACs in patients with atrial fibrillation. Non-standard doses of DOACs were defined as under or over-dose of DOACs based on the recommended standard doses in drug labels. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled hazard ratio and associated 95% confidence interval (95% confidence interval). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to individual DOACs and different geographic regions.

Results: Ten articles involving 148,909 patients with AF were included. There were no significant differences between under-dosing and on-label dosing with respect to stroke/systematic embolism (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.93–1.09), major bleeding (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.77–1.19), intracranial haemorrhage (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.74–1.40), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.82–1.39), and myocardial infarction (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.89–1.25), except for an increased risk of death (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01–1.73). We observed a significant association between over-dosing of DOACs and increased risk of stroke/systematic embolism (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04–1.32), major bleeding (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03–1.29), and death (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03–1.38) compared with on-label dosing. Furthermore, over-dosing of DOACs increased the risk of stroke/systematic embolism (HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.00–1.33) and major bleeding events (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.00–1.37) in Asian patients.

Conclusion: A reduced dose of DOACs might be safely and effectively used in clinical practice, especially in Asian patients, whereas high-dose DOACs might not be well tolerated by Asian patients.
Preliminary Investigation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Beamforming in Flexible Type Ultrasonic Array Transducers
Authors: Hasegawa Koki , Namekawa Kengo , Takayanagi Shinji , Akiyama Iwaki
Published: March 2021

A flexible-shaped ultrasonic array probe that can be used in a high magnetic field environment in an MRI gantry has been developed. Given that this probe can be fixed according to the shape of the skull’s surface, it is particularly applicable for imaging in the brain. To perform ultrasonic beamforming using a bent probe, it is necessary to measure the bent shape. Therefore, in this research, the curvature of the probe was estimated using MRI. A phantom with ellipse surface close to the shape of a skull was created using a 3D printer. The probe was arranged along the phantom surface to perform MRI and ultrasonic beamforming. The ultrasonic array transducer had 192 elements made from 1-3 composite piezoelectric materials with an element spacing of 0.3 mm. Eight MR position markers were attached to the probe in parallel in two rows of four each, with the array transducer in between. The delay time of each element in dynamic focusing for reception was calculated from its position estimated by the curvature of the probe. To evaluate the feasibility of this method, a B-mode image of 0.98 mm-diameter-thread targets placed in water was generated. The beam width at half maximum of the echo peak in the lateral direction from the thread target set up near the transmission focal point was calculated based on the B-mode image. It was found that the beam width of 1.32 mm in the proposed method, which was close to the thread diameter, whereas that was 4.38 mm in the conventional method that did not consider the bending of the probe. Consequently, the proposed beamforming technique is feasible for ultrasonic imaging through an arbitrary curved surface. Practical applications with a head phantom mimicking skull and cerebral tissue are expected.
Thin-Entrance Window Process for Soft X-Ray Sensors
Authors: Segal Julie , Kenney Christopher , Kowalski Jeffrey M. , Kowalski Jeffrey E. , Blaj Gabriel , Rozario Lisa , Hasi Jasmin , Dragone Angelo , Caragiulo Pietro , Rota Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

New free electron lasers, such as SLAC’s LCLS-II, will provide unique scientific imaging opportunities. In order to fully utilize these facilities, we need to develop detectors with shallow entrance windows that will enable detection of soft x-rays from 250 eV to 1.5 KeV. Achieving adequately shallow entrance windows is challenging because the high temperature anneal needed to activate the dopant also drives the dopant profile deeper, growing the region that is insensitive to soft x-rays. A new microwave annealing technology provides an efficient way to achieve shallow entrance windows in fully depleted high-resistivity silicon sensors. The microwave anneal technique can activate dopants at low substrate temperature, with minimal dopant diffusion, and can be used to fabricate both n-type and p-type entrance windows. SRP and SIMS measurements were used to verify dopant activation with negligible dopant diffusion. We then applied the microwave anneal process to a planar sensor wafer, using the new process to create the backside diode contact. Electrical test of the resulting sensors shows good reverse bias characteristics. The sensors have been bump-bonded to a read-out ASIC and used successfully to measure an Fe-55 x-ray spectrum. Process and device simulations were performed to characterize the quantum efficiency of the entrance window for soft x-rays. This technique is useful for other sensor applications requiring a shallow entrance window, including detectors for UV photons, low energy ions and low energy electrons.
Detection of Different Hosts From a Distance Alters the Behaviour and Bioelectrical Activity of Cuscuta racemosa
Authors: Parise André Geremia , Reissig Gabriela Niemeyer , Basso Luis Felipe , Senko Luiz Gustavo Schultz , Oliveira Thiago Francisco de Carvalho , de Toledo Gabriel Ricardo Aguilera , Ferreira Arlan Silva , Souza Gustavo Maia
Published: March 2021

In our study, we investigated some physiological and ecological aspects of the life of Cuscuta racemosa Mart. (Convolvulaceae) plants with the hypothesis that they recognise different hosts at a distance from them, and they change their survival strategy depending on what they detect. We also hypothesised that, as an attempt of prolonging their survival through photosynthesis, the synthesis of chlorophylls (a phenomenon not completely explained in these parasitic plants) would be increased if the plants don’t detect a host. We quantified the pigments related to photosynthesis in different treatments and employed techniques such as electrophysiological time series recording, analyses of the complexity of the obtained signals, and machine learning classification to test our hypotheses. The results demonstrate that the absence of a host increases the amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and β-carotene in these plants, and the content varied depending on the host presented. Besides, the electrical signalling of dodders changes according to the species of host perceived in patterns detectable by machine learning techniques, suggesting that they recognise from a distance different host species. Our results indicate that electrical signalling might underpin important processes such as foraging in plants. Finally, we found evidence for a likely process of attention in the dodders toward the host plants. This is probably to be the first empirical evidence for attention in plants and has important implications on plant cognition studies.
Virus-Mediated Transient Expression Techniques Enable Functional Genomics Studies and Modulations of Betalain Biosynthesis and Plant Height in Quinoa
Authors: Ogata Takuya , Toyoshima Masami , Yamamizo-Oda Chihiro , Kobayashi Yasufumi , Fujii Kenichiro , Tanaka Kojiro , Tanaka Tsutomu , Mizukoshi Hiroharu , Yasui Yasuo , Nagatoshi Yukari , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Fujita Yasunari
Published: March 2021

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), native to the Andean region of South America, has been recognized as a potentially important crop in terms of global food and nutrition security since it can thrive in harsh environments and has an excellent nutritional profile. Even though challenges of analyzing the complex and heterogeneous allotetraploid genome of quinoa have recently been overcome, with the whole genome-sequencing of quinoa and the creation of genotyped inbred lines, the lack of technology to analyze gene function in planta is a major limiting factor in quinoa research. Here, we demonstrate that two virus-mediated transient expression techniques, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and virus-mediated overexpression (VOX), can be used in quinoa. We show that apple latent spherical virus (ALSV) can induce gene silencing of quinoa phytoene desaturase (CqPDS1) in a broad range of quinoa inbred lines derived from the northern and southern highland and lowland sub-populations. In addition, we show that ALSV can be used as a VOX vector in roots. Our data also indicate that silencing a quinoa 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine 4,5-dioxygenase gene (CqDODA1) or a cytochrome P450 enzyme gene (CqCYP76AD1) inhibits betalain production and that knockdown of a reduced-height gene homolog (CqRHT1) causes an overgrowth phenotype in quinoa. Moreover, we show that ALSV can be transmitted to the progeny of quinoa plants. Thus, our findings enable functional genomics in quinoa, ushering in a new era of quinoa research.
Excessive Use of WeChat at Work Promotes Creativity: The Role of Knowledge Sharing, Psychological Strain
Authors: Zhang Huiqin , Wang Meng , Li Meng , Chen Xudong
Published: March 2021

The pervasive nature of social media can result in excessive use and addiction, but whether excessive use of social media is good or bad for individuals' creativity is unclear. This study explored the direct and indirect impact of excessive use of WeChat on individuals' creativity in workplace, focusing on how excessive use of WeChat promotes or restrains creativity through knowledge sharing and psychological strain. Based on the person–environment fit model and motivation theory, this study examined the three paths of excessive WeChat use affecting individuals' creativity in workplace. We used the structural equation model to test our research model. A survey of 364 employees revealed that excessive WeChat use directly promotes creativity and indirectly improves creativity via knowledge sharing, but excessive WeChat use does not lead to psychological strain. These findings, obtained by theoretically and empirically investigating the positive outcomes of excessive WeChat use, suggest an upside to excessive WeChat use. The implications and limitations of this study and future research on excessive-use behavior are also discussed.
Virtual Terroir and the Premium Coffee Experience
Authors: Barbosa Escobar Francisco , Petit Olivia , Velasco Carlos
Published: March 2021

With its origin-centric value proposition, the specialty coffee industry seeks to educate consumers about the value of the origin of coffee and how the relationship with farmers ensures quality and makes coffee a premium product. While the industry has widely used stories and visual cues to communicate this added value, research studying whether and how these efforts influence consumers' experiences is scarce. Through three experiments, we explored the effect of images that evoke the terroir of coffee on the perception of premiumness. Our results revealed that online images that resembled the broad origin of coffee (i.e., a farm) could influence premiumness expectations of coffee (Experiment 1). Similarly, a virtual reality environment that depicted this broad origin (vs. a control but not a city atmosphere) could enhance the perception of coffee premiumness for non-expert consumers (Experiment 2) and the enjoyment of the experience for coffee professionals (Experiment 3). Importantly, we found that congruence between the coffee and the virtual reality (VR) atmospheres mediated how much non-experts enjoyed the experience (Experiment 2). VR atmospheres also influenced expectations of sweetness and acidity for non-experts (Experiment 2). These findings serve as a steppingstone for further exploration of the effects of congruence between visual cues and product/brand attributes on premiumness expectations and perception, and more generally on consumer experience. From a practical standpoint, this study provides insights into key aspects for the development of immersive virtual product experiences.
Harnessing the Neurobiology of Resilience to Protect the Mental Well-Being of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: March 2021

Healthcare workers are at a high risk of psychological morbidity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is significant variability in the impact of this crisis on individual healthcare workers, which can be best explained through an appreciation of the construct of resilience. Broadly speaking, resilience refers to the ability to successfully adapt to stressful or traumatic events, and thus plays a key role in determining mental health outcomes following exposure to such events. A proper understanding of resilience is vital in enabling a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach for protecting and promoting the mental well-being of healthcare workers. Research in the past decade has identified six areas that provide promising leads in understanding the biological basis of individual variations in resilience. These are: (1) the key role played by the monoamines noradrenaline and serotonin, (2) the centrality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in influencing stress vulnerability and resilience, (3) the intimate links between the immune system and stress sensitivity, (4) the role of epigenetic modulation of gene expression in influencing the stress response, (5) the role played by certain neuropeptides as a natural “brake” mechanism in the face of stress, and (6) the neurobiological mechanisms by which environmental factors, such as exercise, diet, and social support, influence resilience to subsequent life events. Though much of this research is still in its early stages, it has already provided valuable information on which strategies – including dietary changes, lifestyle modification, environmental modification, psychosocial interventions, and even pharmacological treatments – may prove to be useful in fostering resilience in individuals and groups. This paper examines the above evidence more closely, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides suggestions regarding how it may be translated into real-world interventions, as well as how the more tentative hypotheses advanced in this field may be tested during this critical period.
The Use of Online Training Tools in Competition Cyclists During COVID-19 Confinement in Spain
Authors: Moreno-Tenas Antonio , León-Zarceño Eva , Serrano-Rosa Miguel Angel
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 confinement has supposed a challenge to the whole wide world, especially in athletes that have frustrated their expectations about training programs and competitions. Specifically, competition cyclists during confinement had lot of difficulties to train due to the need to train outside their homes. However, the increase of online training sessions, or virtual training tools could help to overcome training difficulties due to confinement although there are not studies that analyse the effects of using these types of tools in cyclists. This study aims to test how the use of online training tools in competition cyclists during confinement is related to training frequency and duration, and emotions. 329 cyclists filled an online questionnaire about feelings during confinement and the use of online training tools, before and during confinement. Results showed that the use of online training tools was associated with higher frequency and duration of trainings. Moreover, those who used these tools felt more positively about their future and preparation to compete, feeling more energy than those who did not used online tools. In addition, cyclists that started using these online tools (including virtual roller training) during confinement increased the frequency of training. In conclusion the use of online training tools for cycling could be appropriate to maintain training levels and energy and positive feelings about their future.
Defense Mechanisms and Treatment Response in Depressed Inpatients
Authors: de Roten Yves , Djillali Slimane , Crettaz von Roten Fabienne , Despland Jean-Nicolas , Ambresin Gilles
Published: March 2021

The study investigated the extent to which defensive functioning and defense mechanisms predict clinically meaningful symptomatic improvement within brief psychodynamic psychotherapy for recurrent and chronic depression in an inpatient setting. Treatment response was defined as a reduction in symptom severity of 46% or higher from the baseline score on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). A subsample of 41 patients (19 responders and 22 non-responders) from an RCT was included. For each case, two sessions (the second and the penultimate) of brief inpatient psychodynamic psychotherapy (a manualized 12-session therapy program developed in Lausanne) were transcribed and then coded using the Defense Mechanism Rating Scales (DMRS) and the Psychotic Defense Mechanism Rating Scales (P-DMRS), an additional scale developed to study psychotic defenses. Results showed that defensive functioning and mature and immature defense changed during psychotherapy and predicted treatment response. Patient’s defenses observed throughout therapy also predicted treatment response at 12-month follow-up. The addition of psychotic defenses allows a better prediction of the treatment response. Overall, these results are in line with previous research and provide further validation of defensive functioning as a predictor of outcomes and a mechanism of change in psychotherapy.
Short-Term Analysis (8 Weeks) of Social Distancing and Isolation on Mental Health and Physical Activity Behavior During COVID-19
Authors: Peterson Jessica Ann , Chesbro Grant , Larson Rebecca , Larson Daniel , Black Christopher D.
Published: March 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cities and states adopted social distancing, social isolation, or quarantine measurements to slow the transmission of the disease. Negative mental health outcomes including depression and anxiety have been associated with social distancing or social isolation. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in psychological health and physical activity over an 8 week period under social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Ninety (73.3% female; age 32.04 ± 11.33) individuals participated in this study. Qualifying participants answered questions using an online survey regarding their loneliness, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, mood state, and physical activity over four time points each lasting two weeks.

Results: Symptoms of depression and state anxiety were increased in the population when compared to nationwide statistics from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Time point 2, ~1 month into social isolation, showed the most significant effects on mental health. During this time point, 100% of the participants showed symptoms of depression. There were no significant changes in physical activity over the 8 weeks. Loneliness, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and mood state were negatively associated with participation in physical activity. Vigor and state anxiety were associated with participation in physical activity.

Conclusion: Social isolation and social distancing practices have had a negative effect on depression, anxiety, and mood over time. It appeared that depressive symptoms and total mood disturbance was elevated during time point two. Depressive symptoms were much higher than average compared to previous epidemiological data. Physical activity amount did not change over time but was associated with poor mental health.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Students With Developmental Disabilities During COVID-19 Lockdown in Poland
Authors: Gacek Michal , Krzywoszanski Lukasz
Published: March 2021

Background: In this study we aimed to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression in persons with developmental disabilities during COVID-19 lockdown.

Method: Soon after school closures related to the pandemic, we conducted telephone interviews with 64 vocational school students with developmental disabilities, the majority of whom had mild intellectual disability, and their parents. The parents were asked about stressful events experienced during lockdown. The students were assessed with screening measures for anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-8).

Results: Over one third of the tested students reported mild or more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, and girls were more affected than boys. The number of experienced lockdown inconveniences predicted the severity of depression symptoms in girls.

Discussion: The high prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in persons with developmental disabilities indicates the need for screening studies and the provision of psychological help in situations such as the COVID-19 lockdown.
Qualitative Study on Dialogic Literary Gatherings as Co-creation Intervention and Its Impact on Psychological and Social Well-Being in Women During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Ruiz-Eugenio Laura , Toledo del Cerro Ana , Gómez-Cuevas Sara , Villarejo-Carballido Beatriz
Published: March 2021

Background: Dialogic Literary Gatherings (DLG) are evidence-based interventions implemented in very diverse educational and health settings. The main elements that make DLG a co-creation intervention and promote health during the COVID-19 crisis lockdown are presented. This study focuses on the case of a DLG that is being promoted by an adult school in the city of Barcelona.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a communicative approach. Seven in-depth interviews with participants in the online DLG have been conducted. Five of them are women without higher education ranging from 56 to 85 years old and two are educators of this school.

Results: The main results are 2-fold. First, the factors that make DLG a co-creation intervention, such as egalitarian dialogue and dialogical creation of knowledge in the decision-making process, are found. Second, the results show how DLG is contributing to creating a supportive environment that breaks the social isolation of confinement and improving the participants' psychological and social well-being.

Conclusions: The findings from this study contribute to generating knowledge about a co-creation process between adult education participants and educators in education and health promotion during the COVID-19 lockdown, which could be replicated in other contexts.
Toward the Impact of Non-pharmaceutical Interventions and Vaccination on the COVID-19 Pandemic With Time-Dependent SEIR Model
Authors: Li Yuexin , Ge Linqiang , Zhou Yang , Cao Xuan , Zheng Jingyi
Published: March 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March, 2020 and rapidly spread to over 210 countries and territories around the world. By December 24, there are over 77M cumulative confirmed cases with more than 1.72M deaths worldwide. To mathematically describe the dynamic of the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose a time-dependent SEIR model considering the incubation period. Furthermore, we take immunity, reinfection, and vaccination into account and propose the SEVIS model. Unlike the classic SIR based models with constant parameters, our dynamic models not only predicts the number of cases, but also monitors the trajectories of changing parameters, such as transmission rate, recovery rate, and the basic reproduction number. Tracking these parameters, we observe the significant decrease in the transmission rate in the U.S. after the authority announced a series of orders aiming to prevent the spread of the virus, such as closing non-essential businesses and lockdown restrictions. Months later, as restrictions being gradually lifted, we notice a new surge of infection emerges as the transmission rates show increasing trends in some states. Using our epidemiology models, people can track, timely monitor, and predict the COVID-19 pandemic with precision. To illustrate and validate our model, we use the national level data (the U.S.) and the state level data (New York and North Dakota), and the resulting relative prediction errors for the infected group and recovered group are mostly lower than 0.5%. We also simulate the long-term development of the pandemic based on our proposed models to explore when the crisis will end under certain conditions.
Biocultural Drivers of Salivary Microbiota in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
Authors: Handsley-Davis Matilda , Skelly Emily , Johnson Newell W. , Kapellas Kostas , Lalloo Ratilal , Kroon Jeroen , Weyrich Laura S.
Published: March 2021

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience unacceptably high rates of dental caries compared to their non-Indigenous Australian counterparts. Dental caries significantly impacts the quality of life of children and their families, particularly in remote communities. While many socioeconomic and lifestyle factors impact caries risk, the central role of the oral microbiota in mediating dental caries has not been extensively investigated in these communities. Here, we examine factors that shape diversity and composition of the salivary microbiota in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents living in the remote Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Far North Queensland. We employed 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing to profile bacteria present in saliva collected from 205 individuals aged 4–17 years from the NPA. Higher average microbial diversity was generally linked to increased age and salivary pH, less frequent toothbrushing, and proxies for lower socioeconomic status (SES). Differences in microbial composition were significantly related to age, salivary pH, SES proxies, and active dental caries. Notably, a feature classified as Streptococcus sobrinus increased in abundance in children who reported less frequent tooth brushing. A specific Veillonella feature was associated with caries presence, while features classified as Actinobacillus/Haemophilus and Leptotrichia were associated with absence of caries; a Lactobacillus gasseri feature increased in abundance in severe caries. Finally, we statistically assessed the interplay between dental caries and caries risk factors in shaping the oral microbiota. These data provide a detailed understanding of biological, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors that shape the oral microbiota and may underpin caries development in this group. This information can be used in the future to improve tailored caries prevention and management options for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and communities.
Striving for Inclusion—A Systematic Review of Long-Term Participation in Strategic Management of Urban Green Spaces
Authors: Fors Hanna , Hagemann Frederik Aagaard , Sang Åsa Ode , Randrup Thomas B.
Published: March 2021

This systematic review contributes to the research field of user participation by suggesting a new holistic approach comprising a cyclic process model for long-term participation in the strategic management of urban green spaces, including analysis, design, and implementation phases, each followed by an evaluation. User participation in urban green spaces is encouraged in international conventions. Such initiatives aim to involve citizens more closely in decisions regarding local spaces, based on the premise that this will create better, more inclusive, and sustainable local environments. However, a social inclusion perspective is largely absent in the growing body of European scientific literature on urban green spaces. Further, user participation processes are often carried out within projects, with uncertainties about which strategic management phase (planning, design, construction, and/or maintenance) to emphasize and about the long-term sustainability of project-based participation. Therefore, the literature was examined for tools for participation with the focus on participation of local users in the strategic management of urban green spaces, and in particular, marginalized groups. A systematic review based on peer-reviewed scientific papers revealed the necessity for adapting participation processes to the known needs of different participant groups, including those of marginalized groups often excluded in the past. Local authorities have several pathways to socially inclusive and long-term participation. These include choosing and employing a suitable participation approach, anchoring repeated project-based participation in existing municipal long-term strategies, continuously supporting participating users and evaluating ongoing participation processes, and employing a mix of participation types and approaches. The “cyclic process model for long-term participation in strategic management of UGS” presented in this paper could guide such efforts.
Modular Line-Focused Space Solar Power Satellite
Authors: Yang Yang , Fan Guanheng , Ji Xiangfei , Pei Mengchen
Published: March 2021

The Space Solar Power Satellite is an ultra-large space structure, which collects sunlight directly in space and then transmits it into the ground. Since the idea was invented in 1968, scientists around the world have proposed several typical conceptual design models. Nevertheless, the conceptual models have not been implemented for technological, manufacturing, and cost reasons. This paper presents a novel Space Solar Power Satellite scheme with modular line-focused concentrators and low concentration photovoltaic modules. First, the line-focused mode is analyzed and the optical performance of the circular trough concentrator is evaluated via ray-trace technique. Then, shape optimization for the cell array based on the Bézier curve is carried out to improve the optical property. Numerical examples indicate that the optimized cell array could obtain high power collection efficiency and suitable energy distribution. Moreover, the area of the photovoltaic cell array is reduced, which is conducive to cost reduction. Furthermore, modular design is conducted on the circular trough concentrator. Finally, the primary scheme of the novel Space Solar Power Satellite is designed with the previous modular concentrator and optimized cell array.
Experimental Heat Loads for Electrothermal Anti-Icing and De-Icing on UAVs
Authors: Hann Richard , Enache Adriana , Nielsen Mikkel Cornelius , Stovner Bård Nagy , van Beeck Jeroen , Johansen Tor Arne , Borup Kasper Trolle
Published: March 2021

Atmospheric in-flight icing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a significant hazard. UAVs that are not equipped with ice protection systems are usually limited to operations within visual line of sight or to weather conditions without icing risk. As many military and commercial UAV missions require flights beyond visual line of sight and into adverse weather conditions, energy-efficient ice protection systems are required. In this experimental study, two electro-thermal ice protection systems for fixed-wing UAVs were tested. One system was operated in anti-icing and de-icing mode, and the other system was designed as a parting strip de-icing system. Experiments were conducted in an icing wind tunnel facility for varying icing conditions at low Reynolds numbers. A parametric study over the ice shedding time was used to identify the most energy-efficient operation mode. The results showed that longer intercycle durations led to higher efficiencies and that de-icing with a parting strip was superior compared to anti-icing and de-icing without a parting strip. These findings are relevant for the development of energy-efficient systems in the future.
A Rhizogenic Biostimulant Effect on Soil Fertility and Roots Growth of Turfgrass
Authors: Yousfi Salima , Marín José , Parra Lorena , Lloret Jaime , Mauri Pedro V.
Published: March 2021

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to severe environmental damages. In recent decades, the application of biostimulants to improve soil composition and stimulate plant growth has contributed significantly to environmental preservation. In this paper, we studied the effect of a rhizogenic biostimulant, obtained from fulvic acids, probiotics, and prebiotics, on the fertility of two types of soils, sandy and sandy loam soils, in which turfgrass was growing. Soil samples from plots treated with biostimulant and controls (untreated plots) were collected. The analyzed parameters from the soil include organic matter, microbial activity, soil chemical composition, catalase, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activities. Moreover, root lengths was examined and compared in turfgrass species. The biostimulant application improved microbial activity, organic matter, and enzymatic activity in both types of soils. The soil calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus content increased with the biostimulant application, whereas pH and electrical conductivity decreased. The most relevant improvement was a 77% increase of calcium for sandy loam soil and 38% increase in potassium for sandy soil. Biostimulant application led to a significant increase in turf root length. This increase was greater for sandy soil than in sandy loam soil with an increment of 43% and 34% respectively, compared to control.
Quality of the Diagnostic Process, Treatment Decision, and Predictors for Antibiotic Use in General Practice for Nursing Home Residents with Suspected Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Sommer-Larsen Stine Dyhl , Arnold Sif Helene , Holm Anne , Aamand Olesen Julie , Cordoba Gloria
Published: March 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in nursing home (NH) residents and Denmark is one of the countries with the highest antibiotic use in NHs. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the diagnostic process and treatment decision on the day of the first contact from NHs to general practice and assess predictors for prescription of antibiotics in NH residents without an indwelling urinary catheter. The study was a prospective observational study in general practice in the Capital Region of Denmark; 490 patients were included; 158 out of 394 (40.1%, 95% CI 35; 45) patients with suspected UTI had urinary tract symptoms; 270 out of 296 (91.2%, 95% CI 87; 94) patients without urinary tract symptoms had a urine culture performed. Performing urine culture in the general practice was inversely associated to prescription of antibiotics on day one (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13; 0.56). It is imperative to support the implementation of interventions aimed at improving the quality of the diagnostic process on day one, as less than half of the patients given the diagnosis “suspected UTI” had urinary tract symptoms, and most patients without urinary tract symptoms had a urine culture performed.
Nanofibrous Gelatin-Based Biomaterial with Improved Biomimicry Using D-Periodic Self-Assembled Atelocollagen
Authors: Borrego-González Sara , Dalby Matthew J. , Díaz-Cuenca Aránzazu
Published: March 2021

Design of bioinspired materials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) at the nanoscale is a challenge in tissue engineering. While nanofibrillar gelatin materials mimic chemical composition and nano-architecture of natural ECM collagen components, it lacks the characteristic D-staggered array (D-periodicity) of 67 nm, which is an important cue in terms of cell recognition and adhesion properties. In this study, a nanofibrous gelatin matrix with improved biomimicry is achieved using a formulation including a minimal content of D-periodic self-assembled atelocollagen. We suggest a processing route approach consisting of the thermally induced phase separation of the gelatin based biopolymeric mixture precursor followed by chemical-free material cross-linking. The matrix nanostructure is characterized using field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The cell culture assays indicate that incorporation of 2.6 wt.% content of D-periodic atelocollagen to the gelatin material, produces a significant increase of MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cells attachment and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) proliferation, in comparison with related bare gelatin matrices. The presented results demonstrate the achievement of an efficient route to produce a cost-effective, compositionally defined and low immunogenic “collagen-like” instructive biomaterial, based on gelatin.
The Challenges of Inferring Organic Function from Structure and Its Emulation in Biomechanics and Biomimetics
Authors: Niklas Karl J. , Walker Ian D.
Published: March 2021

The discipline called biomimetics attempts to create synthetic systems that model the behavior and functions of biological systems. At a very basic level, this approach incorporates a philosophy grounded in modeling either the behavior or properties of organic systems based on inferences of structure–function relationships. This approach has achieved extraordinary scientific accomplishments, both in fabricating new materials and structures. However, it is also prone to misstep because (1) many organic structures are multifunctional that have reconciled conflicting individual functional demands (rather than maximize the performance of any one task) over evolutionary time, and (2) some structures are ancillary or entirely superfluous to the functions their associated systems perform. The important point is that we must typically infer function from structure, and that is not always easy to do even when behavioral characteristics are available (e.g., the delivery of venom by the fangs of a snake, or cytoplasmic toxins by the leaf hairs of the stinging nettle). Here, we discuss both of these potential pitfalls by comparing and contrasting how engineered and organic systems are operationally analyzed. We also address the challenges that emerge when an organic system is modeled and suggest a few methods to evaluate the validity of models in general.