bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PB28, the Sigma-1 and Sigma-2 Receptors Modulator With Potent Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Activity: A Review About Its Pharmacological Properties and Structure Affinity Relationships
Authors: Abate Carmen , Niso Mauro , Abatematteo Francesca Serena , Contino Marialessandra , Colabufo Nicola Antonio , Berardi Francesco
Published: December 2020

These unprecedented times have forced the scientific community to gather to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts in diverse directions have been made. A multi-university team has focused on the identification of the host (human) proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, with the aim of hampering these interactions that may cause severe COVID-19 symptoms. Sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors surprisingly belong to the “druggable” host proteins found, with the pan-sigma receptor modulator PB28 displaying the most potent anti–SARS-CoV-2 activity in in vitro assays. Being 20-fold more active than hydroxychloroquine, without cardiac side effects, PB28 is a promising antiviral candidate worthy of further investigation. Our research group developed PB28 in 1996 and have thoroughly characterized its biological properties since then. Structure–affinity relationship (SAfiR) studies at the sigma receptor subtypes were also undertaken with PB28 as the lead compound. We herein report our knowledge of PB28 to share information that may help to gain insight into the antiviral action of this compound and sigma receptors, while providing structural hints that may speed up the translation into therapeutics of this class of ligands.
Case Report: Rapid Treatment of Uridine-Responsive Epileptic Encephalopathy Caused by CAD Deficiency
Authors: Zhou Ling , Deng Jie , Stenton Sarah L. , Zhou Ji , Li Hua , Chen Chunhong , Prokisch Holger , Fang Fang
Published: December 2020

We present two unrelated Chinese patients with CAD deficiency manifesting with a triad of infantile-onset psychomotor developmental delay with regression, drug-refractory epilepsy, and anaemia with anisopoikilocytosis. Timely translation into uridine supplementation, within 2-months of disease onset, allowed us to stop conventional anti-epileptic drugs and led to dramatic improvement in the clinical symptoms, with prompt cessation of seizures, resolution of anaemia, developmental progress, and prevention of development of severe and non-reversible manifestations. The remarkable recovery and prevention of advanced disease with prompt treatment, highlights the need to act immediately upon genetic diagnosis of a treatable disease. This further reinforces CAD deficiency as a treatable neurometabolic disorder and emphasises the need for a biomarker or genetic new born screening for early identification.
Influence of Acute and Chronic Exercise on Abdominal Fat Lipolysis: An Update
Authors: Laurens Claire , de Glisezinski Isabelle , Larrouy Dominique , Harant Isabelle , Moro Cedric
Published: December 2020

Exercise is a powerful and effective preventive measure against chronic diseases by increasing energy expenditure and substrate mobilization. Long-duration acute exercise favors lipid mobilization from adipose tissue, i.e., lipolysis, as well as lipid oxidation by skeletal muscles, while chronic endurance exercise improves body composition, facilitates diet-induced weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. Several hormones and factors have been shown to stimulate lipolysisin vitroin isolated adipocytes. Our current knowledge supports the view that catecholamines, atrial natriuretic peptide and insulin are the main physiological stimuli of exercise-induced lipolysis in humans. Emerging evidences indicate that contracting skeletal muscle can release substances capable of remote signaling to organs during exercise. This fascinating crosstalk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during exercise is currently challenging our classical view of the physiological control of lipolysis, and provides a conceptual framework to better understand the pleotropic benefits of exercise at the whole-body level.
Flower Diversification Across “Pollinator Climates”: Sensory Aspects of Corolla Color Evolution in the Florally Diverse South American Genus Jaborosa (Solanaceae)
Authors: Moré Marcela , Ibañez Ana C. , Drewniak M. Eugenia , Cocucci Andrea A. , Raguso Robert A.
Published: December 2020

Flower phenotype may diverge within plant lineages when moving across “pollinator climates” (geographic differences in pollinator abundance or preference). Here we explored the potential importance of pollinators as drivers of floral color diversification in the nightshade genusJaborosa, taking into account color perception capabilities of the actual pollinators (nocturnal hawkmoths vs. saprophilous flies) under a geographic perspective. We analyzed the association between transitions across environments and perceptual color axes using comparative methods. Our results revealed two major evolutionary themes inJaborosa: (1) a “warm subtropical sphingophilous clade” composed of three hawkmoth-pollinated species found in humid lowland habitats, with large white flowers that clustered together in the visual space of a model hawkmoth (Manduca sexta) and a “cool-temperate brood-deceptive clade” composed of largely fly-pollinated species with small dark flowers found at high altitudes (Andes) or latitudes (Patagonian Steppe), that clustered together in the visual space of a model blowfly (Luciliasp.) and a syrphid fly (Eristalis tenax). Our findings suggest that the ability of plants to colonize newly formed environments during Andean orogeny and the ecological changes that followed were concomitant with transitions in flower color as perceived by different pollinator functional groups. Our findings suggest that habitat and pollination mode are inextricably linked in the history of this South American plant lineage.
Differential Impact of Salinity Stress on Seeds Minerals, Storage Proteins, Fatty Acids, and Squalene Composition of New Quinoa Genotype, Grown in Hyper-Arid Desert Environments
Authors: Toderich Kristina N. , Mamadrahimov Azimjon A. , Khaitov Botir B. , Karimov Aziz A. , Soliev Azamjon A. , Nanduri Kameswara Rao , Shuyskaya Elena V.
Published: December 2020

The effects of climate change and soil salinization on dryland ecosystems are already widespread, and ensuring food security is a crucial challenge. In this article, we demonstrate changes in growth performance and seed quality of a new high-yielding quinoa genotype (Q5) exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), and mixed salts (NaCl + Na2SO4). Differential responses to salt stress in growth performance, seed yield, and seed quality were identified. High salinity (mixed Na2SO4 + NaCl) reduces plant height by ∼30%, shoot and root dry weights by ∼29%, head panicle length and panicle weight by 36–43%, and seed yield by 37%, compared with control conditions. However, the 1,000-seed weight changes insignificantly under salinity. High content of essential minerals, such as Fe, Zn, and Ca in quinoa Q5 seeds produced under salinity, gives the Q5 genotype a remarkable advantage for human consumption. Biomarkers detected in our studies show that the content of most essential amino acids is unchanged under salinity. The content of amino acids Pro, Gly, and Ile positively correlates with Na+ concentration in soil and seeds, whereas the content of squalene and most fatty acids negatively correlates. Variation in squalene content under increasing salinity is most likely due to toxic effects of sodium and chlorine ions as a result of the decrease in membrane permeability for ion movement as a protective reaction to an increase in the sodium ion concentration. Low squalene accumulation might also occur to redirect the NADPH cofactor to enhance the biosynthesis of proline in response to salinity, as both syntheses (squalene and proline) require NADPH. This evidence can potentially be used by the food and pharmaceutical industries in the development of new food and health products.
Repetition of Computer Security Warnings Results in Differential Repetition Suppression Effects as Revealed With Functional MRI
Authors: Kirwan C. Brock , Bjornn Daniel K. , Anderson Bonnie Brinton , Vance Anthony , Eargle David , Jenkins Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2020

Computer users are often the last line of defense in computer security. However, with repeated exposures to system messages and computer security warnings, neural and behavioral responses show evidence of habituation. Habituation has been demonstrated at a neural level as repetition suppression where responses are attenuated with subsequent repetitions. In the brain, repetition suppression to visual stimuli has been demonstrated in multiple cortical areas, including the occipital lobe and medial temporal lobe. Prior research into the repetition suppression effect has generally focused on a single repetition and has not examined the pattern of signal suppression with repeated exposures. We used complex, everyday stimuli, in the form of images of computer programs or security warning messages, to examine the repetition suppression effect across repeated exposures. The use of computer warnings as stimuli also allowed us to examine the activation of learned fearful stimuli. We observed widespread linear decreases in activation with repeated exposures, suggesting that repetition suppression continues after the first repetition. Further, we found greater activation for warning messages compared to neutral images in the anterior insula, pre-supplemental motor area, and inferior frontal gyrus, suggesting differential processing of security warning messages. However, the repetition suppression effect was similar in these regions for both warning messages and neutral images. Additionally, we observed an increase of activation in the default mode network with repeated exposures, suggestive of increased mind wandering with continuing habituation.
Detection of Executive Performance Profiles Using the ENFEN Battery in Children Diagnosed With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Navarro-Soria Ignasi , Juárez-Ruiz de Mier Rocío , García-Fernández José Manuel , González-Gómez Carlota , Real-Fernández Marta , Sánchez-Múñoz de León Marta , Lavigne-Cervan Rocío
Published: December 2020

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. People who have this disorder are characterized by presenting difficulties in the processes of sustained attention, being very active, and having poor control of their impulses. Despite the high prevalence of this disorder and the existence of various tests used for its diagnosis, few data are available regarding the usefulness and diagnostic validity of these tools. Given the difficulties that these subjects present in executive functions, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Neuropsychological Assessment of Executive Functions battery for Children (ENFEN, for its acronym in Spanish, Portellano et al., 2009) allows to establish specific profiles of executive performance for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The sample was made up of 197 participants of both sexes, aged between 6 and 12 years age (134 with a clinical diagnosis and 63 without pathology). A nonexperimental design was followed, using a comparative descriptive study method. The results indicated that the scales of phonological fluency, color path, rings, and interference are the most associated with the diagnosis of ADHD, providing data on inhibition, mental flexibility, sustained and selective attention, planning, verbal fluency, and working memory, among others. The practical implication of these results is in line with providing support in the clinical diagnosis that is carried out in children’s mental health units. In addition, the ENFEN tool can be valued as a suitable psychometric instrument in the psychoeducational field, helping professionals in a school environment to be more aware of the areas of cognitive development in which a student diagnosed with ADHD will have more difficulties and, in doing so, providing more adjusted and effective psychopedagogical measures when it comes to supporting students in their adaptation to the school environment.
A Qualitative Study of the Views of Patients With Medically Unexplained Symptoms on The BodyMind Approach®: Employing Embodied Methods and Arts Practices for Self-Management
Authors: Payne Helen , Brooks Susan Deanie Margaret
Published: December 2020

The arts provide openings for symbolic expression by engaging the sensory experience in the body they become a source of insight through embodied cognition and emotion, enabling meaning-making, and acting as a catalyst for change. This synthesis of sensation and enactive, embodied expression through movement and the arts is capitalized on in The BodyMind Approach® (TBMA). It is integral to this biopsychosocial, innovative, unique intervention for people suffering medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) applied in primary healthcare. The relevance of embodiment and arts practices in TBMA are discussed in relation to the views of participants in the pursuit of self-management. If widely employed TBMA could have an enormous impact, reach, and significance for patients and global health services. This original pre-clinical trial of qualitative research reports on the perceptions of participant patients with generic MUS, a world-wide issue usually treated by either psychological therapy or physiotherapy. TBMA is not a therapy but a health education program founded upon the concept of an integration of psychological elements with physiological, bodily, and sensory experiences. Thematic analysis of qualitative data sets from open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews and a written questionnaire post intervention is presented. Five aspects which appear to be key to learning self-management were derived from analyzing the data: (1) body with mind connections; (2) importance of facilitation; (3) potential benefits; (4) preparedness for change; (5) self-acceptance/compassion. This article advances the discourse on the nature of self-management for MUS through changing the mind-set and the relationship participants have with their bodily symptom/s through employing embodied methods and arts practices, challenging current, and solely verbal, psychological conceptual frameworks. Rigor lies in the method of data analysis using cross verification of credibility between reported findings and scrutiny by stakeholders. We conclude that facilitated TBMA groups employing embodied methods and arts practices can act as a method for developing the self-management of MUS and improving wellbeing.
Where Did All the Sport Go? Negative Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Life-Spheres and Mental Health of Spanish Young Athletes
Authors: Pons Juan , Ramis Yago , Alcaraz Saul , Jordana Anna , Borrueco Marta , Torregrossa Miquel
Published: December 2020

During the 2020, the pandemic caused by the massive spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in a global crisis. In Spain, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a lockdown for almost 100 days and forced the sudden stop of sport practices and competitions. This interruption had a negative impact on high-level athletes’ mental health. However, its impact on young athletes, who are intrinsically developing a high-demanding dual career, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed at (1) describing and characterizing the general impact that COVID-19 lockdown had on Spanish young athletes’ life-spheres and mental health, and (2) identifying different profiles of athletes regarding life-conditions and sport-related variables. A sample of 544 young athletes (M = 15.9; SD = 1.51) participated in this study. Measures included life-conditions and sport-related information along with the Holistic Monitoring Questionnaire (HMQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). After the screening and description of the data, profiles were defined using a two-level cluster analysis using HMQ and GHQ-12 subscales. We explored differences in demographic and sports information between profiles using MANOVA and subsequent ANOVA. Results suggest a general negative impact of COVID-19 on young athletes’ life-spheres and mental health, but with three different clusters regarding the degree of such impact. Cluster 1 grouped the 54.78% of the sample and exhibited a low negative impact of COVID-19 lockdown on life-spheres and few mental health issues. Cluster 2 grouped a 29.96% of the participants who reported a medium negative impact on life-spheres and moderate mental health issues. Cluster 3 represented 15.26% of the sample including participants who showed a high negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown with high mental health issues. The paradigmatic participant in this third group would be a female student-athlete from a medium or low socioeconomic status with high academic demands and poor or inexistent training conditions during lockdown. Current findings emphasize the need to pay attention to young athletes’ mental health and suggest possible influencing contextual variables. We suggest some applied recommendations aimed at helping clubs and sports institutions to mitigate the negative effects of such difficult circumstances on athletes’ mental health.
Drug Utilization and Drug Pricing in the Private Primary Healthcare System in Malaysia: An Employer Price Control Mechanism
Authors: Zin Che Suraya , Taufek Nor Hidayah , Bux Siti Halimah
Published: December 2020

Uncontrolled drug pricing in the private healthcare system in Malaysia leads to high drug prices; however, its impact on employee drug utilization and employer reimbursement coverage is unclear. This study examined patterns of drug pricing and drug utilization among employees covered by employer medical insurance. A drug price control mechanism was also devised for the employer to ensure fair benefits to all parties without compromising the quality of patient care. This retrospective study was conducted among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) community members who sought outpatient treatment at the IIUM panel of health clinics serviced by general practitioners from January 2016 to September 2019. Prescription data (drug type, dose, quantity, duration, price, and manufacturer), patient characteristics (age, sex, and diagnosis) and total charges were extracted from the claims database of PMCare, the insurance company managing IIUM medical claims. Patterns of commonly prescribed drugs, drug pricing, profit margins, and total charges per clinic visit were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used, and all analyses were performed using Stata v15.1. There were a total of 161,146 prescriptions for 10,150 patients in the IIUM community during the study period (48.85% women, mean ± standard deviation; age: 26.33 ± 17.63 years). The most commonly prescribed drug was paracetamol (25.3%), followed by chlorpheniramine (9.46%), cetirizine (7.3%), diphenhydramine (6.13%), loratadine (4.57%), and diclofenac (4.36%). Generic paracetamol (500 mg), which serves as a prime example for details on drug pricing, is commonly charged between Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 5 and 10 for 10 tablets with a profit between 2,400 and 4,900% according to the average cost price of RM 0.20 per 10 tablets. Most patients were charged within the approved coverage limit of RM 45 per clinic visit, with only 2.41% of patients being charged with costs that exceeded this limit. Uncontrolled drug pricing in the private healthcare system in Malaysia indicates that drug prices differ greatly across private healthcare providers most of the prices were charged with high profit margins. Employers may consider a multilayer capping system to prevent inappropriate drug pricing, which will inevitably benefit patients clinically and economically and provide greater patient access to better drug treatment.
Sharing Electrons: An Extraordinary Friendship Between Bacteria
Authors: Otte Julia M.
Published: December 2020

Did you know that iron is one of the most important elements on Earth? It is assumed that life evolved close to iron sources. This means that the earliest life forms—and therefore oldest creatures—were able to use iron to obtain energy the way we use food. These tiny organisms are called iron microorganisms and can occur in sediments, which are mainly muddy sand. But less was known about where iron microorganisms live in these sediments—are they located close to the water surface or deep in the sediment? In this study, a team from the University of Tübingen investigated the distribution and variety of iron microorganisms. The scientists discovered that iron microorganisms live independent from their favorite foods: iron, oxygen, and light! This independence might be explained by an unexpected extraordinary friendship with a “living cable.” Are you curious about what a living cable is?
Quantitative Analysis of Colostrum Bacteriology on British Dairy Farms
Authors: Hyde Robert M. , Green Martin J. , Hudson Chris , Down Peter M.
Published: December 2020

Total bacterial counts (TBC) and coliform counts (CC) were estimated for 328 colostrum samples from 56 British dairy farms. Samples collected directly from cows' teats had lower mean TBC (32,079) and CC (21) than those collected from both colostrum collection buckets (TBC: 327,879, CC: 13,294) and feeding equipment (TBC: 439,438, CC: 17,859). Mixed effects models were built using an automated backwards stepwise process in conjunction with repeated bootstrap sampling to provide robust estimates of both effect size and 95% bootstrap confidence intervals (BCI) as well as an estimate of the reproducibility of a variable effect within a target population (stability). Colostrum collected using parlor (2.06 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 0.35–3.71) or robot (3.38 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 1.29–5.80) milking systems, and samples collected from feeding equipment (2.36 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 0.77–5.45) were associated with higher TBC than those collected from the teat, suggesting interventions to reduce bacterial contamination should focus on the hygiene of collection and feeding equipment. The use of hot water to clean feeding equipment (−2.54 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.76 to −1.74) was associated with reductions in TBC, and the use of peracetic acid (−2.04 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.49 to −0.56) or hypochlorite (−1.60 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.01 to 0.27) to clean collection equipment was associated with reductions in TBC compared with water. Cleaning collection equipment less frequently than every use (1.75 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 1.30–2.49) was associated with increased TBC, the use of pre-milking teat disinfection prior to colostrum collection (−1.85 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.39 to 2.23) and the pasteurization of colostrum (−3.79 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −5.87 to −2.93) were associated with reduced TBC. Colostrum collection protocols should include the cleaning of colostrum collection and feeding equipment after every use with hot water as opposed to cold water, and hypochlorite or peracetic acid as opposed to water or parlor wash. Cows' teats should be prepared with a pre-milking teat disinfectant and wiped with a clean, dry paper towel prior to colostrum collection, and colostrum should be pasteurized where possible.
Identification of Plant Soot as Novel Safe Feed Additive: Evaluation of 90-Day Oral Toxicity and Prenatal Developmental Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Pei Xingyao , Xiao Xilong , Liao Jianling , Ke Linfu , Li Daowen , Tang Shusheng
Published: December 2020

Plant soot, as a novel feed additive, could not only improve digestive function but also adsorb mycotoxins and inhibit bacterial infections. The subchronic toxicity and prenatal developmental effects of plant soot were studied for the first time. Our results indicated that there was no subchronic toxicity in the range of 2,000–50,000 mg/kg plant soot added in the feed, and there was no significant difference in reproductive function, embryo development, and teratogenicity between the pregnant rats exposed to 312.5, 1,250, and 5,000 mg/kg plant soot and the control group. The maximum no-observed effect level (NOEL) of supplemental dosage in feed could be set to 50,000 mg/kg, and the maximum intragastric NOEL could be set to 5,000 mg/kg, which preliminarily provided guidance on daily additive amount or clinical protocols for plant soot, as well as promoting the development and application of this harmless antibiotic substitutes.
Páramo Ecosystems in Ecuador’s Southern Region: Conservation State and Restoration
Authors: García Víctor J. , Márquez Carmen O. , Rodríguez Marco V. , Orozco Jonathan J. , Aguilar Christian D. , Ríos Anita C.
Published: December 2020

The páramo is home to a significant proportion of global biodiversity and provides essential services for the development of life for millions of people in Ecuador. However, land use/land cover (LULC) changes threaten biodiversity and modify its functioning. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the conservation status of the herbaceous páramo (HP) ecosystem by analyzing its LULC in Ecuador’s southern region. (2) to identify possible regions where the native páramo ecosystem is being restored. We analyzed Landsat 8 images using Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and a Classifier Decision Tree (CDT) to achieve these objectives. The results show that the native herbaceous páramo (NHP) ecosystem is being transformed into an anthropogenic HP (AHP). The area covered by the NHP ecosystem (296,964 ha) has been reduced by 50% (149,834 ha). Nevertheless, we identified five regions where the NHP is upgrading. These regions are relevant for studying NHP regeneration in Ecuador’s southern region, where soils are mostly andosols. The LU of the páramo, with cycles of exploitation, abandonment, and regeneration in a secondary páramo, is transforming the NHP ecosystem. These exploitation practices, global climate change, and lack of knowledge about the NHP ecosystem’s regeneration and its soils’ recovery threaten to substantially reduce the NHP area, its functionality, and its ecosystem services.
To Be or Not to Be… An Antioxidant? That Is the Question
Authors: Palma José M. , Seiquer Isabel
Published: December 2020

The concept of antioxidants refers to a substance with the capacity to either directly scavenge or indirectly prevent the formation of pro-oxidant molecules, basically associated to the so called reactive oxygen species (ROS) [...]
A Review of Recent Studies on the Antioxidant Activities of a Third-Millennium Food: Amaranthus spp.
Authors: Park Seon-Joo , Sharma Anshul , Lee Hae-Jeung
Published: December 2020

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) plant commonly refers to the sustainable food crop for the 21st century. The crop has witnessed significant attention in recent years due to its high nutritional value and agronomic advantages. It is a relatively well-balanced cosmopolitan food that is a protector against chronic diseases. Usually, the antioxidant activities of amaranth are held responsible for its defensive behavior. Antioxidant activity of plants, generally, is attributed to their phytochemical compounds. The current interest, however, lies in hydrolysates and bioactive peptides because of their numerous biological functions, including antioxidant effect. While the importance of bioactive peptides has been progressively recognized, an integrated review of recent studies on the antioxidant ability of amaranth species, especially their hydrolysates and peptides has not been generated. Hence, in this review, we summarize studies focused on the antioxidant capacity of amaranth renewal over the period 2015–2020. It starts with a background and overall image of the amaranth-related published reviews. The current research focusing on in vitro, in vivo, and chemical assays-based antioxidant activity of different amaranth species are addressed. Finally, the last segment includes the latest studies concerning free radical scavenging activity and metal chelation capacity of amaranth protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides.
The Resistance of Drosophila melanogaster to Oxidative, Genotoxic, Proteotoxic, Osmotic Stress, Infection, and Starvation Depends on Age According to the Stress Factor
Authors: Belyi Alexei A. , Alekseev Alexey A. , Fedintsev Alexander Y. , Balybin Stepan N. , Proshkina Ekaterina N. , Shaposhnikov Mikhail V. , Moskalev Alexey A.
Published: December 2020

We studied how aging affects the ability of Drosophila melanogaster to tolerate various types of stress factors. Data were obtained on the resistance of D. melanogaster to oxidative and genotoxic (separately paraquat, Fe3+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ ions), proteotoxic (hyperthermia, Cd2+ ions), and osmotic (NaCl) stresses, starvation, and infection with the pathological Beauveria bassiana fungus at different ages. In all cases, we observed a strong negative correlation between age and stress tolerance. The largest change in the age-dependent decline in survival occurred under oxidative and osmotic stress. In most experiments, we observed that young Drosophila females have higher stress resistance than males. We checked whether it is possible to accurately assess the biological age of D. melanogaster based on an assessment of stress tolerance. We have proposed a new approach for assessing a biological age of D. melanogaster using a two-parameter survival curve model. For the model, we used an algorithm that evaluated the quality of age prediction for different age and gender groups. The best predictions were obtained for females who were exposed to CdCl2 and ZnCl2 with an average error of 0.32 days and 0.36 days, respectively. For males, the best results were observed for paraquat and NaCl with an average error of 0.61 and 0.68 days, respectively. The average accuracy for all stresses in our model was 1.73 days.
Antioxidant Supplementation Modulates Neutrophil Inflammatory Response to Exercise-Induced Stress
Authors: Carrera-Quintanar Lucrecia , Funes Lorena , Herranz-López María , Martínez-Peinado Pascual , Pascual-García Sandra , Sempere José M , Boix-Castejón Marina , Córdova Alfredo , Pons Antoni , Micol Vicente , Roche Enrique
Published: December 2020

The aim of the present report was to evaluate the inflammatory response to a 2000-m running test considering neutrophil myeloperoxidase as an inflammatory marker, and to verify if supplements rich in antioxidants could modulate Post-test antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. To this end, a 21-day homogenization period was carried out with three groups: a control group, a supplemented group taking an almond beverage enriched with vitamins C and E and a third group consuming the same beverage but enriched with Lippia citriodora extract. At the end of this period, participants performed a 2000-m run, and blood samples were obtained the day before and immediately after the running test. Plasma and neutrophils were isolated. As a result, plasma creatine kinase and myoglobin increased, indicating Post-test muscle damage. Plasma oxidative markers were increased in all groups, except in the group supplemented with the almond beverage. Neutrophil antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased only in the control group, suggesting an antioxidant effect of the supplements provided in the other groups. Myeloperoxidase activity was significantly increased after the test in the control group, while increased enzyme levels were detected in plasma of the supplement groups. Therefore, antioxidant consumption seems to favour myeloperoxidase release. The connection of this observation with post-exercise recovery will require further investigation.
Comparative Analysis of the Cloud Behavior over Inland and Coastal Regions within Single Climate Characteristics
Authors: Lee Sanghee , Kim Sug-Whan , Hwang Seung-On , Choi Ji Nyeong , Ahn Ki-Beom , Kim Jinho
Published: December 2020

Continuous and accurate ceilometer measurements can provide the sky-condition such as cloud base height (CBH), cloud vertical structure (CVS), and cloud cover at around the sites of meteorological stations. In this study, ceilometer measurement data over a period of 3 years (January 2017 to December 2019) were analyzed to compare the characteristics of CBH at inland and coastal stations sharing the same climate characteristics in Korea. The annual averaged frequency of cloud occurrence between 0 and 7750 m at the first CBH is similar in both inland (41.8 ± 10.2%) and coastal (40.3 ± 9.5%) areas. However, there are differences in monthly and seasonal trends. The maximum cloud occurrence appears in summer (winter) of 64.3% (60.1%) in inland (coastal) areas, while the minimum of 25.6% (21.9%) shows in transient seasons of spring and autumn. In winter, the cold surge of northwest wind tends to increase the cloud occurrence from the ocean at coastal rather than in the inland area. It is shown that monthly cloud occurrence in each station is closely related to its monthly precipitation variation. The CVS frequency calculated from the total number of CBH with 250 m vertical bins shows the maximum between 500 to 1500 m (0 to 1000 m) in inland (coastal) areas, indicating more frequent occurrence at a lower height in the coastal area. It is mainly caused by the seasonal variability of the low-level clouds in the coastal region, which occurs two to three times higher in spring and summer than in other seasons. The study implies that long-term measurements of ceilometer would provide a better understanding of the characteristics of cloud behaviors in inland and coastal areas.
High Latitude Dust Transport Altitude Pattern Revealed from Deposition on Snow, Svalbard
Authors: Kavan Jan , Láska Kamil , Nawrot Adam , Wawrzyniak Tomasz
Published: December 2020

High Latitude Dust (HLD) deposition in the surface snow layer in two distant locations in Svalbard (Hornsund and Pyramiden) were collected during the June/July 2019 field campaign and examined in the laboratory. Despite the differences in their climate and topography, both locations are characterised by very similar spatial patterns of the deposition. On the one hand, strong linear negative relationship between the altitude of the sample taken and its concentration was found in low altitude (below 300 m a.s.l.), suggesting a strong influence of local HLD sources. On the other hand, almost constant concentrations were found at higher elevated sampling sites (above 300 m a.s.l.). This suggests a predominantly long-range transport in high altitude areas. The importance of local sources in the lower altitude corresponds well with the generally higher concentrations of HLD in the Pyramiden area. This region has a drier, continental climate and more deglaciated bare land surfaces, which favour more sediment to be uplifted in comparison with the more maritime climate of Hornsund area in the southern part of Svalbard. The spatial division between the local and long-range transport is supported by the proportion of certain lithophile elements in the altitude gradient.
Present and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Wright Caradee Yael , Norval Mary
Published: December 2020

The impacts of climate change on human health and wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa are projected to increase in the near future and are of considerable concern [...]
Characteristics and Source Apportionment of PM2.5 and O3 during Winter of 2013 and 2018 in Beijing
Authors: Zhong Yisheng , Wang Xiaoqi , Cheng Shuiyuan
Published: December 2020

Beijing, the capital city of China, has achieved remarkable progress in terms of an improvement in air quality under strict control policies in the past 10 years from various sources. In this paper, the characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and O3 in January 2013 and 2018 in Beijing are discussed on the basis of daily sample analysis and hourly monitoring data. It was found that the PM2.5 pollution for the month of January in Beijing has been greatly curbed. The SO42− concentration and proportion of PM2.5 decreased, while the proportions of NO3− and NH4+ increased. Organic matter represented the major component during the two periods with the proportions of 31.7% ± 8.2% and 31.4% ± 9.8%. The results of the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (Hysplit) model and Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) method showed that air mass from southern nearby regions accounted for 34% and 10% in 2013 and 2018, respectively, which was closely related to the pollution period. Thus, the input direction of air mass in January 2018 was more conducive to the diffusion of pollutants. Modeling results of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) coupled with Comprehensive Air Quality Model Extensions (CAMx) indicated that the contribution of industry sources to PM2.5 and O3 decreased from 2013 to 2018, while mobile sources increased. This was mainly due to the different control policies on various emission sources. In terms of O3 sources, more control measurements should be taken on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to its prominent effect on O3 concentration in both periods. The reduction in emissions and the meteorological conditions both contributed effectively to the sharp decrease in PM2.5 concentration. However, the change in weather conditions had the greater impact on the decrease in PM2.5 concentration, while the reduction in emissions was weakened as a function of this change.
Dynamic Multipole Polarizabilities of Helium and Screened-Helium Atoms
Authors: Wang Yu-Shu , Kar Sabyasachi , Ho Yew Kam
Published: December 2020

The precise estimation of atomic polarizabilities impinges upon a number of areas and processes in physical science. We calculate precisely the dynamic multipole polarizabilities of the helium and screened-helium atoms using highly correlated exponential wavefunctions based on the pseudo-state summation method. For screened environments, we consider the Debye–Hückel potential (DHP) as the interaction potentials between the charged particles. The dynamic multipole (quadrupole, octupole, and hexadecapole) polarizabilities for the ground state of the helium atom and the multipole (quadrupole and octupole) polarizabilities of the screened-helium atom for different screening parameters are reported along with magic-zero wavelengths. The reported results for hexadecapole polarizability of the helium atom and dynamic multipole polarizability of the screened-helium atom are new and would be useful for future investigation on this topic.
Little Brain, Big Expectations
Authors: Cury Rubens Gisbert , França Carina , Reis Barbosa Egberto , Jacobsen Teixeira Manoel , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel
Published: December 2020

The cerebellum has been implicated in the mechanisms of several movement disorders. With the recent reports of successful modulation of its functioning, this highly connected structure has emerged as a promising way to provide symptomatic relief not yet obtained by usual treatments. Here we review the most relevant papers published to date, the limitations and gaps in literature, discuss why several papers have failed in showing efficacy, and present a new way of stimulating the cerebellum. References for this critique review were identified by searches on PubMed for the terms “Parkinson’s disease”, “ataxia”, “dystonia”, “tremor”, and “dyskinesias” in combination with the type of stimulation and the stimulation site. Studies conducted thus far have shed light on the potential of cerebellar neuromodulation for attenuating symptoms in patients with some forms of isolated and combined dystonia, dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease, and neurodegenerative ataxia. However, there is still a high heterogeneity of results and uncertainty about the possibility of maintaining long-term benefits. Because of the complicated architecture of the cerebellum, the modulation techniques employed may have to focus on targeting the activity of the cerebellar nuclei rather than the cerebellar cortex. Measures of cerebellar activity may reduce the variability in outcomes.
Experimental Study of Using Micro-Encapsulated Phase-Change Material Integrated into Hemp Shive Wallboard
Authors: Kirilovs Edgars , Zotova Inga , Gendelis Staņislavs , Jörg-Gusovius Hans , Kukle Silvija , Stramkale Veneranda
Published: December 2020

Phase change materials (PCMs) are now widely known as potential additives for building insulation materials to provide a thermal mass effect that helps conserve energy and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Therefore, the study presented in this paper focuses on an experimental investigation of the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity of hemp shive mixed with PCMs. Industrially manufactured organic PCM-S50 received from MikroCaps Ltd. (Slovenia) has been used to further enhance respective properties of the product samples. The experimental boards were made from hemp shive by directly mixing 5% encapsulate PCMs into the mass. Cold pressing was used to manufacture the boards with Kleiberit urea formaldehyde resin glue as a binding agent. The experimental boards were made as 25 mm thick single-layer parts with a density of 300 ± 20 kg/m3, which qualify them as low-density boards. By adding nanocapsules during the board manufacturing process, the heat capacity is increased by 62%. Based on the great potential of using latent heat, it becomes a possible solution for the development of new technologies related to the automatic regulation of an indoor microclimate.
An Anchoring Groove Technique to Enhance the Bond Behavior between Heat-Damaged Concrete and CFRP Composites
Authors: Al-Rousan Rajai , AL-Tahat Mohammad
Published: December 2020

This experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with special anchoring grooves, specifically in terms of the ability of the concrete–CFRP bond to withstand elevated temperatures. The obtained findings of this experiment clearly highlighted the effectiveness of the direction of the anchoring grooves on the behavior of the concrete–CFRP bonding area. The results also showed that high temperatures lessen the bond’s strength and the ultimate slippage. On the other hand, this study showed that increasing the length of the CFRP sheet resulted in enhancement of the bond’s strength and slippage. When exposed to temperatures above 500 °C, the structures’ residual splitting and compression strength decreased significantly, resulting in the bond’s strength reducing to 67% and the slippage to 19%, with respect to the control samples. In the non-grooved and vertically grooved beams, the CFRP–concrete bond showed a skin-peeling type of failure. It appeared, also, that the temperature and the number of anchored grooves significantly affected the bonding area of the surface; as the surface was exposed to failure in adhesion, more concrete remained attached to the CFRP composite, signifying a stronger attachment.
Fully Printed Disposable IoT Soil Moisture Sensors for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Syrový Tomáš , Vik Robert , Pretl Silvan , Syrová Lucie , Čengery Jiří , Hamáček Aleš , Kubáč Lubomír , Menšík Ladislav
Published: December 2020

Digitization of industrial processes using new technologies (IoT—Internet of Things, IoE—Internet of Everything), including the agriculture industry, are globally gaining growing interest. The precise management of production inputs is essential for many agricultural companies because limited or expensive sources of water and nutrients could make sustainable production difficult. For these reasons, precise data from fields, plants, and greenhouses have become more important for decision making and for the proper dosage of water and nutrients. On the market are a variety of sensors for monitoring environmental parameters within a precise agricultural area. However, the high price, data storage/transfer functionality are limiting so cost-effective products capable to transfer data directly to farmers via wireless IoT networks are required. Within a given scope, low-price sensor elements with an appropriate level of sensor response are required. In the presented paper, we have developed fully printed sensor elements and a dedicated measuring/communicating unit for IoT monitoring of soil moisture. Various fabrication printing techniques and a variety of materials were used. From the performed study, it is obvious that fully printed sensor elements based on cheap and environmentally friendly carbon layers printed on the wood substrate can compete with conventionally made sensors based on copper.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy on 2D Nanomaterial MXene Modified Interfaces: Application as a Characterization and Transducing Tool
Authors: Aguedo Juvissan , Lorencova Lenka , Barath Marek , Farkas Pavol , Tkac Jan
Published: December 2020

This review presents the basic characteristics of MXene, a novel 2D nanomaterial with many outstanding properties applicable to electrochemical sensing and biosensing. The second part deals with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and its beneficial features applicable to ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing and label-free biosensing. The main part of the review presents recent advances in the integration of MXene to design electrochemical interfaces. EIS was used to evaluate the effect of anodic potential on MXene and the effect of the MXene preparation route and for characterization of MXene grafted with polymers. It also included the application of EIS as the main transducing tool for antibody- and aptamer-based biosensors or biosensors integrating molecularly imprinted polymers.
Somatosensory Testing in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Pain: An Exploration of Clinical Utility
Authors: Kersch Anna , Perera Panchalee , Mercado Melanie , Gorrie Andrew , Sainsbury David , McGrath Tara , Aouad Phillip , Sarraf Sara , Jaaniste Tiina , Champion David
Published: December 2020

We aimed to evaluate the utility of clinical somatosensory testing (SST), an office adaptation of laboratory quantitative sensory testing, in a biopsychosocial assessment of a pediatric chronic somatic pain sample (N = 98, 65 females, 7–18 years). Stimulus–response tests were applied at pain regions and intra-subject control sites to cutaneous stimuli (simple and dynamic touch, punctate pressure and cool) and deep pressure stimuli (using a handheld pressure algometer, and, in a subset, manually inflated cuff). Validated psychological, pain-related and functional measures were administered. Cutaneous allodynia, usually regional, was elicited by at least one stimulus in 81% of cases, most frequently by punctate pressure. Central sensitization, using a composite measure of deep pressure pain threshold and temporal summation of pain, was implied in the majority (59.2%) and associated with worse sleep impairment and psychological functioning. In regression analyses, depressive symptoms were the only significant predictor of pain intensity. Functional interference was statistically predicted by deep pressure pain threshold and depressive symptoms. Manually inflated cuff algometry had comparable sensitivity to handheld pressure algometry for deep pressure pain threshold but not temporal summation of pain. SST complemented standard biopsychosocial assessment of pediatric chronic pain; use of SST may facilitate the understanding of disordered neurobiology.