bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Fruit and Vegetable Residues Suitable for Renewable Energy Production: GIS-Based Model for Developing New Frontiers within the Context of Circular Economy
Authors: Selvaggi Roberta , Valenti Francesca
Published: February 2021

Due to the necessity of developing renewable energy sources, the anaerobic digestion for producing biomethane has developed significantly in the last years, since it allows to both reduce disposal treatment and produce green energy. In this field, fruit and vegetable wastes have been recently put forward, since they could represent a suitable resource for producing biomethane as a new frontier within the context of a circular economy. This study aims at filling the gap in the knowledge of the production, quantities and biogas potential production of these residues. On this basis, a GIS-based model was developed and applied to the Sicily region by investigating the specific regulatory framework as well as by analysing descriptive statistics. The results of the GIS analyses enabled the localisation of the highest productive territorial areas and highlighted where fruit and vegetable wastes are abundantly located. In this regard, about 7 million Nm3 of biogas could be produced by reusing only the fruit and vegetable residues coming from the three most representative Sicilian wholesale markets among those considered. Finally, the regulatory framework is of crucial importance in inhibiting or supporting the use of the selected biomass in a specific sector, with regard to the case study considered.
Special Issue Editorial: Atmospheric Airglow—Recent Advances in Observations, Experimentations, and Modeling
Authors: Huang Tai-Yin
Published: February 2021

Airglow observations, experimentations, and theoretical studies have significantly advanced our understanding of airglow in recent decades [...]
Changes of Circulatory and Nervous Diseases Mortality Patterns during Periods of Exceptional Solar Events
Authors: Podolská Kateřina
Published: February 2021

A statistical analysis of the relation between exceptional solar events and daily numbers of deaths in the Czech Republic is presented. In particular, we concentrate on diseases of the nervous system (group VI from ICD-10—International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision) and diseases of the circulatory system (group IX from ICD-10). We demonstrate that the neurological diseases exhibit greater instability during the period of rising and falling solar activity. We study the daily numbers of deaths, separately for both sexes and two age groups (under 39 and 40+), during the Solar Cycles No. 23 and No. 24. We focus on exceptionally strong solar events in this period, such as the “Bastille Day event” on 14 July 2000, “Halloween solar storm” on 28 October 2003, and events on 7 January 1997, 2 April 2000, and on 7 September 2005. Special attention is paid to “St. Patrick’s Day storm” on 17 March 2015, the strongest geomagnetic storm of the Solar Cycle No. 24 that occurred following a coronal mass ejection (CME). We investigate the changes in the daily numbers of deaths during 1 month before and 1 month after these exceptional solar events. We take specific storm dynamics of their geophysical parameters into consideration. It has been verified that, for diseases of the nervous system, women are generally more sensitive than men. On the contrary, this differences between men and women have not been found for diseases of the circulatory system. Our findings suggest that the impact of the hazardous space weather conditions on human health depends on the specific dynamic and strength of the solar storm.
Pancreatogenic Diabetes: Triggering Effects of Alcohol and HIV
Authors: New-Aaron Moses , Ganesan Murali , Dagur Raghubendra Singh , Kharbanda Kusum K. , Poluektova Larisa Y. , Osna Natalia A.
Published: February 2021

Multiorgan failure may not be completely resolved among people living with HIV despite HAART use. Although the chances of organ dysfunction may be relatively low, alcohol may potentiate HIV-induced toxic effects in the organs of alcohol-abusing, HIV-infected individuals. The pancreas is one of the most implicated organs, which is manifested as diabetes mellitus or pancreatic cancer. Both alcohol and HIV may trigger pancreatitis, but the combined effects have not been explored. The aim of this review is to explore the literature for understanding the mechanisms of HIV and alcohol-induced pancreatotoxicity. We found that while premature alcohol-inducing zymogen activation is a known trigger of alcoholic pancreatitis, HIV entry through C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) into pancreatic acinar cells may also contribute to pancreatitis in people living with HIV (PLWH). HIV proteins induce oxidative and ER stresses, causing necrosis. Furthermore, infiltrative immune cells induce necrosis on HIV-containing acinar cells. When necrotic products interact with pancreatic stellate cells, they become activated, leading to the release of both inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and resulting in pancreatitis. Effective therapeutic strategies should block CCR5 and ameliorate alcohol’s effects on acinar cells.
Recent Advances in p53
Authors: D’Orazi Gabriella
Published: February 2021

Tumor suppressor protein p53 (TP53) is a key transcription factor that, in response to various stress signals, regulates numerous genes involved in a broad range of cellular functions including DNA repair, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, senescence, metabolism, etc [...]
Which Target Temperature for Post-Anoxic Brain Injury? A Systematic Review from “Real Life” Studies
Authors: Minini Andrea , Annoni Filippo , Peluso Lorenzo , Bogossian Elisa Gouvêa , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio Silvio
Published: February 2021

There is a persistent debate on the optimal target temperature to use during cooling procedures in cardiac arrest survivors. A large randomized clinical trial (RCT) including more than 900 patients showed that targeted temperature management (TTM) at 33 °C had similar mortality and unfavorable neurological outcome (UO) rates as TTM at 36 °C in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with any initial rhythm. Since then, several observational studies have been published on the effects of changes in target temperature (i.e., from 33 to 36 °C) on patients’ outcome. We performed a systematic literature search from 1 January 2014 to 4 December 2020 and identified ten retrospective studies (very low levels of certainty; high risk of bias), including 5509 patients, that evaluated TTM at 33 °C vs. TTM at 36 °C on the occurrence of UO (n = eight studies) and mortality (n = ten studies). TTM at 33 °C was associated with a lower risk of UO when studies assessing neurological outcome with the Cerebral Performance Categories were analyzed (OR 0.80 [95% CIs 0.72–0.98]; p = 0.03). No differences in mortality were observed within the two TTM strategies. These results suggest that an inappropriate translation of TTM protocols from large well-conducted randomized trials into clinical management may result in unexpected effects on patients’ outcome. As for all newly commercialized drugs, epidemiological studies and surveillance programs with an adequate follow-up on large databases are necessary to understand how RCTs are implemented into medical practice.
Socioeconomic Factors and Survival of Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Chamoun Kamal , Firoozmand Amin , Caimi Paolo , Fu Pingfu , Cao Shufen , Otegbeye Folashade , Metheny Leland , Patel Seema , Gerson Stanton L. , Boughan Kirsten , De Lima Marcos , Malek Ehsan
Published: February 2021

Background: Outcome of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients has improved as the result of the introduction of novel medications and use of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. However, this improvement comes at the expense of increased financial burden. It is largely unknown if socioeconomic factors influence MM survival. Methods: We used the National Cancer Database, a database that houses data on 70% of cancer patients in the US, to evaluate the effect of socioeconomic factors on the survival of 117,926 MM patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2014. Results: Patients aged ≥65 years who were privately insured lived longer than patients with Medicare (42 months vs. 31 months, respectively, p < 0.0001). Treatment in academic institutions led to better survival (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.59). Younger age, fewer comorbidities, treatment in academic centers, and living in a higher median income area were significantly associated with improved survival. After adjusting for confounders, survival of Medicare patients was similar to those with private insurance. However, the hazard of death remained higher for patients with Medicaid (HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.87) or without insurance (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.99), compared to privately insured patients. Conclusion: Economic factors and treatment facility type play an important role in the survival of MM patients.
CD4+ T Cells: Multitasking Cells in the Duty of Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Richardson Jennifer R. , Schöllhorn Anna , Gouttefangeas Cécile , Schuhmacher Juliane
Published: February 2021

Cancer immunotherapy activates the immune system to specifically target malignant cells. Research has often focused on CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, as those have the capacity to eliminate tumor cells after specific recognition upon TCR-MHC class I interaction. However, CD4+ T cells have gained attention in the field, as they are not only essential to promote help to CD8+ T cells, but are also able to kill tumor cells directly (via MHC-class II dependent recognition) or indirectly (e.g., via the activation of other immune cells like macrophages). Therefore, immunotherapy approaches have shifted from only stimulating CD8+ T cells to targeting and assessing both, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Here, we discuss the various subsets of CD4+ T cells, their plasticity and functionality, their relevance in the antitumor immune response in patients affected by cancer, and their ever-growing role in therapeutic approaches for human cancer.
Loss of cIAP1 in Endothelial Cells Limits Metastatic Extravasation through Tumor-Derived Lymphotoxin Alpha
Authors: Vasilikos Lazaros , Hänggi Kay , Spilgies Lisanne M. , Kisele Samanta , Rufli Stefanie , Wong W. Wei-Lynn
Published: February 2021

In this study, we determined whether Smac mimetics play a role in metastasis, specifically in circulation, tumor extravasation and growth in a metastatic site. Reports suggest inducing the degradation of IAPs through use of Smac mimetics, alters the ability of the tumor cell to metastasize. However, a role for the immune or stromal compartment in affecting the ability of tumor cells to metastasize upon loss of IAPs has not been defined. To address this open question, we utilized syngeneic tumor models in a late-stage model of metastasis. Loss of cIAP1 in the endothelial compartment, rather than depletion of cIAP2 or absence of cIAP1 in the hematopoietic compartment, caused reduction of tumor load in the lung. Our results underline the involvement of the endothelium in hindering tumor cell extravasation upon loss of cIAP1, in contrast to the immune compartment. Endothelial specific depletion of cIAP1 did not lead to cell death but resulted in an unresponsive endothelium barrier to permeability factors causing a decrease in tumor cell extravasation. Surprisingly, lymphotoxin alpha (LTA), and not TNF, secreted by the tumor cells, was critical for the extravasation. Using TCGA, we found high LTA mRNA expression correlated with decreased survival in kidney carcinoma and associated with advanced disease stage. Our data suggest that Smac mimetics, targeting cIAP1/2, reduce metastasis to the lung by inhibiting tumor cell extravasation.
Stellate Cells Aid Growth-Permissive Metabolic Reprogramming and Promote Gemcitabine Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Amrutkar Manoj , Gladhaug Ivar P.
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also known as pancreatic cancer (PC), is characterized by an overall poor prognosis and a five-year survival that is less than 10%. Characteristic features of the tumor are the presence of a prominent desmoplastic stromal response, an altered metabolism, and profound resistance to cancer drugs including gemcitabine, the backbone of PDAC chemotherapy. The pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) constitute the major cellular component of PDAC stroma. PSCs are essential for extracellular matrix assembly and form a supportive niche for tumor growth. Various cytokines and growth factors induce activation of PSCs through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, which in turn promote overall tumor growth and metastasis and induce chemoresistance. To maintain growth and survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic environment of PDAC, tumor cells fulfill their high energy demands via several unconventional ways, a process generally referred to as metabolic reprogramming. Accumulating evidence indicates that activated PSCs not only contribute to the therapy-resistant phenotype of PDAC but also act as a nutrient supplier for the tumor cells. However, the precise molecular links between metabolic reprogramming and an acquired therapy resistance in PDAC remain elusive. This review highlights recent findings indicating the importance of PSCs in aiding growth-permissive metabolic reprogramming and gemcitabine chemoresistance in PDAC.
Clinical Progress in Proton Radiotherapy: Biological Unknowns
Authors: Vanderwaeren Laura , Dok Rüveyda , Verstrepen Kevin , Nuyts Sandra
Published: February 2021

Clinical use of proton radiation has massively increased over the past years. The main reason for this is the beneficial depth-dose distribution of protons that allows to reduce toxicity to normal tissues surrounding the tumor. Despite the experience in the clinical use of protons, the radiobiology after proton irradiation compared to photon irradiation remains to be completely elucidated. Proton radiation may lead to differential damages and activation of biological processes. Here, we will review the current knowledge of proton radiobiology in terms of induction of reactive oxygen species, hypoxia, DNA damage response, as well as cell death after proton irradiation and radioresistance.
Immobilization of Exfoliated g-C3N4 for Photocatalytical Removal of Organic Pollutants from Water
Authors: Rusek Jakub , Paušová Šárka , Praus Petr , Krýsa Josef
Published: February 2021

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized from melamine and exfoliated by thermal treatment. Exfoliated g-C3N4 particles were immobilized by electrophoretic deposition from an ultrasonically treated ethanolic suspension aged up to 12 weeks. During the aging of the suspension, the separation of particles bigger than 10 μm was observed. The separated stable part of the suspension contained particles with a relatively uniform size distribution, enabling the fabrication of g-C3N4 films that were stable in a stirred aqueous solution. Such stable immobilized particles of exfoliated g-C3N4 are reported for the first time. The photocatalytic activity of such layers was evaluated using aqueous solutions of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The photocatalytic decomposition of AO7 was faster in comparison with the decomposition of 4-CP. Mineralization was observed in the case of AO7, but not in the case of 4-CP, where the decrease of 4-CP concentration is due to 4-CP polymerization and the formation of a dimer, C12H8Cl2O2. This indicates that the use of g-C3N4 as a photocatalyst for oxidative degradation of organic compounds in water is limited.
Canonical and Non-Canonical Roles of GRK2 in Lymphocytes
Authors: Cheng Jing , Lucas Peter C. , McAllister-Lucas Linda M.
Published: February 2021

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is emerging as a key integrative signaling node in a variety of biological processes ranging from cell growth and proliferation to migration and chemotaxis. As such, GRK2 is now implicated as playing a role in the molecular pathogenesis of a broad group of diseases including heart failure, cancer, depression, neurodegenerative disease, and others. In addition to its long-known canonical role in the phosphorylation and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), recent studies have shown that GRK2 also modulates a diverse array of other molecular processes via newly identified GRK2 kinase substrates and via a growing number of protein-protein interaction binding partners. GRK2 belongs to the 7-member GRK family. It is a multidomain protein containing a specific N-terminal region (referred to as αN), followed by a regulator of G protein signaling homology (RH) domain, an AGC (Protein kinase A, G, C serine/threonine kinase family) kinase domain, and a C-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. GPCRs mediate the activity of many regulators of the immune system such as chemokines and leukotrienes, and thus GRK proteins may play key roles in modulating the lymphocyte response to these factors. As one of the predominant GRK family members expressed in immune cells, GRK2′s canonical and noncanonical actions play an especially significant role in normal immune cell function as well as in the development and progression of disorders of the immune system. This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of the roles of GRK2 in lymphocytes. We highlight the diverse functions of GRK2 and discuss how ongoing investigation of GRK2 in lymphocytes may inform the development of new therapies for diseases associated with lymphocyte dysregulation.
Lung Mast Cells Have a High Constitutive Expression of Carboxypeptidase A3 mRNA That Is Independent from Granule-Stored CPA3
Authors: Siddhuraj Premkumar , Clausson Carl-Magnus , Sanden Caroline , Alyamani Manar , Kadivar Mohammad , Marsal Jan , Wallengren Joanna , Bjermer Leif , Erjefält Jonas S.
Published: February 2021

The mast cell granule metalloprotease CPA3 is proposed to have important tissue homeostatic functions. However, the basal CPA3 mRNA and protein expression among mast cell populations has remained poorly investigated. Using a novel histology-based methodology that yields quantitative data on mRNA and protein expression at a single-cell level, the present study maps CPA3 mRNA and protein throughout the MCT and MCTC populations in healthy skin, gut and lung tissues. MCTC cells had both a higher frequency of CPA3 protein-containing cells and a higher protein-staining intensity than the MCT population. Among the tissues, skin MCs had highest CPA3 protein intensity. The expression pattern at the mRNA level was reversed. Lung mast cells had the highest mean CPA3 mRNA staining. Intriguingly, the large alveolar MCT population, that lack CPA3 protein, had uniquely high CPA3 mRNA intensity. A broader multi-tissue RNA analysis confirmed the uniquely high CPA3 mRNA quantities in the lung and corroborated the dissociation between chymase and CPA3 at the mRNA level. Taken together, our novel data suggest a hitherto underestimated contribution of mucosal-like MCT to baseline CPA3 mRNA production. The functional consequence of this high constitutive expression now reveals an important area for further research.
Adsorption of Cd to TiO2-NPs Forms Low Genotoxic Aggregates in Zebrafish Cells
Authors: Mottola Filomena , Santonastaso Marianna , Iovine Concetta , Feola Veronica , Pacifico Severina , Rocco Lucia
Published: February 2021

The aquatic environment is involved in the pollutants spreading mechanisms, including nanomaterials and heavy metals. The aims of this study were to assess the in vivo genotoxicity of Cd (1 mg/L) and to investigate the genomic effects generated by its co-exposure with TiO2-NPs (10 µg/L). The study was performed using zebrafish as a model for 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of exposure. The genotoxic potential was assessed by three experimental approaches: DNA integrity, degree of apoptosis, and molecular alterations at the genomic level by genomic template stability (% GTS) calculation. Results showed an increased in DNA damage after Cd exposure with a decrease in % GTS. The co-exposure (TiO2-NPs + Cd) induced a no statistically significant loss of DNA integrity, a reduction of the apoptotic cell percentage and the recovery of genome stability for prolonged exposure days. Characterization and analytical determinations data showed Cd adsorption to TiO2-NPs, which reduced free TiO2-NPs levels. The results of our study suggest that TiO2-NPs could be used for the development of controlled heavy metal bioremediation systems.
Intestinal Stem Cell Development in the Neonatal Gut: Pathways Regulating Development and Relevance to Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Venkatraman Aparna , Yu Wei , Nitkin Christopher , Sampath Venkatesh
Published: February 2021

The intestine is extremely dynamic and the epithelial cells that line the intestine get replaced every 3–5 days by highly proliferative intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The instructions for ISCs to self-renew or to differentiate come as cues from their surrounding microenvironment or their niche. A small number of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways act as a critical regulator of the stem cells in the adult intestine, and these pathways are well characterized. However, the mechanisms, nutritional, and environmental signals that help establish the stem cell niche in the neonatal intestine are less studied. Deciphering the key signaling pathways that regulate the development and maintenance of the stem cells is particularly important to understanding how the intestine regenerates from necrotizing enterocolitis, a devastating disease in newborn infants characterized by inflammation, tissues necrosis, and stem cell injury. In this review, we piece together current knowledge on morphogenetic and immune pathways that regulate intestinal stem cell in neonates and highlight how the cross talk among these pathways affect tissue regeneration. We further discuss how these key pathways are perturbed in NEC and review the scientific knowledge relating to options for stem cell therapy in NEC gleaned from pre-clinical experimental models of NEC.
MARTs and MARylation in the Cytosol: Biological Functions, Mechanisms of Action, and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Challa Sridevi , Stokes MiKayla S. , Kraus W. Lee
Published: February 2021

Mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation (MARylation) is a regulatory post-translational modification of proteins that controls their functions through a variety of mechanisms. MARylation is catalyzed by mono(ADP-ribosyl) transferase (MART) enzymes, a subclass of the poly(ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP) family of enzymes. Although the role of PARPs and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) in cellular pathways, such as DNA repair and transcription, is well studied, the role of MARylation and MARTs (i.e., the PARP ‘monoenzymes’) are not well understood. Moreover, compared to PARPs, the development of MART-targeted therapeutics is in its infancy. Recent studies are beginning to shed light on the structural features, catalytic targets, and biological functions of MARTs. The development of new technologies to study MARTs have uncovered essential roles for these enzymes in the regulation of cellular processes, such as RNA metabolism, cellular transport, focal adhesion, and stress responses. These insights have increased our understanding of the biological functions of MARTs in cancers, neuronal development, and immune responses. Furthermore, several novel inhibitors of MARTs have been developed and are nearing clinical utility. In this review, we summarize the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of MARTs and MARylation, as well as recent advances in technology that have enabled detection and inhibition of their activity. We emphasize PARP-7, which is at the forefront of the MART subfamily with respect to understanding its biological roles and the development of therapeutically useful inhibitors. Collectively, the available studies reveal a growing understanding of the biochemistry, chemical biology, physiology, and pathology of MARTs.
Childhood Malnutrition: Time for Action
Authors: Vassilakou Tonia
Published: February 2021

Childhood malnutrition of every form, including undernutrition (wasting, stunting and underweight), micronutrient deficiencies, as well as overweight and obesity, consists a triple burden of disease, especially for low- and middle-income countries, and is one of the leading causes of poor health and a major impediment to personal development and achievement of full human potential worldwide [...]
Enhancing Flame Resistance of Cellulosic Fibers Using an Ecofriendly Coating
Authors: Zouari Riadh , Gargoubi Sondes
Published: February 2021

Among the various advanced materials, flame-retardant cellulosic textiles are important as they directly relate to human health and hazards. The use of environmentally friendly flame-retardant coatings is currently one of the major concerns in the textile coating industry. In this work, acrylic acid was grafted onto the surface of cotton using plasma technology to enhance the attachment of acrylate phosphate monomer. Surface analyses, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), were carried out to characterize the coating. Textile properties such as wettability and mechanical properties of untreated and treated cotton samples were investigated. A laundering test was also performed to predict the durability of the finishing. The outcomes revealed that acrylic acid-grafted samples treated with acrylate phosphate monomer have good flame-retardant properties.
Clinical Implication of Patchy Pattern Corneal Staining in Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Komai Seitaro , Yokoi Norihiko , Kato Hiroaki , Komuro Aoi , Sonomura Yukiko , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie
Published: February 2021

Corneal fluorescein staining in a form that is commonly called a “patchy pattern (PP)” is sometimes seen with or without superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) in dry-eye diseases (DEDs). Here, we investigated the differences in the clinical features of DED patients with and without PP corneal staining (PPCS). This study involved 35 DEDs with PPCS (PPCS group) and 30 DEDs with SPK and without PPCS (non-PPCS group). The tear meniscus radius (TMR, mm), spread grade (SG) of the tear-film lipid layer (i.e., SG 1–5, 1 being best), noninvasive breakup time (NIBUT, seconds), fluorescein breakup time (FBUT, seconds), corneal epithelial damage (CED, 15 points maximum), conjunctival epithelial damage (CjED, six points maximum), the Schirmer’s 1 test (ST1, mm), and the prevalence of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) were examined, and then compared between the two groups. Our findings revealed that between the groups (PPCS vs. non-PPCS), there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in CjED (3.1 ± 1.9 vs. 1.3 ± 1.6), ST1 (5.6 ± 7.4 vs. 14.8 ± 11.4), and the prevalence of SS (60.0% vs. 16.7%). Our findings suggest that DEDs and dry-eye patients with PPCS may indicate not only SS itself, but also the ophthalmological characteristics compatible with SS.
Serum Myo-Inositol, Dimethyl Sulfone, and Valine in Combination with Creatinine Allow Accurate Assessment of Renal Insufficiency—A Proof of Concept
Authors: Ehrich Jochen , Dubourg Laurence , Hansson Sverker , Pape Lars , Steinle Tobias , Fruth Jana , Höckner Sebastian , Schiffer Eric
Published: February 2021

Evaluation of renal dysfunction includes estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as the initial step and subsequent laboratory testing. We hypothesized that combined analysis of serum creatinine, myo-inositol, dimethyl sulfone, and valine would allow both assessment of renal dysfunction and precise GFR estimation. Bio-banked sera were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The metabolites were combined into a metabolite constellation (GFRNMR) using n = 95 training samples and tested in n = 189 independent samples. Tracer-measured GFR (mGFR) served as a reference. GFRNMR was compared to eGFR based on serum creatinine (eGFRCrea and eGFREKFC), cystatin C (eGFRCys-C), and their combination (eGFRCrea-Cys-C) when available. The renal biomarkers provided insights into individual renal and metabolic dysfunction profiles in selected mGFR-matched patients with otherwise homogenous clinical etiology. GFRNMR correlated better with mGFR (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.84 vs. 0.79 and 0.80). Overall percentages of eGFR values within 30% of mGFR for GFRNMR matched or exceeded those for eGFRCrea and eGFREKFC (81% vs. 64% and 74%), eGFRCys-C (81% vs. 72%), and eGFRCrea-Cys-C (81% vs. 81%). GFRNMR was independent of patients’ age and sex. The metabolite-based NMR approach combined metabolic characterization of renal dysfunction with precise GFR estimation in pediatric and adult patients in a single analytical step.
Recent Developments on Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks and Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Kanellopoulos Dimitris , Cuomo Francesca
Published: February 2021

Mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) have a decentralized nature that makes them suitable for a variety of applications [...]
Radio Frequency Coils for Hyperpolarized 13C Magnetic Resonance Experiments with a 3T MR Clinical Scanner: Experience from a Cardiovascular Lab
Authors: Giovannetti Giulio , Flori Alessandra , Santarelli Maria Filomena , Positano Vincenzo , Martini Nicola , Francischello Roberto , Schulte Rolf F. , Ardenkjaer-Larsen Jan Henrik , Menichetti Luca , Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Barison Andrea , Frijia Francesca
Published: February 2021

Hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance (MR) is a promising technique for the noninvasive assessment of the regional cardiac metabolism since it permits heart physiology studies in pig and mouse models. The main objective of the present study is to resume the work carried out at our electromagnetic laboratory in the field of radio frequency (RF) coil design, building, and testing. In this paper, first, we review the principles of RF coils, coil performance parameters, and estimation methods by using simulations, workbench, and MR imaging experiments. Then, we describe the simulation, design, and testing of different 13C coil configurations and acquisition settings for hyperpolarized studies on pig and mouse heart with a clinical 3T MRI scanner. The coil simulation is performed by developing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) model in terms of coil resistance, sample-induced resistance, and magnetic field pattern. Coil resistance was calculated from Ohm’s law and sample-induced resistances were estimated with a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm. In contrast, the magnetic field per unit current was calculated by magnetostatic theory and a FDTD algorithm. The information could be of interest to graduate students and researchers working on the design and development of an MR coil to be used in 13C studies.
A Novel Adaptive Battery-Aware Algorithm for Data Transmission in IoT-Based Healthcare Applications
Authors: Magsi Hina , Sodhro Ali Hassan , Al-Rakhami Mabrook S. , Zahid Noman , Pirbhulal Sandeep , Wang Lei
Published: February 2021

The internet of things (IoT) comprises various sensor nodes for monitoring physiological signals, for instance, electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), blood pressure, and temperature, etc., with various emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular networks. The IoT for medical healthcare applications forms the internet of medical things (IoMT), which comprises multiple resource-restricted wearable devices for health monitoring due to heterogeneous technological trends. The main challenge for IoMT is the energy drain and battery charge consumption in the tiny sensor devices. The non-linear behavior of the battery uses less charge; additionally, an idle time is introduced for optimizing the charge and battery lifetime, and hence the efficient recovery mechanism. The contribution of this paper is three-fold. First, a novel adaptive battery-aware algorithm (ABA) is proposed, which utilizes the charges up to its maximum limit and recovers those charges that remain unused. The proposed ABA adopts this recovery effect for enhancing energy efficiency, battery lifetime and throughput. Secondly, we propose a novel framework for IoMT based pervasive healthcare. Thirdly, we test and implement the proposed ABA and framework in a hardware platform for energy efficiency and longer battery lifetime in the IoMT. Furthermore, the transition of states is modeled by the deterministic mealy finite state machine. The Convex optimization tool in MATLAB is adopted and the proposed ABA is compared with other conventional methods such as battery recovery lifetime enhancement (BRLE). Finally, the proposed ABA enhances the energy efficiency, battery lifetime, and reliability for intelligent pervasive healthcare.
Contemporary Distribution, Estimated Age, and Prehistoric Migrations of Old World Monkey Retroviruses
Authors: van der Kuyl Antoinette C.
Published: February 2021

Old World monkeys (OWM), simians inhabiting Africa and Asia, are currently affected by at least four infectious retroviruses, namely, simian foamy virus (SFV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV), and simian type D retrovirus (SRV). OWM also show chromosomal evidence of having been infected in the past with four more retroviral species, baboon endogenous virus (BaEV), Papio cynocephalus endogenous virus (PcEV), simian endogenous retrovirus (SERV), and Rhesus endogenous retrovirus-K (RhERV-K/SERV-K1). For some of the viruses, transmission to other primates still occurs, resulting, for instance, in the HIV pandemic. Retroviruses are intimately connected with their host as they are normally spread by close contact. In this review, an attempt to reconstruct the distribution and history of OWM retroviruses will be made. A literature overview of the species infected by any of the eight retroviruses as well as an age estimation of the pathogens will be given. In addition, primate genomes from databases have been re-analyzed for the presence of endogenous retrovirus integrations. Results suggest that some of the oldest retroviruses, SERV and PcEV, have travelled with their hosts to Asia during the Miocene, when a higher global temperature allowed simian expansions. In contrast, younger viruses, such as SIV and SRV, probably due to the lack of a primate continuum between the continents in later times, have been restricted to Africa and Asia, respectively.
Comparing Reported Forest Biomass Gains and Losses in European and Global Datasets
Authors: Sinclair Lucas , Rougieux Paul
Published: February 2021

Net CO2 emissions and sequestration from European forests are the result of removal and growth of flora. To arrive at aggregated measurements of these processes at a country’s level, local observations of increments and harvest rates are up-scaled to national forest areas. Each country releases these statistics through their individual National Forest Inventory using their particular definitions and methodologies. In addition, five international processes deal with the harmonization and comparability of such forest datasets in Europe, namely the IPCC, SOEF, FAOSTAT, HPFFRE, FRA (definitions follow in the article). In this study, we retrieved living biomass dynamics from each of these sources for 27 European Union member states. To demonstrate the reproducibility of our method, we release an open source python package that allows for automated data retrieval and analysis, as new data becomes available. The comparison of the published values shows discrepancies in the magnitude of forest biomass changes for several countries. In some cases, the direction of these changes also differs between sources. The scarcity of the data provided, along with the low spatial resolution, forbids the creation or calibration of a pan-European forest dynamics model, which could ultimately be used to simulate future scenarios and support policy decisions. To attain these goals, an improvement in forest data availability and harmonization is needed.
Toward Nitrite-Free Curing: Evaluation of a New Approach to Distinguish Real Uncured Meat from Cured Meat Made with Nitrite
Authors: Hernández Juan de Dios , Castell Ana , Arroyo-Manzanares Natalia , Guillén Isidro , Vizcaíno Pascuali , López-García Ignacio , Hernández-Córdoba Manuel , Viñas Pilar
Published: February 2021

After the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ingested nitrites and nitrates as “probably carcinogenic to humans” under conditions favoring endogenous nitrosation, several meat products labeled as “made without nitrite” were launched. In order to distinguish uncured products truly made without nitrite from cured products made with any nitrite source (vegetal or mineral), this article presents an approach to detect and quantify nitrite from different origins added to meat. The method consists on the determination of nitrous oxide as a target compound using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-GC–MS). Nitrous oxide (N2O) is formed after two reduction steps: from nitrite to nitric oxide (NO) and then to N2O. The NO is bound to myoglobin (Mb) or metmyoglobin (Met-Mb), forming a complex, which is subsequently released using sulfuric acid, which also favors the reduction to N2O. The HS-GC–MS conditions were split ratio 1:10; injection temperature at 70 °C; incubation temperature at 30 °C and time 45 min; and injection volume 1 mL. As a result, a relationship was established between the concentration of nitrite in cooked ham samples and the area of the N2O peak generated, meaning that this method allows the quantification of added nitrite within a concentration range of 10 to 100 mg kg−1.
Plant-Based Alternatives to Yogurt: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives of New Biotechnological Challenges
Authors: Montemurro Marco , Pontonio Erica , Coda Rossana , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Due to the increasing demand for milk alternatives, related to both health and ethical needs, plant-based yogurt-like products have been widely explored in recent years. With the main goal to obtain snacks similar to the conventional yogurt in terms of textural and sensory properties and ability to host viable lactic acid bacteria for a long-time storage, several plant-derived ingredients (e.g., cereals, pseudocereals, legumes, and fruits) as well as technological solutions (e.g., enzymatic and thermal treatments) have been investigated. The central role of fermentation in yogurt-like production led to specific selections of lactic acid bacteria strains to be used as starters to guarantee optimal textural (e.g., through the synthesis of exo-polysaccharydes), nutritional (high protein digestibility and low content of anti-nutritional compounds), and functional (synthesis of bioactive compounds) features of the products. This review provides an overview of the novel insights on fermented yogurt-like products. The state-of-the-art on the use of unconventional ingredients, traditional and innovative biotechnological processes, and the effects of fermentation on the textural, nutritional, functional, and sensory features, and the shelf life are described. The supplementation of prebiotics and probiotics and the related health effects are also reviewed.
Time of Postharvest Ethylene Treatments Affects Phenols, Anthocyanins, and Volatile Compounds of Cesanese Red Wine Grape
Authors: De Santis Diana , Bellincontro Andrea , Forniti Roberto , Botondi Rinaldo
Published: February 2021

Red Cesanese wine grapes, picked at around 22–23 °Brix, were treated with gas ethylene (500 mg L−1) for 15, 24, and 36 h, or air at 20 °C and 95–100% relative humidity (R.H.), then analysed for titratable acidity, sugar content, pH, total phenols, total and specific anthocyanins, and volatile compounds. Ethylene treatments increased the polyphenol content from 412 to 505 and 488 mg L−1 (about +23 and +19%) for 15 and 24 h samples, respectively. Anthocyanins were increased by ethylene, mainly for 15 h treatment (about +17%). The 36 h ethylene treatment induced a loss anthocyanins (−14%), while phenols practically returned to the initial content. A high content of ethanol, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate were detected in 36 h ethylene-treated grapes, together with higher isoamyl acetate content, compared to air and other ethylene treatments. C6 compounds, markers of lipids peroxidation, were slightly higher in 36 h ethylene-treated samples than in control. Shorter ethylene treatments did not significantly modify the aroma profile compared to air treatment.
Evaluation of OpenArray™ as a Genotyping Method for Forensic DNA Phenotyping and Human Identification
Authors: Ragazzo Michele , Puleri Giulio , Errichiello Valeria , Manzo Laura , Luzzi Laura , Potenza Saverio , Strafella Claudia , Peconi Cristina , Nicastro Fabio , Caputo Valerio , Giardina Emiliano
Published: February 2021

A custom plate of OpenArray™ technology was evaluated to test 60 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) validated for the prediction of eye color, hair color, and skin pigmentation, and for personal identification. The SNPs were selected from already validated subsets (Hirisplex-s, Precision ID Identity SNP Panel, and ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit). The concordance rate and call rate for every SNP were calculated by analyzing 314 sequenced DNA samples. The sensitivity of the assay was assessed by preparing a dilution series of 10.0, 5.0, 1.0, and 0.5 ng. The OpenArray™ platform obtained an average call rate of 96.9% and a concordance rate near 99.8%. Sensitivity testing performed on serial dilutions demonstrated that a sample with 0.5 ng of total input DNA can be correctly typed. The profiles of the 19 SNPs selected for human identification reached a random match probability (RMP) of, on average, 10−8. An analysis of 21 examples of biological evidence from 8 individuals, that generated single short tandem repeat profiles during the routine workflow, demonstrated the applicability of this technology in real cases. Seventeen samples were correctly typed, revealing a call rate higher than 90%. Accordingly, the phenotype prediction revealed the same accuracy described in the corresponding validation data. Despite the reduced discrimination power of this system compared to STR based kits, the OpenArray™ System can be used to exclude suspects and prioritize samples for downstream analyses, providing well-established information about the prediction of eye color, hair color, and skin pigmentation. More studies will be needed for further validation of this technology and to consider the opportunity to implement this custom array with more SNPs to obtain a lower RMP and to include markers for studies of ancestry and lineage.
Understanding the Links between Inferring Mental States, Empathy, and Burnout in Medical Contexts
Authors: Delgado Naira , Bonache Helena , Betancort Moisés , Morera Yurena , Harris Lasana T.
Published: February 2021

It is generally accepted that empathy should be the basis of patient care. However, this ideal may be unrealistic if healthcare professionals suffer adverse effects when engaging in empathy. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of inferring mental states and different components of empathy (perspective-taking; empathic concern; personal distress) in burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion; depersonalization; personal accomplishment). A total of 184 healthcare professionals participated in the study (23% male, Mage = 44.60; SD = 10.46). We measured participants’ empathy, the inference of mental states of patients, and burnout. Correlation analyses showed that inferring mental states was positively associated with perspective-taking and with empathic concern, but uncorrelated with personal distress. Furthermore, emotional exhaustion was related to greater levels of personal distress and greater levels of inferences of mental states. Depersonalization was associated with greater levels of personal distress and lower levels of empathic concern. Personal accomplishment was associated with the inference of mental states in patients, lower levels of personal distress, and perspective-taking. These results provide a better understanding of how different components of empathy and mental state inferences may preserve or promote healthcare professionals’ burnout.
A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Differences in Indication for Cesarean Delivery by Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Delafield Rebecca , Elia Jennifer , Chang Ann , Kaneshiro Bliss , Sentell Tetine , Pirkle Catherine
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: There are persistent racial/ethnic disparities in cesarean delivery in the United States (U.S.), yet the causes remain unknown. One factor could be provider bias. We examined medical indications for cesarean delivery that involve a greater degree of physician discretion (more subjective) versus medical indications that involve less physician discretion (more objective) to better understand factors contributing to the higher rate among Micronesian, one of the most recent migrant groups in the state, compared to White women in Hawai‘i. (2) Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to collect data on 620 cesarean deliveries (N = 296 White and N = 324 Micronesian) at the state’s largest maternity hospital. Multivariate regression models were used to examine associations between maternal and obstetric characteristics and (1) subjective indication defined as non-reassuring fetal heart tracing (NRFHT) and arrest of labor disorders, and (2) objective indication defined as all other indications (e.g., malpresentation). (3) Results: We found that Micronesian women had significantly higher odds of cesarean delivery due to a subjective indication compared to White women (aOR: 4.17; CI: 2.52-6.88; P < 0.001; N = 619) after adjusting for multiple covariates. (4) Conclusion: These findings suggest unmeasured factors, possibly provider bias, may influence cesarean delivery recommendations for Micronesian women in Hawai‘i.
Findings of Electrodiagnostic Studies in Moderate to Severe Lumbar Central Spinal Stenosis—Electrodiagnostic Studies in Lumbar Central Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Chang Min Cheol , Park Donghwi
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the findings of electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG)) in patients with moderate and severe lumbar central spinal stenosis (LCSS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of Ulsan University Hospital and identified 32 consecutive patients (mean age = 66.9 ± 7.4 years; male:female = 8:24) with LCSS. Based on the results of T2 axial magnetic resonance imaging at the level of L4–5, patients were categorized as having severe (n = 14) or moderate LCSS (n = 18). Results from NCS and EMG were retrieved. Additionally, we included 15 age- and sex-matched volunteers without LCSS (mean age = 65.2 ± 8.0 years; male:female = 4:11) to serve as a control group. Results of NCS and EMG were compared between the three groups. Results: We found that, compared to normal subjects, patients with moderate or severe LCSS presented significantly lower distal amplitudes of the compound motor action potential of both peroneal and tibial nerves. Regarding EMG, positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials were exclusively observed in patients with severe LCSS group (28.6%). Conclusion: Electrodiagnostic studies were significantly altered in patients with moderate and severe LCSS. Our results may be helpful to diagnose LCSS-induced radiculopathy and to differentiate it from other causes of peripheral nerve pathologies.