bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Childhood Abuse and COVID-19 Hyperarousal in Adulthood: The Role of Social Environment
Authors: John-Henderson Neha A. , Counts Cory J. , Ginty Annie T.
Published: February 2021

Background

Childhood abuse increases risk for high levels of distress in response to future stressors. Interpersonal social support is protective for health, particularly during stress, and may be particularly beneficial for individuals who experienced childhood abuse.

Objective

Investigate whether childhood abuse predicts levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and test whether the perceived availability of social companionship preceding the pandemic moderates this relationship.

Methods

During Phase 1, adults (N= 120; AgeM[SD] = 19.4 [0.94]) completed a retrospective measure of childhood adversity along with a measure of perceived availability of opportunities for social engagement immediately preceding the pandemic. Two weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, participants completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) with respect to the pandemic. Hierarchical linear regression analyses examined the interaction between childhood abuse and the perceived availability of social companionship preceding the pandemic as a predictor of PTSD symptoms.

Results

Adjusting for covariates, the interaction between childhood abuse and perceived availability of others to engage with before the onset of the pandemic was a significant predictor of IES-hyperarousal (β = −0.19,t= −2.06,p= 0.04, ΔR2= 0.032, CI: [−0.31 to −0.01]).

Conclusion

Levels of perceived opportunities for social companionship before the pandemic associates with levels of hyperarousal related to the pandemic, particularly for individuals who experienced high levels of childhood abuse. More research is needed to understand how to mitigate the higher levels of distress related to the pandemic for these individuals in order to reduce risk for future psychiatric disorders.
The Impact of Writing About Gratitude on the Intention to Engage in Prosocial Behaviors During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Oliveira Raquel , Baldé Aíssa , Madeira Marta , Ribeiro Teresa , Arriaga Patrícia
Published: February 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has quickly swept the globe leaving a devastating trail of lost human lives and leading to a public health and economic crisis. With this in mind, prosociality has been heralded as a potential important factor to overcome the negative effects of the pandemic. As such, in this study, we examined the effectiveness of a brief reflexive writing exercise about recent experiences of gratitude on individuals’ intentions to engage in prosocial behaviors using a sample of 253 participants living in Portugal and 280 participants living in Brazil. Participants were randomly assigned to either a condition in which they were asked to write about recent experiences of gratitude or a control group in which they were asked to write about daily tasks. We predicted that the gratitude intervention would increase state gratitude and, consequently, increase positive affect and empathic concern, and decrease negative affect, leading to increased intentions to engage in prosocial behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A moderated serial–parallel mediation analysis, in which we controlled for gender, age, and level of religiosity, indicated that our manipulation led to increases in state gratitude, which in turn increased positive emotions and empathic concern, leading to increased prosocial intentions in both countries. A content analysis of participants’ responses in the gratitude group revealed that relationships with others and health and well-being were the central themes of their gratitude experiences during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
A Review of Evidence on the Role of Digital Technology in Shaping Attention and Cognitive Control in Children
Authors: Vedechkina Maria , Borgonovi Francesca
Published: February 2021

The role of digital technology in shaping attention and cognitive development has been at the centre of public discourse for decades. The current review presents findings from three main bodies of literature on the implications of technology use for attention and cognitive control: television, video games, and digital multitasking. The aim is to identify key lessons from prior research that are relevant for the current generation of digital users. In particular, the lack of scientific consensus on whether digital technologies are good or bad for children reflects that effects depend on users’ characteristics, the form digital technologies take, the circumstances in which use occurs and the interaction between the three factors. Some features of digital media may be particularly problematic, but only for certain users and only in certain contexts. Similarly, individual differences mediate how, when and why individuals use technology, as well as how much benefit or harm can be derived from its use. The finding emerging from the review on the large degree of heterogeneity in associations is especially relevant due to the rapid development and diffusion of a large number of different digital technologies and contents, and the increasing variety of user experiences. We discuss the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and integrating past research findings into a broader organizing framework in order to guide emerging technology-based research and practice. We end with a discussion of some of the challenges and unaddressed issues in the literature and propose directions for future research.
Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events During 12 Months of Treatment With Efavirenz in Treatment-Naïve HIV-Infected Patients in China: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hua Wei , Wang Sen , Wang Xi , Shao Ying , Wang Yali , Ye Jiangzhu , Su Bin , Jiang Taiyi , Zhang Tong , Wu Hao , Liu An , Li Qunhui , Mahajan Supriya D. , Li Zaicun , Sun Lijun , Dai Lili
Published: February 2021

Background: Efavirenz (EFV) is widely used in antiretroviral therapy (ART), but the incidence and risk factors of neuropsychiatric adverse events (NPAEs) after EFV treatment have rarely been studied in Chinese ART naïve patients.

Methods: This prospective cohort study assessed HIV-infected patients initiating antiretroviral treatment with EFV to determine prevalence of and factors associated with NPAEs over a 12-month follow-up period using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results: A total of 546 patients were enrolled. Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances at baseline were 30.4, 22.7, and 68.1%, respectively. Six patients discontinued treatment due to drug related NPAEs. Treatment was associated with improvements in HADS-A, HADS-D, and PSQI scores over the 12-month follow-up, and the frequencies of patients with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances significantly decreased after 12 months. Abnormal baseline HADS-A, HADS-D, and PSQI scores and other factors, including high school education or lower income, unemployment, divorce, and WHO III/IV stages, were associated with severe neuropsychiatric disorders over the 12 months.

Conclusions: These findings suggested EFV discontinuation due to NAPEs was low, and the HADS-A, HADS-D, and PSQI scores after 12 months of EFV treatment were associated with several risk factors. The clinicians should keep in mind and routinely screen for the risk factors associated with neuropsychiatric disorders in HIV-infected patients.
Impact of Pandemics/Epidemics on Emergency Department Utilization for Mental Health and Substance Use: A Rapid Review
Authors: Munich Julie , Dennett Liz , Swainson Jennifer , Greenshaw Andrew J. , Hayward Jake
Published: February 2021

Background: A prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to trigger a global mental health crisis increasing demand for mental health emergency services. We undertook a rapid review of the impact of pandemics and epidemics on emergency department utilization for mental health (MH) and substance use (SU).

Objective: To rapidly synthesize available data on emergency department utilization for psychiatric concerns during COVID-19.

Methods: An information specialist searched Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, CINAHL, and Scopus on June 16, 2020 and updated the search on July 24, 2020. Our search identified 803 abstracts, 7 of which were included in the review. Six articles reported on the COVID-19 pandemic and one on the SARS epidemic.

Results: All studies reported a decrease in overall and MH related ED utilization during the early pandemic/epidemic. Two studies found an increase in SU related visits during the same period. No data were available for mid and late stage pandemics and the definitions for MH and SU related visits were inconsistent across studies.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that COVID-19 has resulted in an initial decrease in ED visits for MH and an increase in visits for SU. Given the relative paucity of data on the subject and inconsistent analytic methods used in existing studies, there is an urgent need for investigation of pandemic-related changes in ED case-mix to inform system-level change as the pandemic continues.
Adult Attachment and Personal, Social, and Symptomatic Recovery From Psychosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: van Bussel E. M. M. , Nguyen N. H. M. , Wierdsma A. I. , van Aken B. C. , Willems I. E. M. G. , Mulder C. L.
Published: February 2021

Despite growing evidence for the role of attachment in psychosis, no quantitative review has yet been published on the relationship in this population between insecure attachment and recovery in a broad sense. We therefore used meta-analytic techniques to systematically appraise studies on the relationship between attachment and symptomatic, social and personal recovery in clients with a psychotic disorder. Using the keywords attachment, psychosis, recovery and related terms, we searched six databases: Embase, Medline Epub (OVID), Psycinfo (OVID), Cochrane Central (trials), Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This yielded 28 studies assessing the associations between adult attachment and recovery outcome in populations with a psychotic disorder. The findings indicated that insecure anxious and avoidant attachment are both associated with less symptomatic recovery (positive and general symptoms), and worse social and personal recovery outcomes in individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The associations were stronger for social and personal recovery than for symptomatic recovery. Attachment style is a clinically relevant construct in relation to the development and course of psychosis and recovery from it. Greater attention to the relationship between attachment and the broad scope of recovery (symptomatic, social, and personal) will improve our understanding of the illness and efficacy of treatment for this population.
Socio-Economic Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic in South Asia: Emerging Risks and Growing Challenges
Authors: Rasul Golam , Nepal Apsara Karki , Hussain Abid , Maharjan Amina , Joshi Surendra , Lama Anu , Gurung Prakriti , Ahmad Farid , Mishra Arabinda , Sharma Eklabya
Published: February 2021

The dramatic spread of COVID-19 has threatened human lives, disrupted livelihoods, and affected trade, economy and businesses across the globe. The global economy has begun to show major disruptions and is heading toward a severe recession with an unprecedented economic crisis. As the global economy is highly integrated and interdependent through the global supply chains, it has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although all countries have faced difficulties due to Covid-19, South Asian countries in particular have had to deal with a more challenging situation due to their large population, weak health facilities, high poverty rates, low socio-economic conditions, poor social protection systems, limited access to water and sanitation, and inadequate living space, necessary to maintain physical distancing and take other required measures to contain this pandemic. To contain the spread of the virus, South Asian countries have imposed stringent lockdowns, which have consequently affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the region, where a third of world’s poor live. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the existing and prospective impacts, risks and challenges of Covid-19 on key social and economic sectors including migration, tourism, informal sector, agriculture and rural livelihoods. The analysis revealed that COVID-19 is likely to affect economic growth, increase fiscal deficit and monetary burden, increase the risks of macroeconomic instability, decrease migration and remittance, reduce income from travel and tourism, and result in dwindling micro-small and medium industries and informal businesses. This is likely to deepen poverty and increase unemployment and the risks of hunger and food insecurity. If not addressed properly, this may reinforce existing inequalities, break social harmony, and increase tension and turbulence. The economic and social costs of the COVID-19 outbreak are therefore likely to be significant and long-lasting in South Asia.
Detection of Polymorphisms in the MTNR1A Gene and Their Association with Reproductive Performance in Awassi Ewes
Authors: Cosso Giovanni , Nehme Michella , Luridiana Sebastiano , Pulinas Luisa , Curone Giulio , Hosri Chadi , Carcangiu Vincenzo , Mura Maria Consuelo
Published: February 2021

The economy in Mediterranean areas is tightly linked to the evolution of the sheep-farming system; therefore, improvement in ewe’s reproductive performance is essential in the developing countries of this area. MTNR1A is the gene coding for Melatonin receptor 1 (MT1), and it is considered to be involved in the reproductive activity in sheep. The aims of this study were: (1) identifying the polymorphisms from the entire MTNR1A coding region and promoter in Lebanese Awassi sheep flocks, and (2) investigating the association between the found polymorphisms and the reproductive performance, assessed as lambing rate, litter size, and days to lambing (DTL). The study was conducted in two districts of Lebanon, where 165 lactating ewes, aged 5.2 ± 1.5 years, with body condition score (BCS) 3.3 ± 0.4, were chosen and exposed to adult and fertile rams. From 150 to 220 days after ram introduction, lambing dates and litter sizes were registered. This study provided the entire coding region of the MTNR1A receptor gene in the Awassi sheep breed. Thirty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, five of which were missense mutations. The H2, H3, and H4 haplotypes were associated with lower DTL (p < 0.05), as well as the SNPs rs430181568 and rs40738822721, named from now on SNP20 and SNP21, respectively. These SNPs were totally linked and can be considered as a single marker. The ewes carrying the C allele at both these polymorphic sites advanced their reproductive recovery (p < 0.05). These results are essential for improving reproductive management and obtaining advanced lambing in Awassi ewes.
Genetic Adaptations in Mudskipper and Tetrapod Give Insights into Their Convergent Water-to-Land Transition
Authors: Kim Juwan , Lee Chul , Yoo DongAhn , Kim Heebal
Published: February 2021

Water-to-land transition has been independently evolved in multiple vertebrate lineages including the most recent common ancestor of tetrapod and multiple fish clades, and among them, mudskippers uniquely adapted to the mudflat. Even though physiological and morphological adaptation of mudskippers is thought to resemble that of the ancestral tetrapod, it is unclear if they share genome-wide evolutionary signatures. To detect potential signatures of positive selection in mudskipper and tetrapods, we analyzed 4118 singleton orthologues of terrestrial tetrapods, coelacanth, mudskipper, and fully aquatic fishes. Among positively selected genes identified in mudskipper and tetrapod lineages, genes involved in immune responses, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and kidney development were detected. On the other hand, tetrapod-specific and mudskipper-specific positively selected genes were functionally enriched for DNA repair processes, which could be associated with higher exposure to UV light. We also performed gene family analysis and discovered convergent contraction of eight gene families, including βγ-crystallin coding genes in both tetrapod and mudskipper lineages. Findings of this study suggest the similar genetic adaptation against environmental constraints between the ancient tetrapod and mudskippers for their land adaptation.
Distress Regulates Different Pathways in the Brain of Common Carp: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Burren Alexander , Pietsch Constanze
Published: February 2021

In this study, a stress trial was conducted with common carp, one of the most important species in aquaculture worldwide, to identify relevant gene regulation pathways in different areas of the brain. Acute distress due to exposure to air significantly activated the expression of the immediate early gene c-fos in the telencephalon. In addition, evidence for regulation of the two corticotropin-releasing factor (crf) genes in relation to their binding protein (corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein, crh-bp) is presented in this preliminary study. Inferences on the effects of due to exposure to air were obtained by using point estimation, which allows the prediction of a single value. This constitutes the best description to date of the previously generally unknown effects of stress in different brain regions in carp. Furthermore, principal component analyses were performed to reveal possible regulation patterns in the different regions of the fish brain. In conclusion, these preliminary studies on gene regulation in the carp brain that has been influenced by exposure to a stressor reveal that a number of genes may be successfully used as markers for exposure to unfavourable conditions.
A New In Vitro Model to Evaluate Anti-Adhesive Effect against Fungal Nail Infections
Authors: Perugini Paola , Bonetti Margherita , Guerini Marta , Musitelli Giorgio , Grisoli Pietro
Published: February 2021

Nail fungal infection is often mistakenly considered a minor issue or a purely esthetic problem that is not worth solving. However, onychomycosis has been demonstrated to have a negative impact on a patient’s social life. Therefore, given the poor efficacy of various therapy types, there is strong interest in exploring new methods for evaluating antifungal treatments. As such, the aim of this work was to develop a new protocol, using bovine hoof membranes as a model of the human nail to evaluate the capability of a product claiming to prevent fungal adhesion, which is the first step of the infection. In this work, two specific and representative fungal strains, Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans, were used. In order to evaluate the possible protective activity of a product against fungal contamination of the nail plate, it was first necessary to test the affinity of the hoof membranes to be contaminated by the fungi. Then, a pharmaceutical product and a base coat were tested as a positive and negative control, respectively, by introducing the membranes (anti-fungal, basic or no treatment and single vs. multiple treatments) into the fungal suspensions for three different contact times (15 min, 5 h and 24 h). The results showed that the more significant antiadhesive effect (AE) was obtained against Trichophyton rubrum than against Candida albicans. Furthermore, taking into account the results obtained at all testing times, 5 h appeared to be the best time for testing the antiadhesive activity. The results obtained after three treatments with drugs and on washed membranes, in comparison to one single application of antifungal product (AP), demonstrated clearly that the drug was able to penetrate deeper into the membranes to exert itself, even after washing and also after only 15 min of contact. Thus, hoof membrane has been shown to be a valuable in vitro model for this kind of product assessment.
Determining the Optimal Administration Conditions under Which MIF Exerts Neuroprotective Effects by Inducing BDNF Expression and Inhibiting Apoptosis in an In Vitro Stroke Model
Authors: Jung Chul , Kim Mi Hee , Kim Ye Yeong , Kim Ji Ae , Ko Eun Jae , Lee Seung Hak , Kim Dae Yul
Published: February 2021

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) exerts neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and inducing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, the optimal administration conditions of MIF are currently unknown. Here, we aimed to identify these conditions in an in vitro model. To determine the optimal concentration of MIF, human neuroblastoma cells were assigned to one of seven groups: control, oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R), and OGD/R with different concentrations (1, 10, 30, 60, and 100 ng/mL) of MIF. Six groups were studied to investigate the optimal administration time: control, OGD/R, and OGD/R with MIF administered at different times (pre-OGD, OGD-treat, post-OGD, and whole-processing). Water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay, Western blot analysis, and immunocytochemistry were used to analyze cell viability and protein expression. We found that 60 ng/mL was the optimal concentration of MIF. However, the effects of administration time were not significant; MIF elicited similar neuroprotective effects regardless of administration time. These findings correlated with the expression of BDNF and apoptosis-related proteins. This study provides detailed information on MIF administration, which offers a foundation for future in vivo studies and translation into novel therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke.
Addendum: Cruz, B., et al. Leucine-Rich Diet Modulates the Metabolomic and Proteomic Profile of Skeletal Muscle during Cancer Cachexia. Cancers 2020, 12, 1880
Authors: Cruz Bread , Oliveira André , Viana Lais , Lopes-Aguiar Leisa , Canevarolo Rafael , Colombera Maiara , Valentim Rafael , Garcia-Fóssa Fernanda , Sousa Lizandra , Castelucci Bianca , Consonni Sílvio , Martins-de-Souza Daniel , Jesus Marcelo , Russell Steven , Gomes-Marcondes Maria
Published: February 2021

The authors wish to add the following statement in the Acknowledgements section of this paper [...]
The Revolutionary Roads to Study Cell–Cell Interactions in 3D In Vitro Pancreatic Cancer Models
Authors: Delle Cave Donatella , Rizzo Riccardo , Sainz Bruno , Gigli Giuseppe , del Mercato Loretta L. , Lonardo Enza
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic cancer, the fourth most common cancer worldwide, shows a highly unsuccessful therapeutic response. In the last 10 years, neither important advancements nor new therapeutic strategies have significantly impacted patient survival, highlighting the need to pursue new avenues for drug development discovery and design. Advanced cellular models, resembling as much as possible the original in vivo tumor environment, may be more successful in predicting the efficacy of future anti-cancer candidates in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss novel bioengineered platforms for anticancer drug discovery in pancreatic cancer, from traditional two-dimensional models to innovative three-dimensional ones.
Configurations, Power Topologies and Applications of Hybrid Distribution Transformers
Authors: Carreno Alvaro , Perez Marcelo , Baier Carlos , Huang Alex , Rajendran Sanjay , Malinowski Mariusz
Published: February 2021

Distribution systems are under constant stress due to their highly variable operating conditions, which jeopardize distribution transformers and lines, degrading the end-user service. Due to transformer regulation, variable loads can generate voltage profiles out of the acceptable bands recommended by grid codes, affecting the quality of service. At the same time, nonlinear loads, such as diode bridge rectifiers without power factor correction systems, generate nonlinear currents that affect the distribution transformer operation, reducing its lifetime. Variable loads can be commonly found at domiciliary levels due to the random operation of home appliances, but recently also due to electric vehicle charging stations, where the distribution transformer can cyclically vary between no-load, rated and overrated load. Thus, the distribution transformer can not safely operate under highly-dynamic and stressful conditions, requiring the support of alternative systems. Among the existing solutions, hybrid transformers, which are composed of a conventional transformer and a power converter, are an interesting alternative to cope with several power quality problems. This article is a review of the available literature about hybrid distribution transformers.
Determinants of Decarbonisation in the Transformation of the Energy Sector: The Case of Poland
Authors: Wójcik-Jurkiewicz Magdalena , Czarnecka Marzena , Kinelski Grzegorz , Sadowska Beata , Bilińska-Reformat Katarzyna
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to identify the determinants of the decarbonisation processes in Poland within the scope of energy transformation. The purpose of the study is to identify how the public perceives decarbonisation determinants in order to develop a sustainable energy strategy for Poland. The transition of the energy market to low-carbon technology is a policy challenge. Governments must implement policies that are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, but, most of all, socially acceptable. Social acceptance risk plays a significant role in Poland, influencing the decarbonisation process. In Poland’s case, the coal share is decreasing, but it is still the most important fuel for electricity production. This process of decarbonisation is a fundamental influence on the transformation of the energy sector in Poland. The social perception of solutions that can be applied was examined. The Polish natural environment is poisoned. Poles suffer from diseases related to the burning of coal for energy production. Societal awareness, how people perceive the government’s actions, and what they expect in this regard is crucial.
A Comprehensive Signal-Based Fault Diagnosis Method for Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Cong Xinwei , Zhang Caiping , Jiang Jiuchun , Zhang Weige , Jiang Yan , Zhang Linjing
Published: February 2021

To enhance the operational reliability and safety of electric vehicles (EVs), big data platforms for EV supervision are rapidly developing, which makes a large quantity of battery data available for fault diagnosis. Since fault types related to lithium-ion batteries play a dominant role, a comprehensive fault diagnosis method is proposed in this paper, in pursuit of an accurate early fault diagnosis method based on voltage signals from battery cells. The proposed method for battery fault diagnosis mainly includes three parts: variational mode decomposition in the signal analysis part to separate the inconsistency of cell states, critical representative signal feature extraction by using a generalized dimensionless indicator construction formula and effective anomaly detection by sparsity-based clustering. The signal features of the majority of signal-based battery fault detection studies are found to be particular cases with a specific set of parameter values of the proposed indicator construction formula. With the sensitivity and stability balanced by appropriate moving-window size selection, the proposed signal-based method is validated to be capable of earlier anomaly detection, false-alarm reduction, and anomalous performance identification, compared with traditional approaches, based on actual pre-fault operating data from three different situations.
Effect of Well Orientation on Oil Recovery from Waterflooding in Shallow Green Reservoirs: A Case Study from Central Africa
Authors: Waburoko Jackson , Xie Congjiao , Ling Kegang
Published: February 2021

Recovery efficiency is a key factor in decision-making in oil and gas projects. Although structural setup and well type considerably influence waterflood recovery, few studies have explored the performance of highly deviated wells during the waterflooding of complex shallow reservoirs. Here, we applied numerical simulations to investigate the performance of vertical, horizontal, multilateral, and highly deviated wells during waterflooding of complex shallow reservoirs using the J1 Oilfield as a case study. Recovery efficiencies of 31%, 33%, 31%, and 26% could be achieved for vertical, horizontal, multilateral, and highly deviated wells, respectively. The gas production rate was 39% higher in the vertical wells than in the other types. Highly deviated wells yielded the highest water-cut (80%) over a short period. Highly deviated wells delivered the least production, and, despite branching laterals, multilateral wells were also not the most productive. Our results provide insights into the performance of different well types during the waterflooding of green heterogeneous non-communicating reservoirs and present an example of the successful practical application of waterflooding as an initial recovery mechanism when oil is near the bubble point. This study indicated that multilateral wells are not a panacea in reservoir development. Highly deviated wells are the ideal choice for the shallow, heterogeneous non-communicating reservoirs when economic and environmental impact are considered in decision-making. Well design should be a case-by-case study considering reservoir characteristics, economics, and environment impact.
Meta-Analysis of Gene Popularity: Less Than Half of Gene Citations Stem from Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: Mihai Ionut Sebastian , Das Debojyoti , Maršalkaite Gabija , Henriksson Johan
Published: February 2021

The reasons for selecting a gene for further study might vary from historical momentum to funding availability, thus leading to unequal attention distribution among all genes. However, certain biological features tend to be overlooked in evaluating a gene’s popularity. Here we present a meta-analysis of the reasons why different genes have been studied and to what extent, with a focus on the gene-specific biological features. From unbiased datasets we can define biological properties of genes that reasonably may affect their perceived importance. We make use of both linear and nonlinear computational approaches for estimating gene popularity to then compare their relative importance. We find that roughly 25% of the studies are the result of a historical positive feedback, which we may think of as social reinforcement. Of the remaining features, gene family membership is the most indicative followed by disease relevance and finally regulatory pathway association. Disease relevance has been an important driver until the 1990s, after which the focus shifted to exploring every single gene. We also present a resource that allows one to study the impact of reinforcement, which may guide our research toward genes that have not yet received proportional attention.
Differential Expression of BARD1 Isoforms in Melanoma
Authors: McDougall Lorissa I. , Powell Ryan M. , Ratajska Magdalena , Lynch-Sutherland Chi F. , Hossain Sultana Mehbuba , Wiggins George A. R. , Harazin-Lechowska Agnieszka , Cybulska-Stopa Bożena , Motwani Jyoti , Macaulay Erin C. , Reid Glen , Walker Logan C. , Ryś Janusz , Eccles Michael R.
Published: February 2021

Melanoma comprises <5% of cutaneous malignancies, yet it causes a significant proportion of skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. While new therapies for melanoma have been developed, not all patients respond well. Thus, further research is required to better predict patient outcomes. Using long-range nanopore sequencing, RT-qPCR, and RNA sequencing analyses, we examined the transcription of BARD1 splice isoforms in melanoma cell lines and patient tissue samples. Seventy-six BARD1 mRNA variants were identified in total, with several previously characterised isoforms (γ, φ, δ, ε, and η) contributing to a large proportion of the expressed transcripts. In addition, we identified four novel splice events, namely, Δ(E3_E9), ▼(i8), IVS10+131▼46, and IVS10▼176, occurring in various combinations in multiple transcripts. We found that short-read RNA-Seq analyses were limited in their ability to predict isoforms containing multiple non-contiguous splicing events, as compared to long-range nanopore sequencing. These studies suggest that further investigations into the functional significance of the identified BARD1 splice variants in melanoma are warranted.
Surface and Groundwater Interactions: A Review of Coupling Strategies in Detailed Domain Models
Authors: Haque Arefin , Salama Amgad , Lo Kei , Wu Peng
Published: February 2021

In groundwater numerical simulations, the interactions between surface and groundwater have received great attention due to difficulties related to their validation and calibration due to the dynamic exchange occurring at the soil–water interface. The interaction is complex at small scales. However, at larger scales, the interaction is even more complicated, and has never been fully addressed. A clear understanding of the coupling strategies between the surface and groundwater is essential in order to develop numerical models for successful simulations. In the present review, two of the most commonly used coupling strategies in detailed domain models—namely, fully-coupled and loosely-coupled techniques—are reviewed and compared. The advantages and limitations of each modelling scheme are discussed. This review highlights the strategies to be considered in the development of groundwater flow models that are representative of real-world conditions between surface and groundwater interactions at regional scales.
Preventive Metformin Monotherapy Medication Prescription, Redemption and Socioeconomic Status in Hungary in 2018–2019: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nagy Csilla , Juhász Attila , Pikó Péter , Diószegi Judit , Paragh György , Szabó Zoltán , Varga Orsolya , Ádány Róza
Published: February 2021

This study was designed to characterize the spatial distribution of metformin medication used as first-line monotherapy for prevention of T2DM in relationship with the socioeconomic status (level of deprivation) and T2DM mortality at district level in a nationwide cross-sectional ecological study for the first time in a European country, Hungary. Risk analysis was used to estimate the relationships between socioeconomic status, characterized by tertiles of deprivation index, and mortality caused by diabetes, and metformin medication (both prescription and redemption) for the years of 2018 and 2019 at the district level. The spatial distribution of districts with a higher relative frequency of metformin prescriptions and redemptions showed a positive correlation with socio-economic deprivation. Significant association between the relatively high T2DM mortality and the highest level of deprivation could also be detected, but less-deprived regions with high T2DM mortality and low metformin utilization could also be identified. Although the statistical associations detected in this ecological study do not indicate a causal relationship, it is reasonable to suppose that the underuse of metformin medication may contribute to the unfavourable T2DM mortality in certain regions. Our findings underline the need for more effective preventive services including metformin medication to decrease T2DM morbidity and mortality burden.
Ascertainment Bias in a Historic Cohort Study of Residents in an Asbestos Manufacturing Community
Authors: Wortzel Jeremy D. , Wiebe Douglas J. , Elahi Shabnam , Agawu Atu , Barg Frances K. , Emmett Edward A.
Published: February 2021

This paper describes follow-up for a cohort of 4530 residents living in the asbestos manufacturing community of Ambler, PA, U.S. in 1930. Using re-identified census data, cause and date of death data obtained from the genealogic website Ancestry.com, along with geospatial analysis, we explored relationships among demographic characteristics, occupational, paraoccupational and environmental asbestos exposures. We identified death data for 2430/4530 individuals. Exposure differed significantly according to race, gender, age, and recency of immigration to the U.S. Notably, there was a significant difference in the availability of year of death information for non-white vs. white individuals (odds ratio (OR) = 0.62 p-value < 0.001), females (OR = 0.53, p-value < 0.001), first-generation immigrants (OR = 0.67, p-value = 0.001), second-generation immigrants (OR = 0.31, p-value < 0.001) vs. non-immigrants, individuals aged less than 20 (OR = 0.31 p-value < 0.001) and individuals aged 20 to 59 (OR = 0.63, p-value < 0.001) vs. older individuals. Similarly, the cause of death was less often available for non-white individuals (OR = 0.42, p-value <0.001), first-generation immigrants and (OR = 0.71, p-value = 0.009), second-generation immigrants (OR = 0.49, p-value < 0.001), individuals aged less than 20 (OR = 0.028 p-value < 0.001), and individuals aged 20 to 59 (OR = 0.26, p-value < 0.001). These results identified ascertainment bias that is important to consider in analyses that investigate occupational, para-occupational and environmental asbestos exposure as risk factors for mortality in this historic cohort. While this study attempts to describe methods for assessing itemized asbestos exposure profiles for a community in 1930 using Ancestry.com and other publicly accessible databases, it also highlights how historic cohort studies likely underestimate the impact of asbestos exposure on vulnerable populations. Future work will aim to assess mortality patterns in this cohort.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Blockade Reduces Preservation Damage in Livers from Donors after Cardiac Death
Authors: Di Pasqua Laura Giuseppina , Berardo Clarissa , Cagna Marta , Verta Roberta , Collotta Debora , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Ferrigno Andrea , Collino Massimo , Vairetti Mariapia
Published: February 2021

We previously demonstrated that the blockade of mGluR5 by 2-methyl-6(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) reduces both cold and warm ischemia/reperfusion injury. Here we evaluated whether MPEP reduces the hepatic preservation injury in rat livers from cardiac-death-donors (DCDs). Livers from DCD rats were isolated after an in situ warm ischemia (30 min) and preserved for 22 h at 4 °C with UW solution. Next, 10 mg/Kg MPEP or vehicle were administered 30 min before the portal clamping and added to the UW solution (3 µM). LDH released during washout was quantified. Liver samples were collected for iNOS, eNOS, NO, TNF-α, ICAM-1, caspase-3 and caspase-9 protein expression and nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) gene analysis. Lower LDH levels were detected in control grafts versus DCD groups. An increase in eNOS and NO content occurred after MPEP treatment; iNOS and TNF-α content was unchanged. ICAM-1 expression was reduced in the MPEP-treated livers as well as the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Nrf2, oxidative stress-sensitive gene, was recovered to control value by MPEP. These results suggest that MPEP can be used to reclaim DCD livers subjected to an additional period of cold ischemia during hypothermic storage. MPEP protects against apoptosis and increased eNOS, whose overexpression has been previously demonstrated to be protective in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion damage.
Targeting Insulin-Degrading Enzyme in Insulin Clearance
Authors: Leissring Malcolm A. , González-Casimiro Carlos M. , Merino Beatriz , Suire Caitlin N. , Perdomo Germán
Published: February 2021

Hepatic insulin clearance, a physiological process that in response to nutritional cues clears ~50–80% of circulating insulin, is emerging as an important factor in our understanding of the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a highly conserved Zn2+-metalloprotease that degrades insulin and several other intermediate-size peptides. Both, insulin clearance and IDE activity are reduced in diabetic patients, albeit the cause-effect relationship in humans remains unproven. Because historically IDE has been proposed as the main enzyme involved in insulin degradation, efforts in the development of IDE inhibitors as therapeutics in diabetic patients has attracted attention during the last decades. In this review, we retrace the path from Mirsky’s seminal discovery of IDE to the present, highlighting the pros and cons of the development of IDE inhibitors as a pharmacological approach to treating diabetic patients.
Thrombocytopathies: Not Just Aggregation Defects—The Clinical Relevance of Procoagulant Platelets
Authors: Aliotta Alessandro , Bertaggia Calderara Debora , Zermatten Maxime G. , Marchetti Matteo , Alberio Lorenzo
Published: February 2021

Platelets are active key players in haemostasis. Qualitative platelet dysfunctions result in thrombocytopathies variously characterized by defects of their adhesive and procoagulant activation endpoints. In this review, we summarize the traditional platelet defects in adhesion, secretion, and aggregation. In addition, we review the current knowledge about procoagulant platelets, focusing on their role in bleeding or thrombotic pathologies and their pharmaceutical modulation. Procoagulant activity is an important feature of platelet activation, which should be specifically evaluated during the investigation of a suspected thrombocytopathy.
Resource Management and Model Personalization for Federated Learning over Wireless Edge Networks
Authors: Balakrishnan Ravikumar , Akdeniz Mustafa , Dhakal Sagar , Anand Arjun , Zeira Ariela , Himayat Nageen
Published: February 2021

Client and Internet of Things devices are increasingly equipped with the ability to sense, process, and communicate data with high efficiency. This is resulting in a major shift in machine learning (ML) computation at the network edge. Distributed learning approaches such as federated learning that move ML training to end devices have emerged, promising lower latency and bandwidth costs and enhanced privacy of end users’ data. However, new challenges that arise from the heterogeneous nature of the devices’ communication rates, compute capabilities, and the limited observability of the training data at each device must be addressed. All these factors can significantly affect the training performance in terms of overall accuracy, model fairness, and convergence time. We present compute-communication and data importance-aware resource management schemes optimizing these metrics and evaluate the training performance on benchmark datasets. We also develop a federated meta-learning solution, based on task similarity, that serves as a sample efficient initialization for federated learning, as well as improves model personalization and generalization across non-IID (independent, identically distributed) data. We present experimental results on benchmark federated learning datasets to highlight the performance gains of the proposed methods in comparison to the well-known federated averaging algorithm and its variants.
The Amazon Forest Preservation by Clarifying Property Rights and Potential Conflicts: How Experiments Using Fit-for-Purpose Can Help
Authors: Reydon Bastiaan , Molendijk Mathilde , Porras Nicolas , Siqueira Gabriel
Published: February 2021

The burning and the deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon forest, which has been recently highlighted by the international press and occurs mostly on public or undesignated land, calls for an in-depth examination. This has traditionally been the main way to grab land, speculate, and simultaneously prove ownership by its occupation. The absence of mapping, registration, and an effective regulation of land property in Brazil, particularly in the Amazon, plays an important role in its deforestation. Recent estimations, besides others, show that the amount of land in this condition is around 200 million ha, near enough ¼ of the national surface. This article, besides examining the Brazilian deforestation characteristics, provides evidence that clear landholders’ rights diminishes deforestation, and that proposals based on concrete cases of participatory clarification of land rights in forest regions using fit for purpose (FfP) methodology promote forest preservation. The article finishes with an example of a land rights clarifying case from small, medium, large, and traditional population landholders. The case is important to illustrate that it is possible to clarify land rights in a FfP way and how that increases the security of landholders, diminishing the pressure on the land and thus reducing the potential deforestation.
Proteomic Insight into the Symbiotic Relationship of Pinus massoniana Lamb and Suillus luteus towards Developing Al-Stress Resistance
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Chen Houying , Ding Guijie , Li Kuaifen , Wang Yao
Published: February 2021

Global warming significantly impacts forest range areas by increasing soil acidification or aluminum toxicity. Aluminum (Al) toxicity retards plant growth by inhibiting the root development process, hindering water uptake, and limiting the bioavailability of other essential micronutrients. Pinus massoniana (masson pine), globally recognized as a reforestation plant, is resistant to stress conditions including biotic and abiotic stresses. This resistance is linked to the symbiotic relationship with diverse ectomycorrhizal fungal species. In the present study, we investigated the genetic regulators as expressed proteins, conferring a symbiotic relationship between Al-stress resistance and Suillus luteus in masson pine. Multi-treatment trials resulted in the identification of 12 core Al-stress responsive proteins conserved between Al stress conditions with or without S. luteus inoculation. These proteins are involved in chaperonin CPN60-2, protein refolding and ATP-binding, Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase precursor, oxidation-reduction process, and metal ion binding, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, glycolytic process, and metabolic process. Furthermore, 198 Al responsive proteins were identified specifically under S. luteus-inoculation and are involved in gene regulation, metabolic process, oxidation-reduction process, hydrolase activity, and peptide activity. Chlorophyll a-b binding protein, endoglucanase, putative spermidine synthase, NADH dehydrogenase, and glutathione-S-transferase were found with a significant positive expression under a combined Al and S. luteus treatment, further supported by the up-regulation of their corresponding genes. This study provides a theoretical foundation for exploiting the regulatory role of ectomycorrhizal inoculation and associated genetic changes in resistance against Al stress in masson pine.
Human-to-Cat SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: Case Report and Full-Genome Sequencing from an Infected Pet and Its Owner in Northern Italy
Authors: Pagani Gabriele , Lai Alessia , Bergna Annalisa , Rizzo Alberto , Stranieri Angelica , Giordano Alessia , Paltrinieri Saverio , Lelli Davide , Decaro Nicola , Rusconi Stefano , Gismondo Maria Rita , Antinori Spinello , Lauzi Stefania , Galli Massimo , Zehender Gianguglielmo
Published: February 2021

There have been previous reports of the human-to-cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but there are only a few molecular studies that have compared the whole genome of the virus in cats and their owners. We here describe a case of domestic SARS-CoV-2 transmission from a healthcare worker to his cat for which nasopharyngeal swabs of both the cat and its owner were used for full-genome analysis. The results indicate that quarantine measures should be extended to pets living in SARS-CoV-2-infected households.