bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Visually Secure Image Encryption Based on the Fractional Lorenz System and Compressive Sensing
Authors: Ren Hua , Niu Shaozhang , Chen Jiajun , Li Ming , Yue Zhen
Published: May 2022

Recently, generating visually secure cipher images by compressive sensing (CS) techniques has drawn much attention among researchers. However, most of these algorithms generate cipher images based on direct bit substitution and the underlying relationship between the hidden and modified data is not considered, which reduces the visual security of cipher images. In addition, performing CS on plain images directly is inefficient, and CS decryption quality is not high enough. Thus, we design a novel cryptosystem by introducing vector quantization (VQ) into CS-based encryption based on a 3D fractional Lorenz chaotic system. In our work, CS compresses only the sparser error matrix generated from the plain and VQ images in the secret generation phase, which improves CS compression performance and the quality of decrypted images. In addition, a smooth function is used in the embedding phase to find the underlying relationship and determine relatively suitable modifiable values for the carrier image. All the secret streams are produced by updating the initial values and control parameters from the fractional chaotic system, and then utilized in CS, diffusion, and embedding. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Insights into the Role of Biopolymer-Based Xerogels in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Abdul Khalil H. P. S. , Yahya Esam Bashir , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Balakrishnan Venugopal , Nasution Halimatuddahliana
Published: May 2022

Xerogels are advanced, functional, porous materials consisting of ambient, dried, cross-linked polymeric networks. They possess characteristics such as high porosity, great surface area, and an affordable preparation route; they can be prepared from several organic and inorganic precursors for numerous applications. Owing to their desired properties, these materials were found to be suitable for several medical and biomedical applications; the high drug-loading capacity of xerogels and their ability to maintain sustained drug release make them highly desirable for drug delivery applications. As biopolymers and chemical-free materials, they have been also utilized in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their high biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, and non-cytotoxicity. Biopolymers have the ability to interact, cross-link, and/or trap several active agents, such as antibiotic or natural antimicrobial substances, which is useful in wound dressing and healing applications, and they can also be used to trap antibodies, enzymes, and cells for biosensing and monitoring applications. This review presents, for the first time, an introduction to biopolymeric xerogels, their fabrication approach, and their properties. We present the biological properties that make these materials suitable for many biomedical applications and discuss the most recent works regarding their applications, including drug delivery, wound healing and dressing, tissue scaffolding, and biosensing.
Retrogene Duplication and Expression Patterns Shaped by the Evolution of Sex Chromosomes in Malaria Mosquitoes
Authors: Miller Duncan , Chen Jianhai , Liang Jiangtao , Betrán Esther , Long Manyuan , Sharakhov Igor V.
Published: May 2022

Genes that originate during evolution are an important source of novel biological functions. Retrogenes are functional copies of genes produced by retroduplication and as such are located in different genomic positions. To investigate retroposition patterns and retrogene expression, we computationally identified interchromosomal retroduplication events in nine portions of the phylogenetic history of malaria mosquitoes, making use of species that do or do not have classical sex chromosomes to test the roles of sex-linkage. We found 40 interchromosomal events and a significant excess of retroduplications from the X chromosome to autosomes among a set of young retrogenes. These young retroposition events occurred within the last 100 million years in lineages where all species possessed differentiated sex chromosomes. An analysis of available microarray and RNA-seq expression data for Anopheles gambiae showed that many of the young retrogenes evolved male-biased expression in the reproductive organs. Young autosomal retrogenes with increased meiotic or postmeiotic expression in the testes tend to be male biased. In contrast, older retrogenes, i.e., in lineages with undifferentiated sex chromosomes, do not show this particular chromosomal bias and are enriched for female-biased expression in reproductive organs. Our reverse-transcription PCR data indicates that most of the youngest retrogenes, which originated within the last 47.6 million years in the subgenus Cellia, evolved non-uniform expression patterns across body parts in the males and females of An. coluzzii. Finally, gene annotation revealed that mitochondrial function is a prominent feature of the young autosomal retrogenes. We conclude that mRNA-mediated gene duplication has produced a set of genes that contribute to mosquito reproductive functions and that different biases are revealed after the sex chromosomes evolve. Overall, these results suggest potential roles for the evolution of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in males and of sexually antagonistic conflict related to mitochondrial energy function as the main selective pressures for X-to-autosome gene reduplication and testis-biased expression in these mosquito lineages.
The Relationship between ACE, ACTN3 and MCT1 Genetic Polymorphisms and Athletic Performance in Elite Rugby Union Players: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Pasqualetti Massimo , Onori Maria Elisabetta , Canu Giulia , Moretti Giacomo , Minucci Angelo , Baroni Silvia , Mordente Alvaro , Urbani Andrea , Galvani Christel
Published: May 2022

Athletic performance is influenced by many factors such as the environment, diet, training and endurance or speed in physical effort and by genetic predisposition. Just a few studies have analyzed the impact of genotypes on physical performance in rugby. The aim of this study was to verify the modulation of genetic influence on rugby-specific physical performance. Twenty-seven elite rugby union players were involved in the study during the in-season phase. Molecular genotyping was performed for: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE rs4646994), alfa-actinin-3 (ACTN3 rs1815739) and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1 rs1049434) and their variants. Lean mass index (from skinfolds), lower-limb explosive power (countermovement jump), agility (505), speed (20 m), maximal aerobic power (Yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1) and repeated sprint ability (12 × 20 m) were evaluated. In our rugby union players ACE and ACTN3 variants did not show any influence on athletic performance. MCT1 analysis showed that TT-variant players had the highest peak vertical power (p = 0.037) while the ones with the AA genotype were the fastest in both agility and sprint tests (p = 0.006 and p = 0.012, respectively). Considering the T-dominant model, the AA genotype remains the fastest in both tests (agility: p = 0.013, speed: p = 0.017). Only the MCT1 rs1049434 A allele seems to be advantageous for elite rugby union players, particularly when power and speed are required.
High Resolution Analysis of DMPK Hypermethylation and Repeat Interruptions in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: Rasmussen Astrid , Hildonen Mathis , Vissing John , Duno Morten , Tümer Zeynep , Birkedal Ulf
Published: May 2022

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic neuromuscular disorder caused by the expansion of a CTG repeat in the 3′-UTR of DMPK, which is transcribed to a toxic gain-of-function RNA that affects splicing of a range of genes. The expanded repeat is unstable in both germline and somatic cells. The variable age at disease onset and severity of symptoms have been linked to the inherited CTG repeat length, non-CTG interruptions, and methylation levels flanking the repeat. In general, the genetic biomarkers are investigated separately with specific methods, making it tedious to obtain an overall characterisation of the repeat for a given individual. In the present study, we employed Oxford nanopore sequencing in a pilot study to simultaneously determine the repeat lengths, investigate the presence and nature of repeat interruptions, and quantify methylation levels in the regions flanking the CTG-repeats in four patients with DM1. We determined the repeat lengths, and in three patients, we observed interruptions which were not detected using repeat-primed PCR. Interruptions may thus be more common than previously anticipated and should be investigated in larger cohorts. Allele-specific analyses enabled characterisation of aberrant methylation levels specific to the expanded allele, which greatly increased the sensitivity and resolved cases where the methylation levels were ambiguous.
Genetic Alterations, DNA Methylation, Alloantibodies and Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Type III von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Naveed Muhammad Asif , Abid Aiysha , Ali Nadir , Hassan Yaqoob , Amar Ali , Javed Aymen , Qamar Khansa , Mustafa Ghulam , Raza Ali , Saleem Umera , Hussain Shabbir , Shakoor Madiha , Khaliq Shagufta , Mohsin Shahida
Published: May 2022

Type III von Willebrand disease is present in the Punjab province of Pakistan along with other inherited bleeding disorders like hemophilia. Cousin marriages are very common in Pakistan so genetic studies help to establish protocols for screening, especially at the antenatal level. Factors behind the phenotypic variation of the severity of bleeding in type III vWD are largely unknown. The study was conducted to determine Mutations/genetic alterations in type III von Willebrand disease and also to determine the association of different mutations, methylation status, ITGA2B/B3 mutations and alloimmunization with the severity of type III vWD. After informed consent and detailed history of the patients, routine tests and DNA extraction from blood, mutational analysis was performed by Next Generation Sequencing on Ion Torrent PGM. DNA methylation status was also checked with the help of PCR. In our cohort, 55 cases were detected with pathogenic mutations. A total of 27 different mutations were identified in 55 solved cases; 16 (59.2%) were novel. The mean bleeding score in truncating mutations and essential splice site mutations was relatively higher than weak and strong missense mutations. The mean bleeding score showed insignificant variation for different DNA methylation statuses of the VWF gene at the cg23551979 CpG site. Mutations in exons 7,10, 25, 28, 31, 43, and intron 41 splice site account for 75% of the mutations.
HLA Genotypes and Type 1 Diabetes and Its Relationship to Reported Race/Skin Color in Their Relatives: A Brazilian Multicenter Study
Authors: Gomes Marília B. , Porto Luís C. , Silva Dayse A. , Negrato Carlos A. , Pavin Elizabeth João , Montenegro Junior Renan , Dib Sergio A. , Felício João S. , Santos Deborah C. , Muniz Luiza H. , Réa Rosângela , Azulay Rossana Sousa , Rodrigues Vandilson
Published: May 2022

We aimed to investigate the relationship between HLA alleles in patients with type 1 diabetes from an admixed population and the reported race/skin color of their relatives. This cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in public clinics in nine Brazilian cities and included 662 patients with type 1 diabetes and their relatives. Demographic data for patients and information on the race/skin color and birthplace of their relatives were obtained. Typing of the HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 genes was performed. Most studied patients reported having a White relative (95.17%), and the most frequently observed allele among them was DRB1*03:01. Increased odds of presenting this allele were found only in those patients who reported having all White relatives. Considering that most of the patients reported having a White relative and that the most frequent observed allele was DRB1*03:01 (probably a European-derived allele), regardless of the race/skin color of their relatives, we conclude that the type 1 diabetes genotype comes probably from European, Caucasian ethnicity. However, future studies with other ancestry markers are needed to fill the knowledge gap regarding the genetic origin of the type 1 diabetes genotype in admixed populations such as the Brazilian.
Potential Composite Digenic Contribution of NPC1 and NOD2 Leading to Atypical Lethal Niemann-Pick Type C with Initial Crohn’s Disease-like Presentation: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation Study
Authors: Azab Bilal , Rabab’h Omar , Aburizeg Dunia , Mohammad Hashim , Dardas Zain , Mustafa Lina , Khasawneh Ruba A. , Awad Heyam , Hatmal Ma’mon M. , Altamimi Eyad
Published: May 2022

Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive neurovisceral disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration with variable involvement of multisystemic abnormalities. Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a multifactorial etiology influenced by variants in NOD2. Here, we investigated a patient with plausible multisystemic overlapping manifestations of both NPC and CD. Her initial hospitalization was due to a prolonged fever and non-bloody diarrhea. A few months later, she presented with recurrent skin tags and anal fissures. Later, her neurological and pulmonary systems progressively deteriorated, leading to her death at the age of three and a half years. Differential diagnosis of her disease encompassed a battery of clinical testing and genetic investigations. The patient’s clinical diagnosis was inconclusive. Specifically, the histopathological findings were directed towards an IBD disease. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of IBD was not consistent with the patient’s subsequent neurological and pulmonary deterioration. Consequently, we utilized a genetic analysis approach to guide the diagnosis of this vague condition. Our phenotype–genotype association attempts led to the identification of candidate disease-causing variants in both NOD2 and NPC1. In this study, we propose a potential composite digenic impact of these two genes as the underlying molecular etiology. This work lays the foundation for future functional and mechanistic studies to unravel the digenic role of NOD2 and NPC1.
Genome-Wide RNA Sequencing Analysis in Human Dermal Fibroblasts Exposed to Low-Dose Ultraviolet A Radiation
Authors: Wang Jinyun , Yano Satoshi , Xie Kun , Ohata Yoshihisa , Hara Taichi
Published: May 2022

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can pass through the epidermis and reach the dermal skin layer, contributing to photoaging, DNA damage, and photocarcinogenesis in dermal fibroblasts. High-dose UVA exposure induces erythema, whereas low-dose, long-term UVA exposure causes skin damage and cell senescence. Biomarkers for evaluating damage caused by low-dose UVA in fibroblasts are lacking, making it difficult to develop therapeutic agents for skin aging and aging-associated diseases. We performed RNA-sequencing to investigate gene and pathway alterations in low-dose UVA-irradiated human skin-derived NB1RGB primary fibroblasts. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to Gene Ontology and reactome pathway analysis, which revealed enrichment in genes in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, apoptosis, respiratory electron transport, and transcriptional regulation by tumor suppressor p53 pathways. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) showed the lowest p-value in RNA-sequencing analysis and was associated with the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that Fos proto-oncogene had a high-confidence network with IGFBP7 as transcription factor of the IGFBP7 gene among SASP hit genes, which were validated using RT-qPCR. Because of their high sensitivity to low-dose UVA radiation, Fos and IGFBP7 show potential as biomarkers for evaluating the effect of low-dose UVA radiation on dermal fibroblasts.
Detoxification Role of Metabolic Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Genes in Blood Lead Concentrations of Jamaican Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rahbar Mohammad H. , Samms-Vaughan Maureen , Kim Sori , Saroukhani Sepideh , Bressler Jan , Hessabi Manouchehr , Grove Megan L. , Shakspeare-Pellington Sydonnie , Loveland Katherine A.
Published: May 2022

Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are involved in the detoxification of exogenous chemicals including lead (Pb). Using data from 344 pairs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases and age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls (2–8 years old) from Jamaica, we investigated the interaction between three GST genes and ASD status as determinants of blood Pb concentrations (BPbCs). We found that ASD cases had lower geometric mean BPbCs than TD children (1.74 vs. 2.27 µg/dL, p < 0.01). Using a co-dominant genetic model, ASD cases with the Ile/Val genotype for the GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism had lower GM BPbCs than TD controls, after adjusting for a known interaction between GSTP1 and GSTT1, child’s parish, socioeconomic status, consumption of lettuce, fried plantains, and canned fish (Ile/Val: 1.78 vs. 2.13 µg/dL, p = 0.03). Similarly, among carriers of the I/I or I/D (I*) genotype for GSTT1 and GSTM1, ASD cases had lower adjusted GM BPbCs than TD controls (GSTT1 I*: 1.61 vs. 1.91 µg/dL, p = 0.01; GSTM1 I*: 1.71 vs. 2.04 µg/dL, p = 0.01). Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms in GST genes may influence detoxification of Pb by the enzymes they encode in Jamaican children with and without ASD.
Map Projections Classification
Authors: Lapaine Miljenko , Frančula Nedjeljko
Published: May 2022

Many books, textbooks and papers have been published in which the classification of map projections is based on auxiliary (developable) surfaces and projections are divided into conic, cylindrical and azimuthal projections. We argue that such a classification of map projections is unacceptable and give many reasons for that. Many authors wrote in more detail about the classification of map projections, and our intention is to give a new refined and rectified insight into the classification of map projections. Our approach can be included in map projection publications of general and thematic cartography. Doing this, misconceptions and unnecessary insistence on conceptuality instead of reality will be avoided.
Variation of Fe, Al, and F Substitution in Titanite (Sphene)
Authors: Kowallis Bart J. , Christiansen Eric H. , Dorais Michael J. , Winkel Anthony , Henze Porter , Franzen Lauren , Mosher Haley
Published: May 2022

Titanite is an important mineral in petrochronology studies. Understanding chemical signatures of titanite from different environments can provide significant data in unraveling the complex histories recorded in their textures and compositions. Using a database of over 8500 titanite analyses from both the literature (3829) and our own data (4900), we found that the ratio of Fe/Al is useful for separating igneous titanite (Fe/Al is typically close to 1:1 and almost always > 1:2) from metamorphic titanite (Fe/Al ratio is < 1:2) with few exceptions. Volcanic titanite grains can also be separated from plutonic titanite grains due to their shorter crystallization histories with compositions clustered more tightly in terms of Fe, Al, and F. Compositions of titanite from plutonic rocks often have later metamorphic or hydrothermal overgrowths that are not found on volcanic titanite. Fe/Al ratios in titanite from silica-undersaturated volcanic and plutonic rocks are typically > 1:2 and include titanite with the highest Fe/Al ratios. Although they overlap the field for normal igneous titanite, other elements (particularly high levels of Nb and low levels of Y) allow them to be separated. In most metamorphic rocks, the Fe/Al ratio is < 1:2 except for a few metamorphic titanite grains that formed in mafic rocks. Titanite from ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks (eclogite facies) tend to have the lowest Fe/Al ratios, typically < 1:8. Titanite from hydrothermal and pegmatitic environments scatter widely in terms of Fe/Al even within single grains due to crystallization from fluids with highly variable compositions. Charge balancing in metamorphic, hydrothermal, and pegmatitic titanite due to Fe+3 and Al+3 substitution into the Ti+4 site is largely accomplished by the coupled substitution of F− for O−2. However, in volcanic and plutonic titanite, the charge imbalance due to Fe+3 and Al+3 substitution appears to be mainly coupled with REE+3 or Y+3 substitution into the Ca+2 site with a lesser contribution from F−.
Quality Assurance of a Cross-Border and Sub-Specialized Teleradiology Service
Authors: Hetenyi Szabolcs , Goelz Leonie , Boehmcker Alexander , Schorlemmer Carlos
Published: May 2022

Background: The current literature discusses aspects of quality assurance (QA) and sub-specialization. However, the challenges of these topics in a teleradiology network have been less explored. In a project report, we aimed to review the development and enforcement of sub-specialized radiology at Telemedicine Clinic (TMC), one of the largest teleradiology providers in Europe, and to describe each step of its QA. Evaluation: The company-specific background was provided by the co-authors—current and former staff members of TMC. Detailed descriptions of the structures of sub-specialization and QA at TMC are provided. Exemplary quantitative evaluation of caseloads and disagreement rates of secondary reviews are illustrated. Description of Sub-specialization and Quality Assurance at TMC: Sub-specialization at TMC is divided into musculoskeletal radiology, neuroradiology, head and neck, a body, and an emergency section operating at local daytime in Europe and Australia. Quality assurance is based on a strict selection process of radiologists, specific reporting guidelines, feedback through the secondary reading of 100% of all radiology reports for new starters, and a minimum of 5% of radiology reports on a continuous basis for all other radiologists, knowledge sharing activities and ongoing training. The level of sub-specialization of each radiologist is monitored continuously on an individual basis in detail. After prospective secondary readings, the mean disagreement rate at TMC indicating at least possibly clinically relevant findings was 4% in 2021. Conclusion: With continuing and current developments in radiology in mind, the essential features of sub-specialization and innovative QA are relevant for further expansion of teleradiology services and for most radiology departments worldwide to respond to the increasing demand for value-based radiology.
A Comparison of Rehospitalization Risks on Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients after Recovery from Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Yang Ho-Pang , Weng Shao-Jen , Ho Zih-Ping , Xu Yeong-Yuh , Liu Shih-Chia , Tsai Yao-Te
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the risks of rehospitalization caused by acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stroke would have significant differences between diabetic and non-diabetic patients from ACS. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 364 inpatients with ACS from 2017 to 2019. Logistic regression models included gender, age group, and the principal diagnosis of hospitalization as controlling variables which were used to analyze the dataset. Results: About 10% of patients are hospitalized after recovery. Moreover, regardless of suffering from diabetes, the risk of rehospitalization does not appear to show a significant difference. In comparison with non-diabetic patients, the odds ratio of rehospitalization of diabetic patients was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.46-1.93, p-value = 0.8639) after controlling for the effects of gender, age group, and the principal diagnosis of hospitalization. Conclusions: Diabetic patients seem to perform well in controlling LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) after ACS recoveries.
The Complexities of Prescribing Assistive Equipment at the End of Life—Patient and Caregivers’ Perspectives
Authors: Morgan Deidre D. , Willis Eileen , Sweet Kate , Roe Pen , Rabaçal Joana , Currow David C.
Published: May 2022

Ongoing participation in valued and essential everyday activities remains a priority for people with advanced disease. This study sought to understand factors influencing patients with advanced disease and caregivers’ utilisation of assistive equipment that enable this participation. Employing a pragmatic approach, purposive sampling identified participants who were interviewed in their homes. A semi-structured interview guide was employed to elicit community dwelling patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives about assistive equipment utilisation. Recorded interviews were analysed inductively and themes were constructed from the data. Fourteen interviews were conducted with patients and caregivers. Patients had a range of cancers and COPD. Three empirically developed themes demonstrate the complexities associated with the use of assistive equipment at the end of life: 1. Enabling engagement in everyday activities; 2. Dependency—a two-way street; 3. The pragmatics of choosing, using or declining assistive equipment. Participants were motivated to use assistive equipment when it optimised their function, enabled participation and supported their values, roles and interests. Conversely, use of assistive equipment could be met with ambivalence as it represented deterioration or could cause conflict within relationships. Caregivers found assistive equipment made it easier for them to provide physical care. Skilled proactive assistive equipment prescription and training by allied health professionals enhanced patient and caregiver confidence and capacity to engage in everyday activities.
Detailed Changes in Oxygenation following Awake Prone Positioning for Non-Intubated Patients with COVID-19 and Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure—A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Koike Tomotaka , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Kuroiwa Masayuki , Kamiya Kentaro , Otsuka Tomohisa , Sugimura Kosuke , Nishizawa Yoshiyuki , Sakai Mayuko , Miida Kazumasa , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Arai Masayasu
Published: May 2022

Few studies have reported on the effectiveness of awake prone therapy in the clinical course of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of awake prone therapy during spontaneous breathing on the improvement of oxygenation over 3 weeks for COVID-19 acute respiratory failure. Data of consecutive COVID-19 patients with lung disorder with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) ≥ 0.4 and without tracheal intubation were analyzed. We examined changes in SpO2/FIO2, ROX index ((SpO2/FIO2)/respiratory rate) and the seven-category ordinal scale after the initiation of FIO2 ≥ 0.4 and compared these changes between patients who did and did not receive prone therapy. Of 58 patients, 27 received awake prone therapy, while 31 did not. Trend relationships between time course and change in SpO2/FIO2 and ROX index were observed in both groups, although a significant interaction in the relationship was noted between prone therapy and change in SpO2/FIO2 and ROX index. The seven-category ordinal scale also revealed a trend relationship with time course in the prone therapy group. The awake prone therapy was significantly associated with a lower rate of tracheal intubation. In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with FIO2 ≥ 0.4, awake prone therapy may improve oxygenation within two weeks.
Primary Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma: An Update on Pathologic and Molecular Features
Authors: Lucioni Marco , Fraticelli Sara , Neri Giuseppe , Feltri Monica , Ferrario Giuseppina , Riboni Roberta , Paulli Marco
Published: May 2022

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs) account for 25% of all primary cutaneous lymphomas. Three major types are currently recognized by the WHO classification: primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (PCMZL), primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma (PCFCL) (both considered indolent lymphomas) and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg-type (PCDLBCL-LT), which is, instead, a very aggressive disease. Nowadays, the PCBCL’s category also includes some rare entities such as intravascular B-cell lymphoma (IVBL) and the EBV+ mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU). Furthermore, controversies still exist concerning the category of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCDLBCL), because some cases may present with clinical and histological features between PCFCL and PCDLBCL-LT. Therefore, some authors proposed introducing another category called PCDLBCL, not otherwise specified (NOS). Regardless, PCBCLs exhibit distinct features and differ in prognosis and treatment from their nodal/systemic counterparts. Therefore, clinicopathologic analysis is a key diagnostic element in the work-up of these lymphomas.
Scientific Study of the Origin of the Painting from the Early 20th Century Leads to Pablo Picasso
Authors: Bakovic Marica , Karapandza Slobodanka , Mcheik Sajed , Pejović-Milić Ana
Published: May 2022

This study applied multiple scientific approaches to establish the significance of an old work of art, Red Guitar, by examining its historical origin and the color materials used in its creation. Additionally, the study provides thus far unknown pieces of Olga Picasso’s family history to be added to her biography. Scientific approaches included digital X-ray radiography, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental thermal conductivity analysis. This combination of techniques provided a broad confirmation as to when the painting was created. The artwork includes colors (white, black, blue, yellow, green, red, and brown/red) and prevalent use of lead- and iron-based historic pigments—chrome yellow, yellow ochre, and red ochre. It also documents the use of unconventional materials, such as the colorant Pigment Red 4, and nitrocellulose. This investigation led to the conclusion that the artwork, Red Guitar, is authentic and in accordance with Picasso’s work during the first two decades of the 20th century.
Micropropagation of Vaccinium corymbosum L.: An Alternative Procedure for the Production of Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Clapa Doina , Nemeș Silvia-Amalia , Ranga Floricuța , Hârța Monica , Vodnar Dan-Cristian , Călinoiu Lavinia-Florina
Published: May 2022

In vitro culture has become a dependable approach for the mass production of plant material as the market for innovative plant-derived medicinal approaches has grown significantly. Furthermore, because it permits manipulation of biosynthetic routes to boost the production and accumulation of certain compounds, this technology has enormous potential for the manufacture of natural bioactive chemicals. As a result, the goal of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation system for biomass production and to investigate the accumulation of bioactive compounds from Vaccinium corymbosum L., Duke and Hortblue Petite cultivars. Two in vitro plant tissue culture systems were used for shoots production: a solid medium (5 g/L Plant agar) and liquid medium (Plantform bioreactor). The culture medium used was Woddy Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with two growth regulators: 0.5 mg/L and 1 mg/L zeatina (Z) and 5 mg/L N6-(2-Isopentenyl) adenine (2iP). The content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and chlorophylls of the in vitro shoot extracts were examined via the HPLC-DAD-MS/MS technique. The results showed that cv. Hortblue Petite produced a higher amount of biomass compared with cv. Duke, on all variants of culture media in both systems (solid and liquid), while the shoots extract of the Duke variety in the liquid culture system (under all concentrations of growth regulators) had the highest content of total phenolic compounds (16,665.61 ± 424.93 μg/g). In the case of the lipophilic compounds analysed (chlorophylls and carotenoids), the solid medium reported the highest values, whereas media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L Z was proved to have the richest total content for both cultivars.
Effect of Titanium and Vanadium on Antioxidants Content and Productivity of Red Cabbage
Authors: Doklega Samar M. A. , El-Ezz Sally F. Abo , Mostafa Nada A. , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , Abdulmajeed Awatif M. , Darwish Doaa Bahaa Eldin , Alzuaibr Fahad Mohammed , El-Yazied Ahmed Abou , El-Mogy Mohamed M. , Mahmoud Samy F. , M. Taha Noura , Abd El-Hady Mahmoud A. M.
Published: May 2022

The present work studied the effect of foliar spray of different concentrations of titanium (Ti, applied as titanium dioxide) and vanadium (V, applied as vanadium pentoxide) on growth, chemical composition, antioxidant contents, antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant capacity, yield and quality criteria of red cabbage plants. For this purpose, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mg L−1 of Ti and V were used to treat red cabbage plants. The control plants were treated with tap water. Our results showed that plants treated with 4.0 mg L−1 of Ti recorded the highest values of plant growth and bioactive compounds, while antioxidant capacity was decreased compared to the other treatments. In addition, plants treated with Ti and V at 2.0 and 4.0 mg L−1, respectively, showed higher values of all of the growth, yield, non-enzymatic antioxidants and antioxidants enzymes’ parameters compared to the untreated plants. Based on the obtained results, it could be concluded that the low concentrations of both Ti and V (2.0 and 4.0 mg L−1) were able to enhance red cabbage growth and yield, as well as the antioxidant contents, enzymes and capacity.
Combined Nano Silver, α-Aminoisobutyric Acid, and 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment Delays the Senescence of Cut Roses with Different Ethylene Sensitivities
Authors: Ha Suong Tuyet Thi , In Byung-Chun
Published: May 2022

Flower senescence varies among cut roses (Rosa hybrida L.), and it is known that the postharvest life of ethylene-sensitive flowers is strongly related to the transcriptional accumulation of ethylene biosynthesis genes, whereas that of ethylene-insensitive flowers is shortened by water stress. These different responses of flowers to hormone and water stresses limit the action of preservatives in inhibiting the postharvest deterioration of cut rose flowers. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the combined application of antibacterial agents and ethylene biosynthesis and binding inhibitors on the postharvest life and quality of the cut rose cultivars ‘Matador’ (ethylene-sensitive) and ‘Dolcetto’ (ethylene-insensitive). Cut flowers were treated with nano silver (NS), a combination of NS and α-aminoisobutyric acid (NS+A), or a combination of NS+A and 1-methylcyclopropene (NS+AM), and they were subsequently exposed to ethylene for 24 h. Treatment effectiveness was compared with that of control (CON) flowers, which were kept in distilled water and exposed only to ethylene. The results showed that all treatments significantly improved the postharvest quality and vase life of both rose cultivars. However, NS+AM most markedly delayed senescence and prolonged the vase life of cut flowers by 217% in ‘Matador’ and 168.4% in ‘Dolcetto’, compared with those of CON flowers. NS+AM also effectively increased the flower diameter and maintenance time of positive water balance and initial fresh weight by enhancing solution absorption as well as suppressing bacterial growth at the cut stem ends of the cut roses. Furthermore, NS+AM greatly suppressed the ethylene-inducible increase of ethylene biosynthesis genes and the reduction of ethylene receptor genes in petals, which resulted in a reduced flower response to exogenous ethylene in both rose cultivars. These findings show that NS+AM effectively delays flower senescence in both ethylene sensitive and insensitive cultivars by synergistically preventing ethylene response and water stress in cut flowers.
On-Farm Supplemental Irrigation of ‘Roja Lisa’ Cactus Pear: Pre- and Postharvest Effects
Authors: Melero-Meraz Valentín , Zegbe Jorge A. , Herrera Mayra Denise , Guzmán-Maldonado Salvado H. , Medina-García Guillermo , Sánchez-Toledano Blanca I. , Cruz-Bravo Raquel K. , Servín-Palestina Miguel
Published: May 2022

Opuntia species grow in arid and semiarid lands, where water for irrigation is scarce. However, supplemental irrigation can be a feasible strategy for commercial cactus pear orchards. From 2018 to 2020, a commercial cactus pear orchard was managed to validate the effect of supplemental irrigation on fruit yield, crop water use efficiency, fruit quality, and storability of ‘Roja Lisa’ cactus pear grown in the semiarid region of Mexico. The irrigation treatments were no irrigation and supplemental irrigation, with four replications. Crop water use was less and, therefore, water productivity greater in non-irrigated plants than in plants with supplemental irrigation. Mean fruit yield, mean fruit mass, and proportion of commercial fruit increased with supplemental irrigation. These differences were more pronounced in growing seasons with less rainfall. Fruit quality at harvest or after room temperature or cold storage was examined. Fruit mass loss rate was reduced in fruit receiving supplemental irrigation in both storage conditions. In addition, supplemental irrigation was consistent with water savings and food security programs in marginal areas: this irrigation strategy improved both pre- and postharvest some quality components of cactus pear fruit. Therefore, this irrigation strategy is suggested for cactus pear growers, depending on the availability of water for irrigation.
FytoSol, a Promising Plant Defense Elicitor, Controls Early Blight (Alternaria solani) Disease in the Tomato by Inducing Host Resistance-Associated Gene Expression
Authors: Bektas Yasemin
Published: May 2022

Early blight (EB), caused by the necrotrophic pathogen Alternaria solani, is one of the most common and destructive diseases in the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The use of fungicides is a prominent tactic used to control EB; however, their undesirable effects on the environment and human health, as well as involvement in the development of resistant strains, have driven researchers to search for new alternatives. Plant defense elicitors are exogenous defense-triggering molecules that induce a plant’s defense system associated with extensive transcriptional- and metabolic reprogramming of the genome and do not cause direct toxicity to phytopathogens. Moreover, 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA) was an early-identified and strong plant defense elicitor to various phytopathogens. Recently, the combination of chitosan oligomers and pectin-derived oligogalacturonides that can mimic the induction of plants by a pathogen or damaged-derived molecules (PAMP and DAMP) were characterized as defense elicitors, named FytoSol. In this study, the preventive roles of these two defense elicitors—FytoSol and INA—against EB disease and its molecular basis, were explored. According to the results, FytoSol significantly reduced disease severity by an average of 30% for almost one month with an AUDPC value of 399 compared to the control, which had an AUDPC value of 546. On the contrary, INA did not provide any protection against EB. Gene expression analyses of these two distinct plant defense elicitors indicated that the expression patterns of several SA-, JA-, or ET-pathway-related genes (Pti4, TPK1b, Pto kinase, TomloxD, PRB1-2, SABP2, WRKY33b, WRKY70, PR-5, and PR3) were induced by defense elicitors differently. FytoSol extensively upregulated gene expressions of PR3, downregulated the SA-related defense pathway, and provided remarkable protection against the necrotrophic pathogen Alternaria solani. On the contrary, INA mostly induced genes related to biotrophic and/or hemibiotrophic pathogen protection. Our results indicate that FytoSol is a promising plant defense elicitor against EB and the modes of action of the elicitors are important to characterize their effects against pathogens. Further research may extend the use of defense elicitors as alternatives to pesticides in agriculture.
Resilience, Mentalizing and Burnout Syndrome among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Serbia
Authors: Safiye Teodora , Vukčević Branimir , Gutić Medo , Milidrag Ardea , Dubljanin Draško , Dubljanin Jakša , Radmanović Branimir
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to examine whether the capacity for mentalizing and resilience among healthcare workers (HCWs) explains the degree of burnout syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia. The research was conducted on a sample of 406 healthcare workers (141 doctors and 265 nurses), aged 19 to 65 years (M = 40.11, SD = 9.41)—203 worked on the COVID-19 frontline, and 203 in regular clinical conditions. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure the burnout syndrome. Capacity for mentalizing was examined using the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. The Brief Resilience Scale was used to measure resilience. The results indicated that there were negative correlations between resilience and the dimensions of burnout—emotional exhaustion (r = −0.38; p < 0.01) and depersonalization (r = −0.11; p < 0.05), and a positive correlation between resilience and personal accomplishment (r = 0.27; p < 0.01), as was expected. The analyses of hierarchical linear regression showed that hypomentalizing was a significant positive predictor of emotional exhaustion (ß = 0.12; p < 005) and depersonalization (ß = 0.15; p < 0.05), resilience was a significant negative predictor of emotional exhaustion (ß = −0.28, p < 0.01) and positive predictor of personal accomplishment (ß = 0.20; p < 0.01), and that the degree of explained variance of burnout dimensions was higher when resilience and hypomentalizing were included in regression models, in addition to sociodemographic variables. The findings suggest that being a woman and working on the COVID-19 frontline implies a higher burnout, while the level of burnout decreases with better socioeconomic status and more children. Resilience, capacity for mentalizing, and burnout syndrome among HCWs are interrelated phenomena, which have important professional implications.
A Comparison of Three Measures to Identify Postnatal Anxiety: Analysis of the 2020 National Maternity Survey in England
Authors: Fellmeth Gracia , Harrison Siân , Quigley Maria A. , Alderdice Fiona
Published: May 2022

Perinatal anxiety affects an estimated 15% of women globally and is associated with poor maternal and infant outcomes. Identifying women with anxiety is essential to prevent these adverse associations, but there are a number of challenges around measurement. We used data from England’s 2020 National Maternity Survey to compare the prevalence of anxiety symptoms at six months postpartum using three different measures: the two-item Generalised Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-2), the anxiety subscales of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-3A) and a direct question. The concordance between each pair of measures was calculated using two-by-two tables. Survey weights were applied to increase the representativeness of the sample and reduce the risk of non-response bias. The prevalence of postnatal anxiety among a total of 4611 women was 15.0% on the GAD-2, 28.8% on the EPDS-3A and 17.1% on the direct question. Concordance between measures ranged between 78.6% (95% CI 77.4–79.8; Kappa 0.40) and 85.2% (95% CI 84.1–86.2; Kappa 0.44). Antenatal anxiety was the strongest predictor of postnatal anxiety across all three measures. Women of Black, Asian or other minority ethnicity were less likely to report self-identified anxiety compared with women of White ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio 0.44; 95% CI 0.30–0.64). Despite some overlap, different anxiety measures identify different groups of women. Certain population characteristics such as women’s ethnicity may determine which type of measure is most likely to identify women experiencing anxiety.
Effects of COVID-19 Restriction Policies on Urban Heat Islands in Some European Cities: Berlin, London, Paris, Madrid, and Frankfurt
Authors: Safarrad Taher , Ghadami Mostafa , Dittmann Andreas
Published: May 2022

The present study investigates the effects of policies restricting human activities during the COVID-19 epidemic on the characteristics of Night Land Surface Temperature (NLST) and Night Urban Heat Islands (NUHI) in five major European cities. In fact, the focus of this study was to explore the role of anthropogenic factors in the formation and intensity of NUHI. The effect of such factors was uncontrollable before the COVID-19 outbreak on the global scale and in a real non-laboratory environment. In this study, two indices, the concentration of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Nighttime Lights (NL), were used as indicators of the number of anthropogenic activities. The data were collected before the COVID-19 outbreak and after its prevalence in 2019–2020. A Paired samples t-test and a Pearson correlation were used to examine the differences or significant relationships between the variables and indicators studied throughout the two periods. The results of the study confirmed a direct and significant relationship between NO2 and NL indices and the NUHI and NLST variables; however, using strict restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NO2 and NL indices decreased seriously, leading to significant changes in the characteristics of the NUHI and NLST in the five cities. This study has some implications for urban planners and politicians, e.g., the environmental impacts of changing the nature and level of anthropogenic activities can greatly affect the pattern and intensity of the Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) (as a serious environmental challenge).
Association of Age and Surgical Technique with the Quality of Life of Male Patients Treated for Abdominal Aorta Aneurysms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Barrena-Blázquez Silvestra , Díez-Alonso Manuel , Riera del Moral Luis Felipe , Sanchez-Coll Salvador , Alvarez-Mon Melchor , Ortega Miguel A. , Ruiz-Grande Fernando
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES. The achievement of a good health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become one of the primary objectives of medical–surgical interventions. The objective of this study is to determine the HRQoL of patients who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery and to analyse the influence of age on HRQoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This is an observational cross-sectional study with 151 male patients who underwent an operation for AAAs between January 2013 and December 2020 in two hospital centres. HRQoL was assessed with the Spanish version of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), starting in the month following the surgical intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using hypothesis tests and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 73 years (SD: 7), and the mean interval between surgery and the interview was 37 months (SD: 27). The scores of the Physical Function (p = 0.001), Vitality (p = 0.016), Social Function (p = 0.014), and Mental Health (p = 0.007) dimensions of the SF-36 were significantly lower in the older age groups. In addition, the scores on the Physical Summary Component (p = 0.003) and the Mental Summary Component (p = 0.026) were significantly lower among individuals older than 70 years of age. The HRQoL in patients who underwent operations for AAAs was similar to that reported in the general population of Spain. Patients with an aorto-aortic shunt had better scores on the Physical Function (Beta: 10; p = 0.014) and Mental Health (Beta: 8.12; p = 0.040) dimensions than those who had an aorto-bi-iliac or bifemoral shunt, regardless of the age of the patients at operation. CONCLUSION: Among patients who underwent an operation for an AAA, there was a negative association between the age at operation and scores on the Physical Function, Vitality, Social Function, and Mental Health dimensions of the SF-36. The type of surgical technique influences the evolution of Physical Function and Mental Health scores, regardless of age.