bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Transition as a Response to Energy Challenges in Post-Pandemic Reality
Authors: Gribkova Darya , Milshina Yulia
Published: January 2022

The concept of energy transition has been adopted by national governments, international and regional organizations. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered increasing attention to climate policy, energy transition, and economic resilience. This paper looks at energy transition in selected countries with the use of case studies—China, the European Union, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The aim of the study is to analyze the main approaches to the energy transition in these countries and the barriers which may influence this process. The study applies foresight methods such as trend monitoring, case study, and STEPE methods for barrier analysis. The outcomes include identification of energy priorities in the national context, key directions for future transformation, and selected countries’ approaches to the energy transition after the COVID-19 pandemic. All considered countries are taking measures for the energy transition, but the motives, pace, and priorities differ. Their approaches were grouped into ideological (the European Union, the United States) and pragmatic (Saudi Arabia, China, and India). Both groups attribute priority to the gradual shift to clean technologies and carbon-neutral energy generation. Russia occupies an intermediate position due to attention to consumers as well as high interest in diversification of budget revenues and the shift from fossil fuel. The list of barriers to energy transition includes an inappropriate level of technological development, inconsistency of renewable power generation, substantial/rapid increase in rare earth metals prices, economic sectors’ dependence on fossil fuels, lack of investment in renewables, restricted access to technologies, trade barriers, lack of political will, use of access to advanced technology market as a political tool, and renewables’ dependence on weather regimes, etc. The novelty of the study is in the scope of selected cases that give a broad overview of existing approaches to the energy transition, identification of two energy transition patterns, as well as trends, wild cards, and barriers on the way.
Waste Management and the Circular Economy in Cyprus—The Case of the SWAN Project
Authors: Angelis-Dimakis Athanasios , Arampatzis George , Alexopoulos Andreas , Pantazopoulos Andreas , Vyrides Ioannis , Chourdakis Nikolaos , Angelis Vasilis
Published: January 2022

The increase in waste volume and greenhouse gas emissions and decrease in raw-material reserves are some of the serious problems that our planet is facing. The measures needed to address these issues cannot be implemented under the prevailing linear economy model; hence, the circular economy model has been introduced. The successful implementation of circularity, whose basic principles include waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, requires a change in the behaviour of all the parties involved and is expected to lead to industrial–urban symbiosis schemes. The present paper looks at the current state and future prospects of the circular economy in Cyprus, based on the evidence drawn from an EU-funded project entitled “a digital Solid Waste reuse plAtform for BalkaN” (Project Acronym: SWAN). The project’s main objective was the design and development of a digital solid waste reuse platform involving four countries: Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. Using the data collected, in the context of this project, from a sample of Cypriot industries, we looked into the familiarisation of the respondents with the basic concepts of circularity and their willingness to participate in symbiotic value chains. Moreover, we examined the composition of the waste streams produced by those industries and proposed potential waste reuse business models and subsequent symbiotic clusters.
Low Frequency of Plants Associated with Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixers Exhibits High Frequency of Free-Living Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria: A Study in Karst Shrub Ecosystems of Southwest China
Authors: Liang Yueming , He Xunyang , Chen Xiangbi , Su Yirong , Pan Fujing , Hu Lening
Published: January 2022

Plants associated with symbiotic nitrogen-fixers and soil free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria are good indicators for detecting the source of nitrogen in natural ecosystems. However, the community composition and diversity of plants associated with symbiotic nitrogen-fixers and soil free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria in karst shrub ecosystems remain poorly known. The community composition and diversity of soil free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria and plants, as well as the soil physical–chemical properties were investigated in 21 shrub plots (including different topographies and plant types). The frequency of plants associated with symbiotic nitrogen-fixers was found to be low in the 21 shrub plots. The soil free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterial community structure varied among the 21 shrub soils. Based on a variance partitioning analysis, topography, plant type, and soil pH explained 48.5% of the observed variation in bacterial community structure. Plant type had a predominant effect on community structure, and topography (aspect and ascent) and soil pH had minor effects. A negative correlation between the abundance of the soil free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterial community and the richness index for plants associated with symbiotic nitrogen-fixers was observed. The result of the low frequency of plants associated with symbiotic nitrogen-fixers highlights the importance of sources of fixed nitrogen by soil free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen limitation shrub ecosystem of the karst regions.
How Does Deforestation Affect the Growth of Cypripedium (Orchidaceae) Species? A Simulation Experiment in Northeast China
Authors: Li Zhongyue , Wang Yan , Mu Liqiang
Published: January 2022

Due to wild habitat destruction, Cypripedium is among the most endangered groups in China. Determining how Cypripedium respond to environmental changes is curial to their conservation. However, less is known about the effect of deforestation on the growth of Cypripedium. In this study, we selected four Cypripedium species in Northeast China, and conducted conservation-based transplantation simulating deforestation to explore the impact of increased light intensity on the growth of Cypripedium. After three years, the maximum net photosynthetic rate was decreased by 15.9%, 11.5%, 13.6% and 5.3% for C. calceolus L., C. guttatum Sw., C. macranthos Sw. and C.×ventricosum Sw., respectively, resulting in poor viability, manifesting as shorter and thinner shoots, and smaller leaves. Unexpectedly, no significant traits shifts were found in the roots across four species, which may be related to the long root lifespan and conservation. Our research confirmed that increased light intensity caused by deforestation would lead to an increase in respirate cost and a decrease in photosynthate accumulation, and consequently the recession of plant growth. Except for habitat loss, individual plant reduction caused by deforestation could be responsible for the population decline of Cypripedium.
On the Need to Further Refine Stock Quality Specifications to Improve Reforestation under Climatic Extremes
Authors: del Campo Antonio D. , Segura-Orenga Guillem , Molina Antonio J. , González-Sanchis María , Reyna Santiago , Hermoso Javier , Ceacero Carlos J.
Published: January 2022

The achievement of goals in forest landscape restoration strongly relies on successful plantation establishment, which is challenging in drylands, especially under climate change. Improvement of field performance through stock quality has been used for decades. Here, we use machine learning (ML) techniques to identify key stock traits involved in successful survival and to refine previous specifications that were developed under more conventional stock quality assessments carried out at the lifting–shipping phases in the nursery. Two differentiated stocklots in each species were used, both fitting in the regional quality standard. ML was used to infer a set of attributes for planted seedlings that were subsequently related to survival at the short-term (two years) and mid-term (ten years) in six different species planted in a harsh site with shallow soil that suffered the driest year on record during this study. Whilst stocklot quality, as measured in the lifting–shipping stage, had very poor importance to the survival response, individual plant traits presented a moderate to high diagnostic ability for seedling survival (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve between 0.59 and 0.99). Early growth traits catch most of the importance in these models (≈40%), followed by individual morphology traits (≈28%) and site variation (≈2%), with overall means varying across species. Aleppo pine and Phoenician juniper stocklots presented survival rates of 66–78% after ten years, and these rates were below 27% for the remaining species that suffered during the historical drought. In Aleppo pine, the plant attributes related to early field performance (growth in the first growing season) were more important in the drought-mediated mid-term performance than stock quality at the nursery stage. Within the technical framework of this study, our results allow for both testing and refining the regional quality standard specifications for harsh conditions such as those found in our study.
Environment Controls Seasonal and Daily Cycles of Stem Diameter Variations in Portuguese Oak (Quercus faginea Lambert)
Authors: Vieira Joana , Campelo Filipe , Nabais Cristina
Published: January 2022

Tree growth takes place at different time scales ranging from hours to days. To understand growth responses to climate, continuous high-resolution measurements of tree diameter variations are needed, which are usually obtained with automatic dendrometers. Here, we monitored stem diameter increment of Quercus faginea Lambert growing in central Portugal to determine the effect of climate on daily and seasonal growth dynamics during the 2013 growing season. Stem diameter variation presented a unimodal seasonal pattern characterized by an exponential phase in spring followed by a plateau during summer, interrupted by an abrupt increase in autumn caused by rainfall. Stem diameter increment started in March when the temperature was above 10 °C. Stem diameter variation showed a double climatic constrain, with temperature limiting growth in spring and precipitation in summer. The amplitude of the daily cycles of stem variation was higher in summer, as well as the expansion phase length, meaning that trees needed longer to replenish the water lost through transpiration during the day. The absence of a pronounced stem shrinkage during the summer suggests that Q. faginea has access to water over the whole growing season. Our results indicate that this species relies on deep soil water reserves and can be physiologically active during summer drought.
The Opportunistic Pathogen Chryseobacterium balustinum WLT: Pathogenicity and Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Jung Won Joon , Kim Sang Guen , Giri Sib Sankar , Kim Sang Wha , Kang Jeong Woo , Kwon Jun , Oh Woo Taek , Lee Sung Bin , Lee Young Min , Jo Su Jin , Chi Cheng , Jun Jin Woo , Park Se Chang
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to re-evaluate the pathogenic characteristics of Chryseobacterium balustinum, generally known as a food spoilage bacterium. We observed mass mortality in a rainbow trout farm in Jeonbuk province, Republic of Korea. Fewer studies have reported on rainbow trout mortality or infections in Korea than in other countries; among these, few studies have reported cases of Chryseobacterium infections. Sequencing analysis revealed that this bacterium is closely related (99.24%) to Chryseobacterium balustinum. Bacterial identification assays, including the API test, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, found the 24 isolates to be C. balustinum. The strain showed multiple resistance to 18 of 25 antibiotics tested. Primary clinical symptoms of its infection are damage to the fins, necrosis, and cytoplasmic vacuolation in hepatocytes. The pathogenicity of the strain was determined following Koch’s postulates and the challenge test. The present results suggest that C. balustinum WLT can be considered a multidrug-resistant zoonotic pathogen responsible for mortality and economic losses.
Application of Pressurized Liquid Extractions to Obtain Bioactive Compounds from Tuber aestivum and Terfezia claveryi
Authors: Tejedor-Calvo Eva , García-Barreda Sergi , Sánchez Sergio , Morte Asunción , Siles-Sánchez María de las Nieves , Soler-Rivas Cristina , Santoyo Susana , Marco Pedro
Published: January 2022

A PLE (pressurized liquid extraction) method was adjusted following a full-factorial experimental design to obtain bioactive-enriched fractions from Tuber aestivum and Terfezia claveryi. Temperature, time and solvent (water, ethanol and ethanol–water 1:1) parameters were investigated. The response variables investigated were: obtained yield and the levels of total carbohydrate (compounds, β-glucans, chitin, proteins, phenolic compounds and sterols). Principal component analysis indicated water solvent and high temperatures as more adequate parameters to extract polysaccharide-rich fractions (up to 68% of content), whereas ethanol was more suitable to extract fungal sterols (up to 12.5% of content). The fractions obtained at optimal conditions (16.7 MPa, 180 °C, 30 min) were able to protect Caco2 cells from free radical exposure, acting as antioxidants, and were able to reduce secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro: IL-6 (50%), and TNFα (80% only T. claveryi ethanol extract), as well as reduce high inhibitory activity (T. aestivum IC50: 9.44 mG/mL).
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effect of Fruit Peel Powders in Chicken Patties
Authors: Abdel-Naeem Heba H.S. , Elshebrawy Hend Ali , Imre Kálmán , Morar Adriana , Herman Viorel , Pașcalău Raul , Sallam Khalid Ibrahim
Published: January 2022

Meat industries are eager to find natural low-cost additives for improving the health benefits and shelf life of meat products. The present study elucidated the effect of four different fruit peel powders, namely lemon, orange, grapefruit, and banana (1% each), on the oxidative stability, microbial quality, physicochemical properties, and sensory attributes of chicken patties during 3 months of storage at −18 °C. The total phenolics and flavonoids as well as the antioxidant activity of the fruit peel powders were analyzed. The lemon peel powder contained the highest bioactive substance (90.5 mg gallic acid/g total phenolics and 35 mg rutin/g total flavonoids) and had the highest free radical scavenging activity (90%). The fruit peel powders used, especially the banana peel powder, induced an increase in protein (22.18 g/100 g) and a decrease in fat (10.52 g/100 g) content. Furthermore, all the fruit peel powders exhibited significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities compared with the control samples. The sensory attributes were improved in all treated groups, especially in the lemon peel powder-treated patties. Consequently, the obtained results support the application of fruit peel powders, as natural sources of antioxidants with antibacterial effects, as health-promoting functional additives during the manufacturing of meat products.
Study of the Contents of Analogues of Aristolochic Acid in Houttuynia cordata by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yu Xuan , Gao Yuan , Xu Ying , Guo Xian , Guo Lan , Tan Ting , Liu Fan , Wan Yiqun
Published: January 2022

In this study, a new and simple method was established for the simultaneous determination of analogues of aristolochic acids (aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, aristolactam I and aristolactam AII) in Houttuynia cordata by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Q/TOF-MS). The samples were ultrasonically extracted with methanol, purified with HC-C18, and then separated on a C18 column (75 × 2.1 mm, 2.0 μm) at 35 °C. Under the optimized conditions, aristolochic acid I (AA-I), aristolochic acid II (AA-II), aristolactam I (AL-I) and aristolactam AII (AL-AII) all showed good linear regression (not less than 0.9987). The average recoveries of the four analytes were within the range of 72.3–105.5%, with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) being ≤7.6%. The proposed method was then applied to the determination of Houttuynia cordata samples collected from different regions in China. The results showed that none of the three carcinogenic substances (aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II and aristolactam I) were detected in any of the 22 samples collected from 22 different regions of China, while aristolactam AII, which has not been reported to have genotoxicity, was detected in all samples. This study provides a valuable reference for the further safety assessment of Houttuynia cordata.
Hybrid Surrogate Model for Timely Prediction of Flash Flood Inundation Maps Caused by Rapid River Overflow
Authors: Zanchetta Andre D. L. , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: January 2022

Timely generation of accurate and reliable forecasts of flash flood events is of paramount importance for flood early warning systems in urban areas. Although physically based models are able to provide realistic reproductions of fast-developing inundation maps in high resolutions, the high computational demand of such hydraulic models makes them difficult to be implemented as part of real-time forecasting systems. This paper evaluates the use of a hybrid machine learning approach as a surrogate of a quasi-2D urban flood inundation model developed in PCSWMM for an urban catchment located in Toronto (Ontario, Canada). The capability to replicate the behavior of the hydraulic model was evaluated through multiple performance metrics considering error, bias, correlation, and contingency table analysis. Results indicate that the surrogate system can provide useful forecasts for decision makers by rapidly generating future flood inundation maps comparable to the simulations of physically based models. The experimental tool developed can issue reliable alerts of upcoming inundation depths on traffic locations within one to two hours of lead time, which is sufficient for the adoption of important preventive actions. These promising outcomes were achieved in a deterministic setup and use only past records of precipitation and discharge as input during runtime.
Existence and Approximate Controllability of Mild Solutions for Fractional Evolution Systems of Sobolev-Type
Authors: Liang Yue
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the existence and approximate controllability of Riemann–Liouville fractional evolution systems of Sobolev-type in abstract spaces. At first, a group of sufficient conditions is established for the existence of mild solutions without the compactness of operator semigroup. Then the approximate controllability is studied under the assumption that the corresponding linear system is approximate controllability. The proof is based on the fixed point theory and the method of operator semigroup. An example is given as an application of the obtained results.
The Thought of Death in a Pandemic Era: Can Anxiety Determine the Nexus between the Accessibility, Availability and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 and Work Behaviour among Aviation Workers?
Authors: Nkrumah Edmund Nana Kwame , Liu Suxia , Fiergbor David Doe , Akoto Linda Serwah
Published: January 2022

Since the emergence of COVID-19, the aviation sector has been one of the numerous industries which have been affected the most. In this present paper, the thought of death among aviation workers as an indicator of anxiety at a time when the availability, access to, and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remains paramount to the survival of work in the line of duties and its influence on different work behaviors was assessed. The theoretical foundation of the study was built on the process efficiency theory, attentional interference theory, and the terror management theory (TMT), which focuses on both the psychological and emotional responses exhibited by people due to fear or worry about a specific situation. The study adopted an exploratory study design that incorporates a cross-sectional and self-reported survey among 646 frontline workers across 12 international airlines and the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), Accra, Ghana using simple random sampling and convenient sampling techniques. After all the preliminary tests were performed, the path analysis estimated by Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) indicated that anxiety has a significant influence on workers’ stress-adaptive performance and task performance, but recorded no significant causal link with interpersonal performance. The findings indicated that all three proxies of employee work behaviours, which focus on both adaptive and task performance, were significantly related to workers’ access, availability, and use of PPE (APPE). The association between anxiety and APPE was also found to be significant. Bootstrapping mediation analysis shows that anxiety partially mediates the influence APPE has on both stress-adaptive performance and task performance, but did not show any mediating effect on the association between APPE and interpersonal performance. Among the three dimensions of death anxiety, both the fear of death (FDE) and death intrusion (DINT) indicated a significant partial mediating effect on the influence APPE has on all three multidimensional constructs of work behaviours. The findings literally prove that worrying about the fatality risk associated with COVID-19 is highly predictive.
The Effect of Studying a Double Degree in the Psychophysiological Stress Response in the Bachelor’s Thesis Defense
Authors: Ramírez-Adrados Ana , Fernández-Elías Valentín E. , Fernández-Martínez Silvia , Martínez-Pascual Beatriz , Gonzalez-de-Ramos Cristina , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: January 2022

The aim of this research was to analyze the effect of studying a single or double degree in the psychophysiological stress response and academic performance of university students in their bachelor’s thesis defense. We analyzed the autonomic stress response, cortical arousal, subjective distress perception, and the sense of objective and subjective academic fulfilment of 84 single-degree physiotherapy students and 26 double-degree sport sciences and physiotherapy students during their bachelor’s thesis defense. The results showed that the bachelor’s thesis defense was a stressful event for double-degree students, showing an activation of the sympathetic nervous system and presenting a higher autonomic habituation response for the double degree students compared to the single degree students. We found higher mean grades during the whole degree and higher grades in the written and oral bachelor’s thesis academic achievements for single-degree students compared to double-degree students. No significant differences were found between single-degree and double-degree students in subjective distress perception and cortical arousal. No correlation was found between academic performance variables and subjective distress perception, cortical arousal, and autonomic modulation variables. We conclude that the bachelor’s thesis defense produces a large anticipatory anxiety response in single-degree physiotherapy students and in double-degree sport sciences and physiotherapy students. Double-degree students showed higher levels of habituation and adaptability to the stressful event, with a better autonomic response. Academic achievements were significantly higher among single-degree students compared to the double-degree group.
Awareness, Knowledge, and Interest about Prebiotics—A Study among Romanian Consumers
Authors: Precup Gabriela , Pocol Cristina Bianca , Teleky Bernadette-Emőke , Vodnar Dan Cristian
Published: January 2022

The consumer awareness towards healthier diets and the impact of nutrition on health has triggered an increase in the production and commercialization of foods with health claims. The scientific literature classifies these food products as functional foods, with a role in promoting health and preventing diseases, and they had a market share of almost 200 million EUR in 2019. Prebiotics are considered functional foods, referring to substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit, as defined by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics. Several health benefits are associated with the consumption of prebiotics; however, specific requirements must demonstrate the causality between the specific ingredient and the claimed effect. Health claims associated with food products are assessed in the European Union and need to be supported by rigorous scientific evidence before being authorized and permitted on the market. Consumers’ perception of this topic is influenced by the various stakeholders involved. The current work aimed to study the consumers’ perception and interest and to assess the knowledge on the prebiotic concept in Romania. The consumer interest level was quantified by using the web-based data tool Google Trends, and a questionnaire-based investigation was designed. The collected data were analyzed with the help of the SPSS program, and crosstabulation was used to identify the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on diet choice and awareness of prebiotics. A total of 303 persons answered the online applied questionnaire, grouped as young consumers (15–24 years old) and adults (25–64 years old). Even if most responders were familiar with the term of prebiotics (74% of total responders), some results were contradictory regarding their knowledge. The work emphasized the need to carry out educational campaigns and inform consumers on the relationship between certain food ingredients and health outcomes in a clear way and based on a rigorous assessment of the scientific evidence.
Stabilization of Zinc in Agricultural Soil Originated from Commercial Organic Fertilizer by Natural Zeolite
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Li Shuangxi , Gong Peiyun , Song Ke , Zhang Hong , Sun Yafei , Qin Qin , Zhou Bin , Xue Yong
Published: January 2022

Exploring ways to reduce the risk of heavy metal pollution by organic fertilizer application is of vital importance. In the present study, by conducting a pot experiment, natural zeolite was applied together with pig manure based organic fertilizer to agricultural soil in order to test its possibility of reducing the risk of heavy metals originating from pig manure. The results showed that a low rate of organic fertilizer (10%) application increased the biomass of Chinese cabbage (by 57.2%), while a high rate of organic fertilizer (30%) decreased the biomass of Chinese cabbage (by 46.16%), and meanwhile a 3% zeolite addition increased the biomass of Chinese cabbage which was treated with 30% organic fertilizer. The organic fertilizer addition decreased soil pH and increased soil CEC, while zeolite addition increased soil pH and decreased the soil organic matter content. The concentration of Zn in Chinese cabbage shoots increased with the organic fertilizer addition from 4.46% to 48.27%, while the addition of 1% and 3% zeolite significantly decreased Zn in Chinese cabbage shoots by 15.53% and 14.08%, respectively. The concentration of DPTA-extractable and DGT-extractable Zn of soil was increased by organic fertilizer application, whereas zeolite addition decreased the concentration of DPTA-extractable and DGT-extractable Zn in soil treated with organic fertilizer. Our present study suggests that natural zeolite application could be a promising method to reduce the risk of heavy metals originating from organic fertilizers.
Trampolining Accidents in an Adult Emergency Department: Analysis of Trampolining Evolution Regarding Severity and Occurrence of Injuries
Authors: Sasse Nora , Ziaka Mairi , Brockhus Lara , Müller Martin , Exadaktylos Artistomenis K. , Klukowska-Rötzler Jolanta
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Only a few studies have been conducted on trampoline-associated injuries in adults, especially in Switzerland. The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics of trampoline-related injuries in patients older than 16 years of age and track their development over time by comparing two different time periods. Methods and Materials: Data were gathered from the emergency department (ED) of Bern University Hospital. A retrospective design was chosen to allow analysis of changes in trampolining accidents between 2003–2020. Results: A total of 144 patients were enrolled. The number of ED presentations due to trampoline-related injury rose significantly over time. The most common injuries were sprains to the extremities (age group 31–62: 58.4% and age group 16–30: 50.8%), followed by fractures (age group 31–62: 33.3% and age group 16–30: 32.5%). Lower extremities appeared to be the most frequently injured body region (age group 31–62: 20.8% and age group 16–30: 10.0%), although the differences were not statistically significant, p = 0.363. BMI was significantly higher for older than for younger patients (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Over the last two decades, trampoline-related injuries have become more common in patients older than 16 years of age. These are most common in the lower extremities. While most of the patients in the present study only suffered minor injuries, the occasional severe injury might result in long-term disability. As trampoline-related injuries in adults are becoming more common, prevention strategies in public education and safety instructions must be optimised.
Physical Activity Improves Cognition and Activities of Daily Living in Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhou Shengwen , Chen Sitong , Liu Xiaolei , Zhang Yanjie , Zhao Mengxian , Li Wenjiao
Published: January 2022

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the effects of physical activity (PA) on cognition and activities of daily living in adults with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods: Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycArticles, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE and CNKI) were used to search for potential studies from inception until October 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of physical activity (PA) on cognition and activities of daily living in AD patients compared to a control condition were included. The effect sizes were synthesized using a random effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Sixteen articles including 945 participants (aged 70 to 88 years, 34.6% male) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled effect sizes demonstrated that PA intervention was associated with significant improvements in global cognition (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) = 0.41, 95% CI [0.24, 0.58], p < 0.01) and activities of daily living (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.32, 0.79], p < 0.01) in AD patients. Subgroup analyses suggested that PA for 3–4 times per week for 30–45 min for more than 12 weeks had a relatively strong effect on improving global cognition in AD patients. The sensitivity analysis showed robust results. Conclusions: The findings from the current meta-analysis suggested that AD patients can improve their global cognition and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) through engaging in aerobic and mixed exercise (aerobic and anaerobic exercise).
Cerebellar Agenesis and Bilateral Polimicrogyria Associated with Rare Variants of CUB and Sushi Multiple Domains 1 Gene (CSMD1): A Longitudinal Neuropsychological and Neuroradiological Case Study
Authors: Costanzo Floriana , Zanni Ginevra , Fucà Elisa , Di Paola Margherita , Barresi Sabina , Travaglini Lorena , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Gambardella Antonio , Bellacchio Emanuele , Bertini Enrico , Menghini Deny , Vicari Stefano
Published: January 2022

Cerebellar agenesis is an extremely rare condition characterized by a near complete absence of the cerebellum. The pathogenesis and molecular basis remain mostly unknown. We report the neuroradiological, molecular, neuropsychological and behavioral characterization of a 5-year-old girl, with cerebellar agenesis associated with parietal and peri-Sylvian polymicrogyria, followed-up for 10 years at four time points. Whole exome sequencing identified two rare variants in CSMD1, a gene associated with neurocognitive and psychiatric alterations. Mild intellectual impairment, cerebellar ataxia and deficits in language, memory and executive functions, with relatively preserved adaptive and psychopathological domains, were initially showed. Phonological awareness and verbal memory declined at 11 years of age, and social and anxiety problems emerged. Adaptive and psychopathological characteristics dramatically worsened at 15 years. In summary, the developmental clinical outcome showed impairment in multiple cognitive functions in childhood, with a progressive decline in cognitive and adaptive abilities and the emergence of psychopathological symptoms in adolescence. The observed phenotype could be the result of a complex interplay between cerebellar abnormality, brain malformation and the relations with CSMD1 variants. These findings may provide insights into the developmental clinical outcomes of a co-occurrence between rare brain malformation and rare genetic variants associated to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Theoretical Background of Occupational-Exposure Models—Report of an Expert Workshop of the ISES Europe Working Group “Exposure Models”
Authors: Schlüter Urs , Arnold Susan , Borghi Francesca , Cherrie John , Fransman Wouter , Heussen Henri , Jayjock Michael , Jensen Keld Alstrup , Koivisto Joonas , Koppisch Dorothea , Meyer Jessica , Spinazzè Andrea , Tanarro Celia , Verpaele Steven , von Goetz Natalie
Published: January 2022

On 20 October 2020, the Working Group “Exposure Models” of the Europe Regional Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES Europe) organised an online workshop to discuss the theoretical background of models for the assessment of occupational exposure to chemicals. In this report, participants of the workshop with an active role before and during the workshop summarise the most relevant discussion points and conclusions of this well-attended workshop. ISES Europe has identified exposure modelling as one priority area for the strategic development of exposure science in Europe in the coming years. This specific workshop aimed to discuss the main challenges in developing, validating, and using occupational-exposure models for regulatory purposes. The theoretical background, application domain, and limitations of different modelling approaches were presented and discussed, focusing on empirical “modifying-factor” or “mass-balance-based” approaches. During the discussions, these approaches were compared and analysed. Possibilities to address the discussed challenges could be a validation study involving alternative modelling approaches. The wider discussion touched upon the close relationship between modelling and monitoring and the need for better linkage of the methods and the need for common monitoring databases that include data on model parameters.
A Case Study of a Whole System Approach to Improvement in an Acute Hospital Setting
Authors: Ward Marie E. , Daly Ailish , McNamara Martin , Garvey Suzanne , Teeling Sean Paul
Published: January 2022

Changes in healthcare tend to be project-based with whole system change, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of socio-technical factors, not the norm. This paper attempts to address the question of whole system change posed by the special issue and brings together other research presented in this special issue. A case study approach was adopted to understand the deployment of a whole system change in the acute hospital setting along four dimensions of a socio-technical systems framework: culture, system functioning, action, and sense-making. The case study demonstrates evidence of whole system improvement. The approach to change was co-designed by staff and management, projects involving staff from all specialities and levels of seniority were linked to each other and to the strategic objectives of the organisation, and learnings from first-generation projects have been passed to second and third-generation process improvements. The socio-technical systems framework was used retrospectively to assess the system change but could also be used prospectively to help healthcare organisations develop approaches to whole system improvement.
PaLS Study: Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Usage among Polish University Students in the Context of Stress Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jodczyk Alicja Monika , Kasiak Przemysław Seweryn , Adamczyk Natalia , Gębarowska Joanna , Sikora Zuzanna , Gruba Grzegorz , Mamcarz Artur , Śliż Daniel
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and imposed restrictions were strong stress factors for young people, especially students. Increased alcohol consumption, smoking cigarettes, usage of heated tobacco products, and other stimulants are common methods of coping with anxiety. However, they can have serious negative health effects. A survey consisting of 12 questions related to mental health and psychoactive substance taking habits was distributed among Polish students between 22 February 2021 and 3 April 2021. A total of 1323 participants met all inclusion criteria (nfemales = 1021, nmales = 297, nother gender = 5). The mean age was 22 years old (±4.17); 47.62% were medical university students. A total of 71.92% reported negative impact, 8.25% did not notice changes, and 12.58% declared a positive pandemic impact on their mental health. A total of 12.58% declared an increase, 70.22% did not see any differences, and 17.20% reported a decrease in their psychoactive substance usage tendency due to the pandemic. Worse perceived psychologic well-being was correlated with a higher tendency to use tobacco (p < 0.001) and alcohol (p < 0.001), and not with marijuana and products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (p = 0.136), and hard drugs (p = 0.799). The majority of participants declared a negative pandemic impact on mental health and did not report significant changes in psychoactive substance taking habits. Medical personnel should be aware of the current situation and apply for proper prevention and treatment programs.
Concordance between the Clinical Diagnosis of Influenza in Primary Care and Epidemiological Surveillance Systems (PREVIGrip Study)
Authors: Aguilar Martín Carina , Dalmau Llorca Mª Rosa , Castro Blanco Elisabet , Carrasco-Querol Noèlia , Hernández Rojas Zojaina , Forcadell Drago Emma , Rodríguez Cumplido Dolores , Gonçalves Alessandra Queiroga , Fernández-Sáez José
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Health authorities use different systems of influenza surveillance. Sentinel networks, which are recommended by the World Health Organization, provide information on weekly influenza incidence in a monitored population, based on laboratory-confirmed cases. In Catalonia there is a public website, DiagnostiCat, that publishes the number of weekly clinical diagnoses at the end of each week of disease registration, while the sentinel network publishes its reports later. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is concordance between the number of cases of clinical diagnoses and the number of confirmed cases of influenza, in order to evaluate the predictive potential of a clinical diagnosis-based system. Methods: Population-based ecological time series study in Catalonia. The period runs from the 2010–2011 to the 2018–2019 season. The concordance between the clinical diagnostic cases and the confirmed cases was evaluated. The degree of agreement and the concordance were analysed using Bland–Altman graphs and intraclass correlation coefficients. Results: There was greater concordance between the clinical diagnoses and the sum of the cases confirmed outside and within the sentinel network than between the diagnoses and the confirmed sentinel cases. The degree of agreement was higher when influenza rates were low. Conclusions: There is concordance between the clinical diagnosis and the confirmed cases of influenza. Registered clinical diagnostic cases could provide a good alternative to traditional surveillance, based on case confirmation. Cases of clinical diagnosis of influenza may have the potential to predict the onset of annual influenza epidemics.
Oleacein Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in THP-1-Derived Macrophages by the Inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Cirmi Santa , Maugeri Alessandro , Russo Caterina , Musumeci Laura , Navarra Michele , Lombardo Giovanni Enrico
Published: January 2022

It is known that plant phenolic compounds exert anti-inflammatory activity through both anti-oxidant effects and modulation of pivotal pro-inflammatory factors. Recently, Olea europaea has been studied as a natural source of bioactive molecules; however, few studies have focused on the biological effect of oleacein (OLC), the most abundant secoiridoid. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-oxidant activity of OLC, as well as to study its anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. LPS brought a dramatic increase of both release and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α), as well as a decrease of anti-inflammatory ones (IL-10), the effects of which are reverted by OLC. Moreover, it reduced the levels of COX-2, NO and PGE2 elicited by LPS exposure in THP-1 macrophages. Interestingly, OLC modulated inflammatory signaling pathways through the inhibition of CD14/TLR4/CD14/MyD88 axis and the activation of NF-κB. Finally, OLC showed relevant anti-oxidant capability, assessed by abiotic assays, and reduced the intracellular amount of ROS generated by LPS exposure in THP-1 macrophages. Overall, these results suggest that the anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect of OLC may cooperate in its protective effect against inflammatory stressors, thus being a possible alternative pharmacological strategy aimed at reducing the inflammatory process.
Adenosine Receptors in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Fine Regulators of Neurotransmission and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Pasquini Silvia , Contri Chiara , Merighi Stefania , Gessi Stefania , Borea Pier Andrea , Varani Katia , Vincenzi Fabrizio
Published: January 2022

Adenosine exerts an important role in the modulation of central nervous system (CNS) activity. Through the interaction with four G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes, adenosine subtly regulates neurotransmission, interfering with the dopaminergic, glutamatergic, noradrenergic, serotoninergic, and endocannabinoid systems. The inhibitory and facilitating actions of adenosine on neurotransmission are mainly mediated by A1 and A2A adenosine receptors (ARs), respectively. Given their role in the CNS, ARs are promising therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders where altered neurotransmission represents the most likely etiological hypothesis. Activating or blocking ARs with specific pharmacological agents could therefore restore the balance of altered neurotransmitter systems, providing the rationale for the potential treatment of these highly debilitating conditions. In this review, we summarize and discuss the most relevant studies concerning AR modulation in psychotic and mood disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depression, and anxiety, as well as neurodevelopment disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fragile X syndrome (FXS), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neuropsychiatric aspects of neurodegenerative disorders.
Biological Effects of Indole-3-Propionic Acid, a Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolite, and Its Precursor Tryptophan in Mammals’ Health and Disease
Authors: Konopelski Piotr , Mogilnicka Izabella
Published: January 2022

Actions of symbiotic gut microbiota are in dynamic balance with the host’s organism to maintain homeostasis. Many different factors have an impact on this relationship, including bacterial metabolites. Several substrates for their synthesis have been established, including tryptophan, an exogenous amino acid. Many biological processes are influenced by the action of tryptophan and its endogenous metabolites, serotonin, and melatonin. Recent research findings also provide evidence that gut bacteria-derived metabolites of tryptophan share the biological effects of their precursor. Thus, this review aims to investigate the biological actions of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite of tryptophan. We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating the impact of IPA on the health and pathophysiology of the immune, nervous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system in mammals. IPA exhibits a similar impact on the energetic balance and cardiovascular system to its precursor, tryptophan. Additionally, IPA has a positive impact on a cellular level, by preventing oxidative stress injury, lipoperoxidation and inhibiting synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. Its synthesis can be diminished in the presence of different risk factors of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, protective factors, such as the introduction of a Mediterranean diet, tend to increase its plasma concentration. IPA seems to be a promising new target, linking gut health with the cardiovascular system.
Benzyl Isothiocyanate Attenuates Inflammasome Activation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS-Stimulated THP-1 Cells and Exerts Regulation through the MAPKs/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Park Won Sun , Lee Jeonghan , Na Giyoun , Park SaeGwang , Seo Su-Kil , Choi Jung Sik , Jung Won-Kyo , Choi Il-Whan
Published: January 2022

Inflammasomes are a group of intracellular multiprotein platforms that play important roles in immune systems. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a constituent of cruciferous plants and has been confirmed to exhibit various biological activities. The modulatory effects of BITC on inflammasome-mediated interleukin (IL)-1β expression and its regulatory mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) LPS/ATP-stimulated THP-1 cells was investigated. Monocytic THP-1 cells were treated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to induce differentiation into macrophages. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to measure the levels of IL-1β produced in P. aeruginosa LPS/ATP-exposed THP-1 cells. Western blotting was performed to examine the BITC modulatory mechanisms in inflammasome-mediated signaling pathways. BITC inhibited IL-1β production in P. aeruginosa LPS/ATP-induced THP-1 cells. BITC also inhibited activation of leucine-rich repeat protein-3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1 in P. aeruginosa LPS/ATP-induced THP-1 cells. Furthermore, we show that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in P. aeruginosa LPS was attenuated by BITC. These BITC-mediated modulatory effects on IL-1β production may have therapeutic potential for inflammasome-mediated disorders such as a nasal polyp.
Recent Multiomics Approaches in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Boroń Dariusz , Zmarzły Nikola , Wierzbik-Strońska Magdalena , Rosińczuk Joanna , Mieszczański Paweł , Grabarek Beniamin Oskar
Published: January 2022

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancers in developed countries. Many of the mechanisms involved in its initiation and progression remain unclear. Analysis providing comprehensive data on the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and epigenome could help in selecting molecular markers and targets in endometrial cancer. Multiomics approaches can reveal disturbances in multiple biological systems, giving a broader picture of the problem. However, they provide a large amount of data that require processing and further integration prior to analysis. There are several repositories of multiomics datasets, including endometrial cancer data, as well as portals allowing multiomics data analysis and visualization, including Oncomine, UALCAN, LinkedOmics, and miRDB. Multiomics approaches have also been applied in endometrial cancer research in order to identify novel molecular markers and therapeutic targets. This review describes in detail the latest findings on multiomics approaches in endometrial cancer.