bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Territorial Pattern Evolution and Its Comprehensive Carrying Capacity Evaluation in the Coastal Area of Beibu Gulf, China
Authors: Ou Menglin , Lai Xiaochun , Gong Jian
Published: August 2022

Changes in the territorial pattern of the Beibu Gulf, an environmentally sensitive and ecologically fragile area in China, will directly or indirectly affect the regional ecological environment, while profoundly influencing economic development and human well-being. Therefore, it is significant to understand the ecological response in the process of territorial space changes in the Beibu Gulf to promote the coordination between sea and land and sustainable regional development. This paper used remote sensing image interpretation to generate land-use maps in 2000, 2010 and 2020, and then analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution of the territorial pattern of the Beibu Gulf from 2000 to 2020. Finally, this paper proposed a comprehensive carrying capacity evaluation system and explored the spatial functional zones of the coastal areas of the Beibu Gulf. The results showed that the demand for urban development and ecological protection between 2000 and 2020 increased built-up land and forestland by 386.71% and 25.56%, respectively, and reduced farmland by 28.33%. There was significant spatial heterogeneity in various land-use types. Where forestland is mainly distributed in the west, farmland is mainly distributed in the east, wetland is mainly distributed in the south, and orchards are spread throughout the whole area. The evaluation results of land resources, water resources and ecological conditions in the Beibu Gulf area showed that its comprehensive carrying capacity was high in the south and low in the north, and high in the west and low in the east. On this basis, this paper considered the actual situation of natural resources, ecological conditions, socio-economic development, protection and development in coastal areas; divided the study area into four categories: developed areas, priority development areas, ecological reserve areas and coastal reserve areas; and put forward corresponding control suggestions. The results of this paper could provide a scientific basis for regional development and territorial spatial planning in the coastal areas.
Application of an Ultrasonic Nebulizer Closet in the Disinfection of Textiles and Footwear
Authors: Henriques Tiago M. , Rito Beatriz , Proença Diogo N. , Morais Paula V.
Published: August 2022

The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the importance of disinfection processes in health safety. Textiles and footwear have been identified as vectors for spreading infections. Therefore, their disinfection can be crucial to controlling pathogens’ dissemination. The present work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial disinfectant aerosolized by an ultrasonic nebulizer closet as an effective method for disinfecting textiles and footwear. The disinfection was evaluated in three steps: suspension tests; nebulization in a 0.08 m3 closet; nebulization in the upscaled 0.58 m3 closet. The disinfection process of textiles and footwear was followed by the use of bacteriophages, bacterial spores, and bacterial cells. The disinfection in the 0.58 m3 closet was efficient for textiles (4 log reduction) when bacteriophage Lambda, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis were used. The footwear disinfection was achieved (4 log reduction) in the 0.08 m3 closet for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Disinfection in an ultrasonic nebulization closet has advantages such as being quick, not wetting, being efficient on porous surfaces, and is performed at room temperature. Ultrasonic nebulization disinfection in a closet proves to be useful in clothing and footwear stores to prevent pathogen transmission by the items’ widespread handling.
Seminal Plasma Glycoproteins as Potential Ligands of Lectins Engaged in Immunity Regulation
Authors: Olejnik Beata , Ferens-Sieczkowska Mirosława
Published: August 2022

Environmental pollution, chronic stress, and unhealthy lifestyle are factors that negatively affect reproductive potential. Currently, 15–20% of couples in industrialized countries face the problem of infertility. This growing health and social problem prompts researchers to explore the regulatory mechanisms that may be important for successful fertilization. In recent years, more attention has been paid to male infertility factors, including the impact of seminal plasma components on regulation of the female immune response to allogenic sperm, embryo and fetal antigens. Directing this response to the tolerogenic pathway is crucial to achieve a healthy pregnancy. According to the fetoembryonic defense hypothesis, the regulatory mechanism may be associated with the interaction of lectins and immunomodulatory glycoepitopes. Such interactions may involve lectins of dendritic cells and macrophages, recruited to the cervical region immediately after intercourse. Carbohydrate binding receptors include C type lectins, such as DC-SIGN and MGL, as well as galectins and siglecs among others. In this article we discuss the expression of the possible lectin ligands, highly fucosylated and high mannose structures, which may be recognized by DC-SIGN, glycans of varying degrees of sialylation, which may differ in their interaction with siglecs, as well as T and Tn antigens in O-glycans.
Mental Health of Japanese Workers: Amotivation Mediates Self-Compassion on Mental Health Problems
Authors: Kotera Yasuhiro , Asano Kenichi , Kotera Hiromasa , Ohshima Remi , Rushforth Annabel
Published: August 2022

Workplace mental health is a cause for concern in many countries. Globally, 78% of the workforce experienced impairment of their mental health in 2020. In Japan, more than half of employees are mentally distressed. Previously, research has identified that self-compassion (i.e., being kind and understanding towards oneself) and work motivation were important to their mental health. However, how these three components relate to each other remains to be elucidated. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the relationship between mental health problems, self-compassion and work motivation (i.e., intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation and amotivation). A cross-sectional design was employed, where 165 Japanese workers completed self-report scales regarding those three components. A correlation and path analyses were conducted. Mental health problems were positively associated with amotivation and negatively associated with age and self-compassion. While intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation did not mediate the impact of self-compassion on mental health problems, amotivation did. The findings can help managers and organizational psychologists help identify effective approaches to improving work mental health.
Particularities of Telework Applicable to the Health System in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Filip Alina , Stancu Alin , Mehedințu Mihai , Streinu-Cercel Adrian , Pauceanu Alexandrina Maria
Published: August 2022

The paper aims to highlight how physician-patient relationships have evolved amid the COVID-19 pandemic by considering telework implementation into the healthcare sector. The article presents the peculiarities of using telework within the medical system given the recent epidemiological context, by pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of its adoption. To achieve this goal, a qualitative marketing research was conducted to identify physicians’ opinions and perceptions on telework. The main objectives were identifying the ways of using telework, the effects that telework has on the quality of the medical services and on patient relationships, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of telework for the medical field. The study revealed that while face-to-face consultations decreased as the outbreak continued, different methods of remote consultations emerged, which was both beneficial in interactions with chronic patients and detrimental, as medical staff became more and more overworked. For these reasons, our research shows that healthcare professionals consider a hybrid system much more adequate for patients with stable chronic conditions, as ongoing monitoring is done through this remote mechanism.
“It Stays with You for Life”: The Everyday Nature and Impact of Police Violence in Toronto’s Inner-City
Authors: Greene Carolyn , Urbanik Marta-Marika , Samuels-Wortley Kanika
Published: August 2022

In recent years, police violence has amassed notable international attention from the public, practitioners, and academics alike. This paper explores experiences and perceptions of police violence in Canada, documenting the impacts of direct and vicarious experiences of police violence on inner-city residents. The study employed semi-structured interviews with 45 community members across three Toronto inner-city neighbourhoods. Using a general interview prompt guide, participants were asked a range of questions about their experiences with and perceptions of police, and particularly, of police violence in their community. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, thematically coded, and analyzed. All participants reported direct and/or vicarious experiences of police violence, and most described experiencing long-standing, and continual fear that police contact would result in harm to them. Further, participants described a variety of serious and negative outcomes associated with experiencing and/or witnessing police violence. Police violence in Canada is a public health issue that requires an integrated public health policy approach to address the negative outcomes associated with direct and vicarious police violence exposure.
Comparison of Selected Characteristics of Slovak and Polish Representatives in Kickboxing
Authors: Ruzbarsky Pavel , Nema Kristina , Kokinda Marek , Rydzik Łukasz , Ambroży Tadeusz
Published: August 2022

Background: Previous kickboxing studies conducted over the last three decades have focused on improving performance through physical fitness characteristics; however, most of the research focused on men. The objective of this study is to assess the level of physical fitness of Slovak and Polish female kickboxers in the highest sport level as well as to compare the differences between them. Methods: The study included 20 female kickboxers on the highest level of sport performance, 10 from Slovakia (body mass—53.59; height—166.45) and 10 from Poland (body mass—60.35; height —169.95), from senior categories, with a mean age of 23 ± 2. The selection criteria included training experience and sports level. The level of physical fitness was evaluated by the following tests: Cooper’s test, 50 m sprint, sit-ups, flexed arm hang and standing long jump. Technical and tactical indicators were used to assess the sports skill level during the competition. Results: The test results of both groups are very comparable based on the evaluated data of Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA. The attack activity index together with sit-ups demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between Slovak and Polish kickboxers. A strong positive correlation was proven between technical and tactical indicators and physical fitness tests in the results of both groups. Conclusions: There exists a positive correlation between the technical and tactical indicators of kickboxers and the explosive strength of lower limbs, strength endurance, abdominal muscle strength, speed and aerobic endurance. Differences between Slovak and Polish kickboxers have been shown in the attack activity index and in the level of strength endurance. The level of speed and explosive power of the lower limbs was comparable in both groups of kickboxers.
Clinical Protocols and Treatment Guidelines for the Management of Maternal and Congenital Syphilis in Brazil and Portugal: Analysis and Comparisons: A Narrative Review
Authors: de Brito Pinto Talita Katiane , da Cunha-Oliveira Aliete Cristina Gomes Dias Pedrosa , Sales-Moioli Ana Isabela Lopes , Dantas Jane Francinete , da Costa Rosângela Maria Morais , Silva Moura José Paulo , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario , Valentim Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Maternal syphilis (MS) and congenital syphilis (CS) are serious public health problems worldwide due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. (2) Objective: Evaluating the applicability of Clinical Protocols and Treatment Guidelines on case incidence trends in Brazil and Portugal. (3) Methods: The review was done through bibliographic research in two public databases and government websites from both countries, published between 2007 and 2022. All guidelines that contained CS and MS were selected. (4) Results and discussion: After evaluation, we found that Brazil and Portugal have adequate protocols for screening and treating congenital and maternal syphilis. (5) Conclusion: The results suggest that CS and MS incidence are notably higher in Brazil than in Portugal due to economic, cultural, and social disparities and the differences in territory size. Therefore, these demographic and socioeconomic factors could strongly influence efforts to fight against syphilis and thus control the infection.
Mutant WDR45 Leads to Altered Ferritinophagy and Ferroptosis in β-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Diaw Sokhna Haissatou , Ganos Christos , Zittel Simone , Plötze-Martin Kirstin , Kulikovskaja Leonora , Vos Melissa , Westenberger Ana , Rakovic Aleksandar , Lohmann Katja , Dulovic-Mahlow Marija
Published: August 2022

Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) is a subtype of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) caused by loss-of-function variants in WDR45. The underlying mechanism of iron accumulation in WDR45 deficiency remains elusive. We established a primary skin fibroblast culture of a new BPAN patient with a missense variant p.(Asn61Lys) in WDR45 (NM_007075.3: c.183C>A). The female patient has generalized dystonia, anarthria, parkinsonism, spasticity, stereotypies, and a distinctive cranial MRI with generalized brain atrophy, predominantly of the cerebellum. For the functional characterization of this variant and to provide a molecular link of WDR45 and iron accumulation, we looked for disease- and variant-related changes in the patient’s fibroblasts by qPCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence comparing to three controls and a previously reported WDR45 patient. We demonstrated molecular changes in mutant cells comprising an impaired mitochondrial network, decreased levels of lysosomal proteins and enzymes, and altered autophagy, confirming the pathogenicity of the variant. Compared to increased levels of the ferritinophagy marker Nuclear Coactivator 4 (NCOA4) in control cells upon iron treatment, patients’ cells revealed unchanged NCOA4 protein levels, indicating disturbed ferritinophagy. Additionally, we observed abnormal protein levels of markers of the iron-dependent cell death ferroptosis in patients’ cells. Altogether, our data suggests that WDR45 deficiency affects ferritinophagy and ferroptosis, consequentially disturbing iron recycling.
History of the Study of the Genus Thiothrix: From the First Enrichment Cultures to Pangenomic Analysis
Authors: Ravin Nikolai V. , Rudenko Tatyana S. , Smolyakov Dmitry D. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Gureeva Maria V. , Samylina Olga S. , Grabovich Margarita Yu.
Published: August 2022

Representatives of the genus Thiothrix are filamentous, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria found in flowing waters with counter-oriented sulfide and oxygen gradients. They were first described at the end of the 19th century, but the first pure cultures of this species only became available 100 years later. An increase in the number of described Thiothrix species at the beginning of the 21st century shows that the classical phylogenetic marker, 16S rRNA gene, is not informative for species differentiation, which is possible based on genome analysis. Pangenome analysis of the genus Thiothrix showed that the core genome includes genes for dissimilatory sulfur metabolism and central metabolic pathways, namely the Krebs cycle, Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway, glyoxylate cycle, Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle, and genes for phosphorus metabolism and amination. The shell part of the pangenome includes genes for dissimilatory nitrogen metabolism and nitrogen fixation, for respiration with thiosulfate. The dispensable genome comprises genes predicted to encode mainly hypothetical proteins, transporters, transcription regulators, methyltransferases, transposases, and toxin–antitoxin systems.
Assessment of the Proton Pump Inhibitor, Esomeprazole Magnesium Hydrate and Trihydrate, on Pathophysiological Markers of Preeclampsia in Preclinical Human Models of Disease
Authors: de Alwis Natasha , Fato Bianca R. , Beard Sally , Binder Natalie K. , Kaitu’u-Lino Tu’uhevaha J. , Onda Kenji , Hannan Natalie J.
Published: August 2022

Previously, we demonstrated that the proton pump inhibitor, esomeprazole magnesium hydrate (MH), could have potential as a repurposed treatment against preeclampsia, a serious obstetric condition. In this study we investigate the difference in the preclinical effectiveness between 100 µM of esomeprazole MH and its hydration isomer, esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate (MTH). Here, we found that both treatments reduced secretion of sFLT-1 (anti-angiogenic factor) from primary cytotrophoblast, but only esomeprazole MH reduced sFLT-1 secretion from primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (assessed via ELISA). Both drugs could mitigate expression of the endothelial dysfunction markers, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and endothelin-1 (via qPCR). Neither esomeprazole MH nor MTH quenched cytotrophoblast reactive oxygen species production in response to sodium azide (ROS assay). Finally, using wire myography, we demonstrated that both compounds were able to induce vasodilation of human omental arteries at 100 µM. Esomeprazole is safe to use in pregnancy and a candidate treatment for preeclampsia. Using primary human tissues and cells, we validated that esomeprazole is effective in enhancing vascular relaxation, and can reduce key factors associated with preeclampsia, including sFLT-1 and endothelial dysfunction. However, esomeprazole MH was more efficacious than esomeprazole MTH in our in vitro studies.
Peptidylarginine Deiminase 2 Gene Polymorphisms in Subjects with Periodontitis Predispose to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Massarenti Laura , Enevold Christian , Damgaard Dres , Hansen Peter , Frisch Morten , Ødum Niels , Jacobsen Søren , Nielsen Claus
Published: August 2022

Epidemiologic studies have shown associations between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but a causal relationship has not been established. Citrullination of gingival proteins by human peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) or PAD from Porphyromonas gingivalis has been proposed to generate autoantigens in anti-CCP-positive RA. This study investigated whether the association between periodontitis and RA is influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding PAD2 and PAD4 that catalyze aberrant citrullination in RA and often are overexpressed in inflamed gingival connective tissue in subjects with periodontitis. The study included 137 RA patients and 161 controls with self-reported periodontitis. Periodontitis onset preceded RA onset by 13 years on average and was not associated with any of the SNPs investigated. In subjects with periodontitis, carriage of the minor alleles of rs2057094 and rs2235912 in PADI2 significantly increased the risk of RA (odds ratios 1.42 [p = 0.03] and 1.48 [p = 0.02], respectively), and this effect was driven by the anti-CCP-negative RA patients. The minor alleles of these SNPs only increased risk of anti-CCP-positive RA in individuals with periodontitis and a history of smoking. These data suggest that individuals with periodontitis carrying the minor alleles of SNPs rs2057094, rs2076616 and rs2235912 in PADI2 may be at increased risk of RA.
Role of Seed Layer Crystalline Quality in Photoresponse Performance of Hydrothermally Grown ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Muhammad Waqar , Nam Kiyun , Seo Songji , Kim Sam-Dong
Published: August 2022

We investigated the effects of the crystalline state for seed layers (SLs) on the growth morphology and material characteristics for hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods (NRs). For this, preheating (PH) at different temperatures (100–300 °C) and O2 plasma treatment (PT) for 9 min were performed during the growth of SLs on p-Si by the aqueous solution-based method to provide the characteristic change on the NR growth platform. An improvement in material properties was achieved from the ZnO NRs grown on the SL crystals of enhanced crystalline quality in terms of the increased preferred orientation (002), the higher UV emission with suppressed deep-level emissions, the recovery of O/Zn stoichiometry, and the reduction of various intrinsic defects. Ultraviolet photodiodes of a p-Si/n-ZnO-NR structure fabricated under the SL conditions of O2 PT and PH at 100 °C showed a significantly enhanced on-off current ratio of ~90 at +5 V and faster photoresponse characteristics presenting a reduction in the fall time from 16 to 9 s.
High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field-Mediated Gene Electrotransfection In Vitro
Authors: Kranjc Matej , Dermol-Černe Janja , Potočnik Tjaša , Novickij Vitalij , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: August 2022

A high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF) is a non-invasive and non-contact delivery method and may, as such, have an advantage over gene electrotransfer mediated by conventional electroporation using contact electrodes. Due to the limited number of in vitro studies in the field of gene electrotransfection by HI-PEMF, we designed experiments to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of such a technique for the non-viral delivery of genetic material into cells in vitro. We first showed that HI-PEMF causes DNA adsorption to the membrane, a generally accepted prerequisite step for successful gene electrotransfection. We also showed that HI-PEMF can induce gene electrotransfection as the application of HI-PEMF increased the percentage of GFP-positive cells for two different combinations of pDNA size and concentration. Furthermore, by measuring the uptake of larger molecules, i.e., fluorescently labelled dextrans of three different sizes, we showed endocytosis to be a possible mechanism for introducing large molecules into cells by HI-PEMF.
Saliva as Blood Alternative in Therapeutic Monitoring of Teriflunomide—Development and Validation of the Novel Analytical Method
Authors: Sankowski Bartłomiej , Michorowska Sylwia , Raćkowska Emilia , Sikora Mariusz , Giebułtowicz Joanna
Published: August 2022

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is extremely helpful in individualizing dosage regimen of drugs with narrow therapeutic ranges. It may also be beneficial in the case of drugs characterized by serious side effects and marked interpatient pharmacokinetic variability observed with leflunomide and its biologically active metabolite, teriflunomide. One of the most popular matrices used for TDM is blood. A more readily accessible body fluid is saliva, which can be collected in a much safer way comparing to blood. This makes it especially advantageous alternative to blood during life-threatening SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, drug’s saliva concentration is not always a good representation of its blood concentration. The aim of this study was to verify whether saliva can be used in TDM of teriflunomide. We also developed and validated the first reliable and robust LC-MS/MS method for quantification of teriflunomide in saliva. Additionally, the effect of salivary flow and swab absorptive material from the collector device on teriflunomide concentration in saliva was evaluated. Good linear correlation was obtained between the concentration of teriflunomide in plasma and resting saliva (p < 0.000016, r = 0.88), and even better between plasma and the stimulated saliva concentrations (p < 0.000001, r = 0.95) confirming the effectiveness of this non-invasive method of teriflunomide’s TDM. The analyzed validation criteria were fulfilled. No significant influence of salivary flow (p = 0.198) or type of swab in the Salivette device on saliva’s teriflunomide concentration was detected. However, to reduce variability the use of stimulated saliva and synthetic swabs is advised.
Lunasin as a Promising Plant-Derived Peptide for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Alves de Souza Stephanny Miranda , Hernández-Ledesma Blanca , de Souza Theo Luiz Ferraz
Published: August 2022

Cancer has become one of the main public health problems worldwide, demanding the development of new therapeutic agents that can help reduce mortality. Lunasin is a soybean peptide that has emerged as an attractive option because its preventive and therapeutic actions against cancer. In this review, we evaluated available research on lunasin’s structure and mechanism of action, which should be useful for the development of lunasin-based therapeutic products. We described data on its primary, secondary, tertiary, and possible quaternary structure, susceptibility to post-translational modifications, and structural stability. These characteristics are important for understanding drug activity and characterizing lunasin products. We also provided an overview of research on lunasin pharmacokinetics and safety. Studies examining lunasin’s mechanisms of action against cancer were reviewed, highlighting reported activities, and known molecular partners. Finally, we briefly discussed commercially available lunasin products and potential combination therapeutics.
Potential Therapeutic Skin Microbiomes Suppressing Staphylococcus aureus-Derived Immune Responses and Upregulating Skin Barrier Function-Related Genes via the AhR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lee Eulgi , Min Kyungchan , Ahn Hyeok , Jeon Bu-nam , Park Shinyoung , Yun Changhee , Jeon Hyehee , Yeon Jae-sung , Kim Hyun , Park Hansoo
Published: August 2022

Disruption of the skin microbial balance can exacerbate certain skin diseases and affect prognosis and treatment. Changes in the distribution and prevalence of certain microbial species on the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus (SA), can impact the development of severe atopic dermatitis (AD) or psoriasis (Pso). A dysfunctional skin barrier develops in AD and Pso due to SA colonization, resulting in keratinization and chronic or progressive chronic inflammation. Disruption of the skin barrier following SA colonization can elevate the production of T helper 2 (Th2)-derived cytokines, which can cause an imbalance in Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells. This study examined the ability of potential therapeutic skin microbiomes, such as Cutibacterium avidum R-CH3 and Staphylococcus hominis R9, to inhibit SA biofilm formation and restore skin barrier function-related genes through the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) downstream target. We observed that IL-4/IL-13-induced downregulation of FLG, LOR, and IVL induced by SA colonization could be reversed by dual AhR/Nrf2 activation. Further, OVOL1 expression may be modulated by functional microbiomes via dual AhR/Nrf2 activation. Our results suggest that our potential therapeutic skin microbiomes can prevent SA-derived Th2-biased skin barrier disruption via IL-13 and IL-4-dependent FLG deregulation, STAT3 activation, and AhR-mediated STAT6 expression.
Cervicovaginal Microbiota Composition in Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Di Pietro Marisa , Filardo Simone , Simonelli Ilaria , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Sessa Rosa
Published: August 2022

In healthy women, the cervicovaginal microbiota is characterized by the predominance of Lactobacillus spp., whereas the overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria leads to dysbiosis, known to increase the risk of acquiring genital infections like Chlamydia trachomatis. In the last decade, a growing body of research has investigated the composition of the cervicovaginal microbiota associated with chlamydial infection via 16s rDNA sequencing, with contrasting results. A systematic review and a meta-analysis, performed on the alpha-diversity indices, were conducted to summarize the scientific evidence on the cervicovaginal microbiota composition in C. trachomatis infection. Databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched with the following strategy: “Chlamydia trachomatis” AND “micro*”. The diversity indices considered for the meta-analysis were Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) number, Chao1, phylogenetic diversity whole tree, Shannon’s, Pielou’s and Simpson’s diversity indexes. The search yielded 425 abstracts for initial review, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. The results suggested that the cervicovaginal microbiota in C. trachomatis-positive women was characterized by Lactobacillus iners dominance, or by a diverse mix of facultative or strict anaerobes. The meta-analysis, instead, did not show any difference in the microbial biodiversity between Chlamydia-positive and healthy women. Additional research is clearly required to deepen our knowledge on the interplay between the resident microflora and C. trachomatis in the genital microenvironment.
Spinal Stroke: Outcome Attenuation by Erythropoietin and Carbamylated Erythropoietin and Its Prediction by Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Serum Levels in Mice
Authors: Koepke Leon-Gordian , Schwedhelm Edzard , Ibing Wiebke , Oberhuber Alexander , Daum Guenter , Vcelar Brigitta , Schelzig Hubert , Simon Florian
Published: August 2022

Spinal strokes may be associated with tremendous spinal cord injury. Erythropoietin (EPO) improves the neurological outcome of animals after spinal cord ischemia (SCI) and its effects on ischemia-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are considered possible molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, sphingosin-1-phosphate (S1P) is suggested to correlate with SCI. In this study, the effect of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) and carbamylated EPO (cEPO-Fc) on the outcome of mice after SCI and a prognostic value of S1P were investigated. SCI was induced in 12-month-old male mice by thoracic aortal cross-clamping after administration of rhEPO, cEPO-Fc, or a control. The locomotory behavior of mice was evaluated by the Basso mouse scale and S1P serum levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The spinal cord was examined histologically and the expressions of key UPR proteins (ATF6, PERK, and IRE1a, caspase-12) were analyzed utilizing immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RhEPO and cEPO-Fc significantly improved outcomes after SCI. The expression of caspase-12 significantly increased in the control group within the first 24 h of reperfusion. Animals with better locomotory behavior had significantly higher serum levels of S1P. Our data indicate that rhEPO and cEPO-Fc have protective effects on the clinical outcome and neuronal tissue of mice after SCI and that the ER is involved in the molecular mechanisms. Moreover, serum S1P may predict the severity of impairment after SCI.
De Novo Transcriptome Analysis of R. nigrum cv. Aldoniai in Response to Blackcurrant Reversion Virus Infection
Authors: Mažeikienė Ingrida , Juškytė Ana Dovilė , Bendokas Vidmantas , Stanys Vidmantas
Published: August 2022

The most damaging pathogen in blackcurrant plantations is mite-transmitted blackcurrant reversion virus (BRV). Some Ribes species have an encoded genetic resistance to BRV. We performed RNA sequencing analysis of BRV-resistant blackcurrant cv. Aldoniai to evaluate the molecular mechanisms related to the BRV infection response. The RNA of virus-inoculated and mock-inoculated microshoots was sequenced, and the transcriptional changes at 2- and 4-days post inoculation (dpi) were analyzed. The accumulation and expression of BRV RNA1 were detected in infected plants. In total, 159,701 transcripts were obtained and 30.7% were unigenes, annotated in 7 databases. More than 25,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) according to FPKM were upregulated or downregulated. We observed 221 and 850 DEGs at 2 and 4 dpi, respectively, in BRV-infected microshoots related to the stress response. The proportion of upregulated DEGs at 4 dpi was about 3.5 times higher than at 2 dpi. Pathways of the virus defense response were activated, and key candidate genes were identified. The phenylpropanoid and the cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis pathways were activated in infected plants. Our comparative de novo analysis of the R. nigrum transcriptome provides clues not only for understanding the molecular BRV resistance mechanisms but also for breeding BRV-tolerant genotypes.
Simple Approach to the Fabrication of Lanthanum Orthoniobates and Nanocomposites with Ni, Cu, and Co Metal Nanoparticles Using Supercritical Isopropanol
Authors: Altynbekova Dinara , Bespalko Yuliya , Valeev Konstantin , Eremeev Nikita , Sadovskaya Ekaterina , Krieger Tamara , Ulihin Artem , Uhina Arina , Massalimova Bakytgul , Simonov Mikhail , Sadykov Vladislav
Published: August 2022

Orthoniobates of rare-earth elements are a promising group of materials attractive for the design of nanocomposite hydrogen separation membranes owing to a perspective type of proton conductivity, good mechanical properties, and high stability in H2O- and CO2-containing atmospheres. In general, the promising method involves the synthesis of nanocomposites with transition metals (Cu, Ni, and Cu-Ni alloys) and their oxides with high electronic conductivity. For the first time, lanthanum orthoniobates and nanocomposites with NiCu and NiCo nanoparticles were synthesized using alcohol solutions of salts of the corresponding metals by the solvothermal method in a flow reactor in a supercritical isopropanol medium. This method made it possible to obtain single-phase La0.99Ca0.01NbO4–δ oxide. The introduction of doping titanium cations did not allow obtaining a single-phase La0.99Ca0.01Nb0.98Ti0.02O4–δ sample, as impurities in lanthanum methaniobate and La2Ti2O7 were found. Calcined powders and gastight pellets of orthoniobates and nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Transport characteristics were investigated by the Van der Pauw technique, varying measurement temperatures in a wet H2 atmosphere. The oxygen mobility was estimated by the oxygen isotope heteroexchange with C18O2.
Challenges in Diagnosing COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Critically Ill Patients: The Relationship between Case Definitions and Autoptic Data
Authors: Casalini Giacomo , Giacomelli Andrea , Galimberti Laura , Colombo Riccardo , Ballone Elisabetta , Pozza Giacomo , Zacheo Martina , Galimberti Miriam , Oreni Letizia , Carsana Luca , Longo Margherita , Gismondo Maria Rita , Tonello Cristina , Nebuloni Manuela , Antinori Spinello
Published: August 2022

Critically ill COVID-19 patients can develop invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). Considering the weaknesses of diagnostic tests/case definitions, as well as the results from autoptic studies, there is a debate on the real burden of aspergillosis in COVID-19 patients. We performed a retrospective observational study on mechanically ventilated critically ill COVID-19 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). The primary objective was to determine the burden of CAPA by comparing clinical diagnosis (through case definitions/diagnostic algorithms) with autopsy results. Twenty patients out of 168 (11.9%) developed probable CAPA. Seven (35%) were females, and the median age was 66 [IQR 59–72] years. Thirteen CAPA patients (65%) died and, for six, an autopsy was performed providing a proven diagnosis in four cases. Histopathology findings suggest a focal pattern, rather than invasive and diffuse fungal disease, in the context of prominent viral pneumonia. In a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients with probable CAPA, by performing a high rate of complete autopsies, invasive aspergillosis was not always proven. It is still not clear whether aspergillosis is the major driver of mortality in patients with CAPA.
The Umbelopsis ramanniana Sensu Lato Consists of Five Cryptic Species
Authors: Wang Ya-Ning , Liu Xiao-Yong , Zheng Ru-Yong
Published: August 2022

Umbelopsis ramanniana is one of the most commonly reported species within the genus and an important oleaginous fungus. The morphology of the species varies remarkably in sporangiospores, columellae and chlamydospores. However, phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and nLSU rDNA had previously shown insufficiency in achieving species level identification in the genus Umbelopsis. In this study, by applying a polyphasic approach involving multi-gene (nSSU, ITS, nLSU, act1, MCM7 and cox1) phylogeny, morphology and maximum growth temperature, U. ramanniana sensu lato was revealed as a polyphyletic group and resolved with five novel taxa, namely U. curvata, U. dura, U. macrospora, U. microsporangia and U. oblongielliptica. Additionally, a key for all currently accepted species in Umbelopsis was also updated.
Whole Genome Sequencing Shows Genetic Diversity, as Well as Clonal Complex and Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Fluconazole Non-Susceptible Isolates of Candida tropicalis
Authors: Keighley Caitlin , Gall Mailie , van Hal Sebastiaan J. , Halliday Catriona L. , Chai Louis Yi Ann , Chew Kean Lee , Biswas Chayanika , Slavin Monica A. , Meyer Wieland , Sintchenko Vitali , Chen Sharon C. A.
Published: August 2022

Resistance to azoles in Candida tropicalis is increasing and may be mediated by genetic characteristics. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), we examined the genetic diversity of 82 bloodstream C. tropicalis isolates from two countries and one ATCC strain in a global context. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogenies were generated. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for antifungal agents were determined using Sensititre YeastOne YO10. Eleven (13.2%) isolates were fluconazole-resistant and 17 (20.5%) were classified as fluconazole-non susceptible (FNS). Together with four Canadian isolates, the genomes of 12 fluconazole-resistant (18 FNS) and 69 fluconazole-susceptible strains were examined for gene mutations associated with drug resistance. Fluconazole-resistant isolates contained a mean of 56 non-synonymous SNPs per isolate in contrast to 36 SNPs in fluconazole-susceptible isolates (interquartile range [IQR] 46–59 vs. 31–48 respectively; p < 0.001). Ten of 18 FNS isolates contained missense ERG11 mutations (amino acid substitutions S154F, Y132F, Y257H). Two echinocandin-non susceptible isolates had homozygous FKS1 mutations (S30P). MLST identified high genetic diversity with 61 diploid sequence types (DSTs), including 53 new DSTs. All four isolates in DST 773 were fluconazole-resistant within clonal complex 2. WGS showed high genetic variation in invasive C. tropicalis; azole resistance was distributed across different lineages but with DST 773 associated with in vitro fluconazole resistance.
Diversity of Fusarium Species Isolated from Symptomatic Plants Belonging to a Wide Range of Agri-Food and Ornamental Crops in Lebanon
Authors: Abi Saad Charlie , Masiello Mario , Habib Wassim , Gerges Elvis , Sanzani Simona Marianna , Logrieco Antonio Francesco , Moretti Antonio , Somma Stefania
Published: August 2022

Lebanon is a small Mediterranean country with different pedoclimatic conditions that allow the growth of both temperate and tropical plants. Currently, few studies are available on the occurrence and diversity of Fusarium species on Lebanese crops. A wide population of Fusarium strains was isolated from different symptomatic plants in the last 10 years. In the present investigation, a set of 134 representative strains were molecularly identified by sequencing the translation elongation factor, used in Fusarium as a barcoding gene. Great variability was observed, since the strains were grouped into nine different Fusarium Species Complexes (SCs). Fusarium oxysporum SC and Fusarium solani SC were the most frequent (53% and 24%, respectively). Members of important mycotoxigenic SCs were also detected: F. fujikuroi SC (7%), F. sambucinum SC (5%), F. incarnatum-equiseti SC (3%), and F. tricinctum SC (4%). Two strains belonging to F. lateritium SC, a single strain belonging to F. burgessii SC, and a single strain belonging to F. redolens SC were also detected. This paper reports, for the first time, the occurrence of several Fusarium species on Lebanese host plants. The clear picture of the Fusarium species distribution provided in this study can pose a basis for both a better understanding of the potential phytopathological and toxicological risks and planning future Fusarium management strategies in Lebanon.
Novel Synchronization Conditions for the Unified System of Multi-Dimension-Valued Neural Networks
Authors: Xiao Jianying , Li Yongtao
Published: August 2022

This paper discusses the novel synchronization conditions about the unified system of multi-dimension-valued neural networks (USOMDVNN). First of all, the general model of USOMDVNN is successfully set up, mainly on the basis of multidimensional algebra, Kirchhoff current law, and neuronal property. Then, the concise Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) and switching controllers are constructed for the USOMDVNN. Moreover, the new inequalities, whose variables, together with some parameters, are employed in a concise and unified form whose variables can be translated into special ones, such as real, complex, and quaternion. It is worth mentioning that the useful parameters really make some contributions to the construction of the concise LKF, the design of the general controllers, and the acquisition of flexible criteria. Further, we acquire the newer criteria mainly by employing Lyapunov analysis, constructing new LKF, applying two unified inequalities, and designing nonlinear controllers. Particularly, the value of the fixed time is less than the other ones in some existing results, owing to the adjustable parameters. Finally, three multidimensional simulations are presented, to demonstrate the availability and progress of the achieved acquisitions.
New Class of Unit-Power-Skew-Normal Distribution and Its Associated Regression Model for Bounded Responses
Authors: Martínez-Flórez Guillermo , Azevedo-Farias Rafael B. , Tovar-Falón Roger
Published: August 2022

Several papers on distributions to model rates and proportions have been recently published; their fitting in numerous instances is better than the alternative beta distribution, which has been the distribution to follow when it is necessary to quantify the average of a response variable based on a set of covariates. Despite the great usefulness of this distribution to fit the responses on the (0,1) unit interval, its relevance loses objectivity when the interest is quantifying the influence of these covariates on the quantiles of the variable response in (0,1); being the most critical situation when the distribution presents high asymmetry and/or kurtosis. The main objective of this work is to introduce a distribution for modeling rates and proportions. The introduced distribution is obtained from the alpha-power extension of the skew–normal distribution, which is known in the literature as the power–skew–normal distribution.
BiInfGCN: Bilateral Information Augmentation of Graph Convolutional Networks for Recommendation
Authors: Guo Jingfeng , Zheng Chao , Li Shanshan , Jia Yutong , Liu Bin
Published: August 2022

The current graph-neural-network-based recommendation algorithm fully considers the interaction between users and items. It achieves better recommendation results, but due to a large amount of data, the interaction between users and items still suffers from the problem of data sparsity. To address this problem, we propose a method to alleviate the data sparsity problem by retaining user–item interactions while fully exploiting the association relationships between items and using side-information enhancement. We constructed a “twin-tower” model by combining a user–item training model and an item–item training model inspired by the knowledge distillation technique; the two sides of the structure learn from each other during the model training process. Comparative experiments were carried out on three publicly available datasets, using the recall and the normalized discounted cumulative gain as evaluation metrics; the results outperform existing related base algorithms. We also carried out extensive parameter sensitivity and ablation experiments to analyze the influence of various factors on the model. The problem of user–item interaction data sparsity is effectively addressed.
A Collocation Method for Mixed Volterra–Fredholm Integral Equations of the Hammerstein Type
Authors: Micula Sanda
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a collocation method for the approximate solution of two-dimensional mixed Volterra–Fredholm integral equations of the Hammerstein type. For a reformulation of the equation, we consider the domain of integration as a planar triangle and use a special type of linear interpolation on triangles. The resulting quadrature formula has a higher degree of precision than expected, leading to a collocation method that is superconvergent at the collocation nodes. The convergence of the method is established, as well as the rate of convergence. Numerical examples are considered, showing the applicability of the proposed scheme and the agreement with the theoretical results.
Preliminary Design Analysis of Membrane Bioreactors Application in Treatment Sequences for Modernization of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Makisha Nikolay
Published: August 2022

By using modeling with the Capdetworks software package, the study examines the definition of the essential elements of operational expenses at wastewater treatment facilities with a capacity of 1 to 100 thousand cubic meters per day. Four different treatment sequences were examined in the study; the first three revealed a standard setup with an activated sludge reactor and secondary clarifier (operating under various operating conditions), and the fourth scheme combined an activated sludge reactor with a submerged membrane bioreactor for sludge separation. The values of concentrations of key pollutants common for urban wastewater before treatment as well as technological parameters of operation were utilized as initial data for calculations because it was crucial to obtain conclusions that could be applied at real facilities. For each of the four treatment sequences, values for pollutants concentrations in effluent wastewater and hydraulic retention time were obtained and analyzed. The expenses of operating biological treatment facilities and treatment facilities in general, as well as the specific cost of power for treating 1 m3 of wastewater, were taken into account. Additionally, the price of purchasing membrane modules, which can be categorized as operational due to their replacement frequency of around every 7 to 10 years, was determined. The study’s findings demonstrated that the use of membrane technologies at the secondary treatment stage might significantly affect the rebuilding of wastewater treatment plants under conditions of increased capacity (flow rate) and constrained area for growth.