bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earlywood Vessels in Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra Marsh.) Trees Show Contrasting Sensitivity to Hydroclimate Variables According to Flood Exposure
Authors: Tardif Jacques Clément , Kames Susanne , Nolin Alexandre Florent , Bergeron Yves
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the utility of earlywood vessels anatomical characteristics in identifying and reconstructing hydrological conditions has been fully recognized. In riparian ring-porous species, flood rings have been used to identify discrete flood events, and chronologies developed from cross-sectional lumen areas of earlywood vessels have been used to successfully reconstruct seasonal discharge. In contrast, the utility of the earlywood vessel chronologies in non-riparian habitats has been less compelling. No studies have contrasted within species their earlywood vessel anatomical characteristics, specifically from trees that are inversely exposed to flooding. In this study, earlywood vessel and ring-width chronologies were compared between flooded and non-flooded control Fraxinus nigra trees. The association between chronologies and hydroclimate variables was also assessed. Fraxinus nigra trees from both settings shared similar mean tree-ring width but floodplain trees did produce, on average, thicker earlywood. Vessel chronologies from the floodplain trees generally recorded higher mean sensitivity (standard deviation) and lower autocorrelation than corresponding control chronologies indicating higher year-to-year variations. Principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that control and floodplain chronologies shared little variance indicating habitat-specific signals. At the habitat level, the PCA indicated that vessel characteristics were strongly associated with tree-ring width descriptors in control trees whereas, in floodplain trees, they were decoupled from the width. The most striking difference found between flood exposures related to the chronologies' associations with hydroclimatic variables. Floodplain vessel chronologies were strongly associated with climate variables modulating spring-flood conditions as well as with spring discharge whereas control ones showed weaker and few consistent correlations. Our results illustrated how spring flood conditions modulate earlywood vessel plasticity. In floodplain F. nigra trees, the use of earlywood vessel characteristics could potentially be extended to assess and/or mitigate anthropogenic modifications of hydrological regimes. In absence of major recurring environmental stressors like spring flooding, our results support the idea that the production of continuous earlywood vessel chronologies may be of limited utility in dendroclimatology.
Footprints of Selection Derived From Temporal Heterozygosity Patterns in a Barley Nested Association Mapping Population
Authors: Maurer Andreas , Pillen Klaus
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, genetic diversity more than ever represents a key driver of adaptation to climate challenges like drought, heat, and salinity. Therefore, there is a need to replenish the limited elite gene pools with favorable exotic alleles from the wild progenitors of our crops. Nested association mapping (NAM) populations represent one step toward exotic allele evaluation and enrichment of the elite gene pool. We investigated an adaptive selection strategy in the wild barley NAM population HEB-25 based on temporal genomic data by studying the fate of 214,979 SNP loci initially heterozygous in individual BC1S3 lines after five cycles of selfing and field propagation. We identified several loci exposed to adaptive selection in HEB-25. In total, 48.7% (104,725 SNPs) of initially heterozygous SNP calls in HEB-25 were fixed in BC1S3:8 generation, either toward the wild allele (19.9%) or the cultivated allele (28.8%). Most fixed SNP loci turned out to represent gene loci involved in domestication and flowering time as well as plant height, for example, btr1/btr2, thresh-1, Ppd-H1, and sdw1. Interestingly, also unknown loci were found where the exotic allele was fixed, hinting at potentially useful exotic alleles for plant breeding.
Exploring the Career Motivations, Strengths, and Challenges of Autistic and Non-autistic University Students: Insights From a Participatory Study
Authors: Cheriyan Chinnu , Shevchuk-Hill Sergey , Riccio Ariana , Vincent Jonathan , Kapp Steven K. , Cage Eilidh , Dwyer Patrick , Kofner Bella , Attwood Helen , Gillespie-Lynch Kristen
Published: October 2021

Supports for the growing number of autistic university students often focus on helping them succeed in university. However, even educated autistic people experience discrimination and other challenges which can make it very difficult for them to obtain meaningful jobs. Little remains known about how universities can better support their autistic students and alumni in overcoming barriers to meaningful employment. In this participatory study, a team of autistic and non-autistic researchers asked autistic (n = 92) and non-autistic (n = 774) university students about their career aspirations, strengths they believe will help them succeed in their “dream jobs,” and obstacles they expect to encounter. Autistic participants’ top goal in attending college was to improve their career prospects. However, relatively few autistic students reported learning career-specific skills at university. Autistic students were more likely to seek an academic job and less likely to seek a career in healthcare than non-autistic students. Autistic students highlighted writing skills and detail orientation as strengths that could help them succeed in their dream jobs more often than non-autistic students. However, they were also more likely to expect discrimination, social, and psychological difficulties to stand in the way of their dream jobs. These findings suggest that universities should prioritize experiential learning opportunities to help autistic (and non-autistic) students develop employment-related skills while providing mental health supports. Universities should demonstrate their commitment to supporting diverse learners by seeking out and hiring autistic professionals and by teaching their own staff and employers how to appreciate and support autistic colleagues.
Feasibility of Remote Performance Assessment Using the Free Research Executive Evaluation Test Battery in Adolescents
Authors: Segura Isis Angelica , Pompéia Sabine
Published: October 2021

Lockdowns and other preventive measures taken to curb the spread of diseases such as COVID-19 have restricted the use of face-to-face cognitive assessment. Remote testing may be an alternative, but it should first be shown to be comparable to in-person assessment before being used more widely, during and after the pandemic. Our aim was to evaluate the suitability of online, examiner-mediated administration of an open-access battery of executive function tests (the Free Research Executive Evaluation battery, or FREE) that can be adapted considering various characteristics of diverse populations and therefore used worldwide. A total of 96 9–15-year olds (42 girls) were tested, half of whom online through video calls mediated by an examiner. Their performance was compared to that of the other 48 individuals tested face-to-face, who were matched against the online-tested participants for age, pubertal status, sex, and parental schooling. The battery consists of two tests of the following executive domains: Updating (2-Back and Number Memory tests), Inhibition (Stroop Victoria and Stroop Happy-Sad), and Switching (Color Shape and Category Switch). Answers were vocal and self-paced, and the examiner recorded accuracy and time taken to complete in-person and online tasks. Only free software is needed for the assessment. Executive measures obtained from the tasks did not differ statistically between online and in-person tested participants and effects sizes of group effects were small, thus showing that the FREE test battery holds promise for online cognitive assessment, pending confirmation in different samples and further validation studies.
Lifetime and 1-Month Prevalence of Mental Disorders in Hebei Province, China: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sun Long , Zhang Yunshu , Cui Lijun , Li Jianfeng , Li Lin , Sun Xiuli , Liu Yongqiao , Zhang Lili , Li Keqing
Published: October 2021

Background: The prevalence of mental disorders is an important topic, which has been reported in different countries in the world. In China, some studies were also conducted to get the prevalence of mental disorders at the national level and in some metropolitan cities. However, the prevalence of mental disorders in Chinese underdeveloped provinces has not been reported internationally in recent decades. Due to the discrepancy in the social-economic development of different Chinese provinces, we also have reasons to believe the different prevalence of mental disorders between underdeveloped provinces and other provinces.

Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among community residents aged 18 years and older in Hebei province, China. We screened 20,884 community residents in this study, and a Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) Axis I disorders was used to make the diagnoses of mental disorders.

Results: The weighted lifetime prevalence of mental disorders was 15.87% (95% CI 15.38–16.38%), and the 1-month prevalence was 10.79% (95% CI 10.37–11.22%). Anxiety disorder ranked first in the classification of mental disorders for both lifetime (6.56%) and 1-month prevalence (6.25%). The weighted lifetime and 1-month region–gender–age-specific prevalence of mental disorders was also analyzed in this study.

Conclusions: Mental disorders have been an important issue in Chinese economically underdeveloped regions, and the prevalence was at a high level compared with the results in the 2000s. There are several serious challenges in the work of Chinese mental disorders, which should be paid more attention to.
What Can We Do to Address Climate Change?
Authors: Trascasa-Castro Paloma , Smith Christopher J.
Published: October 2021

Climate change is one of the most serious problems that humans face today, but until now progress in stopping it has been slow. Climate simulations show that Earth will only stop warming when we reach “net zero” emissions. This means that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are cancelled out by an equal amount of greenhouse gas removal from the atmosphere. Worldwide efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 are necessary to avoid some of the worst effects of climate change. Achieving net zero will require huge changes to our society. While there are some things we can all do to fight climate change, the biggest changes need to come from the way our businesses and countries are run, where we get our energy from, how we travel, and how much “stuff” we consume and waste. By taking urgent action, we can ensure the future well-being of billions of people worldwide.
Estrogen to Progesterone Ratio and Fluid Regulatory Responses to Varying Degrees and Methods of Dehydration
Authors: Giersch Gabrielle E. W. , Charkoudian Nisha , Morrissey Margaret C. , Butler Cody R. , Colburn Abigail T. , Caldwell Aaron R. , Kavouras Stavros A. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between volume regulatory biomarkers and the estrogen to progesterone ratio (E:P) prior to and following varying methods and degrees of dehydration. Ten women (20 ± 1 year, 56.98 ± 7.25 kg, 164 ± 6 cm, 39.59 ± 2.96 mL•kg•min−1) completed four intermittent exercise trials (1.5 h, 33.8 ± 1.3°C, 49.5 ± 4.3% relative humidity). Testing took place in two hydration conditions, dehydrated via 24-h fluid restriction (Dehy, USG > 1.020) and euhydrated (Euhy, USG ≤ 1.020), and in two phases of the menstrual cycle, the late follicular phase (days 10–13) and midluteal phase (days 18–22). Change in body mass (%BMΔ), serum copeptin concentration, and plasma osmolality (Posm) were assessed before and after both dehydration stimuli (24-h fluid restriction and exercise heat stress). Serum estrogen and progesterone were analyzed pre-exercise only. Estrogen concentration did not differ between phases or hydration conditions. Progesterone was significantly elevated in luteal compared to follicular in both hydration conditions (Dehy—follicular: 1.156 ± 0.31, luteal: 5.190 ± 1.56 ng•mL−1, P < 0.05; Euhy—follicular: 0.915 ± 0.18, luteal: 4.498 ± 1.38 ng·mL−1, P < 0.05). As expected, E:P was significantly greater in the follicular phase compared to luteal in both hydration conditions (Dehy—F:138.94 ± 89.59, L: 64.22 ± 84.55, P < 0.01; Euhy—F:158.13 ± 70.15, L: 50.98 ± 39.69, P < 0.01, [all •103]). Copeptin concentration was increased following 24-h fluid restriction and exercise heat stress (mean change: 18 ± 9.4, P < 0.01). We observed a possible relationship of lower E:P and higher copeptin concentration following 24-h fluid restriction (r = −0.35, P = 0.054). While these results did not reach the level of statistical significance, these data suggest that the differing E:P ratio may alter fluid volume regulation during low levels of dehydration but have no apparent impact after dehydrating exercise in the heat.
Encapsulated Plant-Derived Antimicrobial Reduces Enteric Bacterial Pathogens on Melon Surfaces during Differing Contamination and Sanitization Treatment Scenarios
Authors: Perez-Lewis Keila L. , Yegin Yagmur , Oh Jun Kyun , Castillo Alejandro , Cisneros-Zevallos Luis , Kerth Chris R. , Scholar Ethan , Taylor Thomas M.
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to quantify survival in Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates on melon rind surface samples achieved by sanitizer treatment under three differing melon contamination and sanitization scenarios. Sanitizing treatments consisted of the plant-derived antimicrobial (PDA) essential oil component (EOC) geraniol (0.5 wt.%) entrapped in the polymeric surfactant Pluronic F-127 (GNP), 0.5 wt.% unencapsulated geraniol (UG), 200 mg/L hypochlorous acid at pH 7.0 (HOCl), and a sterile distilled water wash (CON). The experimental contamination and sanitization scenarios tested were: (1) pathogen inoculation preceded by treatment; (2) the pathogen was inoculated onto samples twice with sanitizing treatment applied in between inoculation events; or (3) pathogen inoculation followed by sanitizing treatment. Reductions in the numbers of surviving pathogens were dependent on the sanitizing treatment, the storage period, or the interaction of these effects. GNP treatment provided the greatest reductions in surviving pathogen counts on melon rinds, but these did not regularly statistically differ from those achieved by HOCl or UG treatment. GNP treatment provided the best pathogen control under differing conditions of pre- and/or post-harvest cross-contamination and can be applied to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission on melon rinds.
Influence of Temperature and Electrolyte Composition on the Performance of Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Boroujeni Sanaz Momeni , Fill Alexander , Ridder Alexander , Birke Kai Peter
Published: October 2021

Lithium metal anodes have again attracted widespread attention due to the continuously growing demand of cells with higher energy density. However, the lithium deposition mechanism and the affecting process of influencing factors, such as temperature, cycling current density, and electrolyte composition are not fully understood and require further investigation. In this article, the behavior of lithium metal anode at different temperatures (25, 40, and 60 ∘C), lithium salts, electrolyte concentrations (1 and 2 M), and the applied cell current (equivalent to 0.5 C, 1 C, and 2 C). is investigated. Two different salts were evaluated: lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesul-fonyl)imide (LiTFSI). The cells at a medium temperature (40 ∘C) show the highest Coulombic efficiency (CE). However, shorter cycle life is observed compared to the experiments at room temperature (25 ∘C). Regardless of electrolyte type and C-rate, the higher temperature of 60 ∘C provides the worst Coulombic efficiency and cycle life among those at the examined temperatures. A higher C-rate has a positive effect on the stability over the cycle life of the lithium cells. The best performance in terms of long cycle life and relatively good Coulombic efficiency is achieved by fast charging the cell with high concentration LiFSI in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) electrolyte at a temperature of 25 ∘C. The cell has an average Coulombic efficiency of 0.987 over 223 cycles. In addition to galvanostatic experiments, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed to study the evolution of the interface under different conditions during cycling.
S-Carboxymethyl Cysteine Protects against Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Impairment in a Parkinson’s Disease In Vitro Model
Authors: Catanesi Mariano , Brandolini Laura , d’Angelo Michele , Tupone Maria Grazia , Benedetti Elisabetta , Alfonsetti Margherita , Quintiliani Massimiliano , Fratelli Maddalena , Iaconis Daniela , Cimini Annamaria , Castelli Vanessa , Allegretti Marcello
Published: October 2021

The mucolytic agent S-carboxymethylcysteine is widely used as an expectorant for the treatment of numerous respiratory disorders. The metabolic fate of S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine is complex. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that the metabolism of this agent differs within the same individual, with sulfur oxygenated metabolites generated upon night-time administration. It has been indicated that this drug behaves like a free radical scavenger and that, in this regard, the sulfide is the active species with sulphoxide metabolites (already oxidized) being inactive. Consequently, a night-time consumption of the drug should be more effective upon daytime administration. Still, this diurnal variation in biotransformation (deactivation) is dependent on the genetic polymorphism on which relies the patient population capacities of S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine sulphoxidation. It has been reported that those cohorts who are efficient sulfur oxidizers will generate inactive oxygenated metabolites. In contrast, those who have a relative deficiency in this mechanism will be subjected to the active sulfide for a more extended period. In this regard, it is noteworthy that 38–39% of Parkinson’s disease patients belong to the poor sulphoxide cohort, being exposed to higher levels of active sulfide, the active antioxidant metabolite of S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopaminergic neurons. It has been demonstrated that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a crucial role in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Based on this evidence, in this study, we evaluated the effects of S-carboxymethyl cysteine in an in vitro model of Parkinson’s disease in protecting against oxidative stress injury. The data obtained suggested that an S-carboxymethylcysteine-enriched diet could be beneficial during aging to protect neurons from oxidative imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction, thus preventing the progression of neurodegenerative processes.
Mental Illness and Amyloid: A Scoping Review of Scientific Evidence over the Last 10 Years (2011 to 2021)
Authors: Pandolfo Gianluca , Iannuzzo Fiammetta , Genovese Giovanni , Bruno Antonio , Pioggia Giovanni , Baldari Sergio , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: October 2021

Amyloid precursor protein and its derivates represent a central factor in the process of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since mental illnesses share with AD cognitive impairment, amyloid indicators have been used to explore the unknown pathophysiologic mechanisms underlining psychiatric illness. This work aims to compare the role of amyloid markers, together with tau proteins, among various mental disorders evaluating the possible role of altered amyloid metabolism in the onset and in the course of psychiatric diseases, considering the relationship with cognitive impairment in dementia. This review includes articles written in English, published between 1 January 2011 and 31 January 2021, which evaluated amyloid and tau proteins in psychiatric patients. After screening, 31 studies were included in the review. Results suggest that amyloid metabolism is altered in major psychiatric disorders and that it could be a marker of cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, the role of amyloid in mental diseases seems to be related to neurodevelopmental alteration as well as neurodegeneration processes, like in AD. The role of amyloid in the pathogenesis of mental disorders is still unknown. Amyloid should not be only considered as a marker of cognitive impairment in mental illness, but also for altered neurodevelopment.
Enhanced IFNα Signaling Promotes Ligand-Independent Activation of ERα to Promote Aromatase Inhibitor Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Escher Taylor E. , Dandawate Prasad , Sayed Afreen , Hagan Christy R. , Anant Shrikant , Lewis-Wambi Joan
Published: October 2021

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce estrogen levels up to 98% as the standard practice to treat postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, approximately 30% of ER+ breast cancers develop resistance to treatment. Enhanced interferon-alpha (IFNα) signaling is upregulated in breast cancers resistant to AIs, which drives expression of a key regulator of survival, interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1). However, how upregulated IFNα signaling mediates AI resistance is unknown. In this study, we utilized MCF-7:5C cells, a breast cancer cell model of AI resistance, and demonstrate that these cells exhibit enhanced IFNα signaling and ligand-independent activation of the estrogen receptor (ERα). Experiments demonstrated that STAT1, the mediator of intracellular signaling for IFNα, can interact directly with ERα. Notably, inhibition of IFNα signaling significantly reduced ERα protein expression and ER-regulated genes. In addition, loss of ERα suppressed IFITM1 expression, which was associated with cell death. Notably, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments validated that both ERα and STAT1 associate with ERE sequences in the IFITM1 promoter. Overall, hyperactivation of IFNα signaling enhances ligand-independent activation of ERα, which promotes ER-regulated, and interferon stimulated gene expression to promote survival in AI-resistant breast cancer cells.
Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumours Are Susceptible to Panobinostat-Mediated Differentiation Therapy
Authors: Chong Wai C. , Jayasekara W. Samantha N. , Vaghjiani Vijesh G. , Parackal Sarah , Sun Claire , Popovski Dean , Algar Elizabeth M. , Firestein Ron , Wood Paul J. , Khan Sara , Huang Annie , Ashley David M. , Downie Peter , Cain Jason E.
Published: October 2021

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour (ATRT) is a rare but highly aggressive undifferentiated solid tumour arising in the central nervous system and predominantly affecting infants and young children. ATRT is exclusively characterized by the inactivation of SMARCB1, a member of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex that is essential for the regulation of large sets of genes required for normal development and differentiation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a promising anticancer therapy and are able to mimic the normal acetylation functions of SMARCB1 in SMARCB1-deficient cells and drive multilineage differentiation in extracranial rhabdoid tumours. However, the potential efficacy of HDACi in ATRT is unknown. Here, we show that human ATRT cells are highly responsive to the HDACi panobinostat and that sustained treatment leads to growth arrest, increased cell senescence, decreased clonogenicity and induction of a neurogenesis gene-expression profile. Furthermore, in an orthotopic ATRT xenograft model, continuous panobinostat treatment inhibits tumour growth, increases survival and drives neuronal differentiation as shown by the expression of the neuronal marker, TUJ1. Collectively, this preclinical study supports the therapeutic potential of panobinostat-mediated differentiation therapy for ATRT.
Hepatocyte Polyploidy: Driver or Gatekeeper of Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Donne Romain , Sangouard Flora , Celton-Morizur Séverine , Desdouets Chantal
Published: October 2021

Polyploidy, also known as whole-genome amplification, is a condition in which the organism has more than two basic sets of chromosomes. Polyploidy frequently arises during tissue development and repair, and in age-associated diseases, such as cancer. Its consequences are diverse and clearly different between systems. The liver is a particularly fascinating organ in that it can adapt its ploidy to the physiological and pathological context. Polyploid hepatocytes are characterized in terms of the number of nuclei per cell (cellular ploidy; mononucleate/binucleate hepatocytes) and the number of chromosome sets in each nucleus (nuclear ploidy; diploid, tetraploid, octoploid). The advantages and disadvantages of polyploidy in mammals are not fully understood. About 30% of the hepatocytes in the human liver are polyploid. In this review, we explore the mechanisms underlying the development of polyploid cells, our current understanding of the regulation of polyploidization during development and pathophysiology and its consequences for liver function. We will also provide data shedding light on the ways in which polyploid hepatocytes cope with centrosome amplification. Finally, we discuss recent discoveries highlighting the possible roles of liver polyploidy in protecting against tumor formation, or, conversely, contributing to liver tumorigenesis.
Sirtuins as Interesting Players in the Course of HIV Infection and Comorbidities
Authors: Jurkowska Karolina , Szymańska Beata , Knysz Brygida , Kuźniarski Amadeusz , Piwowar Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

The sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of enzymes from the group of NAD+-dependent deacetylases. Through the reaction of splitting the acetyl group of various transcription factors and histones they regulate many processes in the organism. The activity of sirtuins is linked to metabolic control, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and they also affect the course of viral infections. For this reason, they may participate in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, but little is known about their role in the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which is the subject of this review. In the course of HIV infection, comorbidities such as: neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, lipid disorders and cardiovascular diseases, renal and bone diseases developed more frequently and faster compared to the general population. The role of sirtuins in the development of accompanying diseases in the course of HIV infection may also be interesting. There is still a lack of detailed information on this subject. The role of sirtuins, especially SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6, are indicated to be of great importance in the course of HIV infection and the development of the abovementioned comorbidities.
Modulation of Inherent Niches in 3D Multicellular MSC Spheroids Reconfigures Metabolism and Enhances Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Chen Li-Chi , Wang Hsin-Wen , Huang Chieh-Cheng
Published: October 2021

Multicellular spheroids show three-dimensional (3D) organization with extensive cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions. Owing to their native tissue-mimicking characteristics, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids are considered promising as implantable therapeutics for stem cell therapy. Herein, we aim to further enhance their therapeutic potential by tuning the cultivation parameters and thus the inherent niche of 3D MSC spheroids. Significantly increased expression of multiple pro-regenerative paracrine signaling molecules and immunomodulatory factors by MSCs was observed after optimizing the conditions for spheroid culture. Moreover, these alterations in cellular behaviors may be associated with not only the hypoxic niche developed in the spheroid core but also with the metabolic reconfiguration of MSCs. The present study provides efficient methods for manipulating the therapeutic capacity of 3D MSC spheroids, thus laying solid foundations for future development and clinical application of spheroid-based MSC therapy for regenerative medicine.
Dehydration of Fructose to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural: Effects of Acidity and Porosity of Different Catalysts in the Conversion, Selectivity, and Yield
Authors: Lima João Pedro Vieira , Campos Pablo Teles Aragão , Paiva Mateus Freitas , Linares José J. , Dias Sílvia C. L. , Dias José A.
Published: October 2021

There is a demand for renewable resources, such as biomass, to produce compounds considered as platform molecules. This study deals with dehydration of fructose for the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a feedstock molecule. Different catalysts (aluminosilicates, niobic acid, 12-tungstophosphoric acid—HPW, and supported HPW/Niobia) were studied for this reaction in an aqueous medium. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, N2 sorption at −196 °C and pyridine adsorption. It was evident that the nature of the sites (Brønsted and Lewis), strength, quantity and accessibility to the acidic sites are critical to the conversion and yield results. A synergic effect of acidity and mesoporous area are key factors affecting the activity and selectivity of the solid acids. Niobic acid (Nb2O5·nH2O) revealed the best efficiency (highest TON, yield, selectivity and conversion). It was determined that the optimum acidity strength of catalysts should be between 80 to 100 kJ mol−1, with about 0.20 to 0.30 mmol g−1 of acid sites, density about 1 site nm−2 and mesoporous area about 100 m2 g−1. These values fit well within the general order of the observed selectivity (i.e., Nb2O5 > HZSM-5 > 20%HPW/Nb2O5 > SiO2-Al2O3 > HY > HBEA).
Acute Arthritis in Children: How to Discern between Septic and Non-Septic Arthritis?
Authors: Gamalero Lisa , Ferrara Giovanna , Giani Teresa , Cimaz Rolando
Published: October 2021

The term septic arthritis refers to an infection of the synovial space. This is an infrequent condition in healthy children, but it should be considered a medical emergency potentially leading to irreversible articular damage. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment play a crucial role in improving the prognosis. Although septic arthritis is the most common cause of acute arthritis, many other diseases may mimic a similar clinical picture, constituting a diagnostic challenge for the clinician who first approaches the patient. Herein we analyze the main features of septic arthritis, offering an overview of the main conditions involved in the differential diagnosis and suggesting a diagnostic workup plan.
Characteristics of Kawasaki Disease Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: A Single-Center, Observational Study
Authors: Shimizu Shoichi , Ayusawa Mamoru , Go Hidetoshi , Nakazaki Kimitaka , Namiki Hidemasa , Kasuga Yuki , Nishimura Koji , Kanezawa Koji , Morohashi Tamaki , Morioka Ichiro
Published: October 2021

Background: Under the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, manifestations in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) are different between the Western and the Eastern countries. Particularly, there has not been a report comparing a series of KD in Japan, where KD was originally discovered and has a large number of registered cases. Methods: We compared patients with KD under the period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan with the report from Italy during its reported period by a retrospective, cohort, observational study in a Japanese single center. Results: Thirty-two patients with typical KD were treated during the study period, while the Italian study reported 10 patients with the signs of KD. Concerning the proof of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, none (0%) of our KD cases showed a positive result and one and no patients developed the macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS), respectively; however, eight (80%) patients in the Italian series were confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. MAS and KDSS developed in six and five patients, respectively. Conclusions: Cases reported as COVID-19 pandemic-related KD in Italy showed significantly different clinical characteristics from the typical KD symptoms known in Japan. Although they show KD-like manifestations, we cannot conclude that SARS-CoV-2 has the same etiology of our ‘classic’ KD at the present stage.
Assessment of Bioavailability after In Vitro Digestion and First Pass Metabolism of Bioactive Peptides from Collagen Hydrolysates
Authors: Larder Christina E. , Iskandar Michèle M. , Kubow Stan
Published: October 2021

Collagen hydrolysates (CHs) are composed of bioactive peptides (BAPs), which possess health enhancing properties. There is a knowledge gap regarding the bioavailability of these BAPs that involves intestinal transport and hepatic first pass effects. A simulated gastrointestinal model was used to generate digesta from two CHs (CH-GL and CH-OPT), which were applied to a novel transwell co-culture of human intestinal epithelium cell line-6 (HIEC-6) and hepatic (HepG2) cells to simulate in vivo conditions of absorption and first pass metabolism. Peptide transport, hepatic first pass effects, and bioavailability were determined by measuring BAPs (Gly-Pro, Hyp-Gly, Ala-Hyp, Pro-Hyp, Gly-Pro-Hyp) using an innovative capillary electrophoresis method. All peptides were transported across the intestinal cell layer to varying degrees with both CHs; however, Gly-Pro-Hyp was transported only with CH-GL, but not CH-OPT. Notable hepatic production was observed for Ala-Hyp with both CH treatments, and for Pro-Hyp and Gly-Pro with CH-GL only. All peptides were bioavailable (>10%), except for Gly-Pro-Hyp after CH-OPT. Overall, a high degree of transport and hepatic first pass effects on CH-derived BAPs were observed. Further research is needed to explore the hepatic mechanisms related to the production of BAPs and the bifunctional effects of the bioavailable BAPs noted in this study.
Geospatial Assessment of Flood-Tolerant Rice Varieties to Guide Climate Adaptation Strategies in India
Authors: Koppa Nisha , Amarnath Giriraj
Published: October 2021

Rice is the most important food crop. With the largest rain-fed lowland area in the world, flooding is considered as the most important abiotic stress to rice production in India. With climate change, it is expected that the frequency and severity of the floods will increase over the years. These changes will have a severe impact on the rain-fed agriculture production and livelihoods of millions of farmers in the flood affected region. There are numerous flood risk adaptation and mitigation options available for rain-fed agriculture in India. Procuring, maintaining and distributing the newly developed submergence-tolerant rice variety called Swarna-Sub1 could play an important role in minimizing the effect of flood on rice production. This paper assesses the quantity and cost of a flood-tolerant rice seed variety- Swarna-Sub1, that would be required during the main cropping season of rice i.e., kharif at a district level for 17 major Indian states. The need for SS1 seeds for rice production was assessed by developing a geospatial framework using remote sensing to map the suitability of SS1, to help stakeholders prepare better in managing the flood risks. Results indicate that districts of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh will require the highest amount of SS1 seeds for flood adaptation strategies. The total estimated seed requirement for these 17 states would cost around 370 crores INR, less than 0.01 percent of Indian central government’s budget allocation for agriculture sector.
Additive Manufacturing of Tungsten Carbide Surfaces with Extreme Wear Resistivity
Authors: Köhn Florian , Sedlmajer Michael , Albrecht Joachim , Merkel Markus
Published: October 2021

Steel surfaces have been coated with Co-based tungsten carbide (WC) in an additive printing process. This process leads to compact and extremely mechanically stable surfaces. We performed tribological measurements using WC counter bodies under dry conditions and severe mechanical load. Low coefficients of friction, even for rough surfaces, were found and the resulting wear rates were extraordinarily small, even when compared to high-quality PVD film with a similar composition. These findings suggest a wide field of application for this novel preparation process for wear-resistive surfaces.
Tribological Behavior of NiTi Alloy Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering Method
Authors: Samal Sneha , Cibulková Jana , Čtvrtlík Radim , Tomáštík Jan , Václavek Lukáš , Kopeček Jaromír , Šittner Petr
Published: October 2021

The tribological behaviors of NiTi alloy produced by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method before and after annealing were investigated at various loading conditions via indentation, scratch, and wear tests. Indentation tests were performed by a pyramidal Berkovich indenter, while scratch and wear tests were carried out by a diamond Rockwell spherical indenter at room temperature. The annealing of the as-prepared samples was performed at 350, 450, and 550 °C in the ambient atmosphere. The influence of the annealing temperature on the sample behavior towards tribological study was investigated here. The results indicated that the alloy annealed at 350 °C showed a higher hardness compared to the other annealed alloys. The scratch and wear resistance of the annealed sample at 350 °C showed a better performance in comparison to the other samples under a constant load. The high wear resistance of the annealed NiTi alloy may be attributed to its metastable R-phase. The detection and evaluation of acoustic emissions during the nano/micro-tribomechanical testing proved to be a very effective way for the exploration of the durability of SPS NiTi alloys.
Physicochemical Surface Treatment of Wood Raw Materials
Authors: Safin Ruslan Rushanovich , Khasanshin Ruslan , Mukhametzyanov Shamil Ramilevich , Safina Albina
Published: October 2021

Wood is a vital and widespread natural material [...]
Ce and Y Co-Doping Effects for (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 Lead-Free Ceramics
Authors: Li Chao , Baek Jin-Su , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: October 2021

CeO2 and Y2O3 were co-doped to (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramics and sintered by conventional solid-state reaction process to form x wt.% CeO2-y wt.% Y2O3 doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 (CexYy-BCZT) ceramics. The effects of different contents of CeO2-Y2O3 dopants to the (Ba0.85Ca0.15) (Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 composition were analyzed by studying the phase, surface microstructure, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of BCZT ceramics. In this study, we have shown that co-doping a small amount of CeO2 and Y2O3 will not change the phase structure of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramics. However, the proper introduction of CeO2 and Y2O3 can improve the piezoelectric constant and electromechanical coupling coefficient of BCZT ceramic samples. Moreover, these dopants can promote the grain growth process in (Ba0.85Ca0.15) (Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramics. C0.04Y0.02 doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramic has the best piezoelectric properties compared with other composition, the results are as follows: Relative density = 96.9%, Kp = 0.583, and d33 = 678 pC/N, V = 8.9 V. It means that this Ce0.04Y0.02 doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 ceramic is a desired material in the application of lead-free ceramics.
Recovery Rates of Treated vs. Non-Treated Dairy Cows with Subclinical Mastitis
Authors: Lavon Yaniv , Gilad Dan , Leitner Gabriel
Published: October 2021

The term “spontaneous recovery” refers to a return to a previous condition without any external treatment. In cow mastitis, it refers to cases exhibiting visual symptoms (clinical) or an increase in somatic cell count (SCC) with no visual symptoms (subclinical), with or without identification of a pathogen, from which the animal recovers. A large retrospective analysis of data compiled from the Israeli Dairy Herd Book was performed to evaluate the occurrence of: (i) actual “spontaneous recovery” from the inflammation; (ii) recovery from the inflammation due to antibiotic treatment. In 2018, 123,958 cows from 650 herds with first elevation of SCC at monthly test-day milk yield were clustered into five SCC-cutoff levels (CL) (×103 cells/mL): CL1 (200–299), CL2 (300–399), CL3 (400–499), CL4 (500–999), CL5 (≥1000). Each cutoff level was analyzed separately, and each cow appeared only once in the same lactation and cutoff level, thus resulting in five independent analyses. Recovery was defined as decreased SCC on all three monthly test days, or on the second and third test days, set to: R1 (<100 × 103 cells/mL); R2 (<250 × 103 cells/mL). No difference was found among cutoff levels when the recovery was set to R1, with only 10–12% of the cows presenting spontaneous recovery. When the recovery was set to R2, percent spontaneous recovery was 25–27% at the three higher cutoff levels (CL3–CL5) and 35–41% at the lowest levels (CL1, CL2). Antibiotic treatment was administered to only ~10% of the cows, and in only the higher cutoff-level groups—CL4 and CL5. No difference was found between spontaneous recovery and recovery after antibiotic treatment. Moreover, percentage culled cows treated with antibiotics was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of non-treated culled cows (18 and 10.2, respectively), suggesting that the more severe mastitis cases were treated. We concluded that (i) actual spontaneous recovery from inflammation is low and does not depend on the number of cells in the milk at time of infection, and (ii) recovery from inflammation following antibiotic treatment is not higher.
Description of a Dynamical Framework to Analyse the Helicopter Tail Rotor
Authors: Castillo-Rivera Salvador , Tomas-Rodriguez Maria
Published: October 2021

In this work, a tail rotor is modelled with the aid of a multibody software to provide an alternative tool in the field of helicopter research. This advanced application captures the complex behaviour of tail rotor dynamics. The model has been built by using VehicleSim software (Version 1.0, Mechanical Simulation Corporation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) specialized in modelling mechanical systems composed of rigid bodies. The dynamic behaviour and the control action are embedded in the code. Thereby, VehicleSim does not need an external link to another software package. The rotors are articulated, the tail rotor considers flap and feather degrees of freedom for each of the equispaced blades and their dynamic couplings. Details on the model’s implementation are derived, emphasising the modelling aspects that contribute to the coupled dynamics. The obtained results are contrasted with theoretical approaches and these have displayed to agree with the expected behaviour. This rotorcraft model helps to study the performance of a tail rotor under certain dynamic conditions.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Investment in Construction and Poverty in Economic Crises (Denmark, Italy, Germany, Romania, China, India and Russia)
Authors: Sukhadolets Tatyana , Stupnikova Elena , Fomenko Natalia , Kapustina Nadezhda , Kuznetsov Yuri
Published: October 2021

This study aims to examine the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), investment in construction and poverty in various countries. The Russian Federation invests heavily in construction and it is located both in Europe and Asia. Russia is usually described as a European country (while 70% of its territory is in Northern Asia, 80% of the population resides in Europe). That is why in this document both developed and emerging countries are considered; the former are represented by the EU members of different economic levels and the latter by BRICS countries. We looked at economically different countries to determine the best differentiated data in order to answer the question: “Why does a high level of poverty persist in Russia if Russian officials have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by investing heavily in construction and attracting FDI?”. For the estimation, we used an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), considering cointegration and heteroscedasticity, in which the current values of the series depend both on the past values of this series and on the current and past values of other time series. Having received statistical data, we were able to compare the economic development of countries with some economic growth theories. 4–5% FDI share of the GDP helps to contain the negative impact of financial crises. Investment in construction supports the economies of countries in the long term and maintains or reduces the poverty level by increasing the assets of the population. Empirical data also helped us to evaluate the economic growth patterns and poverty in these seven countries. China and the Russian Federation will find themselves at different “poles”. China uses several theories and models simultaneously for economic development and poverty reduction and the Russian Federation does not keep to an established theory or a model of economic growth.
Online Education in the Post COVID-19 Era: Students’ Perception and Learning Experience
Authors: Peimani Nastaran , Kamalipour Hesam
Published: October 2021

Students’ learning experiences and perceptions are markedly influenced by the use of digital technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring students’ perception of blended online learning, amid the adaptations of the higher education sector in the wake of uncertainty, has become more critical than ever. This paper reflects on the experience of learning and teaching the Research Methods and Techniques subject in the postgraduate programme of MA Urban Design at Cardiff University during COVID-19 in the UK. To do so, we designed and carried out an online survey to explore students’ perception of online teaching and learning activities, feedback and assessment, and digital platforms based on their experience during the subject delivery period in the 2020–2021 academic year. One of the significant findings of this paper was that students agreed with the impact of eye contact on their virtual learning experience but as long as this was aligned with their rights to see others, including their peers and instructors, rather than reciprocal rights to be seen. In addition, students felt that facilitating synchronous communication through effective interaction among diverse peers has been quite challenging in small-group online reading seminars. The majority of respondents also reported that attending live online lectures was more helpful than watching pre-recorded lectures. Online formative feedback and synchronous interim reviews also allowed students to reflect on their progress and develop their projects further before their summative assessment. The outcomes of this paper can effectively assist educators who consider delivering programmes, adopting a blended online learning environment design model, in the post COVID-19 era. The findings of this study can also provide guidance for further developments and improvements in using digital technology and blended online learning in urban design education and pedagogy.